The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.
Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Maxine. She lost 205 pounds with LapBand weight loss surgery.
Today’s weight loss before and after story: JoAnn lost 126 pounds. She used My Fitness Pal to count calories and gained a love for running on her journey. Here is what she shared with us:
Hello, my name JoAnn. I am a wife and mother of four. I have had three C-sections, a set of twins, and two gastric bypass surgeries (includes reversal). I have been overweight all of my life my heaviest 398 pounds. In my early twenties I had the Gastric Bypass surgery unfortunately I had to have the surgery reversed, for over a year I was what they called the walking dead my body wasn’t absorbing protein and I almost died. I lost 210 pounds however, after the reversal; I gained most of the weight back. March of 2010, I weighed in at 298 pounds.
I decided to get healthy after the premature deaths of my parents. My mother past away at 55 in 2009 from ALS and my father at 56 in Jan 2010 from high blood pressure and being on dialysis. Losing both parents so soon in life really took its toll on me. Having four kids of my own, I knew that I still needed my parents and there was no way I was going let something like my weight take me out sooner than necessary. Being here for my children and growing old with my husband is what sparked me to change my life.
My Philosophy is TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. I am not perfect and do not claim to be. If I have a bad moment, I do not see myself as a failure, I just know that I will see the consequences of my decision on the scale and I keep going. People do not get that YOU are in control of what goes into your body. Therefore, if you make a conscience choice to eat junk, just know that you are going to have to put in the extra work to get it off with that said, you then have to decide if it is worth it or not, if so then eat it and keep it moving. However, always in moderation. I am a firm believer in counting and watching your calories I have been on My Fitness Pal for over 815 days.
I strength train 3 times a week and do cardio, but my true love is running. I learned to run using the Couch to Run program back in November 2011. I ran my first race a 10k in March 2012 in 1hr 10 minutes. So far, I have competed in 13 races including a two half marathons and will run in three more before the year is over.
My Motto is NO EXCUSES I truly believe that if you want something bad enough you can do it. I find that people want to know so badly how I did it, when I tell them that I would get up at 4 am and workout 5 times a week run 15 miles over the weekend, they lose interest. Lol! Everyone wants a QUICK FIX but when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, SORRY but there’s no such thing. I do not compare myself to others everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you. Changing the way you think is key to losing weight and keeping it off.
I had the infamous Ah Ha moment! For me, I refuse to turn 40 still dealing with my weight. Sll my life I’ve had to deal with it and I am tired! Life is too short and enough is enough. If you want it, make up your mind and JUST DO IT!
Shout out to the amazing Caroline Jhingory! This woman released 150+ pounds and has kept it off for almost 20 years. Her story inspires us and lets us know that long term success is possible.
Update Sept 2018: “The best compliment that I ever received was from a doctor here in my hometown Washington, DC. “You are an African-American woman that has lost and maintained a 150+lb weight without weight loss surgery and kept it up for over 15+ years. I’ve been a physician for double that 30 years, and I have rarely seen that.”
I will say that now in life maintaining my 150+lb weight loss is just as hard if not harder as it was too lose it. Metabolism and hormone changes, and it just seems food especially chocolate taste better and better in your 30’s. Still a positive support system of people and positive self-talk keep me in line.
Power-walking everyday is a regimented part of my life just as taking a shower. And I don’t bring any unhealthy foods into my home. I save indulges for dining out or family gatherings.”
– @CarolineJhingory
Author and weight loss expert Caroline Jhingory is definitely a weight loss success story that you need to know about. She has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show, TODAY Show, the Huffington Post, and in PEOPLE, ESSENCE and SHAPE magazines. You may have checked out her book, Half My Size: How I Ate To Lose 150lbs. I had the chance to ask her the questions we ask all of our featured ladies. Check out what she shared with us:
What was your motivation?
Ten years ago weighing over 307 pounds on a 5’2 frame a dermatologist told me that the dark blotches on my skin were an indication that I was pre-diabetic. That moment was what I call my rock bottom. I decided right then and there that I was going to make the rest of my life, the best of my life.
What did you do in terms of eating to lose the weight?
Being that I was pre-diabetic, my family doctor’s recommendation was to eliminate, not moderate all white foods from diet. Although these foods are not technically white, this meant all sugar, products made with flour, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and corn. My new way of eating involved lean proteins (all seafood, chicken breasts and egg whites) and non-starchy vegetables only. (All vegetables, excluding corn, potatoes, peas, plantains, squash and carrots.)
What did you do in terms of exercise to lose the weight?
I could not afford fancy personal trainers or a gym membership. So, I began to walk everywhere instead of catching the bus and subway here in my hometown of Washington, DC. Over the years, my body needed more of a challenge and strength gym. Eventually ,I was able to afford a gym membership and swore by machines like the elliptical fitness trainer and circuit machines. Now my primary workout is running on my treadmill at home while watching a ratchet reality TV show. It makes the time fly right on by!
Caroline also shared with us about having skin removal surgery.
Caroline Jhingory on the Dr. Oz Show – www.doctoroz.com/videos/secrets-skinny-pt-3
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Jasmen lost 40 pounds by working out 4-5 days per week and eating 1200 calories per day. Here is what she shared with us:
Hi, my name is Jasmen and these are my before and after pictures and weight loss story. Before I changed my eating habits and started exercising, I weighed in at 191 pounds in January 2013. As of today, I have lost 40 pounds and can finally wear a bikini proudly. I have always been body conscious even at my lowest weight, which was 130 pounds, but not anymore. I feel better than ever! I now weigh 151 pounds and have about 10 more pounds to lose. I eat around 1200 calories per day and do lots of cardio and strength training, at least 4-5 days per week. Getting back to my high school size/weight was my motivation. I hope I can be someone else’s motivation!
June 2014 Update: “I was featured last year however I’ve made progress since then. I am down 40 lbs total, which is a 7 pound difference from before. This is after adding running to my routine and incorporating weights a little bit more. I’ve noticed that I’m losing inches, especially through my midsection. After my story was featured on your blog and holidays rolling around I did gain about 10 lbs back. However, when the new year came in I got back on track. I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained because there’s definitely ups and downs with this weight loss journey. I always say it’s a journey with no destination because this is for life, even after the goal weight is reached. You still have to continue maintaining the lifestyle change. I love the BWLW page for constantly motivating and inspiring. My journey continues!” – Jimella @ear_candy_couture
Original Post – July 2013 – Let’s show some BWLW love to Jimella! She lost 33 pounds and fought off high blood pressure with Weight Watchers and working out. Here is what she shared with us:
I began my weight loss transformation Feb. 20, 2013 although I’ve been overweight since June 18, 1980 (the day I was born). Last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was 185/110. I would have slight headaches periodically I’m sure due to increased pressure and my love of salty foods. I refused to get on any type of medication. I just couldn’t see myself taking medication everyday at (then) 32 years old. I felt too young to be doing all that especially when I knew this could be fixed with weight loss. Of course this runs in my family and I’ve seen it take such a great toll on close family from strokes to kidney failure and I just can’t find myself 20+ years down the road in that same cycle.
I began by changing my eating habits drastically. I started eating more vegetables and/or juicing, whereas before I would go days if not weeks at a time without eating any type of vegetation. I threw out ALL junk food and salty foods, which was hard at first because my weakness is juice and chips (which I still struggle with). Eventually I joined Weight Watchers which I love because it teaches you about portion control and how to make healthier eating choices. If I couldn’t calculate the points on it then I just wouldn’t eat it. I became active by working out 4-5 times/week in the gym. I started making my workouts more fun by doing outdoor activities like going bike riding on the beach and hiking and now I’m down 33lbs but the journey continues. My goal is to be in a comfortable size 14 jeans (currently size 18, previously size 22). I’m still in awe when I look at my pics. I love it! Once I start to see my collar bones pertrude a little more then I’ll really know I’m making extreme progress, LOL.
When I found pages such as this one and all the fitness and eat clean pages on Instagram, I became that much more motivated and encouraged. I love seeing all of the success stories from everyone but primarily from other black women because we have such a bad stigma on us when it comes to health and fitness (or should I say the lack thereof). It feels so good to see us conquering that stereotype and I’m even more proud of the discipline, strength, and dedication that God has blessed me with to join that fight.
I know that some of you may be considering going Vegan or Vegetarian, so I want to give some tips on transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.
How many excuses have you come up with for not going vegan or vegetarian? If you’re like many people, you have talked yourself out of it time and time again. Maybe you feel that eating a solely plant-based diet is just too difficult or that you won’t be able to eat out, socialize with friends, or enjoy the foods you love. For these reasons and more, people have either avoided veganism/vegetarianism altogether or given up after a short stint.
The truth is, though, that most people fail to plan, making their lifestyle switch more difficult than it needs to be. Follow these 8 tips to make your transition into the world of plant-based eating easier:
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Monique lost 78 pounds with clean eating and the help of a dedicated personal trainer. Here is what she shared with us:
I was focused and dedicated to my journey. I lost 78 pounds and competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition on 6/29/13…What an experience!
My struggle with my weight begun with my first pregnancy 20 years ago. The weight packed on quick. I gained over 70 pounds. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and gave birth to a Premie. I continued to gain after delivering my son, as a result of the birth control I chose. I tried every diet out on the market in my attempts to gain control. Not understanding that word (Diet) was the problem. Fast forward, 10 years later, we finally were pregnant with our 2nd child (a baby girl that was also a Premie). I also developed Gestational Diabetes with the second pregnancy and additional weight gain added to my overall weight. I never loss the pounds from 10 years earlier with our first child. Shortly after the birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 30’s. This is where I had to seriously make some serious changes to my health.
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I couldn’t lose the weight for vanity, but once it effected my health, I knew it had gotten out of control. I had to educate myself and make the needed changes in order to save my life. I was directed to the Diet Doctor A.K.A. Terry Starks on Facebook. He introduced me to the clean eating lifestyle. I quickly adopted to the lifestyle and applied it as a way of life from 2012 to present. My weight was at my highest was 220lbs after the delivery of our 2nd child. Can you imagine that on a 5″2″ frame? I loss a total of 78 pounds to date. I’m proud to say I took it to another level and challenged myself with the help of Terry Starks and entered my 1st of many bikini bodybuilding competition at 44 years young on 6/29. I took 4th place. I hope to inspire and motivate others just like myself. . You can do it! In order to CHANGE your BODY… YOU must first CHANGE your MIND. ..REAL LIFE!!!
Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Bridgette who lost 40 pounds by eating clean, food journaling, and working out regularly. Here is what she shared with us:
My primary motivation to lose weight was because my children!!! I wanted to be around for them. I lost my parents due to heart disease and I was determined not to leave that legacy for my children. My starting weight was 200 pounds in 2011 and over the next year, I managed to lose a few pounds. My real weight loss journey didn’t begin until December 2012! Over the last 6 months, I have lost a total of 40 pounds through walking/running, logging everything I eat and eating less carbs. I eat clean (vegetables, fruit, turkey, and chicken, No white carbs) 85% of the time. On the weekends, I may have brown rice or pasta in a dish. I drink at least 6 glasses of water daily. I plan to lose an additional 5-10 and I will have reached my goal of 150 pounds. This is a lifestyle change!!!
Today’s weight loss success story: Personal Trainer Edisha shows us how losing 20 pounds with a lot of hard work can make a major difference in the way your body looks. Here is what she shared with us:
I lost 20 pounds this past 3 months with a before /after. I’m a personal trainer who dedicated her life to helping others lose weight. My mother was an inspiration to me from a young age. As a single parent 4 children, she battled with clinical depression after being raped in our home when I was about 4 years old; as a result, she then went from an active lifestyle to sedentary with food in her side as comfort. Her words always ring in my ears saying, “Desha, you better eat right and exercise. You don’t want to grow up and be fat and depressed like me.” I took those words unknowingly to the extent of my degree in Exercise Science and Wellness, with a minor in Psychology, to use in my every day life as an athlete then to helping others as a certified personal trainer, so much to where I forgot about ME. I gained a lot of weight working hard at helping others reach their goals, picturing my mom sitting in front of me. A fitness show inspired me to find balance and take my life back so, I could continue to set the example for those whom I help. Three months ago in the midst of surviving a 3-car collision, I started working towards a fitness show helping combat childhood obesity and on turn got my life back. Having lost 20 pounds of body fat in just 3-months by eating 5-6 times a day, exercising 5-6 days per week, and taking vitamins regularly with 8-10 glasses of water a day. I can truly say that I am a winner with just that. Now, I’m more confident and can continue to lead by example.
We received a great weight loss story from Tiffany. She lost 50 pounds by eating clean and working out at home with things like weights and Beachbody’s Insanity DVDs. Here is what she shared with us:
My name is Tiffany! When I was two months shy of 30, I went to my younger sister’s college graduation and afterward I saw a picture of myself. I really could not believe that I had put on so much weight! My children were 1 and 3 years old, so I knew I had some “baby weight,” but I had no idea how much! I weighed 196 pounds at 5’3, but I deluded myself into thinking I was not “fat” because I hadn’t hit 200 pounds, even though I was probably only 2 value meals away! At that moment, I vowed to lose 50 pounds by my 31st birthday. The foundation of my entire success has been my mantra of “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13.
I joined Weight Watchers and learned how to control portions and make healthier choices. After I’d lost my first 25 pounds, I noticed that I just looked like a smaller version of my flabby self. After more research, I learned more about clean eating and started to follow the 80/20 rule, which is eat good foods about 80% of the time and then feel no guilt about having what I wanted the other 20%.
My initial exercise involved purchasing a used double jogger and walking 5 days per week. Then, I began challenging myself to jog and each month I increased distance and speed. I eventually met a trainer who was willing to come to my house one hour every 6 weeks because that was all I could afford! But, I maximized my results by using that one hour training as the guideline for lifting my husband’s old weights at home! I never paid a cent to a gym membership! As I got stronger and stronger, I decided to tackle Beach Body’s INSANITY with Shaun T! I felt like such a CHAMP and the changes in my body were phenomenal!
By my 31st birthday, I hadn’t lost 50 pounds, but I’d lost 40! I was able to take off the last 10 over the course of a few more months after my birthday. As a result of my year and a half commitment and my belief that God had better for me, I eventually made it to the status of Lifetime Weight Watcher Member and earned all of their awards along the way! Had anyone told me just two years ago that I would not only be fit, but be a weight loss resource to others, I would have laughed heartily! My best weight loss advice is:
1. Set a goal and start. A goal gives you direction. Even if you don’t hit it on time, you know you are MOVING in the right direction.
2. Celebrate sucesses like losing 0.2 pounds, or maintaining. Ounces add up to pounds just like pennies add up to dollars.
3. But, the most valuable lesson I learned was that anything that we commit to God turns our right! God was MY power source. Find yours!
