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Ajima Jackson

Tyneisha lost 41 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Instagram diva Tyneisha lost 41 pounds off of her 5 foot frame with Weight Watchers and by embracing regular exercise after years of yo-y0 dieting and trying different plans. Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Tyneisha weight loss

“Hello, my name is Tyneisha (Ty) and my instagram name is @tantalizing_ty. I am 24 years old and I’ve lost 41 pounds since Feb of this year. My motivation to lose weight for good this time came from seeing my family members struggle with their health because of their weight. All of my grandparents and several aunts and uncles had or have diabetes and take blood pressure medication. Both of my parents have also had weight loss surgery within the past few years and have been trying to change their lifestyle for the better.

I changed my eating habits by joining Weight Watchers. I track my points, drink my 90 to 120 ozs of water a day and try to limit my carbs. I typically workout 4 to 5 days a week taking classes like Step Abs, Zumba and Kickboxing. My starting weight was 238 pounds and currently I am 197 pounds. My transformation has taken about 11 months and I am hardly finished yet.

My advice for others is to never give up, take a deep breath and keep pushing love. This is my third time on Weight Watchers and have yoyo dieted for the last 6 years. This time however I was determined that nothing was going to stop me and that this would be a lifestyle change. I also would advise others to be patient. Everyone’s body is different and therefore so will their weight loss journey.”

 

Michelle lost over 110 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Petite mom of 3 Michelle lost over 110 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery. At 5 feet tall and 268 pounds, she decided that it was time for a change.  Here is what she shared with us:

Michelle weight loss surgery

“After being married for 17 years, I finally came to myself and realize that my drug addicted husband would not change. See, I was not raised with my father and always longed for that relationship so I stayed to LONG. I was so depressed I was now carrying 268 pounds on 5 foot frame. Krispy Kreme doughnuts had become a familiar friend every time I saw the Hot Donut sign. I thought no one would want a fat girl with 3 babies. I finally took charge of my life. I had life altering weight loss surgery.  With gastric bypass, I loss over 110 lbs. I also got a divorce, went back to school and completed a BSM and MA.  I am now 2 classes away from starting my Dissertation for my Doctorate.

When first having the surgery I could really only do protein shakes, eventually I could introduce soft regular foods. I still keep with the philosophy of protein first, and low carbs. My plan currently is 2-3 protein shakes a day, salad with protein for lunch and dinner with protein and veggie. Very limited carbs. For exercise I walk and I am looking into joining LA Fitness for the new year.

Yes, it was hard.  Yes, I cried..and Yes I complained sometimes. However, I looked at my 3 children and a fight for dear life rose in me. I am currently at 170 pounds and still have 30 lbs to get to my goal weight. I am now doing juicing for next 30 days and walking to jumpstart weight loss and reach my ultimate goal.”

Valerie lost 57 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story of the day:  Instagram diva and proud mom Valerie (aka @fabchickgetsfit) wrote in to share with us how she lost 57 pounds.  She sought out a weight loss plan that worked for her and began her journey to her wellness goals.  Here is what she had to say:

Valerie weight loss story

What was your motivation?

“Christmas 2012 I saw some pictures of myself from my 30th birthday 2 months before and was in shock. I knew I had tried so many times before to lose weight but this time was different. I was 30, obese, a workaholic and I needed to do something for myself. I no longer wanted to be the fat one in my friends, wearing a 22 and a 2/3x. So losing 100lbs was my goal.

When I reached 50lbs down around July, I decided losing 100lbs was no longer good enough for me. So I decided to take the next year to focus on competing. I WILL compete next August in the bikini division.”

How did you change your eating habits?
“I did lots of research and I eat 99% clean. I started prepping my meals on Sunday. I had a structured meal plan made for me by my online coach that I follow. For me, I was ok with eating the same thing every week. Structured plans work best for me.”

What did your workout routines look like?
“Lots of heavy lifting and consistent cardio. The cardio had to make my heart rate go up but I didn’t want to be on a treadmill for an hour. So I do HIIT and I love the stairmaster. I also enjoy no traditional cardio like tire flips and rope turns. So, I do cardio 4-5x a week and I lift 2 muscle groups a day, 5x a week.”

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
“My starting weight was 265 pounds in January. Currently I am 208 pounds.”

How long did your transformation take?
“11 months.”

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
“Research and consistency are most important to me. What works for one person might not work for another so next would be to learn your body. I don’t like being on a treadmill for an hour so I had to learn my body and figure out what I love to get the same results. Really take the time to research foods and use an online tool to log your food daily. You will be really surprised at the end of the day with how well you did when you are holding yourself accountable by what you put in your mouth.”

Valerie fabchickgetsfit

4 Prescription Weight Loss Pills You Should Know About

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There is some good news about the change in how obesity is viewed as a disease by the medical community.  It may now be easier for you to have access to medical weight loss and weight management treatments covered by insurance, if you and your doctor feel it is the best choice for you. There are many different prescription diet pills that your doctor can prescribe and find the best one to help you reach a healthy weight. The other news is that now YOU have to educate yourself on these prescriptions so you can be an educated patient.  It’s a little extra work on your part, but the payoff is worth it, especially because some past pills have had negative side effects and were taken off the market.  Here are 4 prescription diet pills that you should know about.  (Talk to your doctor about these drugs so that you have all the info you need since this is just an overview.)

prescription diet pillsQsymia

Qsymia is one of the new hybrid prescription diet drugs that have come on the market that combine two or more prescription drugs to create one pill to address obesity. In Qsymia the combination contains phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is a popular appetite suppressant and topiramate is an anti-convulsing. In combination with diet and exercise, Qysmia is most often prescribed to those with weight issues that are related to diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The fact that Qysmia includes an anti-convulsant should be a sign that this is a diet drug that is not meant for anyone. There is a risk of potential addiction due to the phentermine ingredients and you should not suddenly stop taking Qysmia as there can be a risk for seizures. Qysmia should not be taken by people with a history of glaucoma or thyroid disorders and should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing. There is a potential for complications from drug interactions and increased stress on your liver and kidneys so make sure to check with your doctor that this is the right diet pill for you.

Orlistat

Orlistat can be confusing to people as it is also sold under the name Xenical and Alli. The last branding of the drug does not require a prescription due to it being a much smaller dose than is clinically indicated for weight loss. Orlistat works by blocking fat absorption from food. It can block almost 20% of the fats taken in as a meal and the excess fat is passed from the body through regular bowel activity. Orlistat is generally combined with a reduced calorie diet and has a successful track record in morbidly obese patients that are at risk or have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or arteriosclerosis. The main concern with Orlistat beyond the typical ones of drug interaction lies with a unique form of vitamin deficiency that can occur while on the drug. In blocking the fat from being absorbed, Orlistat also blocks the body’s ability to absorb vitamins A, E, D and beta-carotenes from the fat, so a multi vitamin is recommended. Orlistat has a specific warning on it about interaction with many blood thinning drugs.

Xenical

Xenical is one of the brand names that the weight loss drug Orlistat is sold under. Unlike the other branding, Alli, Xenical maintains the clinical recommended dosage of 120mg per dose which is why it requires a prescription and alli does not. The dosage amount in Alli is not suggested to be of benefit to those who are morbidly obese. While Xenical is considered safe to take, there are some risks for side effects involved. Some people have experience hives, sweating, rashes or rapid breathing while taking Xenical. It is recommended that it is taken with a reduced calorie diet and a multi-vitamin as it blocks the natural absorption of some key vitamins from food as well as blocking fat absorption.

Phentermine

Phentermine is one of the best known of the prescribed diet pills and can be hugely effective when combined with a reduced calorie diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. It is a psychostimulant drug and is similar in composition to an amphetamine. It is used medically as an appetite suppressant and has been extensively studied. One of the biggest cautions about phentermine is that it can have addictive properties for people. The other main concern is that it can interact with other drugs in the same family, many of which are available without a prescription. If you are taking any antihistamine, decongestants or cold medicines be sure to let your doctor know. Phentermine is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

4 Reasons Why High Protein Diets Work

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It is hard to keep track of the latest diet trends. Every year there seems to be a new diet fad that promises fast weight loss with minimal effort, although some of the diets require more effort in their preparation than just finding the time to run a marathon every day. Your weight loss plan should never feel like a 2nd job.  However, one type of simplified diet plan that has remained popular is the high protein diet (also known as a high protein/very low carb diet). High protein diets have a lot of scientific proof of why they work and they are often recommended by physicians to help their patients lose weight. Here are 4 reasons why high protein diets work and why they might be the answer for you.

Reason #1 – Ketone Creation

high protein dietThe human body runs on glucose and there are two main furnaces that consume our glucose stores. The first is the body and the second is the brain. Surprisingly, the brain consumes over 80% of our fuel supply. This is why you can think yourself into exhaustion, working your brain will cause your body to manufacture as much glucose as possible to keep the brain in good supply. Our body structure is designed to create glucose from the carbohydrates that we consume. If we lower our carbohydrate consumption, then the body will eventually run out of that source and turn to our fuel reserves, the fat stored in the body. To consume the fat, the body creates something called ‘ketones’ which are fat transformed into a form that the glucose furnaces can use as fuel. A high protein diet promotes ketone creation which in turn allows for the faster consumption of fat stores which leads to weight loss.

Reason #2 – Protein helps endurance

One of the most popular myths about protein is that you need it for muscle growth. While you do need some protein for muscle growth, you don’t need that much and protein packing with shakes and bars isn’t going to turn you into Charles Atlas. What protein does help with is endurance. This can help you to keep going longer when you exercise and protein helps your muscles to pull in everything that they need for a good recovery. It is recommended that you have 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight that you have, not your target weight, but your current weight. Your protein needs will change as your work out, diet and redefine your weight index. Something to pay attention to is the type of protein you are consuming. It is not hard to add protein to your diet, but should you choose to use shakes, mixes or supplement bars – make sure the rest of the ingredients don’t undo the next main reason for why high protein diets work.

Reason #3 – Cleaner fuel

One of the hidden benefits of going on a high protein diet is it tends to remove refined and processed food from your diet. There are not that many high protein products, although there are more than there have been in the past, that would also qualify as “junk food.” When you adopt a high protein diet, you tend to also radically decrease foods that are high in sugars and empty calories. Protein is found in meats, fish, tofu, Seitan and many of the green vegetables; all food that is easier to buy and prepare than it is to purchase prepared. The added bonus is that because high protein diets tend to have more fresh meats and vegetables, they have less salts, sugars and preservatives which benefits blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Reason #4 – It’s easier to stick to a high protein diet

One of the reasons that high protein diets work better than others is that it is easier to stick to them. The types of foods emphasized in these diets are readily available, even on a fast food menu. There are no specialty stores or items needed to keep to a high protein diet. There is also much less special behavior to be learned and practiced as well. This ease in meeting your diet restrictions makes it easier to stick to the diet. Unlike other diets which may reduce your social activity because their restrictions may require you to bring your own meals to the table – high protein diets can be kept in any social circumstance without anyone around you knowing you are dieting.

7 Tips for a Heart Healthy Diet

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heart healthy dietIt is never too late to make changes that can improve the health of your heart. The simplest changes to begin with concern your diet. It is usually recommended that you begin by changing one area of your eating habits at a time, rather than go for a radical overhaul. This lets your body and mind adjust to the changes easier and increases your ability to stick your new lifestyle. Here are 7 tips for a heart healthy diet. If you utilize a tip each week, in less than two months you can be in the habit of eating in a way that cares for your heart.

Tip #1 – Whole grains

Switching to whole grains has gotten much easier. There are many products such as whole grain cereals, breads and pasta you can choose instead of your regular brands. You can focus on adding more brown rice, barley, buckwheat, steel cut oats, whole grains and ground flaxseed products in your diet.

Tip #2 – Fruit and veggies

Many people drop the ball on adding enough fruits and vegetables to their diet because they believe that fresh produce is expensive and can hard to keep. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be equally as good and easier to keep on hand. Just read the labels to make sure they are not packed in sugars or syrups or have sugar and salt added in, something surprisingly common with frozen vegetables. A good way to know what fruits and vegetables are good to eat together is to arrange your plate by color. The more colorful your plate, the better the balance of the healthy foods on it.

Tip #3 – Cut the salt

Try a salt substitute to lower your salt intake, but be mindful that MSG hasn’t been used to replace it (read the label). Some people are very sensitive to MSG and can experience problems. Ground pepper, crushed garlic and turmeric are popular salt substitutes. Pay extra attention to the nutrition labeling on your food too so you can make sure you are picking low salt choices.

Don’t Eat That! – Motivational Wristband

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Currently out of stock

Don’t Eat That! Wristband – Wear it as a constant reminder to stay on track with your healthy eating and wellness goals!  Just $3.50 each (includes shipping and handling).  The band is embossed with the words “Don’t Eat That!”. ~Get Yours Today~

don't eat that wrist

Betty lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss journey: Betty lost 54 pounds.  This proud mom was inspired by ladies she followed on Instagram and she wanted to set a good example for her daughters.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss transformation:

Betty weight loss photos

“January 7th, 2013 was the birth of “A New Bee Jay!” Following three ladies on Instagram originally because of my love for Natural Hair is honestly what motivated me to start my journey. I’m down 54 pounds with NO: crack, wraps, shakes, pills, or shots…and I’ve never joined a gym!  Clean eating is how I lost the weight. I’ve never had a gym membership. I started with walking, TurboJam, TurboFire, and I’m currently completing TapOut Xt. This life is an obsession. I’m setting a good example for my two daughters. I feel healthier. I’m loving the extra confidence it has given me. And I’m not even done yet. I’m so excited to see what the Fit Future holds for me!”

Instagram: @pearlilacbear

Betty weight loss story

Shovann lost 89 pounds

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Updated photos for 2015: Instagram: @womenfourwellnessShovann update
June 2014: Congrats to Shovann on her 1 year weight loss anniversary!  She has maintained her weight loss and looks great.  Read her story below.

Shovann before and after

Apr 2014:  Shovann wrote in to say, “I’m now down 89 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 22 to a size 9/10.”  She lost 24 pounds since Dec 2013 when we first shared her story.  Check out her updated photos (See the photos below) and read about how she lost the weight:

Original Post
Today’s weight loss success story: Shovann lost 63 pounds.  This proud Nurse was motivated by seeing the weight-related illnesses affecting her patients and wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“My Name is Shovann Staton. I’m a 34 year old Nurse that was inspired to loose weight after topping the scale at 253 pounds and wearing a 2x top and size 22 in pants. I felt like I lost who I was and I thought how can I save lives and not my own?  What Motivated me was that I decided to live Healthy and after seeing more younger patients with Diabetes, Heart Disease and Hypertension. I felt it was a great time to take my life in a better direction.

With that being said I’ve lost a total thus far of 63 pounds and I’m now wearing size 12 pants and large tops. I am looking forward to weight training in the next few weeks. My diet consist of 125g of protein and no more than 50 carbs daily.  I also drink 2 Liters of Water a day. Faith and prayer have taken me far. I started this Regime 6/16/13 and look forward to my new lifestyle. Healthy living is not a get slim quick scheme, It’s a way of life. My advice: Keep healthy snacks on hand and pack your meals daily. Don’t get discouraged. Even if you mess up, acknowledge your faults and pick up the pieces. Enjoy at least 30-45 min of cardio daily, eat healthy clean and watch that fat vanish…”

Facebook: WomenFourWellness

Shovann weight loss

 

Anissa lost 35 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Anissa.  She lost 35 pounds.  Changing her diet and using Leslie Sansone’s walking DVD were major parts of her weight loss journey.  Read more…

Anissa weight loss story

“Hi, my name is Anissa Hairston. I want to share my weight loss journey with you. I started my journey January 2013. My heaviest weight was 240 pounds as seen in the picture where I am wearing the yellow dress. I bought a walking DVD by Leslie Sansone and started walking everyday at home. I tried diet pills and they made me sick. I tried eliminating carbs from my diet completely. That lasted about 3 weeks and then I began to feel ill.

I continued to walk everyday and made more changes to my diet. I added more fruits and veggies. I ate more salads and started drinking at least 50-64 oz of water everyday. I changed my carbs to whole grain and only ate them during the day. Now, I hardly ever eat any carbs with my evening meal unless it’s brown rice or wheat pasta. I make fruit and veggie smoothies all the time as snacks. I use Fiber One brownies as my dessert most days and to satisfy my sweet cravings. They’re only 90 calories (but watch that you don’t over do it with them). I make soup often with a lot of veggies because it’s filling and tastes really good.

I also purchased a fitness game for my Xbox as well as a weighted hula hoop and I try to do some sort of physical activity daily. My goal is to burn 2000-2500 calories a day and I try not to eat more than 1800-2000 calories per day. I bought a FitBit pedometer that tracks my calorie burn, total steps taken daily, and it is so helpful. In the pic where I’m wearing jeans and a black shirt, I was 215 pounds. I’m currently 205 pounds and am still on my journey to reach my goal weight of 170 pounds. I just want to let you know that your challenges, success stories, tips, and words of encouragement are very much appreciated and I try to share everything I can from you onto my timeline so that others will be motivated to start their weight loss journey.”