Calandra Lewis' Challenge Photos & Essay

Before (in Green) / After (in Blue & Yellow)

Don’t look at Fitness, Health and Energy as just being a diet, It is a Lifetime Commitment! Step forward to meet the challenge, Stay positive, and Results will be your Success. As a child and young adult I never had to be self conscious about my health or weight. For the past two years, my appearance changed from thin to thick and my energy level was at an all time low. I was active in high school, college and at the start of my corporate career. Now, I have decided to love myself. I have made a commitment to become more physically fit, healthy and energized; and stay this way! The Independence Day Challenge has been an awarding event for me. I have definitely learned how to prepare my meals for the week, stay on task and develop healthier eating habits. It is sometimes a challenge when you work in Corporate America to stay focus on eating healthy and just having the time to work out. It is so easy to go through a drive through and order a #1. It is quick and definitely will make you thick. That was my biggest challenge throughout the program. Sometimes, you have to just say no to temptation. I was so excited when I had to go out of town for a family wedding and was able to maintain my daily check ins and followed the nutrition plan while on the road. My sister in law had my favorite candy, turtles. They were calling my name, but I resisted temptation. The program has provided accountability, motivation and results for me. I am now incorporating more fruits and vegetables in my daily meal plans and holding myself accountable to work out at least 3 to 4 times a week. My mother has installed a quote that sticks with me on all of my endeavors,
“ It is not where you come from, it is where you want to go!” I keep this in mind and hope this will be a something that everyone can take with them. Don’t settle yourself short, Determination is the key.