Meet Classy Fit Gal ~ Melissa

SW: 243.6 |  CW: 198 |  GW: 170

"How does one overcome a lifelong weight battle?"

So many women want the magic pill to that answer. We want the quick fix to bad habits that we have spent a lifetime building and reinforcing…over…and over! 

Food has always been my source for everything…you name the emotion…food went with it.  Over 10 years ago, I was introduced to a weight loss program that taught me how to only eat when I was hungry, stop when I was full, and determine what areas in my life I was running to food instead of running to God when it came to my problems.  

I lost close to 30 lbs and of course gained it all back like all of the other times.  But the concepts I learned never left me and that is when God and I began to have ongoing conversations throughout the years regarding my weight and why was I running to food instead of running to Him? 

"It would be years later that I finally reached
my breaking point."

Don’t get me wrong, throughout all of the years that followed I lost weight…plenty of it…I would lose 10 lbs…gain it back…15 lbs…gain it back…EVEN 20 lbs and GAIN…IT…BACK!!! Ugh- somebody shoot me!  

I got so sick and tired of seeing the same goals on different sheets of paper, and in my journals, over and over again that went back years!!! I couldn’t take it anymore.  I knew there was a call and vision for my life that would not allow me to just be a goal setter.  I needed to be a goal achiever in order to inspire other women. 

So one day I decided, I wasn’t going to give up, not matter how long it took, no matter if I messed up or not, I WAS NOT GOING TO GIVE UP!!!! I lost the "I need to get it all off in 30 days" attitude and in August 2012 after already maintaining a 15 lb loss for some months, I went for the, “How do I change my lifestyle?” and "How do I learn how to eat in a way that is sustainable?” Not a quick a fix, not a fad, but a long-term solution that would stick with me forever! 

So here’s what I did and here’s what I do in hopes to help guide you on your journey.

I surround myself around people that live the lifestyle that I want and I learn from them.  By watching them they taught me skills to eliminate excuses. By watching and learning from them, they have taught me the skills needed to elimiate excuses. 

1. Take my lunch to work
2. Plan my meals for the entire week
3. Prep my work  AND work out clothes for the week
4. Pack my work out clothes the night before AND put them in the car
5. Plan a workout schedule for the week - this eliminates guess work

I always have a fitness goal ahead of me! Whether its learning how to swim to do a sprint triathlon, training for a half marathon, or doing any other type of race throughout the year.

I have a wellness coach.  Not everyone needs one but I did.  After I lost about 20 – 25lbs, I wanted the accountability and needed some more help on the nutrition side 

I cut out fast foods and even for a while could not eat at restaurants until I had enough self-control to order healthy items off the menu like a salad or a protein and veggie instead of my normal burgers, fries, and soda 

I gave away my scales and came up with a weigh-in system that worked for me.  After playing this game for years, it was no longer about the number, I was determined not to get discouraged if I didn’t have a loss, if I went up by 1lb or only down by 1lb.  I wanted and needed a lifestyle change not an emotionally-filled weight loss game with the scale.  

I often times workout with others  and have accountability partners that know my goals and we can call/text others all the time. 

I watched documentaries like forks over knives and fat, sick, and nearly dead to learn how to “eat clean”.  

So as I write this over 40+ pounds lighter than when I first started this journey, I can honestly say that I have learned lifelong skills that will be with me forever.  

I am at the smallest I have been in over 10+ years and it’s the longest I have kept any amount of substantial weight off.  I am still on my journey, still excited, still encouraged, and look forward to seeing your post about being in the gym or on the pavement on Classy Fit Gals.  

Believe God for the impossible! 

The very issues, thoughts, and emotions that cause you to eat or overeat…God is ever so patiently waiting on you to share with Him so that He can fill those voids the same way he filled mine.  

Stay connected with me on Facebook and Twitter - I look forward to walking on this journey with you! 

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Alycone

SW: 363lbs  |  CW: 238lbs  |  GW: 199

Just no more 2's!

"My breaking point was my wedding last year in October, we were engaged for 6 months and in the time it took to get a wedding together and changing jobs, being a fit bride just fell to the wayside."

So when I saw the picture of our first dance, I almost cried. A time when I should have been celebrating our new life together I was stuck on how huge I felt and looked. I decided with all the new starts in my life it was time to tackle this weight thing for once and for all. 

Funny thing, I went in for my yearly check up in February 2013 and was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer.

That was truly a shocking day for me, I had started my journey to become healthier to start our family and all in one day those dreams were dashed. After months of testing, biopsies, surgeries, and finally ending in a full hysterectomy in April and 6 rounds of chemo, I fought through. 

Something people often forget to tell you about chemotherapy is the steroids.  People often associate chemo with nausea and automatic weight loss. I wish that were true:) but normally the drug regimen is at least two different steroids to keep your weight steady and in a lot of cases it packs on the pounds. 

"However, I was determined to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle to fight the cancer."

I walked as much as I could, did light weight lifting until I was cleared for heavier weights, and danced every chance I got. 

Cancer was not going to take me out of the game. 

I had way too many things and people to live for. My doctor still jokes with me to this day.  I got up the first day of my hysterectomy and was walking the halls, IV pole and hospital gown - LOL. But there was a sign in my room that said walk four times a day, to keep the doctor away and I was ready to go home!

I've been on this journey for almost a year and through this process I have realized I am stronger than I ever thought I could be. I'm much more active, more outgoing, and live in sweats - but now for workouts not lounging. 

One thing that I love is juicing. It is a wonderful thing and has numerous benefits -  but it can be hard on the pocket, and people will look at you crazy when you say you are going a set amount of time on liquids only -  but stay focused!

"I encourage everyone to get healthy while they can, there is no starting point you have to "weight" for, don't wait until you have a preventable disease or health scare to start making changes."

One of the things that played well in my recovery from both surgery and through chemo is that my body was already under repair and had the foundation to fight back. 

"I want to be able to say in 5 years that I am a survivor and have had not recurrences."

Stay connected with Alycone:
Web site thefitliferx.bigcartel.com 
Instagram @keepitkurvy

Meet Classy Fit Gal ~ Farrah

SW: 291  |  CW: 218  |  GW: 150-160

"This is my second-time around the weight loss block!"

In 2009, I was fortunate enough to join the Weight Watchers At Work session at my job. I lost about 70 lbs and maintained it for about year until my pregnancy.

Needless to say, I gained the weight back plus an additional 10 lbs. I was so angry with myself for allowing me to use my pregnancy as a crutch to "eat for two.'"

By the way, that is the biggest myth in the Book of Weight Loss rules. After having my daughter, I realized that I am not only her mother, but I am also her living example. I needed to be here for her and I also desired for her to have healthier lifestyle; better than I had as a child.

Secondly, most of my clothes in my closet were from my first weight loss. It was not cool wearing maternity clothes AFTER the baby was born - I was not having it. In having my revelations and breaking points, I began to slowly revisit my Weight Watchers tactics.

I started with watching my portion sizes, limiting my sweets slowly, trading my liquid sugars for water, and exercising on a regular basis.

Since January 2012, my life has changed because it's not a diet anymore - it's my lifestyle. I finally got it that every day is not going to be stellar moment. However, I am constantly checking myself for areas that I can improve.

I still have a lot of weight to lose, so I have to keep my eyes on the prize. If I feel myself slipping too far, I tighten up my regimen right at that moment and refocus. As before, a failed moment was a failed journey and I would stop - but not this time!

I also have a greater understanding that this thing is no longer about weight loss. It is about taking care of me because only I can take care of my body.

"Others may love me, but only I can love and care of my BODY as it belongs to me."

The greatest advice that I can give is to cater to your likes. Make it comfortable in your everyday flow of life. If you have a sweet tooth, try alternatives to refined sugars or use honey.

If you are a fried food lover, you don't have to give it up completely. Maybe once or twice a month to satisfy your indulgence or substitute. Just know whatever you eat that is out of line; you will have to work out harder to get rid of it.

Your daily diet is really what pushes the weight. Trust me, it is not the easiest thing at times, but sometimes you have to take one for team and it all depends on how bad YOU WANT IT!

Some day's you may feel like you want it more than other times, but the secret is this...Ready?

Here it is...

KEEP GOING.  DON'T GIVE UP.  
"Consistency will be your best cheerleader along this journey."

Meet Classy Fit Gal ~ Keyondra

SW: 228 |  CW: 165  |  GW: 150

"Everyone has a breaking point somewhere in life, mine came when I got an ulcer in 2010 and thankfully lost 10 lbs."

I say often since then, Lord thank you for allowing that to happen cause I honestly don’t know If I would have lost weight if it had not.

I decided last year that I would make an attempt at losing weight and lost 15 more lbs… smh so shamed! Lol I spent all that year trying to lose weight and only lost 15 lbs. BUT I lost it! This year was the start of my being serious about my journey.  I’ve met goals that I hadn’t before!!!

I’ve honestly been on my weight loss journey for 4 years… But seriously on this journey for 1 year and some…My life of course has changed drastically! I now shop at stores like: BCBG, ZARA, local boutiques comfortably. 

I’ve sadly always had a problem with people looking at me… LOL Definitely because of my insecurities but I now I am walking into rooms with my head held high waiting on them to look… LOL 

The way I look at myself has changed!!! 

I feel great…

I encourage anyone who wants to lose weight to start right NOW. Start little by little if you have to.  I started by drinking water only and ridding myself of bread. Don’t forget to WORKOUT!!!  

You can’t eat and lose weight only, and you can’t workout and lose weight only.  You’ve got to do both!! AND create your own system that works for you.

Stay connected with Keyondra:

Twitter.com/KeyondraLockett

Facebook.com/Keyondra.Lockett

IG: @MocaBarbie

Meet Classy Fit Gal ~ Kim

SW: 307  |  CW: 228  |  GW: 175

"I had been chunky for most of my life. My mom said it started when my sister and I were little."

Our family said "they're too skinny, you need to feed those kids!"
Being young parents, my mom and dad listened to our family and started to "feed us." I was around 8 or 9 years old. My eating habits spiraled out of control as I was able to make choices on my own. I never ate a lot but I ate a lot of the wrong foods. My mom was never that parent who made us eat all of our food or foods we didn't like. She gave us the choice to eat or not eat what was cooked. As we all started to learn to eat better we realized that she was not wrong in allowing us to choose but, that we should have been limited in our options.

I started my weight loss journey when I was in the 10th grade. If I remember correctly, I weighed 250-260 lbs. My mom, sister, and I joined Curves for women and I thought oh this is it, I'm finally going to be smaller. But I did not realize the research that I needed to do to help with my success. I also didn't realize my mindset about food needed to change.

"So, as many people who try to lose weight, we paid for a membership that didn't get used!"

While in high school, 11th grade I believe, I lost 30 lbs because I cut out eating junk food and I had some physical activity in gym. I quickly gained that back when I started my undergrad program, around the time of my parents' divorce. I'm not sure if it was the stress from the divorce or not that made me eat but my mom had to work longer hours and my sister and I chose not to cook or eat healthy so we ate out! It wasn't hard to gain the weight (30 lbs and more) with me eating out 3-4 times/day and eating 3000-4000 cals/day!

I became more serious about losing weight early 2006. Honestly, I didn't want to lose weight for health purposes, I just wanted to lose weight so that I could wear clothes from wherever I wanted them from! So I did A LOT of research on how many calories I needed to consume and burn in order to lose weight. I "stopped" for a while, about a year, and started back up in 2007. I've been off and on the bandwagon but each time I started back the "rest time" got shorter and shorter. Working out and eating right became more of a lifestyle. I'm not perfect now but I surely don't eat 3000-4000 cals/day like I used to!

"I owe my weight loss results to God and the mindset He's given me to do the research!"

I prayed and still pray for His supernatural weight loss and not only the will to workout but also the follow through! My journey has taken 7 years (on and off) but yours doesn't have to! ;)

I'm not done with my journey, I have 50 lbs left to lose. I will continue to push through and pray! If you are reading this and feel like you cannot lose weight because you're "too big" don't give up on the thought! I know what it's like to feel hopeless and being on the top end of the journey. But trust me day by day week by week and prayer by prayer you will get stronger and more hopeful!

Life for me hasn't changed much with the exception of me being more conscious of what/how much I'm eating. I still weigh myself daily because it helps me to monitor my progress if I don't do so well on a day. But I am able to shop in stores that I hadn't been able to in the past!

I must say THAT ROCKS

Connect with Kim and the Red Glass Sisters

Twitter: keys2luxlife & RGSisters

Facebook: keys2luxlife

Instagram: keys2luxlife

Blog: RGS-fashionology

YouTube: redglassessisters

Meet Classy Fit Gal - Apryl-joi

SW: 170  |  CW: 146  |  GW: 140

“It was the main/only sense of accomplishment I felt around that time. I hated both jobs, was miserable, and single. I had no idea where my life was going.  Working out and losing weight made me feel accomplished. Proud. Amazing.”

On the outside looking in, I may seem like a fit girl who has known her way around the gym or someone’s sports field for much of her life or that being fit is and has been an easy journey, but this is far from my truth.

I am a 29 year old personal trainer who wishes to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to live a healthier lifestyle through my own active lifestyle. I’m passionate about people, see the best in others, believe that anything is possible, and want to make a difference however and whenever I can.

Looking at my life prior to now, I would have never imagined in a gazillion years that I’d be where I am today as far as my health and physique are concerned. I must give all praise and glory to God for taking my life on the journey through which it has been so far—it has surely been a ride!

Now, let’s take a moment to get to know me—Apryl-joi. I am a curvy girl with muscles, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall, rocking 146 pounds that have been earned naturally and honestly. But I haven’t always been this girl. At the age of 18, I was diagnosed with an illness that could only be controlled at the time with medications that included steroids. If you know anything about steroids, they increase your appetite, cause weight gain, and cannot be stopped abruptly--but one must be weaned off of them slowly—this means the effects last much longer than anyone would anticipate. THIS is what caused the dreaded weight gain, but to family and friends, I looked somewhat normal and they got used to seeing me thicker than my usual.

Well, I wasn’t. I carried around this weight and rocked size 12s and 14s for 4+ years. The college I attended had an awesome workout facility, but I only took advantage of it about 1 to 2 times per semester. Yeah…the weight was surely going to fall off that way….NOT! While teaching high school Spanish back in September or October of 2008, my best friend encouraged me to start walking and working out at and around the school once the students were gone for the day. I was sick of looking and feeling the way I did and there was a new-found spark in me that was unlike any time before.
I had never taken weight loss and getting healthy and fit seriously until this time around. I took my friend’s idea of getting active and ran with it! Instead of working at school, I snagged an inexpensive gym membership and began to dedicate at least 3-4 days of activity in fitness classes, on the weight machines, and on even got some dreaded quality time on the Stairmaster.

I started at 177 pounds and had a goal to get down to 140 pounds. I didn’t have a time frame in which I wanted to do it, nor did I truly have a plan, I just knew that I would stick to physical activity, change my eating habits slowly but surely, and that I wouldn’t weigh myself for at least 2 months. I wanted to be surprised at my first weigh in and boy was I!

I can’t quite remember what I had dropped by Thanksgiving, but I was happy with the progress (any progress should be celebrated) and I was determined to keep pushing. By my 25th birthday, I was truly ready to reveal the new me. I was no longer self-conscious about wearing dresses, I felt inclined to wear my arms and shoulders out, and my stomach was no longer a huge issue—pun intended.

Overall, I would have to say that weight loss helped me to discover a greater sense of pride and confidence in myself. I am a natural social butterfly, but the weight loss allowed me to be even more comfortable in my own skin. Since my fit life journey began almost 5 years ago, I’ve been able to encourage, inspire, and motivate others through my journey—struggles, minor fluctuations, and all. I have surprised myself with the level of dedication, strength, and perseverance I’ve been able to display.

I’ve proven that a woman can be strong, successful, ambitious, inspirational, and beautiful, both inside and out, through any process or journey, and accomplish exactly what she sets out to do, and more.


The one thing that keeps me going is remembering where I started and never wanting to go back.

Along with excess weight come excess emotions, health issues, and sometimes a negative self-image, which can lead to negative behaviors.

If I had to give one piece of advice to my Classy Fit Gals, I would say to always remember your WHY during your journey and to never, no matter what, give up—a lot is riding on your decision to get and remain healthy.

Apryl-joi is the only certified female trainer with Dungeon Fitness Group located in Charlotte, NC and a resident blogger on www.sisterswithbeauty.com.  You can also connect with Apryl-joi via instagram at joicurcurlzncurves.

Classy Fit Gals are women of Class, Sass, Style, Stature and Virtue!

Become a Classy Fit Gal today by connect with us via Facebook and Instagram. We believe that transparency is what breaks the yolk. Share your story with us to be featured on the blog. Send your story along with before and after pics to classyfitgals@ebbyK.com.

August 1st - GOT GOALS?

Funny how time flies when you are having FUN HONEY!!!

 

It is August 1st and it is time to set some goals. 

Can you believe that more than half of the year is already gone? With that said - what have you to show for it?  One of those slap you in the face and make you look in the mirror type of questions - eh?

Personally, 2013 has been a fun, eventful and a challenging year for me ~ all in the same breath. I figured the more I am challenged the stronger I am becoming and the greater my purpose so...I decided to stop complaining about it, listen and pay attention to what God is showing me and grow from it.

Now that I am doing some self reflection, I had to really dig in to see what goals  I would like to accomplish for the month of August. My goals wouldn't be complete if I did not add some fitness goals - one of which is to simply RUN! 

Running has always been a challenge for me. With the extra weight I had before it was TERRIBLE on my knees.  I couldn't get around a quarter of the way on any trail I took without complaining. My knees used to hurt so bad I would literally be in tears - now they are just soar from the strength training I am doing ~ praise God for healing!

Now that my knees are good, it's my foot that is bothering me BUT that is hurting because I wore the wrong running shoes during my first initial run with my husband (see this post for details on how that went). 

So NOW I am tired of the excuses. I figured this much, it will be uncomfy until I get used to it.  I challenged myself the last time I was in Charlotte to run around this lake in my old neighborhood. I remember when I could not get a quarter of the way without stopping. What were the results? Check out both of these videos on my Instagram. (Video 1, Video 2)

One of my many mantras is this, "Nothing worth having-no goal worth accomplishing happens in your COMFORT ZONE.  All change occurs the moment you step outside of the box. It is THAT moment that you decide to be uncomfortable that your life changes for the better."

I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone this month.

Set a goal and stick to it!

 

This morning, I decided to put on some running sneakers I had thrown in the back of my trunk and get out there and run. I did it and here are my results. The goal is to run at least 3 times per week and beat my time each time. Follow my journey and progress on my instagram pages (iamebbyK) and (classyfitgals)

Set your goals, determine what your action items are and go for it! I will be checking in on September
1st to find out your results!

...the run

He was so excited when he got home. He called and said be ready when I get home, I said okay! I made sure I was extra cute and sexy, heck it was a workout with the hubby....

Hubby and I went running downtown in our little town and it was actually fun. Hubbs is a competitor at heart so running with me is no competition for him- at least not right now! Sister is determined to out do him at least on one challenge!

The run was awesome. Granted I hadn't ran I'm quite some time so I was curious to see what the difference would be a few pounds lighter. I have knee issues. Years of doing squats incorrectly and landing on my knees when doing African dance has causes me some aches and pains. It didn't help having that extra weight on my legs either! Every time I squat I hear cracking noise. It's quite disturbing and for years I wouldn't work out trying to ignore the sound and pain but this time I said no more. 

I truly believe that in order to make a serious adjustment to your life, you have to look at yourself in the mirror, face the facts and be real with yourself. Nothing will change until you are honest with yourself on your condition. I knew my knees were jacked up but this time I refused to allow it to stop me! 

So..we ran through downtown and in the middle of running he had me doing jumping jacks, climbing up and down on benches, high knees etc. 

It was my first time and I was pretty proud of myself for not really stopping. Usually I would complain in the first 2-3 minutes but he said I went 5 min non stop. Now that may not be a big deal to some of you but to me, that was an amazing accomplishment. 

29.06 minutes later and 306 calories later I felt accomplished. I knew that I did something that I never done before- I pushed, didn't give up and came out feeling like a star! 

Do you run? Do you have a fitness goal that you're looking to achieve? 

Share your story, can't wait to hear from you! 

Meet Classy Fit Gals Founder and Creatorebby.K ~ the Beginning

SW:  225  |  CW: 193  |  GW:  150

 I remember the day like it was yesterday. I went to the doctor for my annual physical and of course I was nervous. Going to the doctor was never an exciting adventure for me - the suspense throws my pressure up every time- and this time it was no different. 

As I waited patiently for my doctor to come into my room, I began to pray. I didn't know what she was going to tell me. 

"I knew I was overweight but I didn't know how 
overweight I was."

When she finally came in, she said "Eboné you weigh 220 pounds." I said "WHAT!" She knew by the look on my face that I was in pure shock, and at that moment the tears began to fall. 

It was then that I knew in my heart that I had to make some changes.  I called my then fiancé and started crying. Naturally it was easier for me to blame someone else for my weight and of course I did- but he took the blame like a champ and said "babe,lets work on it together." We came up with a game plan but so much was going on in our lives that year that health and wellness took a back burner so I pushed it off. 

We were both in graduate school getting our MBAs, preparing to get married a few months after I graduated and in the midst relocating to another city. 

That was in 2012....

Now here we are 2013 and still my health and wellness was not the priority in my life. Heck I was a newlywed in a new city adjusting to married life. Checking out the restaurants in our new town was recreation for me- it shows in my 2k+ pics on Instagram! 

February 2013 - I weighed 225 pounds!

But one day, I got on the scale and it read a whopping 225 LBS!! I knew something was up because my bras were getting tighter, my face fatter and my knees were killing me! Standing for long period of times was hard for me, and let me wear heels...I was really in pain. 

April 1, 2013 my husband decided to cancel our membership at the Y and revisit a gym we visited when we first got back from our honeymoon. I said "dude you're not leaving me, I'm going with you." So we went, talked to the sales lady and decided it was time to make a change. 

Of course the sales lady wanted to add on to the sale so she asked if we were interested in personal training. Knowing the goals we had in mind my husband told her that we needed to discuss in private so she walked away to let us chat. 

In our conversation I got very emotional. See, my weight was always a sensitive subject for me-no one ever knew it but it was. I felt my weight held me back from pursuing a lot of opportunities. I've felt like this for years! My personal life didnt suffer at all, I was always fabulous (on the outside) BUT on the inside and my true self esteem suffered. 

I knew I was heavy but I had no idea how heavy I was and how bad it was. 

Truly God spared my life because the doctor didn't find any signs of illness, but she did see some signs of high blood pressure and high cholesterol- all of which run in my family. She also said I was at high risk to get diabetes- that runs in my family also so I knew I had to make some changes.  I stood in determination that I was going to break the chain of illness in my family because I was going to start taking better care of myself.

As I was wiping my tears the sales lady came out but this time a cute fit lady came out and introduced herself as Melissa- she is one of the trainers. Melissa was so bubbly and full of energy and I immediately liked her! 

Melissa looked at my report and said wow, I used to weigh over 200 pounds so I understand your struggle. I immediately began to cry...AGAIN! There was no way this petite fit lady full of bubbles used to weight over 200 pounds! I knew right then and there I wanted a trainer and my husband supported me in that decision and we decided to make that investment in me.

So, here I am today, sharing with you my personal journey, my testimony to become to best ebby.K I can be. 

Left: Summer 2013  Right: September 2013

"The journey to defeat all doubts that I've had in my head for years about loosing weight and being athletic again are broken. "

I CAN do this and i WILL do this! This is a walk not a race; a  journey to not only see the numbers on the scale go down, but to become who I truly am created to be and that is to BE BEAUTIFUL starting from the inside and having it radiate out- SEE myself as beautiful and most important FEEL the beauty that is within me. 

I invite you to stay a while and take this walk with me. I pray you are inspired and empowered to dig within yourself and find YOUrself. 

"feel your BEAUTY and OWN IT!^©

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