FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).

AB:  My name is Anika Brice.  I am a 39 year old mother of five sons (3 biological and 2 who have claimed me as mom too), proud Raw Element Dance Company mom and Network Engineer for the federal government.  I love to cook, read, dance and spending lots of quality time with my boys.

FFFC:  What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey? 

AB:  The day I caught myself struggling to get up from the couch and almost passing out when trying to tie my shoe was when I knew I had to do better.  I want to be around to see my children and grand children.  I don’t want to be a burden on my children because I chose an unhealthy lifestyle.  I WANT TO LIVE!

FFFC:  What was your beginning and current weight or measurements? 

AB:  I never took any measurements but my beginning weight was almost 190.  I’m only 5’1 so that was alot of stress on my frame.  I haven’t taken any measurements but will do so for the remaining weight.  I have dropped in clothing size from a 14/16 bottom to an 8/10 bottom, Large top to a small/x-small top and my shoe size has gone from 8/8.5 to 6.5/7.

FFFC:  How long did it take for your weight-loss transformation from beginning to end? 

AB:  My transformation hasn’t ended yet but I began this journey in January 2012.  My current weight for January 2013 is 153.2!  I would like to lose another 25-35 pounds this year and increase muscle tone.

FFFC:  What physical activities did you participate in during your journey? 

AB:  Walking, jogging, Zumba, boot camps, weight training, calisthenics, and yoga.

FFFC:  How did your eating habits change? 

AB:  I didn’t restrict myself but I did limit sweets, fried foods and high fat foods.  I make sure I have more veggies than protein on my plate. I learned which foods worked well with my body composition and ate according to that plan.  I cooked more meals at home, fresh fruit/veggie smoothies, water, lean proteins, complex carbs, etc.  I also use a program called Myfitnesspal.com to track my foods, exercise and water intake.  It is a great resource because it makes you pay attention to the foods you are eating, how much you are eating and how much or little you are moving your body.  It serves as a daily accountability tool to help keep me on track with my goals.  I met some great people online that encourage me, celebrate my goals with me and call me out when my daily log doesn’t look so good.  I need that!

FFFC:  What is your favorite fitness activity?  I love, love, love Zumba and weight training. 

AB:  I have always loved to dance and wanted (still do) to enter a bikini and figure competition.

FFFC:  What do you do now to maintain your physique? 

AB:  I weight train, walk, run, take the stairs…..I keep moving no matter what the activity may be.  I have even turned on the music while cleaning house and danced and cleaned and burned calories.

FFFC:  How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)? 

AB:  I don’t avoid it at all.  I love food…good food and I don’t deny myself.  I will eat a cupcake but cut it in half and share with someone.  I was so tempted I poured hot sauce on one half so I wouldn’t eat it.  I believe moderation is key.  Every meal can’t be a cheat meal and there has to be a balance.  Myfitnesspal, and my Facebook groups keep me accountable, motivated and encouraged.

FFFC:  What advice do you have for someone starting out on their weight-loss journey but unsure of how to begin? 

AB:  My advice to anyone starting their weight-loss  journey or unsure where to start is to first take a deep breath.  There are so many resources that it can be quite overwhelming.  Talk to your doctor or a certified dietician and ask them how to begin.  Sites like Myfitnesspal.com and Oxygenmag.com are great resources for diet and nutrition.  I can’t stress it enough…slow and steady will always win the race.  Take your time, the weight will come off and you will be more likely to keep it off.

FFFC:  What do you think is the biggest misconception about this journey? 

AB:  I think the biggest misconception about this journey is that you will see results overnight.  The weight didn’t come overnight so take your time.  Also, everybody is not the same.  What works well for me may not work others and vice versa.  Learn about your body, learn about foods, clean eating and nutrition.  Surround yourself with positive people who are on the same journey as you.  Being armed with knowledge will make the transformation a little easier.  Above all…….LOVE YOURSELF!

FFFC:  How can readers learn more about your transformation and journey online (i.e. facebook, tumblr, twitter, etc.)? 

AB:  I’m on Facebook (Anika Brice), Myfitnesspal.com (kioko1973) and instagram (kioko1973).  My prayer is that my transformation will help someone else to make a healthy lifestyle change.

This photo was taken April 2011. Weight about 190 and suit size tight 12. The After photo was taken September 2012. Weight 160 and dress size 10.

Websites/Resources I found helpful:

www.myfitnesspal.com
www.oxygenmag.com
www.fitnessladies.net
https://www.facebook.com/rippedgoddess
www.cleaneatingmag.com
http://simplegreensmoothies.com/
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/
http://cleaneatingmag.com/Meal-Planning/Meal-Plans.aspx

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