BDO: You “learned that water is your friend.” Does that mean you don’t like water?
TB: I did not like water. I had to find water enhancers. Flavored drops, Crystal Light fruit punch, zero flavored drinks. These helped me get my intake.
BDO: What have been the most effective aspects of your weight loss success?
TB: Drinking water, pushing through challenges, taking the stairs, making myself stop cutting corners, and not eating everything on my plate. I really had to learn portion control. For example, now, when I’m at a restaurant, I ask for half of my meal to immediately be packed to go.
BDO: What does your exercise schedule look like?
TB: When my schedule is okay I work out 5 times a week. I take a core class with weights and I do walk/run interval training.
BDO: What is your favorite exercise?
TB: Weight training is my favorite. I like the burn that your body gets. It gives you a sense of accomplishment. I love thinking, “I really worked this! I’m really gonna see the results!”
BDO: What is your least favorite exercise?
TB: I hate working on my legs. I don’t like squats or lunges. That’s why my legs are a challenge. Upper body, no problem. Legs…problem.
BDO: Now what about food? What is your favorite healthy food?
TB: I love juicing, and I love tofu. I LOVE it , love it, love it!
BDO: How about your favorite guilty pleasure food?
TB: Pasta and red wine.
BDO: What would you say are some of the top things your weight loss journey has taught you?
TB: I’m not at 120, and I probably won’t be there again. I can’t judge myself today on how I used to look. I’m not facing the challenges I was when I was 20.
BDO: Any additional words of advise to women out there who are either on or considering going on weight loss journeys of their own?
TB: I would say don’t give up. Be accountable for yourself. And…water, water, water everywhere! Water is your friend. I promise!
Trina Braxton: “Once I Did This, The Pounds Kept Falling Off” was originally published on blackdoctor.org