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Ajima Jackson

Brittany lost 49 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Brittany lost 49 pounds. Over the years, she tried various methods and plans to release the weight. She also was diagnosed with high blood pressure at 20 years old. With her health and well-being in mind, Brittany decided to have VSG surgery and fully commit to transforming her lifestyle.

Brittany before and after weight loss surgery

Youโ€™ll often see before and after photos when people have reached their goal weight, but I rarely see the actual process. (Which is understandable because sometimes you donโ€™t know if you are actually staying committed). My story: 

Iโ€™ve been overweight my whole life. Iโ€™ve tried fad diets, changing habits, and working out, but I would only lose a couple of pounds. Then after a while, Iโ€™d gain it back. It was very disappointing. 

So after lots of contemplating, I decided to have weight loss surgery: vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I started this process in July 2021 at my highest recorded weight of 274 pounds. (I am 5โ€™5โ€ณ.) I was shocked at how close I was to 300 lbs. I knew something had to change. Also, Iโ€™ve dealt with high blood pressure since 20 years old. I am now 26. 

I decided I needed to make a drastic change when I started getting winded while doing simple tasks like playing at the park with my three-year-old. I also decided I didnโ€™t want to be on meds for the rest of my life. 

I lost a few pounds on my own by cutting out juice, fast food, and unhealthy snacks during the pre-op stage. I also tried to stay active no matter how small it was, like walking, going to the mall to walk when it was cold, and exercising while taking my daughter to the park. On the day of my surgery, I weighed 252 pounds. 

Brittany before and after

I had weight loss surgery on April 14, 2022, and Iโ€™ve never looked back. Eight weeks later, here I am at 225 pounds feeling AMAZING. I have energy, my skin is beginning to clear, and my clothes are fitting better (some even too big!) 

Now I work out at least four times a week. As a mom, I have to get it in when I can ๐Ÿ™‚ I do cardio and very beginner-friendly weight training workouts for now. 

After surgery, I have a strict plan to follow from my surgeon. There are different stages post-surgery. Right now, Iโ€™m at stage 5, where I can eat all foods but still have to prioritize protein. I canโ€™t eat much, so I eat my protein (chicken, salmon, ground Turkey) and then a veggie. In addition, I have protein shakes almost every day. So basically, my diet is low carb! 

From my highest weight in July 2021, I have lost a total of 49 pounds! Iโ€™m just getting started. 

Oh, if youโ€™re on the fence about WLS, do it! People will say itโ€™s the easier way out, but what does that even matter ifโ€ฆ

  • Youโ€™ve added years and quality to your life? 
  • Your health conditions go away? 
  • You feel more confident? 

Biggest Lesson: The biggest lesson Iโ€™ve learned so far is that every day is a new day. If I have a hick-up and eat something Iโ€™m not supposed to, all I have to do is adjust the following day. I also have to remember my Why!

Advice: Just start! Start now. Please donโ€™t wait until the start of a fresh week or month to do it. Start by slowly making changes. Also, leave the fad diets alone, and look for something sustainable. Think of it as a lifestyle change! 

Instagram: @brittanygetsfit_

Moya lost 46 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Moya lost 46 pounds. She tried Keto but realized she was losing muscle and not achieving the look she wanted. So, she decided to return to an online training and nutrition program that had previously produced results for her. Now, sheโ€™s feeling great and loving the results she worked hard for. 

Moya before and after weight loss

Age: 43
Height: 5โ€™5โ€ณ
Starting weight: 253 pounds
Current Weight: 207 pounds
Weight Lost: 46 lbs

What was your motivation?
I was on a Keto diet and noticed it was not working for me. I was losing muscle, which was not what I wanted to happen to my body. I didnโ€™t like the way I looked. I also packed on a lot of weight over the holidays and was disgusted with myself. 

My knees, back, and everything hurt. I sometimes felt like an old lady, and Iโ€™ve always been athletic. I used to put everything and everyone first. That is the worst mistake that we as humans can make. Never again! Iโ€™m finally choosing to put myself 1st!

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
I was inspired by looking back at old photos. I came across photos of when I did the Fitness on Fire program back in 2013. I loved how I looked and wanted to get back to that. So I contacted Nia, the online nutritionist @Nutritionistguru, and got started with Fitness on Fire again. 

Also, I didnโ€™t like how clothes fit me, and I knew I had to do something about it. Thatโ€™s what inspired me to restart my journey.

How did you change your eating habits?
I just follow the nutrition structure given to me by Nia. She holds me accountable and ensures I am getting in the right amount of calories with proper and balanced nutrition and healthy food choices.

I stopped making all the unhealthy food choices I was making before joining (i.e., fast food, fried food, and high-fat foods). Instead, I truly followed the regimen NutritionistGuru gave me as it worked for my body. She is excellent at what she does, and the results speak for themselves. 

What did your workout routine consist of?
I follow the fitness regimen given to me by my online trainer, โ€œ@King_of_the_fire. He is the online trainer for the Fitness on Fire program. I work out 5 to 6 days a week. I basically do exactly what Fire tells me to get the results I paid for. I am so happy. 

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation from when I started to where I am currently took six months, but Iโ€™m not done yet. This is just a progress report. I am continuing my fitness journey with Fitness on Fire. I am not stopping this time. I am motivated by how amazing I feel, how I look in clothes, and the compliments I get. Also, overall I just feel healthierโ€”no more pain and feeling like an old lady. 

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice is to join@FITNESS_ON_FIRE if you want help transforming your body. Check out their Instagram and Facebook pages. The results are there, and they speak for themselves. Look at me! I am not done yet! These people are body magicians! They give you the tools needed to succeed; all you have to do is follow their guidance. They actually want you to succeed! 

I would recommend this program to everyone struggling with their weight and who wants to make a change. I came back for another round with Fitness on Fire because this was the one program that helped me, and results are guaranteed once you put in the work. So tell them Moya referred you (wink)!

Instagram: @melanin_gawdd2

Latosha lost 30 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Latosha lost 30 pounds and gained lots of lean muscle. This proud mom is a 51-year-old world record powerlifting champion. She told us how she has changed and adapted her eating habits and exercise routine over the years to reach her goals.

Latosha before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My kids are a big part of my motivation to continue my health and fitness journey. They motivate me with showers of encouragement and praise for my current and continued success.

When did you start your journey?
My weight loss journey began in 2016 when my children officially left for college. Thatโ€™s when I took my eating and workout habits more seriously. At 51 years, I am a world record powerlifting champion. I started when I turned 50 years old.

Latosha powerlifting photo

How did you change your eating habits? 
My eating habits came as a transition. I originally started with Keto but then switched to Pescatarian in late 2017. After continuing to experience low energy and mild grogginess, I made the final change to becoming a Vegan in 2019 and have loved it ever since.

 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I initially began solely with cardio, jogging, and walking around my local track. Then, for months, I would get into the routine of running and doing HIIT training to raise my heart rate and burn fat. 

I officially transitioned to weightlifting in 2017, joining BEAST365 gym in Houston, Texas, and beginning my powerlifting journey.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 195 pounds. Iโ€™ve since dropped down to a slimmer 165 pounds. 

What is your height?
5โ€™8 and still growing!

How long did your transformation take?
My current transformation has been ongoing since 2017, but my journey has been lifelong.

Latosha before and after weight loss

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I am currently 100% natural!

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
Dedication & Patience have been the biggest takeaway from my journey. Being consistent and patient with yourself will take you far.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Set a schedule, be patient, and never quit. Continue to have a warriorโ€™s ethos throughout your journey, and that which seems like a marathon will only seem like a footrace within your own journey.

Instagram: @Queen_fitness50
Tik Tok: @queen_fitpowerlifter50

Jade lost 20 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jade lost 20 pounds. She found a love for weight lifting, figured out what healthy eating habits work for her, and committed to the process. Therapy is also part of her plan because she realized that her emotional eating was connected to childhood trauma.

Jade before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation to lose weight was because I was genuinely unhappy with how I felt naked. My confidence was very low. I would look into a mirror and struggle with what clothes I should wear and what looked good on me. I was also tired of my legs chafing and wanted to be able to rock some wicked pair of high-waisted jeans. 

What inspired me was how I began to feel and the process. Even though it was very SLOW, there were days that I looked at photos, noticed the slightest changes, and that made me feel great. 

In the third month of my weight loss journey, I wanted to give up because I wasnโ€™t seeing the โ€œIdealโ€ changes I wanted to see. I started to second guess my program. Then within that week, everything changed, and the weight just started to fall off. I began to focus on what I loved the most about being healthy and doing what I love most: weight lifting. I realized when I wasnโ€™t focusing so much on my body. Instead, I focused on what I loved doing, and the reward was losing weight. 

How did you change your eating habits?
Changing my eating habits was the most challenging part of this weight loss journey. Being from the Caribbean, food is everything. We use food as a celebration or to show the love of our culture. 

I also realized Iโ€™ve had some trauma from a young age and was always an emotional eater. I started therapy and was able to understand that food will always be there! 

I started to listen to my body and understand food reactions. I did a lot of research on the female body, especially on black womenโ€™s health. Certain foods, like cheese and dairy, donโ€™t help our bodies because Casein (dairy protein) has an addictive response and causes bloating. So I began eating WHOLE FOODS and focused on mindful/intuitive eating. To lose weight, I went into a calorie deficit, slowly went into ketosis, and then transitioned out of ketosis. I learned how to track my macros, which was one of the essentials to losing weight. 

What is your workout routine?
I exercise in the morning and evening. I do cardio in the morning (30-35 minutes high intensity). In the evening, I do resistance training. 

How often did you work out?
I work out 4-5 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 228 pounds, and my current weight is 208 pounds.

What is your height?
Iโ€™m 5โ€™5โ€ณ

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started on October 31st, 2022. Itโ€™s taken seven months, and Iโ€™m still going. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
Weight loss surgery was not part of my journey.

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
I have always been on a weight loss journey. I went from being big to small, over and over again. My biggest lesson is to enjoy the process and continue to change small habits every day. Enjoying the process has made this easier because you start to notice wins, losses, and places for improvement.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
The best advice for losing weight is to have a positive and right mindset before you start. There are going to be wins and losses, sometimes more losses. However, consistency is key. Remember, everyoneโ€™s journey is different, and everyoneโ€™s body is different. 

Instagram
Health and Wellness page: @beyondtheblackneticmind
Personal page: @theactualjade

Melissa lost 23 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Melissa lost 23 pounds with healthy food and exercise. At 51 years of age, sheโ€™s focused on health and wellness. She was diagnosed with several health challenges, including diabetes, degenerative disc disease, and chronic knee pain, but that didnโ€™t stop her. Working with a supportive coach was a game-changer for her.

Melissa before and after weight loss

Hello, my name is Melissa H., and I want to share my weight loss journey. I am a 51-year-old female who was diagnosed as โ€œmorbidly obese.โ€ It is hurtful to hear those words. I have also been diagnosed with diabetes, degenerative disc disease, and chronic knee painโ€ฆ just to name a few.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even if you felt like giving up?
I came across Terry Starksโ€˜ weight loss program, and it has changed my life!  My motivation came from seeing the client results that Terry featured on his page. What inspired me was knowing that if I stuck to Terryโ€™s plan, I could lose weight too. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by eating healthy meals, which included fish, chicken breast, spinach, broccoli, green beans, etc. The program I used was 35 days with Terry Starks. I lost a total of 23 pounds on Terryโ€™s program. 

What was your workout routine?
My workout routine was cardio twice a day.

When did you start your journey?
I started his program on May 2, 2022, and saw results within the first week. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I didnโ€™t have to have any surgical procedure to help me lose the weight.

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned while working with Terry is that you donโ€™t have to starve yourself to lose weight. 

Instagram: @firstladymh

Nissa lost 73 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Nissa lost 73 pounds. Weโ€™ve been following her story since 2018. Sheโ€™s kept the pounds off by lifting weights, focusing on nutrition, getting enough protein, and refusing to give up.

Nissa before and after weight loss

What was your motivation?
My motivation was a total lack of energy and constantly complaining about how I looked in my clothes. I hated wearing big clothes to hide the fact that I didnโ€™t like my body. I was also lethargic and constantly drained.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by incorporating a healthy balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. I eat multiple meals a day to keep myself energetic and get all of my protein in. 

I laid off the sugar and no longer drink soda. (Maybe a Coke Zero or Sprite Zero once a week, but thatโ€™s bout it.) Liquid calories are the worst, and most people donโ€™t realize that. So this is your sign to give up the Starbucks Venti Frapps. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
My favorite workouts are weight training exercises. I do cardio maybe four times a week. I had to learn the hard way that tons of endless cardio was not the answer. Leg day is my favorite-Hip thrusts, lunges, seated leg curls, leg extensions, and TONS of band work.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nissa ๐ŸŒป (@bodybynissa)

How many days a week do you work out?
I never worked out when I was heavier. I didnโ€™t take it seriously. Now I lift weights about 5-6 days a week.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 208 pounds. My current weight is 135 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5โ€™3โ€ณ. 

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took about a solid year. I started in 2014. I have gotten stronger and better eight years later. I have had many ups and downs on my journey, but failure has not been an option.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I have not had surgery.

Whatโ€™s the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson Iโ€™ve learned is to focus on myself and my journey. Everyone is different, and the fitness models on social media are not always what they seem. This is MY journey. I have learned that I need to have constant grace and patience with myself.

Nissa before and after weight loss

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My biggest piece of advice would be to stay consistent and patient. Donโ€™t look at Instagram and do what everyone else is doing. DO not keep changing your routine because what someone else does looks cool. Do what works for YOU. 

  • Drink plenty of water. 
  • Do not neglect your protein. 
  • Carbs and fats are not the enemy. 
  • DO not keep switching routines. Stay consistent with the same workout each week, and get stronger at those lifts. For example, my leg day listed above never changes. I just make a point to either add more weight or more reps with a lower weight. 
  • Sometimes simple is best. 
  • Do not keep cheating and telling yourself, โ€œI earned itโ€ because you more than likely didnโ€™t. 

It will take a bit of sacrifice, but it will all pay off in the long run. Stay focused and strong. You will mess up, but just hop back on track and keep striving, Queen!

Instagram: @bodybynissa

Mugisha lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Mugisha lost 70 pounds. Tired of unhealthy eating habits and constantly feeling tired, she started her health and fitness journey. She learned how to eat her favorite foods and still get results. She also learned the power of discipline and consistency when motivation fades.

Mugisha before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @Mary_Mugisha
Fitness Insta: @Mugishakurves_
Tik Tok: __Mugishaxoxo

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I was tired of being tired. I no longer had the energy to complete basic activities. For most of my life, I hated what I saw in the mirror. I finally reached a point where I no longer wanted to feel or look like this anymore. 

No matter how hard my fitness and health journey got, I reminded myself that this was a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. There were many times when I was unmotivated, but my goal kept me going even when I didnโ€™t see results. 

How did you change your eating habits?
Growing up, I was always a bigger girl. However, I gained the โ€œfreshman 15โ€ times two once I got to college. I was eating all types of unhealthy foods. 

I started assessing my eating habits and began making changes. The main thing I learned from this was that I could still eat my favorite foods as long as I ate them in MODERATION. I learned not to restrict myself. I also learned to look at food as fuel rather than something to be ashamed of. I found that eating a balanced diet and incorporating intermittent fasting is helpful.

What is your workout routine?
I started my journey with LISS cardio (Low-Intensity Steady State) in the form of walking. As I progressed in my journey, I learned to incorporate weight lifting, which really helped me sculpt my body. Once I learned to balance weight lifting and cardio in my fitness regimen, I obtained the best results. 

How often did you work out?
I like to be active a least four times a week, and based on my goals at the time, I will either incorporate more lifting vs. doing more cardio. I typically work out for about 1.5-2 hours per session. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started my journey at 245 pounds and currently weigh 175 pounds. My goal is to reach 160 lbs by the end of the summer. Eventually, I would like to reach and maintain 140 lbs.

What is your height?
I am 5โ€™3โ€ณ.

Mugisha before and after weight loss

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey exactly on 12/17/17. Within three months, I lost 60 pounds. By March 2018, I had reached 185 pounds. (down from 245 pounds)

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
My weight loss was all-natural. I didnโ€™t use anything to aid me in my journey other than diet and exercise. 

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
You are not always going to be motivated. That idea is unrealistic. There are days when I donโ€™t want to eat the healthier option. There are days when I couldnโ€™t care less about my workout routine. Despite the lack of motivation, my discipline is what gets me throughโ€”remembering that I am doing this for myself and that the hard work will pay off I what keeps me going. Also, the scale is not your friend. Measurements are a much better way to track progress. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Keep going even when it seems impossible! Weight loss or any type of body transformation is all about a mindset shift. You must push through all the mental obstacles that are holding you back from your goals. The hardest thing for me was pushing past that voice that told me I couldnโ€™t do it. I proved to myself that I can and will achieve my goals.

Dye lost 45 pounds after baby #2

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Transformation of the Day: Dye lost 45 pounds postpartum. Weโ€™ve featured her story before, and now sheโ€™s giving us an update on her journey after giving birth to her second child. Sheโ€™s a health coach, so she put her knowledge of clean keto to work. #fitover40

Dye before and after weight loss

Hello, my name is Dye Unique. I am a 42-year mom of two under four. What motivated me to lose weight was being an older mom and being told it would be hard for me to lose weight at my age. 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Two things that inspired me were the desire to look even better after childbirth (hot mama) and to also be healthy for my son. I got so healthy after having my son that boom, two years later, I got pregnant after losing all my weight. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I initially lost weight by doing a clean keto diet. I completely cut out sugar and began to eat clean. I only ate organic proteins and healthy fats. Once I got pregnant last year, I continued to eat whole foods and clean keto.

I fell so much in love with the lifestyle that I later became a certified keto coach through keto guru Dr. Berg. I now help others to lose weight by offering several weight loss programs.

What is your workout routine?
I lost the majority of my weight without working out. However, to tone, I have begun doing moderate cardio workouts three times a week for at least 30 minutes. I worked out until I was eight months pregnant. I was determined to stay healthy throughout my pregnancy.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight after 1st pregnancy was 210 pounds. I lost almost 65 pounds and was down to 155 pounds. Then I gained 55 pounds (205lbs ) last year during pregnancy #2. I lost 45 within three months postpartum. Currently, Iโ€™m five months postpartum and weigh 171 pounds.

Dye before and after weight loss

What is your height?
5โ€™5โ€ณ

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my weight loss journey in July 2020. I lost weight and kept it off for one year until I got pregnant again. Thanks to practicing a ketogenic lifestyle, I was able to bounce back pretty fast. However, I lost the most weight with keto within the last 60 days. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
That it just takes the mindset to do it. Once you decide to do it, nothing and no one can stop you. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
START and set small goals. Plan out your meals and get coaching if necessary. Also, donโ€™t let anyone tell you that your age or having children will stop you from losing weight. 

Social media: @ketofineAF

Ciara lost 90 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ciara lost 90 pounds. She was tired of having unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Finding out that she was prediabetic and had stage 2 hypertension was a game-changer. She decided to take steps to get her health back on track, like working with a nutritionist, exercising, and having VSG surgery.

Ciara before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I had always struggled with being overweight, and the struggle worsened during my college years. A poor diet along with a sedentary lifestyle led to creeping obesity. It was hard for me to stop. 

I got motivated when my primary care doctor told me I was prediabetic and my blood pressure was very high. (I had stage 2 hypertension.) She opened my awareness to the dietary and lifestyle changes I needed to make. My plan was to see how much weight I could lose in 6 months and, if so, consider a surgery-assisted lifestyle change to get my health back on track. She told me I would be a great candidate for VSG (sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery).

How did you change your eating habits?
I met a nutritionist who introduced me to high-protein, low-carb dieting. I started small by adjusting my portion sizes and eating on saucers or small child-size bowls. I knew I was overeating before, and I am also an emotional eater. So I started practicing meditation, journaling, and seeking a therapist to help me find healthier coping techniques for stress-induced eating. I would stick with lean chicken, protein shakes, and greek yogurt and chose nuts over potato chips when it came to snacking. 

I would also use a food app called LoseIt that let me know how many calories I was consuming. I eventually transitioned to OMAD, which is one meal a day, with two protein shakes in between. My goal was to get in 60 to 80 grams of protein daily, and making a shake in the morning was a huge help in accomplishing that goal and maintaining weight loss.

Ciara before and after weight loss

What is your workout routine? 
I love doing dance fitness, so I tried Zumba and would watch And8 Fitness and The Fitness Marshall videos on YouTube. Eventually, I started doing military-style workouts about nine months post-op. I would get up at 5 am and do pushups, sit-ups, burpees, high knees, planks, etc. Then, I would jump rope for about 20 minutes to a bomb playlist for cardio! I committed to 3 days a week to start and eventually increased to 5 days a week.

How often did you work out?
I work out 3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour each session at my home gym.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 260 pounds. My current weight is 170 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5โ€™4โ€ณ.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started this journey in March 2017. On September 11, 2018, I had gastric sleeve surgery after losing 30 lbs from dietary and lifestyle changes. I committed to myself, my doctor, and my nutritionist to prove I could sustain the pre-surgery diet required for sleeve patients.

I am four years out and have only regained 10 lbs of muscle. I got a tummy tuck to remove loose skin in September 2021. After losing 103 pounds total, that skin had to be surgically cut off. I regret nothing!

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
I learned to stop paying so much attention to the scale vs. how I feel in my flesh. As a result, my temple feels stronger than it ever did in my 20s. I know for a fact that I am in a much better place mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

I wanted to prepare myself for what I pray for, which is a healthy and happy life, and hopefully, meet a partner who could help me stay on that path. I knew that if I was unhappy at 260 lbs, I could not expect a partner to accept it fully. Confidence and consistency go a long way, and this helped me feel more secure in my day-to-day life. I graduated from college two months after I had surgery.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Get to your why. Identify the reason you need to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Whether it is to shop for better clothes, more serious matters like weight-related illnesses, or being healthier for your partner, children, and yourself, you can use your why as fuel to get back on track on the hard days. Thank you for listening to my story. 

My social media is @glamgoddess1212 on Instagram and glamgoddess12 on TikTok.

Ciara before and after weight loss

Joi lost 50+ pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Joi lost 50+ pounds with consistency and discipline, and sheโ€™s kept the weight off for several years. [She initially shared her story with us in 2020 after losing 67 pounds!] As she changed her eating habits, she learned the power of portion control and moderation. Sheโ€™s a proud mom, wife, and airline pilot.

Joi before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My body transformation happened after I had my son. I lost a significant amount of weight by changing my diet around and exercising consistently in my neighborhood. 

Losing weight took time, but with consistency and discipline, the weight began to fall off. My son and husband are my why. I want to travel the world with them, and in order to do this, I must adopt a healthy lifestyle!

How did you change your eating habits?
Everything in moderation. I still enjoy the foods that I love, but I have adopted a healthy lifestyle of balance. For example, if I want ice cream for dinner, I wonโ€™t have sugar in my coffee or sugary drinks in the morning/afternoon. I love tacos and guacamole! I will eat a similar meal by preparing it at home, or if I eat out, I immediately place half of my order in a to-go box for portion control! 

What is your workout routine?
My current workout routine is about 20/30 minutes of some form of cardio and weight training for 45 minutes or so.

How often did you work out?
I work out about 4-5 times per week. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 185 pounds, and I weigh about 135 pounds to date. 

What is your height?
Iโ€™m 5โ€™5โ€ณ.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey several years ago after I had my son. My transformation took about a year to see beautiful muscles while keeping my feminine silhouette. 

Joi before and after weight loss

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson youโ€™ve learned so far?
Consistency and discipline are essential to achieving your body goals.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You must change your mindset. Stop finding excuses not to work out or eat healthy. You can do it! You must put your foot down and say to yourself, โ€œI want better, so I will do better.โ€

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