Before and After Photos

Transformation of the Day: Tanisha lost 40 pounds by working out and eating clean. Unhealthy eating habits and depression led to her weight gain. Her motivation was a desire to be happy and feel good about herself. Check out how she changed her life.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I lost weight in the past but ended up gaining it back due to unhealthy eating habits. Before I knew it, I was extremely overweight. I ended up in the hospital with high blood pressure and was told that if I continued gaining weight, I could end up with more health issues.

In June 2018, I found out that I was pregnant. I did not know because I was on the IUD birth control, Mirena. Once again, I ended up in the hospital. This time it was for surgery because my pregnancy was ectopic. After all of this happened, I became very depressed and gained even more weight, putting me at the highest weight I had ever been. I was miserable.

In July 2018, I decided I didn’t want to be sad anymore, so I began working on losing weight. My motivation was no longer wanting to feel sorry for myself. Eventually, with clean eating and working out, the weight started to come off. I loved the way I looked but loved how I felt even more, and I continued to push. Now, I am 40 pounds down, and I couldn’t be happier!

How did you change your eating habits?
At the beginning of my weight loss journey, I used the 21-day Meal Plan to help me lose weight. Once I completed the 21 days, I made sure to continue eating clean.

What did your workout routine look like?
I started out with mostly light cardio on the treadmill, 4 to 5 times a week. Once I began getting stronger, I upped my cardio and started strength training. Now I work out 6 times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 178 pounds, and my current weight is 138 pounds.

What is your height?
4’11”

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Weight loss takes time and patience. There were a few times that I wanted to give up because I wasn’t seeing the progress I wanted. I had to learn patience because even when I couldn’t see any improvement, my body was still changing.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Take it day by day, and do not get discouraged if you are not seeing the results you want. It will happen; it just takes time.

Instagram: @getfitwithtanishanicole0

Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 83 pounds. Faced with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and PCOS, she knew it was time to change her lifestyle. She educated herself on healthy eating habits and worked out 5 days a week. Her hard work has definitely paid off. Check out her story.

What was your motivation?
I decided to lose weight in 2015. I went to the doctor, and she told me I needed to start a diet. Weighing 245 pounds with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being a borderline diabetic, I knew it was time. I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), which made it harder to lose weight.

How did you change your eating habits?
I didn’t know how to eat healthy. I was so used to eating unhealthy food, so it was a task in the beginning. Google, Pinterest, and YouTube became my best friends. I stopped drinking pop. I also stopped eating fried foods, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and sweets.

Tell us about your workout routine.
While on my weight loss journey, I did an hour cardio 5 days a week. Once I started doing research, I learned that I needed to incorporate strength training into my workout regimen.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight, in the beginning, was 245 pounds at 5’3″. I currently weigh 162 pounds. Altogether, I lost 83 pounds. I lost 30 of those pounds since March with intermittent fasting and keto.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took a year. Right now, I’m in the process of toning up because last year I gained 20lbs back.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
This weight loss journey has taught me that nobody is perfect. Sometimes we fall off track, but you gotta be strong and pick yourself back up.

What advice would you like to share?
The advice I would give someone who’s trying to lose weight or just starting their journey is, don’t give up. You won’t see results overnight, but slow and steady wins the race! Keep your faith in God. When you feel weak or have temptations, pray, and ask God for strength.

Instagram @__ashley__noelle__

Transformation of the Day: Tasha lost 85 pounds. One day, she realized that she was sick and tired of being sick and tired. She signed up for Weight Watchers, signed up for a gym membership, and prayed for help. By working hard and being consistent, she’s gotten great results.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going?
I was tired of not feeling well. I also had high blood pressure and struggled with depression. I wanted to change my life.

When did you start your journey?
In January 2017, I decided that I wanted to do this. I prayed to God because I knew I needed some help. I said, “Lord, I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired!!”

The picture with my daughter on my back is so very significant because I indeed was carrying a lot of extra weight and all of it wasn’t on my body! I look at my old pictures and can’t help but get happy! It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve even amazed myself!

How did you change your eating habits?
Weight Watchers helped me retrain my brain because I was an emotional eater. I did WW for about 8 months. Eventually, I stopped craving unhealthy things. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can eat whatever I want in moderation. I do limit sweets and bread, but I rarely drink sodas.

 

 

 

 

 

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I share my story in hopes that I can inspire someone. Change can be hard and painful… but so can stagnation. Choose your hard. For a while I was bitter.. then I decided to get better. I’m so thankful that God didn’t forget about me.. even when I forgot about myself. I’m so very thankful!! I’m not where I want to be , but I’m shonuff glad I ain’t where I used to be!!

A post shared by Tasha Burrow (@tashabee74) on Sep 2, 2019 at 11:27am PDT

Tell us about your workout routine?
I joined a gym when I joined WW, and I work out 5-6 days a week. Initially, I did about 40 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of weight training. Now, it’s the opposite. I didn’t quit, even when the scale didn’t move, because I realized that I would have to stay consistent if I wanted to change.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
At my 1st weigh in with Weight Watchers, I weighed 252 pounds! It took me 2 1/2 years to lose 85 pounds. At 5’5, I now weigh 167 pounds. My goal is to get to about 150-155. I’m off of my blood pressure medicine, and my kids aren’t always asking me, “Why you breathing so hard?” (Heck cause I was tired!!) Now, the hard part starts… keeping it off.

What advice would you like to share?
Be consistent! Your body will respond. It’s a lifestyle! Surround yourself with people who love and support your goals. Little by little, a little becomes a lot!

If you are struggling to lose 5lbs or 50lbs, just know that it can be done. Don’t give up! Work it because you are worth it. Get your mind on board, and you will be unstoppable.

Instagram: @tashabee74

Update Nov 2019: MaRhonda lost 12 more pounds for a total of 53 pounds gone.

“Fitness Journey Started: Nov 6 2018
SW: 241
CW: 188″ @mj_fitnessisme

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s that time again…remembering where I come from❤️😍yep this was the year I said I was wearing all black all year 🤣🤣🤣 if you read a caption on a previous post you know how it ended. But the difference in the 2 pics are great…that waist is getting more and more snatched!💪🏾🔥 Lets go!💪🏾💪🏾 #weightlossjourney #fitnessmotivation #fitness #fitnessgirl #bodyweightexercises # #weightlossmotivation #itswhatido #blackandfit #motivated #you #selfmotivation #thinkpositive #watchwhatyouletin #itsgotime #💪🏾💪🏾 #yourebuiltforgreatness #thickandfit

A post shared by MaRhonda (@mj_fitnessisme) on Nov 15, 2019 at 4:49am PST

Transformation of the Day: MaRhonda lost 41 pounds. Working out with her trainers gave this mom the accountability she needed as she made her health a priority. She says that changing her mindset and preparing her meals at home also helped her to be successful. Check out her story.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
Initially, I didn’t have any motivation. What I had was fear because I didn’t want my children to be without a mother. I could tell my health was beginning to fail, and I had to make the decision to start. The motivation came after the first 10 pounds were lost. This wasn’t my first time trying to lose weight. I started back in 2016 with my trainer and was able to lose 20 lbs. I thought I could continue on my own, but after gaining most of it back, I realized that I needed accountability and a mental change to be successful.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was on a fast food diet mostly before. I ate fast food daily and multiple times a day on some days. I immediately stopped eating fast food and began meal prepping at home, eating a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and little to no starch.

What did your workout routine consist of?
To this day, my workout routine is 4 days of the week for an hour with my trainers, Ivy League Fitness and @johnsonfit87. I also do 1 or 2 days on my own at my local gym for an hour. Both weight lifting and cardio are incorporated into my workouts. I’m losing the pounds at a healthy rate (on average 5 pounds a month).

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 241 pounds. My current weight is 200 pounds.

What is your height?
5’1″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started on November 6, 2018. Up to this point, It’s been 8 months. My journey is ongoing as I haven’t reached my ultimate goal yet.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
To be consistent and establish a routine. I also learned to not only focus on physical exercise but to exercise my mind as well. Without mental change, physical change is unsustainable.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Just start! Don’t wait for any particular motivation or the perfect day to start. Make that call or go to the gym and get that membership. If that’s not an option, google workouts that you can do at home. There are tons of workouts online. If you need accountability, invest in yourself, and find a personal trainer or group to help you.

Instagram: @Kamea_Divine & @mj_heartofgold

Transformation of the Day: Ju-Kenya lost 125 pounds by putting in lots of work at the gym and becoming a Vegan. Now, she has her emotional eating in check, and she is reaping the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

What was your motivation?
My motivation came one night when I thought that I was having a heart attack.

What inspires you to keep going, even when you want to give up?
When I look back at myself at 305 pounds, that inspires me not to quit.

How did you change your eating habits?
For 30 days, I ate no red meat or fried foods. Six months later, I became a vegan. I don’t eat anything with a face. No dairy, no fried foods, bread or sweets. Also, I drink only water.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I had a personal trainer for eight months. Then I started going to a fitness boot camp that I am presently still attending (I’m 1 year and 3 months in). I work out every day, sometimes 3 times a day.

What was your starting weight, and what is your current weight?
My starting weight was 305 pounds, and my current weight is 180 pounds.

What is your height?
5’6″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started on June 22, 2017. It’s been two years.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No weight loss surgery. No diet pills. Just discipline, determination, and a whole bunch of grinding.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Not to be an emotional eater.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Just know that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay consistent, you will get to the finish line. Do it for yourself. Silence all your excuses

Instagram: @jukenya45 & @ralls2019

 

 

 

 

 

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Never skip Monday ‘s workout

A post shared by Ju-Kenya Bolden (@ralls2019) on Jun 3, 2019 at 4:13am PDT

Shalanda lost 18 pounds. Her health concerns included high blood pressure, high A1C, fatty liver, and gallbladder issues. The wakeup call she needed came in the form of her doctor saying that she needed to be put on insulin. With the help of her trainer and her nutritionist, she was able to turn her health around and get off of all her medications. Check out her story.

Age: 37
Height: 5’5″
Starting Weight: 199.6 pounds
Current Weight: 181.2 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 18.4lbs
Representing: Alabama

I’m a wife to my loving, supportive husband for 18 years and a mother of 3 {19,17, & 12 years old}. Two of my children were delivered by emergency c-section. I started my weight loss journey in March 2017, and I’ve been going hard ever since.

What was your motivation?
My motivation to start my journey to lose weight was a history of health concerns. During multiple doctor visits for follow-ups from lab work, I was getting bad results, which consisted of high blood pressure, high A1C, fatty liver, and low count gallbladder. This was terrible news because I have a beautiful family that I need to live and be here for. They need me.

During the visit I had with my doctor before starting my journey, she talked to me about starting me on yet another medication, which was insulin because I wasn’t showing the changes needed to keep it controlled. I asked my doctor to please give me until my next visit before putting me on insulin (which was 3 months later). At that moment, I knew that I was ready to make some changes, plus I’m afraid of needles. I promised her that everything would be different when I came back.

At my next appointment, my doctor was shocked. She was really amazed at how I reversed all my health issues. My blood pressure was excellent, my A1C was great, no fatty liver, and no gallbladder problems. During the same appointment, my blood pressure medication was dropped from 2 pills to 1. I also received a lower dosage of metformin.

Long story short, my following appointment (3 months later), I was removed from all medications and back to yearly doctor visits instead of every 3 months. All because I had faith in God and started a journey to healthy living.

What inspired you to keep going?
I was totally inspired first and foremost by turning around my health stats. I also wanted to feel comfortable and look great in my clothes. I knew I was the only one who could make that change, so I thought about how different things would be in the next 6 months if I just keep going.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by being consistent with making breakfast or lunch my biggest meal. I stopped the late night eating and increased my water intake to a gallon a day. I eat 6 meals a day, 3 meals and 3 healthy snacks. (per my nutritionist, NutritionistGuru)

I stopped eating sweets. No soda, beer, white bread, white rice, fast foods, brown skin potatoes, junk foods, high fructose juice, or fried foods. I’ve never liked spinach, but now my meals consist of many healthy foods, including spinach, brown rice, egg whites, turkey, whole or multigrain cereal, sweet potatoes, fruits, and veggies. Also, my air fryer is my lifeline.

What did your workout consist of?
Before joining Fitness on Fire, I was someone who did not like the gym. However, for the program, you must have a gym membership (which I’ve had, but I never went). Now I am absolutely in love with the gym because I now know what I’m doing when I get there. My workout routine consists of 90 minutes of resistance training, 4-5 days a week. However, being the gym beast that I am, I train 6-7 days, even though it’s not required, I love it because it helps me to stay motivated, focused and it helps me to control my appetite. (my trainer, Fire)

How long did your transformation take?
I was able to fit in my goal dress in 3.5 months. I and others started seeing progress in my second week. At that point, I was past excited and motivated.

Fitness On Fire worked for me because I’ve lost weight on my own before by walking at a fast pace 5-8 miles a day, 5-7 days a week. I was almost starving, walking for hours, and checking the scale the next morning. Yes, I was one that checked the scale if not every day, then every other day. Once I decide to take a rest day or two, I could feel the weight creeping back, and it was approaching fast. I used to think that I needed to do only cardio to lose body fat. I quickly learned that weight/resistance training is necessary too. What I didn’t know then…

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Before doing anything, Find Your Why? With your Why, you can set goals and smash them. Stay hungry and determined for success. Concentrate fully on you. Eat clean and workout at least 4-5 times a week. Always remember that results take time. Be patient and enjoy the journey.

Instagram: @getfit_remy

Update June 2020: I want to give a huge shout out to Deandra. She recently gave birth to twins. She is on that snapback journey and looking great already.

 

 

 

 

 

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I’m starting my fitness journey again! Throughout my twin pregnancy I gained 60 pounds and was 4ft around 🥴😭. As of today I’ve lost 35 pounds and I’m slowly starting to become active again doing what my body will allow. No one talks about the immense changes our body’s undergo during pregnancy and after birth. These days I’m just focusing on trying to love the skin I’m in at any stage in life. ❤️ Snatching my waist back in my @definefitnessbrand belt 💃🏽 #blackfitnesswomen #blackfitness #weightlosstransformation #beforeandafterweightloss #transformationfitnation #fitchocolate365

A post shared by Deandra Monae (@itsdeemonae) on May 14, 2020 at 3:12pm PDT

Transformation of the Day: Deandra lost 57 pounds. After a breakup, she found herself at a low point. She started working out with a trainer, eating healthier food, and the results she achieved just motivated her to keep going. Check out her story.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I hired personal trainers, so when I wanted to give up or was lacking motivation during a workout, I had them there to push me. Also seeing my results encouraged me to keep going because I wanted to keep getting to my next goal.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
In 2017 after a breakup, I was lacking so much confidence and was at a low point. I started using the gym as an outlet, and I have not stopped since. It took me about 1 year to really start seeing the body that I was going for. Now, it’s just about maintaining and toning up.

How did you change your eating habits?
I didn’t use a specific diet. During the week, I kept it as healthy as possible (limiting meat intake and eating healthier meal options.) On the weekend, I would be a little more lenient and enjoy some of the foods I loved. I’m a sweets type of girl. Also, I only drank water!

Tell us about your workout routine.
In the beginning, I was working out 4 times a week – twice with a personal trainer and twice on my own. Once I started really dropping the weight, I slowed down to 2-3 times a week (This is something I’m not 100 percent proud of, and I want to get back to 4 days a week) I really started to love fitness, and now I help others workout!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 235 pounds, and my current weight is 178 pounds.

What is your height?
5 ft, 6 inches tall.

Was weight loss surgery part of your transformation?
No surgeries. All natural.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That you have to love yourself every step of the way! You can lose 100 pounds, but you won’t ever be satisfied until you love yourself at whatever stage you are in. Also, don’t be so scale conscious (still learning). INCHES MATTER!

What advice would you like to share?
Consistency is EVERYTHING. Once you start, don’t stop. Even if you slow down, don’t stop. The body you want will not come overnight. Also, don’t compare your body to people on social media!

Updated Instagram: @itsdeemonae

Update: We shared Chrissy’s transformation story back in 2014, and she is still going strong. She lost 128 pounds. Intermittent fasting, dance fitness, and strength training are all part of her journey. Check out her update.

I was featured on your blog back in 2014 after losing 103 pounds naturally. Since then, I’ve had some struggles with maintaining. However, I’ve managed to not only keep off over 100 lbs, but I’ve lost an additional 25 pounds. I’ve been able to keep off the weight by consistently doing intermittent fasting, drinking a gallon of water a day, and doing dance fitness and strength training with @divineimpactfitness.

My health journey has become so much more than losing weight and desiring a certain aesthetic; it’s a journey of perseverance, tenacity, and HARD WORK. It’s a reminder to myself that nothing in this life that is worth having will be an overnight success. It’s also a reminder of when I’m faced with other challenges, trials, and tribulations in my life that I can rely on that same determination, discipline, and positive thinking to conquer new chapters & goals.

It’s a reminder to NEVER give up on myself, no matter what. 💗

Instagram: @chrissytcreates

Read more about how she did it.