Update January 2017: April wrote in to share how she’s maintained her weight loss since July. She’s lost a total of 58 pounds.
I’ve maintained my weight by working out everyday and meal prepping. My eating habits have changed drastically since I began my journey. I don’t drink soda. Instead, I drink 100 ounces of lemon mint water with raw honey daily and Shakeology. I stick to turkey sausage, turkey bacon, fish and baked chicken for protein. I incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into my daily meals. I cook every Sunday and meal prep for the whole week using meal prep containers. The thing that stands out the most is how good I feel. I feel better at 34 years old than I did in my 20s. I would have never imagined that I would be a fitness coach building my brand, Refined Fitness Group, and inspiring other queens to be the best them they can be. My biggest piece of advice is to NEVER give up. So many women, especially black women, take care of everyone else, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Keep pushing and step out on faith. Like I said in my initial feature, take “Can’t ” out of your vocabulary & amazing things WILL happen. – New Instagram: @fitcoachapril919
July 2016: Transformation of the Day: April lost 56 pounds. This petite school teacher from North Carolina met the coach who changed her life through reading her coach’s transformation story on this site. After trying fad diets that led right back to weight gain, she found a plan focused on healthy eating and working out at home… and it worked! Check out her journey.
My name is April. I’m a 33 year old teacher from North Carolina. I started my weight loss journey back in 2014. After seeing pictures of me nearing 200 pounds while on a cruise, I knew I had to make a change. (my heaviest weight was 196 lbs.) After trying fad diets and gaining it all back, I saw my current fitness coaches story on your Facebook page. 21 Day Fix has changed my life! I’m down 56 pounds. (I’m 4’11”.) I love working out everyday and I’m conscious of everything that I put in my body. When you take ” Can’t” out of your vocabulary, the possibilities are endless!
What did you do in those times when you felt like giving up?
When I wanted to give up, I thought about how tired I was of being overweight and my lack of energy.
How did you changed your eating habits?
With the 21 Day Fix program, I cut out fried foods, chips, sweets and sodas. I keep a list of 21 Day Fix approved foods handy. I keep a daily food journal of my containers and I meal prep on Sundays for the whole week.
What was your workout routine?
I workout everyday. I do 21 Day Fix DVD workouts and the Cize workouts using 5 lb weights in the comfort of my home. I also run and track my steps daily. My Fitness coach is Ebony Cornish, @coacheb_
What advice do you have for other people who are on this weight loss journey?
I would advise anyone wanting to lose weight to get the word “diet” out of their vocabulary. It’s all about a permanent lifestyle change. Stay focused, stay dedicated and if you ever want to give up, remember why you started. So many black women focus on taking care of everyone else and neglect themselves. If you can spend $200 on weave or spend money on junk food, you can spend money on your well-being.
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Akilah says
Congratulations April keep up the good work🙌💪👏😆. Iam 5’0 and I weigh 199 pounds looking to drop 20 pounds by October and then another 20 pounds December 31st and another 20 pounds by March 22nd 2017.