Today’s featured weight loss story: Ari lost 37 pounds. I love her story because she talks about how weight loss is more than eating and exercise. It’s about looking within, reflecting on the past, dealing with your emotions and deciding who you want to be & why you want to change.
Ari
22
New Orleans
Artist (Poet/Singer/Photographer)/Student
Starting weight: 235 pounds
Current Weight: 198 pounds
Height: 4’11”
Started:Mid October
Method: Atkins (Low Carb) at first, then portion control and working out.
“Motivation: I have struggled with weight my entire life. Since I was a child, I was always considered the “fat one”. Verbal abuse by ex-boyfriends and others close to me was so common I accepted it as normal. 235 pounds was my peak weight. At 4’11”, I couldn’t walk up stairs or across campus without feeling like I’d just ran a quick mile. Although I pretended to be jovial around my peers, I was depressed beyond measure. One day on Facebook, I noticed a family member of mine had lost a tremendous amount of weight. I asked her how she did it. She said, and I quote ” I started with soul searching. Who I was, how I got here, unresolved issues, etc…then eating habits, then exercise. Everything begins within.” That began a year long journey to confront my fears, insecurities, and let go of everything negative I was holding on to. I essentially had to learn to really love myself. That led to me making a return to my passions; spoken word and music. After I learned to love myself with the weight on, I decided to take it off. I tried in the past, but it never stuck because I was doing it for everyone but me. I knew when I began this time would be different. Since starting my journey, I’ve changed completely! Confidence is through the roof, my art has gotten more personal, and I now love myself enough to not take ANY bullshit off a man (excuse my french). My advice to anyone who wants to lose FOR REAL: Love yourself. Everything begins within. Confront your demons and find out the real reason behind your weight. ”
Sherlonda mason says
Thanks for reintroducing yourself . Congrats on your weightloss . Thank you for blessing my life.
Lois Douglass-Alston says
WAY TO GO, ARI!!!!! You’re absolutely right – all true transformation begins WITHIN. I’m so happy for your transformation, and your generosity in sharing your process with us.
I, too, began my own fitness journey last year – thinking that if I lost the weight, my husband would find me more attractive, my marriage would be better…on and on, ad infinitum! I began to run and strength train, while introducing more and more fresh fruits, lots of dark leafy greens, and a variety of fresh veggies to my diet.
Although I couldn’t run more that a few yards at first – I ran early in the AM so no one would see me trying to run 😉 – I kept at it. I now run 6+ miles at least 4 days/week, no stopping, no intervals, just running for the sheer joy!
Again, I’m SO proud of you, and bid you (and all) overflowing blessings as your journey unfolds. Best…
Lois Douglass-Alston
LadyMakeiba Dawson says
I can’t believe how much we have in common she was the same weight i was in April and used the same methods i used. I’m happy for her and her decision to be a better her. I wish i could figure out how to post my story…
Earlice Harris says
Awesome Job !!!! You look Great & Congratulations 🙂
candi says
amen girl! that is what i’ve been doing along with weight loss, improving myself and loving me for who I am. lost 24 lbs
Vanessa says
The best post I’ve read. Congrats on finding the true you. I’m doing that exact thing now and I look forward to great success. Thank you for sharing inspiration
Z says
Love love love your comment! Very motivational & inspiring.thx for sharing!