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My name is Kenya Morgan. I first heard of the weight loss challenge through an advertisement. I decided to lose weight when my health became a real issue. I had very high blood pressure that couldn't even be controlled by the strongest medicines. My heart began to suffer and I was on a heart medicine because of the weight gain and the blood pressure. I suffered blackouts and extreme fatigue because my heart was beating so fast due to the extreme hypertension.
My motivation was my husband and my children, and the fact that I knew I couldn't survive long in this state of health and weight. I started my weight loss on March 13, my son's 10th birthday. I began walking each day. As my strength grew I began jogging and running up to 8 miles a day. I ate grilled chicken, salmon and lots of fresh vegetables. I ate six small healthy meals a day, stopped eating sugar and drinking sodas. I only drank water – 80 ounces or more a day. I weighed in one month later with my doctor and had lost 30 pounds.
My initial weight loss goal was 145 pounds but I continue to lose. I am currently 127 pounds and feel great. I am no longer on heart and blood pressure medicine. My key to weight loss has been to try different healthy recipes to cook because when you aren't bored you won't relapse.
Comments (22)
You must be very proud that you acheived your goal. I do not need to lose a lot of weight, but someone close to me needs to read your story. I will pass this on to her for encoragement.
Carl
Posted by Carl | September 29, 2008 6:38 PM
Posted on September 29, 2008 18:38
I am at the point in my life that I do not want to have health problems. I want to look good for myself and my husband.
I read your post and wanted to say I am inspired and I am fighting hard to win this battle with my weight. Like Dr. Ian said "weight loss is 50 % mental". I want to be around and enjoy my children. I work so hard and want to be able to enjoy.
I just wanted to say keep up the good work and continue to live your dreams!!
Posted by FELlCIA | September 25, 2008 10:10 PM
Posted on September 25, 2008 22:10
Hey, Congrats on your success!! I just started today, after having my third child in Feb, I have gained back what I lost for my wedding and more... but you are looking great, i saw you the other day at the school and you looked slim!! Keep in contact with me to help me be as success as you. You are an inspiration to many. Good luck!!
Posted by Kelly Woods-Medlin | September 22, 2008 11:09 AM
Posted on September 22, 2008 11:09
I joined the challenge today and reading your story gives me a lot of hope may God continue to bless you and good luck
Posted by chris johnson | September 14, 2008 7:55 PM
Posted on September 14, 2008 19:55
Hi Kenya.
Congratulations on your weight loss. Truely an inspiration. I want to write you because your story sounds alot like mine. I am 37yo with congestive heart failure. Last year i had surgery and had an defibulator implanted because of my weak heart. All my life I've been trying to lose weight. I started a diet on june 16, 2008. I have lost 18 pounds since then. But i've felt like giving up. I would really like to hear from you on how you stayed motivated and any recipes that kept the diet easy to follow. God bless and good luck.
Dipster
Posted by DIPSTER | September 7, 2008 8:04 PM
Posted on September 7, 2008 20:04
Great job!!!!!!! I started about 10 weeks ago and i have lost 25 pounds but I’m at a stand still now any suggestions?
Posted by deb | September 6, 2008 12:02 PM
Posted on September 6, 2008 12:02
Your story was truly inspiring, congratulations on your weight loss.
Posted by MsShine | September 4, 2008 9:31 AM
Posted on September 4, 2008 09:31
I would just like to say that i truely injoyed your story and am happy for you. Im 18 and am in need of some advice on how to lose the wieght without feeling depressed why i do it if you have some advice i would luv to hear from you
Posted by alexa rushin | September 2, 2008 10:26 PM
Posted on September 2, 2008 22:26
I signed up for the challenge because I truly need to lose weight. I have ben trying for 6 years to take off the 60lbs I put on while I was pregnant. I need the motivation and support of people like yourself because I truly can not do this on my own. Your story has given me a ray of hope, I feel i can take your story and use is to help me. I have a small child and I need to be around for her.
Posted by Wanda | September 1, 2008 5:56 PM
Posted on September 1, 2008 17:56
Kenya I was thinking of not working out today but after reading your story I will stay on track. I have been doing very good I started chaning my eating habits and working out in March of this year after a Dr viist. My lung function was decreasing due to I have a lung and a half. At the time I weighed 212lbs I am now 198lbs and going strong .Living a longer life is what it is all about.God bless
Mona H.
Posted by mona | August 29, 2008 4:48 PM
Posted on August 29, 2008 16:48
Thank you for your inspiring story. I remember all these life stories and use them to keep my motivation going. I am slowly but surely getting there. Thank you again.
Posted by Margie D. | August 28, 2008 10:47 AM
Posted on August 28, 2008 10:47
Kenya,
What an encouraging story, I myself am just joining in the challenge and have a personal weight loss goal of 100 lbs.. Stay strong!
Posted by Marnette Harris | August 27, 2008 10:58 PM
Posted on August 27, 2008 22:58
Way to go! Keep up the good work.
Posted by latanya | August 27, 2008 8:18 PM
Posted on August 27, 2008 20:18
Your commitment is inspiring! I have started walking everyday from 30-45 min. and I feel so much better. I've been tracking my blood pressure and it's going down and Kale is my favorite food lately since it has mega minerals and vitamins and protects against cancers and tumor growth (yes the stuff that garnishes the salad bar) & it's cheap. It takes like lettuce raw and like spinach cooked. I use it in everything and haven't had any fast food for 10 days (a real feat for me). In time I'll be where you are. Keep up the good work being healthy!
Posted by Lisa | August 27, 2008 5:32 PM
Posted on August 27, 2008 17:32
Great Job!! I am just starting out as of August 9th and the eating plan alone is great! Keep encouraging others to do great things, remember each one must reach one. Congrats!
Posted by Charon | August 27, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on August 27, 2008 08:17
I am so proud that you have overcome many obstacles to get to your goal. I wish I had that determination like you have. I am a 24yr old wife and mother of a 2yr old and I am finding it hard to get the time, money and motivation. Please pray for me!!!
Posted by yashami | August 26, 2008 8:49 PM
Posted on August 26, 2008 20:49
Way to go Kenya keep it up you are motivation for me I just started this month the 15 August and the whole purpose is to get off the blood pressure and heart medication and to lose this second person I am carrying around. Way to go. Keep up the work. Karen
Posted by karen | August 26, 2008 11:34 AM
Posted on August 26, 2008 11:34
Hey Kenya,
What an amazing story! I was truly blessed to read about you, because I too have high blood pressure and have been trying for years to get my weight in hopes of reducing or eliminating the meds altogether. Your success gives me encouragement to lose the weight and sustain it.
Thank you for sharing your story.
DKW Palm Springs California
Posted by Mrs. Wright | August 25, 2008 6:01 PM
Posted on August 25, 2008 18:01
That is great, Kenya. I have just signed up for the challenge and hope to lose 35 pounds. I, too, may continue on and lose more weight. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration.
Posted by kim | August 25, 2008 5:30 PM
Posted on August 25, 2008 17:30
I have joined 4 different teams and have not gotten an email from any of them.
Posted by Fomer Runner | August 25, 2008 11:50 AM
Posted on August 25, 2008 11:50
Wow Kenya great job I'm just starting this challenge and I'm hoping to have the same determination as you all have... I'm really going to try my best.
Posted by Margie | August 25, 2008 7:20 AM
Posted on August 25, 2008 07:20
That is so great, your story really helped alot. I have health problems. But, you just showed me that I can do this. Thanks for your help. May God keep blessing you.
Posted by deborah mothersill | August 24, 2008 10:58 PM
Posted on August 24, 2008 22:58