Weight Loss Journey: Imani lost 62 pounds. After she quit smoking, weight gain followed. (I’m sure that many can relate to that.) Eating clean, cardio and strength training have been very important tools on her journey. She gave some great advice: “Don’t base your progress or failure of anyone else’s life.” Check out what she shared with us…
Hi, my name is Imani and I’m from NYC. I’ve recently lost 62 pounds through clean eating and training 5 days a week. I strength train and do cardio. I quit smoking 3 years ago and my weight spiraled out of control. I decided to take my life back and get it all the way together. I still have work to do, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve faced the early mornings, the cravings and the painful days with and without my trainer. I’m always pushing myself, moving forward and it has been paying off.
There is no magic formula or diet that got me results. I simply stopped eating and drinking everything that I already knew was not good for me. That includes fast food, fried food, greasy food, sugary food and drinks. I prep meals most of the time, but even when I don’t I make reasonable and healthy choices. I’m not perfect. I eat pizza, ice cream and chocolate, but all in moderation and not every day. Once in a while it completely fine to have a treat because we’re human.
My starting weight was 269 pounds and I’m 5’10”. (I wasn’t this weight in the before picture because I had already started my journey) My current weight is 207 pounds. I have lots more work to do, but I’ve gone from size 16-18 to a size 10-12. I feel fit, strong, and healthy. I began this journey in September 2014. I began alone, but I decided to hire a trainer to take me to the next level of fitness after I hit a plateau with what I was doing in my own.
My advice to others: Don’t base your progress or failure of anyone else’s life. We are all individuals. You have to find the regimen and lifestyle that makes sense for you, and that you will be able to maintain. Most accurate formula for getting fit is “eat clean and train mean”. Strength training is essential. Consult a trainer or a gym representative to learn the proper use of equipment and avoid injury before you begin strength training.
Don’t give up. Run and you’ll get faster, lift and you’ll get stronger. The only action not worth anything is the one not taken! Thank you for allowing me to share and possibly motivate someone else.
Kim says
Thank you, I’m just beginning, with your same height and see weight. I’m on day 3 at the gym and its so hard. Thank you for your story.
Carmelita says
Thanks so much for the share I read the stories to help keep me inspired and you really helped me with my struggle.
margaret says
I was surfing the net and came across the BBLW. I must confess, i have been so challenged to put my life in order. I train at home though. I watch what i eat and drink lots of water. My siblings have seen a change in my body weight and i feel so proud of myself. There is no magic to losing weight as Imani says. It’s about discipline. My first week after starting the stomach crunches were terrible. I felt like quitting but i kept reading other people’s stories and decided to go on. I’m happy i did. Cheers to you all. Much love.