She appeared in the Oscar nominated film “Precious,” on numerous comedy stages and television sitcoms, but the next starring role actor, stand-up comedian, writer and director Erica Watson wants to land is that of a healthy Erica. She embarked on a journey to not only lose weight, but to be healthy inside and out. She sat down with BDO to share in her process:
BDO: Was there a defining moment that made you want to lose weight?
EW: I wish there was only one defining moment. Unfortunately there were many moments that added up to me being a very frustrated woman. Listen, I love my body and I encourage all women to embrace themselves no matter what size they are, but I know that for losing weight is necessary in order for me to have a better quality of life. I had a horrible incident with Southwest Airlines as well as a Delta Airlines flight that forever scarred me. I also had a really bad case of Sciatica last year. All of those things coupled with me just wanting to get healthy lead to me starting my fitness journey.
BDO: What is your goal weight and how much have you lost so far?
EW: For me it’s not about weight loss. It’s about health GAINS. I’m not as focused on the number on the scale as I am with how I feel. So far I have lost 51 pounds, but who knows where this fitness journey will take me. Ultimately I want to get as healthy as I can, but I don’t have a weight equivalent for that. If I lose 100 pounds and I feel good I’ll stop. If I have to lose 150 that’s great too. I am going to keep going until my body says stop.
READ: How I Lost The Weight, but Kept My Curves
BDO: What are you doing to lose weight?
EW: I started losing weight on my own by changing my diet. I started eating more raw fruits and veggies and drinking greens. Slowly but surely I started incorporating exercise. I would swim 1 mile, 3-5 times a week. Then I realized that I needed more help. I started working out with a wonderful trainer named Aja Davis in Brooklyn and attending her boot camp. Recently, I started working with Alonza R. Thornton from ART of FItness, Inc. in Chicago. He has been a Godsend. With him I have been able to increase my strength and endurance and lose inches. So far his training has made the biggest impact on my weight loss. I work out 5 days a week now. Yet, changing my diet has proven to be the best thing I could do to sustain my overall health.
My Story: “It’s Not About Weight Loss, It’s About Health Gains” was originally published on blackdoctor.org
