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Ajima Jackson

Alisia lost 119 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Alisia lost 119 pounds by changing her eating habits and putting in lots of work in the gym. She always wanted to join the Army to be part of her family’s legacy of service and to give her son the best life. In 2016, she renewed her commitment to that dream and began to take action. This year, she reached the required weight and joined the Army. Check out her inspiring story.

Alisia before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I always wanted to join the military to give my son the best life possible, and to continue my family’s legacy of being US Army soldiers. I planned to join after I had my son, but I just couldn’t find that motivation.

In November 2016, my son took a candid picture of me reaching down to him and grabbing my phone (the picture of me in the black dress and beige cardigan). I didn’t see this picture until a few weeks later and I cried so hard. I cried because I saw someone I didn’t recognize. I saw someone tired, unmotivated and unhealthy. From that day foward, I decided to change my life for the better and I never looked back. I promised myself I would lose the weight I had to lose to join the military within a year. That’s what kept me motivated. AND, today I’m a soldier in the U.S. Army!

Alisia

How did you change your eating habits?
I used Weight Watchers CORRECTLY! I say that because it’s so easy to cheat yourself with this program if you don’t stay disciplined. However, it’s the easiest plan to follow, in my opinion. I chose Weight Watchers because a restricted “diet” never worked for me. It only made me want the food I restricted myself from more.

With WW you really can eat just about anything you want, but it teaches you to do so in moderation and helps you to learn to make better choices. For example: My love for cupcakes is REAL, Lol! I was still able to enjoy a cupcake when I wanted, but I had to make better choices though the day to stay within the point system.

I also meal prepped. Lunch time and snacks were my weakness because I had a desk job. It was nothing for me to eat bad all day long! So, I kept my lunch really simple. I had baked chicken breast, and I would switch up the vegetable I ate with it each week. On Fridays, I had my “Treat Yourself” lunch day, but I still stayed within my Weight Watchers point limits.

What did your workout routine look like?
When I started to workout, I started off small because I everytime I started a hardcore routine I lost motivation very quickly because I was burned out. I began walking on a incline on the treadmill at the gym for 30 minutes everyday. To stay motivated, I treated going to the gym like a part time job. I had to be “clocked in” by 6pm Monday thru Friday. I eventually started interval running (run a minute, walk 2 minutes) on the treadmill for 30-40 minutes. After about 4 months, I started incorporating strength training. Now, I run 4-5 miles a day. I never hired a trainer because there were so many free resources online to build your workout plan. I got most of my ideas from Pinterest and Instagram fitness pages.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 273 pounds and my current weight is 154 pounds. I am 5’5″

How long did your transformation take?
I started in December 2016. It took me until February 2018 to get to 158 pounds (which is my max weight to join the military.)

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
To stay in my lane and do this for ME. It is too easy to get disappointed when you see someone that has either gotten further than you on their weightloss journey, or who looks like you want to look. I learned to stay focused on me and give myself little goals along the way to make myself proud. I had small goals, like getting to a certain clothing size, or a specific weight along the way.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Have a plan! STICK TO THE PLAN, STICK TO THE PLAN and STICK TO THE PLAN! I can not stress enough how discipline is the hardest thing when it comes to weight loss. Everything else is easy.

Instagram: @mrsmckennon
Snapchat: @mrs.mckennon87

Alisia weight loss story Alisia before and after

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

Halima lost more than 50 pounds

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Halima lost more than 50 pounds. While living in London, our Somali-American sista started her journey by walking and doing Zumba. After she lost some weight, her doctor encouraged her to keep going to so that she could alleviate her knee pain and avoid surgery. This year, she found even more success with a UK-based weight loss plan. Check out her journey.

Halima before and after

My name is Halima. I’m a Somali-American currently living and studying in London. At my heaviest, I weighed 299 pounds in college. I fluctuated between 296 and 298 pounds.

My weight loss journey began accidently in 2016. I started walking a lot because I enjoyed it. Occasionally, I would go to a Zumba class because it was fun, and I needed the strength to be able to walk without being exhausted. Then, I went to the doctor’s office one day and was pleasantly surprised to find out I’d lost about 30 pounds. That drove me to take this seriously. Also, I was experiencing a lot of pain in my knee and my doctor said I had to drop the weight so that I wouldn’t need a surgery in the future. After the doctor’s visit, I traveled a bit and wasn’t walking as much so I put on 10 pounds.

On April 20, 2018, in London, I started a diet plan called the Cambridge Weight Plan. My starting weight was 282 pounds. I just got back from my weekly weigh in and now I weigh 248 pounds at 5’5″. I’ve lost 34 pounds with the Cambridge Weight Plan in 10 weeks. My total weight loss is roughly 52 pounds.

My transformation story is in progress, as still have to drop more weight. More than anything, what I have found to be my main motivation is my health, especially considering my knee issues. Finding a driving factor for why you want to lose the weight can make this journey slightly easier.

How did you change your eating habits on the Cambridge plan?
Cambridge Weight Plan is a low-calorie, meal replacement plan. Their products include bars, oatmeal, savoury meals, smoothies and shakes. There are six different steps to the program. I am on Step One, which means I only eat Cambridge products. I drink about 4 liters of water a day, if not more. This plan is not available in the US. I found out about it when I came to London and met so many people who not only lost weight, but also maintained the loss over the years with this plan.

What did your exercise routine look like?
I walk for over an hour each day. A few weeks ago, started swimming. Before that I was just walking, going to Zumba or doing YouTube workouts in my room. When I go to the gym, I do swimming or cardio. I will start weight training in the next few weeks.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
There is a tendency to associate weight loss with happiness and a life that is fulfilled – which then tends to shame people who are overweight. This in turn labels all of us who are overweight as unhappy people with health and self-esteem issues.

I learned to see through all this and realize that my happiness (or self-worth) did not depend on me losing weight. I was happy at my heaviest, I am happy now, and I am almost certain (by the will of God/InshAllah) I am going to be happy when I complete this program and get to my goal weight. The other thing is, people typically use a “before” photo which is not as good as their “after” photo. I am conscious and try to use before/after pics which are similar.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Stay consistent. There will be days where you will want to quit. There will be days where your soul wants nothing more than fries with some hot sauce, BUT resist it as much as you can. Also, remind yourself why you are doing this. Your reason shouldn’t always be for other people or things outside of you, because that will not be enough. Do it for you. It is a gratifying experience, at least it has been for me. Giving up midway will always put you in a place where you have to start all over again. Our bodies are incredibly resilient. Trust your body and it will adapt to YOU. Also, whenever you start your experience, tell few trusted family and friends. I couldn’t have done it without support and reminders from friends and family.

Instagram: @cwpha

Halima before and after

halima before and after

Ariel lost 27 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ariel lost 27 pounds and 5.1% body fat. This RN and mother of two found herself depressed, struggling to make it day by day and in need of a serious lifestyle transformation. Meal prep and lots of exercise worked for her, but she also had to change her mindset and address how low self esteem was affecting her life and relationships.

ariel before and after

What was your motivation?
After giving birth to my second child, I reached my heaviest weight of 200 pounds at 5’6″. I was single with a newborn, again, and I was clinically depressed. I was struggling to care for myself, my girls, my home… and mustering up just enough energy to go to work and come back home. I was tired of being tired and knew that something needed to change. I was 24 years old at the time and had 2 little girls looking up to me. I had to break myself down and build myself back up for myself and for them.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
The fear of feeling as low as I felt during that period of my life keeps me going. The thing about feeling low, having low self esteem and poor self image is that you allow other people to treat you just as bad as you do yourself. I lost my crown in the depression. The thought of being that low and vulnerable to others keeps me pushing.

How did you change your eating habits?
I used to rush home after work every day and bake a dozen cookies and eat them on the couch in front of the TV. I worked out of my car and never ate breakfast. I would go all day without eating and drinking. Then, I’d pull up to a fast food place and get something cheesy with a large sweet tea. I usually only ate once a day, but I consumed well over 2000 calories a day. Now, I meal prep. I’ve found that a high protein/low carb eating routine works best for me. I eat a lot of the same things, tweaking them every few weeks or so.

I originally started drinking giant smoothies with spinach, berries and protein powder for breakfast. I ate high protein/low carb, snacking during the day. I ate things like cooked spinach, turkey sausage and eggs for dinner.

After kicking up my exercise routine, I now meal prep egg fritattas in the morning with spinach, tomatoes and turkey sausage. I have tuna with avocado (no mayo), and lots of spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers for lunch. One small protein shake and almonds is what I have for a snack. I have chicken with a carb and a veggie for dinner. I also drink at least 10 bottles of water each day. I eat 100% more fresh fruits and vegetables, and I hardly ever eat fast food… maybe once every 3 months. No cookies after work, lol.

More importantly, when I do slip up and have too many of baby M&Ms or I get down and eat ice cream, I dont let it hold me back. I dont let it snow ball. I say, “It’s done. Now, eat dinner and go to the gym as planned tomorrow.”

What did your workout routine look like?
I began working out 3 times a week, doing mostly cardio and squats. At the gym, I was terrified to move into the weight section until one day this guy introduced himself to me and said, “I see you coming frequently. Let me show you some things.” That was all I needed. I saw my quads flex for the first time and I was hooked.

I currently work out 5-6 days a week. Monday and Thursday, I do HIIT and full body workouts with low weights. On Wednesday, I take a bootcamp class and do cardio. Tuesday is leg day with heavy weights and the stairmaster. Fridays are “Do what I saw on Instagram day”, lol. I am working on getting my mile time to less than 10 minutes, so I time a mile run on sundays and pump out squats, lunges and jump rope in my yard.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
When I officially started this weight loss journey, I weighed 185 pounds with 33.5% body fat. I currently weigh 158 pounds with 28.4% body fat. My goal is to get down to 25% body fat.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in December of 2017. Still going!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that change starts in the mind. I realized that a lot of my actions and decisions were based around how poorly I thought of myself. I wasn’t raised to be confident and those closest to me often (and still) take the deepest jabs at my self esteem. If I didn’t learn to love myself enough to change, I would have continued to make poor decisions and that my daughters would fall in my foot steps.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Are you dealing with low self esteem? Do you not feel worthy of love? Are you tired of being tired? Let that fuel you.

Determine your purpose. Journal your feelings and practice a self care routine. Also, don’t beat yourself up for mishaps. It’s a journey.

Instagram: @ariel_imari_

Kristi lost 230 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kristi lost 230 pounds. She was a few pounds away from 700lbs and her weight caused shame, embarrassment and isolation. Before having weight loss surgery, she found the strength to lose more than 100 pounds on her own. Check out her awesome transformation story.

Kristi before and after

What was your motivation? What kept you from giving up during the tough times?
I was literally a few pounds away from weighing 700 pounds (height: 5’8″). I stayed in my house for years. I was ashamed and embarrassed of myself. I knew I needed to do better if I wanted to live.

I used to cry and pray to God to help me and direct me through my struggles with losing weight. I was so unhappy with myself and how big I had gotten. I remember praying and telling God that I’d rather die if I have to live like this.

Slowly, I started making changes. Before I knew it, I began to change in front of my very own eyes. Eventually, I had Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery in September 2017. I lost more than 100 pounds before surgery, and so far I’ve lost more than 100 pounds after surgery. My weight loss total is approximately 230 pounds so far.

How long have you been on your weight loss journey?
It been around 2 years since I first started losing weight on a consistent basis.

How did you change your eating habits?
I didn’t go on a specific diet. I decided that I wanted to make changes on my own first, so I changed my eating habits before surgery and that’s how I lost the first 100lbs. I stopped drinking sodas and stopped eating fast food.

What did you do in terms of exercise?
At my heaviest, I didn’t workout much. I could barely move and could only stand or walk for a minute or two. I searched YouTube and found workouts that I could do sitting down. After having weight loss surgery, I’ve tried to workout out at least 4-5 time a week.

What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose the weight?
You have to change your mindset about food. It’s definitely a mental thing. I know it gets tough, but don’t give up on your journey.

Instagram: @iamkristishae

Kristi before and after

Sierra lost 96 pounds

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Sierra lost 96 pounds in 8 months. She became a vegetarian and found healthier options for the unhealthy foods she loves. She also worked out 6 days a week, doing cardio and weight training. Check out her story.

Sierra before and after

What was your motivation?
I wanted to impress a guy. I thought that losing weight would make him want me. In the past, he told me he hated my “fata**.” I was so in love with him. That guy and I actually do not speak anymore. I learned along the way you have to do it for yourself.

How did you change your eating habits?
I am a vegetarian and I practice intermittent fasting. I also drink at least one gallon of water a day. Everything was pretty much cold turkey for me as far as my transition to becoming vegetarian. I just decided I didn’t want to eat meat anymore. I knew that the good benefits would outweigh me missing the taste of certain foods. My skin glows more then ever now.

Some of the things I love are pineapples, vegetarian bacon by Morningstar, eggs and protein shakes. I only eat eggs, milk, cheese as far animal by products. I cut back on fried foods, bread, pasta, rice and sweets. My biggest thing was finding alternatives for foods I love. Instead of rice, I use califlour rice.  Instead of regular ice cream, I use Halo Top. I eat dark chocolate if I have a sweet tooth.

What did your workout routine look like?
I started with basic cardio 6 days a week with the aim of burning over 1000 calories. Later, I added in weights. I still exercise 6 days a week. It comes natural to me now and I love my results. That’s why I continue. I believe it is as simple as proper eating and exercising.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started my weight loss journey October 1, 2017 at 347 pounds. I currently weigh 251 pounds at 5’8″. I lost 96 pounds in 8 months.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that motivation will die. It just simply becomes about self discipline. I still have about another 70 pounds to lose, but I’m happy with my journey so far. It took me 8 months to know not to over complicate it. Good things come to those who sweat.

What advice would you share with people who want to lose weight?
There is a difference in thinking your ready and knowing you are ready. I’ve been on at least 10 weight loss journeys but this one I knew was it. I took the time to educate myself. I started with the basics. At 350lbs, I just found a machine at Planet Fitness that I could stick with and used it for like 3 months before I took on something else.

Develop a habit, get it down pack and then add on. It took months before I understood what “trust the process” meant when it came to diet and exercise. It’s honestly that simple. Do not over complicate it.

Instagram: @divathe_vixen

Sierra before and after

Don’t Beat Yourself Up!

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Don't beat yourself up about holiday overeating

What are thousands of women all over the country doing today? Beating themselves up about eating and drinking too much over the holiday weekend. No, not everyone will feel this way after the parties are over and the coals have died on the grill. There are tons of people who will pat themselves on the back for making healthy choices and that’s awesome.

BUT, I just wanted to send a word of love to everyone who may be struggling. Before you go down that dark and winding road that just leads to self hate and emotional eating, I want to tell you one thing. It’s ok.

Eating healthy 70-90% of the time is realistic. Eating healthy every single day of you life is NOT. This weekend just might be one of those 10-30% days where you give yourself permission to have some flexibility. We all indulge and eat the foods we love at parties. We all go a little too far and stray from out healthy eating goals from time to time. We are human.

One day will not cause 30 pounds of weight gain. It’s what you do after today that is most important. If you punish yourself with your thoughts and beat yourself up, do you know what it will likely lead to? More unhealthy eating, especially if you already have issues with stress eating and emotional eating.

Don’t let one day of indulgence to turn into days and days of unhealthy eating. Eat, enjoy, don’t beat yourself up and MOVE ON. My grandmother used to say, “One monkey don’t stop no show!”. Well, I’m here to tell you that one meal will not stop your weight release journey. Be encouraged and keep working toward your goals.

Nikkiey lost 101 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Nikkiey lost 101 pounds. At 319 pounds, she experienced negative comments from a family member and the embarrassment of not being able to ride the rides at a Fair with her daughter. By doing her research, cooking healthier meals and doing lots of exercise, she has transformed her body and her mindset.

Nikkiey before and after

When I first started began this journey, I was at my lowest low. I stepped on the scale and saw 319 pounds (height: 5’3″). I was so disappointed because I was all out of options. I couldn’t believe that was my life. I felt so alone. I felt like I couldn’t do this without someone else doing it with me. Also, it was just easier to eat unhealthy food and pack on the pounds.

I visited a family member who I hadn’t seen in a while. The first thing she said to me was, “Well dang, what are you eating? You keep getting fatter and fatter. ” That was blow number one, but I brushed it off. Then, I took my then three-year-old to the Fair, and she wanted to ride one of the rides. Unfortunately, only her daddy was small enough to ride with her. After I wasn’t able to ride the third ride, she said, “Mommy, I wish you only had one tummy so you could ride too.” I was hurt, and I was embarrassed. I went home, and I cried because now my decisions were interfering with my child and that was a no-no my book.

I started to research all kinds of diets and gathered a few of my friends who could workout with me. However, everyday someone had an excuse as to why they couldn’t work out, which always became my reason for not working out as well. Eventually, I found myself working out alone. On top of that, everything tasted bland, and salads just weren’t enough. OMG, I was failing before I’d even began, but something kept telling me to keep going. I just had to figure it out. I had to learn to think outside the box.

I focused on my love for cooking and started to make all the unhealthy meals I liked into healthy, tasty meals. The meals were so good that my family started to prefer them over the traditional meals I usually made for them. Then, I began to take three 10 minute walks twice a week…ALONE. Gradually, I increased the amount of exercise I did, and the weight started to melt off.

I incorporated more veggies into my meals and drank more water. If I wanted juice, I would have 4oz of 100% juice. I even learned to make my own “sodas” if I had an urge for one.

It wasn’t easy at all, but I pushed thru. Eventually, I hit a plateau, but I wasn’t going to let it stop me. I went back to the drawing board. I changed my whole way of thinking and increased my workout intensity to get things moving again. My research helped me understand that I needed to do more cardio. Used free videos, like the ones from Adrian Bryant and Bob Harper on YouTube. I added in some HIIT sessions and exercised five days a week and every other Saturday to push through that stubborn plateau. Slow and steady, I was well on my way to victory.

Here I stand today, two years later (I started my journey on 2/15/16.). I’m 101 pounds lighter and happier than ever. I did this ON MY OWN. No pills and no surgery. I’m not knocking those who used those methods. I respect your decision, but I had to see for myself whether this could be done. I am a witness that it can happen.

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned thus far is that this is indeed a day by day journey. I didn’t put the weight on overnight, so I had to accept that I couldn’t take it off overnight. I had to understand that I would not only have to exercise my body but my mind as well. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s darn sure worth it.

I’m so thankful for all those that cheered me on along the way and refused to let me give up… even when I almost committed 1st-degree murder on my poor husband about food. He kept me going.

I just wanted to share my story because there is somebody out there right now who needs this REAL STUFF. I’m here to tell you to keep pushing baby. You got this! I don’t care what they say. Only trust in what YOU say, because your ONLY competition is YOU!

I won’t lie. This weight loss journey is right up there in the top three hardest things I’ve ever had to do, and I’ve been thru a lot… trust me! It can be done. I believe in you. Now, you go out there and believe in yourself!

Nikkiey before and after

Michelle lost more than 60 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Michelle lost 60+ pounds. With her 40th birthday approaching, this mom of 2 decided that she didn’t want to be overweight anymore. She signed up with a trainer she was following online for help and got the knowledge and support she needed to change her lifestyle. Check out her journey.

michelle before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation came in 2017 after I got the scale and weighed in at 247 pounds. I was going to be 40 years old in June and I just decided that I didn’t want to be overweight anymore. I needed to change for me and my two young children.

I just wanted to see, for once and for all, if I could do something for myself that made me feel good about me. I had been following a trainer by the name of Marq Weaver (IG: @abeautifulpain) for a few months and decided to join his gym in March 2017 and have been working out with him ever since.

When I walked into that gym, I really didn’t know what I could actually accomplish. My trainer became that catalyst I needed to begin my transformation. His knowledge, his drive, his passion and his work ethic suited my purpose, and here I stand today at almost 70 lbs down.

How did you change your eating habits?
Marq helped me put together an eating plan that consisted of eating clean. That meant I had to meal prep. My lunch and dinner consisted of a lean protein, 1 good carb (quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes…) and one vegetable  (broccoli, asparagus, green beans…). Once my meals were in place and my workouts became consistent, the weight started dropping.

What does your workout routine look like?
I weight train about 3 or 4 times a week and do about the same with cardio. I love banging weights. I feel so empowered and that’s what helps me stay motivated. I want to always feel like that. I remember what it felt like to be heavy and how bad I felt. I remember how much I sat on the sidelines instead of being a participant in live. I never want to feel like that again. I am so happy now and my kids can see the difference.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
One thing I have learned so far that this process is not an easy one. There are going to be times when you want to give up. When that time comes around, take a short break and focus on why started. You will get there if you just stay the course.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Surround yourself with people who are trying to attain the same kind of goals. Like minded people are the people you want to be surrounded by through the course of your journey. Once you get everything in place, the path to weight loss won’t be just part of a journey, it will turn into a lifestyle.

In the words of my trainer: “It’s not a science beyond comprehension. It’s a work ethic that you’ve yet to develop. The model of focus and consistency can take us to places far beyond what we thought our abilities were. Quit quitting “. These are the words that I still live by because I’m not done yet.

Instagram: @myfry5

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Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

Latara lost 53 pounds

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Update: Shout out to Latara. She lost 17 more pounds for a total of 70 pounds gone.

I wanted to update you guys about my progress. I’ve lost 70 pounds! I did it by my 38th birthday as promised to honor my parents who both died shortly after turning 38 years old. (No surgery, No Implants, no diet pills.) The key to success is consistency. Motivation leads to Consistency. Consistency leads to Discipline. Discipline leads to Results! Thank you for all that you do to inspire Black Women to be their best selves!

Latara before and after

Transformation of the Day: Latara lost 53 pounds. Both of her parents passed away when they were only 38 years old of unrelated deaths when she was 16 years old. In honor of them, she decided to transform her lifestyle before she turns 38 years old this year. Keto meals, cardio and weight training worked for her.

latara before and after

What was your motivation?
My weight loss was inspired by my parents. Both died when they were only 38 years old of unrelated deaths when I was just 16 years of age. My mom passed away due to cancer and my dad was hit by a 18 wheeler, which placed him in a coma for over 4 years.  My parents both fought simultaneously and they would later pass only 2 1/2 months apart.

As sad as this story may sound to some, it really is quite a beautiful story of love, loss, struggle, forgiveness and unconditional Love. That love and this story has led me on a journey my entire life to be the best me. We fall short at times and life takes its toll, but we can lose sight of the “why”, the “who”, or the “what”. In honor of my parents, I am determined to be in the best shape of my life by my 38th Birthday this year.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut back drastically on carbs, following mainly a Keto diet (Ketogenic).

What did your workout routine look like?
I workout 4-5 times per week, using weights and cardio to tone and lift.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting/highest weight was 261 pounds and my current weight is 208 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey about a year and a half ago in January 2017. I wanted to lose the weight slowly so that I could tone and reduce the chances of having loose skin. I’m very close to my goal, although I’m not quite there yet. The results are amazing and I am simply enjoying the journey!

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose the weight?
My best advice is to stick to it. Don’t give up! What began for one reason for me continued for another reason. My original goal/obsession was to lose weight. Now, I continue on my journey because living a healthier lifestyle just makes me feel absolutely fabulous on so many levels… physically, emotionally, spiritually and otherwise.

Make every single second count, Y’all! Life is so beautiful and very much worth every effort we put into achieving our goals.

Instagram: @latarajharris

Alisha lost more than 80 pounds

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Update: Shout out to Alisha! She is still going strong and has lost 95 pounds.

Transformation of the Day: Alisha lost 80+ pounds. For years, she suffered through gastrointestinal issues and stomach pain. When her doctors couldn’t give her a solution, she began to do her own research which led to a plant based lifestyle. This year, she decided to restart her journey and release the lingering babyweight she gained while having her 2 daughters.

alisha before and after

Growing up, I was always a “chubby” tall kid who loved playing sports. As I got older, my body started to resist certain foods but I couldn’t figure out why. I went to several doctors and a gastroenterologist to see what was going on with my body, but they still couldn’t figure it out. I was prescribed several medications to help ease my stomach pains and recieved a hypothetical diagnoses of IBS.

I took the prescribed medication and followed the doctors orders, but the side effects of the medication made me have a slurred speech and tiredness. The stomach problems still persisted with excruciating pain. At this point, I said enough is enough and took matters into my own hands. I did extensive research leading to a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. No dairy, not even modified milk products. Now, I don’t have any issues at all.

Tell us about your eating habits? What are some of the foods you love to eat?
Some of the healthy foods I love to eat;

  • cauliflower rice with salmon
  • zucchini with vegan cottage cheese
  • cucumbers with a homemade vinaigrette  dressing
  • homemade “ice cream” (cauliflower, blueberries, unsweetened almond milk, blended with ice)
  • home made lentil soup

What did your workout routine look like?
I did kickboxing, zumba, 10k runs, HIIT workouts and weightlifting. I workout 4 to 5 days a week for 1.5 to 2 hours each day. I enjoy everything that I do, especially with my abs peeking through.

Starting weight/Current weight
In 2015 and 2017, I gave birth to my two baby girls. During each pregnancy, I gained approx. 80 pounds. Post-pregnancy, I continued with a natural, healthy and active lifestyle. I gave birth in August 2017 and at the time I weighed 285 pounds (I gained 85 pounds with that pregnancy).

After giving birth, I lost about 20 pounds. In February 2018, I became extremely determined to get rid of the extra weight and at that point I weighed 246 pounds. As of today, June 24, 2018, I weigh 177 pounds. My goal weight is 170lbs.

I am happy, healthy and ready to conquer anything that comes my way. Anytime I felt like giving up, I would remind myself of the pain and agony I went through while feeling sick and unhealthy. This helps me to remain focused on MY GOALS.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned? What advice would you like to share?
The biggest lesson/advice I’ve learned and can give, is that you have to know WHO you are inorder to change and BECOME who you WANT to be. This journey wasn’t the ‘easiest’ but consistency, determination, researching food, prayer and being focused on my goal has lead me to a great outcome.

Cooking your meals at home is a better, healthier option because you’ll know exactly what is going into your food. Meal prep is a life saver. Keeping a food journal helps you track your meals and keeps you accountable.

I’ve also learned that not everyone (friends/family) will be clapping for you at the finishline, but you can smile and be happy throughout your journey because you are going to be lit!

Instagram: @Alishajones_fitness

alisha before and after

alisha before and after