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.

Why I hated the word "RUNNING"

Running can be a chore, especially if you are new to running OR dread the word "running." I don't know about you but RUNNING was not one of my fav activities to do, especially before loosing my first initial 30lbs and here is why.

1. Jiggling. YES, I said it - JIG-GLING. 30 pounds ago, when I tried to run it would HURT! Yes, I said it! Between my boobs slapping me in my face and my big legs pounding on my tender knees - it was an annoyance to me and I dreaded when my husband would say those three words "Let's go Run!"

Low and behold, I went to Target and found some compression pants and some additional compression gear and that has helped tremendously. I can tell the difference in my body when I wear my compression gear and when I do not.

Now that I am 30 pounds lighter and I have the correct equipment,  running isn't as bad as I thought.  I thoroughly enjoyed my first 5K with Black Girls Run (more on that coming shortly) - and now I have a love affair with running.

Running actually clears my mind and allows me to think - especially when I'm playing Rick Ross in the background *smiling* #guiltypleasure

2. Knee Pain. I suffered from knee pain for YEARS. Never did I put two and two together that the pain was a result of my excessive weight gain. I am 5'3" which means I should be no more than 150lbs or less. My doctor said 160lbs  and she will be happy but I'm going for my personal goal of 150lbs.  I could care less on how I "look" as long as I am healthy and fitting into the clothes that I want to wear! (that's another conversation).

Not only did my knees hurt but they would make an excruciating noise when I did simple things as squats, lunges and walking up the stairs. I would literally tell people to walk in front of me - I was that embarrased. Now 30 pounds lighter, NO MORE KNEE PAIN (Praise the LORD) BUT they do still make that noise. I've just learned to ignore it - I can't let anything hold me back from obtaining my goals!

3. Lazy. I admit - I can be very lazy BUT on this journey to a healhier "ebby" I had to put my differences and "don't like's" to the side in order to obtain my goals. Running takes a lot of energy and commitment and in order to see results, I knew I had to get out there and go.

4. Shins. OOOHWEEE I do not know if you ever experienced shin splints but let me be the first to tell you -PAIN - FUL! I used to run track in high school and had to quit because of my shins and I wasn't even heavy back them (was actually a toothpick). Let me be the first to tell you, that pain is from Satan himself!

So I am sharing all of this with you for what?
In my weight loss journey, I knew I had to switch up my workouts (because I get bored very easily) and running is one of those "things" that I dreaded but knew I had to do it. Well, during my first run a few months ago, I really messed up my right foot and here is what happened to me - I got Plantar Fasciitis! An excruciating pain occurs in my right foot and it's hard to walk some times - especially in the morning. I had to get cortisone shots in my foot a few times to ease the pain. I still have the pain (because I don't do the proper stretches and exercises) BUT I wanted to share this video with you that I got from Runner's World which shows you various exercises to do with your foot to prevent what I am now suffering from.

BTW, My husband, Dr. Kittles diagnosed me after doing research online (smiling).

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