Health issues: obesity complications; unhealthy eating habits
Powell was overweight as a child, eating a diet full of processed foods. In college, Powell says she dramatically gained more weight. After reaching her highest weight of 350 lbs. at 26 years old, she realized her health didn’t reflect her dreams of becoming a medical doctor. “I walked into my apartment, stared at my reflection in the mirror and asked, ‘Who is that?’ It was a defining moment for me.”
Powell joined her local YMCA, gradually increasing her workouts from 4 to 5 days a week for 60 to 90 minutes. She also changed her eating habits, replacing sugary sweets with fresh fruit and vegetables. Within the first six months, she lost 100 lbs and has since lost another 70 lbs. “If I cannot attend the gym, I run or take a walk outside, or workout at home and do high-intensity interval training. My workout routine also includes meditation.”