BE INSPIRED: Transiting Phat Girl Shares On Her Amazing Walk to Fitness

My name is Liz Taylor and I am a transiting FAT girl! There! I said it! I owned it, it’s out there and I cannot take it back; so it can only get better.

Although in place of ‘FAT’ I’d say PHAT meaning ‘Pretty Hot Amazing & Thick’ – I got that from Monique! That’s because irrespective of where you are, you need to keep it POSITIVE!

So, my story…why the need to lose weight? For starters, as at December 2012, I tipped the scale at 163 kg (conservatively) and was a UK 28. Yes, THREE BAGS of 50 kg Stallion rice…and some extra. That’s a lot for someone standing at 5′ 8″ (with no shoes).

My BMI put me in danger zone. I was morbidly obese. To itemize my why’s, my list would be something like this:

• Pre-diabetic
•  GERD – gastro esophageal reflux disease.
• Hypertensive (you don’t want to know the pile of BP drugs I was taking each day)
• Swollen feet (my shoe size jumped from UK 7.5 to UK 10)
• Aches in parts of my body that my 70+year old mom could relate to (back, neck, ankles, waist etc)
• Migraines (constantly)
• Sleep apnea
• Depression & Emotional issues (yes, the weight was affecting my social life – I no fit lie. It got so bad my doctor put me on anti-depressants)
• Professionally I was doing well, but I did not LOOK like a success.
• My dresses just did not fit.
• I felt really bad about myself.

In short, my life was a MESS. So bad, I couldn’t fit in an airplane seat. It was bad for my health, emotions, and bad for pocket. Imagine how much I was coughing up for medications, clothes, shoes and premium and business class seat!

I had hit ROCK BOTTOM. I knew I had to do something so that I wouldn’t die prematurely and end up like the man who buried his talent. I now believe that if you are not a good steward of your body you are like this lazy and ungrateful servant.

What changed? My attitude towards exercising and food – both quantity and quality. It’s been a long journey so far. A lot of ups and many more downs; but I am committed FOR LIFE!

That picture (left above) is what I looked like at my biggest in January 2013. The one below shows the progress in between the second one.

So, it is possible. However, I’ve found that losing weight is not a sprint either, it is a deliberate lifestyle change, but it only works if YOU work it. And maybe it’s not so much losing weight but becoming healthier.

I now work out five days a week – in addition to a personal trainer (it’s not as expensive as you think), I got a pedometer (Fitbit) so I track my steps, calories burned etc. With my PT I lift weights, do lots of cardio including boxing and other targeted regimes. Plus I do my best to eat healthier. I have not touched a sip or bottle of soft drink since January 2012.

With total gratitude to God, I’m glad to report that I have since lost a little over 50 kg, my feet are back to UK 7.5, I am no longer on BP meds (yes, you heard me), sleep apnea is a thing of the past. While I still struggle with GERD, I am hopeful…very hopeful. I still have about 30kg to go. I am currently a UK 18, my goal is UK 14. Is it doable? You tell me…

Liz Taylor is a certified Life and Executive Coach based in Abuja. She loves reading, writing and encouraging people. Liz is also the author of “45 Reasons Not to be Ordinary” and “Contemplations: Echoes of the Deep”. Connect with her on her Facebook pages: “Drop It 4 Life” or “Eva Wright”.

Her inspiring story was first published by Dr. Toyin Bode-Abass, a proud Wife and Mom, Medical Doctor, Women Empowerment Advocate, Wellness Coach, Integrative Medicine Consultant, Icon of Womanhood, Writer and Blogger on her blog – http://www.fitnesswithdrtba.com. Visit her blog for more inspiring features.