Featured Fitale – Shiquita Blue

Read how and why Shiquita started her weight loss transformation journey and how she stays focused and motivated. #weightloss #weightlossjourney

Please introduce yourself to our readers

Hello, my name is Shiquita Blue and I work as an Engineer Technologist for Duke Energy as well as a part time Business Instructor for University of Arizona Global Campus and Halifax Community College. My hobby is working out 7 days a week. Even if it is just walking on my 6^th and 7^th workout day. I love working out and it has become my go to for the past 3 years.

What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey?

Having high blood pressure sparked my weight-loss transformation journey. I was determined to get off my blood pressure medicine and working out, eat healthier and losing weight I was able to do just that. 

My beginning weight was 248 and measurements was 42 waist, 38DDD bust and my weight now is 202 with a measurement of 37 waist and 38B bust. It took me over 2 years to get to this weight and I still have more weight that I want to lose.

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

My beginning weight was around 200 lbs and I am currently maintaining 150 lbs and it took me 4 months to lose the weight 

Which physical activities did you participate in during your journey?

I have been doing so many different challenges and home workouts. Just to name a few (throwing/flipping my 50 plus pound tire, at home boxing, jumping rope, steps, hula hooping and lots of FUPA exercises).

How did your eating habits change?

My eating habits changed tremendously. I mainly eat chicken and turkey. I have incorporated lots of vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans) into my daily eating. For snacks it’s mainly 100 calorie snacks or pecans/cashews.

I love my quest bars for protein. I eat lots of boiled eggs and I absolutely love fruit, but I have to eat fruit in moderation.

What is your favorite fitness activity?

My favorite physical activity is between boxing, hula hoop and jump rope. They all have helped me in this journey, and I do not know which one I really prefer over the other.

What do you do now to maintain your physique?

To maintain my physique, I continue to do FUPA (stomach) exercise. This particular area I have not completely gotten rid of and I know these exercises work. So, daily I work on these FUPA/stomach exercises and add either a boxing, hula hoop or jump rope session to top it off.

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

Now, it was not easy to develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff but after my doctor told me he was taking me off my blood pressure medicine this gave me a different way of thinking and I have been pushing myself daily to maintain so I will not have to get back on blood pressure medicine.

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

My advice to each of you that are looking to start this fitness journey but are not sure where to go is just start somewhere. If it is just taking a small leisure walk, take it, if it is just riding a bike for 5 minutes do that. It is all about you and where you want to be in your life right now.

I would encourage you to reach out to people you trust and see are doing the very thing you want to do. Trust me they were where you are now (afraid and unsure).

Who are your fitness inspirations?

My fitness inspirations are my DIVAS, these ladies hold me accountable for my food intake, my daily exercises, and my commitment to myself. Without these ladies’ encouragement I may not be at the 202 weight I am today. They are pushing me to get to the 185-goal weight and I know that I will reach that goal very soon. 

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

The biggest misconception of weight loss journey is that people are not really working out and eating healthy to lose weight. I am here to tell you that I am a witness and I know first-hand how hard it was and still is to stay motivated on this weight loss journey.

How can readers learn more about your transformation and journey online (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)?

I try to post my workouts on my social media pages. You can follow me on Facebook @PrettyLady Monique or on Instagram @blue_gyrl.

Final words of advice

Remember, this journey is not easy but with willpower and a great support system you will do well.