My Weight Loss Journey: How I Transformed My Body | Iris

One woman shares her inspiring weight loss journey.

Transcript
I've lost weight, I have gained weight,
I've maintained weight, it's been a really long process.
But, as everyone says, it is a marathon, it's not a sprint.
And I'm deep within that marathon right now.
As an operatic artist, you have to deal with
the stereotype of, it's not over until the fat lady sings.
That's not opera today.
You have to be fit.
I definitely think that my food habits
were shaped in my early childhood.
I grew up in a small town in Georgia called Sylvester,
it's in the deep south.
My entire family is overweight and that's not something
that's abnormal in the southern community.
Big happy family, emphasis on big, was what we were.
Everything revolved around food,
cookouts, barbecues, fish fries, all kinds of things.
Just food was a big part of it.
When I was , this is when I was really
starting to come into my own,
I stepped on the scale and it said pounds.
I knew that that was big, but I also knew
that my sisters were bigger than me.
So, I was like, I'm doing fine.
I didn't see any of the red flags.
That's what held me back for so long
from actually getting my weight in control.
The real pivotal shift was my best friend's wedding
in college, I was asked to sing at her wedding
in this beautiful valley, in North Georgia.
Just a stunning spring day.
And I wore a dress that I felt awesome in,
and it was really flowy so it hid all those trouble spots,
and we had a great day.
The problem came when I saw the pictures.
It was the first moment in my life
that I actually saw myself how others saw me.
And I was, it sounds so cliche, but I was so shocked
because I was like, who is this woman?
You know, she has my smile, and she has my eyes,
but she looks swollen.
I got on the scale and it read pounds.
I knew then, because I was a stone's throw away
from pounds, that I could either step up,
do something that I've never seen anybody like me
or in my community, or you know,
anybody but Oprah really, lose weight.
And I just want so much for everyone to realize
that health and wellness is for everyone.
You know, regardless of skin color,
socioeconomic status, your job.
I started to see results within about six months of me
really trying, is when I lost my first to pounds.
And, I stepped on the scale and I saw that
I was around , and that was groundbreaking.
It was addictive.
I was like, how far can I go?
You don't have to be, you know,
a suburban housewife to lose weight.
You just have to have an idea that you want better for you.
Motivation isn't always there.
I don't always want to meal prep,
I don't always wanna go work out.
But, if you take time to cultivate discipline,
it doesn't matter what your motivation is.
I know there's gonna be times where
maintaining weight's gonna be really hard.
I know that.
But what I see in the immediate future
is me really getting back to a place where
my weight loss journey becomes more consistent.
A place where, doing things every single day
because I know they're good for me,
that's what I see in the future.


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My Weight Loss Journey: How I Transformed My Body | Iris

[zacharylavender]

My motto, "if you don't like something, change It!" Great job!

[kreykreymommy]

Wooow! I was just scrolling through my YT home page and I said ....hey that’s my cousin. I never write comments on YT but my heart was just filled with joy when I saw this video. To hear you speak your truth is music to my ears. Weight loss is an ongoing battle for many people like myself but your video just gave me the motivation that I needed again. Just know your family here in Sylvester is extremely proud of your accomplishments and we look forward to seeing what other great things you have in store. Great work!

[EliteXtasy]

£:25 - "If you take time to cultivate discipline, it doesn't matter what your motivation is." - True words. Hopefully she'll get used to her new routine which automatically lead to her becoming fit and healthy, regardless of her reasons to get fit and healthy.

[KEESHWASH]

Why do these stories always make me want to cry? Good luck with your lifestyle change!💞

[Timetrae]

“You just have to have an idea that you want better for you”!!! SO TRUE!!!

[mariyahwiggins]

Thanks for sharing your story. You really inspire me and I hope you the best.

[kirah]

Work it cover girl! I was at a similar start point to you and I feel you so much, proud of you stranger ☺️

[peggyoconnell]

I loved your story!! Beautiful video, too! Thanks for sharing!

[lydiabrown]

You exude a radiance of positivity! Continued success on your journey! You're absolutely adorable! Amazing voice!

[system]

This is very a very inspiring story she is amazing.





Also @ 1:33 the lady in the middle is my chorus teacher.

[carasends]

Wow I love her, so positive ! Keep up ! And damn her smile.

[soniaquintanilla]

It's like I'm watching you tell my story all but the singing part (I sound like a cat in heat...lol!) I'm so happy I click on and I just want to say that you're on the right journey. I lost 97lbs kept them off for 2 1/2 years and guess what those 97lbs found me. I have started to invest in myself for change and slowly I'm loosing weight again. I just find it hard to exercise again. I'm so happy for you. You've made me realize that it's journey and it's all baby steps. We'll get there!!! You are a very beautiful woman with a beautiful soul! God continue to Bless You!!

[crystalgrose]

I am so happy for this beautiful young lady. Wishing her continued success in her weight loss journey and career.

[Cinthya-Vargas]

That was so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story Tareva! <3

[charlenemyers]

Tareva, you are absolutely gorveous inside and out! And I'm proud to know that you are also a Ga Peach!!💝🌼

[Webbgurl]

There needs to be more support for women of color dealing with weight issues.

[vava]

Wow, she rocks, I needed to see the video

[muzicislife]

This, unlike a lot of weight loss success stories, was really inspirational. @ 1st the pic was all black, & I started not 2 reload it but I'm so glad I did. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[lisac]

OMG!! Blessings to you!! I'm an Opera singer as well. You are so inspiring. I feel like I'm watching a story about myself. I too have changed my lifestyle to one of better health. Keep up the great work. Maybe we'll meet one day on the Opera stage 😊

[Lina-tktq]

This brings tears to my eyes im so happy for youu
You do you girlll i love youu ❤