Transformation of the Day: Ariel lost 85 pounds. Facing diabetes and high blood pressure, she wanted to break a family cycle of illness and be an example to others of what is possible. Not only has her body been strengthened, but also her spiritual walk. Here is what she share with us about her journey…
My weight loss journey started 2 years ago from this past July. I have always been referred to as “The big pretty girl”! I have a nice style about myself for a heavy girl! As life happens to everyone, life happened to me. In July 201,3 I joined The Church Health Center in Memphis TN, for the third time in my life! This time I had all kinds of reasons to at least try to stick with it! I was Pre-diabetic, had severely high blood pressure and was just plain sick of being unhealthy.
I made breakfast a part of my day, ate lots of greens (leafy salads) and had a sensible dinner. Water was my best friend and still is! I had to let go of Cokes and Dr. Peppers! (the hardest thing ever), limit my sweet intake and bread was a no. If I had to have some, definitely whole wheat!
I attended the gym three times a week. My exercise routine was lots and lots of cardio. Bootcamp was a weekly part of my gym flow (Tuesday night). Bootcamp could be a 30 minute run on the treadmill or weight training. Cardio really works for me! Simple things like taking the steps and not the elevators became something I did just to keep moving when I couldn’t make it to the gym!
I’ve lost a total of 85 pounds. My staring weight was 283 pounds and now I’m 198 pounds! At 5ft, 10 inches tall, I never knew how heavy and unhealthy I was. I have a strong family history of diabetes and hypertension. I just wanted to be different and break the cycle. I wanted to show that it can be done. Becoming healthy changed not only my physical appearance, it has changed my spiritual body too! Meditation helps me to focus and relax in such an unhealthy world!
We can have a healthy life just like anyone else! It starts with you! It’s important for black women to know that they can do anything with the right mind set! We have to encourage ourselves and know where our help and strength comes from. If I can, we ALL CAN! Set the bar high for yourself and shine bright. You can do it! #STAYLIFTED #WEROCK This is my testimony!
Instagram: @Ameason
Tonia Smith says
Hey hon looking absolutely fabulous, we work out at the same center here in Memphis. I am so proud of you, I have 10 more pounds to go before I post my story. You are truly an inspiration, I am so proud of you……
Ariel eason says
hey there would love to meet you sometime! keep up the good work!
Donna says
Ariel, I know it took a lot of hard work and the willpower to lose the pounds. I’d just like to congratulate you for staying consistent, You look really great. You are my inspiration!!!