Today we’d like to introduce you to Katia Powell-Laurent.
Katia, please share your story with us.
People now call me “Katia HealthGuru”. I am the Founder/CEO of Black Girls Nutrition, Wholistic Health Practitioner and Fitness trainer in Boston. I have dedicated more than a decade to helping people reach their health and fitness goals. Once morbidly obese, I tipped the scale at 350 pounds at the age of 26. Food was a comfort for me.
At the time, I wanted to become a medical doctor but soon began to realize that my health did not reflect my goals and educational pursuits. It wasn’t until one day, I walked into my apartment, stared at my reflection in the mirror and asked, who is that? It was a defining moment for me. I had to leave school, lost my baby at 5 months being pregnant on my birthday, and lost my job. I was becoming one of those statistics. There was doubt because I tried to lose weight in a countless number of times. Each time, I was never successful because the reason “Why” was not strong enough to stay committed when obstacles or distractions tried to get me off track of losing weight. Also, I wanted a way that would celebrate the food & flavors of my cultural heritage in a healthy way.
I became tired of “Digging my own grave with my fork and wanted to save my own life. My first plan was to head to my local gym (the YMCA). I bought a membership, and gradually trained up to 4-5 days a week for 60-90 minutes. Within six months, I lost 100 pounds. About a year and a half later, I lost another 100 pounds. At my lowest, I weighed 150 lbs., losing a total of 200 lbs., that changed my life forever.
I faced many challenges on my weight loss journey, including criticism from family members. My family has both the South, African and the Caribbean roots, and their perception of my weight loss was seen as negative. They thought I was too skinny.” They tried to feed me and the plates used to show up at my house on Sundays. I recall being told that “big-boned and curvy” was in. I was letting others’ definition of me be my stopping point, and I had to change my mindset.
I then changed my eating habits along with adding workouts. I replaced calorie-dense sugary sweets with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets. I have kept the weight off for more than 13 years and love my new healthy active lifestyle. Since that time, I have completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and complete 5 years of my Doctoral Studies that focus on nutrition & health policy. I get to empower other Women of Color that want to live a healthier lifestyle through them becoming members of the #BGNhive of #BlackGirlsNutrition.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My personal weight loss journey and overcoming despite the hurdles and obstacles in my life as a young Black Woman. Currently, in the US 82% of Black Women in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. Also, if one parent is overweight or obese than a child 80% more likely to become an overweight or obese adult. Obesity remains the biggest health threat, putting millions at risk for chronic diseases; such as coronary heart disease, Type II diabetes and hypertension.
The average age of Black Women die: 76 yrs./80 yrs., this is 4 years sooner compared to their white counterparts, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, these preventable conditions cost the U.S. healthcare system $23.9 billion annually. With all of these statistics, my personal story—I became disheartened and emotionally compelled to be apart of the change of these women, of which I also identify as a Black Woman. Over time, we plan to address the needs of all women, yet, we will begin with Black Woman to prove that our methodology and approach are successful.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Girls Nutrition – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Katia “HealthGuru” Powell is the CEO & Founder of Black Girls Nutrition (BGN) the 1st online nutrition platform for Women of Color to help break the cycle of dieting, lose weight, and connect with other dieters. We offer monthly subscription plans that provide cultural meal guides, access to our nutrition professionals, and access to our community of support. BGN provides real-life nutrition solutions that clients can easily infuse into their daily life.
Katia was recently featured on NECN, WBUR, People Magazine and accepted a Mass Challenge Finalist (Largest Global Accelerator in the World with only an 8% Acceptance Rate). As a Wholistic Health Practitioner & Motivational Speaker with over a decade of experience in healthcare, and five years of Doctoral Studies her expertise involves the areas of obesity prevention, nutrition, food deserts, food access, and racial and ethnic health disparities. While working in healthcare & research for over 20 years she focuses on working with the marginalized populations of the Black Diaspora, Latino of children, and women. Her passion is to touch the lives’ the individuals who are affected the most by obesity because she has lost 200lbs. Katia works very closely with the community affordable community workouts to promote healthy active lifestyles. As a licensed Zumba Instructor and AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor, she encourages healthy fun ways for individuals and communities to stay active. Katia currently serves on the Board of the Fenway CDC, Planning Committee for the New England Science Symposium at Harvard Medical School, a Robert Wood Johnson Scholar, a member of the Health Committee for the NAACP, and holds several community positions that focus on improving the health of the current and future generations.
Katia prides herself on her innovative thinking, dedication, passion, and commitment to bring about positive health change in their lives of Americans. She has a true passion and eternal fire to assist, organize, educate, and advocate for those that cannot fight for themselves or have an equal voice in society for personal quality health.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
As a child, I was overweight and I ate a diet that was comprised of processed foods, little water, little to no vegetables and did not engage in a lot of exercises. While growing up, I was teased a lot for my weight that only wanted me to find comfort in the food I ate. At an early age, my doctor told my mom and myself to put me on a diet. I remember leaving the office in tears and it making an imprint on my life. As I became a teen, I ran track but did not change my eating habits. Later in college, the Freshman 20lbs. turned into much more coupled with late night studying/eating. Needless to say, the pounds dramatically increased. All leading up to the point that I had to make some serious health changes for me.
Along the way, I fell utterly in love with a healthy active lifestyle. Now, I focus primarily on eating in portions, eating 70% of my foods are plant-based and nutrient dense, I limit my consumption of processed foods and sugary desserts, I do not drink any soda and drink at least 64 oz of water daily, I intended to “move” my body for at least 10-60 mins 3-4 times a week, I meditate daily at the beginning of the day, I track my measurements rather than my weight (I weigh 1x per week), I engage in group activities that involve fitness but not the gym (e.g. hiking, a fun run in costume or themed, laser tag, hiking, snowboarding etc.). Lastly, I do not stress over when I gain a few lbs. I now have the tools (behaviors) to take the weight off or transform my body.
Pricing:
- Black Women’s Grocery Guide to Eating Clean (without giving up all the foods you LOVE) $9
- L.E.A.N Body Transformation 30 Day (Lifestyle, Exercise, Alignment of Mind, Body, Soul, and Nutrition)-$39
- 1-1 Private Nutrition Coaching $75/session (45 mins)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.blackgirlsnutrition.com
- Email: hello@blackgirlsnutrition.com
- Instagram: @BlackGirlsNutrition
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blackgirlsnutrition
- Twitter: @BlackGirlsNutri
Image Credit:
Kyeana Jones of Kyeana Jones Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
