Founder of Fit and Finally Free
Website: Fitandfinallyfree.com
Almetria Turner of Fit and Finally Free used her amazing weight loss experience to develop a wellness brand that is now her full-time job. She enjoys sharing her story of losing 177 pounds through diet and exercise over the course of four years to encourage and motivate others out of obesity.
How and when did you develop your wellness brand Fit and Finally Free?
In 2015, I developed Fit and Finally Free out of my own personal struggle with weight loss and obesity. It was basically my way of keeping myself accountable as well as a way to help other people fight the war on obesity through faith, food, and fitness.
What do you do as part of Fit and Finally Free?
I’m a motivational speaker. I’m also a food and fitness blogger, a certified running coach, and group exercise instructor. In addition, I coach people through lifestyle and behavior changes in dealing with life, career, and weight loss issues. I’m also a healthy chef and do individual and group healthy cooking classes.
How did you come up with Fit and Finally Free?
When I first started my weight loss journey in 2011, I used the hashtag #fitandfree. I believe in holistic health, meaning one should have a great spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being as a foundation. I was fit and finally free in all of those areas of my life. I shed all of those “weights” from my mind, body, and spirit.
How much weight did you lose?
I lost 177 pounds naturally over four years. My mantra was “Fit by 40.” I gave myself four years when I was 36 to get the weight off. I did it by lifestyle, behavior changes, and my approach to food. I was an emotional eater. I had to look at food as something for sustenance and not something to look forward to during times of confrontation, consolation, and celebration—the three triple threats to health.
Why are you passionate about Fit and Finally Free?
There are so many people who share my story, but they didn’t know they had the same story as me. Once they hear about others who’ve overcome being overweight and dealt with chronic illnesses, it gives me a sense of fulfillment because I know I’m helping to save lives even if it’s just one person at a time.
What is your philosophy on food?
You have to create a lifestyle that’s sustainable for you. I’m not into the fad dieting, but rather lifestyle modification. I believe in eating all of the food groups, but basically having a balanced plate with portion control. You also have to get moving.
What are some of your favorite meals/restaurants in Memphis?
I cook so much at home because there aren’t many restaurants that are very healthy. But when I do decide to eat outside of the box, I like going to Char Memphis.
Civil Rights Race Series Memphis “I Am A Human” 5k and Half Marathon
Almetria is currently training for as well as helping race director Raynard Lawler prepare for the Civil Rights Race Series Memphis “I Am A Human” 5k and Half Marathon. It takes place Saturday, April 27 starting at the National Civil Rights Museum. The race medal reflects the Lorraine Motel, and a portion of the race proceeds benefit the National Civil Rights Museum.
Find out more at wjrclub.com
Sign up at for the race here.
