Black Weight Loss Success

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Ajima Jackson

Eddra lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Eddra lost 50 pounds. She says that she started a lifestyle change and not a diet to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared about how she did it:

Eddra weight loss

“My name is Eddra Davis. I am 29 years old and married with three boys, ages 8, 7, and 2 years old. My family is what motivated me to lose weight. I am only getting older, not younger and if I continued to go down the path I was going, I may not have been healthy enough to do the things I want to do with my children. Also, the fact that diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family motivated me to get healthy too. I want to give myself a fighting chance not to go through health issues like that and to teach my children how avoid them also. Who doesn’t want to look good and feel good,not only for yourself but for your spouse.

I looked at my eating habits and started a lifestyle change not a diet. I simply made better choices. I would choose yogurt instead of ice cream, eat turkey, fish, or chicken instead of beef. I had water with lemon instead of soda or juice. It is the little things that we choose to eat that makes a difference. If we would stop and think before we eat that cake and ask “What can I choose that I like that would be a healthier choice with less fat, calories, and sugar that was still satisfy my craving?”.  I exercised at the gym and did workout dvds at home, like Black Girls Workout Too.

My starting weight was 245 pounds current weight is 195 pounds. No matter how long it takes keep going and never give up. It dosen’t matter if it takes you longer as long as you get there everyone journey is different. Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to be active. Start out slow if you have to, as long as you start you will be surprised how much that little time will change you body, along with your water intake and changes in eating habits. Get people around you that motivate you even if you don’t know them. Make friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter because you will have your hard times. If you fall off its ok forgive yourself and start again. Follow me on instagram: revivingthebeautygame“

Ebony lost 130 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Ebony lost 130 pounds from starting at more than 400 pounds.  She found a weight loss plan that worked for her and she embraced exercise, like Zumba and water aerobics. She is celebrating her weight loss victory!  Here is her story:

Ebony before and after

“So, I wasn’t going to post my story so far because I am in the middle of my weight loss journey, but every one has a story to tell, and here is mine. I have been overweight all my life. Childhood, adolescence, adulthood. I made attempts to lose weight before but always gained it back. It’s a funny place to be hating the state your body is in but being so scared to change because you don’t know where the hell you will start, and if you succeed, can you keep it off. The tipping point for me came in 2012. Despite being overweight all my life, it was the first time that I can honestly recall my size causing me difficulties in mobility. I had a hard time fitting in restaurant booths. I didn’t go to movies because of fear of fitting in the seats. I broke the shampoo chair at my local salon. I saw a picture of myself holding my baby niece and I took up half the couch. I knew then I couldn’t go the way I was going. From this would come canes, walkers, oxygen masks, and obesity related diseases and death. I was looking into weight loss surgery but the state revoked the coverage, so I decided in June 2012 to try Weight Watchers.

My starting weight was 410.8 pounds. I also went back to the gym which I hadn’t entered in a year. I started slowly, doing water aerobics and 25 minutes on the elliptical. Then after I lost 25 pounds, I took the plunge and went to my first Zumba class. That was where I found my love for activity. Weight Watchers helped me learn portion control, minor indulgences in moderation, and healthy eating. Now here I am, 19 months later and 130 pounds lighter. I go to the gym 4 days a week. I am down 6 sizes, and have gained self confidence, healthy habits and a new life. I am about 100 pounds from my ultimate goal, but I am blessed and thankful for the journey and success I have had so far. To anyone reading this, know that as long as you have a breath, it’s never too late.”

Kecia lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Kecia lost 72 pounds.  She joined found a weight loss plan that worked for her and committed herself to working out.  She did it for her KIDS and I love that.  Here is what she shared about her victory:

“My name is Kecia and I started this journey at 322 lbs. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Fat frustrated and wanting to change, I joined Weight Watchers. My biggest motivation is wanting to live longer to be here for my two children. I want to be able to go to a amusement park and ride the rides with my kids. I also don’t want my son following in my unhealthy footsteps. Joining Weight Watchers was the best thing I did for myself. Now I weigh 250.  That’s 72 lbs down!!!!!

I cut out all fried foods, sweets and soda. I drink 8 bottles of water daily and I eat a lot of lean protein and veggies. My snacks are fresh fruits and vegetables. I am just more aware of what I put into my body now.

All I could do was walk at first, for exercise. It took me at least an hour to do a mile.  Now I’m doing a 13 minute mile. I also go to the gym 5 days a week now. This is a new lifestyle for me and I don’t look at it as a quick fix, it should be a lifestyle change. There is no quick fix to a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight has held me back in the past, not anymore!!!!!!”

Instagram: klm_losing100lbs

Kecia before and after Kecia weight watchers

Video: Beverly lost 109 pounds with Dr. Ian’s Shred Program

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We shared Beverly‘s story after she lost 84 pounds with Dr. Ian’s Shred program and now she’s giving us an update.  Video: She was featured on the Doctors TV show to talk about her weight loss victory.

“You posted my before and after picture when I had lost more than 80 pounds on Dr. Ian Smith’s Shred program. Now, I have lost more weight and  I am down a total of 109 pounds by using Dr. Ian’s original  “Shred” plan and his new plan “SuperShred”. I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and don’t have a thyroid gland. Also, I am 55 years old and currently in menopause. I’m dealign with everything that could possibly work against me in terms of losing weight. I have been able to beat the odds and as my doctor says, It’s a miracle. I would like to share my updated picture and story in hopes that someone’s life can be changed for the better and people can realize that it is never too late. I also work out to Dr. Ian’s DVD “Shred 27 Burn” as well as doing deep water running, water aerobics and Zumba. I was featured on the Doctors TV show as a guest sharing my weight loss story. Here is my current before and after picture.”

beverly shred weight loss

Adia lost 40 pounds

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Featured Before and After of the Day: Poetic Diva Adia lost 40 pounds.  She expressed her feelings about her weight loss victory in poetic voice for us and I love it.  Powerful message in her words! Here is what she shared:

Adia before and after

“To others it was always “Adia you look so good” , “You were never fat” , or “Don’t get too skinny”. However, I never meant to please any of them or become what some may say “mini” . I only wanted to love myself because I always looked in the mirror & dreaded what I saw. I just wanted to discover a part of me that was lost through each & every flaw. 40 pounds lighter, yet 40 times brighter and on this path I was able to see…I was never fat, big, or ugly.

Despite these 40 pounds, I’ve discovered the true meaning of beauty. It does not lie in those guys that I let break me or those girls that I envied. It’s truly only skin deep despite the thoughts of many. I’d be a hypocrite to say I’m not happy I lost the weight because I am…because I constantly think of those depressed nights spent crying or those “Are you okay?” questions that extended my lying. See I am happier now then I ever could be because beneath the weight loss I discovered another part of ME. I am no longer succumbed to hiding behind girls because I secretly wanted to be pretty or being someones side-piece to fulfill some sort of love pity. I am no longer captive to not saying what’s on my mind or lowering my respect to let someone grab my behind.

I AM A WOMAN and that’s what my weight has shown me. I’ve seen changes I never thought I’d see. That 200lb. 10 year old who struggled to fit an extra large shirt is now flaunting her curves in high heels & mini club skirts. That girl who was out of breath on every flight of stairs can now take on 5 miles without any cares. I am no longer stressed and secretly in despair….I HONOR MY CURVES & SWING MY SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR. I NOW VOW TO LOVE MY BODY AND NEVER AGAIN LET MY SIZE DICTATE MY SELF-WORTH. I VOW TO BE AT “BODILY PEACE” HERE ON THIS EARTH. I RESPECT ALL OF MY CELLULITE & EACH & EVERY DIMPLE….I LOVE MY BODY FOR IT IS A TEMPLE  I only ask for everyone’s continuous support as I enter 2014…40 pounds down and people tell me I’ve already won but little does everyone know…IM STILL NOT DONE! (2014 Goal: lose 30 more pounds!)”

How did you change your eating habits and embrace exercise?

“To change my eating habits, I started using a journal and My Fitness Pal to record what I’m eating everyday. I aim for 1,940 calories a day. I also aim to eat a serving of fruit and veggies with EVERY meal and to drink a gallon of water each day at the most or at LEAST 35 oz. in terms of supporting exercise. I try to do 3 days a week of cardio activity (jogging, walking, & swimming) and 1-2 times a week of strength training (squats, lunges, wall sits, sit ups, etc).”

Tonia lost 106 pounds

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Tonia
212 pounds in this photo

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tonia lost 106 pounds, down from 318 to 212 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Hi, my name is Tonia Dailey, and I finally decided to take my own life back into my hands. I drink between 1 1/2 gallons of water and lemon per day, pushing for 2 gallons a day as my goal. I workout 5-6 days a week on my own for 45-60 minutes.  For exercise, walking is very big on my list!! Consistency is everything!! I do everything around my exercise. Remember, 70% of weight loss is what you eat and 30% is exercise. I listen to music and I let nothing get in the way of my goal!

I’m 99% vegan, 1% vegetarian.  I eat no meat whatsoever. I have 2 meals a day and homemade fruit smoothies with flaxseed.  I don’t drink soft drinks, and have juice about once every 5 weeks or so. I also drink almond milk and herbal teas with no sugar added.”

Tonia before and after weight loss

Tempest lost 75 pounds

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Update May 2015: Tempest wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 5 more pounds and is still going strong – “Two years ago I had a baby and I knew I didn’t want to drag alone the “baby fat” that came alone with giving birth, the moment I had my son I started on a health quest to get off the pounds I have now lost 80 pounds and counting and I am still going.  I was in a size 16 and I am in a size 9 now. My motivation is living life! I wanna live! I don’t wanna be hindered to what I can wear. I have two kids I have to keep up with. My eating habits have changed to eating every 2-3 hours small portions. I meal prep every week so that I don’t fail. I strength train twice a week and do cardio 3 days a week. Sometimes, I even workout twice a day. My highest weight was 245 pounds, I am now 165 pounds. My goal weight is 145 lbs. My advice is to never give up, never stop working out, if you have s bad day keep going. My transformation has taken 2 years.”

tempest weight loss storyOriginal Post – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom of 2 Tempest lost 75 pounds.  After finding weight loss success (35 pounds down), she gained 75 pounds during pregnancy.  She was able to shed that weight with what she had already knew about weight loss and her previous actions.  Read about what she did to shed the weight:

Tempest Sheambitious29

“My name is Tempest and I am 29 years old. I have two children, 14 and 10 months old. When I turned 21 my weight went from 140lbs to 210lbs. I was getting out of control and didn’t realize it. I had no idea Where to start. I didn’t know how to read a food label or what a calorie or a carb was. I was very unhappy with myself. I cried a lot, I wanted help but I knew I didn’t have the money for Weight Watchers or a personal trainer. When I turned 26, I was ready to do whatever it took to loose the weight. I no longer wanted to be a prisoner in my own body. My motivation was when I looked in the mirror I wanted to be happy with the person looking back at me. I wanted to feel good about myself again. The first thing I did was googled a grocery list that was healthy. I asked trainers if they knew of any good meal plans.  Last but not least, I let a trainer train me for free and everything he taught me I then did on my own. I worked out every day for 2 hours, sometimes I would go to the gym twice a day. I did lots of cardio and lifted weights maybe once a week. Four months later I lost over 35 pounds with exercise, eating every 2-3 hours and focusing on me (with no negative people around me).

I meal prepped, which is a great way to ensure I had good foods readily available. I transformed myself inside out. Eight months later I got pregnant and gained 75 pounds. Nine months after giving birth, I lost all of that weight. I had transformed twice in two years. The second time I lost weight it was the hardest. I cried and I prayed. I knew that I could do it because I had done it before. I was heavier than I had ever been after my pregnancy. I realize that everyone has a busy life and many don’t really have the time to workout. One thing I want to say is that in order to care for youself you have to make time for yourself. Self care is a very important componant. Its very important that you have supporters and positive surroundings. I hope to help you reach your weight loss goals.”

Instagram: @Sheambitious29
She now creates meal plans and shopping lists for others. http://ambitioushealthyandfree.bigcartel.com

Tempest weight loss

Tempest before and after

Nicole lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Nicole lost 75 pounds.  She found inner peace, thrived with the support of her husband and kids and changed her life. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Nicole weight loss

My name is Nicole Rice. I am 36 years old and recently lost a total of 75 pounds! My journey began when I mentally made a decision for change. I began to “Mentally” ask myself questions that I had to be honest about, such as; “Why is my confidence low?”, “Am I comfy at this weight?”, “Do I honestly love me?”, etc.  By answering these questions HONESTLY, I was led to a Yoga center June of 2012. This center was not the traditional “posing” Yoga. It was called “Dahn Yoga” and out of my 6 month membership I learned to forgive myself, acceptance, meditation and to LOVE. So much more was given to me but these are the ones sticking out at the moment. I noticed my healing started in meditation because it gave me a chance to quiet my mind and really dig deep.

Then in April of 2013, I had Thyroid surgery due to a benign growth restricting the function of the left side of the gland. They decided to remove the entire left side. I still have my right side and NO MEDICATION NEEDED!!! Let me say this, my Thyroid had nothing to do with my weight gain when it was all said and done after several test! For me that was a relief! A few days after surgery my husband video taped me & made me promise that I would live a healthier lifestyle for myself and our children and their babies etc. In my head, I was saying I already am..LOL, but I had not consistently started the physical part. However, what I was doing was weaning myself slowly from things that were not healthy. One week…only water, then maybe no chips for a week, no soda and so on until I created better habits and replaced those unhealthy items. I began to feel like I had more energy but still had breathing problems due to weight. So, I started walking to increase my endurance.

During this time I was 250 pounds. I was realistic and respected my condition and my body so I would push myself but I was taking baby steps. Next thing I knew, a block turned into a half mile, then one and now I can easily walk 7/8 & have biked/walked combo 16 miles!! There were times I cried walking because I felt like the cars were maybe laughing at me. I walked alone or with my kids a lot because my husband was holding it down with working. However, he would walk with me every chance he got!! He knew my pain and how bad I wanted and knew I could have it! Days I felt lazy, he would say, “So are ya gonna do anything today??”. I would be so pissed, like no this fool didn’t!! Then I started to notice that even in my attitude and I still got up to walk!! LOL

Then, I noticed I stopped eating to get full! Smaller portions, lots of water!! I never went to a gym. JUST WALKING & to be honest as I slimmed down I started to feel sexy again! I had people to me that I was pretty but I DIDNT BELIEVE OR KNOW IT FOR MYSELF! This journey has liberated me in such a way I cant explain. I found my passion thru my pain and transformation. Today I weigh 175!! In my process, I only weighed myself once a month so the numbers would not distract me & I focused on me from the inside out!! I am now biking to tone my legs and just started crunches. I didn’t do a full workout plan because I knew I would not complete it. So I choose what worked for me! Meditation changed my life and I have a larger appreciation for myself and life itself. Sorry for the novel and I hope I answered your questions! #Namaste #Meditation #HealingEnergy #Reiki #LoveIsLove

Instagram: coley007

Nicole before and after

Kema lost 63 pounds

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Update June 2014 – Kema wrote to share with us that she’s down 24 more pounds for a total of 63 pounds!  She says, “I’ve been working out 3 to 4 days a week.  I’m still eating clean and drinking nothing but WATER. I’m at 214 and now I wear a size 16 or a 1x Yay!! That’s down from a size 18/22 and a 3x. It was so hard to loose those additional 24 pounds but I’m not stopping until I’m 168 pounds. Thanks!”

Original Post – 2/2014 – Proud mom Kema lost 39 pounds and is determined to keep going.  She wants to get off of high blood pressure meds this year.  Read her weight loss story:

Kema before and after

Hello, I’m 32 year old mother of one.  I’ve just moved to PA from Hotlanta. In February 2012 I was hospitalized with PE (Pulmonary embolism), that’s when you have a blood clot in your lung.  For the whole month of February, I was in the hospital. After I was released, a few months later I moved to Pennsylvania. That’s when I found out I had hypertension. I said enough is enough.

In September 26 2013, when I began my new healthy life i was 277 pounds & today I weigh 238 pounds I decided to change my eating habits. Where I live they have a gym, so I decided to start going to the gym. Everyday my daughter would go with me as my support team. I started noticing my face was going down. Then, I went to Target and bought a scale and noticed I had lost 15 pounds. So, I posted pictures on Facebook and Instagram for motivation. Now, I’m just so enjoying my new lifestyle. My doctor has dropped down one of my blood pressure meds. I’m so happy and my family & friends are happy for me. I will continue on my journey until I’m of blood pressure medication. If I can do it, with pray and dedication, you can too. Now, I’m down 39 pounds. #shedidthat I’m on instagram: onlyonekemabema

I’ve joined planet fitness for the free trainer and adopted a healthy way of eating and love it. I’m still working hard every day because this year i will be off blood presser meds. That’s my motivation. my healthy in Jesus name! Amen.”

Kema lost weight

Athar lost 150 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Athar (aka Peaches) lost 150 pounds and was able to put her Lupus symptoms in remission.  She fought hard to find the right treatment for her lupus and hypothyroidism.  She was determined to beat obesity, eat right and get active.  Here is what she shared with us about her amazing health victory:

Athar weight loss story

My name is Peaches. I have gone from a size 26/28 to a size 12. I have lost a total of 150 lbs! My weight problems really began around the time I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in 1987. I was only 12yrs old and have been sick as long as I can remember. My weight has been due to a multitude of factors starting with Lupus, overeating due to depression and hopelessness, reactions to medication, and hypothyroidism.

By 2010, I had ballooned to 383 pounds. I had been in a Lupus flare for what seemed like eternity, however it was only a few years. My doctor was diligently trying to get my insurance to approve a motorized scooter for me. I was morbidity obese and miserable! How can someone who has lupus and is in so much pain loose weight? In 2010, I had a dream that took me to Atlanta, GA. This is where I picked the first Rheumatologist I could find within a few miles of my new home. Little did I know this Doctor was going to change my life forever. She changed my treatment plan and I challenged her every step of the way. I absolutely refused to go back on any medication that would have side effects to where I could not work. I would get up and move everyday, so I needed her to get my treatment right. Six months later, Dec 2010, we found my miracle. I started coming out of my flare and dropped almost 30 pounds immediately. In April 2011, I had my thyroid completely removed! The weight kept falling off!

July 2012, I knew it was time to get serious. I first adopted my Chihuahua who forced me to get up multiple times for walks. Then, I joined the gym and started taking aqua aerobics 3 times a week. When I built up enough strength, I went to the cardio machines. In Feb 2013, I hired personal trainer and was working out 6 days a week. Three days of 1 hour sessions, with heavy weight training/boxing circuits. Two days kickboxing, and a day of bootcamp class. By the end of 2013, I was down to 233 pounds! Only 3 weeks ago, I started CrossFit and I am loving it! I recently got a clean bill of health from my doctor, aside from the lupus markers. God willing, I will continue to be in remission and pain free. I am back living and loving my new active life in South Florida!

Throughout my journey, I have changed how I eat completely. I eat clean and drink lots of water. I stay on a high protein, lower carb diet. I consume all carbs prior to 3pm. My calorie intake is 1200-1500 depending upon my activity level.

My advice to anyone struggling with Lupus and weight to listen to your body. However, the key to overall health is to challenge the doctors to work together on alternative methods to treat your symptoms enough for you to get moving. The rest you can do on your own through nutrition and exercise!