(Photo Credit: TheWeighWeWere.com)
How many times have we used the phrase, you’re just “big-boned?” Or he or she is just “big?” Sometimes, we use these phrases, but don’t really know what we’re saying over our life our over the life of someone we know. Those are the words that Tanisha thought about her whole life. But it wasn’t until she thought about life and death, that her attitude about what she thought about herself changed. And after being nearly 400 pounds, she lost over 100 pounds and continues to lose! Instead of telling you her story, here’s Tanisha in her own words:
“I was overweight from childhood,” admits Tanisha on The Weigh We Were. Despite knowing my family history of diabetes and hypertension, I never attempted to really lose the weight, and that became my downfall. I loved eating out — Chinese and fast food were my favorites. On any weekend, I could easily order two lunch specials and watch Lifetime all day. I never drank water, and I over-indulged in fruit juice. In 2011, I became pregnant (I later had a miscarriage), and within the first three months of the pregnancy, I gained at least 20 pounds. The weight just added to my already large frame. My life was spiraling out of control, but I felt if the weight could not come off quickly, I must be meant to be big.”
“On October 15, 2012, I stepped on the scale and when it did not register a number, I instantly became miserable and depressed. I sat on the side of the bed and read the box the scale came in. It indicated the maximum weight was 350 pounds. All I could take in was that meant I was nearing 400 pounds. Immediately, I became angry with myself, but I used that anger to throw everything out of the house if it was unhealthy. I went to the supermarket and purchased only healthy items. I refused to allow myself to fall into a deep depression because I knew it would lead to me becoming heavier. I remember that night and will never forget it because it made me realize I had two choices: change or die!”
“At first, I had no plan. I just started to change what I put into my body. Since I was no stranger to diets and weight-loss programs, I knew it was time to go the old-fashioned route. For a moment, I did consider surgery. I had tried twice before, but was denied because I did not have any major medical issues. Ultimately, I decided it was best to…
… avoid that path altogether. I did a lot of research and learned what I needed to do. I ultimately counted my calories, increased my fiber and drank close to 100 ounces of water daily. I hate the gym, so I found fun Zumba videos on YouTube and that became my exercise at home.”
“By the third month, I had lost the first 30 pounds and was continuing to find what worked for me. I planned and prepared my meals and took snacks with me. I no longer feared food, and I did not eat only salads. During my research, I found recipes online and found a network of others who were on a healthy living journey. We supported one another. My life has definitely changed for the better overall — in every aspect.”
“During this transition, I became a resource to others. I am an instructor at a medical assistant program in Brooklyn, NY, and many of my students came to me for assistance as they sought a healthier lifestyle, too. By May 2013, I was motivated to start my own weight loss coaching program to help others as they embark on this same journey.”
“Once I lost the first 50 pounds, I knew losing 100 pounds was definitely in my future. In the beginning, I did not believe I could lose 100 pounds, so I set my initial goal to being able to read my weight on the scale — that came in three or four days. Then I said I wanted to lose at least 30 pounds, but as I continued to stay motivated, I got closer to my long-term goal of 100 pounds. On October 12, 2013, I achieved my goal! My next goals are to lose another 50 pounds and run my first 5K. I am definitely proud of myself, because my weight has always been my biggest challenge.”
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
