« Marquisha Williams is featured on our News Years Resolution Solution! | Main | Joshua Lewis is featured on our New Years Resolution Solution! »

Cassandra Arroyo is featured on our New Years Resolution Solution!

Click here to post your comment!

Cassandra ArroyoI first heard about the 50 Million Pound Challenge & Dr. Ian at my sorority (Zeta Phi Beta) national leadership conference. The sorority had recently announced at the national level that each of it's regions would have a team and I was very excited about participating.

Prior to joining The Challenge, I had lost about 75 lbs over the course of a year and a half as a member of a popular weight loss program. Since joining The Challenge in July 2008, I have remained a member of that program and have lost another 11 lbs and am still losing!

My goal is to lose a total of 150 lbs, so I have 64 more lbs to go. What has worked for me is keeping track of what I eat and how much of it I eat. I have cut back on fried foods so much that I've lost a lot of my cravings for it. O

ne of the best pieces of advice I've received over the course of my weight loss journey was "Don't make any changes that you can't live with." Depriving yourself of the things you love is almost asking for failure, so I allow myself to eat things like full fat cheese, just in moderation. In other places, where it's easier for me to cut back, I've made changes like using fat-free milk.

Another key to my success has been overcoming mental barriers to weight loss. I had to train myself to believe that I was not destined to be overweight and that even if I have a gain, at least I am aware of it and can do something about it!

The small gains along the way no longer send me into a funk, I just dust it off and recommit to taking the weight off. Because I have so much weight to lose, tackling it in small increments has helped keep me motivated. I don't think of it as 150 lbs, I think of it in terms of 5 lb goals until I get there!

I will admit that exercise was my biggest challenge. I lost the first 40 lbs without exercising consistently, but started to realize that if I wanted my weight loss to LOOK GOOD, I was going to have to get on an exercise plan.

I started out small - doing workout videos at home with my boyfriend. After a bout 3 months of working up my stamina, we joined a gym. I was excited to see that I was actually able to complete 30 minutes on the elliptical machine compared to the barely 5 minutes I could do when I first started trying to lose weight.

I have gone from a size 26/28 to a size 16 and am committed to reaching my weight loss goal and being the healthiest me I know that I can be!

It might sound cheesy but this is the best thing I've ever done for myself and I refuse to let myself down!

Click here to follow Cassandra's story on the

New Years Resolution Solution!

Comments (61)

Joshua:

THANK YOU!!!

Da Big Brother:

My baby sis. The baby. you aren't so baby-ish anymore. I think back to how mean I was with your weight as we were kids, and how you got back at me when I gained all that weight in my first marriage frequently quoting The Nutty Professor which is now one of my favorites all time. We texted(is that a word) each other a few days back. You have touched me beyond any level a lil sister should know. You continue to inspire me, I showed your last email to Fay and she was almost in tears as I am now. I miss you so much. The physical distance can't keep my heart and soul from you, I will make the trip to see you even if I have to jog/walk to save on gas money. Keep the couch open. I LOVE YOU. You are definitely part of something bigger than you realize.

Leslie Whiting:

Hey chick! Just stopping by to give my support. You've been such an inspiration! I'm only 20 lbs down, but you show me that it is possible. Good luck! You are definitely a winner. :)
Love ya much!

Patricia Quansah:

I'm so proud of you Chica! I've been voting for my fellow hawk and hope that you soar with lighter wings :) I wish you all the best and thank you for encouraging me as well. Buena Suerte Amiga!

loseitbaby:

You go girl! I can't wait to try your pizza recipe. You were made for the camera, I thought I was watching something on HGTV for a minute (LOL) Keep up the good work. You have inspirted me..Peace

CHARLES:

I wish you the best of luck reaching your goal. You really look great. I tried your pizza recipe with a few veggies and it was great. Please, keep them coming and i will see you at the finish line. You are truly an inspiration to me and my journey. I just started working on a 100 pound loss journey. What ever else drops off is a bonus.

Vic - THANK YOU! :o) Let me know how your pizzas turn out!

Shannon - THANK YOU! We are never in this thing alone... Keep spreading the word, there are many folks out there who need that extra bit of motivation! :o)

DONETTE P.:

GO ON SANDI!!! YOU CAN DO IT!! Z-PHI!!! I'm trying to catch some tips on gaining some weight and to be healthy doing too.

-Donni

Sylvia Arroyo:

Hey Sandi
Well we are at the last week for voting and I have to say (or shall I say 'I just want to say', lol inside joke) you have done a remarkable job. You have the best blog for those seeking help and advice and for those who just want to follow along. I want to commend you for sticking with your commitment for the past 2 years and not giving up, no matter what. You look great baby girl and Im not just saying that because I'm family. I'm saying it because it's true and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. No matter what happens in this contest, you have already won!! Not just in my eyes, your nephews eyes, mami & papi's eyes, but in EVERYONE's eyes Sandi. You have overcome the biggest obstacle and the hardest struggle of your entire life! Look at you!!! You shine inside and out!! Your beauty from within RADIATES your entire being!! I am soooo proud of you and so is everyone else! The tears that flow from my eyes for you are out of pure happiness and love! I thank GOD for you! May HE give you the strength and empowerment to continue on this journey to become the healthiest you that you can be! Ameen. May HE make it easy for you. Ameen. May HE guide you to HIS truth. Ameen. I want what is best for you Sandi, in this life and the next. I love you with all my heart for life and again.........CONGRATULATIONS DR. CASSANDRA 'SANDI' ARROYO!! I'm even more proud to say "thats my baby sister"!! =) xoxoxoxoxo

Shannon:

I appreciate your blogs. They are definitely an inspiration to me. I keep telling my friends about the Challenge, and the wonderful insights, you and the other contestants provide.

I love reading about your journey because it provides an extra motivation for me and lets me know I am not in the weight struggle alone.

Keep up the good work and may peace and blessings be unto you! :)

Hi Cassandra,

I really enjoyed the videos! Please continue to inspire people with your healthy living and know that I will always support you in anyway I can. I wish you much success! Thank you for staying in touch as my friend. Now, let me get back to making that Pita Pizza! Its looks yummy!! :o)

Love

Victor

Thanks Amanda! I know that feeling on the elliptical allllll too well too! I'm cruising at my even 30 min on the elliptical at this point, not quite ready to bump up my time on that one... i seriously haven't been back on that stair machine - it's scary LOL

Mikee - THANK YOU!! I don't mean to make u get all emotional! You know your friendship through all these years (how many now? 15 yrs?? yikes!!) has meant the world to me - even when we lost touch!!! Love you too girl!!

Aminah - Thanks for all of your support and let the sisters know I appreciate it!!! Send me the recipe - I'm willing to give anything a try!

Aminah UmmTaulib:

Hey Sandi. Loving the vids. Keep them coming. I have a recipe for you. Maybe you can cook it on one of your videos. Its very healthy. Anyway, just wanted to give you some more support and let you know I got sisters from around the globe (say 'Turkey') voting for you! Well gotta go. Keep doing yo thing ma! You look awesome. Love ya

Mikee:

You have me in tears. I am so proud of you. I am praying for you everyday. This is another facet of what being a strong woman, a Zeta and a role model. Just imagine how many others you are inspiring to keep going to reach their goals, to find beauty and spirit in themselves and acknowledging that it is not easy but you have to stay encouraged. This is not about being paper thin but about being healthy and making good choices for yourself. Look at how you shine inside and out just by knowing that you are healthier and that you are "workin' it". Others see that and are encouraged too. I am so proud of you and remember I support you, I love you and I am praying for you.

JESSICA:

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. YOU INSPIRE ME!! I LOVE YOU SANDY!!!

Amanda:

Cassandra- It's really funny that you mentioned that. I just recently got up to 48 minute's on the elliptical, and as I was going, I was laughing to myself saying, "Wow.. what a way I have came since I started.. I could barely do 5 minute's without running out of breath, now I can do this!" It's hard work, but i'm praying for you, and everyone out there. Stick to your goal's, and you will succeed!! =]

Marquisha:

Thanks Cassandra,

Girl its hard! Your right I have to keep telling my self I CAN DO IT! I'm trying but i am trusting and believing WE CAN DO IT!

Cassandra:

thanks jessica! seeing that other people have the same issues i have has really helped me along the way! a lot of times we might think we are the only one going through something, but we're not! best wishes on your journey! thanks for checking out my blog!

Kamah - thanks for always being so supportive of everything I do! your friendship means the world to me!!! love ya!!

Tito - Thanks papi, you know i love you and appreciate you coming and checking out my blog and voting for your favorite aunt ;o)

Lynn:

Nice video Soror Julia Childs. :-D

jessica :

i just wanted to say thank you so much its good to know there is someone else who share my same struggle.

Kamah Alicia Scott:

Sandy, I just want to tell you that you are amazing. I have known you for more than a decade. YOU are doing it. I am so proud of your strenght. Praise God!!! YOU have always been such a humble , beautiful person with a kind spirit. YOU deserve it all.

Dr. Cassandra Arroyo , continue to encourage the masses.

HUGS

Cassandra:

Thanks LaDawn! I try to keep a positive outlook, but it does get tough sometimes! Thank you so much for the encouragement and support, it means a lot that you took the time to read my story and comment! Girl I can't even imagine having kids be a part of the equation in all of this, so you are definitely an inspiration to me if you can do it with kids!!! I will definitely MEET YOU AT GOAL!!

LaDawn Trice:

idk you but i am proud of you. i am pretty much proud of anyone that gets out there and try. between work, my children, trying to find more work, and TRYING to FIND THE TIME TO WORK OUT, OOOOOHHH WEEEEEE, so i know what you mean. Keep your head up and continue to see the pots of gold(goals) at every two miles you make on the rainbow. Meaning, there is forever a goal to obtain. i understand about the 200 different sizes that a woman can be-very discouraging. But your mentality is strong. Meet you at you goal!

Chris aka "Tito" McWhorter:

Hey Titi,

Yes, i watch your videos. And keep track of your blogs. I just wanted to say good job and i love you.


Love your oldest nephew,
Tito

Cassandra:

Hey Paula! Thank you for voting for me and I'm glad that you read something that you could relate to in my blog! We all "get serious" in our own time, but that's the first major step and actually that is the hardest part of the journey! I'm more than happy to keep in touch with you - just send me an email.

Dosia Barreiro:

Gurl, you got this! Now just hold on. I'm working on getting that weekly workout too. Bout to be 43, by my birthday I want this!

Joshua:

All I can say is...wow! You really know your stuff. I've never thought about those things before. Sounds like you have had some practice finding the healthy food in a "not-so-healthy" establishment. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the great tips. I wish I would have thought about that before I left. I will def be able to feel more comfortable going to those places now. And, until next time, I will keep on keepin' on...haha, sounds like that has been the three of ours' motto's as of late!

Paula :

Hi Cassandra,
I wanted to let you know that I gave you my vote because of your story; it's actually like my story of weight struggle. I joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge several weeks ago and just decided today to get serious about it. I'm currently in a size 24 and I know I have a big job in front of me and I hope I can stay in touch with you for your experience and encouragement. I hope to hear from you soon and I wish you the very best of luck as you reach your goals!

Mom:

Que Dios te bendiga mi hija
Lamento mucho tu deanimo, pero tu siempre has sido fuerte con tu intereses. Esto es algo muy sencillo, si tu puedes, si tu puedes! Ten fe en ti misma como yo la tengo en ti. Animo, hija que solo necesitas poner tu fe en Dios que el te va a ayudar. Te prometo orar para que puedas lograr tu meta (goal). Ahora le toca a Papi.

Just a few words from the past:
Keep your mind on your goal and your goal on your mind
You can achieve!!! You started something in 1994 and look back at the challenges you faced during the years leading up to where you are today.
Com mucho amor, carino y fe(faith)

Papi,

Cassandra:

hey jennifer! glad to hear that you are taking the first step to realizing the YOU that you want to be! if you scroll down, you will see that in one of my comments, i left my email address for those who want to contact me... i'm more than happy to help in whatever way you are looking for - food tips, emotional tips, recipes, exercise tips, etc. WE are all in this TOGETHER and WE CAN DO THIS!!!

jennifer:

hey! my name is Jennifer, I've just heard about this thing and was wondering if you could help me get my weight on track... You look GREAT!

Bigbowles:

My blue sister you are doing great just stay focus and you will be there before you know it. My goal is to lose a 100 lbs. and I have 95 more lbs to go.

Sylvia:

Hey Sandi, lol, Marquis told me to remind you about his shout out! We are looking forward to the new video and tell 'T' his email made me cry too! It runs in the family, ya'll. LOL. Anyway, you are looking fabulous and now I'm on my grind to loose the extra weight too! InshaAllah (God Willing). You truly are an Inspiration to all of us. Even Marquis wants to loose weight. =) So when he is feeling hungry at 11pm, Im going to have him call you so you can talk him out of eating unhealthy so late at night. Ok? You know them boys can eat. lol. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I have joined the challenge and hope to lose 60 lbs. I believe I can do it. Its going to be hard but its worth it. Im worth it. I'm hoping to be able to help Quise and hubby loose too. I'll keep you posted. Love ya! We GONNA do this right?

JOE - thanks for coming to support me! miss ya man! Dove love all day every day!!

Cassandra:

Destini - I actually a member of Weight Watchers. I definitely understand about the making the resolution and then not sticking to it! I was just like that. So far, I'm doing pretty good sticking to it. I haven't made it to 5 days a week just yet, but I'm trying to work my way up to it! Be sure to check out my blog at http://vote4cassandra.tumblr.com so you can read more about what i've gone through over the years, particularly the past 2 years since I joined WW and the challenge.

Stefanie - You can email me whenever! I have no problem being an email support pen pal for you!

I am happy to know that my story is helping ya'll! We don't have to do this alone!!!

thank you Vasilika! i definitely agree... I gave it God when I first started this journey - i knew in my heart that i had to be committed and that i was going to need His help to bring me through it! and your reason for doing this, i felt the same way! i just wanted to feel good about myself when i looked in the mirror... i wish you nothing but success!!! we CAN do this and we WILL do this!!!

Destini:

I don't know if you can disclose this information, but what popular weight lose program are you a member of. You inspired me alot. I make the New Year's resolution every year to stay fit and loose this weight and by February have already given up. This year God has blessed me with persistence.

Stefanie:

Hi and Congrats on your success!!! I am a healthy 320 pounds unfortunately and have decided today to take the challenge. I will not be starting until Monday but I would like to know if you would be interested in being pen pals through email to encourage each other? I really want to lose weight but I have to admit I do love food, lol. I have watched your you tube videos and you are very inspiring. Anyways email me andlets chat I am sure you have some very helpful ideas. Thank you, Stefanie

JF West:

BLU!!!! PHI!!!!
You Go Girl. So Very proud of You.

OMG - all the love!!! i was out of town and am playing catch up, so here goes:

Mynekka - I am happy to be so open! God would not be taking me on this journey if He didn't intend for me to share my experiences - both good and bad! I appreciate that you even took the time to read through my blog (I know I write a LOT lol)! If you ever have any questions that you don't want to put on here, please feel free to email me - drcassandraa@gmail.com.

Demishia - i am going to post some more recipes for you! I don't make much breakfast (i eat a lot of cereal because it's quick), but i believe i have an egg white recipe for you! :o)

LaKeshia - thanks girl! we've been friends a LONG time! I miss you bunches and appreciate your support... I'm trying to get my life in order and this is a major part of it! LOVE YOU!

Sylvia, Chris Jr, & Marquis - I LOVE YOU ALL! The text messages and email have been hilarious but touching! I miss ya'll a LOT!

Soror Wilkey - Thank you so much for being such a support locally! It means a LOT!!

Jocelyn - girl I ate curry chicken last night! but it was more pigeon pea, lentil & bean curry than it was chicken. trust me, I have my moments of "probably shouldn't have ate that", but if i don't give in every now and then, i would eat the whole darn box of swiss rolls!! LOL thanks for the encouragement!

Kasha - thanks and YAY for joining the challenge! take it one day at a time, this is not a sprint - it's a marathon! :o)

Tyana - aww thanks soror!

My Sigma Brothers! Thank you thank you thank you! Anonymous brother - you are going to do great! Take it slow and only make one change at a time. I appreciate your support and hope you keep coming back to see how I'm doing!!!

*whew* I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Vasilika:

Well job well done i just startie to day have a long way to go but am off to a good start i don't eat afther 8pm any more.i want to look good again feel good about myselt and am gone do just that.But you keep the good work up and just keep praying ask for all you need he has all power GOOD LUCK because its not easy.

bigbowles:

Good Luck from a Sigma brother.

Anonymous:

Cassandra good job on your current weight loss the reward will pay off in the end. I am just starting to lose weight and my goal is to lose a 100lbs. Good Luck from one of your Phi Beta Sigma Brothers.

Tyana:

Keep up the great work soror! I am so proud of you.

SZL,
Tyana
RZ babyblue3_22 :)

Mynekka:

You are such a motivation to me. I just read the other two blogs and I felt like I had a connection with them because we are all going through a weight loss journey, but when I read your blog I was blown away at how much I can relate to you. Thank you for being so open. I will definately keep checking for my own sake...THANK YOU!!!Good luck lady!

Kasha :

Cassandra, You have done an awesome job! I am truly rooting for you! I just joined the challenge and reading your accomplishments have given me inspiration! Thanks Much!

Kasha

jocelyn:

I wish I had looked "your before and after picture" before eating that curry chicken/rice and two chocolate swiss rolls. Boy, I can't believe it.
You give me so much inspiration!! Keep up the good work.

Marquisha:

Hey Cassandra,

Thank you so much for the encouraging words and inspiration. Yeah I had a minor setback but I feel like Im back on point. I picked back up the next day. Thank you so much and you continue to do a wonderful job you are so my inspiration.

Soror D. G. Wilkey:

I finally got through and all I can say is that you are doing it up really good. I encourage you to keep moving, jumping and whatever it takes to drop those pounds. You are doing a great job.

Go Girl!

Soror Wilkey
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

P.S. I am rooting and tooting for you.

Demishia:

Can I have some of your breakfast and dinner recipes?

Sylvia McWhorter:

Hey Sandi!

We are so proud of you! Keep up the fabulous work, because whether you win this contest or not, you are still a winner! We love you baby girl and miss you greatly.

Congratulations!!!! =)

LAKESHIA:

TO ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU LOOK GREAT! YOU ARE GREAT INSPIRATION TO ME. LOVE YA

Demishia:

Hi

Sandi

Need some quick and healthy meals, especially breakfast and dinner.

OMG, KIM! I know exactly what you mean... there's always something that stands to throw us off track... whether it's a medical problem/injury, a trip out of town, stress, work, you name it! There was a time when I would just stay off track for however long I felt like it... These days, I always remind myself that each meal/snack is a brand new chance for me to get back on track! it seems to work... and YEAH another WW'er!! my response to the WW secretaries when I have a gain is "Oh well, it's coming off at some point dagnabbit"... Keep on keepin on!! We're all in this together!

Kim:

Happy New Year Cassandra,
I understand completely about hitting that 30lb mark then slacking off. That's a regular with me & I thought I had it beat but it happened again. I originally lost 58 lbs, then I had some medical problems with my back & knee which stopped me for a few months of exercise then gaining 24 lbs back. I was on a roll from size 24 to a 20, very very near an 18, bummer now I'm up to a 22/24 but there a little big. You & others have inspired me to get back on my program as of today. I also attend WW & every time I get on the scale with a gain I say to the leader "I'm going to keep coming to WW till I get it right whether I lose or not" & she just chuckles. Gotta love them. Keep up the fight as I know I will.

Joshua:

Hey! I appreciate it. I didn't wanna complete deprive myself of alcohol. I just have to remember, in moderation!

Thank you for the kind words.

Good luck!

-Joshua

Good luck on the 50 million pound challenge from your friends at Greekster.tv. It is a very positive goal you are striving for.

Demishia:

Sandi,

Congrats again, also I think you would enjoy various classes at the gym to help with the pain of working out. Mix it, your my inspiration, I am on it I cant let you sop with out me

Leslie W:

Congratulations! I wish you continued success! Love ya!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Anonymous:

Keep up the good work. I wish you the best in reaching your goal. Also, Congratulations!!!!

Post a comment

(Comments will not appear immediately. Please see the Comment Policy for additional details.)

About

This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on January 5, 2009 9:13 AM.

The previous post in this blog was Marquisha Williams is featured on our News Years Resolution Solution!.

The next post in this blog is Joshua Lewis is featured on our New Years Resolution Solution!.

Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.

statefarm.com®50millionpounds.com