In today’s weight loss feature, we are highlighting Monique (@get_moefit) who at 18 decided to make a lifestyle change with the goal of losing weight. Her change of diet and fitness lifestyle helped her drop 80lbs in 2 years. Although Monique set out to lose weight, she found that by dedicating herself to healthy habits she got so much more than that. Check out her story!

My name is Monique Collier. I am 29 years old and currently live in the DMV area. When I am not at the gym trying to stay in my best shape, I enjoy reading, writing poetry, spending time with the one I love, and enjoying life with my friends and family. At the age of 18, I didn’t realise that my life was literally just beginning. I wasn’t happy with what I saw when I looked in the mirror, so I decided it was time for me to make a change. I realised I was overweight and the lifestyle I was living could possibly leave me with a life of health problems and spending more time at the doctor’s office than with the ones I love. Not only did I want to lose weight but my initial “why” also was to prove people wrong. I wanted to show people I wouldn’t always be overweight, I have discipline, will, I could be happy, and beautiful.

Style of training

I initially started my journey at home with the Jillian Michaels workout videos. I chose to start at home because in a place of comfort because initially going to the gym was intimidating. I didn’t want people to see me jumping around and sweating due to the fear of being judged. Overtime as I became more comfortable with myself and seeing other people taking on the same challenge as me, I gave the gym a try and found new ways to challenge my body and reach my fitness goals. I recognised I just had to take the necessary steps and make basic changes so the vision I had of myself could be realised and seen by not only me, but the rest of the world. As I fell in love with fitness, strength training, power, and endurance, I continuously looked for ways to improve myself in those areas. I set daily, weekly, and monthly goals for myself. Every time I achieved my fitness goals, it motivated me to set higher goals and fuelled my passion and determination to continue to elevate my standards.


Diet changes

I knew in order to reach my weight loss goals, I had to change my eating habits. Prior to my journey, I only ate once or twice a day and I never ate breakfast. After carrying out research I found healthy meals that I would enjoy and began eating three times a day.  I realised the importance of not only eating to fuel the body and look good but also eating to FEEL good. My new-found eating habits helped me go from a size 16 to a size 7. It has been 10 years since I started my journey. Changing my eating habits and coupled that with  intense workouts, I was able to lose 80lbs over my first two years. The last 8 years have been all about maintaining where I’m at and finding new workouts to keep my journey fun and fresh.

The struggle is real

Even though I discovered great eating habits, fantastic workout routines, losing weight was not an easy process. I struggled mentally, until I figured out this was my journey, not anyone else’s. I always looked at myself in the eyes of others but along the way I removed those lenses and begun to accept myself and realised the importance of self-love. My journey has made me realise my inner and outer beauty is not defined by the thoughts and opinions of others, and it has taught me the importance of self-purpose. I fell in love with myself and realised that everything I wanted and needed, I already had. I finally understood that I had to live my life for me and base my goals on the dreams and ambitions I had for myself and not try to prove anyone wrong but prove myself right.

 

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TBT to 2010. I had just dropped 22lbs I remember because I stepped on the scale before I got dressed and I weighed in at 210lbs. This pic takes me back to a time when I would say I definitely didn’t know any better. I began working out for all the wrong reasons (to prove others wrong, get a man, be liked, etc) was eating right Monday through Friday so that Saturday and Sunday I could do as I please. I would definitely say I didn’t know any better and was lost when it came to how to properly love me. I didn’t understand the importance of protecting my peace, I wasn’t worried about overall health, I didn’t realize the true value that I held, and I definitely couldn’t tell you my WHY in life. At this point I knew I was beginning to change but I never knew where I was going. I can definitely say never underestimate the power of prayer. When you pray be prepared. Because I prayed for direction, I prayed for purpose, and I prayed that God transformed me into a great woman into the woman that I needed to be for me to succeed. God took me on journey but here I am. Went from partying every weekend to a weekend warrior in the gym, hanging out with different people to literally a circle so small I count them on one hand, to looking for answers in every one else to now helping others align on their path, unable to pick a career to now taking the steps of going into building my own business. My way of thinking now is nothing compared to what it used to be. Physically yes I’ve changed but what you can’t see is internally I literally was broken down and built back up and I thank God so much. The process may be long and the road may be filled with bumps but trust the process and stay motivated, keep fighting and keep pushing your breakthrough is closer than it appears. #tbt #fitnessmotivation #health #wellness #fitness

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Beyond the scale

I initially started the journey for myself, but I learned something about myself along the way. I learned that I had the ability to inspire, motivate, and transfer my message and positive energy to others. I began to gravitate towards more positive people and in return attract more positive people.  My skin, hair, and overall mental and physical health improved while my self-confidence soared to places, I never dared to imagine. My journey changed me so much that on my off days I still sneak some type of activity in. I also found myself more drawn to outdoor adventures and events.

Lifestyle changes come with challenges; I’m glad I made the change and I’ll tell anyone that all the struggles, and slip ups along the way will always be worth it. My advice to any woman starting her journey would be to stay motivated and determined. know that your success is coming. Stay hungry for change because that will help you to push through obstacles that will pop up on this journey. Know your true purpose and why you decided to embark on this precious and life changing journey. No one else can put in the work for you. DO NOT make your journey about anyone else. Always seek wisdom, knowledge, and help when needed. There is more than one way to achieve your goal, no one person, style, or method encompasses fitness for everyone. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a nutrition system but instead do your own research and see what works for you.

“If it doesn’t challenge you it won’t change you! Stay motivated”

Monique shares her intense workouts on Instagram. Follow her to catch the fitness bug @get_moefit