GOALS! and a SECRET REVEALED!!!!

By Yvette | April 3, 2012 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments

Me, March 2012...Hard Work Continues

It’s been a minute since I have been on my blog. My life has been moving at a twister’s pace! However, I have managed to stay focused on my FAVORITE HOBBY…WORKING OUT! I have been holding steady at 105 pounds lost, but my body has been stubborn on losing more weight. What boggles me is that I have ACTUALLY GOTTEN SMALLER! I can wear a SIZE 10 (depending on the cut) and my size 12 clothes are becoming baggy. This has been a mystery! I’ve stopped weighing myself because it can get a bit annoying week to week. Instead, I decided to start weighing myself monthly or if my trainer decides to weigh me when we have a session.

Although the scale hasn’t budged, my body is becoming more and more sculpted and defined. I am amazed at it. Everyday, I look at myself to see what has changed, and what I need to change. It makes me work harder. It makes me want to sweat more. It makes me want to KEEP PUSHING. Now, there is a reason why I have seen this tremendous transformation because I have been keeping a BIG SECRET…I HAVE BEEN TRAINING TO COMPETE IN MY FIRST AMATEUR POWERLIFTING MEET!!!!!!!!! Yep, I said it. I, Yvette Michelle Nathan-Jones, is training to become a POWERLIFTER. Some of you all may be happy for me, and some of you all may wish me nothing but misfortune, but that’s OK. My life is in GOD’S HANDS and what he has for me WILL BE FOR ME.

When I first started training with my coach, Brad Hill, husband of my trainer, Katrina Hill, I questioned my intent. I thought I was being overambitious to take on such a daunting task, but after all I have been through, I have learned TO NEVER DOUBT MYSELF. As a result, I decided to keep pressing. My coach believed in me, my husband and kids believed in me, so it was IMPERATIVE THAT I BELIEVED IN ME! I must admit, it has been very challenging-the heavy weights, the constant reps, practicing technique, and seeing how far you can push your body. At the same time, it’s INVIGORATING, A RUSH!!! Especially when I successfully complete a lift.

So now, it’s April, and I have set some goals for myself:

1. Lose my last 20 pounds (165) by my birthday, December 9th

2. Compete in my first Powerlifting Competition in 2013

3. Start writing about my weight loss journey

Ok, so it’s official. These are the 3 major goals I have set for myself. I don’t expect them to be easy, but it can be done.

If you are reading this, and you feel like all hope is lost, and that your life has no meaning or purpose, IT’S A LIE!!!! Your life DOES HAVE A PURPOSE! For those out there who are heavy, obese, and are just ready to call it quits on trying to lose weight or on life itself…PLEASE, PLEASE, DON’T QUIT! YOUR LIFE HAS A PURPOSE ALSO!!!! Ask God to give you strength and discipline to try again. Ask God to surround you with positive people that will whole-heartedly support you through your UPS and your DOWNS. Find something that inspires and motivates you to push yourself OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE such as your children, your spouse, or having better health. PLEASE!!!! DON’T GIVE UP!

YOUR LIFE IS WORTH IT…

 

2011…A LOOK BACK

By Yvette | January 1, 2012 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | 8 Comments

It’s been quite some time since I’ve last blogged, but once school started back in August 2011, I got swamped with various tasks and duties. However, my workout DID NOT SUFFER! I stayed focus and I have achieved my goal of LOSING 100 POUNDS! However, I’m not stopping there. I have a goal weight of 165 pounds, so I have approximately 20 pounds left to lose. So, as you can see, the JOURNEY IS NOT OVER. I still believe there are more chapters to add.

The pictures below are just a sample of one of the biggest events I participated in during 2011…The AJC Peachtree Road Race. This was my second year running. I had so much fun! I just wanted to share a few pics of that weekend. In addition to running this 5K, I ran another in August called the Midnight Express in Columbus, GA and shaved minutes off of my time. I also ran in the TWILIGHT FOR AUTISM 5K in November (yeah, it was cold) and shaved off even more time! I plan to begin running again in February and follow my “run a 5K a month” regiment again.  I was also featured in a online magazine called RESILIENT LIVING by MECHELL CLARK. 2011 was a good year, but 2012 WILL BE EVEN BETTER! Why? NEW and EXCITING VENTURES AWAIT ME, and I don’t plan to disappoint.

Please read the link below:

My Weight Loss Story

 

The Peachtree Road Race Expo-Atlanta, GA


6

My TaTT!

 

RUN DISNEY...I have to try this one by 2013

Before the Race-6am 

The Route

 

Only if you FINISH!!

U GOTTA TRY THIS!!! July 1, 2011

By Yvette | July 1, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments

I never thought that becoming a vegetarian would be an option for me, but I have not closed my mind off from it. I still like to eat meat, but it is not a necessity. I won’t get withdrawals or develop an attitude if I go a day without eating meat unlike some people I know *cough* (Clarence E. Jones).  As a result, I tried a brand new item from MorningStar Farms. It’s their new Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuits. A flaky buttermilk biscuit filled with egg, cheese, and veggie sausage crumbles. Yes, veggie sausage. Friends, I must say, the sausage doesn’t taste any different than any other sausage I’ve eaten before. As a whole, the breakfast biscuit is extremely tasty with only 270 calories. I couldn’t believe I was eating something labeled “vegetarian” as I took each delectable bite. It only took 45 seconds for my breakfast biscuit to heat up in the microwave which is a bonus for those who are on the go in the morning. My only gripe about this item is that it was a tad bit dry on my initial taste test. To alleviate that problem, I would simply dab a pat of butter or butter substitute on it, and the problem was solved. Each pack comes with three veggie sausage biscuits. If you like bacon, MorningStar Farms also offers a veggie bacon biscuit with egg and cheese as well. Now, we all know healthy eating does not come cheap, so be prepared to spend between $3.00-4.00 on this product depending on where you shop. Check your local Sunday newspaper for coupons, because it is a brand new item, I was able to redeem $1.00 off! Every little bit counts!

HAPPY EATING MY “ALMOST” VEGETARIANS!!!

Yvette

U GOTTA TRY THIS!

Always check the NUTRITION FACTS! Make sure it’s good for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UMM...SO GOOD AND HEALTHY!!

 

COMING SOON! AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE BLOG!!!! STAY TUNED!!!

Losing Weight, Finding Me-June 13, 2011-”ONLY THE STRONG”

By Yvette | June 14, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | 5 Comments

It’s easy to quit. When a situation becomes difficult, and you have chosen not to place any more effort into it, it’s even easier to say, “I don’t want do that anymore.” In my experience, I have come to learn that people quit projects out of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of rejection. Fear of disappointment. Fear of FAILURE.

Bootcamp this evening was a test of not only wits, but of stamina. What we were required to do today pushed my limits because I was tired. I had just finished aerobics, and I could have gone home, but I wanted it, so I stayed. It’s never easy, and there are days that I’m hesitant about what we’ll be doing, but the drive that radiates from my fellow KBHers (my workout crew), helps me to push harder, and to conquer my fears. You see, I could have quit along time ago, when things got rough. For example, I could have quit after my first bootcamp experience in September 2009. I remember when we had to run up a hill, and I couldn’t do it, but my trainer’s husband took my hand and walked me through it. I could have quit when I tried my first aerobics class. I didn’t like the idea of all of my fat deposits jiggling up and down. I couldn’t keep up with the exercises, but there were people who encouraged me during that pain-staking class. I could have quit after my first personal training session. I woke up at 4am, and at 5am, I subjected my body to a punishment it had never, ever, EVER experienced before. My body retaliated by delivering to me a headache that I had never, ever, EVER experienced before. My body was pissed off! She later yelled in disgust, “What the HELL are you doing?! Don’t you know we don’t do this?! THIS… MUST… STOP, YVETTE! NOW!” I could have listened, out of fear that my body wasn’t ready to cooperate with this venture, but I didn’t. Finally, I could have quit after a day I weighed in and was not pleased with the result. Maybe I didn’t lose enough weight, or I gained weight, or I stayed the same. Guess what? I didn’t quit.

I’ve suffered through sore and pulled muscles. I have even been a victim of sleep deprivation, but I have refused to quit. There’s something else I’ve noticed; Negativity is constant. It’s not going anywhere. People continuously try to break your spirit with nasty comments. “Girl/Boy, you’re way too fat to try to workout now.” “Oh, so you’re working out and you’re acting funny now?” “How come you can’t eat that? You on a diet or something?” Yeah, I’ve heard them all, but guess what, I don’t quit. They only do it because they want the success that I’m basking in. Allow your FEAR to fed your appetite for success. Especially in this active lifestyle/weight loss journey, let your fears challenge you and make you stronger.

I’ve seen people come and go throughout these almost two years of my weight loss journey, but ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE. Why? Simple, through it all, WE DON’T QUIT.

 

 

U GOTTA TRY THIS!!!!

By Yvette | June 7, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments
AN AWESOME SMOOTHIE WITH A BOOST

Let’s get NAKED!!! Ha! Get your mind out of the gutter! I’m talking about a wonderful smoothie that my trainer, Katrina B. Hill of KBH Fitness, (www.kbhfit.com) introduced me to. It’s called Naked Juice. This brand ranges from ordinary juices to smoothies and smoothies with a boost. I happened to be in my local Winn Dixie when I spotted them in the produce section. There were so many to choose from, and they were $2.99 each. Needless to say, after looking at the price, I started to walk away, but I decided to try some anyhow. I purchased two: the green machine, and the red machine.

After just one sip, I was hooked! I was really impressed with the fact that there are no sugars added, it’s 100% juice with no preservatives, and that it’s an all natural product. The Red Machine (my favorite) is what Naked calls a BOOSTED 100% JUICE SMOOTHIE. That means while it’s made of strawberries, raspberries, and other fruit, a boost is included with the help of flax seed, omega-3, vitamin B12, and many others.

I decided to use this energy smoothie as a substitution for breakfast or dinner here and there, but not on a daily basis. Why, you ask? Katrina, my trainer, informed me that although the smoothie is HEALTHY, it has a lot of sugar. She also added that while Naked Juice is all natural, the sugar will ADD up. Katrina also mentioned that a Naked Juice is OK intermittently, but stick to staple breakfast foods such as oatmeal, eggs, and toast. These are key whole grain meals.

So, I only take advantage of my RED MACHINE maybe once a week. The bottle includes two servings, so I may drink half of it one day and drink the other half another day during the week. The back of the bottle indicates the serving size of fruit and boost that go in each drink.

Are you ready to get NAKED? If so, head out to your nearest Winn Dixie or Walmart and try one of the 10,000 (at least it seems like that many) flavors Naked Juice has to offer. If you are looking for a quick meal substitution every now and then try a “MACHINE” drink. Visit their website www.nakedjuice.com to discover everything they have to offer.

Enjoy!

ALL THAT HEALTHY GOOD STUFF IS LISTED ON THE BACK FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The views expressed on this blog are solely opinions of Losing Weight, Finding Me. Please consult with your physician before performing any action or before trying any product*

Losing Weight, Finding Me – DRUG FREE!!!

By Yvette | May 28, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | 9 Comments

Yes, I am drug free. I am no longer a user. I am no longer co-dependent upon prescription medication to sustain viability.  I am drug free, and it feels good!

For the last five years, I have been a sufferer of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. I will never forget that moment when my doctor informed me that I would have to begin taking THREE medications to manage my illnesses. Before he left the exam room, he said, ” You know when you go to fast food restaurants, you don’t always have to buy the value meal. A person can settle for the kids’ meal as well.” I was mortified. I was embarrassed. I was now a slave to prescription drugs, and if I did not follow the directions of my “owner”, I would place my life in jeopardy.

Now, let’s fast forward to Friday, May 27, 2011, I visited my doctor today to plead with him in either changing my medication to generic, or either begin weening me off of my medications because I can’t afford them any longer. To my surprise, he took me COMPLETELY OFF of ALL THREE! He told me how proud he was of my weight loss. According to my chart, I was 283 pounds when I first met his acquaintance. My doctor also asked me if I could come back and tell his other patients, the non-believers, that it IS possible to lose weight. It took every ounce of composure I could muster not to break down in tears in front of my doctor. I managed to save my emotional outbreak until I reached the car.

So, as you can see, today was a good day. I worked out with my trainer, I weighed in at 198 pounds, and I became drug free. In addition, I am able to share my story with you. Listen, don’t ever sell yourself short. Don’t ever say that you can’t do something. Don’t become a naysayer because if you believe you can’t, you won’t.

 

Yvette

 

 

Me...Drug Free!!! 198 pounds

Losing Weight, Finding Me – April 7, 2011 “The Dreaded P-Word”

By Yvette | May 24, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments

Dare I say it? I believe I had reached a P-L-A-T-E-A-U! UGH! However, I have not allowed that to distract me from what has to be done. Let me take you back, January 2011 through March 2011 has been full of emotional ups and downs. The main culprit for the emotional roller coaster ride is credited to WORK. Work has been stressful, very stressful, and at the beginning of the new year up until now, it had consumed much of my time. As a result, my workout regiment changed and things became stagnant.

 

Now, what’s odd is that I was still losing SOMETHING. Not sure if it was weight, but something. The inches continued to come off and my clothes were continuing to get bigger. For example, my extra-large shirts were beginning to look like maternity shirts. My size 14 jeans were sagging in ungodly places and I had to go down a size. Hey, I was ecstatic, but I was having a hard time comprehending exactly WHY the scale would not COOPERATE!

 

I didn’t gain any weight. I just did not lose the average 10 pounds per month that I was doing previously. So, naturally, I got frustrated.  I changed up my eating, but there were no significant results (not like I wanted anyway). I allowed outside influences to distract me which made me even more frustrated. I found myself spiraling into the abyss of despair…not a good place to be.

 

BUT!!!! I decided not to allow myself to be defined by the negativity of this world. I decided to push through and stay focused because I have a goal to reach. The drama that I endure on a daily basis will be there. It’ll even be there when

I ‘m dead and gone, so I have chosen not to sweat it, but to move on from it…to let it go…

 

During my Spring Break, which is now, April 2-April 11, I have worked my BUTT OFF!! Trina implemented some new strategies for me to use during the week to help move out of the 2′s. It has taken perseverance and commitment, folks, but I am overjoyed!!! As of this morning, April 7, 2011…I AM 197 POUNDS!!!! 197 POUNDS!!! I HAVEN’T SEEN THOSE NUMBERS FOR 13 YEARS!!!!!

 

ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU, LORD!!! YOU HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO ME…EVEN WHEN I FALL SHORT…(give me a moment)…..

 

A special THANK-YOU to everyone who has been supporting me…it’s not over. The next goal is 190 lbs which will give me a GRAND TOTAL OF 100 POUNDS LOST. After that, 165 pounds is the next one. Stay with me. The journey is on-going. I see a dim light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s not bright enough. For everyone out there on their on health journey, DON’T QUIT!!! DON’T QUIT!!! HE WON’T LET YOU FALL…

 

KEEP GRINDIN’

 

VETTE

 

SHOUT OUT TO “DA BEST TRAINER IN DA WORLD”…KATRINA BUTLER HILL-AUTHOR www.kbhfit.com

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO “MY BOO”…CLARENCE E. JONES-SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND

 

 

HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE…HARD! CLOSED MOUTHS DON’T GET FED ON THIS BOULEVARD!!!-ACE HOOD, my theme song

Losing Weight, Finding Me – February 20, 2011 “Hi Haterz”

By Yvette | May 24, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments

So, life is changing for me. My family is getting healthier and more active as each month passes. BOTH DAUGHTERS want to become serious ballers (Kaylen FINALLY came on board, get ready Uncle Brad), my husband is getting his work out on-trying to get “swollen” to intimidate future suitors that will be stepping to my “divas”, and I can get into a size 12/14. So life should be great. Right?

 

What I did not expect or prepare for was the “haterade”. I had NO IDEA that there would be haterz so close to home. People that I have been down with for a long time, will look me up and down and keep it moving, as if they don’t even know me. I have been ignored and talked about. Some ask, “Don’t you think you have lost enough?” Or they will say, “Now, don’t start looking like you anorexic.”  I could go on and on with the absurb comments and the ignorant actions that some people have displayed as I have traveled on this journey.

 

As a result, I felt compelled to address this issue. I talked to someone today who was experiencing the same treatment and I am sure there are many more. So here it is, MISERY LOVES COMPANY, and I REFUSE TO JOIN YOU! How dare you attempt to make light of or belittle someone who is committed to prolonging their life? It takes HARD WORK for me and many others to do what we do, so if you DON’T WANT TO DO IT or YOU CAN’T DO IT then DON’T throw salt on the games of those WHO CAN!! I’m just saying, YOU, can do whatever you put your mind to, but instead of getting in the game and changing YOUR LIFESTYLE, you have DECIDED to become…a HATER…HI HATER!

 

I have chosen not to entertain you and neither will the rest of my people who are grinding daily to become “FAT FREE”. However, when I’m struggling to finish that last rep, I WILL THINK ABOUT YOU. When I feel like I can’t give my all, I WILL THINK ABOUT YOU.  When temptation comes my way, I WILL THINK ABOUT YOU. And finally, when I slide into that oh so small size of True Religion Jeans, I WILL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU! So, let me just thank you in advance and also on behalf of everyone else who is on this same journey with me. All you have done is made us STRONGER and MORE WILLING to give you more to hate on. Remember, NO PAIN, STAY LAME…that was for you.

 

Hi Hater…BYE HATER…

 

Love Yourself,

 

Yvette

Losing Weight, Finding Me – December 21, 2010 “Sexy Swag Movement Continues”

By Yvette | May 24, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments

It’s December 21, 2010. It’s been 15 months since I began working out with KBH Fitness, and I am just blown away. I’ve lost a grand total of 80 pounds and I now wear a size 14. I weigh 210 lbs with a newly changed goal weight of 165, compliments of my trainer Katrina B Hill…thanks (with as much sarcasm as I can muster…LOL!)

 

This “ish” has NOT BEEN EASY!! I have been PUSHED to my EXTREME limits on a daily basis. Every time I think I have mastered one type of exercise, I’d be damned that she comes up with another that I have to learn to do. She has also increased the amount of weights I work with. No more 10s, it’s all about those 15s and 20s with unforgiving reps! Yeah, I’m a “boi” as she refers to us women she trains.

 

As I am typing now, my traps are sore, my triceps are screaming, my back muscles are complaining, and my abs are cussing me out, but when I slide on those SUPER SKINNY JEANS…hell, I have nothing to complain about. When I hit the mall and I don’t have to walk anywhere near the women’s section, I have nothing to complain about. When my students tell me that I look 27-28 and that I can not POSSIBLY be 36, I have nothing to complain about. I simply get my mind right for the next workout session, because there are goals to be met.

 

This week, (Christmas Week) I had to grind four days straight of Personal Training (not to mention Bootcamp and Aerobix).  It was hard, very hard. By Friday, I had a ripe attitude and Trina knew it. That didn’t stop her from pushing me, though. It actually was quite comical to her. She has been doing this long enough to realize not to take my attitude personally, it’s just the fatigue talking, but I keep grinding.

 

In 2011, I can not be complacent! I must continue to work if not harder. I don’t know what this year is going to bring me, but what I do know is that I intend on having a BANGING BODY and be that chic that turns all heads…that’s my goal. I want to thank my KBH FAMILY for all of their support throughout my journey thus far. When I had to be checked, they did it, when I needed encouragement, they provided it, when I needed love, they gave it to me unconditionally. Jenny Craig nor Weight Watchers will NEVER TOP THIS KIND OF SUPPORT SYSTEM! I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! However, I would like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to my BIGGEST SUPPORTER…MR CLARENCE JONES. CJ has been by my side every step of the way. Those days that I cried like a baby because I just felt like I didn’t have the energy to go train, he was there to comfort me and to encourage me to keep pushing. Thank you, Papi.

 

For those who are trying to decide on whether they are going to get active for the new year, it shouldn’t be hard to figure out. Becoming physically active and losing excess weight adds years to your life. Not only that, the rush of energy you receive is off the chain!

 

You know who you are, the journey is NOT EASY. I’ll say it again. The journey IS NOT EASY, but it is VERY REWARDING. Take the time to put yourself first. Go walking or jogging. Watch your portion sizes. Eat a salad when you go out to eat. Better yet, cook at home. Ween yourself from fried foods. The possibilities are endless! JUST…START…SOMEWHERE…TODAY!!!

 

A  NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU!!!!

 

YVETTE

THE SEXY SWAG MOVEMENT CONTINUES…

 

 

 

Losing Weight, Finding Me – Sept. 2, 2010 “Happy Anniversary”

By Yvette | May 24, 2011 | Losing Weight, Finding Me | No comments

This month makes my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY since I began this journey with KBH Fitness. As I click on each picture month after month, all I can say is WOW! THANK YOU, LORD!!! My life has changed dramatically since I’ve adopted this active lifestyle. I have dropped almost 60 lbs, I have gone from a size 24 to a size 16, I have AMAZING endurance and strength, and my agility is just off the chain! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my life would be this way. My family has also chosen to adopt an active, healthy lifestyle as well. I honestly think that is what I am the most excited about! A special SHOUT OUT to my oldest daughter, Jasmyne “Born Ready” Jones who works out intensively 3 times a week (2 of those days with her Unkah Brad) to become a better basketball player, and still manages to make A’s during her first year in middle school!!!!

 

I am not going to lie to you. The journey has been hard. I have shed tears. I have shed blood. I have shed buckets of sweat. Nothing worth having comes easy is what I have been told before. I am a believer in that proverb. There are days when I am sore and want to quit, but I don’t. There are days when my mind is not where it should be and I want to quit, but I don’t. There are days when I don’t feel like giving my all, but I don’t. You see, I have made a commitment to myself to see this “thing” through. As a result, my commitment to MY LIFE has placed strains on friendships and has produced HATERS, but most importantly, my commitment has placed me in a situation where I am surrounded by people who love and care about me, genuinely.

 

Those days of wanting to commit suicide because I was too fat and unhappy are long gone. I love my life. However, recognize that your MINDSET HAS TO CHANGE BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE DOES. The weight did not fall off in a month. I was still obese during this process and I still had to look at myself in the mirror DAILY, but instead of hating myself I began loving myself. I began making positive comments to myself to encourage my endeavor.

 

Now, I am far from my goal which is 180 pounds (I’m sure Trina will have something to say about that), but I like what I see. I still have problem areas, there is still fat I need to melt away, and I am still considered OBESE as deemed by the medical world. Knowing all of this, still does not effect my thinking. Why? Because this time, I have my eye on the prize! I have a goal to achieve! I have chosen not to make excuses for not going after it! I WANT IT!!!!!!! I WANT EXTRA YEARS ADDED TO MY LIFE!!!!

 

The journey is not over. Stay with me. For those who have become inspired due to my frankness and transparency, know that you inspire me also. We are in this together. Don’t quit on me, because I am not going to quit on you. Don’t allow “life” to throw you a curve ball. Knock that shit right out of the park anyway!!!!

 

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to try on these size 14 jeans and determine what I need to work on to get in them by December 9th. I told you…IT NEVA STOPS!!!!!

KEEP GRINDIN,

VETTE

KBH FITNESS….DA TRUTH!!!!

 

September 2009

September 2010

 

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