The Ebony/JET Weight-Loss Challenge: Lonon Family
5 families take charge of their lives
2008-06-30
Name:
Ray & Kendra Lonon
Age:
Ray, 22; Kendra 21
City:
Atlanta
Occupation:
Ray: Salesman for Blue Ridge Mountain Waters;
Kendra: Student at Beulah Bible College (studying urban economics)
Weight:
Ray: 200 pounds
Kendra: 190 pounds
Height:
Ray: 5 feet 11 inches
Kendra: 5 feet 8 inches
Reason for Weight Gain:
Inactivity and a diet that included an abundance of fast food
Target Weight Loss:
Ray: 20 pounds
Kendra: 20 pounds
In The Refrigerator:
“The problem wasn’t what was in the refrigerator, it was the pizzas, burgers, doughnuts and honey buns,” Kendra says.
Motivation to Lose Weight:
“Not to look a certain way; instead, to take control of our health. High cholesterol and diabetes are prominent on both sides of our family,” Kendra says.
The Inside Story:
The Lonons were married on March 31, 2007, and Kendra says for the first six months after their wedding, they ate out regularly, dining primarily on fast food. That diet, coupled with their inactivity, caused both to quickly gain some unwanted pounds. They realized that changes had to be made, but it was family history that finally prompted them to do something about their health. Ray has a grandfather who is going blind in one eye because of diabetes and Kendra’s great-grandmother had a leg amputated because of the disease. The Lonons decided to become more active and make better food choices. “We want to begin a lifestyle that can be passed along to our children and the generations to come,” Kendra says, acknowledging that losing weight is not easy, but their goal is to keep each other motivated. “We are a pretty good team, one that complements each other; he encourages me to continue to do the recommended exercises, and I have to make sure he continues to eat the right things.”
The Assessment:
An overweight young couple who are active and willing to work hard to make the changes to secure a healthy future. Kendra is a sweets eater and Ray is a fried-food eater. They need to strike a better balance with healthier foods.
The Plan:
“Extreme Fat Smash Diet Cycle 1 to start. Because they are active and want to exercise more, they will follow this plan that requires a commitment to exercise yet yields faster results. We will work in the foods they like, but cooked in a healthier manner. We will find new foods that they might like and not even know it.”
Lonon's Blog
We’re seeing health benefits already. I was tired all the time, my skin was breaking out, crazy things. We’ve just noticed really big changes. In the morning I’d always want to snooze, but now I’m ready for my day. My body is just thanking me right now...
Read Full Entry
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