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I have felt like I have been struggling with my weight all my life, but in retrospect, I have been struggling with a negative self image that later became a weight issue. I have been blessed with the most wonderful fiancé anyone could ask for who has been supportive of me throughout my many ups and downs. One day in summer of 2007, he called me from Pittsburgh and told me that he heard a spot on the radio discussing Dr. Ian's 50 million pound challenge and told me to check out the website. Since I was busy studying for the bar exam, I briefly checked it out and joined the site. Then on July 26, 2007, the day after the bar exam I got on the scale and was horrified by what I saw 242 pounds! I realized what a sad way this was to start my new life as an attorney and eventually as Mike's wife. It was at that point that I decided to buckle down and get my health and body together. I made a promise to myself that by our wedding day May 10, 2008, I would be at least within ten pounds of my goal weight and I am on my way!
Along this journey I have joined one of my sorority's teams, and created two others for the undergraduate chapter that I was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and one for my chapter of which I am now the Vice President, Gamma Chi Omega chapter. We are using this as an avenue to satisfy both the health targets of our sorority as well as making 2008 a year that we ring in with healthy habits and positive attitudes. With the success of passing the bar on the first attempt and the joy of marrying the man of my dreams, I want to start this chapter of my life with the right foot forward. By entering my marriage with a healthy lifestyle, we are setting our future family up to have healthy habits.
I am proud of my progress, blessed to have found this avenue to make myself accountable and excited both for myself and all others who are taking this challenge seriously...because I know for me this is a "Serious Matter."
After gaining A LOT of weight living the sedentary life of a student, and eating my way through bar study, I passed the bar exam and began the practice of law. During that time I also became engaged to the love of my life and began planning our wedding immediately post bar exam. I knew that I had to make some HUGE changes in my life in order to start our lives as one on a healthy foot. I changed my eating habits, added regular exercise and quickly began noticing changes in my energy and clothing. I found a buddy to walk/run with, started healthy cooking habits with my now-husband, and got my chapter of AKA involved with the creation of a team on this site. I was able to lose 45 pounds by our wedding date and have continued my journey to good health and healthy living! I plan to make my goal weight in 2008 and am well on my way! Thanks Dr. Ian and the 50 million pound challenge!
The Challenge partners with Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is one of The Challenge’s most active champion organizations. Collectively, AKA has formed about 90 teams with more than 900 team members. These teams have lost more than 5,000 pounds. Last month, more than 50,000 members of participated in a synchronized walk for Emotional, Spiritual and Physical health – called the 1908 Global Centennial Walk. Like the Challenge, the walk helped AKA raise awareness about the importance of fitness.
Comments (15)
Nicole,
Kudos to you for battling the weight and being a victor. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (Kappa Lambda Omega Chapter) and I know first hand how hard it is to loose weight. I have battled with weight the majority of my life. I thank Alpha Kappa Alpha and my chapter for really getting motivated in living healthier lives.
My chapter has broken into walking teams and has used the mileage from Nashville to Washington D.C. as an inspirational goal to get the teams motivated in walking. The first team who can complete the mileage total to get to Washington D.C. receives an award. I love competition and the whole chapter has gotten motivated. Our chapter has also been involved in atleast three 1/2 marathons over the last 3 years. We start off in late January practicing for the marathon until April which is the big month for the COUNTRY MUSIC CITY MARATHON. Sorors ages ranging from 25 to late 50s all join in to practice for the marathon. When the MARATHON DAY arrives our chapter sets up AKA water stations in various locations to root our sorors on who are running and walking in the marathon. As you can see it's all about motivation and I am so glad to see a soror like you fighting the good fight of loosing weight!
Keep up the good work!!!
Lori
Kappa Lambda Omega Chapter
Nashville, TN
Posted by Lori Rucker | August 7, 2008 11:40 AM
Posted on August 7, 2008 11:40
wow, girl you look great. I too have been dealing with my weight for the past 14 years. I loose, I gain, I loose I gain. clients come in and don't know what to expect; Fat me and healthy me. None the less, since I began this challenge in May 08, I have lost 25 lbs and inches like crazy. You look great and inspire me to keep going, thx for posting!
Posted by T Spight | July 31, 2008 2:55 PM
Posted on July 31, 2008 14:55
You look sensational, GREAT JOB
Posted by CJ | July 30, 2008 4:38 PM
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:38
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK KEEP TRUSTING IN FAITH!!!!
Posted by Tene Ki | July 26, 2008 2:06 PM
Posted on July 26, 2008 14:06
Dr. Ian,
I feel like I'm at at a stand still. I have been a practicing vegetarian for over 2 years. I try to stay away from high sodium foods. I have Fibromyasia therefore my exercising has to be limited. Not sure what I need to do, to get this extra weight off. I want to get down 40 more pounds, I was original 250 pounds, and Im down to approx 205-210. thanks for any help...There's alot of people in Charlotte NC on this challenge!!!!!!
Posted by tiffany mccain | July 25, 2008 7:19 AM
Posted on July 25, 2008 07:19
Hi my name is Randi and I have three daughters my oldest is four and my two smaller girls are two and I weigh one hundred and fifty-four pounds and I am so not proud of that. I would love to get a hundred and thirty pounds. I would feel so much better. I love to walk, I am a medical assistant in a doctor's office and am on my feet all day long and then come home and run after my kids. work for ten hours then come home and chase my children. Someone please help me.............
Posted by Randi Mosley | July 24, 2008 8:04 PM
Posted on July 24, 2008 20:04
Congratulations! Keep it up! You are an ispiration.
Posted by Sabrina | July 24, 2008 6:16 PM
Posted on July 24, 2008 18:16
Nicole,
Hello and Congratulations! You look absolutely Fabulous! Please know that your story hit home for several reasons. I too have battled my weight and "negative self image" since middle school. My older brother practiced law until his untimely death in 1995. At the time of his death, my weight was 169 lbs. I had just began to embrace the fruits of my labor after shedding 55 lbs. It was hard to believe that only 44 lbs. stood between me and my goal weight of 145 lbs. My weight-loss formula was simple, no red meat, eating low fat meals, plenty of water, fruits, veggies, walking, and running at least five times per week. On the morning of my brother's funeral, I took my last jog and unconsciously hung up my running shoes to this very day. It was not in the plan to stop running on that day but that is actually what happened. In retrospect, loosing a loved and being laid off of my job within thirty days altered my desire to eat and be fit for life. The pain and despair sent me into a downward spiral which finally led to years of depression. Today, the good news is that I have worked through my depression, married with two beautiful daughters. My husband is very supportive about my weight. He tells me that I am beautiful and sees beyond the weight. He loves to eat rich southern foods, as he is from the South. During our 10 years of marriage, my husband has managed to maintain his weight. This has not been the case for me. During my annual physical in June, my weight was 287 lbs. Thank God my tests came back and I have not been diagnosed with any weight related health issues. I shared the news with my mom and husband (which is a no-no for me) and promptly joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge. That was nearly a month ago and I have not taken this challenge to heart. I am praying that this encounter today was meant to be. My prayer is that in seeing you and reading your story, I will find the motivation that has alluded me for thirteen years. So many others around me have opted for extreme weight loss methods. I have personally experienced the beautiful mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical journey of loosing weight the right way - mind, body and soul. Challenging ourselves to be all that we achieve to become is priceless. I desperately desire to get back on track and reach my destination this time around. In closing, for the sake of sounding shallow, we could definitely pass for sisters. Then again, permitting ourselves to relate to one another and our experiences is the very spirit and origin of 50 Million Pound Challenge as Dr. Ian intended. Thank you so very much for sharing your story. I wish you much continued success. I am looking forward to posting my picture and success story with you soon!
Posted by Daddysgirl1971 | July 24, 2008 4:12 PM
Posted on July 24, 2008 16:12
If this woman did it then i can do it.
Posted by tionna watkins | July 23, 2008 5:16 PM
Posted on July 23, 2008 17:16
Tip: A must have book to assist with losing weight: "Fit for God" By LaVita M. Weaver - An 8 week plan that kicks the devil out and invites health and healing in! This book has weekly prayers and exercises that are very helpful. I lost 60 pounds with praying, this book, cutting out fried foods (some meats pork/beef totally), and curves. At this moment, I need motivation!!!??? I lost 60 pounds a yr ago(oh!, but did I gain it back and then some).
Posted by Nisha | July 22, 2008 8:36 PM
Posted on July 22, 2008 20:36
I feel like at times I am struggling to lose own my own but it was nice to get online and see and meet people that I can connect with, please feel free to write me and I will write you back.
Posted by latoya | July 21, 2008 8:27 PM
Posted on July 21, 2008 20:27
Hello!
You go girl! It sounds like you are off to a very, very good start. And I am so proud of you. More than that, you inspire me.
I joined the 50 Million Pounds Challenge Friday, July 18, 2008 and already, I have seen awesome results that are encouraging.
I chose the old-fashion exercise - walking. So from Friday to today, Sunday, July 20, 2008, I have already lost 1.5 lbs. And I am so proud of that.
The speedometer that came with the kit reads 17104 steps. My dog "Max" - a Norwegian Elkhound tags along with me and I almost wore the poor thing out. But nevertheless, he is always there to go right along with me. In fact, he is my biggest supporter.
My overall plan is to get back into dancing and reclaim my health and well-being on the spiritual, physical, psychological and emotional sides. Things that I am guilty of taking for granted. If there was a law against this, I would be lose in court if you were the opposing counsel (LOL).
Keep you the good work!
Katrina "Kate" if you like
Posted by Katrina V. Tate | July 20, 2008 5:27 PM
Posted on July 20, 2008 17:27
my name is josh i have lost 50 lbs in just 4 months! I was 218 now im 168 !!!!! I moved to las vegas and had never me my roomates and when describing me on the phone she said i was chunky!!!! I was but her coment and payton mannings comercial telling you if you are not in your 20s and an athlet you should get a biger shirt lol pushed me over the edge!!I cut my carbs down to 25 grams a day not shugar and wich was a big deal i drank 2 2 leeters a day!
and ate a bugerking every day! lol i eat at mcdonalds everyday now i just get 3 chicken pattys for lunch and a water the cost is only 3.20 thanks to mcdonalds who by the way i dont work for lol and peyton manning i droped 50 lbs!!! bbbbuuuttt it gets better i figured if i could cut out all my favorit foods then i could get in the gym!!! And i did i now run 3 milles a day and work a diffrent body part with free waights!!!! Not every one can do this i know but im so happy i did and i wish i could tell payton to kiss my skinnie but and give him all my xl shirts that dont fit anymore!!!!!
Posted by dj vegas | July 20, 2008 3:25 PM
Posted on July 20, 2008 15:25
I read the article on your featured challenger, Nicole Cofer, and I was elated!
I'm also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (Gamma Pi Omega Chapter) and have committed myself to E.S.P. and fitness and wellness...I'd like for Nicole to know how proud I am of her and to let her know to STAY MOTIVATED.
Since joining the challenge in May 2008 I've lost 36 pounds and the weight continues to come off due to a well made up mind, exercise and portion control...Thank you Dr. Smith for helping to bring awareness to our people and the world!
Posted by Alicia Gilmore | July 19, 2008 7:39 AM
Posted on July 19, 2008 07:39
Nicole,
I have to say I think you are a beautiful person. I know that you are struggling with weight right now and I wish you the very best.
Posted by MRS.HICKS | July 18, 2008 8:40 PM
Posted on July 18, 2008 20:40