SUCCESS STORY / Vida Robinson, 36: From 182 pounds to 150 pounds
Former weight: 182 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Pounds lost: 32 pounds
Height: 5 feet 4 inches
Age: 36 years
How long she's kept it off: She started in September 2016 and reached her current weight last month.
Personal life: "I live in Dunwoody. I have two boys, Ray, 16, and Elijah, 14," Robinson said. "I work with my three sisters. We have a consulting firm, MJM Strategy. We do brand management and brand development."
Turning point: "This journey has been very difficult. My mother died April 1, 2016; she was 62 when she died, it was awful," Robinson said. Then "I got very sick and was hospitalized for three days in September 2016. The day I got out of the hospital, I joined the gym, Onelife Fitness, (www.onelifefitness.com) up the street from my house. Then we started divorce proceedings in February 2017," she said. "My workouts kept me sane. … It was hard, but working out has helped a lot. Working out is a form of therapy for me."
Diet plan: She has oatmeal for breakfast and has found ways to make her favorite lasagna and nachos with reduced fat and calories by using chicken or ground turkey. She also enjoys smoothies. "I struggle with my weight still," Robinson said, "and I work out every day because I like to eat."
Exercise routine: She works out six days per week. "There is a program that I joined at Onelife called Team FHIIT, a high-intensity training workout. … You have a coach that keeps you accountable," Robinson said. The other team members have become like family to Robinson. "I have lost the most weight from joining Team FHIIT. … I have met so many people I am friends with now," she said.
Biggest challenge: "Consistency. I am an emotional person," Robinson said, "and when my emotions get high, I get very discouraged and I don't want to do anything and so I lack consistency. Then I become that person in the car sitting in front of the gym who doesn't want to go in. That is the hardest part when you turn the car off and you look at the gym and you're like 'Ugggg.' … Then I have to get focused on my goals that I want to attain."
How life has changed: "I have a confidence in me that I haven't had in a long time," Robinson said. "I had kids when I was young. I don't feel like I'm not worthy anymore because I love myself. … Working out has gotten me to the point where I can help someone else. … I am going to cheerlead the next person on because I want them to get the same thing. Having a support system through your weight-loss journey is important. I am very lucky, I have older boys, I have my sisters throughout the process and really great friends along the way. I am very thankful. I am thankful for my class — it changed my life."
Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
About the Author
