How many times have we used the phrase, you’re just “big-boned?” Or he or she is just “big?” Sometimes, we use these phrases, but don’t really know what we’re saying over our life our over the life of someone we know. Those are the words that Tanisha thought about her whole life. But it wasn’t until she thought about life and death, that her attitude about what she thought about herself changed. And after being nearly 400 pounds, she lost over 100 pounds and continues to lose! Instead of telling you her story, here’s Tanisha in her own words:
“I was overweight from childhood,” admits Tanisha on The Weigh We Were. Despite knowing my family history of diabetes and hypertension, I never attempted to really lose the weight, and that became my downfall. I loved eating out — Chinese and fast food were my favorites. On any weekend, I could easily order two lunch specials and watch Lifetime all day. I never drank water, and I over-indulged in fruit juice. In 2011, I became pregnant (I later had a miscarriage), and within the first three months of the pregnancy, I gained at least 20 pounds. The weight just added to my already large frame. My life was spiraling out of control, but I felt if the weight could not come off quickly, I must be meant to be big.”
“On October 15, 2012, I stepped on the scale and when it did not register a number, I instantly became miserable and depressed. I sat on the side of the bed and read the box the scale came in. It indicated the maximum weight was 350 pounds. All I could take in was that meant I was nearing 400 pounds. Immediately, I became angry with myself, but I used that anger to throw everything out of the house if it was unhealthy. I went to the supermarket and purchased only healthy items. I refused to allow myself to fall into a deep depression because I knew it would lead to me becoming heavier. I remember that night and will never forget it because it made me realize I had two choices: change or die!”
“At first, I had no plan. I just started to change what I put into my body. Since I was no stranger to diets and weight-loss programs, I knew it was time to go the old-fashioned route. For a moment, I did consider surgery. I had tried twice before, but was denied because I did not have any major medical issues. Ultimately, I decided it was best to…