How have you guys responded to the negative feedback claiming that the show mocks larger people?
I personally feel that DYAO was an empowerment show. No matter what size you are, you can go out there and be confident and have fun. This is the best way to lose weight: dancing, on stage, dressing up in a costume. I don’t agree with the criticism. I never once felt ashamed. My being a size 22–24 and dancing was a positive thing. I still love every inch of my body.
What do you say to the folks who say, “Well, I don’t have a problem being big. Why do you want to lose weight?”
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a size 2 or a 22; you have to be confident in who you are. Unfortunately, being overweight and a bigger person, you can have health issues like diabetes. If you don’t change your life, it could be in jeopardy. My brother passed away in 2002 from diabetes because he didn’t know it. For me, it was a health choice. You can still be a plus-size individual and be healthy, and you can be a smaller size and be unhealthy. Just make sure you’re in touch with your doctor and that you’re a healthy individual.
You’ve been really candid on the show and on your blog, and your bio says you’ve battled weight issues and self-image issues all of your life. What were some of the most trying moments?
All my life I’ve been plus-size. Heavy-set or “Pretty Plus,” as Sears had on a sign. I’ve always been big, and society is really cruel. It really affected my self-esteem all through middle school and high school. It wasn’t until college, when I joined the marching band at Jackson State University as the only female tuba player, that I started building my self-confidence. I got on the modeling squad too, and that taught me that I was big, but I was beautiful. You have to love yourself before anybody else can.
Do you think that’s why you don’t feel limited by your size?
Yeah, I worked so hard to look in the mirror and say, “I love what I see.” It’s just America that doesn’t [always see that beauty].
A lot of entries in your blog are about your love–hate relationship with food. Does writing about it—or confessing, in a way—help?
It does. Anyone who has a food addiction, like me, writing about it and keeping a journal helps [you] get through.
What words of wisdom do you have for women struggling with their weight and self-image?
Eat in moderation. You can eat whatever you want to, just in moderation. Know that if you take things one step at a time, one meal at a time, everything will be OK. And be educated about the things that you are eating. Maintain a healthy workout or fitness regimen, whether it’s walking every day or dancing.
You’re working super-hard to be healthier—eating a diabetic-friendly diet, working out every day. How has your life improved so far?
Not having to take my diabetes medicine every day. I don’t have to worry about that anymore. When you have diabetes, if it’s uncontrolled, you have medical problems that arise and you will get sick. They’re not ailments normal people get. I was always tired.
DYAO was pretty huge. Is that ever daunting? Do people recognize you?
No, not yet. I look totally different than I did on the show.
What’s next?
I moved to L.A. recently, and I still have a goal to lose 60 pounds. My goal was 80 pounds gone. I always love teaching and, eventually, I want to open a school for fine and performing arts for low-socioeconomic-status children.
As of the end of DYAO, Mara has lost 44 lbs. total and she’s definitely feeling fit and fine.
Get inspired by her personal blog:
marasjourneytobecomefitandfine.blogspot.com
