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Before and After Photos

Chassity lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Chassity lost 30 pounds. This proud mom of 2 was uncomfortable, unhappy and dealing with low energy. Running and meal prepping are two of the things that have helped her to reach her weight loss goals.  Here is what she shared with us…

chastity weight loss story

My name is Chassity Bush! I’m 30 years old and a mother of 2! I started my weight loss journey 2 years ago after I had my daughter. I lost about 25 pounds but ended up gaining it all back when I got pregnant with my son! I started my weight loss journey again in March 2015. My starting weight was 183 pounds and I currently weigh 153 pounds (I’m 5’4″ tall). 30 pounds gone in 8 months. I knew it was time to do something about my weigh because I would always feel sluggish and my energy levels were very low. I felt uncomfortable and unhappy with my physical appearance too!

Now, I workout 4-5 times a week. I run 2-3 miles on the treadmill followed by weights. I have most of the weight off now, so I’m going to focus on strength training. I also workout on my lunch break at work because that’s the only time I’m free from my kids.

I’ve cut out sodas, sweets, and most carbs. I also drink at least 8 glasses of water a day! My goal is to reach a gallon a day. I’ve been eating fish, chicken, or turkey daily along with lots of fruit and green veggies. I make sure I eat 3 meals a day and I have healthy snacks in between my meals! I also don’t eat anything after 8:00 pm. I’ve learned that meal prepping works best for me because it stops me from eating on the go.

Now that I’ve lost the weight I have so much more energy and confidence! I was wearing a size 13 and now I’m wearing a size 9! My biggest motivation was my health. Being part of an online, private fitness group with some of my family and friends also helped me to stay inspired. My advice to anyone wanting to lose weight is to just be consistent and don’t give up. It takes time for the weight to come off, but if you stick with it I promise it will pay off in the end.

Instagram: @bcb_bush

chassity before and after

Nicole lost 85 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Nicole lost 85 pounds and 6 dress sizes. Not only did she want to feel better and get off of meds, but she wanted to be a healthy example for her beloved daughters. After years of struggling with her weight and health, she found a weight loss program that taught her healthy eating and portion control. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

nicole before and after

My name is Nicole Ballenger and I am 41 years old. The more I think about it, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t overweight. I always felt like I was trapped inside my body. I’ve been on several diets, too many to count! My first real weight loss was in 2009 when I joined Weight Watchers. I was able to lose 50 pounds and I felt great. While I was able to keep the weight off for a while, before I knew it, the weight started to come back. On top of that, I was constantly at the doctors office, sometimes up to 3 times a month. I was always on different antibiotics, had zero energy and most days I didn’t want to get out of bed. I just felt miserable!

Besides wanting to feel better physicaly and stop taking medications, my biggest motivation were my daughters. Before I was blessed with them I had 10 miscarriages. When they were finally here, in my arms, I knew that I just wanted to be the best mother I could be. I soon realized that I was such a poor example to them. How could I encourage them to not allow circumstances to hold them back from reaching their goals when I was doing just that.

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In March 2013, at 305 pounds and a size 26, I decided to start my journey again. I started with the Beachbody 21 day fix program. I figured if I could be disciplined for 21 days straight, I could finaly get this “party” started. For 21 days, I followed an exercise routine and learned portion control. I cut out all fried and processed foods, as well as sugar. At the end of the 21 days, I was down 15 pounds, but more importantly, I had gained strength and confidence in myself that I didn’t know existed. My family was so proud of me and I felt great. I knew I had to continue.

As of today, I am down 85 pounds and 6 dress sizes. I exercise daily. I’ve started weight training and I even run, something I NEVER thought I could do! I focus everyday on eating healthy. I’m not afraid of food anymore. I no longer abuse food, but I embrace eating healthy and I can’t imagine eating any other way. I haven’t taken antibiotics in over a year. I now get up in the morning ready to face the day! This is my new life and I couldn’t be happier!

My advice to anyone who is struggling with their weight would be, don’t put yourself in a box. It’s time to break free, dig deep and make yourself a priority! There is a whole new life waiting for you on the other side!

nicole weight loss story

Ashley lost 59 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Ashley lost 59 pounds. After battling her weight for years and trying to present a happy persona, she prayed for the strength to change.  She changed her eating habits, used moderation and  started exercising.  Her hard work has paid off and now she’s sharing her story with us.

ashley weight loss story

Hello, my name is Ashley. I’ve battled with being overweight for so long. I’ve always been the fat friend or cousin. Things had gotten so out of control that I started pretending to be this bubbly plus sized diva and acting as if I was confident with being fat. I figured that if I pretended and I made jokes about myself, then no one could use my flaws against me and hurt me. However, deep down inside I was depressed and I felt so broken.

One morning, I woke up out of my sleep and I began praying, crying and asking God to please give me the strength. I wanted to change so bad for myself. I believe that you literally have to get sick and tired and fed up with yourself before it clicks and you’re ready to make that change that leads to weight loss. All the other times I tried to lose weight, I told myself things like “You’re wasting your time” or “You’re never going to lose this weight”. This time around I was so determined. I was willing and ready to fight. This time I tell myself things like “You will and you can do this” no matter how long it takes.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out beef, pork, fried foods and soda. I still have sweets, but in moderation. Also, I substitute white bread, white rice and white potatoes for whole wheat bread, brown rice and sweet potatoes.

I workout 4-5 days a week, which includes strength training (which I rotate between arm and leg day). I do an hour of cardio exercise, such as the elliptical and treadmill. I started my weight loss journey on January 19th of this year at 276 pounds. Now, I currently weight 217 pounds (height 5’3″).

The advice that I would give someone who is trying to lose weight is to just stay consistent. It didn’t take a day to put the weight on, therefore it will take more than a day to get it off. The best thing I could’ve ever done was to believe in ME. Ask yourself, if someone else was able to do it then why can’t you?

Instagram: @get_fit_nurse_ash

Kataba lost 137 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kataba lost 137 pounds. After reaching 335 pounds and reflecting on a doctor’s warning that weight release could be harder as she got older, she decided to take action. She shared with us about her 2 year journey…

kataba before and after

Starting weight: 335 pounds
Current weight: 198 pounds
Height: 5’10”
Age: 24

It’s definitely been along time coming on my weight loss journey. I remember one day going on the scale at work and it read 335 pounds. All I could think of was how close I was to being 350 pounds. Something about that didn’t sit well with me. Then, I remembered seeing a doctor for a physical and her telling me that at 311 pounds I need to loose weight before I turned 25 years old, or else it would be so much harder to get it off.

I use to eat out a lot, like every meal of the day. Whether it was vending machines or fast food restaurants, that’s what I ate. I was working full time and was a full time student, so it was convenient. Convenience had its cost though. I began using a meal replacement shake system (Slim Fast) to help me drop the weight, along with eating better. Cutting back on my potions is what I felt I had to focus on the most. I began eating more fruits and vegetables, along with more protein to keep me full. I only drank water and began to walk everywhere. Soon, I no longer needed the shake system, because it felt like my stomach had been trained and I couldn’t eat as much as I use to.

Walking did it for me, exercise wise, as well as workout DVDs, like the Latin Dance focused ones. I began to plateau, so I got a gym membership. I loved the gym because I could use the stair master and the elliptical machine. I also used a lot of home workout routines from Pinterest when I couldn’t get to the gym. Squats are your friend! Lol

It took me over 2 years to loose 137 lbs, I started off at 335 lbs and I now weigh 198 lbs. I’m still on this journey. My goal is to be in a bikini for my 25th birthday and toned. My advice for others is that you can do it and you are human. Don’t throw it all away just because you decided to have that whole chocolate cake last night. Wake up and try again, because it’s not over because of one binge.

Instagram: @eye_spy_kay

Cynthia lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation: Cynthia lost 100 pounds by changing her eating habits, keeping a food journal and working out regularly. She stopped running and being in denial about how weight loss could help improve her life.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

cynthia

My motivation was that one morning I got up out of bed and made the mistake of looking into the mirror, something that I never do. As I was standing in front of that mirror and the tears began to fall, I knew that it was time. No more running, no more being in denial.

What inspired me was seeing other people’s before and after pictures and they looked really good. Their stories gave me hope and encouraged me to the point of saying that if they could do it then so could I. I also saw my knee doctor and he told me that I would feel so much better if I could take some weight off my knee.

cynthia weight lossAt the time, I wouldn’t eat breakfast, so when lunch came around I would end up eating everything that was in sight. I also ate when I was upset. In terms of eating out, Braums and Taco Casa were my downfall. I would order large nachos and fries. Each time I would say that it was my last time, but it was all lies because I continued doing it. I just did not care. Just with those two places alone, I had packed on 40 lbs.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out all the junk foods that I was eating even if I wasn’t hungry.  I cut out the fries burgers and chips and began to eat healthy. I also gave up eating out all the time and weened myself off of all sodas. At one time, I was drinking 6 sodas a day. Now, I have not had a soda in 4 years. During my journey, I began to keep a journal, was able to see exactly what I was eating and it was not pretty.

  • I started adding more vegetables, more fruits and started drinking 8 bottles of water each day.
  • I discovered tilapia, I eat more brown rice, do Meatless Mondays and I have a salad with every meal.
  • I also have learned to eat breakfast every morning. Each morning, I drink a smoothie.
  • I pack my lunch everyday for work. I also pack 3 snacks, which I eat every 3 hours.

I go to Zumba 3 times a week. If I can’t make it, I walk 2 miles on the trail. Before getting involved with Zumba, I belonged to a fitness club where I was doing water aerobics, weights and the treadmill, as well as some of the other machines. I also trained with a trainer 3 times a week. For 2 years in a row, I walked in the 4th of July Parade which is 3.1 miles. My husband goes walking with me and has been my biggest supporter.

My starting weight was 370 pounds and my current weight is 270 pounds. My height is 5’7″.  My transformation is from 2012 to the present.

My advice: I would tell people that they can do it and to not give up. I would say that the days that they don’t want to workout are the times they need to go. Once they make up their minds, that’s the key right there. That’s when everything else will fall into place. Get up, don’t be discouraged and remember that they did not gain weight all in one day, so it’s not going to be gone quick. It can be done. Always stay encouraged, be active and get moving. Start off slowly and then gradually work your way up. Go to a store or mall and get some walking in or workout with a friend or partner, but don’t give up!

Jessica lost 57 pounds

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Update 2017: Jessica has lost 70 pounds. Check out her journey on Instagram: @Gorjess_20

Transformation Tuesday 5’4 262 vs 192 Goal weight 170

A post shared by Jessica Franklin (@gorjess_20) on

jessicaupdatemay16blog

10/2015 – Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost 57 pounds. She wanted to avoid being put on high blood pressure medication at 24 years old, so she focused on healthy lifestyle change. Boot Camp workouts, high intensity training and meal prepping have all been important on her journey. Here is what she shared with us…

jessica before and after
October 2015

What was your motivation?
I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Back in 2014, I went to the doctor and was told that my blood pressure was very high. If I didn’t get my weight under control, I would have to be placed on blood pressure medication. This was all the motivation that I needed to get my health and weight under control. Hypertension runs in my family and I did not want be diagnosed at the age of 24 with high blood pressure.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating fast food so much and started meal prepping! Meal prepping takes the guesswork out of what I’m going to eat and when. I eat 4-5 times a day and have some sort of lean protein with each meal. I also increased the amount of vegetables I eat as well.

What did your workout routines look like?
My typical workout routines are modeled after a boot camp style type workout, which includes ropes, tires and an agility ladder. If I’m not doing boot camp, then I do HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training workout) or a Tabata style workout.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I am 5’4″ tall and my starting weight was 262 pounds. I currently weigh 205 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
As of August 2015, it has been one year since I started my journey! My journey is not yet complete and have not reached my goal yet, but I hope to be there by next year.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Never give up! If you fall don’t be ashamed, just get back up and keep going. You will have set backs and at times you might want to quit but don’t! Consistency is key!

Check her out on Instagram for more info and photos from her journey: @Gorjess_20

Website: justgetfitwithjessfit.com

Aug 2015
Aug 2015

Monique lost 82 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Monique lost 82 pounds.  She began her lifestyle transition as a way to recover and heal from a very abusive marriage.  Working out allowed her to process her anger and frustration. Eating right allowed her to overcome sugar addiction.  Now, she is becoming an avid runner and continuing on her weight release journey.  Here is what she shared with us…

monique before and after

I’ve lost a total of 82 pounds over about a two year period. It took a long time to achieve this goal, because I was determined to lose weight slowly so that I wouldn’t gain any of it back. When I began working on myself it was in a effort to battle back from an emotionally abusive and crippling marriage. My self esteem was completely destroyed to the point where I almost committed suicide. When I began to exercise, it helped me to begin to feel better. It gave me a place to work out all of my frustrations and anger. It also made me stronger and made me look better!  I started at 297 pounds and I currently weigh 215 pounds. I am still a work in progress.

moniqueI changed my eating habits by admitting I was a sugar addict. With that admission came the conscious decision to severely limit my sugar intake as well as my carb intake. My diet consisted mainly of proteins, fruits and vegetables. I also changed my portions by consistently only eating half of every meal. This would turn say a dinner plate into dinner and lunch for the next day.

I also began working out in the gym in my complex. I worked out doing cardio and strength training at least four times per week, but I wasn’t consistent. I would often start and then stop, which made the weight loss process take much longer. Whenever I would fall off of the proverbial wagon, I would get right back on and continue my regimens. I’ve recently started strength training on a regular basis.

My transformation has taken about two years and I am not done yet. At 5’4″ tall, I would like to lose another 50+ pounds to get to the goal weight I have for myself. I am currently a new runner. I have a running coach and a host of new running and fitness friends who give me advice daily. My favorite piece of advice is “No matter what you’re doing, no matter how bad your run or how horrible your workout, you’re still a winner because you got up off of the couch!” So, to people who are new to this I say, “Keep getting up daily, be encouraged and most of all enjoy the journey for fitness is not a destination. It’s a lifestyle!”

My motivators are people like Ernestine Shepard and my very special friend Marcus G. Williams III. They are my motivators because they remind of how possible it is to achieve that which is deemed impossible. Their examples show how possible it is to have a fitness goal and achieve it no matter your age, your size, how much money you have or how much you don’t. They remind me that the only obstacle in this fitness journey is your mind and the limits you put on yourself.

I am putting no limits on what I can achieve. I intend to be stronger and more fit everyday. I recently ran my first 5k and I am a member of National Black Marathoners Association, because within a year I am going to run a marathon!

Jewell lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Jewell lost 45 pounds over the last 5 months. She gained 50 pounds after her mom passed away due to complications related to weight. Now, this busy single mom has made her health a priority for the benefit of her son and released lots of pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it.

jewell before and after

My name is Jewell. I’m a single mother of one and I’d gained over 50 lbs since the passing of my mother nearly two years ago (due to complications related to being overweight). I realized that if something happens to me, there would be no parent left to raise my son. I always put my son first, but in thinking about his future, I realized that must include making my health a priority in my life. One day the revelation hit me: fitness will be a part of my regular routine for the rest of my life. When I sucked it up and accepted that fact, I got to work.

I began by seeing a nutritionist who I visit monthly. He helped me with a jump start eating plan and track my weight. I stood on the scale on 4/24/15 at 252 pounds, the most I have ever weighed in my life. I’m only 5’7″ tall. I started going to the gym that same day and by 4/28 I weighed 254 pounds. I was so discouraged, but I knew if I kept at it, the scale would have to go downward.

I cut out all bread, rice, pasta and potatoes at the advice of the nutritionist. I began working out 4 days a week, doing 3 days of 45 minutes of cardio and then weights. This was followed by Saturday morning spinning class for an hour.

The photos below are of me at my dad’s wedding 5/10/15 then me at my brothers wedding in 8/22/15. I have lost 45 lbs to date. My goal is to lose another 40-45lbs.

My advice to women who want to lose weight, especially women like me who’ve struggled with weight since childhood is to just accept your fate. That fate is that fitness will be the norm for you, sweets will be the occasion, and not the other way around. For single mothers or just busy mother’s with husbands and multiple children, I say figure out a way to get in the burn and make it a priority. It’ll do more for your children’s health, in the long run, to understand at an early age that fitness is the norm. I fortunately live with my dad, so after I work, I take my son to sport’s practices, bathe him, cook dinner and do homework. I put him to bed and head out to the gym by 9:30 pm if I’m lucky. It doesn’t matter the time, the results are still the same.

Most importantly, I would say that putting your health first is not selfish, it’s just the opposite. I wish my mom was still here and had she put her health first, she might still be. Overall, I feel great. I get the best sleep, my skin is very clear and I feel good about myself above all else! Good luck.

Instagram: @jwllmrtn

jewell before and after

Aurielle lost 174 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Aurielle lost 174 pounds, going from a size 26 to a size 6 over the past year.  This Delta Sigma Theta soror has lost half of her body weight and has lots of wisdom to share.  My favorite thing that she told us in her story: “Withstanding temptation is remembering what you want most, over what you want right now.”  That is the truth.

aurielle before and after

My name is Aurielle and I am 24 years old. Over the past year, I have lost 174 pounds and feel absolutely amazing! I have gone from a size 26 in pants to a size 6!

I am motivated by the way I feel and my self-confidence has gone through the roof. I am motivated by the weight loss stories of others and fitness inspiration. The effects I can see from my new healthy lifestyle are for me, but I am also able to inspire other people along the way. Knowing that also inspires me.

I changed my eating habits first by making small changes. For example, instead of eating out 5 days a week I switched to eating out 1-2 days a week until I was able to go months without eating out. Now, eating out is a very special treat. Every week, I added something new to my daily eating routine until it became a habit. I also LOVE Pinterest! It has so many great recipes, motivational posts, and inspiration ideas that it always keeps me moving forward!

I decided that I wanted to learn more about the fruits and vegetables that are available at the local grocery stores, so each week I would choose a new fruit or vegetable to try and would find numerous recipes using that ingredient. It was a great way to expose myself to lots of different wonderful foods, which I would not have otherwise tasted before my weight loss journey. I stopped eating sugar (artificial sweeteners included), fried foods, bread, soda, and really any food that doesn’t have any nutritional benefit for my body. Food is meant to give our bodies energy, if I am not getting the right protein, fats or carbohydrates from a food item, then I don’t eat it. Knowing what your food is made of is the most important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

I have become a gym addict! I love working out and could do it everyday! I love cycling class, abs, kickboxing and Zumba! Pretty much anything that lets me get moving around and trying something new.

My starting weight was 338 pounds and my current weight is 164 pounds. I am 6 feet tall. My transformation took 1 year exactly as of August 12. I have lost exactly half of my starting body weight and have become a completely different person!

My advice for those who want to lose weight is that it’s a hard road, but it’s hard being overweight too. If you have to choose a hard, choose a hard where your health, appearance, longevity and confidence can be affected in a positive way. One bad day isn’t going to ruin your healthy lifestyle, just work harder the next day to get back on track. There are slip ups and plateaus along the way with temptation around every corner. As long as you can keep your end goal in mind, nothing will stop you. Withstanding temptation is remembering what you want most, over what you want right now.
I don’t feel like I have given up anything in my life that I needed. Instead I have added so much more that I would never trade for the world!

Instagram: @AuburnAngel13
Pinterest: MyWay43DST

aurielle weight loss

Leeandra lost 26 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story: Leeandra lost 26 pounds. After realizing that she’d let herself go, she changed her eating habits and began working out. She’s committed to being healthy, hot and living a long life.  Here is what she shared with us!

leeandra before and after

248 pounds to 216 pounds & still working on it (height: 5’9″).

The Past: I loved to drink all the time, eat out, party, cook everything and munch on late nights. I wasn’t depressed or mad at my size, I just didn’t notice! I was 3 years into my marriage and just letting myself go.

I changed my eating habits by slowly but surely eating small meals. That didn’t work for me, so I took bread out of my meals and started eating regular sized meals and eating more frequently (low carb).

My workout routine is currently home workouts (HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training), with YouTube channels to help me along the way. When I was in the gym a few months ago, I would do 30 minutes of cardio and weight train. Nothing too heavy, just enough.

I started this transformation in November 2014 and it has been up and down, but mostly up.  Although I’m changing for my life’s longevity, my husband didn’t marry me this size so it’s not fair to him. It’s not funny to put on lingerie and be uncomfortable with your mate. Some women just don’t get it, but I do! I’m making the change to stay forever young, healthy and HOT.

My advice for the next person who wants to lose weight:  Consistency. I have a hard time with emotional eating. I know that if you can just control what goes into your mouth and workout despite what turns life has taken, you will be ok.

Instagram: @gettinfitlee