Black Weight Loss Success

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

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

Ajima Jackson

Alzadia lost 60 pounds

by 6 Comments

Update May 2017: We’ve been following Alzadia’s story since 2014 and she has kept the weight off.

alzadia before and after

Yesterday (5/7) was my four year fit-anniversary and I’m grateful to say that I’m still going strong! I’ve had some challenges and have lost some battles during this journey, but the key is to keep going. Towards the end of last year, I was losing the battle due to emotional eating, but I started working with a nutrition coach. That was the best investment in my health that I’ve made. I got back on track and I’m winning again. I just want to encourage everyone on this journey to continue to make health a priority. If you fall, just get back up!

Update Apr 2015: We featured Alzadia’s amazing story a year ago and she has kept the weight off.  She sent in updated photos and let us know that she’s raising money for her gym that helps people transform their lives with no financial obligation.  That’s awesome!

I’m still going strong on this healthy lifestyle journey. Although I am not as cut up as I thought I would be by now, I am making progress! I am now a volunteer trainer at my gym, Trinity Fitness Riverside (501c(3) non-profit organization), whose mission is to help people get into the best spiritual and physical shape of their lives with no financial obligation. I’m participating in a challenge which will include an obstacle course on May 2nd.

alzadia weight loss

Mar 31, 2014: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Alzadia lost 60 pounds.  Losing her mom to breast cancer was her main motivation to get healthy.  Read about how she transformed her lifestyle and lost the pounds:

Alzadia weight loss storyMy healthy lifestyle changed in May 2013! I actually started walking in January, but in May I partnered eating healthy with exercising! I started using the myfitnesspal app to track my food & I stepped up my workout to the 30 Day Shred DVD. I started that program too many times to count but this time I COMPLETED it!! That month alone I lost 11lbs! From there I completed the Couch to 5K program, Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30 & her 90 Day DVD Body Revolution (twice). Right now, I’m doing the P90X program and I still run. To date I’ve lost 60lbs.

My biggest motivation was & is my mother. She passed away on Oct 20th, 2013 of metastatic breast cancer. We have NO history of breast cancer in our family so I truly believe this illness can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. I completed my first half marathon in her memory this past February and was able to run the whole thing! If I was able to do all of this, I know anyone is able to it. I want to inspire all women to become a healthier version of themselves!.. One healthy decision at a time!! I do this using my Instagram page: @queen_zadia

Alzadia weight loss

 

Wendy lost 171 pounds

by 11 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Wendy lost 171 pounds to improve her health.  She embraced regular exercise, changed her eating habits and has transformed herself over the last 2 years.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey to wellness:

Wendy weight loss story

 

“My motivation was my overall health. I could barely walk and I had to purchase my shoes in two different sizes because of the swelling in my feet.  To change my eating, instead of using a large plate I downsized to a smaller plate. I worked with a dietitian and developed better eating habits which meant smaller portions.

Right now I workout 4-5 days a week which includes cardio, walking, running, zumba, strength planking, crunches, and weights.

Wendy weight lossI began my weight loss journey at 401 pounds in 2012 and I am currently at 230 pounds. My transformation is still in progress as I would like to be out of the 200’s. My goal is 170 pounds and I won’t stop until I reach it.

It’s a lifestyle change it doesn’t happen overnight and it requires dedication and hardwork along with the support of true friends and family. I have good days and bad days but I have fallen in love with my waistline and the GYM :).
Don’t give up we do fall down but the goal is to clean the wounds and get back up stronger and more determined than before.”

April Workout Challenge – Spring Into Fitness 2014

by 149 Comments

Hey Ladies, We are going to focus on exercising 5 days a week in April.  You want to workout for a minimum of 30 min per workout.   Some of us may be working out at home and some may be working out in the gym. What exercise you chose to do is up to you and your level of fitness.  Just a beginner? You have to start where you are, so walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week is a great starting point.

The goal is to commit to actually exercising…not just thinking about it or talking about it, but doing the work.   On the surface, this is a VERY SIMPLE GOAL, but the key is Commitment.  If you are ready to commit, comment below and let me know that you are ready to “Spring” Into Fitness through regular exercise!!

  • Workout in the gym
  • Workout at home with an exercise DVD
  • Walk at a track, during lunchtime, at a local park or in your neighborhood
  • Workout with a routine you found on Pinterest or Youtube.

…it’s up to you to chose what workout you want to commit to for the month of April.

Medical Disclaimer – Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you experience any pain, weakness, unsteadiness, light-headedness or dizziness, chest pain or pressure, nausea, or shortness of breath that is a sign that you need to stop and consult your medical professional of choice. Mild soreness after exercise may be experienced after beginning a new exercise. Contact your physician if the soreness does not improve after 2-3 days.

I’ve put together some simple sample workouts to give you an idea of how you can put together a great circuit workout that you can do at home.  I will be posting sample workouts on our Facebook page, Pinterest board and this blog through out the month.

Need Help: If you don’t know how to do an exercise, search for it on YouTube for video instructions.

Sample Circuit Workouts:

Do these circuits one time through and see how you feel.  If you feel that you are up to it, work on doing the routine 2 times in a row. It is up to you how much rest you need between exercises, but I suggest 30 seconds or less.  You can also find great free workout videos on the Fitness Blender and BeFit Youtube channels.

Apr 2014 workout

Apr 2014 workout

workout sample Apr 2014 workout

Dominique lost 32 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dominque lost 32 pounds.  If you’ve been dealing with weight loss issues since your childhood and teen years, I think you will really connect with what she has shared about her journey:

dominique weight loss

“On September 18, 2013 I went to the doctor and dreaded to hear that my blood pressure was high. It’s something I’ve heard time & time again and this was from my OBGYN doctor. She recommended that I see my primary doctor for risk of high blood pressure. I left there feeling BLAH! and weighing in at 218 lbs. Later that day, I told myself that I refuse to be on any medication because I was overweight. There’s a long list of health problems in my family due to being overweight and I refuse to follow that trait. My heaviest weight that I can remember was 225lbs. I know I’ve weighed more before but because I stayed away from the scale I’ll never know. But past pictures tell it all.

I’ve always been a yo-yo dieter, so I know the ends & outs of what it takes to lose weight. Problem is I’ve always done it for the wrong reason, and most of all, never for myself. I was always chubby growing up. In high school, I was always the “big” one. My senior year I went on the Scarsdale Diet and lost 40lbs-45lbs right before my graduation. I was at my smallest around 160 lbs and a size 8 in clothes. I had my ups & downs in life. Stress & depression & my emotional roller coaster caused a major weight gain. Jan 2013, I went on yet another weight loss venture because I knew I was going on our family trip to Disney World in August. I got down to 204lbs. I didn’t go on this trip and I gained all the weight I lost back. By mid August of 2013, I weighed in at 223lbs.

After my doctors visit on Sept 18, 2013 I prayed to God that he lead me to good health. I started with detoxing, clean eating and light exercise. Over the next couple of months I incorporated more exercise. I had a few slip ups but that goes along with the journey. Weight loss is definitely not easy. As of today, I am down to 190 pounds, which is 32 pounds lost from August 2013.

My weight has gone up and down all my life but this time I’m doing it for ME! I have no one in my ear telling me to lose weight. I have no travel plans or an event coming up. Quite frankly, “I’m tired of being fat, unhealthy, & unfit”. My ultimate goal is to be 150lbs, healthy, & physically fit by my 30th Birthday this December. I’m taking it slow and steady with no eating restrictions. This is a lifestyle change, not a quick “fix it” temporary diet. With the guidance of Weight Watchers, I’m knocking down my goals one pound at a time. I GOT THIS!!

To those on a weight loss journey YOU CAN DO IT! I’m living proof that it can be done. With consistency, patience, and faith you’ll be able to meet your goals. Just find what’ll work for you, stay positive, and surround yourself with supportive people.

To follow my weight loss journey check me out on IG @fab_fitb4_30 or twitter @chubbydivanique“

Cheronisi lost 80 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation: Cheronisi lost 80 pounds. She changed her lifestyle by eating clean, doing cardio and drinking LOTS of water.  Here is what she shared with us:
“My motivation was having high blood pressure and the headaches & medicine that can’t along with it. I changed my eating habits by using less salt. I don’t eat fast food.  I have low carb foods, along with incorporating more fruits and vegetables. I did an hour of cardio 3-4 times a week. Consisting of the elliptical, treadmill, and taking walks. My transformation took overall 6-8 months but my began dropping weight within weeks of my diet and exercise changes. The advice I would give to others is it doesn’t happen overnight and remember never to compare yourself to others because your doing it for yourself. Results are different for everyone find what you enjoy and stick to it. I’ve reached a plateau most recently but I continue to stay positive and motivated.”
Cheronisi weight loss

Courtnea T lost 30 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Healthy Hair blogger Courtnea T wrote us to share her 30 pound weight loss.  This 5’1″ diva found a weight loss program that worked for her and dropped those pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

courtnea weight loss

What Was Your Motivation? – “My motivation was that I was tired of being unhappy with my size. I’d been sick of my size for a while, but it was until I moved after my college graduation that I decided to do something about it. As I was getting settled into my new place Jennifer Hudson flashed across my screen in one of the new Weight Watchers commercials. I’m a huge Jennifer Hudson fan and I figured if she could do it I might as well give Weight Watchers a try. It honestly was the best decision of my life. I proved to myself once and for all that I could achieve my weight loss goals and take control of my eating habits once and for all. I also gained a better understanding of portion control and how to make better food choices.”

How Did You Change Your Eating Habits? – “I started by making small changes, such as less juice and more water. More fruits and veggies and less chips and candy. I eventually worked my way up to rarely having sugary drinks and red meat once every 2-3 weeks or so. In addition I began using a food scale to follow the actual recommended portions on food labels. However, in the midst of my changes I learned that it was okay to indulge every now and then. Currently I try to eat clean (lots of veggies, whole grains, chicken, turkey, etc).”

What do you do to workout? – “My workout routine varies because I do get bored easily. I enjoy HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Zumba, Strength training, bike riding, walking/jogging. Depending on the weather and my mood I will do any of the above. Currently I’m really enjoying strength training mixed with cardio. I’m loving the definition and tone that I’m getting from that combination! Regardless of what type of workout I do I try to exercise between 4-5 days a week.”

Starting weight/Current weight – “My starting weight was 173 lbs (I’m only 5’1”) and I now weigh 143 lbs. It took me about 6-8 months because I hit plateaus, struggled at times, etc. However, I’ve maintained my weight loss for 3 years now!”

Your advice to others – “My best advice would be to never give up on yourself. I’d gotten to a point where I had accepted my weight even though I wasn’t happy with it. I’d convinced myself that I couldn’t lose more than 5-10 lbs because that’s all I’d managed in the past. Even after starting my weight loss journey there were a couple of times where I really struggled and thought ‘maybe this is it’. I promise that if you keep pushing past bad days, weeks, etc you will prevail and achieve your goals!”

Check out her blog: courtnea2001.blogspot.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Courtnea2001

Top 5 Things to Look for in a Weight Loss Program

by Leave a Comment

“How do I find the right Weight Loss Program or Diet Book?”  That is the number one question I hear from women, so I want to dive into that subject and give you some guidance.  I know that it can be very confusing when you have the option of so many books, online programs and services available to you. There is a lot of trial and error involved, but you can find a unique plan that works.  The trick is that you may have to create a hybrid plan on your own.

top5

One of the problems with finding a weight loss program that works is that most of them are put together by people that seem to don’t live in the real world. They are assembled by people with an “idea” or a “belief” about weight loss that may not work for you. Sadly, many of the weight loss products and programs are also put together by people who just want to make money off your desire to get healthy. Here are some hints from real life that will help you know what to look for in a weight loss program so you can find one that will work for you.

Real Life Hint #1 – Avoid plans that tell you to eat very low calories

You need calories to live and function. You also need calories to lose weight. The idea that by cutting out a ton of calories the weight will fall off doesn’t work even thought that would seem to make sense. Especially if you are also combining a fitness plan with your diet – eating enough calories is essential. The metabolic process the body uses to burn fat after exercise is dependent on additional calories coming in to provide fuel for that process. The body needs to be assured that it has everything it needs to survive and will turn its attention to consuming stored fat as it moves into the repair and growth process of the cycle. That is how taking in enough calories works to create weight loss. If someone tells you to drop your calories too low, they are going to push you into ketosis or starvation mode and the body will eat your muscle fibers for fuel and you can even gain weight.

Real Life Hint #2 – Avoid plans that you can’t commit to long term/as a lifestyle

We all have jobs, responsibilities and families, so the plan you choose has to fit our lifestyle or it just isn’t going to work. Don’t take on anything you can’t do. Lifestyle changes have to be built over time.  You may have some long term lifestyle goals you want to reach, but that are not practical now.  Take some time to really evaluate your commitments and challenge yourself to change in areas where you know you can.  For example, you may have to move your schedule around to find time to work out.  Also, you may have to re-evaluate the foods you’re buying and make smarter choices financially and in terms of health value.

Real Life Hint #3 – Watch out for unbelievable claims

So, some random woman is plastered all over a website saying how she lost 90lbs in 30 days? Guess what? If that isn’t an out and out lie then there is something you are not being told, like how she gained back 130lbs in the 40 days after. Most expert sources say that the healthy (average) weight loss rate is about a pound a week. That reflects that your diet and life style have changed as well so you know that the weight will not come back. Also, when you first start a diet or exercise routine you will lose more weight in the first few weeks before plateauing at the pound or two a week. That is just how real life and your body work.  There are exceptions to the rule, but the point is that you should not beat yourself up if your weight loss is slow.  Everyone loses weight at a different rate, some quickly and some slowly.

Real Life Hint #4 – Avoid plans that don’t include exercise

If you are losing weight based on diet alone and with no exercise then what you are doing is engaging in muscle wasting where you are starving your body and it is eating your muscles to survive. Or, you are losing it through losing water weight which means you are well on your way to a case of serious dehydration. Healthy weight loss comes from the metabolism speeding up to burn calories through exertion, and then the weight loss happens through the process of repair and growth of muscle.

Real Life Hint #5 – Look for a plan that promotes realistic weight loss, not quick weight loss.

Look for a plan that talks about real life, real expectations and real weight loss time frames. If it sounds too good to be true it is. As soon as you read the words “breakthrough” or see an email with the subject line “what doctor’s don’t want you to know!!” run away. Obesity is the single largest contributor to many chronic conditions and if there was a real breakthrough in how to lose weight fast and easy, it would be sung from the mountain tops. Don’t live in fantasy land, live in the real world and get real life results with your weight loss.

Shana lost 75 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shana lost 75 pounds.  After gaining weight during her second pregnancy she decided to take steps to exercise more and change her eating habits.  She advises us to connect with others who are trying to get healthy in order to stay on track. Check out what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Shana weight loss

Before: 215lbs
After: 140 lbs
“While pregnant with my second child, I gained over 60 pounds. That was the heaviest I had been my entire life. To help fight the weight loss battle, I hired a personal trainer 6 weeks after giving birth. My personal trainer gave me a nutritional plan, made me keep a daily eating journal, and gave me a workout plan. Along with that, I joined a running club. My changing my portion sizes, exercising, and drinking more water, I was able to lose over 70 pounds. I am now smaller than my high school weight, and healthier!

I ate smaller portions of food and more often. The combination of meals that works for me is breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, treat. I kept my daily caloric intake at 1200 calories or less. I also limited my carb intake and increased my protein. I did some form of cardio exercise everyday: walking, jogging, elliptical machines and I do kickboxing once a week. I would advise others to join a group to encourage you to stay on track. Also, I use Spark people for healthy recipe alternatives and to track my calories.”

 

Update: Shanta lost 112 pounds

by 11 Comments

We featured Shanta’s weight loss story back in October 2012 when she was down 60 pounds.  She has now lost an additional 52 pounds for a total of 112 pounds GONE!  We are so proud of her.  Check out her update:

ShantaMar14blog

“Hello, I have an update for you. I have officially lost 112 pounds since my last update. My non-scale victory is that I got in a size 10 dress and I’m so happy. Here are a few updated pictures. I have been doing the same thing I was doing before, working out and eating healthy. With God’s help, I’m working on becoming a boot camp instructor, and a personal trainer.” – Instagram: @naturalgirl32

Check out the original post from 2012 for more info on how Shanta lost the weight.

ShantaMar14size

Before and After Photos from 2012ShantaOct2012

Venisa lost 100 pounds

by 12 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Venisa lost 100 pounds after the wakeup call of being diagnosed with many serious medical issues.  She decided to take her health back and change her life.  Now she is helping and inspiring others…like us.  Here is her story:

Venisa weight loss

I am writing to tell my story of how I lost my 100lbs in about a year and a half.  I didn’t realize that  I was obese especially after suffering a pulmonary embolism in 2009. I was at the 305 lb mark but had no idea as I didn’t get on scales. I was at the my ob/gyn in May/June 2012.  I was told that I had miscarried, had HPV, endometriosis and was a bit heavy for my height of 5’7 and that I should try Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. (She was trying to be nice and put things politely.) I then find a new physician (due to new medical insurance) that tells me I also need to lose weight and that the blood work showed that I had high cholesterol, was borderline diabetic and that I also suffer from Thalessemia Minor. It was a bit of a wake up call.

I started walking only a couple blocks at first (as I was winded from walking too far, and then it became that I was walking miles without realizing it. I would walk during my lunch hour and then when I got home after work. I had also stopped eating many processed excluding certain salad dressings, spaghetti sauces, brown rice and whole grain pastas. I cut back on the junk food. I would allow myself treats twice a week, like frozen yogurt or a piece of dark chocolate or skittles. My doctor taught me that if I deprive my body of what it wants, it will think it’s starving and the weight won’t go anywhere. Within the first 2 months, I had lost 35 pounds. I stayed on track and had 1 cheat meal a week which consisted of eating out and having mexican food or bbq. Within the first year, I was down about 75-80lbs just from watching what I was eating and walking.

It is now March 2014 and I weigh in around 200-205 depending on my weight lifting or cardio. I now go by my measurements as I lose inches faster than weight now that I lift heavier weights. I have run 3-5ks, 1-10k and will do A.M. training for a 1/2 marathon this August/September. I have a membership at 24hr fitness and take their body pump classes, as well as turbo kick to switch up my routine. Our bodies get used to the workouts after 6 weeks so if we stick to the same regime, we’ll plateau with our weight loss. I have done a weight loss challenge with my friends and family to help motivate them to lose the weight and exercise and give them my knowledge. I’m even helping my mom who has a bad back and shoulder to lose her weight and control her diabetes. I’m even contemplating going back to school to become a certified personal trainer.

Our health is the one thing we have. Just because our history didn’t know what the future would bring, we can still educate ourselves. Read labels, do research, and do your best. I didn’t lose my weight overnight and I’m still pushing forward to lose this remaining weight. Believe in yourself and you can do anything. Mind over matter is how I’ll always see it. I also have a great support system, my doctors, my mom, and my friends.

Venisa

Venisa before and after