Before and After Photos

Syreeta lost 62 pounds

March 24, 2020 by Ajima Jackson 10 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Syreeta lost 62 pounds with healthy eating habits and weight training. With pregnancy and motherhood, came the weight rollercoaster and body image challenges. When her youngest was almost two years old, this mother of three decided it was time to regain control of her health. Being disciplined and focused paid off for her.

Syreeta before and after

I’m 36 years old, married, and a mother of three. My first pregnancy brought twins, and I’ve been on this weight rollercoaster ever since. I was never the thinnest person, but I was comfortable. Motherhood brought about challenges in my body image that I felt I wasn’t always able to control. When the twins were around 2 years old, I attempted my first try at getting my body “back” but found myself pregnant again, lol. With 3-year-old twins and a breastfeeding newborn, I tossed out any idea of a quick turnaround. When my youngest child was almost two and weaning, I regained the courage to try and improve my health again.

I found a local gym that provided childcare. I packed up all my babies and headed there every other day. I haven’t looked back since. So, here I am, almost two years later. I have gained more progress than I could have ever imagined. Initially, I lost 80 pounds in about 11 months. But since then, I’ve put about 20 pounds of muscle back on.

Syreeta before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I’ve just been driven. I wanted to improve my health and my appearance. I also wanted to regain the energy to keep up with my little ones. The physical changes came so quickly. When moments arose where I may have wanted to quit, they were easily dismissed.

How did you change your eating habits?
I focused my intake on mostly protein and veggies. I reduced my intake of carbs and dairy. I was already drinking water, primarily, and was never a big snacker. Incorporating portion control and eating more protein and veggies (as opposed to anything else) helped greatly. I would also say that making an effort to cook your own food is a big help. I prepare about 95% of my food.

What did your workout routine look like?
My approach to exercise is based on the discipline I have observed from bodybuilders. Incorporating weightlifting not only helps to burn fat, but it also shapes your body at the same time. Cardio is fine, but weightlifting is the key. I worked and still work out just three times a week with occasional light, bodyweight exercise, or stretching in between.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 237 pounds, and I currently weigh 175 pounds.

What is your height?
5’11”

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in May 2018. I was at my lowest ever adult weight 11 months from there.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgeries. Just time, better food, and sweat.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson was that old cliche: Trust the process. So many times, I got to a point where I thought this was the best I could do just to be shown (through consistency) that there are so many levels to this journey. You never know how far you can go!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Stay the course! You can never be disappointed with genuine effort. Also, don’t undermine your efforts by giving in and doing the things you know you shouldn’t do. Changing your life is one thing that you, as an individual, have to do for yourself.

Instagram: @madame_re_re

Syreeta before and after

Lakesha lost 40 pounds

March 23, 2020 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Lakesha lost 40 pounds with meal prep, exercise, and accountability. She didn’t want to just transform her body, but her mind and spirit as well. Working with a weight loss coach gave her the direction and guidance she was looking for.

Lakesha before and after

I first learned about Terry Starks ( aka. The Weight Loss Doctor) through a client who was also a friend. One evening while we were talking, I noticed how good she looked and complimented her on her appearance. She began to talk about the program she was using and how to contact Terry. So, I contacted him immediately for a consultation.

At that time (in 2013), I was 40 years old. My height is 5’7″, and I weighed 194 pounds. After my consultation with Terry Starks, the journey began. In 35 days, I dropped four dress sizes, going from size 16 to 10. I lost lots of inches all over my body and weighed in at 172 pounds. I was proud of my success.

Terry coached me the entire time. I received daily emails and weekly checkups by phone. That really meant a lot to me because it kept me accountable. I gained the knowledge and discipline I needed to care for my body and mind. I learned to prep my meals through Terry’s program. He motivated me to take control and to take a stand.

Fast forward to now: Six years have passed since that testimony. During a recent cruise in late October 2019, I decided to change my mind, my body, and my spirit. Once again, I contacted Terry to help me with my weight loss journey. After talking to him, it was clear that this go-round discipline would be key! Terry called me weekly and texted me to see how I was doing. Meditation, prayer, and studying is also essential for me. I know that I have the power within me to change.

I began this phase of my journey in November 2019 weighing 215 pounds and have lost 40 pounds in 8 weeks. This time, I am taking photos and keeping a journal of my journey. I can call Terry with any questions that I have. This phase has truly been a lifestyle change for me. I am grateful for Terry Starks! He’s my motivator, and I call him Big Brother!

So now, I continue with my weekly meal planning, food purchasing, and seven-day food prep. I drink a gallon of water a day, and I cut out eating most junk food. I still enjoy popcorn and have grown fond of pistachios. My eating habits have changed from eating high-calorie meals daily to eating five small, balanced meals every 3-4 hours daily.

Before Terry’s program, I didn’t work out much. When the program started, I did cardio using the treadmill, stationary bike, track, or elliptical for 30 minutes a day. The time increased gradually, and hand weights were added to my routine. I exercise daily for at least 35 minutes twice a day for a total of 70 minutes a day.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I’m always in control of my choices. When I decide not to do what’s best for my body, I know I can cause my body harm.

My advice to people who want to lose weight is that we have the power to create our reality, despite the odds. What we think and feel creates our reality. If we believe we are empowered and feel empowered, surely it will come to pass.

Lakesha before and after

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Quandra lost 70 pounds

March 22, 2020 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Quandra lost 70 pounds. A health scare motivated her to focus on her health. While suffering from daily headaches and an irregular cycle, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure. She said goodbye to unhealthy food and hello to nutritious food and exercise.

Quandra before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation to lose weight was a health scare. I had daily headaches and my periods were irregular. I was told by my doctor that I had high blood pressure and that I would need medication. I asked her to let me try losing weight to see if that would help.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
When I wanted to give up, my inspiration was my health. I would also say to myself, “Girl, just imagine how you are going to look 6 months from now if you stay consistent.”

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut back on fried foods. Actually, for the first three months, I didn’t eat fried foods at all. I stopped drinking surgery drinks and started drinking water only. I also cut out all fast food (Wendy’s, Chick-fil-a, Burger King, etc.) and started cooking my own meals at home. I used MyFitnessPal to track my calories daily, and I had a 1200 calorie per day limit.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I would go to the gym 4-5 days a week for 30 minutes on most days. Sometimes, I would work out for 45 minutes. While I was at work I would walk on my lunch break.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight ever was 262 pounds. When I got serious about losing weight and started my journey, I weighed 235 pounds. I currently weigh 165 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’7″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on October 5, 2018. It took me ten months to get to my current weight of 165 pounds.

Was weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it wasn’t apart of my journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lessons I have learned on my journey are that you can’t “work out” a bad diet, and you can really do anything you put your mind to.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Be patient because it will not happen overnight. Don’t get discouraged and give up. The hardest part is when you first start your journey, but as long as you stay consistent, it literally becomes a lifestyle change. Weight loss surgery wasn’t apart of my journey.

Instagram: @DaOneNOnlyQb

Latosha lost 73 pounds

March 21, 2020 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Latosha lost 73 pounds. The stress of work, daily life, and losing her beloved mother led to stress and weight gain. Along with figuring out what eating habits work for her, she also had to find balance in her life and learn to be consistent.

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Current weight: 167 pounds

I started this journey in 2011. Off and on, I struggled between eating the meal and looking like one! I started working out with a BootCamp in 2011, but nothing was changing. In 2014, my weight reached 240 pounds. I was taking care of my home, working my butt off, AND losing my mom, so stress took over! 240 lbs was at my heaviest weight ever.

I decided to change my diet, and then my body changed. I gave up eating meat in 2018, and that has been one of the best things going for me! I also started working out six, sometimes seven days a week.

This journey has been a constant struggle, but I’ve found balance, along with consistency. I currently weigh 167 pounds, and I haven’t looked back! Shout out to my mentors and friends who have helped me along the way. (@jamaicanmuscle and @denairw)

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A post shared by Nikki…. (@redbone_for_real) on Jun 19, 2020 at 12:02pm PDT

What motivated you to keep going?
My motivation was being able to show my belly! I wanted a flatter stomach. During the process, my mom got sick and eventually passed away. Before she passed, she asked me to get on stage to compete, and she was my inspiration!How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits on my own at first. I cut out junk food and sodas. Then, I got a personal trainer who put me on a high protein, low carb diet. Some days, I ate no carbs. In 2018, I gave up consuming meat and tried a Vegan lifestyle. I didn’t/don’t drink milk, but I consumed dairy products. However, I still don’t consume meat.

What is your height?
I’m 5’6

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned was to remain consistent.

What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose weight?
My advice is simple: Love yourself enough to know that you only have one body! No one will take care of you better than you. Find that balance, stay consistent, and make this lifestyle personal!

Instagram: @redbone_for_real
Facebook: Latosha Robinson

Anicia lost 88 pounds

March 20, 2020 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Anicia lost 88 pounds. Her children have given her the motivation she needs to transform her life. She had gastric sleeve surgery in 2018 and used that tool combined with exercise to get great results. She is also a thyroid cancer survivor.

Anicia weight loss story

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was my kids. I wanted to be healthy enough to keep up with them. They inspired me, and they kept me going each day.

How did you start your journey?
I started by not eating meat for a year, and I lost 25 pounds. However, that wasn’t enough. Then, I decided to get gastric sleeve surgery. Once I started the class you have to take before the surgery, I also started a two-week liquid diet, and I lost 10 pounds. I had sleeve surgery on October 16, 2018. At the time of surgery, my weight was 270.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 290 pounds, and I now weigh 202 pounds. My lowest weight was 195. I diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year, and I had the surgery to remove it on January 20, 2020. Now that I’m clear to work out, I have been trying my hardest to get back on track. I almost back to my lowest weight of 195 pounds. When I was in the hospital for three days, I got up to 210. So it’s been hard, but I’m still going strong.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I started walking every day for 1 hour. Then, I started weight lifting. Six weeks after my surgery, I did a lot of cardio and weights. Now, I work out 3-4 days a week for over an hour.

What is your height?
My height is 5’4″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The lesson I learned from all I been through is that you have to have faith in yourself. Stay motivated and keep going.

Instagram: @anicia87

Anicia weight loss story

Tiffany lost 138 pounds

March 19, 2020 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Tiffany lost 138 pounds by working out at home and changing her mindset about food. She didn’t let PCOS, binge eating, Plantar Fasciitis, or any other challenge stop her because she is determined to be there to watch her son grow and thrive.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
Without realizing it, I adopted an “It is what is.” type of attitude when it came to my weight. I told myself, “Get used to it. You’ll always be a big girl.” I was binge eating and emotional all the time. Food was my ultimate go-to, but at the same time, I was never active.

I started a new job, and it required me to be on my feet. My feet would hurt to the point of tears. I went to the doctor, and she told me I had Plantar Fasciitis, but losing weight would improve my situation. While sleeping, my hands would go numb, and my fingers would tingle. My doctor said it was Carpal Tunnel because there was too much weight pressing down on my wrists. “Change your diet and become active.”, she suggested…again. Then I started having female problems. I’d bleed for months at a time with horrible cramps. “You have PCOS.”, my OBGYN told me.

I ignored all the warnings and kept going down the same road. I ate fast food daily for all my meals. My situation didn’t improve; in fact, it got worse. So I decided to have a hysterectomy at 29 years old. While recovering, my family had to help me with my then 4-year-old son. During those weeks of recovery a woman reached out to me and asked me to join her on her fitness journey. I thought to myself, “This can’t be real. How did she find me?” “I can’t do it.”, I told myself. I started following her on social media during that time. I told myself if she can do it, so can I.

It was those days sitting at home, not being able to pick up my baby when I told myself something has to change. “You’re a single mama, and he needs you to be healthy.” When I wanted to quit or when I had bad days (because I had my share) I’d think of my Why: The little boy I want to watch grow up!

How did you change your eating habits?
I was introduced to a nutrition plan called 2b Mindset by Beachbody, and it totally changed my way of thinking when it came to food. I bought myself the program for Mother’s Day in 2018. Before learning about this plan, I’d tell myself that I could not have certain foods, only to fail and binge eat the foods I thought weren’t good for me. When I started 2b Mindset, it taught me how to use food to fuel my body, not my emotions. I know it’s something I should have already known, but I didn’t see it that way in the past. I started meal prepping my dinners for the week. I tried new vegetables, like spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, and things I never knew existed. If I ate out, I ate according to my plan. Instead of having a whole roll of cookies, I’d have 1 or 2 to satisfy myself. I cut out all sodas and stopped my daily Starbucks Frappuccino run. I also started drinking a gallon of water a day.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
In the beginning, my workouts were not consistent. I was never an active person. I started walking with Leslie Sansone at home five days a week. Eventually, I worked my way up to 7 days a week. I’ve always been intimidated by the gym, so I kept walking at home. Then the woman who reached out to me told me she works out from home using a Netflix-type of fitness library (streaming it from her tv or laptop). I thought this could be what I needed, and I was finally ready to join her. I started my first program, the 21-day Fix. The program consists of working out 6 days a week for 30 minutes and one rest day. I also started walking in the afternoon with a co-worker. When I finished my first program (with modifications, of course), I told myself, “If you can do this, it’s time to find the next program.” I decided to repeat 21-day Fix, but this time with fewer modifications.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 285 pounds, and my current weight is 147 pounds.

What is your height?
5’1″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2017. My transformation took two years.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep showing up! I also learned not to compare myself to anyone! My journey is my journey. Only I can determine how it goes. I’ve learned that there will be good as well as bad days, but as long as I stay consistent, change can and will be made.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
My advice for people who are on their journey, just starting or those who want to start: There will be good days, and there will be bad days. As long as you keep showing up daily and stay consistent, there will be change.

There’s no rush. It’s a journey, not a race! There is no finish line. Never compare yourself to anyone! Always celebrate your victories, no matter how small!

Instagram: @tanae2sweet88

Deidra lost 80 pounds

March 17, 2020 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Deidra lost 80 pounds. Tired of feeling unhealthy and tired of having to go up a size in clothing every year, she changed her lifestyle and cultivated a new mindset. Meal prep and weight training are two of the tools she used.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I got tired of going up a size in school clothes every year. I got tired of being out of breath while walking to class, and I was tired of being unhealthy.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started eating more vegetables and fewer snacks. I also meal prepped and drank a gallon of water each day.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
I started doing cardio for the first three months of my journey. Then, I began weight lifting. My workout schedule depended on the week because I was a full-time student and employee. I would aim for 4 or 5 days per week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 271 pounds, and my current weight is 191 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’3″.

How long did your transformation take?
This transformation took about a year.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Weight loss is a journey, and you have to change your mindset to be successful.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Stay consistent.

Instagram: @heymissjaxn

Chelsea lost 55+ pounds

March 16, 2020 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Chelsea lost 55+ pounds. She had to weigh the pros and cons of staying unhealthy and risking issues, like sleep apnea, or committing to a healthy lifestyle. Even though she is a busy college student, she figured out how to change her eating habits and found the time to exercise.

My name is Chelsea, and I am currently on my weight loss journey. I still have a ways to go, but I have lost 55+ pounds so far! I used to weigh over 300 pounds. Now I am in the steady 260s!

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation: I was not happy. I had to weigh my options. I could stay unhealthy and risk sleep apnea and everything, or I could get healthy. I chose life.

What inspired me to keep going are all the other times I tried to change my life and did not succeed. This is the first time I’ve stuck to it, and of course, this was the first time I’ve seen real results. The results I’ve achieved make me want more, so it is ongoing motivation.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut back on all foods. I stay away from soda and juice as much a possible. I drink water like I’m an elephant and I love it. I did not use a specific plan or diet. Instead, I literally cut back on all my intake to 2,000 calories a day.

What did your workout routine look like? How often did you workout?
I try to work out when I can. I’m a college student, so school has gotten hectic. I work out at least three days a week. I run or jog for a mile and then do stretches and sets of various exercises of my choosing.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I was in the 320s (may have been more), but that’s the last weight range I remember. Now, I weigh 265 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’6″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in January 2019. This transition has taken a little over a year, and it’s still in the works.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it is not.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson: Don’t give up. Keep fighting.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
We all have to start somewhere, so don’t worry about where the next person is on their weight loss journey. This journey is all about you. To succeed, you are the one who has to be 100% committed.

Instagram: @chelseawyche

Antoinette lost 115 pounds

March 15, 2020 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Antoinette lost 115 pounds. At 27 years old, she knew it was time to make some changes when she started having trouble breathing during the night and issues with her back and neck. She decided to create a healthier lifestyle by changing her mindset, becoming a Vegan, and working out.

Antoinette before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was my health. I’m 27 years old, and I was having back and neck problems because I was too overweight. I was also having trouble with not breathing while I was asleep. I wanted better for myself.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped drinking sodas and eating bread. I became a vegan, and I only eat veggies, vegan meat, and fruit.

What does your workout routine consist of? How often do you workout?
I currently work out five days a week. I go to my local gym and workout for about 45 minutes to an hour. I take a break on Fridays and Saturdays. In the beginning, I only worked out two days a week for 20 to 30 minutes. The more I lost weight, the more I added time to my workout schedule.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My start weight was 380 pounds, and my current weight is now 265 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m about 5’5″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey at the beginning of 2019, and it has taken a year to get my results. I’m not done yet!

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I wanted to get weight loss surgery. I even looked into it, but I decided to do it on my own instead.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learned was that I have more self-control than I thought. I’m stronger than I thought. Losing weight, in my opinion, is 90% mental and 10% working out and eating right. I gained control over my mind and told myself that I could and will do this. Look at me now. I’M DOING IT!

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Stay focused and know that you are in control. Slow and steady wins the race. You just have to keep pushing!
Instagram: @_shesalllthat

Antoinette before and after

April lost 102 pounds

March 14, 2020 by Ajima Jackson 7 Comments

Transformation of the Day: April lost 102 pounds by exercising and making healthier choices. This mother of four is delighted that she now has lots of energy to run around with her children.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation to lose weight is my four children. Being able to run around with them and not out of breath is amazing!

How did you change your eating habits?
Once I decided to lose the weight, I cut out all sweets and bad carbs from my diet. I went cold turkey. Then, I added lots of veggies and fruit to my diet. Fruit helps me control my sweets craving.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
I started working out five days a week, doing 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. Then, I moved up to an hour of walking combined with jump roping.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 275 pounds, and my current weight is 173 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’4″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started my journey on February 4, 2019. It took me precisely one year to lose the 100 pounds I was aiming for.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgery at all. However, I would love to have a tummy tuck because I have developed a minor amount of loose skin.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The best lesson I’ve learned: Love yourself! Tell yourself positive things. This journey is not only physical, but it is mental, most of all.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
To truly lose the weight and keep it off, you have to do it for yourself. Please don’t do it because you’re competing with society’s body goals or social media’s body goals. Be your own body goal!

Instagram: @snatched_journey