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Dianah lost 113 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dianah lost 113 pounds by making simple, straightforward changes to her diet and exercising regularly, at home and in the gym.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

dianah before and after

I found my motivation to lose weight during a visit to the gym with my cousin. I got on a scale there and saw how much I weighed. I really was embarrassed and I wanted to change that number. I started out on my journey by cutting out junk food, soda pop, chips, etc. I also stopped eating meat eventually. My meals started to include more veggies and whole grains. For my workouts, I rotate between using the Insanity program at home and going to the gym. Cardio and weight training are my go to exercises. I workout four times a week because of work.

I started my weight loss journey on June 2, 2014. My starting weight was 386 pounds and my current weight is 273.6 pounds. I’m 6’0″ tall. Honestly, the scale helped to motivate me. Even when I’d stop looking at it for a week or two, I’ll always lose 2-3 pounds! My advice for people who want to lose weight is, don’t give up on yourself. Your life matters even if you don’t think so!

Instagram: @Prissy.kitty

dianah weight loss

Loraine lost 67 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Our BWLW sista in South Africa Loraine lost 67 pounds.  After a red carpet photo wakeup call, she decided that it was time to release the pounds.  She got a dietician and hit the gym.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Name: Loraine G.
South Africa
Age 26
Started October 5, 2014

loraine before and after
Recent photo/Before photo

I’m not saying that I didn’t know that I had weight issues. The truth is far from that. I have never been a small person but this was my breaking point. All it took was just a picture of me on the red carpet, the picture of me on the right. I knew I was bigger than this when I was pregnant with my son, but that was 5 years ago. Since then, I had time the time to work on my body but instead I used the “I’m ok.” lie. That was until that picture landed on Facebook and everyone commented telling me I looked beautiful. However, all I could see was how far I had let myself go. That’s when I began my getting myself back on track with my weight loss journey.

So, I went home and one thing I knew was that I had been on a number of “get slim quick” fad diets. I would lose pounds and then gain it all back…and double this time. I thought  to myself, “This time, do it right.” I had to change my mind set, so I went looking for a dietitian. That’s the best investment one can ever do for themselves. I knew that I didn’t really know anything about eating, clearly, since I was gaining weight at an amazing rate.

On October 5th, I started with my new eating plan in hand, a new scale and an open mind. I knew that it wasn’t going to happen overnight and I wasn’t going to see the results I needed to unless I trusted the process. Truly speaking, the cutting out of the junk food was the easy part. It was my relationship with the gym tha I couldn’t really seem to handle. I was overweight, very self conscious and I knew that I was very out of shape. I looked up going to the gym for dummies, went to instagram and I googled lots of information. That’s when I realized that everyone had to start somewhere and that if you ask for help there are loads of people who are willing  and happy to help. I would walk on the treadmill regularly and every day it got better. Soon I found that  I enjoyed lifting weights, spinning and doing Zumba in the comfort of my own home.

Very day it gets better. In all honesty, I’m still not a fan of the gym but I know two things; I love how I feel when I finish my work out and that I love seeing the results. I push all the demons out of my head, turn up my gym music and I push myself. I also listen to that voice that tells me I can push through this last set, and I always smile at the end of it.  I have to remember how those jeans didn’t fit any more. I remember how it feels every time you go a size down and the compliments come your way.

I started at 122 kgs (269 pounds) to and I am now at 92 kgs (202 pounds). I’m 1.57 meters (5 feet tall) and my goal weight is 80- 85 kgs (176-187 lbs). I’m still pushing, but I’m not trying to look like anyone in particular. I just want to feel happy about my body because every curve and every little imperfection is perfect. I’m grateful that my body never gave up on me. At one time I didn’t know how to respect it. This is the house I have been given to leave in and I love it. Even though I take some off days, I know I’m not where I started in October 2014. My advice: Start off small. Progress is created by efforts repeated daily. Action leads to results. Figure out what works for you and don’t lie to yourself. There is no easy way out. If you put the in the work you will get the results.

Instagram: @misslolowood

Petrece lost 52 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Petrece lost 52 pounds.  She worked to turn her life around and escape depression and feeling overwhelmed. Wanting to be healthier and more comfortable in her skin, she took action with clean eating and exercise.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

petrece weight loss

In February 2014, I was suffering from extreme depression due to life, my weight and just feeling overwhelmed. One day, I had a conversation with a friend of mine and I asked what do you see when you look at me. They said someone who is “settling”. That response forever changed me.

The very next day I changed my entire life around. I was motivated to drop my weight and regain control of my life. At 5’2″ tall I weighed 200 pounds, so you can only imagine how uncomfortable in my skin I felt.

The very first thing I did was get rid of all the junk and processed food I had in my house. I also stopped drinking liquor and I gave up the one thing I love most: SODA. From that day forward, I started eating clean and working out five times a week. I did a lot of yoga and a whole lot of cardio (running stairs, jump roping, etc.) I also fell in love with bike riding.

By August 2014, I started seeing myself transform not only physically but mentally as well. I lost a total of 52 pounds and got my confidence back. I reached one year on my journey in Feb of 2015 and haven’t stopped yet. I found myself again. I’m no longer scared to look in the mirror and that is a priceless feeling, even more rewarding than my weight loss. My advice to others would be to stay focused, trust the process and results will come. Just believe in yourself and don’t give up.

Instagram: @petrece_chantel

Update: Tiffany lost over 100 pounds

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Update May 2017 – Tiffany wrote in to update us on how she has worked to maintain her transformation. We’ve been following her journey since 2012 and she is an inspiration.

tiffany before and after

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I’ve kept off a majority of the weight by keeping in mind all the blood, sweat, tears that I’ve put into getting the weight off. I keep in mind how much better I feel and look at a healthier weight. I don’t allow myself to go back to old eating habits too long when I fall off the wagon. A ton of self talk is involved, like… “OK. You ate a donut today. You can’t have fries too.” My starting weight was 284 pounds. At one point I got down to 154 pounds. Now, I weigh 190 pounds. I think 170 lbs will be my comfort zone. 

What has worked for you in terms of eating habits and exercise?
I make sure that I workout no less than 3 times a week on a bad week and 5 or 6 on a good one. I always lift weights. Also, I got a Fitbit to keep track of my daily steps. I’ve got to push myself a bit to get in the cardio, but I just see exercise as something I have to do.

Eating habits? Meal prepping helps a lot. On Sundays, I cook enough meals for 4-6 days. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks. I stick the meals in the freezer. About once a month, I do a 1-3 day juice cleanse. I’ve also kept myself clean of red meat for almost 5 years and pork for nearly a year. Mostly, I just never give up on trying to make good decisions daily. Even when I fail, I just keep trying to be better with the next bite and with my exercise routine. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on this journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be patient with myself and to accept myself. Changing your habits is hard work. My goal shouldn’t be to look like anyone else, but to be the best version of myself. What stands out most is that there isn’t a finish line. This is a life long journey and everyday you have to consciously take steps in the direction you want to go. Maintaining weight loss is much more difficult than losing, so staying conscious is pertinent.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to other people who want to lose weight? My advice to anyone wanting to lose weight is, make sure you are doing it for you. Take note of non scale victories (sleeping better, more energy, clothes fit better, health stats are better). See food as something you can enjoy and, most importantly, as fuel for your body. Remember, while you have to give 100% of yourself in all aspects of your journey, diet is the biggest factor. You have to eat better quality food, possibly smaller portions, and, believe it or not, you have to eat frequently. So much of losing weight is about changing your mentality first. You can do it!

 

July 2015 – Tiffany lost over 100 pounds and we have followed her story over the last few years. She recently wrote in to give us an overview of her amazing weight loss journey…

tiffany before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
After many failed attempts to lose weight, I had just turned 40 years old and felt like my body was falling apart. For the first time, the doctor was forcing me to go on blood pressure medication which is something I was dead set against. I was determined to get off the meds as soon as possible.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits pretty slowly at first. I slowly took out things like adding salt to my food, eating fried foods and putting mayo on my sandwiches. I also put my salad dressing on the side. Eventually, I stopped drinking cows milk, red meat, and started adding vegetables to every single meal, including breakfast. One of my biggest problems was portion control, so I had to train myself to eat less and to choose foods that were more filling. That meant eating more foods with fiber, good fats and healthy carbs.

What did your workout routines look like?
When I first started this journey in 2010 my workout routine consisted of probably about an hour and a half of cardio every single day. I did things like TaeBo, treadmill, elliptical machine, and cardio classes, like step class and Zumba. Eventually, I was convinced by several trainers to start weightlifting and that is when I really saw the shape of my body change. If I could do it all over again, I would’ve incorporated weights from the beginning and not done as much cardio as I did. I think cardio creates a lot of weight loss but not as much fat loss.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 284 pounds. I got down as low as 154 pounds. Then I had skin removal surgery and that caused some health problems that I’m going to have to live with for the rest of my life. Ironically, the health problems that I incurred have a lot to do with the food that I can eat now and that affects keeping the weight off. What used to work so easily for me to keep the weight down, I can no longer do as freely. I go into detail about that on both of my fitness pages. The stress of those complications lead me to put some more weight back on, so now I’m about 184 pounds. I refuse to start this journey over again, so I am fighting like hell to keep this weight off, both in the gym and in the kitchen. I’m pretty muscular so I may or may not look that weight, however I’m also trying to take off maybe about 10 pounds. I don’t think I want to be as small as I was before. I was pretty thin and I’m 5’6″ tall. The journey continues!

How long did your transformation take?
It took 2.5 years to lose 128lbs total. My body continues to transform into a more curvier, more muscular body then when I initially lost the weight. I am five years into this transition over all.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
For those who want to lose weight, my first suggestion would be to really understand why you put the weight on in the first place. Figure out what habits you have that you’re going to have to change to help you get and keep that weight off. Make a commitment to yourself to feed your body food that is prepared in a healthy manner. Commit to a certain amount of exercise on a regular basis. Regardless of how long you think it’s taking for you to see the number on the scale go down, stay committed and stay the course. Don’t give up. It’s not a race, it’s a lifestyle.

You can follow me on Instagram at @meltmindandbodyfitness as well as my Facebook account: meltmindandbodyfitness. There you will find a very honest and open view into my weight loss journey as well as my journey to live an emotionally, physically, and mentally fit life! Previous posts on Tiffany’s story

tiffany weight loss

Update Sept 2016 – We’ve been following Tiffany’s amazing progress since 2013. She is very transparent about her ups and downs and is the picture of determination.

“I started this journey into 2010 at 40 years old because the doctor forced me to go on blood pressure medication. I begged him not to, as I had already lost 10 pounds and I promised to lose more, but he felt that I wouldn’t lose the weight. He told me that I was fat, I had been fat for a long time and that most people don’t lose the weight. I was determined to get off the blood pressure medication because many of my family members digested way too many pills, several times a day. My motivation was not to become another statistic.

Through consisting exercise and a swift change in diet, I’m proud to say that 2 1/2 years later, I have lost 128 pounds. I decided to have skin removal surgery. Just when I thought my weight loss journey was over, it had only just begun. I’m very open and candid with my followers about the twist and turns of my journey. I let them know that everyone goes through ups and downs and it isn’t easy, but it is possible at any age, any cultural background, and any socioeconomic group. Through honesty and a little humor I let my followers know that actual health and fitness isn’t just about your body. It’s about your heart and your mind is well.” – @meltmindandbodyfitness

tiffany weight loss

Paige lost 83 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Paige lost 83 pounds. Having spent years on the weight loss roller coaster, Paige wanted to make sure that she was fit by 40 years old. Last year, she decided to give weight loss another go and commit to changing her lifestyle. She shared with us about her journey…

paige before and after

I was inspired to workout and lose weight because I wanted to feel better and improve my overall health before I turned 40 (currently 35). My weight has been on a roller coaster for as long as I can remember. However, last September put a spark in my stride and I decided to give it another go. I thought “maybe, this time will be different”.  It has been, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that changing my eating was and still is very hard.

I’m a girl who loves to eat good food at any time of the day or night and that had to cease. Thank goodness for my Mother and Aunts, because they were always finding new yummy and HEALTHY things for me to try. It worked! I cut out the starches and carbs and replaced them with whole grains, fruit and veggies. You’d be surprised at what you can do with a head of cauliflower. LOL.

As for my workout routine, I’ve done it all. Zumba, Turbofire, Insanity, power walking, running and aqua aerobics. All of those things have aided me in getting in better shape. Now, I exercise 5-6 days a week.

When I started this journey in 2010, I was a size 18/20 and I weighed 240 pounds at 5’5″ tall. I now weigh 157 pounds and I’m a size 4/6.

My advice to others would be..Don’t give up! You can do it! And, stop listening to people who make snide remarks about your weight. Do NOT laugh it off. Remove that negativity immediately. Lastly, buy an outfit in your goal size. You may not be able to fit it now but, trust that you will eventually.

Instagram: @fitnbeautifro

Update: Deborah lost 113 pounds

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Update: Deborah is still going strong and celebrating her 3 year “Fitversary”.

Update June 2015: When we originally featured Deborah’s story in Sept 2014, she’d lost 80 pounds. She wrote in recently to let us know that she down 33 more pounds for a total of 113 gone.  Check out her new before and after photos.

Deborah weight loss

My name is Deborah Harvin, I’ve lost 113+ pounds on my way to my goal of 120 pounds GONE. I began my journey on 1/24/14. At the time, I weighed 280 pounds (5’8″ tall), was wearing a 3XXL SHIRT and wore size 24, tight pants. Today, I wear a junior’s size small shirt and size 4 pants. I reached half my original size in 7 months, having lost 100 lbs on 12/13/14 (11 days shy of 11 months).

I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Not physically sick but tired, run down and lethargic. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, I attended our Centennial Celebration in D.C., and was uncomfortable at many of the events because of my size and limited, fashionable choices. I’ve carried this extra weight over 25+ years and it got worse after each child, life event, etc. I had no illnesses associated with being obese and I realized that was a blessing. I worked to keep it that way for me and my children.

I’ve been a single mother of 3 for nine years, operate my own business, and have tried everything over the years to lose weight. Seemingly on a perpetual diet. I stumbled across Wiltrina Jones: I Use To Be U on FB  and watched her and her clients for about a year. My thinking was, “Wow, she looks like me, is shaped like me and she did it, so it’s possible. On January 24, 2014, I finally decided to try her customized meal plans. In July 2014, I won IUTBU‘s first $1000, 12 week body transformation contest.

deborah weight lossCustomized meal plans have given me my life back. I eat real food, such as lean meats like chicken breast and seafood. I also buy, cook and enjoy lots of veggies. No shakes, pills, etc on my journey. I have learned to meal prep, use portion control, and understand my body’s signals. This allows me to eat for the body I want.

I work out 5 days a week and began going to the gym about a month into my journey. Once there, immediately began lifting weights because I was fearful of the loose skin. My Coach, Wiltrina, always says,”Keep the weights in your hands”. I do half cardio and half weight lifting during my workout, lifting heavy. Free weights are my go to. No matter what method you use, discipline, prayer, hard work, sweat, a few tears, and focus have to be part of the journey. If I can do it, I believe that anyone can, but you have to get out of your own way!

Instagram: @debduncanharvin
Wiltrina, Deborah’s Trainer: www.iusetobeu.com

5 Reasons That a Plant-Based Meals are Perfect for Weight Loss

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plant based mealsThere is a lot of debate over what the optimum human diet is, especially when it comes to weight loss. I am of the belief that there is no perfect plan, no one size fits all plan for losing weight. However, I do think that fad diets promising to help you lose X number of pounds in a week or two should be avoided like the plague.

That being said, you have to be willing to open your mind to the various options out there and use trail and error to find the one that works for you. In recent years, many are finding that vegetarianism or veganism may be the just they key they need for safe and effective weight loss.

A person may have any number of reasons for choosing to eat a plant-based diet. Perhaps they find meat unappetizing, have dairy intolerances or choose to go vegan in an effort to fight against animal cruelty. Many consider a plant-based plan to improve their health by cutting out things like animal fat or trans-fat. If you are someone struggling to lose weight however, here are 5 reasons to strongly consider eating more plant-based meals.

  1. Vegetarian Diets are Higher in Fiber

Vegetables, fruits and especially grains are often quite high in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. High fiber foods can make you feel full more quickly and for a longer period of time. Think about the difference in how long you feel satiated when you have a bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast versus having the same size bowl of oatmeal.  Oatmeal and other whole grains will keep you full longer.

One of the primary reasons a plant-based diet is so great for weight-loss is that your meals will be more filling without sacrificing nutrition and taste. A study featured in the Journal of General Internal Medicine supports this theory, with the study’s main researcher claiming that she believes fiber content is the primary reason for better weight loss results.

  1. Vegetables Typically Less Calories Compared to Meats

As you may already know, the key to weight loss is to eat a diet with a caloric deficit in mind- meaning that you eat less calories than you burn. However, you also have to get the right balance of foods in terms of nutrients and vitamins. Vegetables and many fruits are significantly lower in calories than meat and dairy products. It is actually very difficult for the average person to overeat on a plant-based diet since they would have to eat a significantly large portion of vegetables in order to do so.  You also get the benefit of all of the vitamins, nutrients and enzymes in fresh veggies. Keep in mind that sweet fruits can be quite high in carbohydrates and throw off your calorie counting if you forget to count them.  There are many fruits that are full of fiber and have a lower glycemic index, like berries, cherries and apples that make great choices.

  1. Vegetables and Fruit are Naturally More Hydrating

Vegetables and fruit both have higher water content than meat and grains. We all know drinking plenty of water is important for health but your water consumption can also affect your weight loss results. A majority of doctors and authorities in the fitness world will wholeheartedly agree that dehydration slows the metabolism, can cause bloat and all in all negatively affect your weight loss results. The age old rule is that the average woman should be drinking eight 8oz cups of water per day. Eating a plant-based diet can give your body more hydration which in turn boosts your metabolism.

  1. Vegetarian Diets May Be Less Expensive

Expense may not seem like a factor in a diet’s effect on weight loss but it actually can be a very important element of success. Many individuals and families have to be more careful with their money than ever before in these times. Meat, highly processed food and some types of dairy can be quite expensive. A healthy paleo diet, for example, could be quite a bit more expensive than a health vegetarian diet with no organic food. While the price of your food doesn’t exactly affect how much weight you lose, it does affect your ability to stay on track with your diet. A case could be made for almost any popular weight loss plan to be expensive or inexpensive depending on the purchases made, coupling, seasonal purchases, etc.  It is unfair to assume that plant-based eating has to be pricey.

  1. Fruits and Vegetables are Low Energy, Dense Foods

According to the CDC, a vegetarian diet consists of foods that have a low energy density. Low energy may seem like a bad term when it comes to health but it’s actually a huge benefit. Low energy density foods are low in fat but high in fiber. Low energy, dense foods simply provide less energy per calorie. This combination makes plant-based diets perfect for people who are currently sedentary to moderately active and looking to lose weight.

You don’t need to completely switch to 100% vegetarian to obtain all of the weight loss benefits of a plant-based diet. Aiming for 70% vegetables, fruits and grains with 30% meat and dairy may be perfect for you. I encourage you to try eating this way for a week or two and then analyze whether you feel better. Every person’s body is different so don’t be afraid to experiment a bit and see what works for you. (That goes for ALL of the weight loss plans, theories, books, etc. that you hear about.)

REMEMBER: It is always a good idea to consult your doctor or a dietician if you plan to make a drastic change in your diet, particularly if you are severely overweight, diabetic, are nursing, dealing with high blood pressure and have other health conditions.

Charmaine lost over 170 pounds

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Charmaine

Update: – Shout out to Charmaine! Check her out on the Dr. Oz show today sharing her story. She’s lost over 220 pounds.

July 2015 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Charmaine lost over 170 pounds. Her wakeup call was not being able to fit into any clothing in plus-sized stores at over 470 lbs. Walking for miles each day and changing her eating habits have been key to her amazing transformation. Here is what she shared with us about how she did it.

charmaine weight loss

I am not yet at my goal weight, but I have lost well over 170 or more pounds. I plan to reach my goal weight by the end of the year. I am doing it the old fashioned way: LOTS of exercise, mainly walking, smaller portions..basically watching everything I eat. It takes a LOT of determination, but I am worth it. I have lost anywhere from 170 lbs to 185 lbs. I don’t know for sure, because I could not find a scale to calculate my weight, when I was my heaviest. I do know that when I first found a scale that captured my weight, it said 473 pounds. That was AFTER I had been dieting for around three months.

My motivation:
I had outgrown all the clothes in the stores. Even a size 32 would not fit. In the before photo below, I had actually lost around 40 or so pounds. Those jeans were a size 32 and when I brought them, I could not fit them. That was the straw that broke the camels back. I am 5’10” tall and can now squeeze into some size 18 jeans if they have a little stretch to them.  Mostly, I am wearing size 20 jeans now and some XL tops. Size 1X fits ok too, depending on how it is cut. No more 4x and 5x for me. Goal wise, I am aiming for a size 12 or 14.

What made me change my eating habits:
Health was my main reason for changing in my eating habits. I had and still have high blood pressure and diabetes. Both of these conditions have improved dramatically since the weight loss. Secondly, I felt trapped inside my body. I was about to hit 500 pounds. I was afraid I would die and never get to see what I looked like beneath all the blubber. Thirdly, I had outgrown all of the clothes in the plus sized stores. The day when I brought a size 32-34 jeans and they only came halfway up my thighs, I knew it was time to take action! Otherwise, I would have had to sew sheets together to wear!

How did I change my eating habits?
I have always had a sweet tooth and I was addicted to carbs. I began to cut WAY back on carbs and sweets. I found other alternatives such as yogurt covered raisins, graham crackers, sugar free candy, etc. Cakes, pies, ice cream..those were the norm for me on a DAILY basis. Now, I am almost petrified of that junk, but I do allow myself a cheat day every now and then. On those days, I have something sweet or salty and then I jump right back on track.

I stopped frying food and started broiling, stewing and baking my food. I cut salt almost completely out of my diet. A box of salt lasts me 2 years at home. If I eat bread, it’s one slice or two slices of 40 calorie bread. I don’t eat late. I used to eat a double quarter pounder with cheese at midnight along with a large order of fries and a shake and then go to sleep. I stopped eating pork in 1989 and all but stopped eating red meat as well. The ONLY pork I will have maybe once or twice a year, is pepperoni if I have pizza. I love tuna, egg whites, lots of vegetables and fruit occasionally because I am diabetic. Portion control is the main thing. I only eat a little bit of this and that. It is hard, because the “old me” still loves macaroni and cheese, but if I do indulge, believe me, it’s just a bite or two. I am strict about that.

What did you have to stop eating?
I stopped eating white bread also and cut back drastically on carbs. I used to eat French fries EVERY day. Now it’s once every three or four months, and I only have a few. I poach my fish now, instead of frying it. I have all but cut out fast food places and carry outs. I try to cook at home as much as possible. Ice cream has been replaced with yogurt or low fat frozen yogurt. With cakes and pies, if I splurge I buy a single slice, instead of bringing the whole thing home. If I buy chips, they are no-salt or baked and I count out ten or so. I eat vegetables ever day or my life now and love making vegetable and fruit smoothies at home.

My workout routine:
WALKING! I walk at LEAST 2-3 miles per day. At one time, I was walking 4 miles per day. It does the trick. I keep my sneakers on. I also do aerobics sometimes. A show that came on years ago called the 20 Minute Workout, is my favorite. The transmission on m car died 2 years ago and that was the best thing that ever happened to me.

My weight:
Right now, I am right at the 300 pound mark and headed for 220 pounds. For my height, that will look like 140 pounds. At my heaviest, I was between 473 lbs and 500 lbs. My transformation has been gradual, with the most weight loss happening in the past two years.

My advice for others:
NO piece of cake or slab of ribs is worth dying over. No entire pack of oreos is worth losing your eyesight or limbs to diabetes or being ridiculed when you go in public. I could not use turnstyles in stores or fit on amusement park rides. I had to take taxis everywhere before I brought my first car, because I took up almost two seats on the metro. You simply have to make your mind up. You don’t NEED surgery or weight loss clubs, but they do help. Once you make you make your mind up, you can do ANYTHING. If I can do it, you can do it

Facebook: Charmaine.Dieng
Podcast: Keeping it real with Charmaine

charmaine before and after

Michelle lost 72 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Michelle lost 72 pounds.  This amazing lady changed her mindset, changed her actions and worked hard to release the weight.  Her message is that you don’t need any supplements, special programs or quick fixes to lose weight. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

michelle before and after

I wanted to share my weightless story and my continuing journey with this group. There is 8 months between both photos. The first was taken in Aug 2014 and the 2nd one taken just April 2015. Look at the INCREDIBLE difference 8 months made in my appearance….and you are only able to see the outside. I feel so great, so energized, so motivated and completely worry-free. I feel like I emerged back to ME! When I dropped the weight, I dropped a lot of other stuff too that was making me tired too.

I do not take diet pills or diet aids of ANY KIND. I did not have surgery of any kind. All of this was accomplished without any metabolism “boosters”. Even though I am 47 years old and this type of transformation at my age and in the time frame I accomplished it is considered near impossible without boosters [supplements]! Ha. Weightloss is pure science. Eat less. Eat more whole foods as opposed to processed foods and exercise at least 4 days out of the week for an hour.

So…yes, I CHANGED MY MIND and my body followed. I changed my mind…

  • about food and exercise
  • about overeating
  • about sugar binge-ing
  • about being lazy
  • about processed foods
  • about fast food
  • about SUGAR
  • about a sedentary lifestyle
  • and about inactivity.

Yes. I changed my mind and in turn, I changed my body. Pound by pound. Now, close to 70 pounds have been released into the air, never to return. My starting weight was around 250 pounds (I am 5ft 9in tall) and I was wearing a size 18/20W. I am now in a size 8/10 and I weigh 178 pounds. I am on a mission and I am so excited to see what the next 7 months is gonna look like on my body! I have made new habits and they suit me. I run 4 days a week….5 to 7 miles per day. I cross train with weights and pilates on the other 3 days!

To anyone who is trying to lose weight, get fit, and who may be considering trying some “quick fix” method to accomplish their goals: There is no quick fix. You will be bombarded by people on Facebook or other social media sites trying to sell a dream just to make a quick buck. They may do this either by pushing excessive exercise programs or bootcamps without ever addressing your major nutrition issues.  They never tell folks that belly fat is made in the kitchen! All the sit-ups and crunches in the world won’t rid you of that belly fat if you don’t change the way you eat! Or they tell you to do the opposite…eat like a bird (or here, take these miracle pills), and you lose weight and stay slim. They will say there is no need to exercise. After all, who wants to mess up their hair or get sweaty or worse, get that heart actually pumping! Who gat time for that?? There are 1440 minutes in a day! You mean you can’t find 20 of them to enjoy some physical activity?

Ignore them ALL. Find a CLEAN and WHOLE EATING PLAN (there are many good plans that teach you how to cook and eat healthy using wholesome ingredients) and an EXERCISE regime that works for ýou and stick to it. My weight loss is not miraculous. I worked hard. I worked really really HARD!!!! My average loss of 10 lbs per month falls 100% in the guidelines of safe, proper weight loss. There is nothing fast about it. I simply STUCK to it. I was determined to get my body back!

7 Healthy Foods You Should Try

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foods to tryA healthy diet doesn’t just consist of the standard variety of vegetables, grains, beans, fruit and lean meats. One of the most important aspects of eating well is to eat a variety of food! Humans are naturally creatures of habit and it can be easy to fall into a routine of eating the same foods. Break this habit and you will notice better health and improved vitality. It may even help you push through a weight loss plateau you’ve hit.

Here are 7 foods that are not only delicious but also healthy.

Seaweed

seaweedThe average person is likely familiar with seaweed in two ways: the green stuff in the ocean and the nori sheets used for sushi. Seaweed may not be very popular in traditional Western cuisine but it would be very much worth it to pick up a bag at your local Asian market or health food store. Some major grocery stores also sell the dried, roasted kind as a snack in sheets.  Very tasty…kinda like potato chips.

Seaweed is packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals but one particular mineral is the reason why you need to try this food: Iodine! Seaweed is a natural source of iodine, something majority of foods do not have. By eating seaweed, the iodine you consume will help you maintain proper thyroid health.