Name: Melody Walker
Age: 30
Occupation: Administrative Professional, Freelance Model, Health and Fitness Advocate, and soon-to-be Nutritionist and Natural Hair Care Mentor
Location: Maryland
Website: Friend her on Facebook
Twitter: @mellowdi
How long have you been pescatarian? And what inspired your journey?
I’ve been a pescatarian for a 1 year and 5 months now and I’ve recently celebrated my 2-year Weight loss Anniversary as well as my 8-month Natural Hair Journey. My weight loss journey was my inspiration. Ever since I lost 85 pounds, I became very health conscious. After careful research about the food industry and watching Food Inc. amongst other videos, I decided to become a pescatarian. I’ve always enjoyed eating fish and seafood, so it was an easy transition for me. I love my healthy happiness and I enjoy motivating others to do the same. My dream is for the whole world to be healthy and happy. It can be done one person at a time. This has truly become my passion now and soon to be career. So many people such as my family, friends and co-workers, strangers, etc. contact me for advice and I love it. My new body, attitude, personality, lifestyle, etc inspires them to want the same thing for themselves and I want to be there every step of the way.
Has pescatarianism enhanced your health? Why or why not?
Pescatarianism has absolutely enhanced my health in so many ways. I have an incredible amount of energy and happiness. I never feel sluggish or lazy like I did when I would eat a steak or chicken. My skin feels smoother and softer and I look younger and vibrant. My total health is 100% and my mind is sharper and sharper by the day.
In retrospect, how do you feel about meat? Or do you have any thoughts on America’s meat industry?
My thoughts on the meat industry are everybody is out to make a dollar and could care less about the bacteria that could “possibly” be growing in these meats. We’re eating cheaper food with less and less nutritional content – thanks to the efforts of the manufactured food industry. They’re not only contributing to the obesity epidemic but they’re causing folks to be dangerously unhealthy.
It makes me sick to my stomach literally, and most of the times the animals aren’t being taken care of properly anyways. They’re not being fed right and they’re injecting animals to get fatter quicker so they can feed America quicker with the processed foods most people are addicted to, to make more money for themselves.
This is why I decided to find freedom and escape from this harsh reality. Bad foods equal bad health altogether, my philosophy is you are what you eat and feel. Our eating habits have become severely out of control. Unfortunately it has tricked down to the children & babies. When you know better you do better, so like Michelle Obama campaign say’s Let’s Move!
Was there a community of black women that helped you along your meatless journey? And if not, what are you doing to change this for others?
Sadly, there wasn’t a community of black women who helped me along the way. I only had the Lord Jesus Christ to help me, period, and I am grateful. My strength came from the Lord who pretty much allowed me to motivate myself and keep pushing until I saw incredible results. In the meantime, I’ve inspired others who are struggling with their weight journey through my journey. I post everything on facebook since I don’t have a blog yet. I encourage any and everyone to ask me questions and inquire about becoming healthier. My co-workers, family, and friends all saw the weight drop immediately and they were so shocked and happy for me. So that alone touched them to either eat more conscious or loose weight if need be.
In the meantime, I’ve decided in order to truly help people from all walks of life and nationalities is to become a professional Nutritionist and I’m only a Certification away literally. My goal is to encourage everyone to live a happier and healthier life and if they decide to become a pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, etc. then that’s absolutely fantastic.
Are you a vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian? Email arielle@frugivoremag.com if you’d like to be featured in the Black Female Vegetarian Series. Check back every Tuesday and Friday for a new profile! Click to read past profiles here.
She is very inspiring. I love her Faith! And the determination she has to help other people. The best line “This is why I decided to find freedom and escape from this harsh reality”… Good post.
Melody is awesome!
All GLORY TO GOD for your walk with Him and your trust IN Him to get you through it all!! That’s what it’s all about it. Letting HIM Lead you to where you need to be!!
I’m all about veggies and fish…I’m not a complete pescatarian, because I relax on the weekends, but, I’m down 60 because of it and I’m ready to keep it going!!!
Melody, you are definitely an inspiration to all women who need that extra push… Leaning on GOD??? Yes please! 🙂 <3
Mel! Awesome girlie! The weight loss is monumental, your determination is inspiring, and your faith…motivational!
Mel mel job well done. And also well spoken
I think this is a wonderful post! Melody you are such an inspiration and it shows that you are beautiful inside and out! It’s a blessing to see how much you have accomplished with your faith in Jesus!! Keep it up sis and many blessings to you!
Fabulous post! She’s beautiful and very inspirational 🙂
Very good post: Motivational & Inspiration. Melody, your 85 lb weight loss is and your faith are an encouragement in themselves.
HEy Mel I Love Your Interview Your An AweSome Inspiration Mel Never Forget That..Keep Doing Your Thing And Rocking That Beautiful Hair..:) LOve You..:)
You go Melody! I had no idea you had lost so much weight. I love sea food too. Sashimi is my thing which is why it’s hard for be to become a strict Vegetarian. I allow my diet to change with the seasons. But I was one for about 10 years…
Was thinking about quitting my lifestyle diet change today..the story kept me fighting through, thank you
Melody, my fellow sis from NatSun! This is awesome! We’re very proud of you and what you’ve accomplished! Keep up the good work. 🙂
I love this woman! She is authentic and sweet just as this article portrays. So proud of and happy of her!
Wow, Ms. Melody, I am so proud of for spreading the good news about health,and the wellbeing of the body as a whole. Kudos to you NatSun friend. Keep going about your father’s business. Much love,and success.
This gives me inspiration to try something besides being a vegetarian. I have worked to maintain my weight loss as well. For me it is very hard when my family are basically carnivores especially my husband. My children are open to trying meatless meals so that is inspiring as well. I do exercise and watch what I eat. It’s the preparation so much information out their the government doesn’t want you to know about.
Congratulations…Melody
AWESOME..AWESOME..AWESOME feature!!! Melody, you look beautiful as always and I’m extremely proud and honored to have met you..Keep Inspiring, Beautiful Natural
Excellent Melody! You already know that you’re my motivation and inspiration! (((HUGGS))) and congrats to all of your endeavors!
Congratulations! My husband and I often talk about the health of black women. We’ve somehow got to work through the stresses of our paths and take better care of ourselves. I pray that your message will continue to reach many & that they will take heed. Pescatarian…I’ve learned something new today. Thanks!
“My dream is for the whole world to be healthy and happy!”
Fantastic sister! And like Obama’s impossible dream, we WILL get there.
PEACE
Congrats to you. I think its fantastic. Keep up the good work!!!!
This was truly an inspirational read. I look forward to more sistas making the transition to happiness and helping one another along! Looking forward to starting a group here in the Richmond area. Let me know if your interested!
Great job. Great story!!!! : )Lovely hair and good personality.