We are so happy to have Germaine Nichols as an HNS Blogger! Germaine was a former plus size model at a size 16 who decided she wanted to get healthy and lost over 50lbs!  She didn’t have a quick fix for losing weight she followed our message here at HNS and she decided to work out and eat healthy out of self love.  She is an amazing role model and an even more amazing makeup artist!!! We can’t wait to see her beauty tips!  Make sure you follow Germaine for some beauty/health-spiration and see her transformation below!

MY REASON FOR BECOMING HEALTHY

by Germaine Nichols

My reason for becoming healthier and losing weight is simply that I HAD to. There really was no other option. 2011 was the year of overcoming and transformation for me. My story is by no means to hold myself in high regard but rather to encourage and inspire at least one person to make a change for the better: for their health, now and throughout the rest of their lives. Throughout my journey and adaptation of a healthy lifestyle, I have heard many comments come my way. Every remark fueled my fire, whether encouraging or destructive, towards achieving my goal of becoming a better and healthier version of myself. I began experiencing some serious health issues. I was 26 years old and I felt I was too young to be having these types of problems. I was a complete mess mentally and physically. I was out of shape and had a hard time seeing my way out, which made me depressed. Being in that space scared me so much that it finally triggered something in me. It was hard at first to find the motivation. I had to dig deep within myself. When I finally decided to put my health first, then and only then, was I able to gain the courage and strength to pursue my goals.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
The beginning was the most heartbreaking and challenging time. I found difficulty in feeling out of shape and being in a place in which I had never wanted to be. Initially, I could not see the light towards the end of the tunnel at all, but I used that vulnerability as power. As time went on I became stronger. The strength made me even more determined and dedicated, especially when I began to see results. I was doing things I had never done before. I cried the first time I was able to run an entire mile again without stopping! It was a major accomplishment for me. I went on to run my first 5K race and finished the 3.2 miles in 38 minutes; four minutes faster than my clocked training time. Many people have asked me what diet I am on or what my secret is to losing all the weight. To be completely honest there is no secret. I started making healthy choices and exercising 3-4 times per week. Today I can proudly say that while I may have lost 55 pounds, I have gained the strength and knowledge to help me maintain my health for life. Below read my letter to my old self and the new woman I have become.

Dear Germaine,
You are an amazing, phenomenal, and inspiring woman! Never forget that. You have come a long way over the last year, and also in your life. You have faced many challenges and at times couldn’t see how you would overcome or get through an obstacle, but with your strength and the grace of God you stand before me a better and changed woman. I’m proud of the beautiful woman you are, have become, and the woman you will grow to be. Know that you are loved by many, but most importantly by me, yourself. Take moments from time to time to look back at that woman you were. She was scared, embarrassed, and defeated. It is not to feel sorry for her, but rather to celebrate her fight, strength, and determination to become the best she could be. You are her. She is you. And you are me. I can proudly say to you that I love you so much. And from today, throughout the rest of my life, I will continue to grow that love every day.  Remember your own quote…“Each day I aspire to inspire, even if it’s only one person.”(which most of the time is me)