Last night, the BWLW Sisterhood chatted on Facebook while watching Chantell Johnson lose 159 pounds on Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. Her starting weight was 327. We cried. We got mad at her relatives. We cheered. We were so happy for her.
On her blog, she says…
Your lifestyle must change. You can never “go back to” the life you are living now. That series of actions and decisions led you to unhappiness: Why would you ever return? Sure, I still love pizza, cookies and Chinese. That will NEVER go away. The difference between the Chantell 12 months ago and the Chantell today is moderation and planning. I’m far from being the epitome of health. There is a lot of room for growth. I take steps to achieve a lifestyle that I envision for myself in the future. I also acknowledge that I am MUCH closer to that goal then I was 1 year ago.
I was so glad to see some of the body image issues that we deal with in the Black Community dealt with on the show. Chantell’s relatives felt that she was going to get “too skinny” and that she didn’t need to lose weight. I hear all the time from ladies that are told by relatives, friends and lovers that they better not “lose their curves” or lose the booty. While I agree that our unique and wonderful curves are to be celebrated, I believe that we have to encourage one another to be healthy because it’s not about looking voluptuous. There are a lot of curvy, healthy people. However, carrying too much weight can be bad for your health as well. We all have to make that determination for ourselves and when we do, we need the support of our loved ones. In the end, Chantell inspired her mother, who had been critical of her weight loss efforts, to lose 24 pounds. I was so happy for both of them. OH…I just have to mention that she is my Sigma Gamma Rho soRhor! Love you sista!
www.facebook.com/chantell.johnson
twitter.com/chantelljohnson
Want to know how she did it? Watch the whole episode for free on Hulu.
Here is the video (from TheDailyMail):
celestine smith says
Well i really want to lose weight but cant i weight 294 wanna lose 100 pounds really need some help!!!!!!
Jessica says
Hey Celestine! I just want to encourage you that you can loose the weight. I started at 315 and am well on my way to my goal of 180…or whatever weight as size 10 looks on me.
One thing that really helped me to jump start my weight loss was drinking water. Good ole H2O. Substituting water for even just 1 soda or juice will save you soo many calories! And those calories add up. Also, the more water you drink the less you retain, which subtracts from the pounds you hold.
I also got started with a trainer. I know not all people can afford personal trainers, and they can get expensive but I do know that you can research some exercises and workouts for free that you can look up. And of course one of the most important things is to stay motivated and really commit to a new lifestyle. The pounds may not go away quickly the whole time, but I like to focus more on how my clothes fit and less on the numbers on the scale.
I know that was a lot and I would be more than happy to share some of my secrets with you. Also, myfitnesspal.com is a good website that helps you to keep track of what you’re eating and your fitness and allow you to set goals and help you to meet them!
Mainly I want you to know that YOU CAN DO IT!!!
ronelle scott says
Its hard losing weight I am 280 n have been tryn to lose weight for almost two years. I lose then I gain, so crazy but please give me advice
TQ says
Ronelle – read what some the other ladies wrote. Read about being healthy (not just weight loss). I, too have been in this mindset. I went from 225-180 from Oct to the present. It starts with your MIND. I was completely fed up with the way I looked. I started with my diet first. I have always ate healthy but too much of it. I drank 95% water, little to NO red meat (once or twice a year), and lots of fruits and veggies. My downfall??? Sweets and good carbs (breads, mac & cheese, rice!) Those things are fine – don’t feel like you have to deprive yourself. However, everything in moderation! Moderation! Moderation! Portion control is EVERYTHING! Eat small meals every 2-3 hours. Let me give you an example. Yesterday, I took my son to the carnival. I KNEW that I was going to want some of those unhealthy foods (be honest with yourself). So I prepared myself. I worked out that morning. I only had a banana and tea post workout (saving my caloric intake). At the carnival, I had a burger and fries. I only at half (I felt myself getting full and pushed back). Saved the rest for later. Once I started to push back from the table, I began to lose! It was slow but it happened. I got more encouraged. Started doing Taebo on YouTube. Got stronger. Found a gym and went hard. From there it was on. It took small steps. When you think too far ahead it can be overwhelming – which tends to stop your progress. Acknowledge your progress (not just weight loss). Acknowledge your change in strength, endurance, and speed – that’s your FITNESS. The changes in my fitness is what keeps pushing me. I can do more than my 130 lbs sister! THAT’S what encourages me to never give up or look back. Start with your diet. Your diet is 80% of the weight loss journey. There are free workout vids on YouTube. Try them until you find something you really like. There are TONS! Don’t make excuses. All excuses are monuments of NOTHING. There is always time. It doesn’t have to take hours. Thirty minutes a day will boost your metabolism more than your know. Mind over matter my friend. Be Encouraged!
Lola says
I was so inspired to see you accomplish your goal! I myself, am a plus size woman too (remotely close to your size a d height). Seeing your relentless efforts to bring forth the girl within to the outside was remarkable! You provided so much motivation for me to try harder, and not necessarily for cosmetic reasons-but because of the health factor African American women face with heart disease, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Right about now you are the baddest chick. Congratulations on your accomplishments-we are very proud of you❤.
Suddie Andrews says
Hi I don’t know what to say,but I know what I want to do n that is loss this weight so please help me I don’t want to b like my family….my cry out for help
ajima says
It’s your life. The best way to stay on track it to commit to small changes and then let them add up. Examples: Pick 5 things you need to stop eating and commit to stop eating them for 2 weeks to start. Commit to exercising for 20 min, 4 days per week, to start and then increase by 5 min each week and work up to an hour per session. Drink water and avoid sugary drinks. Avoid processed food and fast food. Little changes will add up. You can do it!
Fran says
All the women on this site look fabulous at every size. I think that’s why this site is great to follow. It reminds me to take pride in how I look and feel now while making every effort to work towards a lighter and healthier future. Thank you ladies, for being so fabulous!
Chantale Johnson says
Hey Chantell. It’s funny because we share the same first and last name 🙂 I saw your episode on Extreme Weight Loss and you were fantastic!!! I am also in the process of losing an extreme amount of weight. I’ve lost 50Ibs so far and 50 more to go. You inspire me to push through. Congratulations!!! You look beautiful