My journey

Hey guys...since the AJC article had to be condensed, the reporter could not print everything I wrote. I've decided to share it here in it's entirety with you guys.

Current weight: 126 pounds
>Total Pounds lost: 101 pounds

>Height: 5' 2"

>How long you’ve kept it off: I began my weight loss journey in April, 2007. I reached my goal weight in May, 2009 although I'd still like to lose another 10 pounds.

>Personal life: I am the owner of Bella Grace Interiors -Interior Design firm in Lawrenceville, GA. (www.bellagraceinteriors.com) I am also in the process of opening a Personal Training/Fitness studio with my trainer, Jermaine Johnson. It will be called Smokehouse Fitness and will be located in the Gwinnett County area. Additionally, I am studying to become a certified Personal Trainer through NASM. I am also a singer and I do special events and engagements throughout Atlanta and North Carolina. I would love to tour someday. I am married to Tony and we have 3 children, Gracie, Brandon and Olivia who are my angels!

>Turning point: I finally got sick of being sick, tired and fat! I had gone to have a physical, and for the first time, my blood pressure was elevated. I knew then, that all of the self inflicted illnesses so prevalent in our society, would not be far away for me. I decided right then and there to change my life. Right about that same time, Bob Greene's Best Life Diet book was released and I read an excerpt in the Oprah magazine while traveling on vacation. The book was a Godsend for me because it reached me. The book taught me how to eat, when to eat, what to eat and it made the entire process simple and to the point. I highly recommend this book as a starting point! The next thing that happened to hurry me along my journey, was that a local gym opened less than a mile from my house. It was a gym with no contracts and only $14 per month! I made a silent promise to God right there in the parking lot of the new gym, that if He would help me, I would sign up immediately. I did and the rest is history!

>Diet plan: The Bob Greene Best Life diet which isn't a diet! It is a healthy lifestyle eating plan- something that you will need to do for the rest of your life. I basically eat 5-6 mini-meals per day. I eat high fiber foods because they keep me full longer and aid in digestion. I try to incorporate at least one protein/fresh fruit shake per day after my weight training workouts. I cut out red meat, fried foods, processed foods, unhealthy salty snacks, pork and added more fresh veggies, fresh fruits, nuts in moderation, lean turkey, fish and chicken. I use a little olive oil to saute my food because it has the healthy fats(Omega-3 fatty acids). A typical breakfast is turkey sausage or lean deli turkey slices, one slice of Nature's Own Double Fiber bread with a bit of fresh strawberry spread and a piece of fruit- banana or nectarine. Lunch might include a grilled chicken salad or a piece of grilled Tilapia (prepared on my George Foreman grill), raw or steamed broccoli and fruit. Then a protein shake. A snack/mini-meal would be 2 pieces of fruit or half a bag of fat free popcorn. Dinner- is usually my lightest meal of the day- so it might be a simple salad with low fat dressing on the side and only dipping my fork into it sparingly for less fat and calories or a small piece of fish with green veggies.

>Exercise routine: I hit the gym 6-7 days a week. I do a mix of cardio, plyometrics, weight training and yoga/ballet. Weight training is my favorite thing. For cardio, I do interval training at local walking trails- where I run as fast and as far as I can, then alternate walking. I do circuit training at the gym and right now I am lifting fairly heavy for my size at about 50 pound weights on my squats and bench pressing about 45 pounds. I always end each weight training session with yoga stretches, ballet excercises and core work. My favorite exercises are the basics- push ups - I do 100 per workout 4 days a week, the plank in variation, jumping jacks and jumping rope. Plyometrics are a great way to burn extra calories and firm up the lower body while getting a great cardio workout as well! Try the jump squat.

>Biggest challenge: I fell in love with working out- so that was the easy part after I began to lose weight. But, initially I was so fat, that it was painful to walk on the treadmill. My knees hurt and I would be winded very easily. Once I read Bob Greene's book, the problem of not knowing what to eat, was solved.

>Munchie antidote: I reach for healthy snacks-usually fresh fruit, oatmeal, a protein shake with fresh fruit, a slice of double fiber toast with lean meat, etc. I find that if you make sure to eat throughout the day, it staves off hunger. I also try to drink as much water as I can (with lemon, of course!).

>Secret to success: There is no secret. Nor is there an easy way. You must make a DECISION to change your life. It all begins with a DECISION!! > You must do what it takes- get off the sidelines and get back into the game! Life is passing you by- Change your life. Put in the work and it will pay off. Your decision to live your best life will be the best choice you've ever made. Do it the tried and true way- no diets, no gimmicks, just "move more and eat less"!

How life has changed:Everything is completely different now!! I feel like a butterfly who has finally come out of her cocoon!! I have been given a second chance at life. I wake up everyday with renewed vigor and eager to get out there and LIVE!! Before, I was fat, depressed and hated my life. Now, I feel that I can accomplish all the goals I'd put aside years ago. My emotional happiness has increased tremendously since the weight loss. I am now able to help others with my story and hopefully with the opening of our Personal training studio, I will be able to help on a grander scale. I am in the process of studying for my NASM personal training certifcation as well! I will soon be a Trainer and can transform lives. Some other perks have been regaining my love of all things fashion! Shoes, accessories, fab outfits= are all now within my reach! It feels great to walk into a store, pick up an outfit and know that it will fit. I started out wearing a size 18/20 and I am now a size 4. Lots of my size 4 items are fitting loosely, too! so, it's been fun buying a new wardrobe. I have clothes in every size that I will be selling- as I've lost weight, I've had to buy a few things along the journey. I plan to stay at a 4, so let the shopping begin!!! Other small things that happened are that my fingers got smaller- so now most of my rings are too small and my shoe size dropped down from a size 6 to a 5-1/2!! But mostly, I am who I always was. I have just found myself again and now, I am ME!!


>Cooking and dining tips or Favorite healthy recipe or Quick dinner tip: When eating out, try to only eat half of what is served. Take the rest home and eat it the next day. Or, eat only 1/2 of the bun, if you order a turkey burger or deli sandwich to cut calories. Always order sandwiches dry- no mayo or other creamy dressings! Choose water instead of sodas or other sugar laden drinks. Opt for healthy sides - replace french fries with steamed broccoli, asparagus or a side salad. Remember, most full fat dressings are just that- FULL OF FAT! choose low fat or fat free dressings and still only use by dipping your fork in the dressing then into the salad. Also- get rid of all white flour products and switch to Whole wheat breads, pasta, and brown rice! The first ingredient on the bag of bread should say whole wheat- not ENRICHED anything!! Use skim milk instead of full fat milk. Keep healthy snacks, fruits and nuts on hand and never let yourself get hungry- that's when we make poor food choices! Lastly, once you begin to lose the weight, treat yourself to a new purse, shoes or a night out on the town to celebrate! Most of all, love yourself through your "cocoon phase" because your metamorphosis is right around the corner!! You can do this!!