Melissa lost 14 pounds

Melissa lost 14 pounds and 2 dress sizes. She wanted to be a healthy example for her children and avoid a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Guided by her trainer and her nutritionist, her hard work has been rewarded with results. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

Age: 44
Height: 5’7
Starting weight: 188.7 lbs
Current Weight: 174.4 lbs
Weight Lost: 14.3lbs
Starting Dress Size: 12
Current Dress Size: 8

What was your motivation?
My family has always been my top priority for many reasons. Not only that, but there’s a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that runs in the family on both sides. Also, I promised myself that I would take better care of me, and that I’d be a prime example for my children.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
I had a constant struggle of ups and downs when it came to my weight. The fact I’m now in my early 40s with children (the youngest is 5 years old) served as inspiration. I want to be able to see my children to grow up into adulthood. I know we all have to go one day, but as long as I’m here on borrowed time, I want to be as active and hands on with anything that is thrown my way. As I conquer my challenges and see my accomplishments, I know I have to be in the best health.

How did you change your eating habits?
Simply by following the instructions of my online nutritionist, NutritionistGuru. She shared and explained things that I was already incorporating into my diet somewhat. She has taught me how to stay consistent with adding more protein, veggies and fruit into my diet and how to read food labels. Increasing my intake of these foods has definitely helped me to get closer to my goals.

I stopped eating fast food. I also went from the fatty sugary snacks to healthier snacks with 100 calories or less. I also snack on fruit. I now eat more protein, such as, grilled, baked, sautéed chicken, salmon and shrimp. I also eat more vegetables, even those I thought I would never eat. I’m talking about squash, zucchini and the biggest one, which is more considered a fruit, tomatoes. I was not a fan of them at all, but I can’t stop eating them now.

Now, to be totally honest, there have been a couple of times that I have been to a few of my favorite sit down restaurants and had a couple of rolls. However, I definitely got my behind in that gym after those instances.

What did your workouts consist of?
Well, after my online trainer, King of the Fire, guided me on my path of dropping the excess body fat using the proper equipment. I went from going to the gym 3-4 days a week to going 6-7 days a week for about 3 1/2 months straight. Now, I’m just going 5-6 days a week and doing  60-90 minutes of resistance training, as recommened by my trainer.

How long did your transformation take?
First, let me tell you about my journey prior to the Fitness on Fire Online Training Program. I began my journey in January 2011 with a starting weight of 198 pounds. I was making great progress by beginning of May and was down to 174 pounds. By May of that year, I find out that I was pregnant with my now 5 year old son. After the birth of my son, my weight reached 210 pounds. I was able to get down to my starting weight of 189 pounds, but my weight was still yo-yoing up and down.

I got really serious about my weight about two years ago and was doing great but saw no change in weight. Then, I saw the results that two of my friends were getting and amazing they looked. This  encouraged me to push myself and take the leap of trying Fitness on Fire.

This part of my journey began a few months ago. Ladies, let me tell you that I would take pictures after each workout and I saw no change. That’s why my eyes were taking by surprise when my nutritionist sent me my before and after pics. I was blown away. That’s honestly the first time I realized that my hard work has and will continue to pay off.

I’ve tried so many different workout classes, workout dvds, walking groups… and it was just never enough. Until, I put my trust in the hands on King of Fire and the Nutritionistguru. They never told me the things I wanted to hear. They were consistent and kept it real with me at all times. When I was in doubt or discouraged, they lifted me back up and helped me stay on path. I will always be thankful and forever grateful for having them in my life. Thank you so much, King of Fire and Nia (aka Nutritionistguru).

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t give up! I promise you, end result is there. Continue to believe in whatever path you have chosen for your weight loss journey. Keep pushing and make sure you have a good strong support system. Having my friends and family backing me on this journey is definitely helping me to win.

You can follow me at @denise_grffn on Instagram. I’m here for encouragement, tips or whatever. I’m still here pushing with you. This is just the start of a healthier me.