Black Weight Loss Success

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Ajima Jackson

Anitra lost 80 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Anitra lost 80 pounds.

Anitra lost 80 pounds

She says, “Hello BWLW!!! I’d love to tell my journey. Sharing my new health keeps me motivated. At the end of 2011, I was 22 years old and weighed 320 pounds. I ate junk food all day and enough meals that could feed families. I decided then there was a change that needed to happen inorder for me to be healthy and happy. I went cold turkey, stopped eating meat and sweets. Only drunk water, ate fruits and veggies and walked daily. Time is reaching a full year since I started my journey however this still ain’t easy. Lol!  I’ve been working a year and only have 60lbs left to being healthy. Amen, thank you Jesus.”

Anitra weight loss

Marquita lost 130 pounds

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Update Aug 2016 – Marquita wrote in to update us on her weight loss journey. She had surgery in 2010 and shared her story of losing 130 pounds with us in 2013. WLS has been a tool for her, but it didn’t fix emotional eating and last year she saw the pounds coming back. Check out how she turned her life around to get back on track.

marquita before and after

One day, I decided that I was “sick and tired of being sick and tired!” I have always been overweight and have always had weight issues my entire life. In 2010, I reached my highest weight of 369 pounds at 5’3″, and my health began to reflect years of bad decisions. I was young and already had high blood pressure issues. I decided to make one of the BEST decisions that I could have ever made, which was to have weight loss surgery. Many people have their opinions with regards to this surgery, but you really have to know the true story behind a person’s decision. Weight loss surgery is ONLY a tool. It cannot fix emotional eating!

In 2015, I noticed I had stopped using my “tool” and I began to gain weight back. This was weight that I said I would NEVER gain again! Last year, I hit the reset button and took my weight loss journey to a whole new level. I did everything, from going to two different gyms to hiring two different personal trainers. I will never forget what my BeastMode (Savannah, GA) Trainer Brandi said to me. ”Remember why you started!” That bit of motivation was the push I needed.

While my husband was on deployment, I made the decision to gain control of my life! I encouraged myself to “consistently stay consistent”. After years of trying multiple diets, fads, gimmicks, weight loss surgery and excess skin removal, what worked for me was cutting my carb intake, increasing my water intake and consistent workouts. I worked out 6-7 days a week for 2-2 ½ hours a day.

I have gained a deeper understanding of the Jekyll and Hyde relationship I had with food. Don’t get me wrong, I love food and I always will. Food has been my best friend for years…lol, but I love myself more! I’m not where I want to be YET, but I am well on my way. #IGotThis Follow my Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/MarquitasWeightLossJourneyIGotThis

Jan 2013 – Today’s featured weight loss story: Marquita lost 130 pounds with weight loss surgery and changing her eating habits.

Marquita weight loss

Here is what she had to say about her weight loss journey:

“My name is Marquita and I’ve battled with my weight my entire life. I have always been a bigger girl, but my weight ballooned my senior year of high school when I stopped all sports and band activities. I began college shortly after graduation and gained the freshman 15 x6!  Throughout college and my adult life I tried many diets and gyms, with little or no success. My turning point came in January 2010 when my blood pressure was out of control and my medication was changed four times within two months. I also was at my known highest weight of 369lbs.

I knew I had to make some major changes if I wanted to live to see past 26.  My story is very simple: in September 2010 I gave up sodas. I lost about 14 lbs. November 2010, I had gastric bypass. That’s when my life really changed. I have never been more focused on my weight and my journey more in my life. This was the best decision for ME. It was not a easy decision and it’s NOT the easy way out. I have never worked so hard towards losing weight and changing my life EVER!!!  The easy way out is to continue to talk about wanting to change, but never doing anything about it. I’ve lost 130 lbs so far. After I gave up sodas in September 2010, I went on a high protein diet (protein shake for breakfast and two meals-veggie and meat) for two weeks. I lost 17 lbs doing that for two weeks. I want to lose another 60 lbs, which I am focused on losing in 2013!”

Marquita before after

Day 18 – Three of My Favorite Green Smoothie Recipes

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NEW E-BOOK! “Drink Green Smoothies” – I’m so excited to release my new smoothie book for BWLW’s January Challenge. A detailed guide to green smoothies and 80 great recipes you will love. Check out the details and download yours today! Just $7.99!

It’s day 18 of our January Green Smoothie Challenge!!  I want to share 3 of my favorite green smoothie recipes from my ebook “Drink Green Smoothies”.  Check these out and try them this month.

Coco Tropic Islander

2 banana
2 cups chopped kale leaves
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened soymilk
1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Benefits: “One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Kale is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K — and sulphur-containing phytonutrients.” – WebMD

“Coconut oil can also positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control. People who take coconut oil also tend to have improvements in how they handle blood sugar, for coconut can help improve insulin use within the body. Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.” – www.doctoroz.com

Very Green

1 banana
1 cup sweet green grapes
1/2 Granny Smith apple (cored and skinned) 2 cups fresh spinach
1 tablespoons agave nectar
1/4 cup water

Benefits: Spinach has tons of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps constipation and helps us to maintain low blood sugar.  Fiber keeps us full and helps us not to eat randomly.

“The carbohydrate in agave nectar has a low glycemic index, which provides sweetness without the unpleasant “sugar rush” and unhealthful blood sugar spike caused by many other sugars. Agave nectar is a delicious natural sweetener that can be used moderately – by dieters, some diabetics, and health conscious cooks – to replace high-glycemic and refined sugars.” – Allaboutagave.com

Bananas and Peanut Butter

2 ripe bananas
1 tablespoon creamy, no sugar added peanut butter
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 cup crushed ice
1/2 cup water

Benefits:  Peanut butter has 2 g of fiber per serving and 8 g of protein per serving.  It helps you to feel full and has healthy fats.

“Anti-cancer benefits of raspberries have long been attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.” – whfoods.com

Wyteika lost 52 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Wyteika from Houma, Louisiana lost 52 pounds with the Atkins Diet.  This mother of 2 is no longer diabetic thanks to her hard work.

wyteika weight loss

Here is what she had to share about her weight loss:

“I began at 267lbs to 215 lbs! Thanks to Atkins Diet! 160 days strong! I’m no longer on BP pills and I’m no longer a diabetic!   I do 1 hour a day on my treadmill 3 days a week, I run twice a week for 20 minutes. I just hired a personal trainer b/c I need to start toning. I follow the Atkins diet faithfully to the T. ABSOLUTELY NO PROCESSED FOODS. I EAT A LOT IF BAKED FISH AND VEGETABLES. I EAT A BIG BREAKFAST, PROTEIN SHAKES FOR LUNCH WITH A LITE DINNER. I snack on vegetables and protein shakes when im hungry. I’m now in phase 4 of Atkins. Mother of 2 sons that helped me along the way. Atkins id the only thing that works for me…. I tried every thing!”

Belly Fat Inspiration from DivaSlimsDown

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divaslimsdownHere is some great inspiration for those who are trying to lose belly fat from our girl DivaSlimsDown of YouTube. If you’re not familiar with Ruth and her videos, please check them out. She’s amazing and very transparent about her weight loss journey.  Enjoy!

Victoria lost 98 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Victoria lost 98 pounds.

Victoria weight loss

Victoria says, “I started my diet in March of this year and I have lost 98lbs.  I feel great n look great!  For my diet I went to metabolic research weight loss center.  I exercise 5 times weekly by attending a bootcamp, Zumba and  going to the gym.  My diet consist of low carbs and low portion size.”

LaTasha lost 35 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: LaTasha lost 35 pounds and got off of her diabetes medication by eating right and exercising.

Latasha weight loss

Here is what LaTasha had to say about her weight loss.

“My journey began on April 23rd 2012.  That is the day that I joined weight watchers.  My starting weight was 343 and I’m down to 308 now, a total of 35 pounds.  I am very proud of myself. Although I have a long way to go I wanted to share my story and my progress thus far to inspire anyone who may think that it’s not possible. As some may say “ If I can do it so can you.” It’s not easy and sometimes it can be very challenging but it’s not impossible. Once you start to see ur hard work the joy in that is indescribable. I’ve tried all kinds of pills and quick diet plans only to gain back what I lost plus more!

Just recently went to my doctors appointment & learned that Im down 50 pounds from my highest weight of 359 in April of 2010. Hadn’t paid attention. Also found out that I no longer have to take diabetes meds because of my weight loss.

I measure my foods with a food scale. I bake all of my foods & oven fry.  I minimized my intake of fried & restaurant foods and added more veggies. I try to drink 3 liters or more of water daily. I did more walking, parking further from the entrance of an establishment to get in more movement. I took the stairs instead of the elevator. I used The Biggest Loser power walk dvd & did that 3-4 times a week. I recently joined the gym, my goal is to go 5 times out of the week. With weight watchers it teaches you about portion control so with changing my eating habits alone the weight comes off.. Don’t get me wrong, I slip up but I have to remind myself of my goals, my hard work thus far, refocus and get back into it.

I’m happy for this page because looking at all of the women like myself striving to achieve a goal of weight loss and becoming a healthier person keeps me on track. I thank you all for sharing. Many blessings to all of you on your journey.

Bridget lost 70 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Bridget lost 70 pounds.  This mother of 4 credits willpower and faith with helping her to battle the pounds and deal with Lupus.

Bridget weight loss

Here is what Bridget had to say about her weight loss journey:

“I am a Lupus sufferer and mother of 4. God has been Good.  I used to weigh 210 lbs. I am down to 140 lbs. Total of 70 lbs lost!!

No pills, no diet shakes.  All will-power and Faith. It can be done. Anything you put your mind too, can be done. ~Amen!~  I also wanna share that I’m a Lupus sufferer. I had to take steroids and I have a thyroid issue. I pray for anyone who is battling weight-loss, to never give up. It took me some time, but it paid off.

I cut out fried foods, sugar, sugary drinks and processed foods. I drink water daily and eats lots of fresh fruits, veggies and chicken or fish only. I grill all my meats and exercise daily for 30 min. I suffer from Lupus so at times my joints would hurt or I would be tired from fatigue, but I didn’t give up. I just rested when I needed. and picked back up with my routine. After a while, eating right, exercising and drinking water is just as natural as brushing my teeth and combing my hair. Prayer and Persistence guided me to a healthy weight.  God Bless you all!~Much love!”

Tiffany lost 40 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Tiffany lost 40 pounds.

Tiffany lost 40 pounds

Here is what Tiffany had to say about her weight loss journey

“40 pounds down and still going!!!!  I am proud to say that after trying several different failed attempts to lose weight I have finally found something that works for me. My journey to becoming a healthier me consist of portion control and working out for at least an hour 5 days week. I realized that it was time for a change when everyday activities such as going up a flight of stairs and standing for extensive period of time would tired me out. I’m happy to say that my consistency, self motivation and determination is finally paying off.

I wouldn’t call my journey a diet, but rather a lifestyle change. I cut out all fried foods and sodas, eat at least 3-5 small meals a day, drink plenty of water and most importantly I allow myself to “cheat” every once in awhile . I would like to lose another 50 pounds to reach my ultimate goal of 170 pounds and a BMI under 25. Thanks a lot BWLW for motivating women like me to become a healthier version of ourselves & always remember that with GODS help all things are possible !!!”

Tiffany weight loss

Delores lost 101 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Delores lost 101 pounds and gained greater health with LapBand surgery.

Delores lost 101 pounds She provided the details of her weight loss journey”

“We are all works in progress.  In 2007, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I didn’t know what was happening to my body at first. I would gain lots of weight, sleep a lot, not want to do anything but sit on my couch and sleep….I did not even want to be intimate with my ex. This feeling would last for 4 months and then I would start losing weight and start feeling normal again for a 2 months. My weight ballooning cycle lasted for 2.5 years until the doctors figure out what was wrong.

In summer of 2009, I decided that I had to get control of my weight because it was literally killing me. I would fall and pass out randomly every day because I had topped out at 303lbs. and my knees and ankles were in hurting and very weak. I decided to do have lapband surgery because I needed a tool that would keep me in control of my weight. Although I wouldn’t say that weight loss surgery is for everybody was perfect for me. Although I have the band, I have to do all the work myself and remember to eat right and exercise 4-5 days a week.

These are pictures of my weight loss journey over the past two years: The first picture is me at 303lbs and I wasn’t pregnant. The second is me at 245lbs. And the third picture is me this Christmas at 202lbs. If you have faith the change will come. I have lost on an average of 1lb a week for the past two years. And I’m determined to get the last 40lbs off by next year this time. I’m going to get the heart to post this picture on my regular page soon but I’m not ready yet. I look forward to continuing our journey back to feeling sexy and having better health together.  Peace and Great Health.