Mia Amber Davis: Plus Model and Advocate Gone Too Soon

On May 10, 2011, the plus model industry lost one of it’s brightest stars. Mia Amber Davis paved the way for aspiring full figured models around the world. I was shocked and brought to tears when I discovered she died at only 36 after knee surgery. It was almost as if I lost one of my heroes.

Davis used every opportunity to set positive examples for women of every color, shape and size. Observing her effort inspired me to embrace who I am today while working toward being the best me possible. She was a model, an advocate for plus size acceptance and the kindest spirit I’ve ever witnessed.

In 2009, I remember watching a CNN special on obesity, where Davis defended overweight men and women, referring to size-ism as the “last acceptable prejudice”. Her argument was valid, however, I’m not sure if her words were respected. I understood exactly where she was going with her statements and at that point, I knew Mia Amber Davis was more than a pretty face. She was passionate about making a difference for those who thought they’d never have a chance in today’s society.

Prior to her appearance on CNN and before becoming (in my eyes) the most popular Black plus model to date, Davis appeared in the movie Road Trip and lost over 100 pounds shortly after. Davis said that in order for her to become a model, (even in the plus industry) she had to lose weight. She also felt necessary to do so after a nearly fatal car accident, where she found herself repeatedly telling the emergency crew “I’m sorry I’m fat” while they struggled to carry her from the crash. At that time, Davis was 300 pounds. She knew a change was needed for her to improve her life and as a result, began working out and eating healthy. After losing a tremendous amount of weight, Davis went on to model for Ashley Stewart, Monif C. and was a frequent runway model on BET’s Rip the Runway.

Through all of this, she still remained an advocate for men and women battling obesity.

To this day, I’m still in shock that one of my role models is gone. Just days before her death, I remember her tweeting that she was excited about her future. Her fight and her success inspire me to be as excited for my future as she was for her own. Her story is an example of determination and the result of hard work.

Mia Amber Davis’ legacy will live on through me as I plan on helping others love who they are while working toward a healthier, happier future. Mia was all about having a positive view of self regardless of outward appearance. I want to encourage the same mentality among my readers, friends, family and everyone else.

Mia Amber Davis, you will be missed but never forgotten. You were truly a blessing to me. Rest in Peace.

30 Cans of Crisco Gone Down the Drain

Last week marked 13 weeks!!!! I've been on my weight loss journey for over over THREE MONTHS! I learned last Friday that I've lost 30 lbs. total since starting in January. Yes 30 POUNDS! I'm excited!!!! I'm under 230 pounds now and I'm looking forward to getting out of the 200 range by the summer.

This is an exciting point for me because for a long time, I couldn't make it out of the 230 pound range. This is usually the point where I relapse, start getting lazy and reverse my progress. But I'm finally breaking that trend. I can see myself closer to the finish line and I'm so anxious and excited to get back into my size 12 jeans. I'm about 27 pounds away from wearing a size 12 again (yes, I can fit a 12 at 200 lbs). It's just all really exciting.

My biggest worry at this point is toning. What will my body really look like after losing over 50-60+ pounds? So, to avoid excessive "flab", I plan on incorporating toning exercises and strength training once I reach about 210 pounds.

I'm so excited y'all! And yeah, 30 pounds is the equivalent of 30 gallons of Crisco. Can you imagine how heavy that is?!?! It's also the same weight as 4 gallons of water. How many of you can carry four gallons of water at once? Yeah... I'll wait........................................ It's crazy to think that's what I was carrying on my body and I still have more to lose!

I'm not stopping and neither should you!

Fat Little Fit Goes Clubbin!

Fat Little Fit Girl has been getting it in on the club scene lately ya''ll! Woooo! Two Saturdays in one month is quite a stretch for me, lol. I'm proud of myself though.

I've noticed that my body mistakes dancing and prancing around the club as "power aerobics" or something of that nature, because baaaybeeey....I SWEAT like crazy on the dance floor these days. Sheesh... I literally need to carry a super absorbent cloth in my clutch because I cannot dance without sweating non-stop since working out consistently.

What I've learned is that my body is in constant fat burn mode. This is a great thing for me physically, but it's hard to maintain the excessive sweating in situations like this. Ya girl needs help!!!

However, on a less sweaty note.......... I can totally "drop down low and sweep the floor wit it" in 6 inch boots without a problem! Clonk [NeNe voice]!!!! I guess that's the plus side of clubbing after spending hours a week in the gym, lol.

Progress Report: 11 Weeks Strong

Yes...... this is yet another LATE weight loss update and I do apologize. Fat Little Fit Girl is still LOSING WEIGHT! It's been such a long time that I'm sure some of you were beginning to wonder, lol.

At the end of this week, I will be 12 weeks into my weight loss journey. I'm feeling great and seeing differences body wise. It gets hard sticking to my workout regimen and meal plan but I feel like I'm managing well.

Here's my 11 week progress report. To date, I've lost a total of 27 lbs. I'm almost 30 pounds down ya'll! Take a look at my progress so far and please share your progress with me. Also, don't hesitate to send me questions or ask for one on one encouragement! Stay strong during your fight to fabulous!!!

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake. ~Author Unknown

(Hilarious right?!?! Stop sedating the HEALTHY person within you! lol. I'm totally guilty of this.)

How Much Weight Did You Lose This Week?!? (3/11/2011)

Once again, I'm late! Yes, I do apologize. But last week I did pretty good on the scale. I was able to knock off a whopping......

POUNDS

Another two pounds gone! I now weigh 234 lbs. I'm also beginning to see the progress. I think that's really important. Pictures will be posted once I reach 220 lbs. Unfortunately, I didn't take any "before" pictures when I was 257 lbs. So I might post pics at 200 lbs instead.

Well, good luck on your journeys! Stay encouraged. And if you fail, don't give up!!!!

Love Starbucks? Next Time Order A Shorty.

Living without a cup of Starbucks every now and then has got to be a sin. I'm telling you, I just need to have a cup of joy in my life.

When I first started my weight loss regimen I told myself I wasn't going to touch Starbucks..... O_O WRONG! I had to have some warm, yummy, goodness in my life.

The good news is that Starbucks offers options for the calorie conscious. You can order a drink with as little as 80 calories in it. With that being said, I've learned to order my drinks in the "short" size (8 oz.) instead of "tall". In addition, I request non-fat milk. My new drink of choice: The Chai Tea Latte...Yum.

I used to be a Tall White Chocolate Mocha girl with all of the whole fat milk, plus whipped cream. Today, I can't go that route. So the short Chai Tea Latte is my favorite drink when I crave the taste and atmosphere of Starbucks. It's naturally sweet and still has the creaminess of a coffee latte. The key is understanding how many calories are in your favorite drinks and requesting smaller sizes and healthier milk options (minus the whipped cream).

Here's a list of Starbucks' drinks with the least amount of calories. Remember, order the "SHORTY" (short). You can also get some of the drinks below made as frapuccinos....Yum! Happy Starbucks-ing!

I Lost A Car Tire!!

Last Friday, March 4, 2011 marked my seventh weigh in since starting my healthy eating and exercise regimen. I'm proud to say that I've reached one of my short term weight loss goals! I've lost 21 lbs to date!!!! That's 20+ pounds gone! That's the weight of a car tire! Who woulda thunk it! Ha!

Thinking about weight loss in increments of 10's or 20's, even 5's makes the process easier. I've lost my first 20 lbs. Now I've moved on to thinking about my second set of 20 (my second car tire). You have to keep yourself encouraged this way. Pick a weight loss goal for the month and stick with it.

Not watching the scale? Use measuring tape. Whether you're watching pounds or inches it is EXTREMELY important to take note of your progress to remain encouraged!

Here's my progress report since starting in January!

Stay encouraged people! If you fail or eat something that wasn't the healthiest, DO NOT QUIT!