Featured Fitale – Chanae Brown

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

Hello, my name is Chanae Brown and I am a current graduate student at Philadelpia College of Osteopathic Medicine majoring in Biomedical Sciences. My future goals after completing my masters is to apply to Pharmacy School. In my spare time, I always find myself in the gym, the mall, or traveling.

What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey?

My mom was the one that initiated the weight loss journey. I grew up always being the bigger girl, and even though I played sports and was physically active, I still was very heavy. After I quit playing basketball freshman year of college and gained 30 more lbs, my mother took me to my physician who then put me on a strict workout regime. That whole summer was dedicated to adapting a healthy lifestyle which i used to continue on my journey.

Read how Chanae reshaped her 5’10” frame and life the healthy way. #blackfitness #bball

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What was your beginning and current weight or measurements?

The most I have weighed was 275 lbs. I currently am 185 lbs, with measurements of 36-29-42 , My currently goal is to get down to 170 lbs.

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

I was not consistent with it in the beginning, so if you add u the total amount of time it took me roughly 2 years.

Which physical activities did you participate in during your journey?

Even though i was an athlete, outside of sports I never worked out. During my journey I lived in the gym! Elliptical, treadmill, stairmaster became my best friend. When the weather was nice i always found trails to run, or i would go on the track at a local HS and do sprints on the field and run the bleachers. I also still played basketball for fun/exercise as well as other sports.

How did your eating habits change?

tremendously! i ditched the fast foods, fried foods, sugary foods, salty foods, pop, etc. I started to cook my own meals instead of eating out. I cut back on red meat and stick to lean meats such a chicken. fish, seafood, etc. I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits as well. I dont look at this as a diet, its a lifestyle change, so i do indulge in cheat meals once a week or once every two weeks! There are healthy alternatives of your favorite foods that you can find.

I also try not to eat after a certain time as well ( 8-9 pm). Instead of 3 big meals, i tend to eat 6 small meals a day.

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

For breakfast i LOVE my eggs ( or egg whites) with mozzarella cheese! or I will eat greek yogurt with fruit or make a meal replacement shake. Lunch is typically a chicken salad for me ( i make my own at home or i buy premade ones at the local grocery). for dinner, i cook 2 types of vegetables and a meat with brown nice. For snacks, I LOVE trail mix!, skinny popcorn, rice cakes, fruit, smoothies, or a protein shake. when i have a sweet tooth I buy frozen yogurt, or make my own fruit/yogurt parfait.

What is your favorite fitness activity?

Basketball ! full body workout and a passion of mine.

What do you do now to maintain your physique?

I workout 4-5x a week. I do cardio everyday ( at least 30 mins) and I alternate between arm/back/leg day.

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

Its VERY hard. i absolutely LOVE food, and wish I could eat whatever i wanted, whenever! but knowing your body and focusing on your goals is still key. Working out comes as second nature to me, i actually feel very groggy when I miss days in the gym. There will be times when I do splurge on certain foods, but I have adapted a lifestyle to where it doesnt take that much to get back on track.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get started with their fitness journey but not sure where to begin?

Never think that you can’t do it! the process is not short or easy. It will take willpower, dedication, and determination. But anyone that puts in the work will reach their goals.

Results don’t come overnight. There was plenty of times where i worked out for week straight and lost 0 pounds and got discouraged. This is natural and does not mean you aren’t losing weight ( inches come into consideration). I didn’t see results for myself until 4-5 months into my regime. Don’t give up!

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

That you will have loose skin! I get asked that question so much. Loose skin only happens when you lose a large amount of pounds in a short amount of time. If you are losing weight the healthy way and toning as you go along, you will not have this problem.

Do you have any fitness inspirations? Who are they?

Serena Williams! I love her body and everything that she stands for. strong, confident and sexy. I also use myself as inspiration for losing my last 15 lbs. Looking back at old pics keeps me motivated to get in the gym.