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

Question: Is Soul Food Making Black Folks Fat?

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soul foodHappy Day 8 of our March Challenge!!   Ladies, I’d love for your to weigh-in on what I know is a serious discussion in our community.  “Soul Food Junkies” recently aired on PBS and it has definitely spurred some conversation (video below) on this topic.

  • Is Soul Food a main component of our weight gain equation?
  • Why is soul food so important to us and is that a reason to defend it without question?
  • Should black people stop eating soul food?
  • Should we just cook our soul food in heathier ways?  What would those ways be?
  • Has soul food been demonized?
  • How can we both celebrate our food heritage and eat healthy?

 

I would love to know what the Black Women Losing Weight sisterhood thinks about these questions.

A note about the film:

“At least, this is the theory that drove Hurt’s documentary. His father, Jackie Hurt, was a soul food lover, and he was obese.  He died of pancreatic cancer in 2004 at the age of 63. His father’s death led the filmmaker to examine the significance of this black culinary tradition—and the consequences of it on our health. (Diet-related health statistics for black folks are frightening: 4 in 5 African-American women are overweight or obese, and African Americans in general are more than twice as likely as whites to die of diabetes.)” – blackhealthmatters.com

Crystal lost 62 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Crystal lost 62 pounds by working out and changing her diet.  She took up belly dancing and loves it.

I gained 75 pounds when I had my son almost 3 years ago.   Just over a year ago, I was almost 300 pounds and I knew that I had to do something about it!  So, I changed my eating habits (no soda,sugar,bread,etc) and started working out 3 times a week. I walked everyday and stopped eating after 7 pm. As of today I have lost 62 pounds!

I started in November of 2011. I started by going to a nutrionist and dietician who gave me some ideas for dieting. I cut out soda completely, not even diet and i only drank juice that was crystal light or sugar free koolaid. I only ate 300-400 calories per meal. No fried food, no fast food and no bread. I actually eat a lot of lunchables (crackers n meat kind), not to many calories and just the right portion size for me. I still drink coffee every morning but ive learned to have decaf and splenda. I walk on the treadmill for 45 mins a day and I do a full work out (sit ups, squats, push ups and belly dancing) 3 times a week. I found the belly dancing helps me a lot.”

Crystal weight loss journey

Ms. Mook lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Ms. Mook lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She has a very in-depth Youtube channel where she chronicles her weight loss journey.

I had lapband surgery Feb. 2010 but had minor complications within a two year period. I had a chance to learn about having my lapband taken out and going to Mexico to have my revision surgery from lapband to vertical sleeve. I had my revision surgery January 2012. I have lost a total of 75lbs since last January and an overall total of 135lbs. Having weight loss surgery was not an easy thing as most people believe. You still have to make sure you eat properly, take your vitamins, eat and drink your protein and also exercise. I speak of all my hard work on youtube.com/msmook1979 documenting my whole journey from lapband to sleeve.

Mook weight loss

Dominique lost 43 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Dominique lost 43 pounds with Weight Watchers, prayer and fasting.  She gives honor to God for her transformation

“I’m proud to say I was 212 lbs and now 169 lbs.  Weight Watchers brought me down to 189.  Prayer and fasting with god brought me down to 169.  Now, I watch what I eat.  Instead of eating rice all the time, I eat onions and green peppers in place of the rice.   I eat meat once a day and I bake it.  I cut out the beef  in my diet because a good friend of mine (Eboni).   I also only drink water.   Without God I would not be here.”

Dominique weight loss

Let’s Support Each Other – No Negativity

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Ladies, we have to support each other on our weight loss journeys. When another sister drops pounds, we can’t just react with negativity, jealousy or criticism. We each have our own journey…the old fashioned way, various weight loss plans, weight loss surgery, etc. Weight loss is not easy. It can be a long process that has highs and lows. The last thing any of us need is unnecessary negativity. Speak love. Speak truth. Speak Encouragement. That is what we do best. Negativity is not the norm for black women. It is the exception. We have always been there for each other.

27 Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss – Day 6 – March Challenge

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healthy snacks

So, now that you are doing the Black Women Losing Weight March Challenge and that means avoiding eating out and having junk food.  You are likely cooking more and preparing your own meals.  You are also likely looking for some healthy snack ideas that will not destroy your weight loss efforts between meals.  What I suggest is snacks that are nutrient dense and fiber rich foods.  These will help you to feel full and give your body what it really craves so the cravings for negative foods will be countered.   Here is a quick list:

  • Bananas – sweet, full of potassium and very filling
  • Edamame (measured shelled) – full of protein and fiber
  • Air-popped popcorn – Great for those looking for a crunch.  Season with a salt free seasoning like Mrs. Dash.
  • Sliced tomatos with feta cheese sprinkled on them – You can also add olive oil and a few more veggies to make it a small salad
  • FRUIT – Fruit of all kinds is a great portable way to get fiber and sweetness.  Full of vitamins and nutrients.  Nature’s prepackaged fast food.
  • Greek Yogurt – Get plain or vanilla yogurt and add your own fruit or honey if you want more sweetness
  • Hummus with veggies – Dip a couple of baby carrots or celery in hummus for a quick snack
  • Make a quick sandwich wrap with a can of tuna (or lean meat of your choice), a leaf of romaine, and some cut up red onion and tomato (no mayo)
  • Light String Cheese – Get a boost of protein with this portable snack
  • Brown Rice Sushi – Have a tuna or shrimp sushi roll made with brown rice.
  • Fat Free Rold Gold Tiny Twist Pretzels – Have 10-15 for a quick dose of carbs with no added fat.
  • Handful of almonds – Fiber, heart-healthy fats and vitamin E
  • 1 Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original wedge and  3-5 low fat/low sodium crackers
  • Turkey Jerky
  • 1 oz buffalo mozzarella, 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes – make a mini salad
  • Celery sticks dipped in natural peanut butter
  • Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop Butter Mini Bags
  • 1 cup of apple sauce – Tip: warm it up if you are craving a baked treat and add some granola on top
  • Whole grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk – Add some bananas or sliced strawberries
  • Mini rice cakes with cottage cheese or hummus
  • 2 Mini whole wheat pita bread filled with turkey breast and veggies
  • Green smoothies
  • Annie Chun’s Roasted Seaweed Snacks
  • Spread ricotta cheese on a graham cracker
  • Make a peanut butter and jelly (low sugar) sandwich with whole wheat bread
  • 1/2 cup of olives
  • Cut up a variety of fresh veggies and get your munch on

Marie lost 63 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Marie lost 63 pounds.  

“I decided to go on a diet last October for my sisters wedding. When I realized how great I felt after losing 15 pounds, I decided to push myself a little more.  Four months later, I’ve lost 63 pounds. I cut out soda, late night snacks, sugars, high carbs and I exercised more. I jogged a lot. I also did Zumba and other exercises at home. I just signed up for a gym near by.  I need to firm up, so I’m going to start lifting weights. I did this not only for myself but also for my 8 year son which I’m raising alone. I’ve always been insecure and it caused me to be an emotional eater.”

Marie weight loss

DeVarius lost 150 pounds with weight loss surgery

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DeVarius wrote us and shared about her 150 pounds weight loss.  She had gastric bypass surgery.

“I have lost 150lbs with the weight loss surgery.  I had the weight loss surgery (gastric bypass) 4 years ago and I lost a total of 150lbs. Although its comes right off after the surgery it’s still hard to keep it off after a certain amount of years. During that time I learned to eat right and cut back on my portions and I walk 30 minutes a day.”

DeVarius weight loss

Sabrina lost 60 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Sabrina lost 60 pounds!  She is another Zumba lover who changed her eating habits and got it Moving!  She says:

I love your page and I wanted to share my story as well. The picture of me in the pink is about a year after I had my 3 year old, and around the same time my marriage started falling apart. Two years later @ 30, I am down almost 60lbs, single and I feel better then ever. I am a Zumba Queen and I watch and count every piece of food that goes in my body.

I begin by changing the way I ate. Cut back on fried foods and fast foods. I am a sucker for chocolate so I only eat it in moderation. Or instead of grabbing a Reece’s I go for the special dark chocolate with fewer calories. I also downloaded the myfitnesspal app and logged in everything I ate.  During lunch breaks instead of going to fast food restaurants me and a couple of co workers would take that hour and do Zumba. We had a projector set up in the warehouse and we would gather people and work out. Now, I work somewhere else but during lunch I go to the nearest park and walk for at least 30 mins grab a salad or sandwich and head back to work. The mapmywalk app is great. It lets me know the pace and how many calories I burn when walking. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays me and my sons go to a rec center and I do Zumba there. It’s hard, but luckily I have great people around to keep me motivated and on the right track.  Love your page, keep up the motivation.”

Sabrina weight loss

Recipes with Chermonthia: Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes

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BWLW member, Chermonthia, has posted some great recipes to our Facebook page.  So much in fact that I’ve asked her to share her finds with us on a much more regular basis.  Here is her first recipe review post for the Black Women Losing Weight community.  Let’s show her some love!!  (BTW…She makes some mean jello shots.  Check out her FB page for recipes)

I saw this on a Facebook page called This is Not a Diet – it’s your life. Although I thought to myself that this is a strange combination I was intrigued to try it.  This dish would be good for breakfast, lunch or an added side for dinner.

Also, this dish has a salty, sweet and spicy flare.  I really enjoyed it and I hope you will too.  Bon Appétit

Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:
1lb Fresh Brussel Sprouts( stems cut off and quartered lengthwise)
1 medium Sweet Potato(peeled & cubed)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp minced ginger
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Coconut Oil
Maple Syrup

Directions:
Heat oven to 350. Toss together diced sweet potato and brussel sprouts with enough coconut oil to coat.
Add salt, cayenne pepper and minced ginger and give it a good toss. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 40 min, flipping once. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Click to see larger photos:

brussel sprouts carrots

brussel sprouts carrots recipe