Transformation of the Day: Tekora lost 70 pounds. This Alpha Kappa Alpha soror was diagnosed with hypertension and could not want to imagine a lifetime of relying meds. She knew that through better eating habits and lots of exercise, she could better her health. That led her to join a supportive local dance fitness class. Today, she has lost the pounds and is inspiring others to do the same through dance. Check out her story.
I have always been a “big girl.” For me it was my norm. It wasn’t until 2010 that I realized my norm was affecting my health. During a visit with my doctor, I was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension. The doctor wanted to prescribe high blood pressure medication, but I refused. I could not imagine being in my 30s and having to rely on a pill for the rest of my life. One thing that caused me to raise an eyebrow was that the doctor never said being 293 pounds wasn’t healthy or spoke to whether my weight was contributing to my high blood pressure.
I knew I needed to lose weight, eat better and get active, but I didn’t know where to start. I weighed 293 pounds at 5’9″ and hadn’t been in a gym since college, but I knew I needed to take control of my life. On the first day, I went to the gym and heard music coming from the group exercise room. My curiosity caused me to go in… The rest is history.
During my first fitness class it was filled with music, movement, and fun! It didn’t feel like a workout. I committed to working out two days a week. It made me feel energized. I felt like I could do this! I connected with other women who were starting there fitness journey with dance fitness. It started to be more than a class. It was an accountability circle.
70 pounds later (and lighter), I decided to create Curvy Rhythms by Tekora to inspire others to get up and start moving. I know what it did for me and I want to help others realize fitness can be fun.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by making sure that 75% of the food I eat comes from the produce section. I also ate 6 times a day, starting at 8am. This required planning! Sundays became my meal prep day. I stopped eating the whites: bread, salt and sugar. It was also important to find substitutions. For example, I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with flavored sparkling water. If I took a food away, I replaced it with a healthier option.
How often do you workout now?
I’m committed to working out no less than 4 days a week (2 days cardio and 2 days of weight training). Additional days are a bonus. After I started my healthier living journey, I wanted to show and encourage Black women to get up and start moving. That’s why I stared my dance fitness class.
How long did your transformation take?
3-4 months.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It is all about mindset. You have to be mentally prepared to change your eating and fitness habits. Be realistic, be patient with yourself, and remember healthy is a lifestyle… not a size.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CurvyRhythmsbyTekora
Instagram: @curvyrhythmsbytekora
Missy says
Awesome job, congratulations