Melissa, there is nothing as inspiring as a person who has the courage to start a long journey and follow their course to the end. Thank you so much for being that person and sharing your story with us…
Melissa’s Story:
I use to be an athlete back in high school but in grade 11 I injured my knee playing basketball. I needed 2 surgeries and all athletics came to a halt. I started gaining weight and just couldn’t get a handle on it.
As my life moved forward, I had 3 children in 4 years and was close to 90lbs over weight. It was during my 3rd pregnancy that a friend lost 60lbs using Body Wise and I wanted to know all about it. Two months after my son was born I met with Rae and started the Body Wise program. I lost 10lbs on boot camp and have never looked back. It has been a year as of Jan 11 and so far I’ve lost 68lbs and gone from a size 18-20 to a size 8! Our whole family lifestyle has changed and we love it. I use the elance shakes and the am/pm vitamins, plus the petite chocolates. I am also a fan of the Jillian Michaels workout DVDs.
Melissa
Melissa’s spicy hummus
2x 540ml (19oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 Tbsp tahini
¼ cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp sesame oil
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 tsp Tabasco sauce
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup water
Put everything into a large bowl and use an immersion blender to puree it all together. Use more or less water depending on how creamy or chunky you like your hummus. Same goes for the Tabasco, some days I want more or less heat. Refrigerate.
Melissa’s Masala chicken
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
½ inch fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp garam masala ground (find this at Save On, it’s by fusion spice works)
1 tsp salt
1 large tomato, chopped
4 chicken breasts or enough to feed your family, chopped
1 540 ml can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chicken stock
Sauté the onion, garlic and ginger for about 5 mins, then add the tumeric, salt and masala, sauté for 2 mins then add the tomato and cayenne. Add the chicken, chickpeas and chicken stock. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked. If you like a thicker sauce you can make cornstarch slurry to add once the chicken is cooked, bring it to a quick boil and it will thicken nicely. I serve it over lentils. It is also great without the chicken or chickpeas, whichever you prefer.
We’re so proud of you Melissa, for sticking with it and doing so fantastic! You look amazing! We love you!
You look fantastic Melissa!!! I have lost 43 pounds on Bodywise and have kept it off for nearly 2 years!! I am now a size 4 and LOVE IT!!!!
You Rock Girl!!!
Thanks Jodi, it sure feels great.
Way to go Melissa! It was great to meet you the other day! I hope our paths cross again!
Melissa, when I saw the before and after pictures I had tears in my eyes. I have always been proud of you and all your accomplishments in life but this has been your personal journey and the strength it has taken to do what you have done has been immense. Well done!!!
Yes Melissa, I absolutely love the comments you are getting here and on facebook. You deserve it!
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Hey Melissa. It was awesome to meet you on Saturday. I was blown away by your before and after pictures. You were beautiful before and now you are stunning. You’ve worked hard and you should be so proud. We’re proud of you!! What an inspiration!!!
Look forward to getting to know you more…