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Before and After Photos

Patricia lost 152 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Patricia lost 152 pounds, down from 501lbs. This Louisiana mom knew that the weight would not come off overnight. She cleaned up her eating habits and strived to workout everyday to achieve these results. Check out her story.

Patricia before and after

Hi, I’m Patricia Johnson from Louisiana and what most inspired me to change my life was my kids. I needed to be here to see them grow and be a part of their life achievements.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by cutting out all fried foods, sweets and sodas. I incorporated more vegetables, protein, and water to my diet.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine consists of walking one to two miles daily and working out with a personal trainer three times a week at Kfitness.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 501 pounds and my current weight is 348. 5 pounds. My height is 5’6″.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in April 2017. My transformation took 2 1/2 years, and my goal is still yet to be reached.

Was weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, weight loss surgery is not a part of my journey. This an all natural journey!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lessons I learned were to trust the process and not to go looking for a quick fix. I didn’t gain the weight overnight, so I will not lose it overnight.

What advice would you give to people who want to lose weight?
My advice is to trust in yourself know that there will be good days and bad days. Keep pushing and never give up.

Instagram: @4_lilgirls

Jessica lost 73 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost 73 pounds. Her mother’s battle with many weight-related medical issues inspired her to get healthy. She found that a low carb, Keto lifestyle works best for her. Check out her story.

Jessica before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was my mother. I saw her battle weight-related medical issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, lymphedema, etc.) all of her life, even up until her passing in September 2016.

Remembering why I started is what inspired me to keep going when I wanted to give up.

How did you change your eating habits?
After doing my own research and joining a group on Facebook, I began using the Keto diet. I cut down my intake of carbs (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, and sweets) tremendously. Sweets have always been my BIGGEST battle.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout? Before my shift changed at work, I was in an exercise class 3 times a week which consisted of cardio, light weights, and dance routines.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight, which was my heaviest, was 281 pounds and my current weight is 208 pounds.

What is your height?
5’8″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Nope! No weight loss surgery.

When did you start your journey?
About three years ago. It was an up and down journey for me because of all the stress and changes that were taking place in my life.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Even when you mess up on your journey, realize that you’re human. You are going to make mistakes, but things don’t stop there. Just pick yourself up and keep pressing forward towards your goal.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Never give up! You didn’t gain all the weight overnight so don’t expect to lose it all overnight.

Instagram: @misschocalick

Lee lost 45 pounds

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Lee lost 45 pounds and has worked to maintain her success for four years. She overcame depression and low self-confidence and focused on taking care of herself, physically and mentally. Weight training and a low carb lifestyle were crucial to her success. Check out her journey.

Leonie before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was the fact that I was in place of deep depression. I lacked self-confidence and motivation in general. I was emotionally and physically not looking after myself. I made the decision to take care of my mental and physical health, and I haven’t looked back. I stay motivated because I feel better than I did in the past, and I never want to feel the way I did in the past.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started following a low carb diet. I cut out processed foods and simple carbs. Later on in my journey I went on a ketogenic diet, eliminating carbs and upping my healthy fat intake. Now I follow a low carb diet with high carb days to refuel my body.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I worked out six times a week while losing weight. Initially, I did mostly cardio. Now, I work out 4-6 times a week mainly doing weight/strength training. I do about 3 sessions a week of HIIT cardio at the end my weight lifting workouts, and it’s really transforming my shape. Incorporating weights is life changing.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 170 pounds, and I currently weight about 125 pounds at 5’2″. I really believe in observing body fat % rather than scale weight. I also take body measurements because body composition changes will show you a more accurate reflection of your progress.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in 2014. It took about 8 months to see the progress I wanted. I’ve been in the weight maintenance process for about 4 years now (since 2015). Maintenance has actually been more difficult than the weight loss process. I gained back about 20 lbs back at the end of 2016. It took me about 4 months to lose that body fat, but I’ve maintained it and continued to make improvements since. It’s not about falling down, it’s about getting back up.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No weight loss surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
To be patient and kind to my body and mind. Taking care of my health has been a sign of self-respect. Also, to be patient, this journey takes time.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?

  • Be patient.
  • Be consistent.
  • Be proactive. Do your research and learn about how food affects your body.
  • Switch up your routines every so often so that your body can continue to improve.
  • Use food as fuel, don’t be afraid to eat, but be mindful of calories and your energy output.

Instagram: @happy_curves

Leonie before and after

Queava lost 195 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Queava lost 195 pounds. After fleeing from an abusive marriage, this mom of five connected with women who taught her how to use fitness and nutrition to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Queava before and after

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Height: 5’1″

I have 5 children, and I was married for 13 years, but we’d been together for 17 years. I cooked all the time. Having a husband who was a very picky eater and kids who were too, I found myself preparing 3 different meals at one time on some days. However, I loved to cook. It made me feel good…or so I thought. Now that I look back, I realize that I was really depressed.

I always wanted to open my own restaurant because everyone loved my cooking. People would actually pay me to make dishes for them. But, the kids started to grow and were leaving going to different events, school church, etc. I found myself at home by myself a lot.

In addition to this, my marriage was abusive. Being abused and hiding it played a significant role in my eating, but I didn’t know. That is… until my kids, and I left in the middle of the night ended up in a domestic violence
shelter. My life changed forever.

I met women who were working out to deal with stress and anxiety (which I didn’t know I had). I had never ever worked out in the past. I also met women who didn’t eat meat, and I learned about diet and exercise. That’s when my life changed forever. I started to lose weight. It took me about 2 years to get my weight down. I’m still working on becoming a better me. My goal is to get down to 130 pounds.

Eating habits: I stopped eating pork first. Then I cut out beef and never went back. I rarely eat chicken. Instead, I stick to seafood. I also stopped eating white bread.

Exercise: Started by walking and later I switched to lots of cardio. I continue to work out daily.

Advice: Consistently working out and eating right is the key to weight loss.

I started in 2015, and I’m still going. I’ve learned never to give up. You just have to keep going. It’s been a long journey, but it was worth it.

Instagram: @onlyufitness

 
 
 
 
 
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Christian lost 80 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Christian lost 80 pounds. Her turning point came when she was faced with having to increase her clothing size because size 16 clothes no longer fit. She decided to make some serious changes and commit to a healthy new lifestyle. Now, she is a trainer and a fitness instructor. Check out her amazing transformation.

Christian before and after

My motivation came the moment I went from a clothing size 16 to a size 18. I had been wearing a size 16 for THEE longest time. When I went shopping those size 16 progressed to me needing a size 18. At that moment, I told myself that I was going to make a change. I set out with a goal to lose 20 pounds. I went hard, staying very consistent for 6 months. At the end of the 6 months, I’d lost 60 lbs by changing my eating habits, exercising and being more active.

After the initial weight loss of 60 pounds, I switched up my workout style from strictly cardio to toning and strength training. I lost an additional 20 pounds for a total weight loss of 80+ pounds. I achieved that success by attending one-hour fitness classes 3-4 times a week at my local gym. These classes focused on strength training (using light weights and repetition) and aerobics.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I can honestly say that I have NEVER wanted to give up. However, what inspired me to keep going were the consistent results I was seeing and the compliments I was receiving. Each week, I lost 2-3 pounds, and I wanted to continue the trend that I was seeing. I would challenge myself. If I saw that I only lost 2 pounds one week, I would challenge myself to add more effort the following week to try to beat my previous week’s weight loss.

I motivated my family to get fit and started a family biggest loser challenge. I helped them adapt to a healthier and more fit lifestyle. Not only did I have to keep going for myself but I was motivating them to get and stay on track, so that served as encouragement whenever I felt like I wanted to give up.

I became so passionate about fitness and healthier living that I made a professional career of it. In 2017, I became a group fitness instructor/personal trainer and started my own fitness business. Having so many people around me who are looking to me for motivation, I continue to strive while helping others. I will always maintain a fit lifestyle.

How did you change your eating habits?
At the start of my six-month journey, I changed some very basic habits. I switched from buying whole Vitamin D milk to 2% milk. I stopped buying white bread and switched to whole wheat bread. Any meats that I ate were changed to turkey; i.e., from ground beef to ground turkey, from pork chops to turkey chops, pork sausage to turkey sausage, etc.

I started to bake foods instead of frying. If I did fry, I would use wheat flour and olive oil in place of the vegetable oil. I ate a lot of grapefruit and yogurt as well. I also purchased a blender and a juicer. I made meal replacement smoothies and homemade fresh juices from raw whole vegetables and fruit.

I did not use any specific diet programs. Just changed habits and put a lot of hard work and determination toward staying on track with my health and fitness goals.

What did your workout routine consist of?
For 6 months, I did a lot of cardio. My main routine was walking/jogging/light running on the treadmill. At the beginning of the 6 months, I would walk for 20 minutes. By the end of the 6 months, I had made it up to 60 minutes. My treadmill was positioned in front of the television, so I would watch TV programs or movies and just forget about the time.

Some days I would squeeze 2 workouts in. I would work out on the treadmill in the morning before work and then again in the evening after work. I did this about 5 days a week. On my lunch break at work, I would find an empty hallway and just power walk. If the weather permitted, I would walk the campus of my workplace outdoors. I would also opt to take the stairs over the elevator and just take advantage of any opportunity to get and stay moving.

After the initial weight loss of 60 pounds, I switched my workout style to focus on toning and strength training. I started to attend fitness classes at my local gym that used light weights and concentrated on building muscle. I would attend those one-hour classes 3-4 times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 215 pounds. My current weight is 135 pounds. My height is 5’ 2”.

When did you start your journey?
I started my weight loss journey in October 2008. By April 2009, I’d lost 60 lbs. Weight loss surgery was not part of my journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I have learned is you cannot wait for anyone and sometimes you have to go at it alone. Through hard work and dedication, you can reach and maintain your goals. Don’t stop! Keep on going no matter what! You have to make the time and not make excuses.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
My advice: Start NOW! Don’t wait and don’t make excuses. You will feel better, and you will thank yourself. If you have a bad day/week, shake it off and go harder the next workout. Never ever give up!

Instagram: @foreverfitindy

Christian before and after

Christian before and after

Latoya lost 75 pounds

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Latoya lost 75 pounds. She has maintained her success for almost 4 years with Zumba, healthy eating habits and the will to always get back up again after failing off course. Her hard work and determination paid off. Check out her story.

Latoya before and after

I started my journey in November of 2014. At that time I weighed 240 pounds at 5 feet, 2.5 inches tall. It took me about 7 months to get to my goal weight of 165 pounds. (My current weight is 170lbs) I was a yo-yo dieter for years and could never stick with any plan that I tried.

My ultimate motivation for wanting to become a healthier ME came from seeing some family members who had become dependent on medications for diabetes, hypertension, etc. I made up in my mind that I did NOT want to travel down that road, so I had to CHANGE my mindset.

The MIND is a very powerful thing, Ladies, but one of the first changes that I made when I began my journey was eating off of a smaller plate. By doing this, my mind was tricked by seeing a full plate, and I actually felt full when eating proper portion sizes.

When it came to food, I found something that worked for me and ran with it. I never ate breakfast (personal choice). For lunch, I did lettuce wraps and a green apple or berries. For dinner, I had grilled/baked chicken and green beans. I cut out all beverage options except water. That was my menu for three LONNNG months – NO cheat days.

When it came to working out, I incorporated a lot of cardio and circuit training. I worked out about 4-5 times a week. I loved doing Zumba so much that I got my license and started teaching classes 6 days a week. As I stated before it took me about 7 months to get to my goal weight. I have been able to maintain my weight for the past 3 years.

The biggest lesson I have learned through this process is that it doesn’t matter how many times you fall off the wagon as long as you get back up and keep pushing. This has become my way of life. I thank God for giving me the strength and willpower to continue to PUSH. Ladies, I know this is not an easy feat, but start with small changes to your diet and gradually add on more healthy habits. HARD WORK + DETERMINATION = RESULTS

Instagram: @ms.365fyne

Latoya before and after

Rachael lost 35 pounds

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Update Aug 2020: Shout out to Rachael. After having a second child at 38 years old, she has bounced back and lost 25 pounds. Check out her update.

Rachael before and after

What is your current weight? 
After birth 5 months postpartum: 185 pounds (first pic)
Current postpartum – 13 months: 160 pounds (second pic) 

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight? My passion for fitness and wellness fueled my journey back to myself after having my second child at 38. (18 years after my first!) I practice a plant-based lifestyle, consuming Whole Foods and veggies. I also follow my exercise plan (working out 4-5 times a week), and mental wellness activities such as yoga, meditation.

I am trusting the process. I want to feel good about myself, and knowing that my family deserves me at my best keeps me going! 

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most at this point?

Don’t get frustrated with the time. It’ll pass. If you didn’t gain weight in a month, you wouldn’t lose it in a month. You’ll get better and stronger! Remember to lose weight consistently to keep the skin tight. This is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. 

 Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?

Often we judge ourselves by looking at others. You can’t live in their bodies, love yours! As a trainer, I felt like I should have been fit again in a couple of months. However, the journey of weight loss is spiritual as well as physical! Don’t compete with anyone. Stay focused, follow a plan, and commit to yourself! – @Rachael_H4H

Transformation of the Day: Rachael lost 35+ pounds. After being unjustly fired from her job, she transformed her anger into her desire to get fit and healthy. Working out with her husband and using the knowledge she learned while getting a Health Sciences degree was crucial to her journey.

Rachael before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I was a newly married woman, and my husband noticed that I had gained a lot of weight throughout the year. At the same time, I was unhappy at work, and eventually lost my job of 10 years. That’s when I realized it was time to get healthy and get back to myself. My husband agreed to help me. The first morning that I started exercising, he followed me in the car as I cried and he kept telling myself encouraging words. I knew that because of him and for my daughter, I couldn’t give up.

How did you change your eating habits?
I graduated from UALR with a Health Sciences degree, so I used the information I learned to help me plan a simple meal plan. I didn’t like a lot of healthy foods at the time. Newly unemployed, I needed to save money as well.

I started cooking more and avoided eating out for 30 straight days. I eliminated sweets and sodas. I began to eat more vegetables. In the beginning, my diet was really strict, For breakfast, I had 2 boiled eggs and oatmeal. My snack would be yogurt or nuts. For lunch and dinner, I had grilled chicken, rice and green beans. I also drank 1 gallon of water daily.

I started researching the best low-fat foods and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Gradually, I introduced more healthy foods into my life. In 2018, I switched to a plant-based diet.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I started just walking! My husband and I would get up at 5am, and I would walk for 30-40 minutes. Each week, we added a mile until I was up to 6 miles a day. My sister started a new job which was exactly 6 miles away, and I made that my destination every day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’m 5 feet tall, and the biggest I got was 170 pounds. I dropped the first 30 in about 6 weeks. Currently, I maintain my weight between 130-140lbs.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
It started in May 2010, right after I was fired from my job of 9 years. For the first 30 days, I was so angry because I was broke, broken and unjustly fired. I used fitness to calm my spirit. Before I knew it (6 weeks later), I had lost 30 pounds! After that, I joined UALR’s gym and started weight lifting to build muscle and keep a healthy weight.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned to always be consistent, make a plan, and discipline myself.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Start with a plan. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan but start by planning healthy meals and workout dates. Don’t cancel on yourself. Remember, it took time to gain weight, so it will take time to lose it. How long that takes depends on your dedication. You have one life to live in one body. Take the very best care of yourself!

FB/IG business: @hopes4health
FB/IG personal: Rachael Hopes/ @Rachael_H4H
www.hopes4health.com

 
 
 
 
 
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Update: Monica lost 160 pounds

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We have been following Monica‘s story since 2016, and she is still going strong. She lost 160 pounds and no longer has to take high blood pressure medication. Healthy eating habits and exercise are the foundation of her transformation.

Monica before and after

Starting weight: 330 pounds
Current weight: 170 pounds
Height: 5’11”

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I have continued to lose weight by continuing to be cautious of my daily food intake and by doing vigorous exercise daily. I find that I remain on task if I stay prepared. Meal planning and food prepping for breakfast and lunch aids in doing so.

Of the lessons you’ve learned so far on this journey, what stands out the most?
For me, every day is a new day. Even at this point, I have come to understand every day will not be a win. There are many days that I conquer and then some that I don’t, but what I have learned is that I can’t beat myself up when I don’t give 100% every single day. I’ve come to realize that I actually succeed on those days because failure on this journey doesn’t come until you give up.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to people who want to lose weight?
Treat this journey like a voyage on a ship. Some days there will be wind and rain storms. Some days the path may not be as clear. There will be many days that you want to give up and jump ship, and that’s okay too. However, you must find your way and get back on board realizing that the only way you fail is to never re-start your journey again.

Instagram: @Journey2fitwalk

Read more about how she released the weight!

Monica in First For Women Magazine.
“I made the April 1, 2019 issue of First For Women Magazine.”

Monica before and after

Rae lost 44 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Rae lost 44 pounds with a low carb, high fat Ketogenic lifestyle. She didn’t want to live with chronic ankle and knee pain, so she sought out guidance, changed her habits and committed to a new way of life. Check out her story.

Rae before and after

I started Keto on July 28,2018. I did not transition slow. I jumped right into Keto after having to do physical therapy for my ankle and knee due to the chronic pain I developed from being overweight. My body was feeling the effects of having so much excess weight on it. My weight had hit 228 pounds. However, I’m sure I may have weighed more because I stopped weighing myself at that point. I’d lost myself in food.

I meet with a wellness coordinator through my insurance. Then I met with a doctor and a dietitian. After these meetings, my journey began! I completely changed my eating habits with the help of my dietitian. I cut out carbs almost entirely, with the only carbs I ate come from green vegetables and some dairy products.

I didn’t eat any sweets (not even keto approved) in the beginning, including no fruit! Once I was in ketosis, my appetite changed and I was less hungry throughout the day. I was able to tolerate a low-calorie diet as well.

In the beginning, I only exercised 2-3 times a week with Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs program. Now, I have cranked up those sessions up to 3-4 times a week!

My starting weight was 224 pounds, and I currently weigh 180 pounds at 5’5″.

I decided to compare my photos. I have pictures from April 2018 to February 2019. I am amazed at where I am and where I came from! I can’t even believe it was me! This is the first change in my diet that I stuck to and didn’t feel like I was losing out. Ketosis has made me a fat burning machine! I see why people say a lifestyle change is better than a diet because you can stick to it forever!

I’ve learned that when I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything!! I recommend that people get started with something that they can follow and that they can commit to. I would also tell them to seek help when it’s needed.

Instagram: @ketorae_sun

Rae before and after

Rae before and after

Cheryl lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Cheryl lost 40 pounds. Pre-diabetes and obesity could not stop this mom of three. She worked out a local gym five days a week, ate healthier food and discovered the transformational power of self-love. Check out her story.

Cheryl before and after

My weight loss journey began back in 2017. One day I just decided that enough was enough. I was pre-diabetic and considered morbidly obese. I wanted to change my life for myself and my three children.

I joined my local gym and worked out five days a week. My workout routine mostly consists of exercising on the treadmill or doing any form of cardio. Twice a week, I add weight training to my routine.

I also changed the way I was eating – Less junk food, and more fruits & veggies. My favorite healthy foods are baked chicken, turkey sausage, and lots of different vegetables. Water is your best friend. I try to drink a gallon a day, but if not I always do half.

When I began this process, I weighed 282. I currently weigh 242 pounds. Down 40 pounds! I’m 5’8″.

This process for me has been challenging to say the least, but I have a goal that I will accomplish. I have cried many days and wanted to give up, but I keep looking at how far I have come and how good I feel about myself in my “right now” stage. That right there is my motivation.

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that anything is possible if you work at it. You also have to want it for yourself. Loving myself is enough for me to reach my goals. I’m still working towards them, but I’m proud of myself for starting.

To any and everyone who is reading my story and to YOU who are is wondering how to start, here’ my advice: Start small.

Move more. Take a walk. Track what you are eating. Eventually, you will move to the next step. Know that every little thing you do to make progress helps. You will have your good days and bad days. JUST DONT GIVE UP.

Instagram: @cherylh_86

Cheryl before and after