Deborah lost 80 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Delta Sigma Theta soror Deborah lost 80 pounds since January.  Her weight loss coach, Wiltrina Jones (who has lost over 205 pounds), encouraged her to send in her story.  This single mom of 3 went from a size 3XL shirt to a small and from size 24 pants down to size 10.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

My name is Deborah Harvin. I’ve lost 80.9 pounds and I’m on my way to my goal of 100 lbs, GONE. I began my journey 1/24/14, weighing 280, wearing a 3XXL SHIRT, 24 tight pants. Today,  I am wearing a juniors small shirt and size 10 pants. I reached half my original size in 7 months.  I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Not physically sick but tired, run down and lethargic. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, I attended our Centennial Celebration in D.C, and I was uncomfortable at many of the events because of my size and limited choices in fashionable clothes. I’ve carried this extra weight over 25+ years and it got worse after each child, life event, etc.  However, I have no illnesses associated with being obese and I realized that was my blessing, but I needed to keep it that way for me and my children. I’ve been a single mother of three for nine years, I operate my own business, and have tried over the years EVERYTHING to lose weight. I’ve seemingly been on a perpetual diet.

I stumbled across Wiltrina Jones: I Use To Be U on FB  and watched her and her clients for about a year. My thinking was, “Wow, she looks like me, is shaped like me, she did it. It’s possible.”.  Well, on January 24, 2014, I finally decided to try her plans. In July 2014, I won $1000 in her 12 week body transformation contest.  Having customized meal plans has given me my life back. I eat real food that I buy, cook and enjoy. No shakes, pills, etc. I have learned how to meal prep, use portion control, understanding my body’s signals. I changed my eating habits by eating clean, measuring my food, no processed food, such as chips, fast food, ice cream, deserts.  I eat fish, chicken, ground turkey, fresh veggies, brown rice, all baked, no fried foods.

I work out 4-5 days a week and began going to the gym about a month into my journey. Once there, I immediately began lifting weights as I was fearful of having loose skin and my Coach always says, ‘Keep the weights in your hands’. My exercise routines also include walking, boot camps, jump roping, weighted ropes and the treadmill. No matter what method you use, discipline, prayer, hard work, sweat, a few tears, and focus have to be part of the journey. If I can do it, I believe anyone can, but you have to get out of your own way!

Instagram: @debduncanharvin