Enough is ENOUGH!

To be quite HONEST with you, I had been in this "190 slum" for way too long. If you checked out my original post of me sharing my story and the "WHY" behind this journey, you would know that my heaviest was darn 225 pounds! When I started my journey "under cover" in March of last year, my goal was to get under 200 pounds and guess what - through hard work and dedication, I accomplished that goal.

But, guess what happened?

I got discouraged. I hit my goal and trying to get to my next 10 pound goal (in the 180s) was a nightmare. Nothing I was doing was working and I got pissed (let's be transparent here).

June is the anniversary month of Classy Fit Gals and there is no way I'm going to end this month being heavier than what I was when I launched last June. 

I had been working out and focused since March of last year but it wasn't until  June that I did the big "reveal." 

It's a long story about what happened but I'm not giving up my fight. 

For the month of June, I am going to be partnering with my dear friend Apryl-Joi, trainer at NuBody Fitness to kick start and shock my body to shed some pounds for the month of June. To be honest, I really don't care about how many pounds for this month. What I  care about is seeing a lower number by July 1. I'm going to shoot for 5 pounds but if I can at least get the scale to go down, I will be happy. 

Along with eating right (something I admittingly have been slacking on) I am promising myself to work out at least 3 times a week for the month of June. I will increase to 4 next month and increase to 5 the month of August, just so that I don't burn myself out. 

With that said, I will be posting a new workout at least 3x a week starting today. 

I can't gain this weight back! I'm asking for your support as I burst myself into the next level of my health and wellness. 

With that said....

Classy Fit Gals presents the...

June Intensity Challenge 

How far are you willing to push? 

Week of 6/2 Workout

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Use hashtag #classyfitgals on Instagram & Twitter. Be sure to tag & follow Classy Fit Gals on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. 

Meet Belinda!

SW: 220 | CW: 155

As I reflect on how far I have come I am so grateful that God opened my eyes to see my unhealthy living. 
I was tired of being over weight so I prayed and asked God for guidance because I had no idea where to start. 
The picture on the left was 2009 at my highest weight 220 I had just started walking at this point in my journey, then in 2011 I added in running and spin class. 
Then I decided to become a vegetarian in 2012 and now a vegan in 2013. 
I  started a 12 week weight training program and it's very challenging BUT as I reflect on the old me, I would not have believed i would have made it this far. Now after losing 65 pounds and 6 pants sizes. This journey of weight-loss has made me more aware of self, given me knowledge, new friendships, failures and success. 
If you are like the old me get up and show yourself that you are worth it...now get moving!







Connect with Belinda on Instagram @journeyofachocolatechic1.

From busy mom to FIT Mom, meet Heather from NaturallyMe35!

It was June 2012. This was a super busy time in my life. I had just recently started get to serious about my over all health. My fitness, weight loss and natural hair journey started my blog, NaturallyMe35.

I am a wife and busy mother of three sons ages 21, 16 and 12. I work full-time as a Case Manager, Coach for Beachbody and recently becoming a Lifestyle Blogger. So often I get asked the question, how do you balance it all? Well, to be honest it's definitely a juggling act and requires lots of planning and forethought.

My Story 
About 18 months ago I went for my yearly physical with my doctor where she told me, that I needed to watch my food intake and increase my physical activity up to 4-5 days a week. You know I gave her the side eye, right! Honestly, I knew that I had piled on some weight. I was on the verge of wearing a size 16 depending on where I bought my clothes. She proceeded to put me on the scale and I was amazed at what the numbers read......185 lbs. Whaaaaat!! I guess the numbers don't lie. I knew it and felt every bit of those pounds. So, for those who know me, know that I have a "proactive" personality. I knew it was now time for me take back control of body and stop making excuses. Trust me, I used every excuse under the sun as to why I didn't have the time. Here were a few my infamous excuses-"Too busy-no time."   "I hated sweating."   " I've got to take care of the kids and my family."

 OK, it was definitely time for me to chuck the excuses make changes.

Lifestyle Changes 
As a parent, I've always tried my best to set the right example for my boys. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that I wasn't setting a good example when it came to our eating habits for myself or as a family. I also knew that this would have to become a family affair in order for it work. The first area that I quickly made changes was with our eating habits. I stopped frying foods regularly and started to bake, grill or broil our foods. Fried chicken has now become a treat that we now indulge in once or twice a month versus weekly. I started to buy more whole grain pasta's and breads. The kids hardly noticed the difference. We've always been a family of veggie eaters. Each meal always contained a veggie of some sort. So when it came to having seconds, I learned that it's better to go for the greens. I also had to work on my portion sizes which is key to long-term weight management. Personally, I have to say that my food intake has been the hardest area to incorporate lifestyle changes. However, with my families support and cooperation we have been quite successful. Taking it one meal at a time.

How I Incorporated Exercise Into My Busy Life 
Exercising never played a large part in my life. So this area really took lots of forethought and planning. I decided to start off slow by joining the stair club at work. They met only three days a week and that was just perfect for me. I did this on my lunch hour. We climbed 7 floors about 8-9 times which took roughly 25-30 minutes. After while, my endurance and stamina level greatly increased. Therefore, I felt that I was ready to incorporate other methods of exercise. I took up Zumba once a week and added in two days of Hip Hop Abs. I love me some Shaun T!!! lol! Shortly afterwards I met a wonderful young woman through a natural hair group named, Tiffany. She was a coach for Beachbody. She encouraged me to write down my short and long-term goals-which helped greatly in holding me accountable. I did just that. Tiffany invited me to join her online support group for inspiration, encouragement and accountability. It was the best thing I could have done. Having a strong support system is key to ensuring your weight loss and fitness goals. You need to know that someone outside yourself is holding you accountable to your goals. However you want them to support you is your own choice. The ladies in my group were such an encouragement. After several months and great progress, my coach ask me if I would be interested in becoming a coach for Beachbody. I honestly didn't feel as though I was ready but said yes after being asked twice. In December 2012, I became a Beachbody Coach. I am paying it forward helping others to reach their goals.

 My Current Workout Schedule
I am currently doing Beachbody workout programs; P90X (successfully completed twice) and Brazil Butt Lift programs. I have just recently switched things up with adding Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser and Anow Adjah, Plyometric Pump......they're both workout maniacs! In a good way of course!!

How To Find Time To Exercise As A Busy Mom 
1. Write down and schedule your exercise time/routine-having a set plan is key. It not only prepares you but it prepares the entire family. They will know that on this particular day or evening mommy will be working out.

2.  At home moms, use this time to get in a workout video while the kiddies are down for a nap. Single moms, find a local gym with a day care center.

3.  Get the kids involved. Have them to join you at home, for a walk or hike together as a family. Take your kids to the playground, play and run around with them. Find a nice bike trail. Get creative and encourage more physical activity and exercise as a family.

4.  Split your workout up- utilize whatever time you have. No where is it written that you have workout for a straight full hour. Break it up in 10-15 minute increments throughout the day. For example; while doing dishes you can get in about 50 squats or more. Run the stairs 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. Gradually increasing each day. Get creative and utilize your house to fullest.

5.  Park further away from the building, mall or doctor's office to get in a little exercise.

6.  Wake-up 30 minutes earlier than usual and run around the neighborhood, find a walking group, or workout partner.

7,  Bring your sneakers to work and hit the stairs while on your lunch hour. Ask a colleague to join you.

 Give it a try! You can do it!

 Working moms – how do YOU balance it all and find time to exercise? 

About the author: My name is Heather Williams, also known as, NaturallyMe35. I am a Lifestyle Blogger, Entrepreneur and Fitness Coach for Beachbody. Heather is also a wife and proud mother of three wonderful boys. She became a coach for Beachbody in December 2012. As a coach, Heather helps her clients meet their fitness and weight- loss goals. “Paying it Forward”, as she likes to call it! When she’s not blogging or coaching, you can find Heather spending time with her family and actively participating in community service work. For Heather, this is only the beginning. Her goal is to continue to inspire, encourage and motivate the people that enter her life; whether it is a “newly” natural or a woman in search of meeting their fitness and weight-loss goals.

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Kisha

SW: 186 CW: 165 GW: 155

Truthfully, my doctor told me I needed to lose weight back in 2006 when my husband and I were having trouble getting pregnant. I was hard headed and continued to ignore his advice because I didn't feel overweight- but he told me then that by losing just 10 percent of my weight, ( and watching what I ate, etc. ) my fertility chances would go up. At the time, I was in the 190's.

So, I did what the doctor said, and the next year, we welcomed a healthy baby girl. I gained 25 pounds during the pregnancy, and was able to drop it quickly while I was out on maternity leave. After I returned to work though, my weight started to creep back up... And in November 2008, I was weighing in at 197.

That number scared me enough to start exercising- but I didn't stick with it. The reality is my weight has fluctuated in the same 188-198 lbs. range since my daughter was born. Then in 2011 we decided to expand our family and I was able to get pregnant with no weight- related issues. Again, after my son was born I dropped the pregnancy weight quickly while I was out on leave- but after I returned back to work I was having trouble keeping the pounds off. I knew what the problem was. I wasn't physically active.

I started to get serious about my activity and becoming healthier/losing weight at the beginning of 2013, and I signed up for my first 5k run in March. It was a fun race, but I had not prepared for it and couldn't even run the entire first mile. I used that experience to keep me motivated through the year and began to talk to my friends/family about my fitness goals. Their support truly boosted my efforts and kept me going when I felt like stopping. I met with a personal trainer for a few weeks, and signed up for another 5k in September. Not only did I run the whole 3.1 miles, I finished in under 30 min! It felt great, and I realized that I was starting to look forward to running. It grew on me in a way I truly didn't expect. I think I ran every other day all of October, and at least 3 times a week in November. I slowed down a bit in December, but I'm back on track with a 60 mile fitness challenge this month.

21 pounds down since 9-26-2013, and all I've consistently done is run. In the next few weeks, I plan to start incorporating weight training and seriously tracking my food intake. My advice to anyone reading my story, is to get active! Find something you like to do that will keep your heart rate up and will make you sweat! Stick with it, and keep yourself challenged so you won't get bored. I think that's what I like best about running- that its at my own pace and each time I lace up my sneakers, it's an opportunity to go further than I did the run before. 

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Nickey

SW: 233  |  GW 175  | CW 166

GOAL OBTAINED!

The Beginning 

I started my weight loss journey in June 2011. 

At the time I weighed 233 pounds and my goal was to only lose 20 pounds.  I started working out, with walking and doing “Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred” four to six times a week. I found the DVD challenging (and still do) and it was my FIRST commitment test.

I learned very early in my journey that this was not going to be easy, and shredding is much more difficult than gaining. In addition to working out, I maintained a daily journal of what I ate and how many calories I consumed, this was the SECOND commitment test I had during my journey.

Sticking to my daily calorie count (1200 calories per day) became hard on the weekends and when eating out so, I downloaded an app called “My Fitness Pal.”

My Fitness Pal was an app recommended to me by a friend, and as promised it helped me target the right foods to eat to help shred the weight I was looking to lose. When used properly, this app can help you meet your weight loss goals quicker, and for me it worked, helping lose my first 20 pounds within TWO months. At the end of 2011 I weighed in at 198, surpassing my previous weight loss goal, and taking me to the next level of my weight loss journey.

I became obsessed with losing weight, not in a dangerous or unhealthy way, but certainly more aggressive than most. I cut out all fried foods (only on a cheat day which once a week did I eat anything fried) and all unhealthy sugars (pop, juice, candy, ice cream, pastries, etc.)

I consumed only lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) and most importantly I cut the fast food out (only consuming salads and healthy lean meal options when eating out.)

I began working out less than 4-6 times a week, taking it down to 3-5 times a week, but burning more calories. My workout sessions went from 30 minutes to 60 minutes of all cardio. My goal each time I workout (I still do this) is to burn off what I ate so far that day, this is why it was important for me to keep track of what I ate and how many calories I consumed.

What Happened Next?

The SECOND phase of my journey began in 2012.

I focused on getting down to my next weight loss goal of 175 pounds, and by June 2012 I was there. After reaching my goal weight, I decided to keep it going and continue to challenge myself. I tried the pescetarian diet, which consist of eating only fish or seafood not other meats. I did this for 60 days in addition to working out.

By November of 2012 I weighed 155lbs (the smallest I have been in my adult life) and I was beyond happy about it! For the first time ever I was able to shop without trying on clothes and shop from stores that I couldn’t before (Bebe, Arden B, American Eagle etc.)

Although I was happy with my weight loss, the people around me thought differently and I heard the words “You’re getting too small, don’t lose any more weight…you look like Star Jones...” Blah blah blah… So I decided to put on some weight, not to appease others, but to continue to be and look healthy.

I put on weight in muscle, I began to strength train. This was my THIRD commitment test, and the only one that I have failed.

By March 2013, I got bored with working out, tired of weight training and just wanted to be “normal” and eat what I wanted and workout whenever I felt like it. I got lazy and complacent. THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I EVER MADE!

I lost all muscle and it turned into fat, pushing me back up the scale to 177 pounds. That weight may not be too bad to some, but for me, I was devastated. It was the first time since I stared in 2011 that I GAINED weight instead of losing it. This mistake helped me learn that my body NEEDS to exercise in order to keep my metabolism up.

"Although I felt devastated, I wasn’t defeated."

I was determined to get back down and get my muscle back! To get out of my funk, I tried new things like Zumba, Jazzercise (both extremely fun) and yoga. I began to strength train in different ways outside of the gym, by using everyday items in my home and outdoors. Jumping up and down steps (2-3 steps at a time), doing at least 20 squats every time I use the bathroom, are just a few examples of how I tried to keep it interesting.

Today, my current weight is 166 pounds! I wear medium to small tops (36-38) and size 9/10 and some size 8's (29-31) in pants, and I am happy there.

My advice to you - NEVER GIVE UP! 

If you have the fat gene in your family tree like me, you will never be “normal” and the fight against the fat gene never ends. Eating right and working out is now a way of life. Not to be skinny, but to be healthy and fight generational curses that come along with the fat gene.

Also remember this, once you reach your first goal, continue to apply the same effort plus more to get you to your next goal. Be happy with YOU no matter what the scale says, or what others may say; only you can truly be happy for you!

And finally, beware of the admirers gone wrong AKA the haters. The more weight you lose the more they come out of the wood works, so use their energy to keep going!

God speed to all of you on this journey with me!

Let's Stay Connected
Instagram @thefablifeof_fattyfaebaker.

Your Classy Fit Gal,

Nickey

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Reign

SW: 204 | CW: 178 | GW: 150

Realization

Who gains 15 pounds, all in the torso area three months before their wedding? That would be me!

This happened despite the fact that I was working out and eating a semi-healthy diet.

In 2010, ten months after my wedding, I suffered a huge blow with the sudden death of my father. Weird things were happening to my body, as I continued to pack on the pounds. I just assumed that it was all stress related. I had always wanted to start a fashion blog, and realized that my weight was the only thing holding me back.

Fast Forward

Two years later, I decided that it was time to visit the doctor to find out what was going on. Yes, it took me two years to deal with the reality that I was gaining weight at a rapid pace, and needed to get to a doctor to find out what was wrong.

By this time, I had no idea that I had already tipped the scale at over 200 pounds. That doctor’s visit was my “get right or die” moment that completely changed my life.

I discovered that I had a medical condition that would have to be managed with a healthy diet, exercise and medication if I wanted to go on to have a healthy life. I was completely devastated but quickly snapped back to reality, and began to make plans for my healthy future.

Same girl, Same Dress, Different Body

Pity Party Over

I immediately revamped my pantry, started my meds and went on about my merry way…creating The Fashion Reign blog along the way. I was so busy during this time, that I didn’t even realize that I had lost 15 pounds by simply changing my diet. Yes, eating healthy is key and will do miracles for you!

I was elated and curious at the same time once I realized that I had lost the weight with absolutely no exercise! My mind immediately jumped to that place where you “wonder what would happen if…” In my case, I NEEDED to know what would happen if I started to exercise.

My hubby finally got tired of hearing me whine about the Wii Fitness, and surprised me for Christmas. This started my workout journey. A friend hooked me up with a personal trainer for intense weekly boot camp sessions, which melted away another 11 pounds in a matter of months.

I also adopted a pescetarian lifestyle since I had never been much of a meat eater to begin with. I lost a total of SIX pounds the first week on my new lifestyle. This was enough of an incentive for me to keep pushing towards my weight loss goals. This lifestyle has also given me a new challenge to conquer as it forces me to eat more fruit (I do not like!) and veggies (I love!).

Today… 

While I must say that I am not always the best at staying on track, I work very hard at trying to make sure that I stick to my diet as much as possible and work out on a regular basis. I use my blog as a way to measure my progress, as I’m not really big on scales and full body mirrors.

Living a healthy lifestyle is not easy, especially with the temptation of sweets and greasy fast food tempting us all on every street corner. I keep myself on track by setting goals, and rewarding myself with a sweet treat once it has been accomplished. Focusing on my diet before worrying about a workout regimen was just what I needed to jump start this journey.

Making my diet more of a lifestyle, rather than a fad has been a huge part of my success. Reward yourself when it gets hard, give yourself pep talks when needed and use your support system when it gets hard! When things get tough for me, I simply think about where I was a year ago and how important it is to not repeat history.

I still attend a boot camp session each week, and layer on hour long Zumba Core workouts (on the Wii) along with regular visits to the gym. I feel so motivated, yet accomplished once I finish an intense workout, and I get so excited when I try on something that didn’t fit a year ago! This is what gets me back on track after a cheat day; this is what keeps pushing me towards my goal.

My hard work has definitely paid off, as I visited my doctor last week. He was shocked by the amount of weight that I had lost, and gifted me with the knowledge that medication may be soon be a thing of the past for me!

I’m in too deep now, and can’t/won’t stop…I’ve already started to train for my first 5K!

Wish me luck!

Your Classy Fit Gal,
Reign

Keep up Reign on Instagram and Twitter: @thefashionreign
Facebook: The Fashion Reign or
The Fashion Reign Blog: http://www.thefashionreign.com

How are you losing weight?

I'm always asked..."ebby, How are you losing weight?" 

Funny, I remember I would ask people that same question before I started my journey and do you know what they would tell me? They went on some crazy diet, they ate no carbs, they starved themselves, they drank water only with no food for a month, they ate string beans only. Seriously, and you didn't drop dead yet?

...and you wonder why I didn't start this journey any time sooner? Go figure. 

Their ways was not appealing to me in the least so weight loss was never of interest to me AT ALL! Starve myself? Yeah right, I LOVE TO EAT and I love to eat...GOOD FOOD!

Well, let me keep it very REAL with you. I am not starving myself, nor am I depriving myself. That is not the way I'm doing it-NO WAY! Cutting out what I love wasn't and isn't an option for me so I had to figure out another way to permanently drop these pounds. 

I love food entirely too much to crash diet SO I had to find my own "recipe" for losing this weight for GOOD. I wanted to adopt healthy eating habits and keep this weight off for the long haul. No trying to squeeze into a size 2 over here, give me "healthy" and I will be happy.  

So, here is my personal "recipe" for weight loss...

Ingredients
- 1 heart ready to change for the better
- 1 made up mind filled with infinite measure of determination, willingness and a dedication 
- Prayer
- Perseverance

Directions
Changed my mind.  My weight loss HONESTLY started in my mind. It's a journey I had to mentally prepare for. All sorts of temptation happens but I have to mentally PUSH and FIGHT for my change on an every day basis. Do I mess up? I surely do (didn't you see my love for food) but I try not to beat myself up about it. I just keep going and remember my goals at hand.

I refuse to be stuck in an unhealthy body so every day I fight for my change, push for my breakthrough. 

Everything in life that requires a change starts with a change in your mind and then in your heart. Once you change those two components, your determination and motivation will follow. 

Lifestyle change. I don't deprive myself of enjoying the things I love but now I'm more aware and more conscious of what I eat and drink. Before I would just eat with no regret, but now if I eat something "not so clean" I have it in my mind that I need to work out and possibly follow my next meal with something "cleaner." 

Managing my portions. During the holiday season we visited family and our families LOVE to cook and we LOVE to eat so I had to figure out how NOT to gain 20 pounds in two weeks!  It's tough managing your diet when you're away especially when everyone around you isn't on the same plan! 

One delicacy (smile) we love to eat is grits. I mean we eat grits with fish, shrimp, sardines, bacon, liver, etc. LOL, we love grits. At home, grits isn't something we eat too often. It seemed that on vacation we ate grits quite a bit. If you know anything about grits, you know that grits STICK! 

Well rather than not eating them I watched how much I consumed. Before I would just pile them on my plate, but this time I literally would eat a spoonful (serving spoon) and that's it. 

For Christmas we traveled and BOY did my aunt have a spread. Rather than piling my fav dishes like stuffing (I love stuffing) on my plate, I used one of the plates that have the sections divided and put my stuffing in the smallest section. My larger section was filled with veggies and protein and little starch. I enjoyed everything I loved but managed it appropriately without over doing it. You can enjoy what you like, just be conscious of how much of it you're eating. 

My habits. Bad habits can cause a wealth of harm. I had to really dig in, look at myself in the mirror and face my habits. I had to acknowledge them and be willing to change them. Bad habits are hard to break but when you realize it's those same habits that have held you back which causes you not too move forward- then slowly but surely you will strive to break them. 

At the end of the day, the most challenging part of this journey is remaining consistent and motivated. Getting healthy and fit is an every day decision that you make. It's one that I make on a daily basis. Praise God for Classy Fit Gals and everyone that supports my vision with this movement. If it wasn't for my supporters I probably would have quit and/or slacked up a long time ago. 

I had to realize that it's not going to happen over night! As my mom would say "you didn't gain it over night and you won't lose it over night." 

Truly, weight loss is a lifestyle change. You're taking off the old and replacing it with the new. You can't put new wine in an old wine skin. This lifestyle change is a daily walk in which every day you take different steps to reach your destiny. 

When you fall on the steps, don't stay down and beat yourself up. No, get back up and keep moving. You fail when you 1. Do NOT try and 2. You fall and never get back up. 

 If you keep going and keep pressing, slowly but surely you will reach your destiny. 

Your Classy Fit Gal,
ebby.K
#classyfitgals

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Stasia J

SW: 185  |   CW: 146  |  GW: 146 (SURPASSED IT!)

My breaking point....

I had so many, so I thought. The first was was in...

November of 2009
My husband and I went to his school's homecoming (SSU) and one of his friends asked if he was with the "pudgy girl." The look on my husband's (my boyfriend back then) face said it all. I was so ashamed at the moment. A couple days later I attempted to workout but it just didn't work.

I would start and stop and did this for a couple of months and just gave up.

Fall of 2010
I decided  to pick myself up and try to lose weight once again. This time I did a lot better than before (so I thought). I tried a series of diets, which needless to say did not do much for me. Here I was again back at square one, stepping on the scale weighing in at 180. 

March 2011
I started dress shopping for my wedding dress.   After going back and looking at the pictures  that were taken, I just felt disgusted with myself - I felt like my weight was not going to go anywhere and that I was going to be stuck at this weight forever. 

May 2011 
One of my friends was going on and on about how she joined Weight Watchers and it was a success for her and I decided it was worth a try. 

June 2011 
I started Weight Watchers  

October 2011 
I was down to 152 lbs! I was feeling so good about myself that I went to look for another wedding dress and found the perfect dress for me!!

Least to say, I have been on this weight loss journey off and on for two years. 

July 2013 
I made a promise to myself that this time is it. I will continue to workout and watch what eat regardless of what ANYONE has to say. 

Since losing some much unneeded weight I can say I have become a lot more active. I have way more energy to just get up and go now. I can now jog for THREE MILES without passing out which at one point in time I could barely do a mile without feeling like my legs were going to go out on me. 

You have to believe in yourself to achieve your goals. 

You have to push yourself and be your own motivation. Don't get discouraged because you don't see results right away, because your results will come but YOU will only see it if you KEEP PUSHING!

Every time I look in the mirror I motivate myself. I love the way I look and most importantly I love the way I FEEL!  To keep myself motivated I constantly post workout pictures, meal pictures and my weigh in's. When I get discouraged I have all of this to look back on and it helps keep me going.

My biggest sacrifice to lose my weight was eating late night dinner with my husband. He doesn't get home until close to midnight and I would wait until he got home to cook dinner and of course I would eat and go straight to sleep. I still eat somewhat late, around 9, but I make it a priority to stay up for at least two hours before I go to sleep. 

As far as cutting out foods, I haven't done any of that.  By being on Weight Watchers, I learned that I could still eat and lose weight. All I do is focus on portion control and watch how much of something I eat.

FAITH - FASHION - FITNESS

Your Classy Fit Gal,

Stacia J

Connect and follow Stasia's fitness journey on Instagram @stasia_j

SHE NEEDS MOTIVATION TOO!

Disclosure: This is my "keep it real ebby.K" moment so please bare with me as I get my feelings out on this blog - thank you!

The Motivation
It's so easy to motivate everyone around you but when it comes to self motivation, that can become a major struggle; at least for me it can be.

By the grace of God, I started this wonderful movement - Classy Fit Gals - with the hopes, passion and vision of inspiring women to become FIT spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Publicly sharing my weight loss journey is not an easy task because there are times in the background when I'm crying, praying, asking for grace and strength to keep doing what I know I need to do for ME. 

But guess what - I have some news for you - 

the motivator needs motivating too!

 
There are times that I am struggling; can I keep it 100 with y'all? Your gal struggles at times and to be honest with you, if it wasn't for God, the support of my loved ones and the women from around the world who follow and support  Classy Fit Gals who inspire me daily, I do not know where I would be.

Left: January 2013 | Right: October 2013

Down 36 pounds since February of this year, I find myself at a crossroads.  The scale shifts from 188 to 192 and I'm getting frustrated - the scale is at a stand still!  The weather is getting cooler and I'm finding myself trying to get motivated all over again to get back out here and do what I need to do. 

I know and realize that THIS - this weight loss journey -  I am not doing for anyone else but ebby.K. If this journey was dependent on anything else but me, I would have quit a long time ago.  It brings me joy and tears every time someone says "ebby, you motivate me" or "you inspire me" - that gives me chills.

The Reality of It All
I'm not out here trying to be popular, increase my followers, or make friends. The only thing I want to do is to inspire someone else to be great while I'm trying to make myself great. It's all about being better - aka: self improvement! It's a daily chore that starts from the inside, out.

I want someone to know if I, ebby.K can do it - SO CAN YOU!

I've realized that all of my sacrifices and the pain I've experienced this year (I've shared it here) was all designed to help someone else be great. It was all designed to have another woman tap into her greater self of who she is in order to become a better woman.

Every tear I cried, every sleepless night that I had over the past year, every prayer, every broken moment - it was all worth it. It was all worth it to know that a woman out there has been touched by my brokenness and sharing my brokenness was the pivotal point that started another woman's healing.

If what I do and who I am makes you want to be a better person, then my job is done - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. 

The Scale

I figured it's not all about the numbers, because the numbers will surely discourage you. I mean I wake up every morning and step on that scale. Some are like, "ebby, don't do that" but for me it's a reality check of what I did the day before. If I had a not so great day, it will show up on the scale. If I had a great day, it will show up on the scale.

My concern is not going on that scale and in the background I'm gaining rather than loosing so, going on that scale every morning is my mechanism of awareness to see where I am.  I guess you can say that stems from years of not going on the scale only to find myself at 225 pounds. Facing the music at that point in my life was tough. For years, I avoided the scale because I was scared of that number. Now, by going on the scale every morning, it is my way of showing myself that I'm not scared of the number, I am aware of the number!

 

So, thank you for listening to me as I detox my feelings and share a weak moment with you.  

I have come to the conclusion that at this point of my journey, I have to reprogram my mind of where I was when I first started at 225 pounds. In my mind, I'm starting all over again and my weight is now at the beginning stages and I have to do everything I did in February of this year right now in November in order to push forward and hit those goals.

I am determined that in 2014, I will be in the best shape of my life. 

Signing off...

Your Classy Fit Gal...

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Shaniqua

SW: 415  |  CW: 256  |  GW:  155 + TONED!

I am so happy to share my story with you!!! I am only a girl in Durham, NC with big weight-loss dreams so this is very humbling to share my story with you. So let's get started shall we??

My Breaking Point

In November 2011 I went to the doctor for my usual yearly check up. Mind you I HATED the doctor. I mean the woman herself is great but I hated the lecture that she gave me every time. My family history health-wise was TERRIBLE. We had everything a typical African-American family in the South had: Obesity, Heart Disease, and Diabetes. Everything we ate was dipped (in sauce), smothered (in gravy), or covered (with something!!). That year my mom said that I HAD to get my A1C checked. So I did. My doctor told me within a matter of minutes that I was diabetic. It was like my world was spinning out of control.

You know how they show those moments on TV where the person stops listening and the camera rolls around to get the effect of the world spinning off axis?? Well I had that moment in real life.

I mean I am only 27 and am already diabetic. 

Thank God I didn't have to be medicated but STILL! Where do I go from here?? I had spent most of my 20s sitting at home angry, not living and here I was letting myself die. Slowly and painfully. I had never dated or done anything that I was proud of. So I had to change. By the end of the visit I had a referral letter for weight-loss surgery.

Mind you I didn't jump into the surgery right away. I still was skeptical and afraid. I had never had surgery in my life. I sat on this info for 2 weeks and did nothing with it. One day I was talking with my mom and we both talked about why we wanted to do the surgery and why not. For every why not we both gave a why we should. We ended up looking at each other going "Well... I guess there is nothing left to do but to do it!". So it began. My mom got in right away. I had to wait a year. Talk about depressing!! I was a senior in college and what weight I did loose I gained part of it back from all the stress. I went into my surgery 25 lbs lighter.

My surgeon said was that I would only loose about 130-145 lbs. I thought to myself "That is UNACCEPTABLE". I was not going to go through all of this just to still be obese. I want to be healthy and if I stay obese I will not obtain that because I will still feel FAT. So when I reached his goal and passed it in the first year I felt soooo accomplished. Like I can do anything.

Obstacles

Finding my niche. There were times where I would loose then I wouldn't. I didn't understand my body and what it wanted so I had to do a lot of research and ask questions. I tried various fitness classes. I changed up my eating often trying to get the weight to come off. It all came down to making sure I was eating healthy things.

Another thing that I have struggled with is my mind. I have had to FORCE myself to stay positive at times. That is why I like having these comparison pictures around. I even make them and don't post them all. I just need to see the hard work that I have put in. It makes me say...
 

"HEY! Look at how good you look!! 

You can keep going. You did it last month. 

Do it another month." 

I also post a lot of motivation posts because if it helps me then I know it will help you too.

My biggest obstacle was learning to let go of toxic people. I have always been needy (in my own eyes). I like to have friends and a lot of them. I don't like to lose friends. I take that very hard. But I realized that I had to let go of some of them because I wasn't getting past this point physically. The negative energy they were putting on me was affecting me. That was definitely a NO NO!

Life Changes. I don't want to be negative for this whole post but I do want to be honest. I have sacrificed some things. Not as much as others because I don't party and go out a lot as is. I do have to say no to some outings so that I can hit the gym or stay at home and prepare meals for the week. That is my life now. It is centered around me getting healthy and it's worth it. Why? Because my life is more ENRICHED. I want to travel and see new places (even if my pocket won't let me.lol). I will go to free museums with friends and have cookouts at their houses. I have an AMAZING support system. Even from people that I didn't think noticed me in the past. I do feel more comfortable walking in the mall and looking people in the eye. I can shop in stores and actually get clothes that I LIKE and not just what fits. I CAN DO THRIFTING!!! That is huge and the most exciting. I promise my wardrobe has doubled. I try new recipes. I flirt. I have fun when it's time. Not only that but on October 5th I did my very FIRST marathon!!! I know right?!?!?!?! A lot of people were all saying "Why didn't you tell me I could have come with you." So trust and believe I will have a whole group next year!

Keeping myself motivated.
Honestly (I say that a lot.lol) I follow a lot of FITNESS people on Instagram and Twitter. Not WEIGHT-LOSS pages. I mean they are great. Please don't misunderstand me. But there is something about seeing someone at the point you want to get to to remind you what you are reaching for. There is this one guy that I follow there. Really sweet, BUFF, and all around gorgeous guy. I have decided that I want my future hubby to look like him so I have to look good standing next to him.lol I know. Vain BUT IT WORKS!!!

My followers. I find that when I am trying to encourage them to keep going I am encouraging myself. Every now and then someone will come to me and say "I lost 25 lbs!! You motivate me so much!!" That helps too. I love to help people. I will be honest but I won't be rude. I can only do so much myself. But trust and believe when I give you advice it is because I have tried it and proven for myself that it does or doesn't work. 3. When I get tired of eating unhealthy, I get with the program. Now I know this may be a sore subject. But honestly eating unhealthy gets tiring now. Literally I will start to get sick, sluggish or angry (if I reach anger I know it is gone too far). I was like that before I started loosing weight. I hated McDonalds. I would eat more salads than fast food. I stopped drinking sodas a year before I even thought about surgery. But now I am to the point that if I want something unhealthy I can have it and get back to my program no problem. Usually I can not give in and the need for the unhealthy item goes away.

Advice for other women
My dream 10. When I am talking to others about what they need to do to get healthy, I listen to what they are currently doing and compare it to what I have done. Usually I have done their mishap and I can tell them a way to get off of it :). 1. Do what works for YOU. Some women can loose without weight-loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery isn't the only way to do. BUT DO SOMETHING and I don't mean take a pill and keep eating the same way.. You have to do it the old fashion way. Eat healthy and exercise. A lot of people also think this means eating less.... WROOONNGGGG!! Eat more times during the day but smaller meals. Don't believe me?? Google "Metabolism and food intake" Read a little bit about how less meals sends your body into starvation mode and when you do eat your body hangs on to ALL calories, sugars, and other stuff to sustain itself causing you to GAIN. Yep. GAIN. Which leads me to my next point.

Eat 4-6 meals a day. If the meals are smaller you can do it. I promise you. Even without the surgery. I did it before the surgery to get in the habit. A trainer at my gym put it like this "Your body's metabolism is like a little man in your stomach factory. Your food comes down and he has to shovel the food to the appropriate places so that it can be used up for what it is needed for. So he is shoveling. Well... Then he gets tired and lays down to take a nap.So when the little man wake up he does his thing again. If you are still sending down too much food at one time and he is sleeping then it won't get processed and it gets stored as fat on the body." Didn't think about it like that did you?? Yeah. Neither did I ;)

Getcha mind right. Now you see the southern come out in me.lol No really. Read it out loud to yourself. All together now "GETCHA MIND RIGHT". 'Cause you HAVE to do it. If not you will fail. Whatever you tell your body is what it will believe, behave like and respond to. So if you say you are a beast in the gym then your body will act like it. If you say you can't, then your body will act like that too.

Keep your clothes fresh, appropriate, and tailored to YOUR body. I love to shop. I also understand that not all trends are for everyone. I also understand that everything doesn't have to be expensive. You should see my closet. I have clothes from Lane Bryant and Belk but I also have clothes from Wal-Mart and Roses. It is all about the QUALITY of the garment. If you have clothes that look good on YOU and make you feel good you will want to keep looking good continuing the cycle. I know that everyone says "Oh... You shouldn't buy clothes when loosing weight". I didn't say get a whole new closet of clothes. I'm just saying keep some pieces that fit good on hand for the times that you need that extra push to get through that day. I mean who wants to wear baggy clothes all the time?? Definitely NOT ME!lol

Surround yourself with people that are going to uplift you. I mean this is something you can do for your own sanity. I'm glad I went through this with my mom because when I am down she helps me and when she is down I help her. So get you a dream team baby!!

For crying out loud lift some weight!!! You will NOT look like a man so go ahead and get that idea out of your mind. Thanks :)

Listen to your body. If you need some time because your red-headed friend is coming to town take it. But don't eat 1000 M&Ms while she is here. If you need a day away from the gym take it. Just as long as you get back to your routine the next day.

STAY CONSISTENT!! This is key.

Don't be too proud. If you are stuck. Ask for advice. If you know someone who is successful in their weight-loss ask what they did to be so successful. 10. Enjoy the journey. When someone tells you something like "You look great!" Take it in. Accept it and appreciate it. You will need it in those times that you don't feel like continuing. Do exercises that make you enjoy working out. Whether it's playing with your kids or taking a Zumba class. Enjoy it!

I hope that I was able to help you all!!

Connect with Shaniqua:
Instagram (@journeyof1000scales) | 
Twitter (@blckblonde32512)

Don't forget to drink your 8 glasses of water ;)

Happy Exercising!!

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Isha

SW: 258   |  CW: 206  | GW: 199

The picture on the left was taken in 2005.

One day I was randomly walking through Best Buy with my mom and a lady asked me if I was a model. I said no, but she convinced me to do one photo shoot. Being the young, optimistic girl I was, I went for it, and later decided to use the pictures as my senior pictures as I prepared to graduate from high school.

Fast forward a few years, I graduated from college in 2008 and moved to Columbia, SC to attain my PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina.

Determined as ever, I laid out my 5 year plan wherein I would start school and fall in love, then get my Master’s Degree and get engaged, then start my dissertation and get married, then go on internship and have a baby.

"Life would be perfect. 

My love would be perfect. 

My family would be perfect."

Then I lost both of my remaining grandparents in a short period of time and I felt my foundation begin to crumble.  

The man I thought was the love of my life 

turned out to be the exact opposite. 

So I painfully decided to end it, and on January 4th 2012, I cut all my hair off and attempted to start over.  I thought I reached my lowest low and was determined to use my own resolve to build myself back up - but God wasn’t through with me yet.

A previously unknown development from the relationship I had just ended led to me having to make another life-changing decision just three months later when I got an abortion on March 8th 2012. This day was truly my darkest moment. My school work began to deteriorate and I began going through life consumed with guilt, hate, self-pity, and regret. I attempted to carry on with life as usual, continuing to spend time with my friends and family, to congratulate others as they reached personal goals I previously set for myself, and to present myself as a happy, healthy woman.

Instead, I constantly ate my feelings, stopped being active, cried many nights, and was wandering hopelessly from one day to the next with no goals or real relief in sight. Looking back now, I thought I was putting up the perfect facade, but my sadness was showing all over my face and my body.

The two pictures on the top row were taken sometime in 2012. I put on my old clothes from 2005 and was shocked at what had become of the young girl who believed in miracles, magic, God, and- most of all- the power of love. Here, you see a woman who hadn’t been hopeful, fulfilled, or passionate about anything for nearly a year.

Then one day in the spring of 2013, I reopened my Bible. 

I realized that I hadn’t prayed, really prayed, in a long time. I said a prayer that my grandmother taught me, and I gave my life over to Jesus. I let go of the pain in my heart, and replaced it with the love of my God. I let go of guilt from decisions I’d made in my past, and replaced it with hope for my future. I let go of hatred toward those who I felt had wronged me, and replaced it with love for myself.

I began to pray, to exercise, to eat right, to fast, to rely on my friends and family, to go after my passions in school, and to get the most out of every day. I’ve had setbacks, made mistakes when I’ve relied on myself and not consulted with God, and I still have moments of weakness. But I’ve grown and I’ve learned so much about myself in the process.

Then one morning, on Thursday, September 19th 2013, I woke up and did my usual hour of fasted cardio on the stair master. I said my prayers, reflected on how far I’ve come, and finished my 60 minutes with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart. I returned to my room and put on the same outfit, yet again, and was surprised as the pants slipped effortlessly over my hips. The vest that I couldn’t pull down over my stomach last year was loose.

At my heaviest, I was 258 pounds. I am now 206. My goal was to get to my high school weight of 199, but now that I'm so close and going so strong, I am confident that I will surpass it in no time! I honestly have no idea what my goal should be, because I don't remember weighing any less. I'm just thankful for how far I've come.

I am able to look at myself in the mirror and thank God for saving my life. My future IS big, it IS bright, and it’s going to be more wonderful than I could have ever planned or imagined. I’m more passionate about my research and my clinical work than I’ve ever been. I have focus and direction. I’m working harder than ever and it feels like heaven.

The woman you see in the pictures on the bottom row is hopeful about her future. She has attained her Master's Degree and is one step away from getting her PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology. She’s happy. And she’s so thankful to God. She is excited to share her testimony with others in hopes of inspiring them to get healthy and fit, to begin loving themselves completely, and to connect with God!

She is me.
I am thankful that a few people have been motivated to change because of my story. I LOVE learning about myself and falling in love with myself more and more every day. I’m discovering that I’m STRONG. I’m filled with optimism. And I’m still a hopeless romantic who loves musicals. I’m so thankful that God preserved the child in me and that my heart is still pure. Everything that I thought was taken from me has been returned ten times over. I’m looking forward to a new journey, a new beginning, new goals, more progress, unimagined success, and a new opportunity to give Glory to God through my testimony. As I stood before myself in the mirror, I saw Jeremiah 29:11 staring back at me: a reminder that I wrote to myself last year and never erased from the glass. 

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Connect with Isha via instagram at www.instagram.com/ishcreamsundae.

Fashionably FIT!

I'm a sucker for anything FABULOUS and that includes my work out clothes. Before I got serious, I admit I went to the gym looking rather shabby and guess what - I felt shabby too!

I truly believe that when you feel gorgeous you will not only walk in your AWESOMENESS but you will perform the way you feel.  MY personal performance exceeded when I started to give a crap about how I looked when I work out.

Here are some tips on how to look CLASSY and SASSY during your work outs:

BE BRIGHT - BE BOLD! 

If you follow me on instagram, whether on my personal account (@iamebbyK) or Classy Fit Gals (@classyfitgals) account you notice that I love color. I don't care if the color is on my hips or my lips - I'm a lover of color.

Well, I found some gorgeous work out clothes in both TJ Maxx and Target! Those are my two go-to stores for work out gear. I highly advise checking out both stores for your work out clothes. The brighter you are, the better you will work out - I am totally convinced!

Note: If you sign up for the Target Debit/Credit card you get 5% off your purchase. Also, download the Target Cartwheel app on your smart phone - they have coupons galore for things you would not imagine. You never know what work out essentials you will find in the app!

Top: Champion from Target
Pants: GAP Leggings
Socks: Target
Sneakers: Nike Airmax

Top & Pants: TJ Maxx

Top: Champion

Jacket: Champion found at Target
Leggings: TJ Maxx
Socks: Target
Sneakers: Asics Gel Noosa 8

YOUR BRA 

Side Note: It bothers me when I see women working out and their boobs are popping out left to right OR if the boobs are spilling over the bra - no no no!!!

Before I became serious about my health and wellness, I invested some bucks in a good sports bra that I purchased from designer lingerie store. Let's just say, this year when I really got serious about working out and I started to loose weight, my boob cup size shrunk and I killed that poor bra.

When I went to Dallas I went to Ladies Footlocker and purchased four sports bras. One is by Under Armour and the other three are the Maia bras by Moving Comfort. Let me be the first to brag and tell you this - these sports bras are A-MA-ZING!

What I love about the Moving Comfort bras are the adjustable straps - I did purchase three and they were worth every penny. I am a true believer that there are just some things in life you can't be frugal with and my bras are definitely one of them.

I LOVE all four of my new bras because they "hold me down" and they look and feel great -  and guess what - they are all HIGH COMPRESSION/ HIGH IMPACT bras. The girls are holding together rather nicely!

My boobs still have cup size to them (smiling) BUT these bras really hold me together and I do not have to worry about them slapping me in your face in the middle of your work out! The less distractions the better the work out!

SNEAKERS

Now if you've been following me, you know that I have a love for "fashion" and beautiful things. It doesn't matter what is is! Never in a million years did I think I would have a closet full of sneakers. I have an undying unconditional love for colorful, fashion forward sneakers. I could care less (back then) what the exact function of the sneaker was, I only cared about how it looked with my workout clothes (vanity at it's best - I admit it). WELL little did I know that wearing the proper sneakers for the various exercises I was doing would not only help my joints but also help my performance!

Here are some of my favorite sneakers!

Asics Gel Noosa 8
Now only are these sneakers FUN and FASHIONABLE but they are great for running (as long as you are properly fitted for them). I can run in them (MUST wear my compression gear) but I love them for cross training, zumba, etc. Throw on some fun work out pants with these and your Classy Fit Gal shirt and you are looking FAB as ever while working out!

Brooks
All runners LOVE Brooks! When I purchased my first pair of Brooks I was NOT into working out let alone running. My boyfriend (now husband) convinced me to get a pair and I did. Guess where they were for years - in the pile of shoes in my closet. I dug up these babies today and said OMG I have a pair of Brooks.

Fast forward, now that I love running (you have to mentally tell yourself you LOVE something in order for you to even "like it) Brooks will be my "go to" for running - especially in races. I'm not a "blue" gal so I will be getting fitted for a pink pair in the VERY NEAR future (sssh don't tell my husband)

New Balance
These are new to my work out gear. I actually was fitted for these sneakers a week ago and I like them. They've been in the back of my trunk because my Asics have been "the sneaker" of choice for me BUT it's time for me to break them in. They feel really good and light when I did the test run during my fitting and I felt like I could run a half marathon in them!

Nike AirMax
When my husband got me these sneakers, he knew I needed some running shoes BUT they didn't quite work for me so now I wear them as a regular work out shoe when heading to the gym. They are comfy and may be a good running sneaker BUT I would suggest getting fitted for them to determine if this is the right fit for you. The sneakers make a bright fashion statement when working out - I love them!

ACCESSORIES

Headphones - Beats by Dre
I truly feel that the right accessories will set off your fitness gear. Now I knew I always wanted a bear of BEATS but I was willing to hold off on them BUT when I saw these babies, I had to have them.  Talking about keeping you focused during your work out and the sound is phenomenal. You have to be careful though because you can surely miss something if you have them on too loud. I honestly can't hear a thing around me when I am wearing them. Not sure how safe that is during my early morning/late night runs. I would say, make sure the volume is loud enough for you to be focused but low enough so that you can be aware.

 

Arm Band
I found this flashy and fun armband in TJ Maxx. Again, you know how I feel about TJMaxx - my fav store by far where you can find designer on a dime.  This arm band is comfy and serves it's purpose. My first time using it was during my first 5K and it worked perfectly. Here is a cute one at Target.

Socks
How can you not love a flashy pair of socks???? I purchase the majority of my socks from Target. The flashier the better for me! Find some funky socks here.

Polar Watch
I know you've seen on instagram all of these women wearing these pink watches that tells them how many calories they have burned. Well guess what - it's the Polar FT4 watch. Now, I am not sure why other women chose this particular model BUT I will be honest to tell you that I picked this particular model because it was the only model that came in the color PINK! Terrible, I know BUT it also tells me how many calories I've burned during a session so I got double goodness duty on this one.  I purchased mine from Amazon, find it here.

Truly fashion and fitness go hand in hand and working out should NOT be an excuse to look amazing. True story, the ladies in the gym always comment on how fab I look when I work out - all I do is blush and say thank you! You never know who you can inspire just by looking bright, bold, classy and sassy!

 

I hope that this post has inspired you to look Classy, Sassy and FIERCE while you're working out.

Trust me, you will feel better about yourself and I am 100% sure you will be more motivated to have amazing work outs!