Day 9 – New Workout Resources – BWLW October Challenge
HEYYYYYYY, BWLW LADIES! LOL! Sorry, I’ve been listening to the “Gangnam Style” song during my elliptical machine workouts. One of the best things you can do is put together a great playlist of music for your iPod or mp3 player that really motivates you to work out. Sometimes those songs will carry you when you feel like giving up.
It’s Day 9 of Black Women Losing Weight’s October Challenge and I’m on track with my workout goals. I hope you are too. Today I want to share 3 great workouts that I’ve found online that you can do at home. No excuses. You don’t need to have a gym membership to get fit, Ladies. Give these great , free workouts a try. They are challenging, but that’s what we want. Workouts that will challenge us and give us results.
Women’s Health: The Ultimate Boot Camp Workout – Check out the link for photos of the exercises.
Crazy Home Boot Camp Workout from BodyRock.tv – This one is for those who have been working out for a while and want a challenge.
Natashia has lost over 30 pounds!
Let’s show some BWLW love to Natashia who has lost over 30 pounds! She says, “On October 3, 2011, I weighed in for my college’s Biggest Loser Challenge at 200.0 pounds. On October 3, 2012, I weighed in at 167.8! Over 30 pounds lost and I’m feeling (and looking) GOOD!! For all of you who are struggling with your weight, please understand that weight loss is a PROCESS. You’re NOT going to achieve true, and sustained, weight loss by doing a 30-day this or 60-day that program… It doesn’t work!! Slow and steady wins the race because remember, it’s a LIFESTYLE CHANGE, not a temporary fix. While I still have a little more to go to achieve my goal, I am no longer uncertain of if it can be achieved because I have now set up a solid foundation that will foster longstanding weight loss/maintenance and health. Even though I never really believed in the accuracy of the BMI, I was all smiles when I learned that I am now in the green zone! *If I can do it, you can do it!* **Proud of myself!**
I mostly focused on my diet. I utilized calorie counting systems such as MyFitnessPal (my favorite!) and made it my mission to stay within my calorie restrictions. I started eating more fish as opposed to the heavier meats, I cut down on my fried food consumption, and cut down on my sugary drink consumption (e.g., sodas, lemonade, fruit juices). I started bringing my breakfast and lunches to school/work with me to avoid the temptation of stopping at the drive through or visiting the vending machines. I also started walking around the neighborhood after dinners instead of sitting/laying on the sofa for the remainder of the evening. Lastly, I allowed myself cheat days. When you’re doing well, reward yourself and don’t feel bad about it… Just make sure you get back on your game plan once the night/weekend is over! All of these little things made the difference and I have never seen such steady and consistent results!!”
Amazing Transformation!! Thank you so much for sharing your victory with us, Natashia!!!
Imani lost 40 pounds!
Today’s featured before and after comes from Imani who has lost 40 pounds!
She says, “About a year ago I made a decision to loose a noticeable amount of weight to make myself feel good as I made some transitions in my life. I signed up to a gym and began going everyday. I started taking classes like kickboxing and Zumba. I began to curb my diet to healthier foods like salads, cold cuts and I watched my calorie intake. I cut out fast food and junk food. Before I knew it I had shed a total of 40 pounds and I’m still going. I have gained some control over my life and I feel great!”
Congrats and Thank you for sharing with us, Imani!
Divine Beauty is Not Defined by the Scale
Today’s Inspiration | “You are beautiful now! Losing weight will not make your more beautiful in the most sacred and pure sense. Sure it may enhance the physical manifestation of your beauty, but your size alone can not make you beautiful. Your beauty is a divine gift that you’ve had since birth. If you don’t believe that, I suggest you make your acceptance of this fact as high a priority as any weight loss or wellness lifestyle change. Accept your beauty. Walk in your beauty. Embrace the truth that no person, act, or number on a scale should define your beauty for you. God already has.” – Ajima
Monique has lost 123 pounds!
Tamara has lost 94 pounds
Tamara has transformed her health and weight losing 94 pounds.
She says, “Hey Ive been so inspired through this page, I wanted to share my story to hopefully motivate another strong beautiful woman struggling with weight loss. Sept 14,2012 marks my 1 year weight loss epiphany. Sept 14,2011 I choose ME. I set out to conquer a task I’d never regret. I’ve cried ,cursed ,fallen , got up ,fell harder but most of all I CONQUERED ! And I NEVER gave up. I weighed myself on this anniversary and I’m 94 lbs lighter then I was 12months ago! My many friends and supporters have filled my heart with love and blessings! I Thank family ,friends and instructors who have been there and who are still there cheering me on as this is far from over! 50 lbs to go! #team GETITIN
Initially I used weight watchers online that helped me control my portions as I was a fast food junkie and that program allowed me to still have it in moderation until eventually I phased it out completely. Then incorporated that with the curves program 30 min 3 times a week, incorporated lean meats good carbs, fruits and veggies . The biggest help was a simple equation sugar =fat I kept my sugar low and my foods clean limiting processed and high sodium foods! As I’m still trying to loose I’m on a high protein regimen I work out 5 days alternating cardio, strength and conditioning at the gym and 2 days doing a sport of my choice swimming running etc i hope this helps thank you for sharing my story.”
Tamara, Thank you SO much for sharing the details of your transformation with us!!
Day 5 – Recipe Resources for BWLW’s October Challenge
It’s Day 5 and I’m loving this month’s challenge. I’ve been able to maintain my 9 lb weight loss from our September challenge and I feel better. I’m able to run up stairs with ease (had to chase my dog) and my breathing feels even clearer. I feel great. I wanted to share a few of the websites that I’m getting my daily recipes from to keep my diet diverse and interesting. A lot of people complain of boredom when they take out all the junk and negative foods out of their diets. You’ve got to keep your eating interesting. Enjoy!
The Naked Kitchen’s Pledge to go Veg Meal Plans
The Clean Eating Mama’s Breakfast Recipes
Clean Eating Vegetarian Recipes on Yummly
Clean Eating Chelsey – Vegan recipes that are gluten-free and corn-free
Also, Here is a great article from Livestrong.com on how to eat clean as a Vegetarian. Great advice.
Mary is down from 173 to 147!
Today’s Weight Loss Success Story comes from Mary who has gone from 173 pounds to 147!
She says, “The left side was taken on September 15, 2011 at a friends retirement party. The one on the right was taken at my 30th class reunion on September 15, 2012. In 2011 I was 173lbs. Today I am 147lbs. It was my goal to get to 138lbs for my reunion, but it didn’t happen. It may not ever happen and I am okay with that. I am healthier and stronger than I have been in years. I have been on Weight Watchers and consistently exercising. My diet is clean and my exercise routine vigorous. The weight loss isn’t a significant amount compared to some but the lifestyle change is. I can walk away from ice cream. I can pass on the chips, cookies and cakes. I truly enjoy real food now. I am happy with the results.”
Donna is down 55 pounds
Today’s Featured Weight Loss Success story comes from Donna who is down 55 pounds!
She says, “In May 2012 I began my journey to a healthier lifestyle. I traded fast food and junk food for things like salad and chicken.Drink more water and Crystal and less diet sodas and sweet tea. With the love, support and help of the people in my life I am making progress. I regularly attend Zumba and water aerobic classes. I’ve even taken my niece’s dog for a walk. The result is Now I am 55 pounds lighter. I still have a long way to go, but for today I am proud of myself. I am going to use these photos as inspiration to keep trying.” Congrats, Donna!!!!
