A Few Words with JJ Smith

JJ Smith

A few months ago I took a shot in the dark and emailed JJ Smith, a nutritionist and wellness coach, and asked if she would mind answering a few questions for my blog. To my surprise she replied, "yes". Needless to say I was excited. She is an author and has made several T.V. and radio appearances.

I first heard of JJ Smith via Facebook. A friend posted a link which lead me to her homepage. I am always excited when other African American women take their health seriously. She is definitely one of those women. Plus, the icing on the cake is that Ms. Smith is a graduate of Hampton University, my alma mater. GO HAMPTON!!! Read below to check out what she has to say.

          How long have you been working as a nutritionist and weight management 

      coach?

I’ve been working to manage my weight and improve my health for over 10 years, but I’ve been working professionally as a nutritionist and weight management coach for the past few years.  I offer information products such as books, CDs, and DVD programs, as well as teleseminars and coaching that help women lose weight, be healthy and get their sexy back!

  

         What encouraged you to pursue those career options?

My own struggle with rapid weight gain and poor health.  There were two occasions, once in my 20s and again in my 30s where I gained weight (40 pounds , about 4 dress sizes) and the advice to “eat less and exercise more” never really worked for me. Additionally, I was getting sicker and sicker (infections, allergies, hernias, etc) and the doctors answers weren’t getting me well.  So, I had to figure out a way to lose weight permanently and get healthy.  That began this journey for me.

What are some things that motivate you to stay in great shape? 

I’ve learned that poor health and weight gain usually go hand in hand.  In my quest to heal many of my illnesses and ailments, I naturally slimmed down.  The ultimate goal for me is to be healthy, feel great and have energy and vibrance.  If you focus on optimum health, the body has a natural ability to regulate and maintain your healthy ideal weight.

What, if any, are some of the biggest obstacles that you have encountered on your health and fitness  journey? How did you overcome them? 

Big Macs!  In my 20’s, I was a fast food junkie and I still have to have a big mac every now and then.  But a big obstacle for me is to overcome poor eating habits that were established over so many years.  They are really tough to overcome.  So, I practice the 80/20 rule.  If I eat clean, balanced and natural foods 80% of the time, I can have a few reward meals (e.g., pizza or big mac) 20% of the time.  This works for me.

 

      What do you believe are some of the biggest obstacles facing the African American community in terms of living healthier lifestyles?

Statistics show that 78% of African-American women are overweight and obese.  I think this is due to the diet we eat, more specifically, the style of southern cooking which might include too many fried foods and unhealthy fats.  However, it is possible to break those habits and the hereditary cycle of poor eating habits.

      What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions about Black women and exercise?

Not sure…I’m not a fitness expert and struggle to find time to exercise, so I can’t speak to that.

         Describe your workout routine.

I don’t “work out” in the traditional sense.  Studies show that incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is more effective for managing your weight than fixating on going to the gym to workout an hour here or an hour there.  I have an entire chapter on my book that discusses the studies as to “why exercise won’t make you thin.” So, I try to get 10 minutes bursts of physical activity by walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, walking to lunch, etc.  So, more physical activity each day is my goal.

         Tell us about your book “Lose Weight without Dieting or Working Out!” Where can readers purchase this book?

The book is based on the revolutionary DEM (Detox-Eat-Move) System, which is not a diet, but a lifestyle!  The DEM System is a three-phase system that allows you to get rid of stubborn body fat in your body and reverse some of your health issues and ailments, restoring your body to optimal health.

 - D Is for DETOX. Get rid of toxins in the body for fast weight loss by avoiding the "Big 6 Foods" for three weeks and using other detoxification methods that eliminate toxic waste from your body.

 - E is for EAT. You will learn the method of eating "clean and balanced foods" to help you achieve your ideal weight.

- M is for MOVE. Get moving without going to the gym or "working out" by incorporating easy ways to get physically active each day.

The DEM System is a breakthrough permanent weight-loss solution that melts fat from your body, especially from stubborn areas like the hips, thighs, and belly, through detoxifying and cleansing the body and feeding it healthy, nutrient-rich foods that keep it slim.

The book is available at www.jjsmithonline.com or amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and other retailers. 

         What advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight?

Many of the reasons for weight gain are often outside of one’s control.  It is important to understand the hidden causes of weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, excess toxins in the body, sluggish metabolism.  When many of the hidden conditions exist, traditional diet and exercise won’t work… and if it does, it’s generally temporary. 95% of people who lose weight on a diet, gain it all back within 3-5 years. So, address and correct the hidden causes of weight gain to help the body burn fat more effortlessly.

      Where can we go to find out more about you and what you do?

They can visit www.jjsmithonline.com

  

          Let us know about any upcoming projects that you are working on.

We have an online community of women who are committed to losing weight, even if they don’t always have time to diet or exercise.  It’s called Sisters Getting Slim (SGS) and I offer free teleseminar calls twice/month.  Information on it is at www.jjsmithonline.com

        If there’s any additional information you would like to share with the readers, please include it.Thanks!

No matter your struggle or challenge in life, it’s important to LOVE YOURSELF!  Self-love is essential to survival. There is no successful, authentic relationship with others without self-love. We cannot water the land from a dry well. Self-love is not selfish or self-indulgent. We have to take care of our needs first so we can give to others from abundance.