Belly Progress Pictures - From 250 Pounds to 218 Pounds

This is beyond hard. NO ONE gets to see my belly but after weighing in at 218 pounds today I thought it was time for some progress pictures. Of course I don't have a flat stomach, and I may never have one, but I see a huge difference and I'm proud of myself. It's taking longer than expected, but I haven't stopped!

Nik

Introducing Guest Poster KQ Smith!

Hey Ya’ll I am so happy to be joining you on your journey with NikGetsFit. But before we jump into anything I just want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to Nikki for giving me this opportunity to be here and share with you all!! She’ll never know how much this means to me.

Soooooooo I guess I should just jump right on in and tell ya about myself and why I’m joining ya’ll. . .For starters my real name is Kenisha, although somehow I gained a nickname a few years ago and since then everyone’s been calling me KQ, but no worries I’ll happily answer to both. I am a 35yr old mother of 1 (hopefully a 2nd one sometime in the near future), I’m a techie, a lover of food who enjoys finding ways to make things healthy, I’ve been a collegiate/post-collegiate track athlete, I love fitness and I too have been through a MAJOR weight loss journey. How much weight did I lose on my journey you ask. . .well truthfully the journey is never ending but all in all I’ve lost 100+lbs.

Now the next question is how did I do it but before I answer that I need to give a quick insight on how I got there in the first place. Prior to having my daughter I was a collegiate/post collegiate track athlete and for the most part I was in shape back then. After college I began enjoying life a bit too much and when it was all said and done I found out I was 195lbs on my 1st prenatal appointment. Now as most of you know there’s nowhere that can go but up and UP it went!! Once I had Kyndal Zoe I weighed in at 245lbs . After sitting with the majority of that weight on me for 6months I finally decided that ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH and the party started there! It was February 2005 when I began and because I was too embarrassed to let anyone see me I trained in my house for the first few months. Then ventured out to the gym once I thought I could deal with others seeing me in this depressing state, but I’d only go at night. During this time I flooded myself with information I’d had from the past when I was running, I read everything I could then I finally decided to get my Personal Training Certification. I also joined a GREAT group of ladies known as Buffmothers and received a lot of support, motivation, inspiration, and anything else you could think of from them. Within 18-20months I’d lost 70-80lbs and was feeling & looking fabulous. Now I’m gonna be honest here and tell you that those were NOT easy months as I was going through a tough divorce, financial issues and just over all STRESS but I used my desire to get the Real Kenisha back as a motivation to keep pushing.

 After that loosing that initial 70-80lbs I was pretty satisfied but I’d always had a dream of being a Figure competitor so I began working towards that and man oh man was that a journey. My 1st year I competed in Fitness Modeling @ 150-155lbs so at that point I was down 95lbs since Day 1. I didn’t win or place in the top 10 but having come from where I began at 245lbs walking out on that stage and looking like I belonged was winning enough. But the competition journey didn’t end there. Last year I decided I had more work to do and Figure was calling me so I prepped looooong and hard and I crossed the stage and an unimaginable 140lbs at my 1st show then 2wks later I did it again but this time @135lbs. So now we’re talking about 110lbs weight loss. Needless to say I KILLED those shows and represented for the momma’s out there and placed 5th & 3rd all while my #1 fan, Kyndal Zoe was watching from the front row. During my 2 competition seasons I relocated to Connecticut to live with my Fiancé (wedding in August ya’ll . . .YEAHHHH) and finally decided to stop sitting on my certifications and start training. WOW when that happened I knew I was finally home. Now I had trained others before I moved but it was mostly all athletes like me and lemmi tell ya it’s a different vibe training an athlete and the everyday man or woman. I enjoy both but something about training the client I like to call “Mrs. Jones” and seeing her reach goals and benchmarks she never thought she’d reach is so rewarding. Then I began sharing my journey with others and I knew that I was finally doing what God had called me to do.

 So that’s where I find myself today. . .training, motivating, sharing my journey & my truths (ups, downs, and everything in between) with any and everyone because I want us all to find their Healthy Happy selves and I know that by joining ya’ll we will all be richly rewarded both in Faith, Fitness & Friendship I look forward to connecting with you all as when forge our way though our journey’s on NikGetsFit!

So until next week, when I start bringing ya’ll workout, nutrition & motivation tips, you can find me at the links I will include below. And in closing I wish you a Happy, Healthy Blessed remainder of you week!! BTW if you didn’t notice from my kuntry typing, I’m from #DownSouth, so you may hafta bear with some of my sayings LOLOL ;)

You can find Kenisha (KQ) Smith here-
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kqfitness  ("like" her page and tell her Nik sent you!)
Blog: www.kqfitness.blogspot.com

More pics of KQ Smith:

Big thanks to KQ Smith! Looking forward to more posts! :-)

Weight Loss Challenge Weigh-in!

Our first weigh-in for the weight loss challenge was on Monday! Here are the results! :-)

Sarah
Start weight: 243.6
Current weight: 237.6
2.46% weight loss
Sarah writes: Week 1 I am down to 237 from 243. I have been eating 4 small meals of 300 calories and 2 100 calories snacks a day. I have been doing the 30 day shred and stationary bike. Drinking lots of water and trying not to eat very much carbs and sugar.

Kim M.

Start weight: 184.4

Current weight: 184.6

0.11% weight gain

Kim writes: I gained about 0.2 ounces so I am not happy but not upset either. I did not do much in terms of eating nor exercising last week so I guess that explains why my weight is still the same. Lol. This week I am committed to drinking more water and exercising at least 3 times this week.

Angela

Start weight: 232.2

Current weight: 230.4

0.74% weight loss

Winter

Start weight: 235.4

Current weight: 238.8

1.44% weight gain

Winter writes: Don't know how I gained 3 lbs in 1 week. My bro said that sometimes your body works against you. Ate pretty well, could have had more water intake. Not gonna beat myself up because I know I'm still a work in progress...

Brandi

Start weight: 213.8

Current weight: 210.4

1.59% weight loss

Brandi writes: I have been doing a 1200 calories a day diet, and I only went to the gym yesterday but I been exercising(sit ups, jumping jacks, etc.) around the house.

Shay

Start weight: 191

Current weight: 189.8

0.63% weight loss

Shay writes: This week I didn't do anything special except for eat less and workout more. I know this number could have been better but I didn't prioritize on some days so I wasn't able to get in all of my 2nd workouts. I'm focusing on a lot of cardio and weight lifting. This weeks goal is to go 10x harder than I even thought about goin last week.

Meg

Start weight: 306

Current weight: 300.6

1.76% weight loss

Meg writes: I have been trying to eat fruits and veggies and load up each meal with this, not skipping breakfast, my daughter and I are going on walks, she got us up to do yoga one morning. Trying to plan so I have good options available. My goal for next week is to focus on sleeping and not eating after 7:30 (maybe brushing my teeth at that time). Also I technically was 308 when I started May 1st, but I didn't retake and resend pictures. But I just wanted to share because even though they wont count for the competition, those 2 pounds were still work and I am proud that this competition came along to help support us all.

Monica

Start weight: 179.9

Current weight: 179.2

0.39% weight loss

Monica writes: This week I worked out 4x. I was on a good roll until Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is bbq day at the house so hence my .7lb weight loss. :/ At least I know where I went wrong this week!

Hope/Theblessedmomof3

Start weight: 191.4

Current weight: 187.8

1.88% weight loss

Hope writes: I worked my booty off this week and I had my cycle! Cardio and strength training have been my focus. I'm so sore (lower body) but I know that it's a "good" sore :) I feel stronger each day! I'm still tracking my food intake with MFP and that has been a lifesaver. This week I will focus on eliminating the unhealthy things I had this week. 3.6 lb loss this week and it was well earned! Let's Get It!!!

Nicole

Start weight: 275

Current weight: 270.8

1.53% weight loss

Nicole writes: Down 4.2 lbs!! I used the Noom weight loss app to track my calories (helped a lot) I walked a 3.1miles trail 3 days this week and used my calorie counter/ watch to track how much I burned. Pretty much calorie counting has helped me tremendously this week :-)))

Tonya

Start weight: 241.6

Current weight: 239.8

0.75% weight loss

Keisha J.

Start weight: 195.2

Current weight: 194

0.61% weight loss

Keisha J. writes: I don't know how I did it but I'll take it because I did not get a regular workout this past week at all. I have started eating better and drinking more water. So I hope to get in at least two or three regular work outs this week. I'm trying not allow everyday life affect my results. I'mma Bring It with P90X and Zumba. Watch out ya'll!!! LOL

Stacy

Start weight: 228.8

Current weight: 229

0.09% weight gain

Stacy writes: Last wk was a bad wk only worked out once n went for a few walks, I think what really did it was the 2 drinks I had when I went out fire girls nite on saturday.. But watch out got my p90x out the closet (bought it last yr n never opened it)....also took the time ti prepare meals fit the week so no fast food after practice thus week

Robyn

Start weight: 259.5

Current weight: 256

1.35% weight loss

C.Speaks

Start weight: 168.4

Current weight: 165.4

1.78% weight loss

Sara Y.

Start weight: 167.7

Current weight: 164.6

1.85% weight loss

Erica C.F

Start weight: 217.2

Current weight: 215.4

0.83% weight loss

Erica writes: So I gave it a strong effort this week! However celebrating Cinco de Mayo thru me completley off. So this is as good as it gets. But I will do much better this week! :)

Carol

Start weight: 179.6

Current weight: 180.6

0.56% weight gain

Carol writes: Bad week :( we mainly walked and did cardio this week eating was healthy so not burning enough calories

Leandra

Start weight: 324.8

Current weight: 319

1.79% weight loss

Anna

Start weight: 313.4

Current weight: 300.2

4.21% weight loss

Anna writes: whew! 13 pounds! I was not expecting to see that this morning. So happy! 

Last week I worked out every day at least an hour a day sometimes more. I have a stationary bike I use & I have been using my Wii for Zumba and Biggest looser workouts. Going for walks with my kids and just doing a little extra moving around at home. And I breastfeed so that's about an extra 500 cal. or so a day!
I eat every 2-3 hours. I cut out sugary foods & no soda! I eat lots of fruits and veggies and protein! Trying to stay away from carbs lol. I also have protein shakes and have been drinking a TON of water!
I have not been counting my calorie intake so I am going to make that a goal for myself this week and I am going to not have anything to eat anytime after 8pm.

Bees weight loss

Start weight: 181

Current weight: 176

3.3% weight loss

Franchesca

Start weight: 233.2

Current weight: 231.2

0.86% weight loss

Franchesca writes: I'm feeling a little "eh" about my weight loss this week but the weekend got me. Darn that boxing and Cinco de Mayo! I ate well but didn't workout the whole weekend :(. Plan on stepping it up this week

Acacia

Start weight: 231.4

Current weight: 226.8

1.99% weight loss

Acacia writes:  This week I did mostly walking, jogging and hiking. I have not been counting calories but watching my portion sizes closely and tried to stay away from processed foods. Down 4.6 lbs! Yay!!

Nicholle

Start weight: 231.4

Current weight: 228.6

1.21% weight loss

Nicholle writes:  Last week, I was off to a GREAT start. I didn't skip any meals, I stayed on plan, and I didn't eat any sugar or carbs that weren't veggies, fruits, or whole grains. I drank lots of water, and I made sure to get plenty of sleep & take my vitamins.

Where I messed up at was the weekend. If I wasn't skipping meals, I was eating off plan. I didn't take my diabetes medication, and I did not exercise. I guess it's true when they say if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I didn't have salad, chicken, cut veggies, fish or anything ready on the weekend, so it was a little out of control, but not too much! I do write on my FB page what I eat everyday, so you can see for yourselves. It wasn't horrible, and I didn't get discouraged if I ate something 'bad' and give up like I've done in the past.

I know where I need to improve this week. I'm going to be doing a combination of Jillian Michaels DVDS, Hip Hop Abs, Brazilian butt lift, and walking. I'm also going to start taking Janumet again, b/c even though I lost lbs, it's going to be harder to lose if my sugar is as high as it's been. I'm going to continue to go low carb, taking a multi-vitamin, drinking 90 oz of water a day, and will add in exercise.  and I am not at all mad at a loss of 2.8. I know I can step it up though!

Stacey D.

Start weight: 195.6

Current weight: 193.2

1.23% weight loss

Niki G.

Start weight: 193.8

Current weight: 189.6

2.17% weight loss

Niki writes:  4 lbs. lost since last week :) Great start! I focused mostly on sticking to my meal plan last week: several small meals throughout the day with lots of fresh fruits and veggies and tons of water. The only workout I did was my couch to 5K program which is basically walking/jogging every other day for 30 mins. This week I will stick to my meal plan and begin strength training. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVERYONE!! ♥

Tomekia

Start weight: 235

Current weight: 228.2

2.89% weight loss

Tomekia writes:  Started to watch what I'm eating.In the morning I eat oatmeal with peppermint tea,mid morning gratefruit with water and so on.I started working out 2X a day.1hr of dance in the afternoon and 30-35 mintue at night on the treadmill....

Crystal

Start weight: 329.4

Current weight: 325.6

1.15% weight loss

Dana

Start weight: Please let me know your previous weight Dana.

Current weight: 273.4

Arlene

Start weight: 251.8

Current weight: 248.2

1.43% weight loss

Nikina

Start weight: 174.9

Current weight: 171.3

2.06% weight loss

Nikina writes:  I did great throughout the week but terrible once the weekend got here. Goal this week go strong well into the weekend. I would love to get out of the 170's. I plan to eat right and join a bootcamp. Let's see how it goes...good luck everyone!!

Shakira

Start weight: 292

Current weight: 289.2

0.96% weight loss

Shakira writes: Week 1 down 3lbs could be more but the weekends are killing me but hopefully its more next week . I have been doing zumba the gym and started walking my son to school and eating lots of veggies and water

Alyssa

Start weight: 204

Current weight: 200.6

1.67% weight loss

Alyssa writes: I'm very happy with this weight loss but I don't think it is 'real' weight loss. I've had a really bad cold this week so haven't eaten much and thats not a realistic situation. Obviously I haven't done any exercise this week. My goal for next week is to maintain this weight loss and for exercise I will go to do British Military Fitness tomorrow evening and get at least 1 x trail run done (aiming for 3km (1.86 miles)

Tia/Letillia

Start weight: 223.4

Current weight: 216.4

3.13% weight loss

Tia writes: Very Pleased with my results. This past week I went in hard with Zumba twice a day plus I saw my PT 3times. I Love the Treadmill so after Zumba I would hit that up for about 20-30mins depending on how I felt! This week I will work on muscle training and trying to Double up on the Cardio!

Tanasia

Start weight: 188.5

Current weight: 197

0.8% weight loss

Tanasia writes: Well I didnt do everything I wanted to or everything I should have with the stress of finals week, but no excuses... Im ready for this!

Erin K.

Start weight: 269.7

Current weight: 268.2

0.56% weight loss

Erin writes:  Somehow I lost...crazy since I didnt even really try, I was in the middle of finals, so just gave up. This week I want to drink more water, and exercise at least 3 times.

Regina

Start weight: 196.6

Current weight: 192.6

2.03% weight loss

Regina writes: Healthy 1200 calorie diet. Workout 1-2 hr a day. Walk for an hr.

Keisha

Start weight: 286

Current weight: 283.6

0.84% weight loss

Ashley

Start weight: 225.6

Current weight: 221.8

1.68% weight loss

Ashley writes: I'm on a 1200 calorie diet and for work outs last week, I was moving a lot of heavy things, walking, and dancing :) (Don't get to go to the gym a lot but I make do :) )

Judy

Start weight: 185?

Current weight: 183? Judy please confirm numbers when you post, thank you. :-)

Nzinga

Start weight: 220.2

Current weight: 222.6

1.09% weight gain

Nzinga writes: Week 1 down 3lbs could be more but the weekends are killing me but hopefully its more next week . I have been doing zumba the gym and started walking my son to school and eating lots of veggies and water

Maria

Start weight: 234.4

Current weight: 227.6

2.9% weight loss

Quierston

Start weight: 251.2

Current weight: 250.4

0.32% weight loss

Quierston writes: Last week was tough for me. I have a back injury that comes and goes. This past week was rough but I tried to push through and get in as many work outs as possible, I do beach body Turbo Jam. I need to be better with my eating. I was feeling kinda bad for myself because of my back pain. Got a new plan in effect for next week. Hoping to return to my usual 2lb plus lose next week.

Jackie

Start weight: 247

Current weight: 239

3.24% weight loss

Jackie writes: Not a huge loss but it's a start, I didn't get to work out as much as I had hoped. But I tried to stay away from the yummy bad foods! :P Also I think I'm dying without my soda! lol But its worth it

Loulitha

Start weight: 249.5

Current weight: 249

0.2% weight loss

Amanda

Start weight: 212.2

Current weight: 211.6

0.28% weight loss

Amanda writes: For WL Challenge. Not a great loss... but something is better than nada. Just lets me know I gotta put in more work this week.

Kim C.

Start weight: 172

Current weight: 171.8

0.12% weight loss

Kim writes: ugh!! only lost 2 oz. it might have something to do with all those dinner rolls i ate friday night :O

Marissa M.

Start weight: 173

Current weight: 169.5

2.02% weight loss

Marissa writes: simple changes really made a difference! I cut out artificial drinks and soda this week. I had mio water enhancer when I needed my juice fix! Im using microwaved meals for now to get used to portion control. I am not all the way there with meal options but Im taking baby steps...I work out twice a day, I walk 2-3 miles in the afternoon and I do some zumba (or free soca dancing) at night.

Becca

Start weight: 216.2

Current weight: 215.4

0.37% weight loss

I AM NOT DONE ADDING PICTURES! I still have to add the ones from the nikgetsfit@yahoo.com email.

From now on, PLEASE make sure you all write your NAMES on the pieces of paper along with the date! It was very confusing trying to figure out who was who. Also, when you post your pictures on Facebook or email it to me, please tell me your STARTING WEIGHT (weight at beginning of challenge) along with your CURRENT WEIGHT! Pictures are NOT to be more than 3 days late! Thank you!