When one discovers their passion in life, a sense of purpose manifests and doors begin to open. Overcoming weight issues and two chronic illnesses, lifestyle and wellness coach and blogger, Almetria Turner's amazing transformation from the inside out paved the way for her to inspire others on a national platform in learning how to become fit and finally free.
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In 2010, at the age of 36, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, struggled with hypertension for over 13 years, and had to see three different specialists for possible health-related ailments.
Being overweight her entire life, she became depressed and had reached a breaking point knowing this was not the life God intended for her to live. Having once weighed 342 lbs and wore a size 32, she vowed to lose the weight, become medication free, and developed a personal mantra to become "Fit by 40."
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"I knew everyday wasn't going to be a good day, but each day was a new opportunity to get it right," said Almetria. "I literally had to transform myself from the inside out because this weight loss battle was going to be toughest fight of my life. I was fighting against the old me."
Almetria literally overhauled her diet by eating several small meals a day, meal planning and prepping her foods, exchanging simple carbs for complex carbs, reading every label and eliminating most processed foods from her pantry and fridge.
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As she became active, walking was her exercise of choice in addition to taking Zumba, ab labs, and boot camp classes. But it wasn't until April 2014, after joining the local chapters of Black Men Run and Black Girls Run, she caught the running bug and developed a new mantra of 50 by 50, which is to complete a half marathon in every state before she turns the age of 50.
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As of today, she has lost a total of 177 pounds, wears a size 6-8, and has been medication free and maintaining her weight loss for the past 2 years.
On her 50 by 50 running journey, she has completed 7 states, 9 half marathons, 10-5ks, 1-10k, 1-15k, and 1 navy nautical 10 miler.
Almetria is the founder of Fit and Finally Free, a lifestyle and weight management consulting company and blog where she offers coaching, nutrition and fitness challenges, healthy recipes, inspiration, and shares stories of her running adventures.
She has also developed a lifestyle and wellness day planner entitled, "Embrace L.I.F.E. (Living in Freedom Everyday)," which helps people create a life balance in the areas of work, play, health and spirit on paper.
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Her story has been featured in numerous media outlets and publications such as the Huffington Post, Redbook Magazine, Women's Running Magazine, Daily Mail UK, Runhaven, and Yahoo! Health just to name a few.
Recently, she appeared on the Today show as a part of their "Joy Fit Club" segment with Kathie Lee, Hoda and the Today’s show health expert and nutritionist Joy Bauer where she shared her weight loss secrets and healthy recipes.
"The best investment you can give to yourself is being in the best shape of your life emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially. Love yourself and know your total worth," proclaims Almetria.
Follow Almetria on Instagram @fitandfinallyfree and Facebook @ fit and finally free.
