Farah lost 39 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Farah lost 39 pounds and lowered her body fat by 13%. Stress, eating on the job and post pregnancy weight gain led this mom of 3 to the point where she had to make a change.  She connected with the right coach and found a program that works for her.  Check out this interview about her weight loss journey…

NEARLY 40lbs DOWN and I FEEL FREE!
“How I feel now vs when I was my biggest……. “I feel free :)”. I feel much more confident and at peace with myself although not at MY ideal weight I feel comfortable in any given situation which would have previously left me insecure or uncomfortable.”

In just a few months she has…

– Reduced her Weight by 39lbs
– Cut 51 inches from various parts of her body
– Lowered her Body Fat by 13%
– Dropped her dress size from 16 to 10

THE INTERVIEW

What was your light bulb moment that made you decide to get your health in order and/or lose some weight? Did you think you were overweight?

None of my family members are overweight or obese and I have always been curvy, but never ever as large as I had gotten. Following the birth of my 3rd child, I gradually began to gain weight back that I had dropped after having him. That was 5 to 6 years ago. My position changed at work 4 years ago and that REALLY escalated my weight gain. The transiency in my job encouraged frequent stops at restaurants and fast food establishments and I saw the impact immediately.

Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight?

I knew I was overweight, and I HATED it, but I had very little success reducing my weight independently since my 3rd child. It took a few years for me to really get serious and become committed to losing the weight. My 35th birthday was a turning point. Although my goal was not to be “X” weight by my birthday I wanted to feel as though I was addressing my weight by that point so I began to look for options to help me in my journey.

How did you end up working w/ Body Refined? 

A college friend, Bonita (Featured on Black Women Losing Weight), referred me Body Refined and the experience has been excellent!

Most people are reluctant to get online coaching because they think it’s all about having a “trainer” to push them hard in the gym. Were you at all skeptical about getting help remotely (online coaching)?

Since Bonita had worked with the program and been successful, I felt fairly confident that if I followed the plan I would meet success. I was fearful/reluctant about what “following the program” meant. I did not want to eat something unrealistic or unsustainable. I was pleased that most of the foods were foods that I could eat and the foods I either never ate before or didn’t like, I eventually acquired a taste for. So, I basically “followed the program” and it worked.

Thus far in your journey, has it been difficult… challenging… or what would you call it?

This entire journey working with Kurt has been both enlightening and encouraging. Not difficult but just shocking the impact of what the foods you eat can have on your body’s digestion. I never really ate crazy but I wasn’t aware of any healthy alternatives so the journey has been enlightening.

During this process, what have you learned thus far?

Prioritizing and consumption has stood out to me throughout the process. Neither of which I would have previously felt had a huge impact on my weight loss. I thought I ate ok and I had the appropriate amount of calories to lose so why wasn’t the weight coming off.

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs other plans or programs you tried before?

I’ve found that any program can be successful if you stick to it. The difference with this program is that it’s sustainable. It truly is an adjustment in your lifestyle and as far as food. It’s just regular food that I buy at the grocery store. Kurt taught me more about how to eat for ME and how to shop vs. eating one specific thing.

What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

My family was supportive throughout the process although they continue to eat crazy. They are encouraged by my choices and at times experiment with my meal selections.

How would you describe and/or rate your experience vs what you have done in the past?

I think the largest difference for me is that I feel this is much more sustainable as long as I continue to execute the same philosophy and eat foods encouraged while on the program.

The difference in working with Kurt (Health Coach/Consultant) vs a trainer or even a nutritionist is that a traditional “trainer” is much more focused on the physical exercise aspect. Although Kurt stressed the importance of exercise, this experience focused more on what I was putting into my body and how I functioned throughout the day, sleep, water, etc… My whole lifestyle.

Would you recommend anyone to Body Refined? If so, what would be the deciding factor on your decision to refer someone to Body Refined?

My experience was excellent but I wouldn’t just refer just anyone. As long as they were serious about changing their lifestyle because it is not just about eating clean and exercising.

What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight/improve their health?

The advice is would give someone who wants lose weight/improve their health. It is not just as simple as 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. There is more to it than that – Call Kurt!

Farah’s trainer: Kurt Dixon, CPT HFS
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