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Tuesday, August 9, 2011
So.. Where Am I Now?
by Erika Nicole Kendall
All this writing about calories and challenges… that was almost three weeks straight of posting every day. And nothing about me, huh?
Taken: February 26th, 2009
I like writing about the things I’ve learned and struggled with along my way. The things that I’ve used this site to reinforce for myself, the things I’ve used this site to remind myself of along the way and the things I’ve used this site to rant about. This site has served as my backbone in a way, because I’ve certainly had to remind myself of a few things in my own moment of weakness.
But without writing about myself… I suppose I’d be doing the very thing that I’ve always claimed is so harmful, and that’s pushing myself to the back burner instead of keeping myself and my own betterment in the forefront. So.. let’s talk about me, where I’ve been and where I’m going.
My tummy trying to tighten back up!
Mentally, I had began to settle a little too much into the idea that I was happy with where I’d gone with my figure. I’d gotten so close to my goals, perhaps I’d felt like I was going to just slide right on through. It didn’t help that so many people were so surprised with all the weight I’d lost, that I kept getting the compliments. It starts to seep in, so to speak. I was dangerously close to believing my own hype. If you know that you have so far to go, give yourself credit for your journey thus far but you shouldn’t be impressed with yourself until you get there.
Then.. I decided that maybe… juuuuuuuust maybe… I’d want to compete in a figure competition. For no other reason than to be “The Formerly 330lb Girl Who Now Can Compete In A Figure Competition.” It was the awakening and goal shift that I’d needed.
So… I’ve spent the past few months shifting my energy toward muscle building. I need my skin to conform to an actual figure once it finally does what it’s supposed to do. I’ve spent time trying to step my game up in the cardio level, because my last major challenge is defeating this fear I’ve had of getting my heart rate too high. An awful experience with a prescription medication left me with a fearful response to my heart rate creeping a little too high. Learning how my heart behaves and training it to endure a little more will help me be a better marathon runner. I’m embracing that challenge head on.
My goals have shifted, and though I am happy with what I have now and am thankful, I look forward to the challenges that my new goals present. What’s more, is that I am thankful that I have this site and posts like this to remind me to always take steps to reclaim my humility – to never get so high off your own hype that you forget how hard you worked and how much harder you will have to work to get there. To act with my goals ever present in my mind, and formulate each step so that it always brings me closer to where I’m going. Not just walking to watch myself… though I do look good walking. (#justsayin’)
We all have different goals, no doubt, but I think that’s an important point: to not get so high off of our own hype, or so comfortable that we fail to realize how hard we need to work to achieve our goals. So no matter how crazysexycool we may think we are now, we have realistic goals worth our realistic effort. What are your goals? Just a little belly pouch? More toned thighs? Let’s hear ‘em!
71 Comments
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looking good miss.
—ChellBellz
Thank you!
—Erika
First of all. WOW!! FABO!!!
You’ve done SO well for yourself, it is no wonder you’ve started to believe your own hype. You should!! Major props and kudos to you for doing as well as you have and being an inspiration to others.
My goals include:
Being able to run 5 miles straight without stopping. Right now, I can barely run half a mile, but I’m working on it.
Being a size 14/16 on the bottom. I’m a 24 right now (18 up top). I was a 32.
Becoming totally meatless. I’ve done it before, for a year, but I ended up being all abuot starches. I want to be meatless and veggiemore
—Benee
First and foremost, NICE WORK on that 24! 8 sizes down is quite the feat. Stay focused and you’ll get it!
I’m with you on that mile. That’s my struggle for real. There are lots of programs that can help you out with that – I’ll post some soon because there are far too many to count, and I’d like to provide more of a range of info for ya.
That’s how I did it too when I first went vegetarian… I think that was my downfall. If you don’t do it right, you mess yourself ALL up. No bueno!
Thanks for commenting.
—Erika
You are such an inspiration!!! Please keep up the GREAT WORK!!
—Dr. Renee
Aww, why thank ya doc!
—Erika
When I grow up, I wanna look just like you, lol! But seriously, WOW, I am so inspired!!! My biggest issue is consistency with food and exercise. I’m a stay-at-home mother of 4 with virtually no time to myself. I am STRUGGLING to get off these 30-35lbs that I’ve been wanting to get off since the last one was born (9/3/09). I’m like Benee, every time I go meatless, the carb intake goes up…hopefully though, something will “click”, and I’ll begin losing.
—Laura
Laura, I can understand the limitations! I don’t have four, but my one plus school and being self-employed had me struggling, too. Maybe I should do a post or two on how to get closer to meatless? Maybe that’ll help.
How often do you take the little ones on walks? I take mine and the puppy to the playground, and I just slowly pace the playground or run in place (it might look weird, but preserving the sexy is vital, LOL) keeping an eye on the kids. The goal is to stay active and help relieve stress. Because of the little ones, you might need the stress element more than most, LOL!
Thanks for commenting.
—Erika
My goal is to STAY CONSISTENT!!! I tend to work out in spurts….usually because a vacation is on the horizon, which results in this cyclical start/stop thing I have going. Since the end of March I’ve made a resolve to exercise consistently at least 4x a week and to have Saturday’s as my “free eat” days. I’d love to loose a few inches here and there and to tone up, but I’ve learned that setting a specific weight for myself just allows me to slack off once I’ve met that goal, so I don’t have a goal weight. I love this site and the advice and tips offered by you and other users!
—Jessica
Jessica,
The key to consistency – to me – is paying attention to what happens to you when you fall off, and deciding that those consequences are far too much to bear. When I skip cardio, I see it on the scale IMMEDIATELY. When I slack on my workouts, the guilt I feel is tremendous. It’s to the point where I have an angel on my shoulder with a darn BLOWHORN in my ear. Once you get to that point, you won’t slip up anymore.
And dang it, I am SO AGAINST “FREE DAYS!” Stop doin’ it to yourself! LOL!
Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad the site helps… even if you do insist on doing that “free day” stuff!
—Erika
i am a 26 year old female 4’11 in height and weigh 285 pounds. i already know i am very overweight. i am a manager at mcdonald’s. and please dont judge me. lol! and i receive all my meals free while i am working. ii have been trying to eat better but what can i do when i get so tempted by the smell of fries and everything else. any info or input is greatly appreciated. thanks so much for this sight you are wonderful:)
—irene
i meant site. lol!
—irene
Irene, I just read your comment now and I agree the job situation must be so hard! I would suggest a couple of things: #1 Plan what you’re going to eat for the day and bring it with you. Bring PLENTY of high-protein food and vegetables, not starch. I do this at my office because there is some kind of cookie, pie, cake etc. on the counter every morning. I bring more than I think I’ll need so I don’t get caught with insufficient nutrition. #2 When you’re thinking of eating the free food at work, ask yourself how it helps your body get stronger and healthier. Do you need it, just because it’s free and it smells good? If you worked in a cigarette factory, would you smoke all day because the cigs are free? Of course not, you’re a healthy person!
A triathlete friend gave me another tip: decide right now that you’re an athlete and live your life that way. When it’s time to eat, eat the athlete’s food you brought, not the spectator’s food you have to make to make your living. And think of all the time you spend on your feet – free exercise time that office dwellers don’t get! Get a pedometer and just see how many steps you take during that busy day. Go go go!
—digamba
This is so encouraging for me Erika, you have NO idea…
I have sets of goals, based on my current health situation. I’m 30 years old and have lost 10 pounds (down from 310+) through exercise and improved food choices.
My initial goals are:
1. Take myself out of harm’s way healthwise, strengthen my heart (recovering from cardiomyopathy- an enlarged heart) and improve my breathing and ability to sleep well(I’ve been suffering with sleep apnea for some time now).
2. Reach under 200 pounds.
3. Lose enough inches on my waist so that I can be within a healthy waist circumference (less than 35 inches).
3. Work to get off all medications.
My next goals will be:
1. Continue to slim down, work with doctor to determine a healthy/attractive weight for me and work toward that.
2. Build muscle, bulk up as much as possible in my lower half, slim down in upper half.
3. Become a pescatarian, then a vegetarian.
4. Maintain, maintain, maintain, maintain.
5. Grow my hair natural.
6. Learn to salsa dance
—Evelyn
Evelyn,
How did that 10lbs feel? You feel accomplished, don’t you? I hope it inspires you to keep going! You’ve got really detailed goals here, it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get there. A lot of these are so connected that reaching one is going to knock out all of ‘em… so I hope you stay focused, too!
I’ll even put up some salsa dancing videos on the site! That’ll help you out with at least one of ‘em! Thanks for stopping by!
—Erika
Evelyn, not sure if you’ll check back and read old archived comments but if you do I can help with you going natural. Check out my channel on the YT ‘Vickyvue’ on YouTube. Hints and tips and some of my products I’ve used (not to say you’ll use them) in my journey.
—Crystal
hello i just joined you on face book a month ago. because i was looking for inspiration to really get started with my weightloss journey. im 270 and im trying to lose weight for health reasons before they start the post and the pictures have been really wonderful keep up to good work i love the post you did on loose skin. but i will like to know about water intake should i do more than 64 ounces because of my weight thank you and god bless
—victoria
hi i found you on face book and you have been so wonderful. and this recent picture post of you now has been fantastic.
im 260 pound and trying to lose weight before health issuses.
i will like to know whats better weight training or cardio ?
and should i drink more than 64 ounces since im heavier
—victoria
Thank you, Victoria!
As for water, 64oz is a good starting point, but you should definitely drink as much as you possibly can, well beyond 64oz. I shoot for a gallon (128oz) a day, personally. Some days I miss my mark, many days I hit it dead on. Maybe that 64oz can be your starting point?
—Erika
I taken My first major step. I went to te Dr and had a full check up. Glad to say nothing is wrong. Except naturally the doctor wants me to lose weight
—Cupcake1993
Good! Now, the next step is your plan of action – where are you going to start first?
—Erika
This is so fantastic! You look amazing. I am a new reader to the blog. If I may ask, how much did you lose and how long did it take you to get to your current weight? I have 50 pounds of baby to lose. I’ve already lost 18 pounds but have hit a plateau. What did you do to amp up your weight loss when you hit a plateau? I have been both vegeterian and vegan in the past, but I am not willing to give up meat just yet. But I definitely do a lot of meatless meals and some totally meatless days. This is an inspiration, you have no idea!
And for Laura…it is very hard to get those work outs in, especially when you have kids. I work out at home. I wake up a little early and do Jillian Michaels DVDs before I leave for work and when I get home, I either hop on my elliptical or do a work out on the Wii or another DVD. I find switching it up every day keeps me from getting bored. My husband and I take turns putting the baby to bed, so as soon as he heads upstairs, I get in my work out clothes. Another thing that helps me is committing to working out every day. I never plan to not work out, I tell myself I have to do it every day, even if it’s only 15 minutes.
—Elita @ Blacktating
Elita,
Altogether, it’s been about 145lbs lost. Whenever I hit a plateau, I simply rewired my eating habits, flipped my workouts around and changed what I was doing for cardio. The body’s job is to make our regular daily tasks easier for us… so it’s quite successful at adapting. We just have to keep fighting that adaptation.
And excellent advice for Laura! I’m a huge proponent of fitness DVDs!
Thanks for commenting!
—Erika
OMG! You look great!!
I know I’ve said it before – but you are so my idol!!
I am proud to say that since I started reading your blog and trying to do better with my portion sizes and getting in at least 3 days of exercise, I have lost 11 pounds. My goal is to stay consistent with the exercise, add some strength training in there (can’t seem to figure that one out for some reason), move towards clean eating, stop feeling like I need to “treat” myself with food, and start making ME a priority!
Thanks for creating this blog and inspiring so many people!
—cjbrownsc
Yessssssssss! Progress! I love hearing this!! Congratulations!
We’ll work on that strength training tidbit.
—Erika
You know, once the weather had finally broken around here I thought it would be a great idea to take the kids walking. Unfortunately, if I do it while the oldest 2 are gone, #3 walks as fast as a turtle and then complains that he’s ready to go home. I’ve tried in the evening once the oldest 2 are home, but between homework, dinner, showers, hair (it takes an hour to do my oldest daughter’s hair), that started getting complicated too…I’ve definitely been trying to get up before my husband leaves for work, but that ain’t going so swell either, lol (don’t I just sound pitiful? LOL).
—Laura
@Elita, congratulations on the weight loss!!! Those baby pounds seem to be the hardest to lose. Thanks so much for the advice. I’ve got Jillian, Tae Bo, P90X (which works great if you’ve got an hour a day to workout), Latin Dance and so on. I may take another go at working out after the kids go to bed, but it’s a struggle, to say the least.
—Laura
ok…i just tweeted you, but, must say so here as well…you are the bomb.com, soror! i am so proud and awed by your accomplishments. i am inspired. now i mustttttt move to action. i’ll be back!
—clarity jones
Hi Erika,
I’m a new reader to your site and have been enjoying your posts.
I just have one question, can you do a post on how to move towards becoming “meatless” aka a vegetarian. I started before by doing the Daniel fast with my church but have been having a hard time getting back to it.
Also, is there anyway you can include recipes for those of us with little to no cooking skill? I love the recipes you have posted but I find myself intimidated by most of them. I’m a single 25 year old young woman who doesnt know her way around the kitchen except from the kitchen to the table. I ask because I really want to take control of the foods I eat and not eat out as much however I’m not quite sure where to start. Right now its been PB&Js and alot of frozen veggies. LOL.
Much obliged,
—Rita
I did write this a while back, but I can definitely go a little more in-depth if it’ll help.
And don’t worry – you and I are about the same age, and I didn’t know my way around a kitchen AT ALL at first. I’ll be diving a little deeper into the cooking thing over the upcoming months, so don’t sweat it. You’ll be covered.
—Erika
Your post was right on time in my life. Thank you for consistently sharing your vision of optimal health and your weight loss story.
My goals are:
Have Toned Legs and Thighs
Run 3 miles a day…regularly
Have Michelle Obama-esque arms!
No Love Handles
—Brie
LOL! You already saw I’m on a quest to get my Obama arms. It is not a game, LOL! Thank you for commenting!
—Erika
You are so inspirational!
—Stephanie
Aw, thank you Stephanie! Thanks for commenting.
—Erika
I have been following your blog now for about 3 weeks and brought some friends along. I want to just say that you are a true inspiration and after reading your story it gave me the boost I needed to get back on track. I am following your recipes and post them for others to see on Facebook(Michelle Latisse). I am currently using the P90X program again(attempted earlier this year and stopped) and plan to stick with it through the summer. I finally figured it out that if you are not in shape, you have to keep at it until you get there. That’s the whole point right?! lol
I am currently an 18/20 up top and a 20 at the bottom and my goal is just to be healthy and fit whatever that size may be. I have been at this for about 3 years starting at a 24/26. I look forward to more recipe’s!!!!!! Glad I found you!
—Michelle Henderson
Michelle,
Thank you so much for the support! I’m glad that the site can help you!
Kudos on your progress thus far, and here’s to seeing more!
—Erika
145 pounds?!?!?! I am over here struggling to lose 50! You are amazing. How long did it take you to lose all of the weight? My goal is to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight by the end of December.
—Elita @ Blacktating
For me, it’s been an ongoing journey in different phases, but altogether it took about 16mos to lose the bulk of it. I’ve been bouncing back and forth lately because of the weightlifting but since my goals have shifted, my workout results will probably shift, too.
50lbs in 7mos? You know you can do that, right?
—Erika
wow solid work…i was looking for black fitness model and guess what site showed up…keep up the good work
—mike
Okay, now that’s hot. Fitness model? There’s a thought… LOL!
—Erika
You look amazing!
My current goals includes losing 10 more pounds and keeping them off.
Losing my belly and getting the nice flat stomach of my dreams.
Getting my body toned so I can look good naked.
I’ve been on a weight loss journey since December 09 and it’s going super slow, but I try to keep the “fit” me in my head to help keep me on track.
—Tonda
Thank you, Tonda!
I promise you – stay focused on seeing the “fit you” and she will appear sooner than you think.
—Erika
I’ve been following you for a couple of months but just really started paying attention to what you’ve been showing us here. I am a 16/18 working my way down to looking good nekkid. I want to run a 5K, I want to lose 50 pounds by December 31 (I’ve already lost 8.5 pounds since I started really absorbing what you’ve written here), I want to have a flat tummy and I want to go into any store and buy something in my size.
—SingLikeSassy
I’m so glad you decided to speak up! If you can stay focused, you’ll accomplish your goal in no time! Promise.
—Erika
all I can say is WOW!!! I want to do it too!!! U look so good. I am excited for you!!!
—Nicole
Twenty pounds lost as of this morning… just wanted to give an update. Thank you so much for all the information and inspiration.
Staying on the path,
Evelyn
—Evelyn
I love it! Keep it going!
—Erika
Lady, you so inspire me! Keep it up. You look very healthy as well.
—tryin
You are truly amazing. You inspire me and I am in awe of your perseverance and the success that has come with it. Thank you for sharing this!
—Amy
I came across your site by accident last night. I stayed up for hours reading it. I started my weight loss journey 10/09 at 246lbs. I lost very few pounds in those first few months. It was not until I figured out what to eat that the weight started to come off. Plus I was doing strength training. I didn’t want to hear that I was replacing the fat with muscle so the the scale was not my friend. I have since lost 35lbs. I went to Macy’s a few weeks ago and was shocked that I could fit into a size 11 juniors. I am 43 and can not ever remember wearing anything in the jurnior department. I can’t stress enough the importance of strength training along with cardio. My body looks so different. I love the gym and working out. Go figure. I love the way it makes me feel.
I really liked reading about clean eating. I wish I read it before I bought that $8 bag of Splenda. The funny thing is I hesitated when I bought it. I stood there thinking I should just eat raw sugar. I am taking that bag back to the store tomorrow. Thanks for this blog. It is soooo inspiring. I have 40 more pounds to lose. I know I can do it.
—Michelle
Tonight my goal is to weigh myself and that will be my starting point.
1. 30 minutes of movement a day.
2. Eat, 5-6 times a day
3. Drink water.
4. Thank my friend for telling me about this site.
—Natch
My goal is to:
fit into dress i bought 2 years ago and never got to wear (I CAN DO IT!!!)
fit into my size 11/12 jeans
have a flat tight belly
drink 64oz of water
GET RID OF what looks like busted veins on my inner thighs and waist (might just be dark stretch marks)
NOT have loose thigh skin
—Alexis
hi,
I accidentally read your post. But goodness, its really inspirational. I’m 23 yrs old and very obese. Anyway I’m from Philippines, I really struggled to lose some weight, discrimination here is high, that I always wanted to be alone and hide in our house. currently I am 185 lbs, and just 5’5 1/2, very opposite to a petite and slim Filipina. Right now, I need someone who can inspire and motivate me. I don’t want to hear anyone telling me as I walk that the “floor cracks”, careful “have pity on the chair”, or even look at me like I’m a thug criminal, or even at public vehicles, please wait for another cab, you cannot fit anymore.
Its really hard on me, I am self employed and with my computer all day long. Ive been trying to lose weight for 3 months now, but sad to say, there’s no result. My problem is December is fast approaching and we have class reunion, and I’m really shy. I am planning not to attend at all.
BTW, thanks for this post. I will do A PROJECT ME…
—Chrisile
You are such an inspiration!!! I have 50 pounds to loose. I have lost 16 so far. I was 210 and am now 195. I don’t know my measurements because I have never thought about measuring until now. I know what pants sizes I am in and where I want to be though. LOL I want something between an 8-10. I am now at a 14 solid (not too tight, not too loose, just right). I just stumbled onto your sight from Facebook and I have since been on every day reading your posts and copying recipes. You keep it up, not that you need me to tell you that, but you are definitely setting a standard for the women that visit your site. Thank you.
—Mia
I have lost 6lbs in the last 2 1/2 weeks by being more aware of what I am eating and eating less of it. I am currently 5’5″ 214lbs in a size 16. I want to be 146-150 lbs size 8-10. I plan on making gradual changes so that I can have lasting results and a lifestyle change and not just a temporary thing to get the weight off.
—Tiffany
Wow…. this post, and website in its entirety, have been such an inspiration to me. Erika, you truly have no idea. I’m 25 years old, and have always struggled with my weight. It’s always been something nagging at me at the back of my mind, but I wasn’t ready to accept my current predicament, or really do anything about it. Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, such to the point that I’m on medication. When I was forced to go to the hospital early one morning due to tingling all over my body that I initially thought was a stroke, I realized that it was finally time for me to get my behind in gear and truly take care of this issue once and for all.
And now, I’m committed to changing and to an active, healthy lifestyle.
This website has provided me with so much information regarding healthy eating habits, and the importance of exercise. I am so excited to see my progress over the next several months. I currently weight 272, and my goal is to lose at least 100. It’s only been a few days since starting this journey, and I’ve already lost 2 lbs! I’m so surprised, excited, and happy! WOW!
Wish me luck! And good luck to all of you beautiful women striving to hit your goals, as well!
—ShugsAllDay
Erika,
I don’t kow you nor your religious beliefs and I am NOT trying to pawn mine off on you.
I just wanted to take a minute and say that I pray that God continue to give you strength, guidance and continued humility on your journey. Really the journey NEVER ends just goes to a different phase or different journey.
I pray that you are surrounded by people who love you, have your back, your best interest at heart and who will learn/know when to speak, when to be silent and that you will learn how to deal with ‘well meaning’ folk who may not be helping your journey.
I pray you continue to set goals (and reach them), experience new highs and get through (with grace and confidence) the lows. I pray most of all that you keep growing and NEVER stop learning!
Congratulations on such a great job …. so far!
Congratulations on the goals you have newly set and I pray that in 2 years… In 5 years… In 10 years… What you’ve learned and who you are continues to add valuable experiences to your life, that of your child and all whom you are around!
Many blessings! Thank you for being so open!
—Debbiestelle
My sister turned me on to this site and its great your doing great and real
ly inspire her through your health tips and dedication, OUTSTANDING JOB
—Charles
I have been reading your blog for a while now and you are definitely inspiring. I weigh 300 lbs. I recentley lost 10 pounds on weight watchers, but I quit. Im not sure what i am gonna do but weight watchers was working. I mean it works but i felt that i was still missing something and i was really unhappy. So i quit and I began to eat out again and im slowly putting the weight back on. My main goal is to be able to run, but im not sure that I can at 300 lbs. I do work out 2-3 times a week vigorously, I do step and tae bo and body combat. But im still stuck at 300 lbs. Do you think i should re- start the weight watchers program again?
—Mashonah
I just want to tell you that your site has given me so much inspiration. I was referred to the site by our mutual friend, Rachel F. Since her referral about 2 weeks ago, I have lost almost 10 pounds, given up a soda addiction, come a LONG way in dealing with a sugar addiction, and have tried to commit myself to clean eating. I am still working on getting up to regular exercising but your site always gives me a big motivation boost when I want a cookie or a sunkist.
My goals are:
1) get to the point where I am ok with one or two cookies and don’t need a whole row to feel satisfied
2) get a flat belly…. I’ve never had one
3) EVENTUALLY run a 5k (this one is gonna take awhile…. lol)
4) be able to wear shorts without getting huge blisters on my thighs… (TMI probably)
—Ebony
This was an excellent post per usual. When I first started my weight loss/get fit journey it was more about the number on the scale.
Now my goals are less about numbers (however in reaching them I think the numbers will change!!)
1. Run a 10 min mile. (So I can run 3 miles in half an hour!!!yaaaayyyyy! I can jog 2 miles in an hour
)
and then someday even master some of the harder poses
2. Learn to swim. Like actually swim, not doggie paddle about and then hop on to my husbands back when I get tired lol.
3. Jog up the 9 flights of stairs at my job and not want to pass out after the 5th floor.
Sidenote: in me just TRYING to do this, my legs are looking toned and defined. Like my scale may not be moving, but it’s super cool to see my body changing. Kinda freaky even!
4. Yoga- I want to go through the class without falling
—Danielle
Amazing job, Erika!!! You are truly inspirational and I know you will do great in the competition and in the marathon. Kudos to you!
My goals include:
1) Going from a size 12 to a 7
2) Losing 30 more pounds (note: I’ve lost 50 pounds slowly since 2008)
3) Winning the 2 Biggest Loser Competitions I’m competing in currently…I’m sorta struggling in the one at work (the other starts Monday at a local free fit club) b/c I’m doing a program that includes weights/toning exercises just as much as cardiovascular exercises and I’m losing inches versus pounds. I have pinpointed some areas for improvement, namely my weekend eating habits
. Any tips you all have, please share. I know that losing an inch off my waist this week is good, but I do have quite a bit more weight to lose and want to lose pounds as well (but only pounds of fat…not my muscles b/c I want to be toned 
).
4) Get a flat belly and a well toned booty
(maybe part of this is vanity but these attributes are also very healthy…it’s dangerous to have excess weight on your tummy).
Ladies, let’s all continue our journeys and keep up the great work. Thanks again, Erika for this awesome site that helps with motivation as well as wonderful information.
—Tiffanie
let’s see…
get rid of this belly..and reduce a few inches off my arms..im a 16..but would really like to be a 12-14. I have no desires to be smaller than a 12 really. I’m a tall sista (5’10) with a natural…so i kinda like “standing out”…but I’d rather my tummy not.
i hired a trainer a few months back for weight training and i’ve been doing consistent cardio for a few weeks now…im scared to step on a scale and be disapointed (i was 217 this time last year because i worked out and ate less junk/processed/sugary/salty/fatty foods…then went up to 238 by christmas of 2010 because i was taking classes after work for school so there was no gym time for months…not to mention eating fast food..AND eating it late)
so after a few months of seeing my way through
..a pair of jeans that used to be tight are a bit loose..tops are starting to loosen..but my belly ..aargghhh. It litterally talkes me about three to four months consistent work to even see and feel results. Its rough but..im going to push through.
—purplefro
You look amazing. I don’t know you but sooo proud of you. I am working on my goals as wel…congratulations and keep striving!!
—Tasha
You go head then girl!!!! I don’t know how long ago you posted this update, but you have done exceptionally well, and you are educating yourself along the way. I can tell you are a smart lady who is learning the emotional ups and downs that comes with losing a considerable amount of weight, achieving goals, and loving what you’ve done w/o becoming ‘too good’ (for lack of a better word). Anyway, I’m glad you did an update about YOU.
—Stefanie
This was really an on-time read. My goal was to get down from an 11 to a 9 and I did it but when I got there, it just was not what I remembered 9 to be. I love the fact that I was so consistent, ate better and exercised but now that I am here, I feel unmotivated to move any further because I’ve already reached the goal (and let’s face it, I’m a senior, I’m really busy) I’ve had in my mind since I started college 3 years ago and went from a trim 9 to a 15. I guess my new goal is a 7. I’m really trying to get motivated toward that new goal so I can get my get-up-and-go back.
—Olivia
Hi. I love love love loooooooovvvveeeee your blog!!!! I read it everyday.
I stumbled across it while browsing the internet and I am so glad I did. I have 57lbs to lose and I have been such a slacker where fitness and nutrition are concerned but I am taking baby steps to achieve my goals as I started bike riding 20 minutes per day this week. I am giving myself about 1 year to get to my goal or as close as possible. Thanks for being such an inspiration and you look fabulous!
—Khadine
Hi Erika,
I don’t know how old this original post is, but I’m so grateful to have found your site. I believe I have said this before, but there is so much information here, that if I’m not busy at work (which lately, I haven’t been), I can be on here almost all day looking for something new! What I like is that you are speaking on all aspects of your journey PLUS giving researched advice on different aspects of weight loss and healthy living in general. What a blessing you are to many!
Oh, and you posted (I don’t know how long ago) something about the black culture and how we are considered “different” if we don’t carry ourselves like our black peers (you didn’t used those words but…) and I notice day by day how different I feel sometimes because I choose to do things differently. But see, that’s ok because I’m living the best life God has given me and I’m doing my best. I am quite aware of my ‘blackness’. I love it! But I don’t have to be a statistic if I can help it. So again, thank you and I will post again soon. Thank you for your time.
P.S. I am on a weight loss journey – for many reasons – my highest weight was 262 pounds (I’m 5’3″). Now, I am approx 228 pounds and my first MAJOR milestone goal to hit is 199 pounds…Girl, I haven’t seen 199 since…well, I don’t remember (I’m 28 years old). But I’m getting there and I will keep you posted.
Stefanie
—Stefanie
First let me say you are AWESOME!!!!!
My first goal is to be healthy, I know I need to lose more weight but I am honestly not sure how much is enough. I have already gone from 230 to 195, so its a start. I would like to stop eating red meat and pork. Eat my 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies, drink 64 oz. of water and develop a healthy manageable weight training program. I gather that if I do those things the weight part should continue to work out . . . . I hope!
—Nafeesa
You don’t look good. You look DAMN good! Keep it up lady!
—Tiera
First of all you. Look. Good!!! You doing it let’s me know I can do it too. I have so many goals that I know I can accomplish I just need to get up and get going. I need consistency, I want to lose 5olbs (I’ve lost 15lbs), I want a flat and toned abdomen, run a 5k, and I want to rock a two piece bikini on South Beach (it sucks living in Miami, and not being able to wear a bikini).
—Tremilla