Many times, when you see those weight loss shows where a person loses over a 100 pound weight loss, there are comments all over the internet that say “well, if I wasn’t as busy and focused on weight loss, then I could probably do the same thing.” Or there are people who are skeptical if “real” people can lose all that weight and keep it off. Well, Selena is one of them.
This year marks her 10 years of losing weight and keeping it off. No reality shows. No big show around her weight loss. Just hard work to keep it off. How much weight did she lose you ask? Well, she went from 371 pounds to 150 pounds, losing over 220 pounds! But the big thing is, she’s able to keep it off. A total lifestyle change and determination to be around for her son helps her keep it off. Here’s Selena’s story in her own words.
TAKE A LOOK: God Helped Me Lose Nearly 200 Pounds!
BDO: Was there a defining moment that made you want to lose weight and get healthy?
Selena: Yes, in 1997, when my biological father died at the age of 42 from heart disease I was tipping the scales at 371 lbs and I knew I needed to make a change.
BDO: What was/is your biggest hurdle in staying healthy?
Selena: My biggest hurdle is potatoes and consist exercise. Recently, my doctor told me that I need to exercise 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. I’m working on the exercise part but the potatoes keep calling me. Lol
BDO: If someone wanted to lose weight and keep it off, what 3 things would you tell them?
Selena:
These are things that I have done and continue to do that I would recommend
1. See a nutritionist and structure a plan for your needs (everybody’s goal is not the same)
2. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s journey (someone else’s chapeter 20, may be your chapter 1)
3. Be patient with yourself (it’s going to take time, you can do it)
BDO: How has your relationships changed?
Selena: That’s an interesting question. My theme song is Doubt by Mary J. Blige. Like Mary says “I’ve lost a lot of friends, I’ve sacrificed a lot.” Some “friends” that didn’t know my heart said that I changed and we aren’t friends off Facebook anymore, which is cool. When you learn to love yourself it’s easy to let folks go.
As far as dating is concerned, I learned how superficial the world really is. I used to show men a picture of me when I was heavier and I asked “would you date her?” if the answer was “no” then I was offended. Part of me was still…
…attached to that person. Kudos to my friend LaVon Thomas telling me to stop living in who I was and walk in who I am now. When and/or if I date it’s with an open mind.
I think the major change is that I’m quieter now. I’m a people watcher and I don’t feel the need to be the life of the part or to keep people laughing so my weight won’t be an issue.
BDO: Did your weight loss change you as a parent?
Selena: Yes, because I have more energy, more get-up-and-go to things with my son than I did before. And it has changed me because I’m more aware of what it’s like to be mistreated.
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