At 277 pounds, Chera Hariss had lost all her self-confidence. She was at the lowest point in her life physically and mentally — not even her job brought her joy. She wasn’t happy with her reflection and lived with daily aches and pains. Hopeless about the future, she wondered, “Was this as good as it gets?”
But then, she completed her first IsaBody Challenge®. And then another and another and another, and that fourth one paid off because she was selected as the Canada IsaBody Challenge Grand Prize Winner!
We wanted to find out more about Chera’s amazing 100–pound-plus weight loss journey, so we chatted with her to see what drove her determination to finish four IsaBody Challenges.
Isagenix: In your experience, what makes every IsaBody Challenge different from the last?
Chera: The IsaBody Challenge allowed me to document my growth and find myself. Being active in the IsaBody™ Facebook group provided me the tools I needed to help me stop emotional eating in the evening and to teach me eating during the day was important. I released 44 pounds without exercise.*
During my second Challenge, I set and wrote down my goal to hit the 100-pound mark by the end of my fourth. I expressed my goals on social media so I could not only share my journey with others but also hold myself accountable. I continued exercising, sharing, and growing my business.
By my third Challenge, I blogged about my passion for our nutrition and its health effects. I was finally free from my daily discomfort, so I began pushing myself more at the gym, and my business was growing! I was learning to be OK with people saying no when I would offer them our solutions.
I: What’s your best advice for someone who is doing the IsaBody Challenge for the very first time?
C: Take it day by day. Tap into our community, read testimonials, call your support team, and document all your progress. Sleeping better? Write it down. Hips don’t hurt when you get up? Write it down. Your clothes feel looser? Write it down!
I: How will being a finalist impact your future, both personally and with Isagenix?
C: Hearing my name as the first–ever Canada IsaBody Challenge was unlike any other feeling. I lost the “quit” that used to live inside of me and realized I am much stronger than I ever thought.
IsaBody helped me discover my passion and purpose: fitness, nutrition, dancing, writing, and helping others find their greatness.
This win made me realize that going after your goals is the only way to live and you can’t win if you don’t try. Now I try for anything that gives my tummy the butterflies, because that’s living.
I: What does a week of workouts look like for you?
C: I work out six days a week, 90 minutes a day, because it makes me feel good, it staves off cravings, and it makes my mind strong.
I: What is your morning routine/what do you do each morning that gets you ready for success and the day ahead?
C: In the morning, I post a testimonial, a delicious recipe, or inspiring quote on my Facebook group to get me in the mindset of helping others. Then I practice daily mantras to remind myself I’m in control of my attitude and choices.
I: In addition to your favorite Isagenix products, what foods are always in your kitchen to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals?
C: I always have avocado, almond butter, organic rice cakes, hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, bananas, natural peanut butter, and tzatziki. I also have AMPED™ Tri-Release Protein to help build lean muscle mass. My favorite recipe is veggie ground round with taco seasoning. Mix it with a cup of rice, Greek yogurt, salsa, and you have heaven!
I: What’s your best tip for making living a healthy lifestyle easier?
C: Know your “why;” mine was to get healthier and get rid of the discomfort I felt every day. If it’s for a quick fix, this lifestyle won’t work.
I watch YouTube videos every time I’m cleansing. It’s difficult in the beginning because we are conditioned to eat when we are hungry, but when you watch videos on the powerful effects of what fasting does for the human body, it empowers you to keep going.
I: What kept you going in moments (if this happened) that you wanted to give up or slack off?
C: I only had one moment where I lost my focus: after I reached the 100–Pound Club! I was so excited and proud that for almost a week I celebrated as if I was somehow done with the Challenge. I immediately noticed my energy dropping and some aches coming back.
When I do decide to treat myself to nachos or a burger and fries, it’s planned. It’s not emotional eating anymore — it’s a real treat!
I: What do you love most about being involved in the IsaBody community?
C: The IsaBody community is like family, a circle of inspired humans on their own journeys of bettering themselves. Reading success stories made me finally say, “OK, maybe I can do this.” Now I feel compelled to share my story so others can feel the same way, too!
I would not have experienced my success without the IsaBody community cheering me on. With IsaBody, you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
Be Our Next GRAND PRIZE WINNER!
Inspired by Chera’s incredible story and ready to see yourself onstage as an IsaBody Finalist? Register for the IsaBody Challenge today, and discover how you can transform your life in 16 weeks.
*Weight loss should not be considered typical. A two-phase 2016 study published by researchers at Skidmore College showed an average weight loss of 24 pounds after 12 weeks. The study evaluated the use of Isagenix products in men and women for weight loss followed by weight maintenance. As part of the weight loss phase, the participants took part in a calorie-controlled regimen of Shake Days and one Cleanse Day per week. During the weight maintenance phase, the subjects who continued the calorie-controlled program using Isagenix products better maintained their weight loss in comparison to those who transitioned to a traditional diet after 52 weeks. For more information on the study, see IsagenixHealth.net.
