Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for Ajima Jackson

Ajima Jackson

Terrena lost 70 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story: Terrena lost 70 pounds in 7 months.  In the past, this mom of three lost a significant amount of weight so she knew what she had to do and she did the work.

terrena weight loss story

I’ve been thick and chubby all my life, and struggled with my weight in high school. After having my very first child, I became very heavy. Three children later, my weight got out of control. Although I was overweight, I always thought of myself as being a confident woman. I was confident, but I wasn’t comfortable.

In 2012 I began my journey to health. I lost a whopping 80 pounds with diet and exercise but slowly gained it all back by falling back into the old habits. I was very disappointed with myself and fell deeper into weight gain, but with any journey there will be set backs. I got over the hurdle and began my weight loss journey again in January 2015.

What was your motivation?
I couldn’t take the back and knee pain any longer and I felt 20 years older. I would also look at photos of myself from when I lost the weight a few years prior. …And to keep it real, I couldn’t fit in any of my clothes anymore. My inspiration came from knowing that succeeded in losing the weight before and had the desire to do it again. The thought of being around to see my children and their children grow up also inspired me.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stayed away from fried food and carbs, like bread, rice, pasta, etc., and I weigh my food. I only eat when I’m hungry and that has really helped me.

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out 4 days a week, doing 40 minutes of cardio/boxing and 20-30 minutes of weight training.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was right after I had my second child. I weighed 290 pound. I currently weigh 220 pounds. 70 lbs down and dropping. My height is 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
7 months and counting.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I would say do it for yourself and do it when you are ready. Even if you hit a bump in the road, keep going and never give up. Losing weight is not easy and keeping it off is even harder. When you make healthier choices a part of your lifestyle, it becomes easier day by day.

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.” ~Robin Sharma

Instagram: @theterriexperience

terrena before and after

Mango Mint Mojito Smoothie

by Leave a Comment

mango mint mojito smoothieJust before all of the signs of Summer fade into Fall, you can enjoy this great tropical smoothie. This low calorie drink is half Mojito/half smoothie…no alcohol.  Feel free to add a little protein powder or a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the recipe if you would like for more protein. I’ve suggested frozen mango, just in case you can’t find fresh ones in the stores anymore.

Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1
Half mojito, half smoothie. This drink will let you slip into a tropic state of mind anytime of year.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup of frozen mango
  • ½ cup pineapple, frozen or fresh
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 8 mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 cup of So Delicious unsweetened coconut milk, chilled
Instructions
  1. Load the ingredients into your blender. Start with the solids and then add the juice and coconut milk.
  2. Add a few pieces of ice if you would like a very frosty smoothie.
  3. Use 2 tablespoons of sweetener instead of one if you want a very sweet smoothie. Don’t forget to add in those calories.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 231 Fat: 5.2 Carbohydrates: 49 Sugar: 38.3 Fiber: 3.2 Protein: 1.74

Enjoy!

Tamekia lost over 100 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tamekia lost over 100 pounds, going from a size 24/26 to a size 14.  Her story shows that when you start with simple actions like walking, researching proper eating habits and portion control you will see the fruits of your labor pay off.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

tamekia before and after

After weighing in at 341 pounds (wearing a size 24/26) in October 2012 at an orthopedic doctor visit, I was told that I could either lose weight or have knee surgery. That was an eye opener. I finally decided in December 1 2012 to go walking at our local track. I was cold outside and I was already tired. After trying to make one lap, I prayed and asked God to help me if I would just help myself. I went walking every day of the month in December.

Finally, in January 2013, I became a member of Anytime Fitness gym. I was very ashamed of how people would look at me. Then Phil, the trainer, looked at me and said, “The shame would be not being here trying.” I signed up and then went home tossed out everything that I knew was unhealthy. I also started looking up information on healthier food alternatives.

I went grocery shopping with my list in hard. On my list; fruit, Greek yogurt, chicken breast, tuna, salmon, tilapia, frozen veggies, salad, low fat dressing, eggs, water, water, and more water. I practiced PORTION CONTROL and ate small meals. If my food wasn’t baked, boiled, or grilled, I wasn’t eating it. I also said no to restaurant foods. unless it was a healthy option from Subway or a salad. For some odd reason I started to going to Subway each morning before my work-out and purchased a foot long tuna, with veggies, lite mayo and cup of water. I would eat half and then head to work-out.

Before I knew it, people started saying, “You are losing weight.” So, every other week I’d go into a clothing store to try on different sizes. Surely enough, I was losing weight. Finally the weight was falling off ,after going to the gym faithfully for a year in 2013.

Beginning in 2014, I had a full year of commitment. I was still attending gym and eventually decided to start jogging. The weight was steadily dropping off. Finally, I went to buy a size 18 and it still fit kinda tight. I was determined to make it fit comfortably and I did. People hearing and seeing how much weight I lost have been inspired to lose weight. In 2015, I started a group called Fighters of Obesity where people post information on weight loss or how they are losing weight.

I’ve been a member of Anytime Fitness since 2013 and have a free membership for 2 years. Now, I can walk/jog for up to 8 1/2 miles and I’m wearing a size 14/16. I have loss over 100 lbs (height: 5’8″). My goal is to remain the size I am and to working out.  My motto is: You eat to get full, instead of getting full to become stuffed. It’s a mind game. Change your mind, change the way you eat. #FightersOfObesity

tamekia weight loss story

Chavonne lost 65 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story: Chavonne lost 65 pounds.  She had a common wake up call that many of us may find familiar: stepping on the scale at a doctor’s office.  She decided to commit to lifestyle change that same day and her actions have paid off.  Here is what she shared with us…

chavonne before and after

Hello my name is Chavonne and I lost a total of 65 pounds by changing my lifestyle.  My journey began eight months ago, after I finally decided it was time for a change! I decided that I was tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a woman who was depressed underneath her smile.  You see, over the years I had gained a lot of weight but reality hit me on how big I actually was after going to the doctor with my mate. While at the doctor was with her, I decided to jump on the scale and it read that I was over 300 pounds.  I knew that I’d gained a significant amount of weight but I couldn’t imagine that I was that big.  All I could think about in my mind was how did I let my weight get that out of control?

I was in shock and maybe even in denial, but the numbers on the scale didn’t lie. I was faced with the reality of the truth.  That day, I was so distraught with how much I actually weighed that I couldn’t focus on much, except the fact that I was indeed what the doctors called me for years: morbidly obese. I know, I know… the doctors have been using that term for years, but in my mind I thought they were just saying it because I wasn’t a hundred pounds soaking wet.  Of course, I weighed a little more than the average slim woman but to me it was okay because everyone doesn’t have to be pencil or stick thin to look and feel good.  Well, at least that’s what I thought until the magical number 311 lbs appeared before my eyes.  I know the purpose of my mate’s clinic visit was for her to hear about her tumor status. However, in a way I was selfish because my concentration at the time was on where I went wrong with me.  I hope me telling you about my selfishness don’t make you think ill of me, because I love my boo and we have had some incredible years together, but the fact still remains that I was in shock and disbelief. There wasn’t anything I could do about my feelings at the time.

That day, I decided that I was going to stop playing and take control of my health to become a healthier version of me. I had already started my diet a few weeks prior, but now I was committing myself and it wouldn’t just be just a thing for me to do at the time.  That was the day I made the choice that I was going to live a healthier lifestyle because I deserved it! I decided that my diet was going to be stricter (than it was in the past) and I was going to commit myself to exercising more.

After researching different types of diets, I went on a high protein/low carb diet which has become a major part of my everyday routine. I also workout at the gym three to four times a week. If I’m not able to make it there, I workout at home. On top of that, I also committed myself to walking at least one mile, five days a week.

I count my calories! My Fitness Pal has become one of my favorite apps! When I first began my journey, I started out with 2,200 daily calories, which I lowered over time and now I only eat between 1,200 and 1,500 calories a day.

Doing all of these things has resulted in me losing 65 pounds so far. It hasn’t been an easy journey but it’s been worth every bit sweat and every tear. Although I’m not where I want to be, at least I’m closer today than I was yesterday!

My advice to others is don’t get discouraged and don’t give up! Everyday is not going to be perfect, you will have to struggle and make sacrifices.  However, every step will be worth the struggle in the end.  When I started my journey, I wasn’t able to walk very far without being in pain. Now, I could walk for hours without any problems. I also don’t have some of the medical issues I had in the past. My asthma doesn’t bother me as often and my legs doesn’t constantly swell! It is changes like those that make me appreciate that I took the time to invest in me! It’s never too late to take the time and invest in yourself as well!  Of course, there are going to be some struggles, but success rarely comes without struggles!

Instagram: @simplychavonne

FB page: www.facebook.com/simplychavonne

Blackberry Cheesecake Smoothie

by Leave a Comment

blackberry cheesecake smoothieLooking for a low calorie, high protein smoothie that will help tame your sweet tooth?  We’ve got the smoothie for you.  261 calories and 30.5 grams of protein.

Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1 serving
High protein, low calorie smoothie. Great for cheesecake lovers.
Ingredients
  • ½ cup vanilla greek yogurt (Oikos)
  • ½ cup blackberries
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese
  • ½ cup water
  • 7-9 pieces of ice
Instructions
  1. Load the ingredients into your blender. Start with the ice, cream cheese and blackberries.
  2. Then add the yogurt and protein powder.
  3. Add the water last.
  4. Blend until the ice is broken down.
  5. If you have a traditional blender, blend on the highest setting to crush the ice.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 261 Fat: 3.5 Carbohydrates: 26.1 Fiber: 5 Protein: 30.5

Blackberries are a great fruit for smoothies because they are low in sugar and high in fiber.  They also contain lots of nutrients, including vitamin C, antioxidants and vitamin K. (more info on the benefits of blackberries)

Protein Powder: You can use the protein powder that you like. I used the Vanilla version of Amplify Smoothie by NDS.  Purchased it at GNC and it has no artificial flavors, no sweeteners or preservatives.  20 grams of protein, 2 grams of sugar and 4 grams of carbs.
blackberry cheesecake nutribulletI blended everything up in my trusty Nutribullet. This photo includes all of the ingredients, except water. What I learned was that I should have put the yogurt in last because some of it stuck to the top of the Nutribullet blending cup. I had to take it off of the base and shake the cup to get to some of it to blend into the mix. Then, I blended for another 20 seconds.

blackberry cheesecake smoothie

The finished product was a bright, beautiful lavender color.  Delicious and perfect for cheesecake lovers.

Rotisha lost 61 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Rotisha lost 61 pounds.  This blogger wanted to be a role model to her daughter.  She changed her eating habits, started running and now she shares her journey online, inspiring so many others who want to lose the pounds. Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

rotisha before and after

My name is Rotisha Hall. My motivation was my daughter. I wanted to be more healthy and fit to live a long life and see my daughter grow up. I wanted to be a role model for her. What inspired me was health concerns that started to creep up. I did not want to be on any medication.

I changed my eating habits by changing from fried foods to grilled or baked foods. I also worked on balancing my plate. I stopped eating fast food or going through drive-throughs. I cut out pork, chicken, turkey and beef and currently only eat fish as my meat.

I workout 5 to 6 days a week. During those days I do strength training for 4 days and run outdoors if weather permits, 3 to 4 days a week. I enjoy doing Jullian Michaels’s “Making the Cut” plan which has helped me a lot with strength. I have completed 5 half marathons and a ton of 5k and 10k runs. I continue to enjoy running 1/2 marathons for fitness.

My starting weight was 230 pounds and my current weight is 169 pounds. I am 5’6″ in height. My transformation took a year. The advice that I have for others is set small goals and begin to work on those small goals to make long term goals. Make health and fitness a priority, just like your job. You have to make time for it, even if it’s just 30 minutes that can make a difference. We all can do anything we set our mind to doing. You just have to convince yourself that YOU CAN DO IT!

Blog: Complete-transformation.tumblr.com
I also can be found on Instagram: @completetransformation061013

Carmen lost 45 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story: Carmen lost 45 pounds.  This petite mom of two fought through the challenge of knee and back pain to reach her weight loss and wellness goals.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

carmen before and after

My motivation for starting this journey was my two boys. I had gotten so heavy that even walking around the mall with them was a task. My knees and my back would hurt. In May of 2014, my husband got a job offer in Florida, so we moved from Atlanta to Florida. With his new job, I was able to stay home for the first time and not work for the entire summer. I think I fried EVERYTHING, everyday. My weight hit 230 pounds.

My first attempt to lose weight was around June of 2014. I decided I was gonna start, so I got up early and went for a 2 mile walk .I felt like I was gonna die. My knees and back hurt so bad. I decided that losing weight was too hard and I couldn’t do it.

In October of 2014, I said enough is enough. I joined the gym and started eating right. I cut out fast food and drinking Pepsi. Now, I only drink water and eat baked or grilled foods. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. In the gym, I do cardio for 30-45 minutes and I weight train for another 30-45 minutes. On the days that I don’t go to the gym, I walk either around my neighborhood or on the trail at the park.

In October 2014, my weight was 230 pounds. My current weight is 185 pounds, for a total of 45lbs gone forever.  I am 5’3″ tall, so every bit of weight I gain shows.

The advice I would give to others is don’t give up. You are gonna fall off sometimes, but come back even harder. Focus on your “Why” and think about it every day. I try to inspire people who are on the same journey as me on my Instagram: @carmensfitness_journey

carmen weight loss story

Courtney lost 46 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Courtney lost 46 pounds.  Since childhood, she faced being heavier than others, dealt with food addiction and later with depression. Working out has been a major catalyst on her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us about the actions she took to release the pounds.

courtney before and after

I grew up being a heavy child, addicted to Oreos since preschool. I was active and an athlete all the way through high school, but I was still bigger than everyone.

In college I fell into a dark depression and my yo-yo dieting got serious then. I lost about 30 pounds, only to gain it back. I made it all the way up to a size 18 and sometimes size 20. For years, I just thought that I would be big forever. Then a friend invited me to a fitness boot camp. I fell in love with running and got heavily involved. In one year, I ran two 5Ks, 10K, a half marathon and a full marathon. I also joined a gym and worked with a trainer while still running. Since then, I’ve quit the gym. Now, I workout from home and run occasionally. I workout at least 6 days a week at home with DVDs and I may run a race every once in awhile.

I changed my eating habits by first working with a nutrition coach for 6 months and learning that my body has some digestive issues. So, learning to cut out gluten and a lot of sugar really helped. Seeing the results is what really motivated me. I’m still on a path to find balance and eat well, but I learn more and more every year and continue to see progress.

I started at 221 pounds and now I weigh 175 pounds (I’m 5’4” tall). I’ve released 46 pounds and I’m on the way to releasing the last 30 lbs. I now encourage and support others in getting fit and eating well! I’ve been on this journey since the summer of 2013, seriously.  I would advise other people to take their time and find a supportive community. I encourage others to really understand their reason for wanting to lose weight and focus on that.

Follow me on Instagram: @courtneycomesclean

Bryanna lost 61 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story: Bryanna lost 61 pounds. Low carb eating and working out regularly is what worked for her.  She shared with us about her weight release journey…

bryanna before and after

Hi, my name is Bryanna. It’s been such a long journey and it has not been easy at all. When I started my weight loss journey, it was at a point where I realized that I wasn’t happy with myself. So, I started to change the way I ate. I cut out sodas, sweets, pasta and bread. I focused on low carb eating and working out daily with a simple 30 minute cardio workout and simply walking. Water became my best friend.

People often ask me how much I’ve lost. I started out weighing 240 pounds and I’ve reached 179 pounds, so I’ve lost 61 pounds.

I’ve inspired myself. I lost weight and loved what I saw, so I kept going. I’m still not finished yet. Being overweight and unhappy has to be the most uncomfortable feeling ever. I wish everyone luck on their journeys. My advice is that the main thing is to stay focused, maintain a healthy diet and find simple working out you can do everyday.

Instagram: @beingbetterthanu

bryanna weight loss story

Elease lost 56 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day. Elease lost 56 pounds.  This Professor, Author and busy single mom of two wants you to know that if she can do it, anyone can.  She learned to eat right for her blood type, made changes to her eating habits and became more consistent with her workouts. Check out what she shared with us about her weight release journey.

elease weight loss story

Starting weight: 225 pounds
Current Weight: 169 pounds
Height: 5’7″ tall

I am Elease A. Wiggins, a Sociology Professor and Self-Published Author of A Farewell to Welfare: 25 Strategies to Freedom, Independence & Prosperity. While writing my book, I weighed 212 pounds. I knew that I could not write a book to help women get out of poverty and start living healthy lives if I did not do it myself first. So, I began by working out 15 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 months. I drank green tea and lemon all day. I also stopped eating fried food and diary products. I not only lost weight, but I cleared up my skin. I would like to inspire Black women who believe they can’t do it and who don’t believe in themselves!

How I got started: I was encourage to look up some info on eating for my blood type. When I did, I learned that I could no longer eat diary products and eggs. Although I was aware of this I continued to eat macaroni and cheese and all the foods I loved and grew up on. I did this until one day, I was in so much pain that I could not move. This would not have been so bad if my babies were not there helplessly watching me in pain. At that time, I was forced to think about how my actions were effecting my children. I thought to myself, what if God forbid, something happens to me? Who would take of my babies? That thought truly frightened me. So, I vowed from that moment on I would live a healthier lifestyle.

I changed my eating habits by starting my day with hot green tea and lemons. This trained my palate to become sensitive to salty or sweet foods. I begin purchasing more fruits for the children and I to snack on. Additionally, I began preparing meals for the week instead of purchasing food off the street. I also was on a liquid detox twice each for 5-7 days. Then I noticed that although I was losing the weight, my skin was wobbly. I began do the “Get Chiseled” 15 minute workout DVD by The Firm, five days per week for three months straight. This 15 minute high powered workout builds stamina, strength and endurance. Because I would start and go strong for a while but then stop, it took me about an entire year to get the weight off and keep it off.

The advice I have for others: Do not wait until your health begins to deteriorate before you become serious about getting the weight off, because by then it could be too late. Once you start, be consistent with it. Find a routine that suits your lifestyle. This is how you’ll see results.  If you think you can’t do it, know that I did it while single-handedly raising two children under the age of 10, writing and self-publishing a book, teaching urban studies at LaGuardia Community College and building Elease, LLC. Yes, I know my responsibilities seem overwhelming and demanding, but God wouldn’t give me so much if He didn’t think I could handle it.  Learn more about me and my work at www.afarewelltowelfare.com

FB page: www.facebook.com/RealizingMyGiftsWithElease

elease before and after