Name: Sheika Allen - Age :31
Stay at home mom - Recent graduate & recipient of Associates Degree in Medical Office Management
I am 31 years of age. I am not married, but am in a very committed and serious relationship with a wonderful man. I have three children ages 10 (boy), 6 (boy) and 15 months (girl). I live in Tuscaloosa Alabama, and have lived here since I was 16. I was raised in Long Island New York, and coming to the south was a big change, but I soon adapted. I didn't struggle with obesity as a child like a lot of people. I was very slim and could pretty much wear anything and make it look good. My weight took a turn for the worst after having my first son and making bad food choices. It's really hard to eat healthy when no one around you does. A pair of tights brought to my attention how much weight I had actually gained. I think that I became comfortable with the size and was no longer able to tell that I was actually that overweight. My highest weight was 394lbs. Not good. After having my daughter, I decided that it was time for a change; that's when I started my weight loss journey.
Who/what is your fitness inspiration?
I really don't have a fitness inspiration as far as a person goes. My main inspiration is just to be a healthier me and to be physically able to run and play with my children. I want to set an example for them so that they can avoid some of the things that I went through by not taking care of myself the way that I should have.
What are you doing now to maintain an active lifestyle?
To maintain an active lifestyle I make exercise a part of my daily routine. I go to the gym at least five to six days a week as well as doing strength training DVDs at home. I just ordered a new DVD (dance) that my children and I are having a lot of fun doing together. Making your workout fun will make exercise easier and more enjoyable. If I can't make it to the gym, I would go for a walk with my family. Either way I'm going to find a way to work my fitness in for that day.
What foods, meals or snacks do you recommend to those whom are looking to maintain a healthy diet?
I'm no expert on what to eat because I'm still learning. However I will say that my food choices have been very beneficial to my weight loss. I recommend foods such as lean meats, turkey, whole grains (no refined grains) and lots of veggies. Stay away from fast-food, fried and food that contains added sugar or large amounts of sodium. Snacks are a lot of people's downfall. They're also the hardest to give up. Although it may be true, it can be done. I like to snack a little every now and then so I choose fruit smoothies, yogurt or maybe a few pieces of low fat cheese..(very rare for me because I'm not a big cheese fan). But if you are one of those people that has to have something sweet, then I would suggest 90 calorie brownies, protein bars, no sugar added Ice cream or fiber bars. I like to boil a sweet potato and add a couple of tablespoons of honey and cinnamon to it (very fulfilling).
What does a sample menu of your day look like? Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.
Breakfast: Normally consists of two eggs scrambled with a tbsp of smart balance butter and a cup or two of steamed veggies. My alternative is a green smoothie made with kale, celery, strawberries, banana, 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup of silk and a few ice cubes.
Lunch: Green smoothie
Snack: Green smoothie with a fiber bar or 90 calorie brownie
Dinner; Tilapia cooked on the griddle with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 cups of steamed veggies
I'm currently working on getting more calories in so that my body does not go into starvation mode.
Name one fitness item that you absolutely to have:
I absolutely HAVE to have my music (iPhone). I hate the background noise around me when working out. I have to be in a zone; music gets me motivated and takes my mind off of how hard I'm working.
What would be your best piece of advice you'd share with someone that might be struggling?
I would say that you can do anything that you set your mind on. Never give up and no matter how many times you fall down, pull yourself back up! You can't get to the finish line if you never start the race. There are going to be some really hard days ahead, but you can't let those days determine your outcome. Stay positive. Do whatever you need to do to get you to your goal (in a healthy way). Join support groups and log your food on sites like myfitnesspal or sparkpeople. Holding yourself accountable is one of the most important steps to change. If you're going to look back instead of forward, look back WHERE your were and how FAR you have come.
When you're not working out, we are normal people too; name your favorite feel good beauty product.
My favorite beauty product would be my eye shadow! I love all of the different shades and I'm learning how to apply them. I also love my nail polish, I have all kinds and they have glitter in them; the only reason I bought them! <3
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?
I'm most proud of my kids and my desire to further educate myself. Against all odds I have completed job corps at 17 yrs old with a GED and CNA license, and I just completed college and I'm the first one of my siblings to do so. Despite the fact that I make mistakes, I am a very good mother and I am proud of that. Most of all, I am proud of my relationship with God.
Share with us your love for the gym, how did you make it such an important part of your life?
My love for the gym came from me wanting some "me time" after being at home with a newborn baby and two kids day in and day out. Going to the gym is my time away from being student, mommy and girlfriend to just be Sheika. It's important to me because its a step toward a healthier me.
If you'd like to be featured for Motivation Monday, message me on Facebook or send me an email to cassie.baillie@gmail.com.
-Cassie
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