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

-----------------

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

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. 

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 - 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.

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 - Shandell

SW: 210   |   CW: 130  |  GW: 130 **off for over a year!

I have never shared my story on paper, nor am I a writer or motivational speaker…so here goes! My name is Shandell T. I am 38 and have struggled all of my adult life with my weight. I am married (16 years now). I have a 40 hour work week like most of us. We have 2 children now 18 and 14. With that being said, I understand how difficult it is to be wife, mother, friend, hair stylist, therapist, chef, Laundromat, stain lifter, doctor…I get it!

 "I simply got tired!"

  

I got sick and tired of being sick and tired! I know that we have all heard and or said that before but I did!  If I may be candid…which I know no other way, I got tired of not being able to see myself pee. I got tired of getting out of the shower and my tummy smiling at me. I got tired of my reflection. I hated taking pictures! There is the posing, positioning, sitting up straight, leaning so that my double chin wasn’t prominent. I wanted to wear my wedding bands again and they not hurt (my turning point)! In high school I was 130 to 135 pounds.  I got pregnant with our first and got up to 199. I lost it all and had been on a roller coaster ever since.

 

We were not taught as children how to eat. My family just couldn’t afford certain luxuries, lol! Not eating is as bad as over eating. I have tried every pill, diet, fad, and wrap, flush that there is on the market! The thing I never gave a chance was good old fashioned learning to eat right and incorporating a realistic and daily workout routine. So, once I got over me and being depressed at the reflection that I had created, I decided to ask my husband for a stationary bike for Christmas 2010. Guess what I did with it? I used it! It was not a new clothes rack! I used my bike.

Please understand that when I first got it, I had in my mind that I am going to do 3 miles a day! I got on it that first time, .10 yes a tenth of a mile! I got off the bike, out of breath, had broken a little sweat, discouraged, disappointed, and more than ever determined to be able to do a mile! I changed my eating habits. I stopped eating after 7 pm. I stopped eating all foods that I knew were bad for me.

When I cooked for my family, I only ate the lean proteins. It was difficult, but worth it! In the first week or so, it seems like changing your eating habits is a punishment. It doesn’t have to be! Have your cheat day and look forward to it! I began with a gallon of water a day, lean protein (only lean), and leafy greens. This means no tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, nothing that is not green. I then had my one cheat day, in which I went HAM! I ate sushi, drank wine, ate chips, bagels everything that I missed! I did that for 2 reasons.

One is your body will be shocked that you are clean then junk up a bit and keep your body wondering and working. Reason 2, why is it fair that I deprive myself? I want to eat healthier and lose weight, not torture myself!

This was December 2010 that I began at 210 pounds and I am 5’4”, by July 2011 I weighed 160 pounds!!!! I was amazed at how positive changes can produce positive outcomes! I now weigh 130 to 135 pounds and have been able to keep it off for over a year!

There is nothing special about me! If I can do it…you can too! Let’s stop making excuses.

I will end my asking just a couple of questions

1. What do you have to live for?
2. How bad do you want a healthier you?
3. How bad do you want to be your skinny? Not someone else’s definition of skinny…your skinny! Know that skinny does not mean in shape. My 160 self would outrun my 135 self

"I pray that each person that took the time to read this understands that there is a better you within you!"

You just need to understand that you are worth it! You are worth a healthy heart! You are worth seeing your great then great great grandchildren!

Instagram: @taylormadeacce9499 

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 ~ Chilitia

SW: 270.4  |  CW: 214.4  |  GW: 170-175

October 22, 2011 was the day I got tired of being sick and tired instead of continuing to cry to my friends...I decided to do something about the situation.

I walked back into my local Weight Watchers Meeting and got back on the scale to face to music.

I was very unhappy with what I saw. I hated looking at myself in the mirror and I hated taking pictures. I was so upset with myself; I would always ask myself why can I never stay committed to something?!?

"It was like the light bulb went off and suddenly I was focused and have never stopped since that day."

I have always had gym memberships in the past and could probably count on one hand how many times I actually went. This go around it was going to be different. I joined my local YMCA and said to myself it takes 21 days to create a habit. I knew I could not count on anyone else to get this weight off but myself.

I started going to my local YMCA every morning before work for at least 5 days a week and surprisingly, it felt great!

I was shocked that I actually was working out and ENJOYING IT!  I had the attitude that I can’t be stopped. I went back to my Weight Watchers meeting the following week for my second weigh in and I was down -5.8 lbs. I was screaming I GOT THIS!!! 

July 2012, I joined my local Black Girls Run! (BGR) group because I really want to switch up my workout routine and plus I always wanted to run like others on the green way. So being determined I remained committed to my local Black Girls Run group.  I joined the C25K (Couch to 5K)  group and I completed my first 5K September 2012 at the first Inaugural BGR Race weekend in Atlanta, GA.

 

After the race I was very emotional and had a proud moment like WOW I just completed a 5K!  I was not to concerned with my time, I was just glad I finished and got to celebrate with my other BGR sisters at the finish line!

Today I still remain committed to my local BGR Group and am now the new Running Coordinator for BGR! Charlotte - talking about excited.

I have completed the Diva 5K race which was held in Myrtle Beach SC. I am now running up to three days a week where the longest distance so far was 6.2 miles! What a major accomplishment for someone that was taking 20 minutes to walk a mile almost a year ago.

On September 8, 2013 I  completed my first 10K with my BGR sisters and let's just say - I am so excited for what is to come for me.

My goal in my weight loss journey is to continue to inspire others to do the same thing.

You may hit bumps in the road along the way but realize that this journey is a process, and process that is not going to be easy.

Just keep pushing and surround yourself around positive people to keep you lifted.

One of my favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 every time I do something new I always say this in my head, "I can do all things that Christ strengthen me."

I am still on my journey and I hope I have inspired you to want to join me - connect with me on Instagram @missmccoy.

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 ~ Tanya

SW: 319  |  CW: 254  |  GW: 180

I can start this story from a lot of places so I will just let it flow. 

I have been overweight majority of all my life as far as I can remember. I was the shapeliest girl in grade school. I say shapeliest because my curves at that age were developed before I grew into them. In high school my weight wasn't my concern. As I got into my adult years when I would visit my family in Jamaica the first question they would ask me was "how I got so big" like they didn't know that food was the problem. 

I tried everything you can think of to lose weight, slim fast, weight watchers, LA Weight Loss, Jenny Craig!!! You name it I was on that on that bandwagon. I can honestly say I was comfortable enough in my body to waste my money on all those things. 

I have had a couple breaking points but I took none of them seriously! One stands out in particular though. I was at an amusement park and wanted to sit next to the people I came with on a rollercoater. I couldn't because the row of seats didn't have the "big" seat. You would think that would have been a wake up call but it wasn't. 

Fast forward to present. I didn't really have a wake up call to lose weight. I was turning 30 and just wanted to "look different ". I wanted to cross off some of the "I have nevers" off my list!! Like I have never worn a two-piece. I could have but I chose not too. I also didn't want to get diabetes and high blood pressure. Those are things I can prevent so that's what I am doing. I have vain reasons why I want to lose weight also. I LOVE MY CURVES! Plain and simple! My current measurements are 36-32-51. My goal is 36-26-51! I have hips, butt, and breasts, all these things that people pay for I was given! Now why would I want to hide all that with fat in my body? Cause let's face it, I was plan ole fat! Not anymore though!! I am on a continuous journey to get to my goal size and weight. 

As I lose weight I really believe I can help others do the same. The two most important things I can tell you is to 1. Never give up and 2. Lose weight for no one but yourself. There is no right nor wrong way to do this. It's not a diet, its a lifestyle change. If you need to incorporate supplements do it! Do what works for you. I do Herbalife because sometimes I don't feel like eating and I also wear a corset to help define the hourglass waist i have. 

Want motivation? Interested in corset training and Herbalife? You can follow me on instagram at seductively_fabulous, shoot me an email at info@seductivelyfabulous.com OR check out my web site at http://www.seductivelyfabulous.com and I will help you as best as I can.  

My aim is to help others who feel they are on this road alone and have no help! We can do this together!!! 

Seductively Fabulous

"Keeping you fit and fab"