In case you were looking for a little inspiration to get your health goals on track in 2020, look no further than Tamela Mann. The gospel singer and actress has lost close to 50 pounds since teaming up with Weight Watchers.
During a recent episode of ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast, The Manns dropped tons of gems on life, love and their new business ventures. Tamela says after joining WW’s roster of ambassadors, her health transformed for the better. “I didn’t think it was going to go as well, but I made my mind up to be healthier, and to be able to have accountability with WW and my coach, “she says. “This new app that they have makes it so much easier to follow. I’m just really enjoying my journey.”
Though she and husband David Mann practically do everything as a team, she says this journey was one she needed to embark on alone. “He’s loved me at my heaviest, which was [around] 365,” says Tamela. “I just really thank God for the encouragement that he’s given me, and the encouraging words, ‘you’re doing it.’ I told him and our family they don’t really need to join, because this is something that I want to do with WW. This is a goal that I want to reach. And I told him, ‘it’s not that I don’t want you to be involved, but I really just want to stand on my own and say, I did this thing.'”
David supported his wife along the way, helping her research the point value on various foods. Seeing how far she’s come makes him super proud. “This is the first time I’ve seen her this tunnel vision dedicated and focused on it,” he says.
The Manns have been married for 31 incredible years. They first met in the mid-’80s when Tamela’s best friend invited her to watch David and his former music group perform. After tying the knot, the couple welcomed two children together, David Jr. and Tia, and they also raised his two daughters from a previous relationship, Porcia and Tiffany, as well as Tamela’s niece, Sonya.
Listen to David and Tamela’s Yes, Girl interview below.