Alisha lost 117 pounds

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Alisha lost 117 pounds.  Her aunt Sharon wrote in to share her story.  I just love it when family members support and encourage their loved ones to lose weight and get healthy.

Hello, My niece, Alisha McGriff, has done an amazing job of losing more than 100 pounds in about two years. I have asked she to submit her story to your Facebook page – which I love and read faithfully – but I decided not to wait for her to send her story in.  Here is her story in her own words that she posted sometime back on her FB profile:

It starts with aches and pains, and then the question of what’s wrong with me? I’m only 19, so why does my body hurt and why am I so out of breath. Still, I’d rather have McDonald’s then home cooked meals any day.  I thought, maybe I should go to the doctor. My knees were killing me after being on my feet for about 30 minutes. I’m in a 3X now and size 24 jeans,  but I’m big, beautiful and I’m happy with who I am… I think.

The doctor says, “Alisha, you are 19 years old, 5’3″ tall and 302 pounds. You are too young and beautiful to be uncomfortable in your own body. By the way, you’re very close to being diabetic so you have to do something.” WAKE UP CALL!

From 2009 to 2011, I lived in denial about my weight. I continued to eat terrible foods, not exercise, and got bigger and bigger. Eventually, Enough was enough. I educated myself, started eating better, and started exercising. Then as time went by, I made the decision to change my life FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

I now stand before you today, 117 pounds lighter. I’ve always said,  “I don’t want to be skinny. I’m not like those other girls. I can’t have a body like that.” I’ve learned that I don’t want a body like the others, I want my own body but much stronger and healthier. I stood up for myself and gained the confidence to make a change for the better. To satisfy no one but myself and to now pass on the word that health is everything!

2015 is my homestretch. It’s been a long time coming. I surpassed my goal for this year, but I have another 35 pounds to go to get my ultimate goal. LITERALLY CUTTING MY BODY WEIGHT IN HALF, NOW IMAGINE THAT! This is my year and I’m ready!”

Instagram: @Alishablossoms