Chiquita lost 44 pounds

Chiquita lost 44 pounds and lots of inches. She wanted to feel comfortable in her skin, avoid illness, and run around with her 4-year-old daughter. With help from her trainer and her nutritionist, she learned how to use healthy food and resistance training to transform her body. 

Age: 32
Height: 5’9″
Starting weight: 235 pounds
Current weight: 191 pounds
Total weight loss: 44 pounds
Representing: Savannah, Georgia 

What was your motivation?
My primary motivation was life. When I say life, I mean being able to live a longer life without having to think about being at higher risk for diabetes, heart issues, or severe obesity. I mean not feeling self-conscious about the clothing I wear when I walk outside—being able to run around and enjoy the time with my 4-year-old daughter. I mean just wanting to be comfortable in the skin I’m in. Overall, my motivation was to feel better inside and out.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
I’ve always been on the heavy side, so I always wanted to lose weight. I saw one of the Fitness on Fire Online Training Program member testimonial videos featuring a young lady named Rashonda. She was shaped just like me, from top to bottom. I said to myself, “If she can do this program, I know this can happen for me as well.” I also told myself it took several years to gain the weight, so why not take 6 to 12 months to correct it? I decided to at least attempt to continue a healthy lifestyle.

How did you change your eating habits?
Although fried food tastes good, it did not agree with my stomach. The grease always made me so sick, but I still loved it. That happened until I just got tired of feeling that way. I got tired of the same foods, not feeling good after I ate. I got tired of feeling tired, feeling stuffed after I ate, and then feeling hungry just as fast as I ate. It was just ridiculous! 

For me, it was about taking baby steps. I stopped eating all fried foods first. Then, I stopped eating bread (because pizza is my favorite). Bread was the most challenging food to cut out, but I was able to do it. I started drinking a gallon of water a day and mainly eating salads. I did that for a month, and that’s when I said, “I am ready to invest in myself.” by paying for a trainer or someone to help me lose the weight all together. Exercising was never a problem for me. It was my eating habits, which is the most crucial aspect of losing weight.

I stopped eating all fried foods, pizza, red meat, pork, chips, and soda. I ate more green foods/veggies, fish, seafood, turkey, and whole wheat bread. I make a delicious turkey burger, so that was my go-to meal. Also, I found an excellent spinach wrap that is only 50 calories. I make turkey/shrimp fajitas, and I pack them with veggies. I tried to follow the structure and regimen given to me by my online nutritionist, NutritionistGuru, to the best of my ability. 

What did your workout consist of?
I followed the workout regimen/structure provided by my online trainer, King of the Fire. Fire designed a resistance training regimen to help me drop the excess fat. I did that for 5 to 6 days a week. My workout times were between 70 to 100 mins per session. I was truly determined to drop the fat, so I gave it my all. I’m a beast. Lol

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Before I started the program, I weighed 242 pounds. I started the program at 235 pounds. My current weight is 191 pounds. Starting Dress Size: 20/22. Current Dress Size: 10.

What is your height?
I am 5’9″

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took roughly five and a half months. I may be a little off because the pandemic happened, and the gyms closed. I could not do my required routine for about a month and a half. I was devastated, but I did not give up. I first started seeing results about 30 days in.

I think Fitness on Fire worked for me because it’s more personalized. When I first started the program, I was asked to send in a photo of the type of body type I prefer. When you walk into a gym, does your “personal trainer” ever consider what you would like to look like? How would they know what look you’re trying to work for? I’m not saying personal trainers are not worth it, but this caught my attention and let me know that the program is about me and my specifics/expectations. 

Also, They provided updates and accountability even if I didn’t want to hear it, lol! My online trainer, King of the Fire, is very encouraging. He responded back regarding every workout I completed. NutritionistGuru is tough, so don’t take it personally when she tells me what to eat and what not to eat. She is truly there to help and teach me about making better choices for a healthier lifestyle. It’s like you have someone there 24 hours a day, but it’s cheaper than a personal trainer. 

She was also adamant that she wants me to eat, which was music to my ears, lol. I’m not going to lie; I have eaten more while on this program than I’ve ever have eaten (even when I was not on a diet). It’s about your food choices and how you prepare them. 

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
My advice is to stay consistent and don’t let others convince you that you are losing too much weight. Remember, it’s mind over matter. Set a goal and stick with it. 

Also, don’t you want to have control over your life expectancies? Yes, none of us know how or when it’s going to happen, but at least you put effort into taking charge of your health and attempt to rule some health issues out.

I thank God for allowing me to have the perseverance for this weight loss journey, and for allowing fitness on fire to come across my newsfeed. Thank you, Fitness on Fire.