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Before and After Photos

Twyler lost 182 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Twyler lost 182 pounds. Over the course of 15 years, she’s gone from a size 30 to a size 12. This mom’s heartfelt story reflects the real ups and downs of weight release. It took time and effort to figure out what worked for her, but ultimately she did not give up. Check out how she did it.

twyler before and afterMy name is Twyler M. and  I have been on this journey a LONG time. I have lost a total of 182 lbs., going from a size 30 to a size 12. My story is not like the typical reader who loses weight in a year or 2 year time frame. My transformation has taken 15 years and is on going. I would consistently do well for months, then give up and do nothing for years at a time. I was a quitter, but I NEVER gave up completely. Here is the timeline of my journey.

I started this journey in 2001. I went to get my annual exam and the doctor told the nurse verbatim “Don’t worry about weighing her, the scales only go up to 350 lbs.”.  This was my motivation. My highest weight was recorded at 387 lbs. on a bariatric scale. I am 6ft tall.

I was not sure how to start this journey so I tried EVERYTHING from prescribed diet pills, detox tea, Slim Fast, etc, looking for a quick result.  I would quickly drop 30-40 lbs. from fad diets. However, I did not exercise or change my eating habits.

In 2004, I was a down to a size 22 and decided to start a “diet” again. I started walking on the treadmill at work for 30 minutes on my lunch break. I stopped eating fried foods and incorporated salads. I managed to lose about 50 lbs.

In 2006, I changed jobs and the vendors would bring in food everyday. I became a foodie,  got addicted to snacking and gained weight. My friends would call me “Munch Munch”.

In 2007, my son started playing football. While he practiced, I walked around the track. This time, I stopped snacking and ate primarily fish and chicken. I lost some more weight. After football season, I stopped walking around the track, and my weight would fluctuate up and down.

In 2009, my friend asked me to be a bridesmaid. I was happy, but also mortified at the thought of wearing a sleeveless dress. I wanted to look good, so I reduced my calories to 1200 per day and went walking around the track 4-5 times a week in a sauna suit. After the wedding, I stopped exercising and stopped counting calories. I gave up AGAIN and did nothing for 2 yrs. Never stepped foot on a track or in the gym during that time.

In 2011, I started eating low carb and working out in the gym. I only did cardio (walking on the treadmill) that’s it, no weights. I saw immediate results with low carb eating. I did not count carbs initially, I just ate meat, cheese and veggies. I lost another 50lbs over the course of 2 years with this lifestyle.

In 2014, I got pregnant and gained 87 lbs. I was devastated. After I had my son, I started eating low carb meals again and going back to the gym. The thing that was different this time is that I counted carbs and tried to stay below 50 carbs per day. My progress stalled for months and I did not lose any weight but I lost inches. This time I did not give up. I lost my Grandmother in 2014 and my Father in 2015 from diabetes and kidney failure and that was a turning point. I was determined at this point to live longer for my sons and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I lost all 87 of the pounds I gained and got down to a size 12 with a low carb lifestyle and exercise!

Now, it’s 2016! I weigh 205 pounds. My goal weight is 185 pounds. I work out 4-5 days a week doing 40 minutes of cardio every day and strength training on alternating days. I count carbs using the My Fitness Pal app and I drink tons of water. I am in several low carb facebook groups that help keep me motivated.

The hardest part of this journey was not losing the weight. It was maintaining the weight loss. Maintaining is a way of life. A diet is not meant to last a lifetime. You have to permanently change the way you eat and the way you think about healthy eating… and stick to it. I want people to know that this does not happen overnight. It’s called a journey for a reason. Don’t compare your journey to the paths of others. If you fall off just get back on the wagon. One day at a time!

Instagram: @6feetandfab

Ranasha lost 52 pounds

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Update Sept 2017: Ranasha has lost a total of 100 pounds. Check out her new before and after.

I’ve lost 48 more pounds since I was featured in October 2016, for a total of a 100 pounds gone. I’m still just walking and watching my eating habits. I still have about 20 more pounds to lose till I reach my goal weight, but I’m excited to now weigh under 200 pounds.

Instagram: @created_to_be_beautiful

ranasha before and after

Weight Loss Story: Ranasha lost 52 pounds. This 5’2″ mom of four wanted to get off the weight release rollercoaster and start changing her life before she turned 40. She learned how to change her eating habits and she walks 3.5 to 4 miles a day for exercise. Check out what else she did to change her lifestyle.

ranasha before and after

My name is Ranasha. I’m 39 and a mother of four. I’ve currently lost a total of 52 pounds. I’m 5’2″ tall and at one point I weighed 300 pounds. My transformation started in December of 2015. My starting weight was 280 pounds and my current weight is 228 pounds. I am not where I wanna be yet, but I’m celebrating where I have come thus far.

I have been overweight most of my adulthood life. I’ve lost and gained… and lost and gained again. Eventually, I just grew tired of yoyo-ing up and down. I knew that I had to get myself together before I hit 40 years old. After having a couple health challenges, I decided it was time to make some real changes.

I don’t believe in following any particular diet or plan. My doctor always told me that you can eat almost anything you want in moderation and with the right portion sizes. In January 2016, I decided to stop eating all meat (except salmon on occasion). I started eating more fruit, more vegetables and increasing my water intake. I definitely had to cut out sugar. That was a big one for me. I stopped bringing any snack foods and junk foods into the house so that they would not be a problem any longer. I have never been a big soda or juice drinker. We are big water drinkers in my house.

As far as exercise goes, walking 5 days a week is what works for me. I walk anywhere from 3.5 – 4 miles everyday.

My process is a slow one but I love it that way. In the past when, I’ve lost it quick, I always gained it right back. Now, I’m taking my time with my weight loss journey and it’s working for me.

The best advice I can give to others is just to set realistic goals. Sometimes we set goals that are hard to achieve and then get discouraged when we fail. My first goal was 250 pounds. Once I got there, I set my next goal for 230 pounds. Now that I’ve achieved that, my next goal is 200 pounds. Once I get there, I’ll celebrate and see what’s next.

No weight loss surgeries have been apart of my journey. Just my own sweat and tears, Lol. I know the struggle. I’ve lived it most of my life. If I can just encourage someone else to keep pushing and not give up, that’s all I can ask for. If you find something that works for you, by all means do it! Thank you guys so much and be blessed!

ranasha

Richeel lost 92 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Richeel lost 92.4 pounds. She weighed 300 pounds at 5’2″ and was dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Lupus. However, it was a diagnosis of pre-diabetes that served as the wake up call she needed. Exercise classes, accountability via social media and limiting carbs in a reasonable way were all key to getting results. Check out her story.

richeel weight loss

Right now, I’m at a plateau but I’ve gone from 300 pounds to 207.6 pounds as of today. 300 pounds was a lot of weight on my 5’2″ frame. All of my progress was made by putting in the work and lowering my carb intake.

In the past, I made every excuse in the book. I have Lupus, which makes me tired. I have arthritis, so I would say that I won’t be able to keep up with exercise or that I’m in pain. I would also use the excuse of not having time or not knowing what to do. I just thought that I had so far to go that I’d never make it. I also had high blood pressure and headaches along with the Lupus and arthritis. All of that was still not enough of a wake up call.

The wake up call came after a doctor visit which revealed that I was pre-diabetic. Both my parents and grandparents had diabetes. I knew that I didn’t want to struggle with diabetes in addition to the medical issuesI already had. Besides, I literally did not have room in my pill box for and more pills.

Something had to change. I made up my mind that as cliche as it seemed, New Years Day 2013 would be the day. I prayed for guidance, realizing that my body was a temple and I needed to take better care of it. I knew I needed motivation and accountability so I took to the one place I knew I would be watched. Facebook. I made my public declaration and the journey began.

Each and every time I went to a workout class I would post pictures. My go-to classes were Cardio Dance and Zumba. I started with 3 classes a week and started seeing results. I stumbled upon a Groupon voucher for a Soca Fit class and got 5 classes for $ 15. I noticed that one of the days it was being held at my new job location. When I got the the 1st class the instructor told me about all the free classes held at my job site. I felt like I hit the lottery!  I stepped up my workouts to 5 days a week. At one point, I was up to 6-7 workouts a week because I did 2 classes on Saturdays. I started buying brightly colored outfits and matching shoes. My fashion statements and workouts began to encourage and inspire others to join me.

Then, late last year, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. In the past that would have slowed me down, but not this time! When my hands don’t cooperate, I dance and move my feet. When my lower extremities don’t cooperate, I use hand weights or swim.

I stopped eating a lot of fast food and started counting calories. That worked for a while, but what really helped was finding low carb focused groups on Facebook. I tried having 20-50 grams of carbs a day but realized that was not sustainable. I was looking for a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix, so I began eating 100 grams or less a day. I use the S Health app on my phone to track my eating habits. There isn’t anything that is off limits as far as food, but I still limit junk food. Whatever I eat has to fit into the 100 grams of carbs a day limit. Water is also crucial! I drink around 100 oz a day.

The total active time it’s take to lose the weight is about 18 months. Now, I want to get to 175 pounds by my birthday in February 2017. WHEN I reach my goal I’m treating myself to an expensive pair of Nike shoes and a matching outfit!

I would tell others who need to lose weight to do it for you. Don’t wait for anyone to motivate you. Also, I would tell them to focus more on health than on the images they see around them.

Instagram: @Richeel16

Jennifer lost 55 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 55 pounds. This UK mom of 3 saw her weight skyrocket after her 3rd pregnancy. After trying to lose the weight for 3 years, a friend suggested she try a detox plan. Check out how she transformed her body by changing her eating habits.

jennifer weight loss

I was always a dress size 10 (US size 8), even after I had my 2 daughters. In 2011, I got pregnant with my son and my weight skyrocketed from a 55kg (121 pounds) to 80kg (176 pounds). For 3
years, after having my son, I still looked like I was pregnant. I tried many different ways to lose weight and nothing worked.

A friend of mine suggested I tried a detox plan that she was using and I thought, “Well, why not?” After being depressed about how I looked for 3 years and battling the bulge, I was ready to try anything to look normal again.

The Arbonne detox included vegan protein shakes and a healthy meal plan. I was so exited about this venture of getting my old self back that I followed everything that was suggested. I started by completely changing my eating habits. I went Vegan for the first week, which meant NO animal products or animal by-products. I also got rid of wheat and all foods that contained Gluten. I only cooked with Coconut oil and never deep fried anything. I grilled my food instead. I stopped eating regular potatoes and instead ate sweet potatoes. I got rid of all of the sweet things I was eating and weaned myself off sugar. I also increased my water intake by dividing my weight by 3 in order to work out how many ounces of  water my body needed. By the end of first month, I started feeling that my clothes were lot loser. I thought, “Wow, I am on to something here. This stuff is really working.”

Because I had a knee and ankle injury, I never had an exercise routine. I just walked everywhere and I was very active around the house. That was the only exercise I got.

28 months later, I am the same weight I was before I had my 3 kids and I couldn’t be any happier. My starting weight was 80kg and my current weight is 55kg. I’ve gone from a UK dress size 20 to a size 8. I’ve done the detox for over 18 months, but could easily have done it in 9 months and still had the same results. Every 3 months I took a break, which was totally unnecessary as this is NOT a diet. You can do it for the rest of your life. It’s a lifestyle change.

I have since helped hundreds of men and women to get healthy from the inside out and to be the best versions of themselves. I want to share my story with as many people as I can, as I am the proof that this lifestyle really works. I believe eating healthy is a form of self respect.

Sometimes, I look at myself and still have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. My husband have fallen more in love with me. He says it’s like being married to the sexiest woman on earth. I have my confidence back and I’ve never felt this gorgeous before. I will be 47 years old  in February 2017 and I feel incredibly beautiful.

There is a complete mindset change that comes with wanting to be healthy. Anyone can do this if they make up their minds to get healthy. I hope to inspire as many people as possible with my story, because it can be done.

Instagram: @jennifer_tuck

Tricey lost 82 pounds

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Update: Tricey has maintained her success for more than 2 years. Check out how she did it.

Tricey before and after

Age: 31
Height: 5’7
Starting weight: 282lbs
Current weight: 205lbs
Total weight loss: 77lbs

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I maintain my weight loss by not succeeding more calories than I have to and drinking plenty of water. The “Fitness on Fire” Online Training Program has helped me on this amazing journey. I have a customized workout plan that I follow created by my trainer, which is fantastic. We communicate daily. I also have a Nutritionist who helps with meals plans, support and so much more — it’s the best program with real results. I recommend Fitness On Fire to anyone struggling with weight loss, they’re along your side every step of the way & always available.

What obstacles, hurdles or setbacks have you faced during your journey and how did you get back on track?
I’ve faced so much since I’ve started this journey. I’ve lost family members and moved into a new home. I changed jobs and shifts and had some car problems. I didn’t want to do anything for a while but eat and sleep. I looked at myself in the mirror one day and told myself, “I can do this and to finish what I’ve started.”

What has worked in terms of eating habits and what worked regarding exercise?
I used healthy apps. Yummy’s is my favorite. I stick to the same meals that work best for me. I also don’t eat anything after 7 pm. Following my trainer’s plan has given me amazing results. Doing resistance training is what worked for me. I work out as early as I can. Even when I’m tired, I still get to the gym 5-6 days a week.

What lessons have you learned on this journey? What stands out the most?
You have to want it for yourself, put yourself first, and remember why you started. Have discipline and be consistent.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
Yes, there was a time that I believed that nothing would ever work for me, but I can honestly say I was wrong. With a little help and guidance, you can do anything. You just have to be ready for change.

Instagram: @_tricey_29

Transformation of the Day: Tricey lost 82 pounds. This busy mom of 3 was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol and didn’t want to take medication. Instead, she opted to change her lifestyle and release the weight to improve her health. She found an online training program with the knowledge and accountability she was looking for. Check out her journey.

Tricey before and after

Age: 28
Height: 5’7″
Starting Weight: 280 pounds
Current Weight: 198 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 82 pounds
Representing: Salisbury, MD

What was your motivation?

I’m a mother of three wonderful children, ages 13, 7 and 6. I work and go to school. However, I make time to focus on me by watching what I eat, what I drink and making it to the gym daily (or as often as I can). My children are my motivation I want to be healthy to be here for them for the years to come.

I was suffering with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This was as a result of eating poorly and indulging in fast food, junk food, sodas and sometimes alcohol. My doctor recommended meds, but instead of taking them I decided to change my lifestyle. I started working out more and eating healthier. Five months later, I went back to my doctor. He went over my lab work and was amazed with my lifestyle change. He then said, “You’re losing weight. Your blood pressure is fantastic and your cholesterol levels went down tremendously. Whatever you’re doing, continue. You’re doing great.” I went from seeing him every 3-6 months to once a year.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
One day I was online looking up sites for weight loss and ran across a woman named Rashonda. I saw that she was a member of the Fitness on Fire program. She had videos and was sharing her weight loss success pictures. I was amazed with her results and it inspired me.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits one day at a time. I stopped eating fast food, sugary snacks, sodas and fried foods. I’d done plenty of research on clean eating months before I joined the program, so I knew what I could and couldn’t have. Also, I got help from the amazing NutritionistGuru. I started to eat more salads, green veggies, fruits, fish, chicken and yogurt. I eliminated processed foods from my diet, and bake or grill my meats instead of frying. Also, I drink plenty of water each day.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I worked out 5 days a week. First, I starting doing 60 minutes of the HIIT training and resistance training, as instructed by my online trainer, King of the Fire. As I became more and more fit, I gradually moved to 90 minutes. Later, I added some additional ab exercises into my daily regimen.

How long did your transformation take?
I started noticing results after my first 50 trips to the gym. It took me 7 months to lose 82 pounds naturally. Fitness on Fire worked for me because I have access to 24 hour support. If I have any concerns, questions or need help with anything, they are right there to guide me and keep me accountable. When I felt like giving up, they remind me of why I started and encourage me to be a better me not only for myself but for my children. I wouldn’t of made it this far without the help of my team. They’re great and I trust them!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
If you’re thinking about losing weight or are struggling, don’t give up! Focus on you. Make time to do the things that make you happy. Stick with your goals, because nobody can do that better than you. Don’t think about how far you have to go. Just remember that you are one step closer to your goal than yesterday. You have to want it for yourself. Some days you may struggle. It will be a constant battle, but all will be worth it in the end. Keep fighting and remember why you started.

Instagram: @_tricey_29

Ayegyesa lost 26 pounds

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Ayegyesa lost 26 pounds. She was inspired by transformation stories and now she’s sharing her progress. Regular exercise and changing her eating habits allowed her to slim down. Check out what she shared with us.

Ayegyesa

My name is Ayegyesa Ruth and I am 26 years old. Sometime back, I was inspired by the pictures and stories you share. I embarked on my journey of weight loss, which hasn’t been easy at all. All in all, I’ve managed to make it. I always wanted to lose weight, even when I was a student. I had a big stomach.

I started going to the gym and changed my eating habits. In the beginning, I weighed 77kgs (169.7 pounds) and now I weigh 65kgs (143.3 pounds)

A short brief on how I achieved weight loss: I always went to gym 3 times a week. During my workouts, I did pushups, jogging, running on the treadmill, jump rope and bicycling.

I stopped eating sugary things, red meat and anything with fat. Also, I always drink a lot of hot water. I drank hot water mixed with cinnamon, ginger and honey every morning and evening as tea. Hot water is good. I suggest drinking hot water, not warm water. I also ate oranges, okra and white meat.

Whitney lost 63.8 pounds

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Update: Shout out to Whitney! She’s released 66 pounds.

Transformation of the Day: Whitney lost 63.8 pounds. Over the course of a year and a half, this super busy mom of 2 has transformed herself by eating clean and working out at home. Now, she is inspiring and coaching others who want to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Check out how she did it.

whitney weight loss
What was your motivation? 
I hated how I looked in the mirror. One day I went shopping for work pants and cried because I had to get a bigger size. Not only was it a bigger size, it was a size that I never had to be in before. I was devastated. I tried various quick-fix diets that worked temporarily, but didn’t make me happy. Once I figured out a plan that worked for me, I wanted to share it with others. It was motivating to be able to find healthy foods that I liked and that made me just as happy as the not-so healthy foods had. Also, I’ve always been told I was “big boned”, so I also wanted to prove that there is no such thing! Today, I am a fitness coach and I have multiple people who depend on me to show up daily. Therefore, I can’t quit!

How did you change your eating habits?
I completely eliminated pop, fast foods and coffee. I heavily cut back on sugar, processed foods and carbs. Sugar is my weakness, so I was able to find a ton of sweet options that were clean and that I loved. My favorite treat is an organic pink lady apple with all natural almond butter. Yum! I’ve learned that eating clean makes me happier, more satisfied and I’m full of energy! I also drink Shakeology daily, another sweet tooth satisfier that’s full of vitamins, nutrients and superfoods. It’s not just a shake either. I have a ton of energy and it replaces one of my meals for the day.

What did your workout routines look like?
For the first 6 months, I started working out at the gym 5-6 days a week doing cardio exercises for 30 minutes a day. After that, I became a fitness coach and all my workouts are Beachbody workouts done AT HOME! I am also a full time retail manager, which means there is no consistency with my work schedule, and I have two small children. My oldest is 10 years old and my youngest just turned 3 years old. My favorite exercise programs include a combination of cardio and weight lifting, because it really shows off your muscles and all the hard work you’ve put in while losing weight. My favorite program is 21 Day Fix Extreme. I’ve done it four times and have had the best results from this program. I have also done 22 Minute Hard Core and Turbo Fire.

Starting weight vs Current weight
I started my journey in June 2015. I weighed 196.8 pounds. I now weight 133 pounds. I’m 5’3″ tall. I still have some work to do, but it took me 1 year to lose most of the weight.

What advice do you have for others?
Three things:

1. Don’t give up! The scale only tells one side of the story, so take lots of pictures and take your measurements often.

2. Don’t do this alone! Grab an accountability partner. We have a powerful team of people who are working to achieve the same goals as you and I. Our support groups are seriously what keep me and so many other members going.

3. Get your mind right! You have to be in the right mindset that you are ready to put in the work to get the results you want. No one said it would be easy, but it’s definitely worth it! If I can do it, anybody can do it!

Instagram: @werkwithwhit

whitney before and after

Whitney weight loss

Update: March 2017 – “And the point of it all is…NEVER GIVE UP! This is 3 years of failures and triumphs, but I never gave up! I cried, I fell, I got back up, and I kept moving!!! Staying consistent and showing up everyday will get you to your goals. The one rule you HAVE to remember is slow progress IS progress!” – @__getfitwithwhit__

Jessica lost over 125 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost over 125 pounds. This mom of two used to weigh over 300 pounds. With the support of her husband she started on the path going vegetarian and eventually vegan. This baker did her research and figured out how she could have her cake and eat it too.

jessica vegan weight loss

My name is Jessica. I used to weigh a little over 300 pounds. I was always the girl who didn’t allow weight and size stop her from doing anything. Some people call it confidence. I called it the nature of survival. I never thought I could lose the weight, because I always was chubby. Always the chubbiest girl in the class. Never saw myself being small.  It was just a way of life. I hated PE in school, because I didn’t like the way it felt to run. I didn’t like how I felt in general, and I just dealt with it through the years.

When I got married in 2005, My husband loved me for me. That was a blessing, but I was still well over 300 pounds. I gave birth to my first child three years after marriage. I was still thinking nothing of my weight or how unsafe or unhealthy it was to be that heavy, standing tall at 5’3″. I knew I had to make a change. If not for me, for my child. I wanted t be able to run and play with him as he got older. This was my motivation.

After giving birth, I started breast-feeding and noticed that I lost about 20 pounds post-pregnancy, which really motivated me. I started doing the Biggest loser videos at home for about 3 months or so and then I joined a gym. I started off on the treadmill on 3.0 for 30 minutes. Then, I would lift weights, working alternate body parts each day. After weights, I would ride the bike or do treadmill sprints for 5 or 10 minutes. The stronger I got I started riding my bike to the gym, workout at the gym, then ride my bike back home. I felt better but I  was still eating the same, so the weight slowly stopped coming off.

One day, after my husband began noticing all my efforts, he posed a question. “Isn’t it counterproductive to work out and eat junk?” (i.e. Cakes, pies, pizza, fries, etc?)  My first reaction was to get offended, but I knew he was right. Even though I was working out diligently, my eating habits remained the same.

Meanwhile we started fellowshipping with a beautiful couple who happened to be vegan. So, my husband and I attempted to go at least vegetarian 30 days at a time, every few months. That was just the beginning. The more I learned about the food I ate and coupling those changes with my new workout, the more I started noticing a huge change in my body. I was excited to get on the scale to see my progress and found that I was down about 40 pounds.

A few months later, I noticed that it was getting harder to work out. The weight wasn’t coming off either. Confused, I went to the doctor to see why. Come to find out I was two months pregnant with my second child. This pregnancy was different. It gave me peace to know that my hard work allowed me to be healthy enough to carry another child.

The only problem I still faced was my massive sweet tooth. I would bake a cake and eat the entire cake by myself. I love to bake, but just didn’t know healthier way to do it. So, I gained a lot of weight during the pregnancy.

After I had my second child, I was confident that I could lose the weight again. I started researching some things. I also went from eating a vegetarian diet every few months to going vegan. Because of my massive sweet tooth, I began to really research Vegan options. Baking gave me the opportunity to challenge myself to start creating healthier options. This was the game changer.

I’ve noticed throughout this journey that I would ban sweets, then indulge and then binge in secret. This was a huge problem. I researched healthier sweet alternatives. Instead of using so much processed sugar, I could natural sweeteners from the earth. With this knowledge, baking became more than just a hobby. It became a passion and I started to get super creative in the kitchen.

A vegan diet with an already consistent workout changed my life. I realized that after my daughter turned one, I was down another 100 pounds. Beyond excited to see 199 pounds in my vision, I worked even harder. My daughter will be five years old in December and I have kept the weight off  for the past four years. I now weigh 175 pounds. I love how my mindset has changed and the changes to my body are just a bonus.

I work out about 4 to 5 times a week, doing about 30 minutes of cardio each day. I also started lifting weights. This journey taught me a lot of things, both mentally and physically, about what I am capable of. I just plan to continue to work out, build muscle and tone.

I learned how to bake healthier. I learned that it is OK to eat sweets if they are healthier and you have them in moderation. I now own my own business making Sweet Vegan Treats. My website, Sweetvegantreats.com, shows people healthier versions of their favorite desserts. I bake for a vegetarian restaurant and sell my sweet treats at farmers markets and gyms. I want to show people that you can still enjoy the sweeter things in life.

I want to say to all of those reading this: Be encouraged, stay focused and take everything in moderation. Know that good change is always good. Make small steps. Slow and steady always wins the race. You’ve got this!  Not only take it one day at a time but take it one meal at a time. You can do this. Find your motivation and run with it. Make it a lifestyle, not just a moment in life.

Instagram: @jescanana2

Katleho lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Katleho lost 40 pounds. Our South African sista has been working hard on her weight release journey since 2014. She transformed her body, found a love for fitness and now she is sharing her story with the world. Check out what she shared with us.

katleho before and after
Updated Instagram: @getfitwithkatleho

What was your motivation to lose weight?
My motivation was honestly the discomfort my weight gave me. Deep down inside I knew there could be more to my life than what existed at the time. At first, what kept me going when I wanted to give up was just how much I wasn’t happy. As I kept working out, the small results that becoming evident   made me go harder than before.

How did you change your eating habits?
The diet that I started off with was unhealthy and not advisable. I was so determined to shed off the weight that I decided to not eat cooked food but rather stick to weetbix, noodles, bread with melrose and pros. However with time my diet has advanced to much healthier options.

“My diet has evolved so much, I now have oats in the morning with low fat milk, at around 10, snack on a fruit twice, lunch on brown rice, chicken and veggies. For supper, I don’t eat any carbs, especially after 6pm. Instead, I opt for mixed veggies wither either chicken or boiled eggs. I make sure I stay hydrated throughout the day,” she says.” – From her interview with Women’s Health South Africa

What did your workout routine look like?
In the beginning, my workout routine wasn’t as intense as it is now. I began by jogging around the area where I lived in 2014 and using steps to workout, however not as frequently. In all honesty, I would workout as much as I could, 3-5 times a week usually. However my consistency and determination has grown significantly from what it was then. I now workout every day and I’ve now shifted to intense cardio, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight during the end of 2013 was around 80kg (176 pounds) it is now 62kg (136 pounds). My height is 156cm (5’1″).

How long have you been on this journey?
I initially began my journey in July 2014 when I began working out. However, it has taken me approximately 3 years over all to shed off the weight.

What is your advice for others who want to lose weight?
Start off with a healthy diet but nothing too extreme for you to handle. Then complement that with an exercise routine. Keep a journal for your daily eating habits and have someone hold you accountable to healthy choices. Create and commit to short term and long term goals, which don’t necessarily have to just be about weight loss. Keep yourself motivated through motivation video clips of the likes of Eric Thomas, Les Brown and Bishop TD Jakes. Also, spend at least 5 minutes of your day thinking about your goals and how you will feel once you’ve accomplished them.

Updated: @katlehomagwaza

LaShaun lost 59 pounds

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LaShaun lost 59 pounds. She is over 40 and fabulous. Having to have emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder served as a serious wakeup call. In April 2013, she started her transformation journey and she hasn’t turned back. Check out how healthy eating and walking helped to change her life.

lashaun before and after

I’m 46 years old and I have lost a total of 59 pounds with diet and exercise. My journey began in April 2013 and I’ve maintained for the past 3 years. I’m 5’8″ tall. My initial weight was 245 pounds and I currently weigh 186 pounds.

I was motivated to lose weight because I developed high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I also had to have my gallbladder removed along with 20 gallstones. This condition was due to bad eating habits. An emergency surgery was performed. That’s when I decided that I didn’t like the outcomes I was faced with.

I consulted with my doctor and dietician to create a healthy eating plan. I prepared my meals daily. I eliminated soda, fried foods, processed foods and bread. I incorporated water, chicken, fish and shrimp, along with green spinach/romaine lettuce.

I also incorporated walking for exercise. I started by walking 3 blocks and I increased the number of blocks each week until I was able to reach 5 miles at a time. I gradually added other exercises, all done at home. I kept myself busy, almost walking everywhere I went locally. Going forward, I walked and exercised 5 days a week.

Advice: I would suggest that you consult with a physician as you begin planning and figuring out what options work best for you. Take steps, not leaps and bounds. Lose the weight slow. If you stumble, brush your shoulders off and start over. It’s also important to track your caloric intake [count calories] and figure out when your metabolism is at its peak level.

Instagram: @candy_sweet115

lashawn lashaun weight loss