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I first learned about Dr. Ian by watching a Celebrity Fit Club show about 2 1/2 years ago. A co-worker and I purchased his book so we called his office. Low and behold, Dr. Ian actually answered the phone himself. He thanked me for purchasing the book and told me that I could do it if I followed the program. I also asked him if he could do a reality show with regular people wanting to lose weight (this show later became the Biggest Loser, HA!). He laughed but never said he would do it. Nonetheless, we still loved him!
Anywho, I tried following the detox twice and failed. I gave up on it and became depressed. In April 2008, I received a bonus from my job and on that same day received an e-mail about a party. As I scrolled through the e-mail, I found an ad about a fitness boot camp in Chicago. I took all of my bonus money, $500, and put it into the program. From that point, forward, I would drive 50 miles into the city on Saturday and Sunday to attend the boot camp.
After a couple months, I changed the way I ate. I added more lean protein, veggies and good carbs to my diet. As time went on, I started to see a change. I became motivated and decided that I want more flexibility in my schedule to be a mom to my girls, they were raising themselves because I worked 10 hours a day. So I decided I would quit my job as an Executive Assistant and become a fitness instructor. This was in October of 2008.
Today, I am an AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor with the boot camp that I went to. I am also the Director of Operations for the program. I recently did a six week challenge with some of my clients and the results were phenomenal!!! I had two members who lost over 10 lbs. and 3 inches around the waist and hips!!! I cried, they cried!! It felt so good to share my journey with others and motivate them to better health and wellness. Of course, I have trials that I am trying to endure such as not losing my home but it looks like I may lose that fight. I am going to keep pressing on.
Now, I am moving on to my next challenge and that is to place in the 2010 Grand Prix Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships. In order to do this, I have to follow a very strict, almost boring diet and I am training with an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder. I am 30 weeks out from the competition and excited but a bit scared. I need all the motivation I can get but I also have to push myself to make the next journey in my life come true. I plan on being an IFBB Pro Figure Competitor and Fitness model by November 2010. I'll let you know how the journey goes!
Kind regards,
Comments (30)
Wow - way to go! I know you will meet your goal of becoming a IFBB Pro Figure Competitor and Fitness model. Winner's never Quit & quitter never win - your a WINNER!!!!!!
Posted by LaNiece | November 4, 2009 1:10 PM
Posted on November 4, 2009 13:10
This is a really nice story but, I just have to say The Biggest Loser was around before this conversation with Dr.Ian 2.5 years ago!
Posted by Autumn | November 2, 2009 11:57 PM
Posted on November 2, 2009 23:57
Wow! Your story is really motivational. You did what you had to do through sacrifice, courage and perseverance to ultimately change your life for the better. Houses come and go, but I do hope you're able to work it out for what's best for you and your family. Keep up the great work and good luck on your upcoming competition. I hope you continue to do what you have to do to place and fulfill all of your dreams! Good luck.
Posted by Time2WalkthePath | November 2, 2009 11:14 PM
Posted on November 2, 2009 23:14
Hey Nikki: Praise God on your weight lost and I am happy to hear you have achieve your one goal and are going even further. My question to you is Have you tired ever angle in trying not to lose your home. Because the Federal Government has programs to help you not lose your home. contact Federal.gov.com
Be Bless
Posted by Smoochz | October 30, 2009 9:43 AM
Posted on October 30, 2009 09:43
Hello everyone!!!! My daughter just showed me that there were comments posted. I AM SO TOUCHED BY ALL OF YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! For those that asked, no this was not an overnight thing. I have had many ups and downs and am now facing big time challenges with self-discipline and eating to prepare for this challenge. Heck, last week I wanted to give up! I started by trying to eliminate fast foods, soda, fried foods. I just tried my best to eat as clean as possible (it ain't easy). That means eating protein with vegetables at each meal, drinking more water and taking time on Sunday to plan my meals for a couple days. I also made sure I was doing cardio for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week and don't be afraid to pick up those weights!!! It helps to speed the weight loss and tone the body. Now, I must go take a moment of silence to tell God thank you for letting my testimony touch so many. Now I truly have a reason to make competing a reality!
Posted by Nakia Dunigan | October 29, 2009 5:55 PM
Posted on October 29, 2009 17:55
weight loss have become a family affair. My husband doctor had talked to him about having surgery to get rid of the pounds. My husband was up to 380. He did't want to be cut on any more if he didn't have to. His sister had gastro surgery.
She told us of the diet she did before doing the surgery. It is not so much about deit as life stlye change. We have been dong it since this summer. we have made this a family affair.We have a ten year old that is over weight. My son weight is coming down . We are changing our esting habits very little carbs. No scales, only checking how the clothes fit. They are getting losser. As with most woman I have a pair jeans. First goal got into them and now to make them fit like I want them. Ms. Sybil we will get there one day. Walking for me and my husband as exercise and sports, especaily football for my son. Maybe will met when we meet out goal. see you a the goal.
Posted by sandi0530 | October 26, 2009 8:34 PM
Posted on October 26, 2009 20:34
Your story inspires me. You look great! What meal plan did you follow?
Posted by Twilla Sawyer | October 25, 2009 12:33 PM
Posted on October 25, 2009 12:33
Hi, I think that was so great!!!! I'm so happy 4 u Really i am. Can u give me some pointers pls I been trying and trying and i end up back into mu old habits. If u have any advise pls send them my way...
Posted by Linda | October 24, 2009 3:47 PM
Posted on October 24, 2009 15:47
Hey you look GREAT, what type diet plan did you follow to meet your 1st goal. \
Thanks
Posted by Tracie | October 23, 2009 8:52 AM
Posted on October 23, 2009 08:52
Nikki,
I am so happy to see you looking so beautiful. I often start exercising and then stop but I will get it right soon.
Love Kenya
Posted by Kenya Stanley | October 22, 2009 6:17 PM
Posted on October 22, 2009 18:17
Congrats! You have given me motivation. I've have not been successful in my weight lost. I have purchased Dr. Ian's book and I am going home tonight to start reading it. It's nice to know there are success stories. Maybe one day I will be in a body building challenge.
You have given me hope, thanks!
Keep it up and continue to shine.
Thanks again!!
Posted by NY Savvy | October 22, 2009 9:20 AM
Posted on October 22, 2009 09:20
THAT'S GREAT KEEP UP THE HARD WORK I KNOW IT WILL PAYOFF.
Posted by TOMMY | October 19, 2009 11:15 AM
Posted on October 19, 2009 11:15
HI NAKIA I'M JUST STARING THE CHALLENGE
I READ YOUR LETTER IT MOTIVATION ME. KEEP PRESSING.GOD ALWAY GIVE SOMETHING BETTER
CONCHITA
Posted by CONCHITA | October 17, 2009 9:55 PM
Posted on October 17, 2009 21:55
Way to go girl! SO proud!
Posted by Roxanne | October 17, 2009 7:22 PM
Posted on October 17, 2009 19:22
Go ahead my sister!!!!!You have to come and see me to help me get this weight off. Since "baby girl's" passing, I have added,regretably another 30lbs. I'm depressed and distressed about the weight. Head back to ATLANTA!!!!!
Posted by Valensia | October 16, 2009 10:00 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 22:00
Hi Ms. Nakia
Thank you for your post, is very inspiring. I must say you have the potential to be a bodybuilder, its hard work I know I am married to one for 19yrs. My husband Al won in the overall 30 national competion now at the age of 50 he's thinking of entering the competion again. The trick is focus, lots of water,protein. I remember that when he was getting ready for his competion he would eat lots of white eggs cook in water. If you need any tips, you can email me, and I'll get him to help you. Unfortuntly I'm now trying to get back into shape I let myself go after haveing my 3rd child never seem to find time for me. But now children are grown I do have 2 bueatiful grandchildren but I'm making the effort to find time and get on to the right path.I enjoy reading you biograph.
God Bless, and let me know how your doing.
Elizabeth Email taxymom44@aol.com
Posted by Elizabeth Ciano | October 16, 2009 9:18 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 21:18
I wish you much success in your goals for 2010.
Congrats on all that you have accomplished thus far.
Posted by Felicia C. | October 16, 2009 8:51 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 20:51
Hi Can I substitute anything for the beans,i can't eat them?
Posted by Sherri | October 16, 2009 11:10 AM
Posted on October 16, 2009 11:10
My name is Denise. I am currently looking for a boot camp in New Jersey. Do you happen to have any suggestions. Also what is the name of the boot camp you attended? Did you stay over night? Do you know if there are any overnight boot camps available? I am also just where you were going through almost the same exact thing right down to the house any way many blessings to you.
Kind Regards
Posted by Denise | October 15, 2009 10:21 PM
Posted on October 15, 2009 22:21
Great story!! Knowing from experience is the best teacher. It's great to be able to give a testimony to give people hope.
Posted by Clinton Walker III | October 15, 2009 6:39 PM
Posted on October 15, 2009 18:39
Your courage and commitment are amazing.
Posted by Valarie | October 15, 2009 2:23 PM
Posted on October 15, 2009 14:23
You look awesome!
Posted by T | October 15, 2009 2:12 PM
Posted on October 15, 2009 14:12
I would like to say congrads to you, your story is amazing and i am proud of you for all that you have accomplished this far, i am motivated just by reading this to do more and challenge myself to the fullest, thank you for giving it your all so that others like myself can do the same.
Posted by Ivorine | October 14, 2009 6:42 PM
Posted on October 14, 2009 18:42
I am very proud of Nakia, I just want you to continue persuing your dreams, with out dreams we would not be here. I be praying that in Nov, 2010 you will walk with first place. Keep striving for the best. Good Luck.
Posted by marie joseph | October 14, 2009 10:14 AM
Posted on October 14, 2009 10:14
I would like your advise. I having problem with my weight, I work out three to four time a week. I'm forty-nine years old and menopause.
Please, give me some suggest on what I can do to get my metabolism up.
Thank you.
Dianne Higgenbottom
Posted by Dianne Higgenbottom | October 14, 2009 9:56 AM
Posted on October 14, 2009 09:56
Nikki, you look awesome! I've seen all of your hard work blossom into this beautiful work. Don't stop. Stay encouraged. I'm in your corner! Meech
Posted by Demetris | October 13, 2009 4:13 PM
Posted on October 13, 2009 16:13
Hey young lady....as Billy Crystal and I would say......You look...... MARVELOUS ....
Posted by Ms. Joy Dunigan | October 13, 2009 3:00 PM
Posted on October 13, 2009 15:00
Wow! You look great! I also took an oath to take better care of me and my daughter health. Loving yourself start with having your mind set and following thru. Health means wealth... I am proud that you never gave in and that what makes this an awesome journey. Never, never give in or give up. You are destining for greatness! Nakia is that shining beacon of light for those single mother and women at large? Your future so bright it burns my eyes.
Posted by Carlina | October 13, 2009 12:25 PM
Posted on October 13, 2009 12:25
Keep doing it!!!
Go, Go, Go!
Love the change in your life and wish you all the best.
Edonna, Jack and da Grilz!
Posted by E to the L | October 13, 2009 11:45 AM
Posted on October 13, 2009 11:45
Hi Ms. Dunigan. I am soooo Very Proud of You! Your journey is phenomenal. It seems like you have courageously made some very hard choices. I just wanted to let you know that there are people "out-here" that support you, admire you, and are cheering you on! The Best of Luck to you and your family as your journey continues. God Bless!!
Posted by Ms. Kazuki Glover | October 13, 2009 8:37 AM
Posted on October 13, 2009 08:37