Black Weight Loss Success

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

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Ajima Jackson

Before You Start A New Diet…

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Consider This…One man’s medicine is another man’s poison. This is why you really can’t declare that one eating plan, diet or exercise plan is good or terrible for all. Each person is different. I believe in bio-individuality. There is no one size fits all plan so I recommend that the ladies of BWLW try different things each month. If you find something that works for you..low carb, vegetarian, paleo…you should stick with that as long as it’s healthy.

Here on Facebook, on all our websites and for our monthly challenges we recommend that you do what works for you ultimately. We also let you know in our disclaimer that we are not giving expert medical advice. Any diet book or weight loss book that you buy that is not written by a doctor or nutritionist will have a similar disclaimer saying something like this: “Talk to a doctor before making drastic changes to your diet and exercise routine.” This is because you may have known or unknown medical issues that could get worse due to diet changes. Please take this info to heart and if you are doing something…changing your eating, taking some pill, doing a new workout…and you don’t feel right or you feel sick, STOP. I want you to be happy and healthy.

Shelby lost 100 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after:  My Sigma Gamma Rho soror Shelby lost 100 pounds with a low carb lifestyle and consistent exercise.  Here is what she shared with us:

Ladies, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you all how inspiring you all are to me and to share my story! Over the years, I gained and lost A LOT of weight but, on 12/27/2002, I decided to try my hand at a low carb lifestyle and CONSISTENT exercise.  Thank God, those were the changes that allowed me to change FOR GOOD! I’ve been able to keep the excess weight off (pic on the left was taken in the summer of ’02 and the one on the right was at a sorority (ΣΓΡ) conference in April of this year) through continued commitment to my low carb lifestyle and MOVING MY BODY. Many of us are proof that we can do this for life, not just as a “quick fix” or for a special occasion.  I thank you all for being next to me on this journey!!

I lost 100 lbs (120 total but gained 20 after having thyroid surgery…boooo!) and my motivation was to improve my health and no longer feel like a prisoner in my body! High blood pressure, insulin resistance/pre-diabetes and asthma were controlling my life and I felt like someone much older than my actual age! For exercise, I’ve done everything from aerobics classes to Zumba to every DVD program you can imagine. At the moment, I’ll be wrapping up my first round of Insanity next week and I plan to start Les Mills Combat on June 2nd!!

Shelby weight loss before and after

Beverly lost 84 pounds

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Check out this weight loss success story: Beverly lost 84 pounds with the Shred program by Dr. Ian Smith, Zumba classes and is no longer pre-diabetic.  Here is what she shared with us:

For the past 30 years, I have always been considered obese. Last summer I went to the doctor for my annual checkup and my numbers were high enough that I realized I was killing myself. My weight had ballooned to 294 pounds, my blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was at 264 and I was pre-diabetic. I was so miserable and knew at 54 years of age I was headed to an early grave. It was then that I knew I had to make a drastic change. I was already taking Zumba classes twice a week, but I wasn’t eating healthy. I was introduced to a new weight lost program Shred: The Revolutionary Diet before the book was published.  The program involves healthy eating 4 to 5 meals a day. I followed the program and I’m still following it to this day. Here, a year later, I’m 84 pounds lighter, from 294 to 210 pounds. My cholesterol went from 264 to 180, my blood pressure is normal and I am no longer pre-diabetic. I am in the best shape of my life. I would like to lose about 20 to 25 more pounds. Now, my regime is 4 to 5 small meals a day, Zumba class 3 times a week and resistance training twice a week. I try to include extra cardio everyday with a walking DVD. My before picture is from June 2012 and my present picture is June 2013, 84 pounds light from 294 to 210 pounds.

Beverly weight loss before and after

Nikia lost 150 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Nikia lost 150 pounds.  She started at 389 pounds and lost the weight by working out religiously and changing her eating habits.  After being told she had a 10% chance of having a child, she is a proud mom.  Here is what she shared with us:

nikia weight loss storyHello! My name is Nikia Dejoie and I wanted to share my journey with you all. In 2003, at only 22 I finally got on a scale…and to my surprise it read 389 pounds. I was blown away. Already boarderline diabetic, I was taking high blood pressure medicine and was in the worst physical shape possible. I was also informed that due to my weight, I had a hormone malfunction which put me in the 90% chance of never conceiving a child category. I took control of my life and decided that I wanted better. I then began to workout religiously, I completely changed my eating habits, and in about 1 year and a half I was down to 178 pounds in 2005. Over the years I celebrated this new found person i had become, I lived life like I had never lived before, met the man of my dreams, I fell in love, I got married, i started a new career, and in 2011 (shortly after I got married)…I became PREGNANT. (Yippee) With everything happening so fast and life being so good, of course I gained about 80 pounds back. After celebrating a good friend’s birthday in January 2013 she posted pictures on Facebook. I almost screamed when I saw myself. I was becoming that person AGAIN that I had buried in 2003. I started my change immediately. I worked out 5 days a week for 1 and 1/2 hours, I eliminated all fried foods, soda, pork, starch, and beef. On June 2 2013, I was down 52 pounds! I am still on this new lifestyle change and I still have a long road ahead of me to maintain this. I plan to stick with it and provide support to any and everyone on this road to a healthier life… Here are a few photos. Anyone can follow my journey on Nikki’s Makeup Lounge on Facebook or missmakeup_artist on instagram.

Nikia weight loss before and after

Caroline lost 31 pounds

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Caroline lost 31 pounds and she still has her curves.  This diva credits healthy eating choices and patience as being key to her weight loss.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi Black Women Losing Weight!  My name is Caroline.   I lost 31 pounds going from 193 lbs to 162 lbs from October 2012 to now.  I lost the weight by eating smaller portioned meals and picking up some healthier eating habits.  I did very little exercise because I could not keep up with it.  I was also very patient and waited to see the weight come off.  I feel Amazing and I look fabulous.  My motivation was to be healthier & sexier  and for my clothes to fit better.  This Sunday is my birthday so I am celebrating my weight lost success.  Your Facebook page also taught me to be patient.  Thanks so much ladies…and I promise to keep the weight off.

caroline weight loss before and after

Jada lost 135 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Jada lost 135 pounds with hard work and determination after a major health crisis.  This proud mom of 4 credits her weight loss to her trainer, working out consistently and clean eating.  Here is what she shared with us:

I stare into my 1 year old daughter’s eyes and recall how I almost had a total breakdown when she was just 7 days old.  At 324 pounds, I was hospitalized for three days.  I was suffering with hypertension, an enlarged and weakened heart, palpitations, sleep apnea and fluid in my lungs. I was told that I’d be able to do no more than a 15 minute brisk walk because of my conditions, and when I asked would I get better if I lost weight I was told “not really.” My OB/Gyn told me he hadn’t seen that much fat in one person before and suggested I have weight loss surgery. They had a hard time getting my baby out (I had a C-Section) and an even harder time closing me up. I knew my life depended on my losing weight, but I wanted to do it naturally. So, I walked into Body By Denise when my baby girl was eight weeks and a day.  I was convinced that if I just got my weight down, things would get better despite what the doctors said. With a whole lot of hard work (working out five days each week), an equal amount of dedication, and a constant size 9 foot up my backside (my awesome trainer Denise Warren), I dropped the weight.  I no longer suffer with ANY of the aforementioned ailments. Exactly 1 year later, I am now 189 pounds.  I’m enjoying being a mom and have all the energy I need to run behind my tribe of energizer bunnies (I have 4 children, three boys ages 11, 8 and 5 and my 1 year old baby girl). I love Body By Denise (BBD) something serious. Eat Clean + Train Dirty = Great Results!!

To be more specific about eating clean, I do not eat processed foods at all and no white starches whatsoever. I drink only water and unsweetened tea. I have no more than 2 servings of fresh fruit daily and 2 to 3 servings of green leafy vegetables. I eat only lean protein like tilapia, salmon fillet or chicken breast. My protein is either steamed, baked or grilled. I consume about a gallon of water daily and I do not eat after 8pm, 5pm on days that I work out. I snack on unsalted almonds and pistachios and limit my sodium intake to no more than 1500mg daily. My sugar intake is 25g or less per day. I add lemon to my water whenever I can and make sure that warm lemon water is the first thing I consume in the morning…Then I have  fruit.

Jada weight loss before and after

Updated: Sabrina lost 152 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Check out this great before and after weight loss story: Sabrina lost 137 pounds with weight loss surgery 3 years ago and was able to overcome a number of health challenges.  Here is what she shared with us: (Updated 10/22/13 – See the update and photos below)

“I have been inspired by many during my weight loss journey. I have struggled with my weight since High School. My weight was up and down, after trying so many diets, weight loss pills, and different weight loss plans nothing seemed to work. My heaviest weight was 354 pounds and my health was not good. I was 29 years old and I was suffering from sleep apnea, severe acid reflux, back problems, knee problems and shortness of breath. I had to make a decision. On March 15, 2010, I decided to have weight loss surgery. It was a tough road, but it was well worth it compared to going through all the pain and medical problems I had before. I changed my eating habits and worked out 3-4 days a week.  The most important thing was I remembered where I came from so I would not allow myself to ever go back to what I use to be. My current weight is 217 pounds. I have gained a lot of muscle, learned healthier ways of eating and portion control.  Vitamins and constant prayer have also helped me.  Motivation from others helps keeps me going as well. Its been a little over three years since the surgery and I have maintained my weight loss. I am a happier healthier person.”

Update – Sabrina has lost a total of 152 pounds: “You posted my story while back. Well, I am currently still working on my goal to lose weight and I have lost more. I was looking over my medical records from the day I was released from the hospital and my weight the day I was released was 360 pounds. My current weight is 208 pounds. I have started using My Fitness Pal and this app has helped me control my calorie intake. I am so glad that I’m back on the road to losing weight again. I continue to workout and read books on clean eating. I even purchased your last book and this helped me so much. I have become more conscious about what I eat. I’m reading labels and drinking tons of water. Your site has encouraged me and others to continue on. Some days are harder than other but you must not let it weigh you down.  You’ve got to pick yourself up and keep going. I’m going through a separation from my husband but I refuse to let that knock me down. I am a winner and I will not give up!! Here are some new photos.”

Sabrina weight loss surgery

Orignal Photos:

sabrina weight loss surgerySabrina weight loss success

Lameka lost 106 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Lameka lost 106 pounds going from 349 pounds to 243 pounds.  She was motivated by finding out she had stroke level high blood pressure.  She did it by counting calories, changing her diet, taking a prescription appetite suppressant and working out hard.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello! My motivation began when I went to the doctor for consistent headaches. Stepping on the scale weighing in at 349 pounds, crushed me; only to hear seconds later that it was a miracle I had not “strocked out” with a blood pressure of 180/120 (give or take a few). From that day forward, I have been grinding. I have been counting calories, doing excessive exercising and drinking a case of water every 1 1/2 days.  Eating wise, I cut out fast foods, fried food, or sugar. After losing my first 40 pounds, I chose to consult with my doctor about a appetite suppressant. Two years later I’m weighing in at 243! I met my initial goal of losing the first 100 pounds, now my new goal is to get to 200 pounds! Great LIFE change! One day at a time!

Lameka before and after photos
Updated photo: July 2014

Lameka weight loss before and after

Updated Photo:  Posted 9/20/13

lameka weight loss

Chante’ lost 60 pounds

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Chante’ lost 60 pounds with a low card/high protein diet and exercise.  She was able to stop taking medication for diabetes and high blood pressure after losing weight.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Chante’, better known to all as Tay. I have been struggling with my weight since the age of 19, when I had my one and only child. Before my pregnancy, I was at 145 pounds and after I gave birth, I was at 250 pounds. Through out my adult life, I lived with the weight and yo-yo’d from 250 pounds to 219 pounds (being the lowest I’ve ever gone, then right back up to 248 lbs). I finally settled at 240 lbs and stayed there for so long. In October of 2006, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. When I found the best doctor, she explained to me what I needed to do in order to come off meds. LOSE WEIGHT…I wasn’t trying to hear that. I already knew about diabetes because my mother had type 1 diabetes. In February of 2009, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. So now, I was taken meds for the diabetes and for high blood pressure. Geeze, I didn’t want to meds, but I had to since I wasn’t even trying to do anything else. I continued to not listen and kept it moving. Last year, I lost my mother in August of 2012. This hit me real hard and to be honest, I still have not really accepted it. Over the next couple of months I was lost and confused. I didn’t want to die with a lot of health aliments, like my mother did.

In January, I decided to start my new healthy lifestyle. January, 4, 2013 changed my life. My starting weight was 240 pounds. I am currently at 180 pounds. I started using healthy apps on my iPhone: Myfitnesspal, Runtastic, Nike+Running, Runkeeper, BodyMedia Armband, and just recently purchased a Garmin Watch. I had to build myself to up to running. Walked then jog, and kept the process up that way. Now, I can run 3 miles and I’m good. No feelings of passing out or throwing up. Also, I started on a Low Carb/High Protein Diet. This has really helped me because I am currently not on any medication for diabetes and high blood pressure. Both are currently stable. Thank You God!!! My mom would have been so proud.  I know she watching me. I now have a personal trainer that is helping me drop 30 pounds more that I am trying to lose as well as getting my body tighter. I lift weights, run, and enjoy being overall healthier and stronger. My daughter is so proud of me. Just to think, I thought about having the surgery but I am so happy that I did not. Doing it on my own gave me more confidence.  I’m also glad God kept that drive alive in me to be successful in my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Chante weight loss story

Tecoye lost 69 pounds

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Today’s amazing weight loss before and after story:  Tecoye lost 69 pounds.  At 4’11” this mom went from 185 to 116 and developed some amazing abs as well. She lost the weight with portion control, changing her diet, and exercise. Her weight loss motivation is very moving. Here is what she shared with us:tecoye weight loss before and after

I have been overweight most of my life, and because I am only 4’11, any extra weight I have makes it even harder to carry at my size. I was 185 pounds and I was so uncomfortable in my skin and could not do the things I wanted to do with my kids. My husband is my biggest motivation. We were both overweight and tried many times to lose weight and be healthy.

During my first pregnancy, I developed high blood pressure and knew I definitely needed to make a change. My husband and I starting working out until I got pregnant for a second time. During that time, I converted back to some of my old habits. After that pregnancy, I weighed 165 pounds. During both pregnancies, medical issues contributed to early deliveries. My blood pressure was so high when I was pregnant with my son that they had to induce me at 34 weeks. The doctors were afraid that I might slip into a coma. With my daughter, I went into labor and delivered her at 28 weeks. She was only 2.6lbs and spent 2 months in the hospital. Even though it was undetermined why I had went into labor with her so early, it was my personal belief that I could have done more to prevent it.

From that point, I promised myself I would never be like that again. The biggest thing for me is preparation. I prepare my meals ahead of time so I always know what I am going to eat and take to work. My rule of thumb is if I didn’t bring it, I don’t eat it. I incorporated more protein in my diet and pride myself in eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. I don’t eat fried foods and strictly limit myself on carbs and sugars. I also drink at least 80 ounces of water throughout the day. I got up every morning before work at 4:30 and worked out in my basement. I also changed what I was eating. I started off walking on the treadmill and using the elliptical for at least 30 minutes. As I got better I continually increased the intensity of my workouts. I did a lot of jumping exercises like box jumps, jumping jacks and burpees. The first month I lost 15lbs and was excited to continue. As I got smaller the weight became harder to lose, so I started doing yoga. Doing that really sculpted my body. I started in December of 2012 and reached my current weight of 116 pounds in June of 2013.  I am in the best shape of my life. I now have just as much energy as my kids to be able to run and keep up with them.

tecoye weight loss before and after