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

TaTanesha lost 103 pounds

by 6 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss journey:  TaTanesha lost 103 pounds by exercising regularly and eating a high protein diet after the loss of a child.  Now, she wants to inspire others to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

weight loss journeyHi, My name is TaTanesha. I have lost 103 pounds in a little over a year. I lost it by exercising 6 days a week and loading up on the protein. I also have a weigh loss page on Facebook called, “watchTashrink…a weight loss journey”.  On the page, I share my eating habits, old photos, menus, and workout routines.  I want to thank BWLW for being such an inspiration to not only me but to many black women out there.

What motivated me to start my weight loss journey was the fact that I was so tired of buying big clothes and tired of my body hurting from the excess weight. I gained weight during a period of depression after my daughter passed away.  The weight just packed on. I looked up and I was a whopping 305 pounds. I decided to go on Weight Watchers. I lost 60 pounds and then I decided to give that a break and do it on my own. I ate more protein, cut the junk food, started doing Zumba and was walking 6 days a week. My current weight is 202 pounds. It took a year, I’m healthier now.  I’m motivated and blessed. Thank you so much for this page, it”s an inspiration.  BWLW, Keep up the great work!!!

TaTanesha weight loss

Telita lost 60 pounds with Lap-Band Surgery

by 1 Comment

Telita recently had Lap-Band weight loss surgery and has lost 60 pounds so far.  She overcame an abusive relationship and chronic pain to find love and greater health.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

First, let me start by saying I have never been a small person, but I was in no way obese.  At 5’8” and 220 lbs I was what is considered in my neighborhood as just thick. However, after becoming involved in an abusive relationship the extra weigh slowly began to add on. After five years in that relationship and two children later I weighed in at 280 lbs. In 2005 I met and fell in love with my husband. Almost simultaneously, I began to suffer from unexplained chronic pain. I went from working every day to going on permanent disability because the pain was too much to bear. After two years of not knowing what was wrong with me I was diagnosed in 2007 with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles, bones and joint. I began to spend most of my days in bed trying to fight the pain. The pain medicines I was prescribed either made me eat more or not eat at all. I began to notice that my weight was increasing more and more. After having my son in 2008, I realized that I needed to do something more than just waiting for the weight to go away so I began dieting and exercising. The more I worked out the more I would have these bad FMS flare ups that would put me down for days and sometimes weeks. In 2011, I married my husband and after looking at my wedding pictures I decided that it was time to do something about it.

I began to research bariatric surgery. It was something I had thought about before but had never spoke about with my family and friends. I decided that the lap-band weight reduction surgery was best for me because I still had to do work in order to make it work. It was important to me that I didn’t lose weight too fast and drastically, but more consistent and slowly. This was something my husband was completely against. Naturally, he worried of the complications of surgery. However, after assuring him that this was what I really wanted he supported my decision. At the beginning of my testing for the surgery I weighed in at 320 pounds and I was horrified! My surgery was January 3, 2013. Since then, I have loss a total of 60 pounds. My pain level has decreased significantly since I began losing weight. Although I am not at my goal weight yet, I am enjoying the process of getting there. For the first time in my life I enjoy taking pictures. Weight loss surgery is not for everyone, but for me it was the best decision I ever made.

Telita weight loss story

Diona lost 65 pounds

by 13 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss story: Delta Sigma Theta soror Diona lost 65 pounds and has gone from a size 24 to a 12.  She was motivated by her husband’s victory over diabetes and her family history of illness.  She shared her weight loss story with us:

Greetings BWLW!! My name is Diona and I have lost 65 pounds in the past 12 months. I have been battling this weight war for a very long time now with occasional 20-25 lb weight loss success. Two years ago, my husband was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes on top of his already diagnosed hypertension.  The minute he left the doctor’s office he began to change his mindset towards his health and exercising. My mother-in-law suffers from diabetes and is now on dialysis 3 times per week. My husband did not want to take multiple medications for the rest of his life and possibly end up like his mother so he and some others in our church formed a ministry called Faith Fitness. My husband lost 60 pounds in 6 months and was taken off all diabetic medications as well as blood pressure meds. While my husband was going through his transformation, I would walk with him and try to participate in his boot camp class that he teaches at our church.

One day, I just began thinking about how my mother, father, and youngest brother suffer from diabetes, how much medication they have to take and how my mom seems sicker with each new pill. I thought about how my husband took control of his health and how I want to live a long life with him and our kids. I began jogging with him even though I could only run about 10 feet before I had to stop and get my breath. I am 5’2 and at that time I weighed 243 pounds. My husband kept encouraging me and telling me that it would get easier to me and I would get better. I prayed to the Lord to please help me to stay focused and committed this time and allow me to be VICTORIOUS in this battle. I lost the weight by learning to eat healthier smaller portions and by making exercise part of my daily routine. I drink about 96 ounces of water per day. I also try to drink 1-2 cups of green or black tea per week. I begin my mornings with a protein shake for breakfast and I have either a protein bar or fruit as a snack between breakfast and lunch.   Then I have a salad or other healthy lunch and then I eat a snack between lunch and dinner. Once I pick up my children from school, I go home fix a healthy dinner or my husband may cook a dinner which may include jasmine or brown rice, baked or grilled chicken, and veggies. I then go to exercise boot camp for an hour and immediately following I go to Zumba for an hour. I do this 5-6 days per week. I’m a Special Education teacher so during the summer break, beginning this past Memorial Day, I began walk/jogging 7 miles every morning Mon-Fri (and some Saturdays) at 7am with some of my friends/sisters from church. I did this in addition to the daily boot camp and Zumba.

My Zumba instructor is AWESOME and she is currently challenging her members to try and complete 1000 crunches and 225 squats daily for the month of August. I’m happy to say that I have met the challenge every day so far except 3 days. I currently weigh 178 pounds and I’m striving to lose 18 more pounds to get to my target weight of 160 pounds. I never would have dreamed that I would get back down to this size. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 12! I’m blessed and amazed at how God has moved in my life! I appreciate groups such as this for providing women with a resource and support to help us live healthier and longer more productive lives. With my weight loss I have encouraged church members, family members, Sorors, and co-workers to join me and together we can do this! WE ROCK!!!!

Diona weight loss

Towanda lost 47 pounds

by 3 Comments

Towanda lost 47 pounds by working out at the gym and eating clean.  Here is what she shared about losing the weight:

Hello there!! I wanted my before and after photos posted on your website for motivational and inspirational purposes. I have fought with weight problems for many years but finally I am almost out of the 200’s! Since January 2013, I am down 47 pounds. I do at least an hour in the gym when I workout. I work on the elliptical for cardio and weights for my arms and abs. I am currently 15 pounds away from being 199 and I am very excited. Clean eating is a big factor as I have added a lot of fruits and vegetables in my daily diet. No overeating and I’m very, very strict with my junk food intake. (SUGAR was always a problem) I also stay far away from fried foods. Please let these ladies know the process is not easy but it is well worth the work for a healthy body!!  The pic to the left was taken back in 2010 which shows how heavy I was. The middle picture is from the end of 2012 and the last picture was June 13, 2013.

I was motivated by my wedding date back in 2008. Once the wedding was over I started unhealthy eating again. After three years went by I became frustrated with my weight, as I went as far as a size 24. That size 24  and 275 pounds led me to believe I had to change for a healthy future! My family and co-workers who are big on health led me into this size 16 today with work out techniques and clean eating!  I am looking forward to my next goal of 199 pounds on August 31. All in a matter of two years I have lost weight, quit smoking and quit drinking…all in hopes to a great future for my children and I. I am hoping to help someone out there lead a better future as well!!!

My instagram: @tsweightlossjourney

Towanda weight loss story

Lashema lost 66 pounds

by 17 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss success story: Lashema lost 66 pounds in 6 months by working out with a personal trainer and being strict about her portion sizes as she changed her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Lashema weight lossWhat was your motivation?

Looking at pics from my vacation in Jamaica made me feel so ashamed of how big I had gotten! Once you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin, yhen it’s time for a change! Never will I go back to the past.  Never in a million years did I think I would be able to say I lost 57 pounds.

What did you do in terms of working out?

I started this journey 6 months ago, set a time frame goal and I can honestly say it has been amazing.  My very first day of training was definitely not what I expected. I left the gym thinking this chick is nuts.  Who has somebody running on the treadmill their first day training?  I guess she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at that moment!  However  in the end I’m so grateful for her.  Not only did she help me change myself physically, she also helped me gain motivation, determination & a passion for fitness!   What did my workouts look like?  I did 1 hour cardio with 30 min weight training 5-6 days a week.

People ask me what’s next after I hit my goal. Well, along with having a regular goal I always had a ultimate goal that I wanted to reach without having a time limit on it.  I don’t think this journey is over. I will always being improving myself.

How did you change your eating habits?

By completely changing my lifestyle, I couldn’t change on a temporary basis and expect long term results and to reach my goals. I eat in the right proportions.  Basically, I each a cup of everything. I carry ziplock containers to make sure my measurements are correct.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?

My starting weight was 226 pounds.  Now I weigh 160 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?

I took 6 months.

Lashema weight loss story

Devona lost 300 pounds

by 9 Comments

You’ve got to read Devona‘s amazing weight loss story.  She started at 730 pounds and has lost 300 pounds.  That is AMAZING and we are so proud of her!! She lost the first 100 without surgery to qualify for gastric bypass.  Here is what she had to say about her journey:

“My name is Devona. I am a 36 year old, single, black female who has struggled with my weight my entire life. Two years ago, I finally got tired of being sick and tired. I needed to change my life. My highest weight was 730 pounds. I have lost a total of 300 pounds so far. I lost it with the help of gastric bypass weight reduction surgery. Before I had the surgery, my doctor told me I had to loss 100 pounds before he would even touch me. As you can imagine, my heart was broken. I remember thinking, losing 100 pounds is the reason why I went to him in the first place. But I was determined to do this. I knew my life would start anew once I made this decision of a complete lifestyle change. So, I did the work and qualified for my surgery.  I lost the first hundred by walking and cutting out carbs and sugars and pumped up my protein. After surgery, I did the same but I just took it up a notch.

Now, I celebrate March 19, 2013 as my second birthday! It is never to late to do better. I can’t begin to tell you how much my life has changed. I still have a ways to go, but NOTHING is going to stop me from living the healthy life I want to have! With God’s help, I WILL do this. I hope I can inspire others to realize their own potential. It doesn’t matter if you have 30 pounds or 300 pounds to loose, you can do it! God bless you all in your journey.

Devona lost 300 pounds

The Importance of Hydration

by Leave a Comment

hydrationProper hydration is one of the most important aspects of healthy living. Just look at what happens when you water a plant. It perks up and seems to spread itself towards the Sun. Nearly all the life on this planet exists only because of water. Human beings can survive for weeks without food, but only three days without water. While there are parts of the world where people do not have access to clean drinking water, many of us are blessed to have water literally on tap that only needs to be filtered to make it safe to drink. It’s such a blessing, and yet many people in the West are chronically dehydrated.

All our organs use water for nourishment and lubrication. Blood, lymph and most other bodily fluids are based on water. Dehydration can cause headaches, nausea, vision problems, muscle cramping, urinary tract infections, high cholesterol, and fatigue. Severe or chronic dehydration can lead to vomiting, muscle spasm, and failure of the liver and kidneys before it finally kills us.  Hydration also affects our metabolism and thus our ability to lose weight.

Hydration means more than gulping water occasionally. It is a long-term process that requires receiving plenty of water every day. To be truly hydrated, electrolytes are also necessary. Electrolytes are the conduits of the electrical impulses that stimulate activities like muscle contractions and nerve reactions. In a body that is sufficiently hydrated, the kidneys maintain the proper electrolyte concentrations through any level of heat or physical activity. If the hydration or electrolyte levels get too low, it becomes much more challenging for the kidneys to maintain homeostasis. Electrolyte balance is supported by adding fresh lemon or lime juice, a dash of Celtic sea salt, or a trace minerals concentrate to your water. Potassium broth and fresh (not canned) young coconut water help, as well.

Hydration is vital everyday, but especially so when one is detoxifying. The toxins that are released into the bloodstream need to be flushed out. The colon needs to be hydrated for proper elimination. Basically all of the cleansing and circulating systems of the body become more sluggish when one is dehydrated. Trying to detoxify a sluggish body can be counter-effective or dangerous. Many of the unpleasant side effects and dangers of cleansing can be mitigated by adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water also helps stave off hunger pains if you are eating less food than the amount to which you are accustomed.

It is important to drink pure water. Most tap water, and even some bottled water, is contaminated with countless chemical additives, industrial by-products, and pharmaceutical residue. Some of the most dangerous are arsenic, mercury, pesticides, lead, aluminum, fluoride, chlorine, prescription drugs, and even radiation in some areas. Purchasing bottled water is not advised. Legally, only 70 percent of a bottle of water needs to come from a “spring” or other pure source, and the remaining 30 percent could be tap water. Chemicals from the plastic bottle can leach into the water and contaminate it. And bottling and shipping water takes a high toll on the Earth’s resources and creates more waste. A high-quality filter is recommended, and will save you money over bottled water in the long run. The most effective are two-chamber gravity models such as those manufactured by the Berkey Company, though other carbon filtration models will work, too.

A healthy person who is not cleansing or detoxing should consume one half of his or her body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water each day. So for a 180 pound person, that would be 90 ounces. When one is detoxing, usually even more water (or liquid in the form of vegetable juices and herbal tea) is required to support the cleansing process. Be sure that most of the water you drink has some form of bio-available electrolyte to support hydration as well as flushing (I find that lemon is the simplest choice for me). One way to tell if you are properly hydrated is to check your urine. If it is a very pale yellow or nearly clear, you are most likely sufficiently hydrated. If it is dark or bright yellow, then you need to drink more water.  Sorry to be so graphic, but it’s the truth (however if you have any health issues…they can affect urine color as well).

It is best to drink all of your day’s water before 7p.m. whenever possible. The kidneys go into recharge mode at that time, and will function more optimally when you are not drinking a whole lot of fluids between 7 and 10p.m. The best time to drink copious amounts of water is first thing in the morning. Tip: Drinking one or two quarts of warm water with lemon and pinch of cayenne is a great jumpstart for your day.

Fasting 101: Water Fasting and Intermittent Fasting

by Leave a Comment

Fasting is considered as one of the most powerful and ancient methods of detoxification of the body and all the systems. Overtime, a number of variations in the methods and strategies of fasting have been developed, but the overall health benefits and effect on the metabolism are still the same.  Today I want to talk about two very common methods:

  • Water fasting
  • Intermittent fasting

advertisement

This info is my opinion and based on my own research.  Since I’m not a medical expert, I would always suggest that you talk to your doctor before starting any fast…water, juicing, etc.

Regardless of the strategy employed, the main health benefits of fasting are:

  • Spiritual rejuvenation and connection for those who do it for spiritual reasons.
  • Healing and detoxification for the body, per organs being able to heal and do their natural detox functions
  • Conservation of energy by the body in general and with regard to the body processes related to digestion.  That energy can be used for cleaning the tissues, blood, etc.
  • Metabolism of fats
  • Promotion of weight loss

What happens during fasting?

Fasting is a physiological phenomenon for your body. Human body is designed for fasting and research suggests that most of the dramatic changes take place during initial 3 days of fasting. These changes are attributed to the alterations in the normal pattern of energy metabolism (from glucose and carbohydrates to fatty acids and ketones).

Benefits of fasting in addition to detoxification:

  1. Fasting is helpful in controlling blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia and high LDL cholesterol levels.
  2. Tightly regulated and properly structured fasting plans are helpful in decreasing the obesity and obesity related health issues.
  3. Fasting increases the production and concentration of anti-inflammatory mediators in the body that lessen the symptoms of joints disorders, arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
  4. Fasting has been used for spiritual uplift in cultures and religions all over the world.

Who should not fast?

If you have any of the below listed condition, you may not be an ideal candidate for detoxification by fasting:

  • If you are severely anemic
  • If you have eating disorders, like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, as well as depression.
  • If you are pregnant or nursing
  • If you are suffering from malnutrition
  • If you have diabetes or blood sugar issues
  • If you have issues with kidney function
  • If you have a serious health concern or chronic illness, you may benefit from fasting or it could make your condition worse.  You have to discuss fasting as an option for greater health with your doctor/medical expert.

Those of you who are medically well and want to choose fasting for detoxification have a lot of options.  Here are the 3 most common methods.

Water Fasting

Normally done for 3 – 10 days, water fasting is one of the oldest forms of fasting.  It is most often done for spiritual as well as physical healing.  How do you do a water fast?  You abstain from anything other than purified water for the period of time you are fasting.  No water, no food, no juice, etc.   Thus, it’s not something that most people can do for an extended time and their are many potential health risks for long term water fasting.  Increased self control and increased spiritual connection are thought to be the main benefits of water fasting.

I don’t suggest water fasting for weight loss because of the lack of nutrients and nutrition, however I do think that for detoxing and spiritual practices that it’s fine for healthy people.

Intermittent Fasting with Calorie Restriction:

Intermittent fasting refers to decreasing total calorie intake and increasing the spacing between the meals.  In essence it’s changing your eating patterns.  Some people designate a window of time (6 hours or 4 hours for example) and they only eat then.  They fast the rest of the day.  Others will fast a full 24 hours a few times per week.  For example, They may have breakfast ending at 10am and not eat again until 10 am the next day.

The thought with intermittent fasting is that your body will have to pull from it’s stored fat for energy rather than the food you eat that is turned into glucose that goes into your bloodstream or glycogen in your muscles.  The metabolizing of this fat should cause weight loss, but it also opens the door for toxins that are stored in the fat and lymphatic system to be detoxed (if you properly fast).  This is basically true with all claims that fasting will help you lose weight because the only fuel available to the body is fat…technically.

What are the benefits?    Intermittent fasting is helpful not only for weight loss and healthy metabolism but also for longevity and well-being according to a research published in the peer reviewed journal Ageing research reviews suggested that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction can decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia. This suggests that reducing the amount of calories help the cells to adapt and regenerate to the toxic environment around us. In addition, studies have shown that intermittent fasting may increase the rate of overall metabolism. This is a concept that’s still be sorted out in the research so it’s not set in stone.

Personally, I think it’s healthier to focus on whole, unprocessed foods, like fresh, uncooked fruits and veggies (organic if you can get them) to cleanse the body.

General Cautions:

  • If your total calorie intake was more than 3000 calories, intermittent fasting or severe calorie restriction may lead to complications. It’s better to reduce your calorie intake moderately by 500-1000 calories (cleaning up your diet) per day and then initiate intermittent fasting.
  • Lastly, after certain period of fasting, body begin to mobilize muscle proteins to generate energy (leading to weakness and muscle aches). Research data indicates that after the mobilization of glycogen (the storage form of glucose), body begin to metabolize proteins (almost 60 and 84 grams per day or 3 ounce of muscle mass) for the first few days until ketone production is initiated after which the rate of protein breakdown decreases.  You don’t want to lose muscle, you want to lose fat.  This one of the main reasons why people gain the weight back after fasting or dieting.  Less lean, calorie burning muscle on their bodies because it’s been eaten away.

Prolonging you fasting (more than 2 weeks) can lead to severe lethargy, electrolyte imbalance, weakness, dizziness and alterations in the productivity.  Talk with your doctor before going on any fasting plan.  Fasting can be done in a healthy way, but you have to know what you’re doing.

Lakesha lost 178 pounds

by 22 Comments

Today’s weight loss story: The fabulous Lakesha lost 178 pounds by eating right and working out on the regular.  Although she had been approved for weight loss surgery, she decided not to go through with it.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

“I’m sure I topped the scales at well over 400 pounds at one point in my life. By the time I was sick and tired of being fat, I weighed in at 388 pounds. At that point, I felt like gastric bypass surgery was my cure all. Getting approved for the surgery was fairly easy. I had a surgery date set in August of 2008.

There was a still voice telling me I hadn’t given it my all and before I went through with this life changing procedure, I owed it to myself to give it my all.

I am living proof that giving it your all will get you the results you desire. I started my journey in January 2009. Like most it was my new year’s resolution, but this time I chose to dig deeper and I prayed everyday. I asked God to give me the strength, stamina and endurance to go on even when I didn’t feel like going on. He answered my prayers, but I also did my part with making the right food choices and I exercised five to six days a week. The three D’s are a staple in my life Dedication…Determination & Discipline.

The last time I weighed myself I was down a total of 178 pounds. At one point, I was thinking I can’t wait to show my before and after photo. Truth is… after never comes.  It’s a journey that doesn’t end. It’s a lifestyle and I’m in it for the long haul. It’s not an easy journey in the beginning, but it’s so worth it. I swear I’ve never felt this great in my life. It’s not about being skinny or just smaller. It is a plus to being smaller because the clothes are not as expensive and I have choices. I can shop in any store I want.

It’s about not being worried if a seat is too small in certain places. It’s about being able to out run my children while we’re outside playing. It’s about taking care of me now so that I won’t be a burden to others later.  It’s about having the energy to live and enjoy life.

I currently still work out five to six days a week that’s cardio & strength training. Don’t be afraid to lift weights it will help with the loose skin. I was so heavy that I still have some skin but I think it would have been a lot worse if I didn’t lift weights at all. I eat clean 75% of the time. I drink plenty of water. At minimum I drink a gallon a day. One thing to remember… you can’t out train a bad diet. Don’t waste your time or money going to a gym if you don’t plan to change what you are eating. It starts in the kitchen.

You and only you can make the changes necessary to live a healthy life. You are in control of every bite and nibble you taste. Exercise that self control and see where it takes you. Eating healthy and exercising is a CHOICE. Make the right choice for you!!!

I have no regrets about my weight loss journey. I feel good!!!

Lakesha weight loss story

Anissa lost 76 pounds

by 9 Comments

The amazing 5’2″ Fitness Diva Anissa Mcunu stopped by our Facebook page and shared her before and after photos and her story with us.  She lost 76 pounds. This mom of 3 is truly an inspiration and started competing at 42 years old.  I first learned of her on BWLW member Wiltrina‘s Facebook page (Wiltrina is one of my fav success stories).  Here is what she shared:

“I am a 44 year old wife and mother of three that has battled being overweight most of my life. One day, while trying on a size 18 suit in a store’s dressing room, I looked in the mirror and cried. I was so tired of eating myself to death. I decided right then and there that I was just to pretty to be a size 18 at 5’2 and 180 pounds. I had to save ME!!

Right after, I took baby steps. I changed my diet by not eating any fried foods. I lost my first 50 pounds by myself. Later, I hired a trainer and I weight trained.  I also did cardio with him 5-6 days a week. He taught me the importance of eating clean and I lost another 25 pounds.

My starting weight was 180 pounds and my lowest weight was 104 pounds. It took me about 5 months to lose the first 50 pounds, but once I started to eat clean and weight train the last 25 fell off very quickly and I toned up nicely. Once I toned up and gained lean muscle mass, I decided to compete at the age of 42 where I came in 2nd place in figure.
I just competed in my final show where I placed 1st & 2nd place in women’s physique. I love to encourage and inspire others to know that it’s never too late and that they TOO ARE WORTH IT!  KEEP PUSHING,Y’ALL!”

Anissa mcunu