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Before and After Photos

Update: Naajma lost 130 pounds

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naajma weight loss“Hello! Thank you so much for featuring me in October. It truly meant a lot. I just wanted to let you know that I’m currently at 130 lbs lost (20 additional pounds since Oct 2014). After reaching the 100 lb mark, it took true change and extra effort to keep my weight loss going. I’m so proud of where I am and I thank you for getting my story out there. I truly feel like I’ve been able to help other women who were in a similar situation. I run and play with my kids now! This summer isn’t ready for me.” – Want to know more about how she did it?  Her story – Read what she shared with us back in 2014 about how she lost the weight.

Instagram: @dimplesonblast
Check out her FB group: www.facebook.com/blackgirlsgetsleevedtoo
Naajma before and after Naajma gastric sleeve weight loss

 

Regina lost 99 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Regina lost 99 pounds.  Inspired by her sister’s progress, she found a great workout group  for support and learned to change her eating habits for life instead of just dieting.  Here is what she shared with us.

Regina before and after

My motivation was that I had outgrown all my clothes once again. My sister started working out and I realized she was losing weight. I called her up and asked what all she was doing ? She explained she joined a Bodycamp class. She told me to bring a mat, a water, wear tights and a shirt. Now, I have been going ever since.

I didn’t know my eating habits would have to change. I thought I could eat whatever and still lose weight. I was sadly mistaken. The instructors of the class asked me instantly, how is your diet? I changed gradually and have done really great. I realized it’s a lifestyle change, not just a diet per say. I started eating baked, boiled, or grilled chicken, turkey, tilapia and very little red meats. I also eat whole wheat or wholegrain items, like brown rice, oatmeal, or wheat breads and have lots of vegetables and fruits. Almonds, yogurt, trail mix and protein shakes are also part of the mix. I drink way more water now. Before, I was eating a lot of fast foods, fried foods, sweets, sodas, chips and anything that was quick to get to.

In the workout class, we never do the same thing twice. Each day has different activities. Monday is leg day with cardio. Tuesday is shoulder day with cardio. Wednesday is back day with cardio. Thursday is everything day, total body. I attend class 4 days a week. Monday thru Thursday.

I started at 287 pounds  and I am currently 188 pounds. It has taken me 1 1/2 years to get to this point.
My advice to others is to surround yourself with same minded and positive people. Start slow and you’ll gradually see change. Cook at home and meal prep your food, if possible. That helps keep you from making bad last minute food choices.

Instagram: @rhall0407

Christie lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Christie lost 75 pounds.  Learning about proper nutrition, Zumba class and a group Bootcamp helped her to shed the pounds. She was encouraged to share her weight loss story by her trainer Tiffany Brown-Bush at Fit 4 Life in NC.

Christie before and after

To start, I moved to Charlotte, NC about 3 years ago. When I came here I was weighing 262 lbs. At first I did not have any motivation to start my weight loss journey. I was just riding down Mallard Creek Rd and noticed a sign that read Zumba and had a phone number listed. I drove by the sign a weeks t before taking the time to inquire.  This is how I became an active part of Fit 4 Life. I started attending the Zumba classes there on a regular basis. Starting to see some changes, I was inspired by another great person in the F4L family to try out the bootcamp classes there as well. Bootcamp is where continued to see my body change and a little more weight loss.

After bootcamp, I again was advised on how much learning about nutrition would help me on my journey. I was a person that loved to eat cereal (any kind) and M&Ms. I ate very little vegetables and all of the wrong combinations of food. As you can tell, no real substance there. I became a nutrition client and learned more healthy options and a completely new way to eat to not only loose weight but also allow the body to heal with proper nutrients.

I have now been with Fit 4 Life more than a year and have lost a total of 75lbs.  At 5’4″ tall and much lighter on my feet, I feel better than I ever have before. I am still pushing to continue to lose as there is a goal number I have in mind to reach. To anyone else looking to change their life or lose weight, my advice has been and remains “it will not be easy, but it will be worth it.” There will be times when you don’t see the progress, but don’t give up. Just because you can’t see it immediately doesn’t mean what you are doing is not working. Use that energy to push harder, dig deeper, and go further.

I am very grateful to Fit4Life because being apart changed my life and gave me a family dynamic in a city that I was new in, and allowed me to see life from more healthy prospective. I hope this blesses and helps someone else along the way.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fit4lifetbrown

Shalik lost 71 pounds

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Update:

It’s Throwback Thursday and I want to tell you a little story. For the longest time, I hated the girl on the left. She was insecure, self-conscious, and had no self esteem. She didn’t take care of herself. She was lazy, had terrible eating habits, and had no drive or motivation to change. She hid behind layers of clothing and jackets because she was ashamed of her body. She settled for what was and didn’t fight for her happiness. I look at that girl on the left now and have no idea who she is. That girl didn’t love herself at all. The girl on the right though, she’s a fighter. She is as able to dig deep and find the spark of hope to fight for the girl on the left. The girl on the right loves herself and sees the potential her future holds. She knows self love and knows how to fight for her happiness. She uses the previous insecurities that once were to make positive and long lasting changes each and every day. To quote Hogarth from The Iron Giant “You are who you choose to be”. Are you a quitter or are you a fighter? Will you let self-doubt rule you or will you fight for self-love? Choose the best version of you, even if she’s unimaginable, choose her, because she’s there. Remember, it’s you vs. you, so fight for the you that you love. 💕

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀ｓｈａｌｉｋ 💕ｗｉｌｋｉｎｓ-ｔａｔｅ (@ohsnapitsli) on

Feb 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Shalik lost 71 pounds. After a few wakeup calls and a bad breakup, she took action to create a lifestyle that let her release the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us…

Shalik before and after

I started this journey many years ago when I got on the scale at weight watchers and saw 266.6 pounds. Yes, I will always remember that .6 pounds. It was in that moment I realized that I’d “let myself go” and something needed to change. I started doing Weight Watchers and Zumba, dropped about 30 pounds and then my motivation stopped.

I was still teaching Zumba but my diet… that’s a story for another time. In the before photo, I weighed 238 pounds. I was teaching Zumba and thinking I was doing something. It wasn’t until the end of 2013 after a terrible breakup that I realized that in order for anyone to respect me, I need to respect myself. I started working out in my apartment and tracking my foods in myfitnesspal and dropped 8 pounds. It wasn’t until I started TurboFire and really developing a healthy relationship with food (eating 80% clean and fueling my body with the right amounts of the right foods) that I started to see a difference.

How did I change my eating habits and what did I stop or start eating?: I stopped eating so much junk. I also started tracking EVERYTHING I ate in Myfitnesspal. I stopped eating processed foods, artificial flavors and colors, most dairy, and soda. I also started drinking a gallon of water per day to ensure my body was being hydrated properly.

What was my starting weight and current weight?: My heaviest weight was 266.6 pounds, when I started this fitness journey. I didn’t get serious about the journey until I weighed 238. Currently, I weigh 195 pounds and feeling fantastic! Am I at my goal weight? No, but I’m proud of my accomplishment thus far.  I’m 5’7″ tall.

How long has my transformation taken?: From the beginning, 4 years. Since I started getting serious, it’s been a little over a year (13 months).

What advice do I have for others who want to lose weight?: This journey isn’t about losing weight for others, it’s about you. Deciding to take a step forward in your fitness journey is one of the most rewarding decisions you will make. Not only will you lose weight on this journey, you will regain so much confidence and self-worth. Those two things are priceless but I promise you, they will be worth the pain, sweat, and tears.

IG: @Ohsnapitsli
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebridalbestie

Consha lost 150 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Consha lost 150 pounds.  After battling with being overweight most of her life, this young lady made the changes necessary to see lose the pounds and get fit. Here is what she shared with us…

Consha before and after

Hi! I’m Consha and I’m 25 years old. I’ve pretty much been obese all my life but it got out of hand during my 9th grade year in High School. That’s when I found out I was 300 pounds. From there I decided to lose weight but emotional eating took control during that time.

My Mom was my inspiration.  Also, studying to become a Nurse and interacting with people at work explaining the risks of their overall health is was my motivation and STILL is.

Changing my eating habits took some time. I put myself on a 4/3 ratio where I’d eat what I wanted for 4 days and healthy the other 3 days.  Now, I’m down to one cheat day.  I gave up rice, bread, beef  and  pork.  I have 5 small meals per day and protein shakes after workouts. I trained with a personal trainer 3 days a week and ran on the 4th day.

I started my weight loss journey at 350 pounds. I am now 200 pounds at 5″6″ tall.  It has taken me about a year and 4 months to get this far.

To others I say, you’re the FIRST example of how the world is supposed to love you, so be the BEST example ever. Pray, Be Consistent, Eyes Forward, and Believe in yourself is my advice to others. I don’t have a fancy story, JESUS simply keeps me.

Instagram: @IamConshay inactive

Consha lost 150 pounds

Update: Heather lost 50 pounds

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Update Aug 2018: We’ve been following Heather‘s story since 2012 and she has worked hard to keep the weight off.

heather before and after

I shared my story 5 years ago, I wanted to let BWLW know that I’m still going strong. I’m now a Zumba instructor and love encouraging others to meet their weight loss goals.

I was able to get the weight off back in 2012. It took me a year to lose the weight. I worked out 5 days a week and monitored my caloric intake by putting everything into the MyFitnessPal app.

I am always looking for ways to challenge my fitness goals. Now, I’m really focusing on weight lifting and toning. My goal is to be fit and healthy for the rest of my life. @rae_of_light16

We shared Heather’s story back in 2012 when she was down 45 pounds.  She recently sent us an update to let us know that she’s not only maintained her weight loss, but she’s lost 5 more pounds. 50 pounds gone!  Here is what she shared with us… (Read the original post here for more info)

Heather before and after

I started gaining weight while in a bad marriage. I became very depressed and turned to food for comfort. Between 2006-2012, I had put on over 40 pounds! In January 2012, during my separation, I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to change. I needed to get my body back. So, I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app and began logging everything I ate. I also got a YMCA membership. Both of these tools have been invaluable to me in my journey. I went from 168 lbs to 118 lbs. I weigh less now than I did in my early 20s!

I had to change my entire mindset about eating. I needed to learn portion control. I learned that it’s okay to have the occasional snack like a cookie, just don’t eat the whole bag. Whereas, at one point I would have several slices of cake at a party, now I just enjoy one slice and savor every bite! However, I’ve found that now I much prefer healthy, clean foods.

As far as exercise, I try different things so as not to get bored. I love group exercise classes like Zumba and Les Mills Body Pump. Group exercise allows you to meet others with similar goals and mindsets. In one of my Body Pump classes I met an 80 year old woman that inspires me! She is dedicated to her class and she is absolutely beautiful. In one of my Zumba classes, I met an 85 year old man that has been a member of the Y for over 60 years! I’ve met so many amazing people on my fitness journey and I’m so glad I took that step three years ago to get fit! I will become a licensed Zumba instructor on February 19, 2015.

My advice to anyone starting out is to just do it. Take that step. The best investment you will make is in yourself. Take care of your body. You’ll thank yourself decades from now.

Instagram: @heather_lovingme15

heather weight loss

Kanissa lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Kanissa lost 50 pounds in 6 months.  Weight Watchers, Zumba and finding a love for running 5Ks are all things that helped her on her awesome journey.  Here is what she shared with us…

Kanissa before and after

My name is Kanissa Williams. All my life I was on the thick side and knew I needed to lose weight. I had a case of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so I knew I need to make a change for myself. A couple of my co-workers told me that they were using Weight Watchers to lose weight and track their food and points. I decided to give that plan a try. I cut out all fried foods, junk foods, fast foods and soda. I also started eating more baked foods, vegetables, fruits and drinking TONS of water daily. 

When I first started exercising, I started off by walking in the neighborhood and doing Zumba classes. Today, I walk about 3-5 miles a day and continue to do Zumba. Last year, I completed three 5K races and this year my goal is to complete a fourth one.

At 5’7″ tall, I was 298 pounds, and now I’m down to 248 pounds. I’ve lost 50 pounds. It took me 6 months to get where I am today, but I’m grateful that I stuck with the exercising and healthy eating in order to meet my goals and to cut my meds in half. Hopefully, one day soon, I will be medicine free!

The advice I would give to those that are trying to lose weight is to surround yourself with positive people and motivate each other. Remember, to take it one day at a time, in the end all your hard work will pay off!

Instagram: @kwms976

Lorna lost 106 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lorna lost 106 pounds in 6 months.  Motivated by a diabetes diagnosis and wanting to live a long life for her child, Lorna is on a journey to lose over 200 pounds total.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

lorna before and after

My weight loss journey started on August 2014. I was diagnosed with diabetes and it really scared me. I’m a 38 year old mom of a 8 year old and I wasn’t going to allow food to separate me from my daughter early. My starting weight was 461 pounds.

I started walking about a mile a day and eventually made it to 4-5 miles a day with the help of my sister, friends and family. Also, I just started doing Zumba twice a week.  I stopped eating fast food! My daughter and I still eat out but only at places that have fresh food, like Subway, Waba Grill, El Polo Loco, etc. I still watch my portion sizes, and get kids meals.

To date, I have lost 106 pounds in 6 months with healthy eating and exercising 5 to 6 days a week. I’m not at my goal which is 235 pounds (don’t want to be skinny just healthy). My diabetes and high blood pressure are now reversed and that is best part.

I also joined a phenomenal support group of women on Facebook that want to lose 100 lbs in 2015. Several of the women already have lost that much weight before joining the group in January 2015. I love reading your stories on Facebook as well and I have found so many women to relate to. It truly is a blessing to the black weight loss community.

Instagram: @Sassybosslady726

lorna weight loss

Lee lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lee lost 70 pounds.  This proud single mom and teacher made working out and eating healthy a priority.  Her main goal was to never see 330 pounds again, and I don’t believe that she will have an issue keeping with that goal for years to come.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Lee before and after

Greetings!! My name is Lee Bryant, and I have lost 70 lbs and 33in. since April 2012. This journey has been long, and arduous, but with discipline, patience, guidance and support, I have persevered. I started at a size 24/26, and I am now a size 18. I have no specific amount to lose, but I will continue to work-out daily, and make better dietary choices.

My inspiration started when I saw my high school classmate on Facebook. We had maintaned intermittent communication, via the website, but one day I noticed how much of a transition she had made. Both of us had always been heavy in high school, and now she is a lean and an amazing body builder. Lynette Wade is her name, and she is my motivation and THINspiration, and I will always be thankful for her presence in my life. Also, as a single-mother of two, and a teacher, I realized that I needed time to myself. Initially, since I had chosen to lose weight, I chose to go to the gym to just have adult time, and have a smoother transition from working with my students to going home to my young children. I started my journey in April 2012. I am 5′ 7″ tall and I weighed 330 lbs; I had no real goal in mind, only to no longer be 330 lbs…lol.

In May, while sitting in my children’s pediatrician’s office, I chose to weigh myself. In doing that, I discovered that I lost 17 lbs. That really fueled my motivation to continue working out. My eating habit changes were gradual, as I felt it necessary to approach changes slowly. I stopped drinking soda and juice many years ago, so I was already ahead of the game. As my body changed, I began to not be able to eat as much, and my interest in sweets somewhat faded. I still eat them, as I don’t believe in denying myself, because that is unrealistic for me. I like being able to know when I am satiated, and drinking water, (especially Sparkling Poland Spring) at every meal definitely helps that. I just do not indulge the way I once did. I am really satisfied with having one piece of cake at an event, whereas years ago, 2-3 would have sufficed. When I go to restaurants, I usually order appetizers now, as my stomach can no longer hold what it once did. If I do order an entree, I take most of it home–restaurants love to give us more than we need. The biggest change I made when it comes to eating, was to listen to my body, and recognize its cues. Knowing when I am full, and knowing when I am thirsty, and not hungry, were cues that I began to recognize–they are really important cues that one needs to recognize in themselves. Also, I planned my meals, and regularly use the MyFitnessPal app to monitor what I was eating. Lynette was very instrumental when she told me to create a diet that I can live with–that was the best advice I was given, earlier in this process. Bringing my meals to work, and packing snacks that were accounted for in the MFP app, are also regular behaviors that I have adopted over time. Because I do enjoy sweets, I buy items that satisfy that craving, but don’t have ridiculous amounts of sugar. Reading labels is also a key to losing weight, as well.

When I first began working out, my routines were pretty basic. I would use the cardio machines for about an hour, and then, I’d go home. Over time, I began to include new exercises to my daily regimen. I incorporated squats with kicks, and other movements to improve my strength, and continued with my hour of cardio exercise. In July of 2014, I met the BEST TRAINER ever. Mr. Gregory Campbell has been a true partner in my weight loss process, and works with me to achieve optimal performance and physical outcome. He is knowledgeable, and supportive, and definitely a force to be reckoned with in the gym. We meet daily, and he continuously trains me with exercises that challenge, not only my body, but my mind as well.
My weight is fluctuates within the 260s, which is annoying, but it’s NOT 330!! LOL! My mother measures me monthly, and thus far, I have lost 33 inches. The best advice I can give to others is to start small, and to start slow. So many of us want the immediate quick fix, and although that works for some, it does not work for all. The changes we make for ourselves should be enduring, and unwavering. I also feel that to truly commit to anything, one’s head and heart must be in total agreement. If your heart is in and your head is not, or vice-versa, there is no way progress can be made.
Instagram: @absolut_lee_me
Lee weight loss transformation

Shayla lost 57 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Shayla lost 57 pounds since July 2014.  Not wanting to face a family history of illness, she decided to change her lifestyle.  She shared with us about how much she gained as a person and how much her life has changed during her weight loss journey.

shayla before and after

A few things contributed and are contributing to keep me motivated to lose weight. My father had a kidney transplant, has diabetes and high blood pressure. With me being 312 pounds at the time with no health issues, other than my weight, I did not want to acquire any illnesses. I knew I was overweight, but I didn’t know or didn’t want to admit that I was over 300 pounds. My fathers health concerns turned a light on for me.

My inspiration comes from with in. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s an honest truth. My progress continually pushes me. Not just seeing the number go down in the scale, but not being winded going up a flight of stairs, or walking small small distances. Being able to get into clothes I haven’t been able to fit into on over five years and them being too big. That feeling is Amazing.

shaylaI changed my eating habits by making sure I ate breakfast. That truly sets the tone for my appetite and how I eat for the day. I eat healthier snacks. However, I’m not so far gone that I don’t get a hankering for chips, or chocolate or something deep fried. I’ve just taught myself how to eat those things and not to eat the entire bag of chips or bucket of chicken. If I want that crunchy, salty fix, I would try for a better alternative, like kale chips or fresh veggies in a light Italian or balsamic dressing. If I Have to have a chip I would make sure I’d get a serving or half a serving of them. Put the chips on a sandwich bag, and when they are gone, their gone. For my chocolate fixes, I would have a chocolate protein shake made with dark chocolate almond milk. DELISH!!! For my day to day meals. I make sure I eat plenty of green veggies and proteins. I minimize my carb intake, but I’m not eliminating them completely. WATER, WATER, WATER!!! Drink it!!

When I started working out on July 1st I started with Curves. I ended up there by unknowingly signing up for a case study. I was obligated to work out 4 days a week for 30 minutes a day. I coupled that with my regular gym membership that I had been on hiatus from for who knows how long . I would go to the gym in the morning and do 35 minutes on the elliptical and weights. I would alternate the days between upper body and lowers body. Then I would do the 30 minute circuit training with Curves. If I didn’t make the gym, I made sure I walked for at least 30 minutes. After my 30 day case study with Curves ended, I had lost 16 pounds. I was still very active at the gym, but spending more time on the elliptical. Each week to two weeks, I did five more minutes than before and added a little more weight.

My starting weight was 312 pounds. As of today I weight 255 pounds. I am 5’10” tall. I lost 45 pounds between July 1, 2014 – November 1,2014. I did take a small break for about four weeks (that long of a break is not recommended ). I will never take that long of a break again.

My advise is to never stop!!! Don’t get overly discouraged, don’t lose hope, inspiration or motivation. KEEP PUSHING. We all get tired and frustrated because it may seem your work and effort don’t reflect on the scale. I assure you, you will be amazed at what you gain. You gain stamina, flexibility, courage, discipline and a better sense of self. It’s a true confidence builder. I did it alone. No quick pills, shakes or gimmicks. Nothing can give you the feeling or honor of knowing you worked your ass off, and accomplished something so difficult, by yourself.