Featured Fitale Camille Reed

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

CR:  My name is Camille Reed. I am the owner of Noire Salon, a natural hair beauty salon in Silver Spring. I am also a mother of two children, aged 7 and 4.

FFFC: What sparked your weight-loss journey?

CR:  I had a major health crisis in 2009, in which i experienced a miscarriage, walking pneumonia and insomnia and depression. I discovered some years ago that this was all sparked by an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It effects how your body digest food , manages hormones, and compromises how you absorb vitamins and minerals.

FFFC: What were your beginning and current weight and/or measurements?

CR:  I began in 2012 at 163 lbs. I was bloated heavily in my midsection from high cortisol. I am now 147 lbs and considerably leaner.

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

CR:  Three years

FFFC: What physical activities did you do during your journey?

CR:  Running and Weight lifting.

FFFC: How did your eating habits change?

CR:  I had to remove three allergens from my diet. Soy, all-wheat based products and grains and dairy.

FFFC: What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

CR:  I eat a lot of lean meat and vegetables, yams and rice crackers.

FFFC: What is your favorite fitness activity?

CR:  Sprinting and bicep curls

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

CR:  I am being coached and trained by Luis Valdez, Jr of Rock Built Fitness LLC. The goal is a bikini bodybuilding competition later this year or next year.

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

CR:  I didn’t have a choice. I had to avoid the allergens or face the consequences of an inefficient immune system.

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

CR:  Eat clean foods, more frequently. Then find a trainer to help you realize your goals.

FFFC: What words of encouragement can you offer to anyone who is frustrated with their fitness journey and want to give up?

CR:  Your journey begins with your acceptance of being worthy.  Suffering in silence or being “the mule” carrying everyone elses burdens does not define you. You deserve breaks, quiet time and space to improve your fitness. Don’t wait on approval to be great.

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

CR:  Real results take time. Sometimes years.

FFFC: Do you have anyone who has inspired you along your fitness journey?  Who are they?

CR:  My trainer and my friends who encourage me when I loose focus or become impatient.

FFFC: How can readers learn more about your transformation online (i.e. blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)?

CR:  Camille E. Reed on FB and @Noireboss1 On IG.