Ajima Jackson

Update: Utica lost 200 pounds

February 28, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 6 Comments

Update: Utica’s weight loss transformation is amazing. She’s lost 200 pounds total, 45 pounds more since we featured her story in Sept 2014. Here’s her update…

Utica before and after

I hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to give you an update on my story since I’m nearly a year into my journey. Since I was featured in September 2014, I’ve lost an additional 45 pounds, which now comes to at total of 200 pounds lost from my absolute highest weight of 389 lbs in 2010. That’s a total of 170 pounds lost since February of 2014. The process hasn’t been easy and the less you have to lose the harder it gets. However, I know now that it’s all about being willing to change in order to get results. I’m now 9 pounds away from my goal weight, and those 9 pounds don’t stand a chance against me! Instagram: @heymiss82

Read our original feature post on her journey to learn more about how Utica lost the weight.

Lena lost 60 pounds

February 28, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Update 5/2016: A year later, Lena reports that she’s lost over 100 pounds.

“It’s been a year since you featured my story and I wanted to give you guys an update. I have continued to work on myself, both physically and mentally. As you know losing weight is a mental challenge just as much as it is a physical challenge. You have to maintain some sort of discipline if you want to be successful. After years of struggling to maintain weight loss, never exercising and never participating in any athletic programs, I have officially lost over 100 pounds. I was even able to overcome military physical requirements to join the United States Army National Guard as a Paralegal Specialist. I never thought that someone who was once between 260-280 pounds would be considered physically fit enough to be in the military. I am able to run, hike, crawl and much more, along side my peers. I pushed myself past what I would consider my own limitations. With discipline and staying motivated, I have been successful in keeping the weight off and being in the best shape of my entire life. I hope my story continues to inspire those around me.” New Instagram: @ChiChi_bangs

lena weight loss story

2/2015 – Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Lena lost 60 pounds and gone from size 16 to a size 8. This young lady had been battling being overweight all her life. During her college experience, she started to take healthy steps to lose the weight and get fit. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Hello, my name is Lena C. I am 23 and I have been overweight my entire life. I had a bunch of health issues and was told in high school that I would have type two diabetes. During college, I finally had enough of being sick and unhealthy. I started running two years ago and I haven’t looked back since. I am currently training to run a marathon in October.

What continues to inspire me is my purpose in life. I have big goals and I want to be around to fulfill every one and to do that I had to start taking care of my mind, body, and soul. I believe that everyone has a purpose and you need to have faith despite adversity. To do that you need to be in a constant state of preparation. For example, I started off running on the weekends in the morning just in my room. I couldn’t afford a gym membership or actual equipment, and I was way to insecure to run in my neighborhood. During that time, I was 20 years old and 230 lbs. I was just hoping to get rid of my asthma. I would run a half a mile and be exhausted. I didn’t grow up informed on nutrition and health, but I believed that the work I was putting in would yield some results.

I then went on the Daniel Fast with my church and only ate fruits and vegetables (no grains, sugars, meats, and only water, etc). I noticed that it helped with my workouts and I felt better in my body. I have since became a Pescatarian (no meats, except fish and other seafood) and over the past 3 years I have lost 60 lbs.

I run at least a mile every other day and I participate in workout challenges such as the ones you post to help with strength training like the plank, squat, push up, and sit up challenges. My advice to others would be set a goal and know matter what anyone says, if you have faith enough in your goal to prepare and sacrifice as if you already have it, you will be unstoppable. Patience, preparation, and sacrifice.

I love what you guys represent. I look forwarded to seeing others progress because it motivates me to keep going. Also. this February water challenge is working miracles.

Gloria lost 57 pounds

February 27, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Update May 2016 – Here is Gloria’s latest update photo. 100 pounds gone!

gloria before and after

Update Oct 2015 – We featured Gloria’s story back in February and she’s lost an additional 43 pounds. Here is her update: “I was featured earlier this year but since then I have lost about 50 more pounds and I wanted to share that with you. I continue to eat clean and work out daily. Kickboxing is my new hobby and I have burned a lot of calories. I also make sure that I have the proper water intake and stay active as possible. I’m keeping faith because this is an every day battle to live a healthy lifestyle.” Check out more about her story below.

gloria before and after

gloria leg progress

Feb 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Gloria aka GiGi lost 57 pounds. After years of struggling with her weight and not being happy with what she say in the mirror, she decided that it was time for a positive lifestyle change. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Gloria before and after

My name is Gloria. My life began about 6 months ago. That day I realized I was disgusted just by walking past a mirror. That was the day that I realized that I no longer felt beautiful but more disgusting. That is the day I knew I had to make a difference.

I’ve always struggled with my weight, even as a teenager. Not until 2014 did I become depressed because of it. My confidence was on the ground and I felt equal to trash. I thank God every single day for giving me the willpower and the strength in the courage to get up and live. It is so easy to get stuck in a depression and no longer care. This I know from personal experience, so everyday that I look back I’m overly grateful.

I’ve lost 57 pounds (5’2″ tall). My beginning weight was 297 pounds. I’m currently 240 pounds and still going. I just want everyone to know if you’re struggling with your weight there is hope. If God can do it for me, he can do it for anybody.

I got up and I changed my diet. I no longer stop by McDonald’s and Burger King every night. I remember ordering combos by the double. I ordered double because I thought I was that hungry. My diet consists of: no sugar no bread no the only meats that I will eat a baked fish and baked chicken. I began to become active, even when it hurt me and even when my legs felt like I could no longer feel them I kept going. I remember not knowing what workout to do so I just walked. In the beginning I could barely walk a half of a mile so I started out simply walking very little. I couldn’t go very far, but I now walk a mile in the morning and a mile in the evening everyday.

Please continue to follow my weight loss journey as I will continue to share with you all. I’m excited for not only me but for you too.

Instagram: @~~brownlady_fitness~~ (inactive)

Gloria weight loss

March 2015 Daily Calorie Burn Challenge

February 26, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 21 Comments

We started 2015 with a Bang by Eating Clean for 31 Days for our January 2015 Challenge. In February, we’ve focused on drinking water to stay hydrated and letting go of sugary drinks and diet drinks. We also had some great DietBets which we will be doing every month since participants have lost over 2000+ pounds combined. Now that we’ve cleaned up our eating and drinking habits, it is time to focus on EXERCISE! This month we want to see your exercise photos and hear all about your workouts. Post with our hashtag, #BWLWMar, so that we can follow your social media posts.

We will also be hosting another DietBet in March starting on March 10th! Join the pool for just $30 and Lose to Win a part of the total pot. (Photo Weigh-in Mar 8-9, 2015) Get all of the details today and join us.

Burn Calories Daily with our Exercise Calendar

Are you read for our Daily Calorie Burn Challenge for March!!! To join us, all you have to do is follow along with our exercise calendar. Download the Printable PDF – March Workout Calendar. (Tip: Some of you may need to right click on the link to save it depending on what system you are on.) I’ve included workout videos below for the moves you may not be familiar with.

It’s ok if you can’t get through all of the moves. Do the best you can. One Burpee is better than none. It’s also ok to cut the number of moves in half if you are just a beginner.

Disclaimer: Before starting any exercise program, please consult with your doctor. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries resulting from attempting this exercise routine. Do not participate if you have injuries that could be worsened, are pregnant, have knee issues, or are suffering neck and back pain. Don’t forget to stretch before and after working out to avoid injuries.

Instructions:

What Should You Eat?
We suggest that you keep eating clean or keep following the eating regime that has worked for you. Use our Clean Eating Foods list as a guide. Also, check out our ebook
“Clean Eating for Weight Loss
and Wellness“.

How many times should I do the circuit listed for the day?
Do 1-2 sets of each circuit per day. The number of rounds you do will depend on your level of fitness.

How often should I rest during the workout?
Rest for 1-2 min between circuits. Break the exercises up and take rest when you need to. Go at your own pace. For example, you may need to break 70 crunches into 2 sets of 35 and take a 30 second to 1 minute break in between, that’s fine.

Is this the only workout you suggest I do for the month?
If this is going to be your main exercise plan for the month, I suggest that you couple these daily workout circuits with 30 minutes of additional cardio or some strength training 3-4 days per week. That could be running, walking or using an elliptical machine, arch trainer or stair master. You could also do strength training at home or in the gym. This plan is meant to go along with your existing workout plan for an extra boost. Don’t have access to a gym? Grab a workout DVD or find a workout on YouTube that is at least 30 minutes long.

Exercise Instruction Videos for Moves You May Not Be Familiar With:

Mt. climbers (Mountain climbers)

High Knees

Jump Squats

Wall Sit

Burpees

Modified Burpees

Valerie lost 117 pounds

February 26, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 6 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Valerie lost 117 pounds, going from a size 22/24 to a size 10/12. Now, she is a fitness and lifestyle coach helping others to be healthy and happy. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Valerie before and after

My original motivation is that I love fashion and I wanted to chance to expand my wardrobe. I did want to go through life being bound by my weight. There are also a lot of cardiovascular health problems that run in my family and I know that being overweight can contribute to that and eventually it would start to catch up with me. I was already beginning to have heart flutters when I would engage in activities as light as walking.

At first I started by counting calories and after the first 50lbs came off I began to eat “clean”, which made all of the difference. I used the app “My Fitness Pal” to track my food and it was very helpful. If you have a lot of weight to lose I do think this is the best way to start out so that you can begin to train yourself to eat less. For the first 8 months, I drank nothing but water. My workout routines were 30-40 minutes of cardio on the elliptical and I incorporated weight training as well.

My starting weight was 317 pounds and I am now 200 pounds. I am continuing with my journey to try and lose another 30 lbs. I started my transformation in January 2012 and there were definitely bumps that I hit along the way. I would say it took me a good 2 1⁄2 years to get where I am now. It is not easy, but it is worth it! I am 5’9” tall.

My advice for anyone wanting to lose weight is to gain strengthen your consistency and patience. It is a journey that will not happen overnight. Do not try to rush it, take the necessary steps to cut things out one by one, not all overnight. For example, you cannot go from eating like everyday is thanksgiving, to small appropriate portions in one day. That is a sure way to fall off the wagon. You have to have a clear vision of your fitness goals and keep working until you reach them. Once you reach them you have to maintain, it is a lifestyle. The lifestyle will be easier to maintain if you naturally transition into it. I have had so many people ask for advice, I have decided to make coaching a way of life. I share healthy recipes and tips on my website www.myfreshlife.net. I hope that I can inspire, because if I can do it I know that anyone else can. You just have to believe that you can and you will!

Instagram: @freshlife.fitness

www.facebook.com/FreshLifeFitness

LaShay lost 70 pounds

February 25, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: LaShay lost 70 pounds. This 6 foot tall diva embraced regular exercise, eating small meals, portion control and cleaning up her eating habits to lose the weight. Here is what she shared with us about her journey so far.

Lashay weight loss

I’ve lost about 70 pounds in 7 months and have about 80 more to go to reach my desired size. I’ve gone from a size 28 to a size 22. My goal is size 16/18, depending on how I look and feel. I’m a 6 foot tall woman with a large frame. The middle photo in my before and after photo collage was my largest and the photo of me in the skirt my smallest so far.

I lost the weight by increasing my water intake and decreasing the beef, pork and sugars. I started making fruit and vegetable smoothies and cooking in olive oil. Making sure I got in 30 minutes of exercise daily was also essential. Walking was the most beneficial exercise for me. It was also important for me to sweat daily and eat several small meals or snacks every 2/3 hours. I learned to have healthy portions of things like nuts, citrus and other fruit and vegetables. For snacks, 100 calorie Greek yogurts by Yoplait were my favorite. For beverages, I drank green tea, no sodas, a few juices and other concoctions made of lemon juice, water, honey and cinnamon usually or fruit infused water. My journey is getting harder but I’m going to reach my goal.

My advice to others is, be aggressive and determined but be nice to yourself. Know that a cheat day here and there was not totally detrimental. Several of the weight loss plans I looked at encourage them.

4 Photo Tools for Documenting Your Weight Loss Transformation

February 24, 2015 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Using pictures to document your weight loss journey is a really effective and powerful tool. There are quite a few benefits of using pictures in addition to traditional tracking methods like food journals or weekly weigh-ins.

Benefits of Picture Tracking – Some examples of why tracking your progress with photos is so useful include:

Pictures are More Motivating than Numbers
Real, Tangible Proof of Your Transformation
It Gives a Better Representation of What Your Body Really Looks Like
Ideal for People Who Want to See Their Body Change Shape (Fat Loss vs. Muscle Definition)
Helps to Lessen Obsession with Numbers on a Scale
Gives You a Record That You Can Share Publicly and Inspire Others

The Best Method for Photo Tracking

To get the most benefit from photo tracking weight loss you need to maintain some patterns in both when you take pictures and how you take them.

First off, try to take your pictures during the same time frame every time. For example, on a Monday in the morning before breakfast or on a Saturday morning before working out. Mornings are best because your weight can fluctuate over the course of the day depending on what you eat, drink and if you workout. Keeping a regular pattern of when you take progress photos will give you the most accurate pictures of your weight loss.

Wiltrina has done an awesome job of documenting her progress with photos. — **Wiltrina** has done an awesome job of documenting her progress with photos. Now, she is helping others lose weight. Instagram: @fitandtransformedwiltrina

Secondly, take your pictures either biweekly or monthly. If you’re on a really intense weight loss program where you are losing a lot of weight weekly or working to build muscle you may want to take pictures weekly. It’s up to you but try to not become obsessive with your pictures. This habit can be just as destructive as weighing yourself too often.

Lastly, take your pictures in the same positions every time if you can. Generally you want to take 8 pictures total:

Two from the front – arms relaxed to your sides and arms flexed (flexed to show off your biceps and show reduction in “arm wing fat”)
Two from the back – arms relaxed to your sides and arms flexed
Two from each side – arms relaxed to your sides and arms flexed

Take the photos in portrait view with your entire body in the frame. It is instinctive to want to suck in your stomach but refrain from doing this. Stand up straight but remain totally relaxed in the relaxed position pictures. You’ll also want to take some face only or head and shoulders only photos along the way so that you can see the changes in your face. You can do the same for your problem areas, like your butt, love handles and thighs, if you want to document specific areas.

Wearing a swimsuit or sports bra and shorts will give you the best idea of how your body is changing as clothes may hide progress. Wear clothing that you would be comfortable having friends and family see later if you plan to share your photos with the world.

Top 4 Photo Tools

Photo editing tools are extremely popular but many of them fall short on capabilities or ease of use. Here are 4 of the best tools you can use during your weight loss journey.

PicMonkey

PicMonkey is a solely online photo editing program that is free to use. There is a paid upgrade for additional features. The program works in all of the popular browsers and is really ease to use. You don’t need any previous experience in photo editing.

Myya shared her story with us. She documented her journey and is now coaching others. — **Myya** shared her story with us. She documented her journey and is now coaching others. Instagram: @thebarbeedoll

PicMonkey has all the typical photo editing options like frames, filters, effects, red eye removal, etc. You can also add texts to images and create collages- both very useful for tracking weight loss. A collage makes it really easy to create one image combining your 8 pictures. It also has settings built in so that you can automatically make images that are perfectly sized for Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.

You don’t need to register to use PicMonkey or download anything. After editing a picture you can save it to your computer or share it via social media or email.

Canva

If you’re documenting your weight loss in a blog you’re going to love Canva. Rather than being purely a photo editing program, Canva is more of a graphic design program. It is still super easy to use and allows you to design such elements like blog graphics, Facebook covers, flyers, posters and presentations.

Canva is highly recommended for people who are trying to create a web presence for their weight loss journey. It is a free-to-use program and also has an iPad app.

Instaquote

Love Instagram? Then you’ll love Instaquote.

Instaquote is an app that allows you to add quotes or other text to pictures. For the purposes of weight loss you can add dates and other comments to your pictures or simply share motivating quotes. Instaquote is a little different than the other photo editing programs I’ve shared above because it’s specific to Instagram, but can still be a powerful tool if you are trying to reach other people on social media with the same type of weight loss goal.

Instaquote is free to use but you will need to have a smartphone since it is app based. You can find the Apple app here and the Android app here.

Fotor

Last but not least is Fotor. Fotor is another web-based photo editing program but also has a complimentary app for on-the-go editing.

Fotor is like the big brother of free photo editing software. It is still simple to use but has more complex abilities. If you are a photo editing junkie but are getting bored with super simple programs with repetitive filters and effects, you’re going to like Fotor.

One option especially helpful for a weight loss journey is the ability to make not only a collage but also a slideshow. This feature is nifty for summing up a month or two months of progress or put together a slideshow of your entire journey after goal completion.

Whatever your reason is for losing weight the key to success isn’t just proper goal setting but also the tools you use to review your progress. If you’ve struggled with weight loss in the past or are just getting started on your journey today, consider using pictures in addition to or in place of your other tracking tools. It’s so amazing to pull out old photos 3 – 6 months down the line and really be able to SEE your progress.

Kijana lost 155 pounds with surgery and hard work

February 24, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 6 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Kijana lost 155 pounds with weight loss surgery and hard work. After battling an eating disorder, injury and thyroid issues and other obstacles, she has transformed her life and wants people to know that surgery is just a tool and not an easy fix for weight loss. Here is what she shared with us…

Kijana before and after

My name is Kijana C.
Height: 6’2″ (Yes I’m just SUPER TALL haha)
Highest weight: between 410 lbs and 415 LBS!
Current weight: 255 LBS! (I don’t look it because I’m so tall.)
Goal weight: between 200 and 210 lbs.

I’d love to tell my story! Today was my 1 YEAR JOURNEY ANNIVERSARY (Feb 12th) !!! I didn’t make my goal I had set for today, but hey, I’m still proud of myself. I’m mega bloated right now with water, so it’s understandable.

Patricia lost 111 pounds

February 23, 2015 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Patricia lost 111 pounds. After being told that due to heart problems being overweight could shorten her life, this mom of 2 transformed her health and lost weight with the help of a great trainer. Here is what she shared with us…

patricia before and after

My name is Patricia Hawkins and I have lost 111 pounds. I am 5’4” and my transformation took about a year. I wanted to take control of my life and health, after being told by my doctors that I would need a Pacemaker by the time I was 50 years old and would probably not live to see my grandchildren grow up, if I did not lose weight. My heart was weak and having weight on did not help make things any better for me. I was on heart medication to regulate my heart beat and blood pressure medicine as well, but I’m happy to say today I am medication free. Praise God!

My inspiration was my two loving sons, who are 21 years old and 17 years old, and who constantly showed me lots of love. My family, friends, and extended Fit4Life family who stood right by my side and encouraged me to give it my all. Even when I felt like I could not do it anymore they were right there for me. I wanted to quit because the results were not happening fast enough, but I thought about my two sons and how life would be for them if something happened to me. I thought who would love them the way I do. All these crazy things going thru my mind. I prayed and asked God to give me strength to take it one day at a time.

I was Vegetarian when my journey started. However, Tiffany Bush (Fit4Life owner) posted a 21 day Challenge, which consisted of 2 protein shakes and one meal (lunch) for 21 days. It was designed to bring your eating habits under control and replace bad meals with good ones. Also you had to consume at least 64 ounces of water a day. You have full support from not only Tiffany Bush but other people when participating in this challenge online. I went thru 4 rounds of the 21 day Challenge allowing me to lose about 40 pounds. This was great for me because it pushed me over to being Vegan. Now I am completely Vegan and I eat lots of fresh organic vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and celery just to name a few. I also eat lots of fresh organic fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. I eat only raw tree nuts such as cashews and almonds. I love coconut, almond milk, roasted red pepper humus and salsa. Due to me being Vegan, it is important to get my protein so I take in about 3 plant based protein shakes a day. My protein for my shakes is ordered thru Fit4Life.

My workouts originally consisted of Zumba three times a week and walking/running. When Tiffany Bush announced that she would be offering more cardio classes, I quickly signed up. Now I do Zumba twice a week, kickboxing, “Butts and Guts”, and yoga. I have been in Bootcamp with Fit4life for the last 8 months, which allows me to lift weights.

My starting weight was 262 pounds and my current weight is 151 pounds. My advice to others that want to lose weight: First know and believe that you have the discipline and determination to overcome any obstacle. Love yourself enough to take control of your health. Find a strong support group like the Fit4Life family, friends, and immediate family members that will be there to encourage you. Make a lifestyle change, don’t just do it to lose weight but make the change forever, so that you won’t go back to where you use to be. Make your health a top priority in your life. Be patient there is light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t cheat yourself out of true happiness because when we are healthy it shows on the inside and out.

In conclusion, I want to just say I cannot thank Tiffany and Justin Bush enough for all their support and love. They are truly an amazing team. God knows who you need in your life and he will place them strategically where they need to be.

Instagram: @go_gochick

Sharon lost 113 pounds

February 22, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 9 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Sharon lost 113 pounds, down from 308 lbs at 5’4″. After a wakeup call at the doctor’s office, she wanted to avoid any serious weight-related illnesses and live a healthy lifestyle. She shared with us about what steps she’s taken to change her life.

Sharon weight loss story

I began my weight loss journey after going for a routine check up, learning that I weighed 308 lbs and being categorized as “morbidly obese”! I cried like a baby! At 5’4″ tall and suffering from pain in my back and knees, I knew that I needed to do something. There was also the fact that my weight made me a candidate for health issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease.

In April of 2013, I begin to change my eating habits and incorporate exercise in my life. My doctor also provided me with a 1200 calorie eating plan that was very helpful. As of today, I weigh 195 pounds. I haven’t seen a number like that in over 25 yrs! I’ll be celebrating my 49th birthday next month and am in the BEST shape I’ve been in since high school (1984 graduate!!!) I continue to eat healthy, which for me is mostly proteins, fruits, veggies, and lots of water. I exercise regularly, whether I’m doing workouts at home or in the office, or going to the gym. I also make sure that I also get plenty of rest.

My goal is to get to 185 pounds, as well as tone my muscles. I know that this is a life long journey. As long as I continue to do the work, as well as with the support and encouragement I’ve received, I will reach my goal!

sharon before and after