Lavon lost 42 pounds

Weight Loss Story: Lavon lost 42 pounds. A wake up call about her weight and her blood pressure at the doctor’s office lead her to search for answers about changing her lifestyle. She was inspired by another sista’s story we featured and reached out to the great trainer who assisted her for help. Here is what she shared about her journey…

Body Fat: 14.8% Down
Total Inches: 33 1/2” Reduced
Weight Loss: 42lbs

In my immediate family, we start gaining weight after we reach our 40s.  My mother and father were diagnosed with high blood pressure. My father died from a stroke in 2011, and I wanted to make a change in my health to live longer. I wanted to break the cycle.

I have always been curvy and “big-boned” since my junior high school days. I accepted that this was my body type and it didn’t bother me.  I thought I was okay. I was always active, playing sports or working out. I thought I was carrying my weight well. As time went on, I started gaining weight with my birth of my daughter in 1999.  I was 200 pounds back then and only lost 30 lbs after the birth. I thought I was doing fine with maintaining my weight between 170-175 lbs. over the past 16 years.

This weight loss journey has been challenging for me.  I’m from Louisiana and we are famous for our Cajun and Creole cooking. Eating a lot of spicy and seasoned food is what I love. I had to reprogram my mind and palate to eat healthy foods. I had to adjust to cutting out salt and certain seasonings in my food. It was also difficult at first to eat every day at the same time and getting enough sleep.

During this weight loss process, I am learning to be patient and consistent. I am also learning that food is a fuel for your body, it is not for entertainment. Kurt, my coach at Body Refined, taught me you need the right amount of protein, carbs and fat to feed your body right. Eating right, sleeping, exercising and drinking water are the key to weight loss. Kurt had me on a meal plan that consists of  vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats.  I cut out fried food, white bread, sugary drinks and sweets.

My family was supportive throughout my process, but it didn’t stop them from eating their favorite foods. My husband gave me a bit of challenge at first. He likes to cook good, country meals, like neck bones and smothered pork chops with rice/gravy. Every time he cooks he wanted me to sample it.  However, a sample to him is a plate of food. I had to tell him, “No,” many times, because I knew I had to change my eating habits if wanted to be successful with my weight loss.

In the past, tried every weight loss plan and pill you can name. I had a few successes with some, but would quickly gain my weight right back. It happened time and time again. This time is different because I am not doing it alone. Working with Kurt, I learned that you have to eat right and exercise to lose weight. Quick fixes work temporarily, but changing your eating habits affects you for a lifetime.

Working with Kurt has been a positive experience.  He listens to you and at the same time he will get your mind right if you fall off track. Many times, he gave me several “good old pep talks,” and had to be direct and straightforward. He didn’t sugar coat the truth for me. Lol. I thank him for doing that during this process. A traditional trainer focuses more on exercises that you need to get the body you want. Kurt gives you the whole package.  He gives you a meal plan of foods that you enjoy eating, gives you exercises that will sculpt your body, and gives you encouragement or a reality check along the way. You can’t ask for anything more.

I found Body Refined when I was online reading success stories on the Black Weight Loss Success website. One day I read the story on Michele and I was impressed. I wanted to make sure if this is what I really wanted to do, so I went on Facebook to read more success stories from clients with Body Refined Inc. I decided to give it a try. I’m so happy that I made the right decision, it was a blessing.

I was skeptical at first to get online coaching, but when I kept reading the success stories on Body Refined Inc. my reluctance was soon gone.  I wanted to take the step toward getting healthy.  I have gained so much more knowledge compared to when I started on my weight loss journeys in the past. I know I just have to stay focused.

I’m happy that I lost close to 40lbs so far, but I’m not satisfied.  I want to keep getting in shape and I still have more body fat to lose before I reach my goal.  I know working with Kurt and having his guidance I will definitely get to my goal of a healthier weight. I feel so much better. I actually feel good now, energized and confident since I lost some of my weight.  When I was at my biggest weight, I felt sluggish and unattractive.

You have to be serious about wanting to lose weight and be in the right frame of mind.  It’s not an easy process, you will have your ups and downs along the way.  I have had some obstacles I needed to overcome just to stay focus, but it is worth it because in the end you get the reward. Having a clean health record is priceless.