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Before and After Photos

Quon lost 101 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Quon lost 101 pounds in 9 months.  After having a wakeup call via a workplace video, she decided that it was time to change her lifestyle with healthy eating and exercise.  Learn more about her weight loss journey…

Quon before and after

Hello, my name is Quon Cason. I am a 39 year old mother of two and my motivation for losing weight was to become healthy and to prevent obesity related illnesses. Even more importantly, I wanted to feel good about my myself. What initially jumpstarted my journey was when a co-worker filmed me at a company event. I watched the video and I was flabbergasted when I saw how out of control my weight had gotten. Yes, I knew I was overweight. However, to see myself in the video and not recognize that woman and realize how out of control I had gotten FLOORED ME!

From that day forward, I went cold turkey on eating junk food like processed foods, soda, fast food and all the other crap I loved and was clearly addicted to. I started juicing, eating clean and working out at least 4 days a week. My workouts consist of cardio, strength training and HIIT (high intensity interval training). My starting weight was 297 pounds and my current weight is 196 pounds. I would like to lose 10 to 15 more pounds.

I have so much more energy, and when people see me their reaction is priceless. The best response is when I am not recognized at all. I must admit that I am proud of myself for sticking to my plan and accomplishing my initial goal of 100 lbs gone in 9 months!! I hope to inspire others. I am the walking billboard for “If I can do it, so can you”, because Lord knows I have failed so many times before.

Quon weight loss story

Nicole lost 59 pounds

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Update Nov 2015 – We shared her story back in January and now Nicole has written in to share that she’s lost 39 more pounds. “I have currently lost 98 lbs and when I submitted my story earlier this year, I’d lost 59 lbs. I still have a ways to go, but I’m happy of what I’ve accomplished thus far! I just wanted to share my story and tell you thank you. Looking at your daily posts really keeps me motivated. I have my challenging days, but I don’t get stuck there like I use to. I hope to reach the 100 lbs gone mark by my birthday at the end of this month! I continue to pray all the time that I can put forth an effort and be consistent! I’ve been incorporating more weight lifting and switching up my cardio, including more classes (as oppose to using machines). I still have my cheat day once a week. I love sweets! I have also used My Fitness Pal throughout my journey. Prayer has truly worked for me and for that I am grateful! Thank you so much for your daily motivational posts & for sharing my story!

nicole before and after

Jan 2015 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nicole lost 59 pounds.  She decided that it was worth it to invest in her lifestyle change and win the battle against being overweight that she’d been fighting since childhood.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Nicole before and after

My name is Nicole and I’m 36 yrs old. I’ve been struggling with my weight all of my life. I was always the biggest sibling out of 7 kids! I didn’t have an “ah-ha” moment like most people or woke up one day and decided that this was the day, I prayed and asked for the ability to put forth the effort and at least try. Today, I’ve lost a total of 59 pounds.

I stopped eating late at night. I would get home from work at 8:30 pm, eat a huge bowl of cereal every night and feel so sluggish in the morning!  Now I drink more water  and I incorporate more veggies and protein into my meals. I could probably do a little better with my veggies though.  I also have a cheat day once a week (I have the biggest sweet tooth ever), but I know how to stop now, so I don’t continue those cheat meals for days and months. I also use the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of every little morsel that I put in my mouth.

I workout 4 days/week and meet with a trainer every 2 weeks, so that I can switch things up and not get stuck doing the same routine over and over again.  I figured that if I can buy concert tickets and expensive gym shoes, then I can invest in my health also. I usually do 1 hour of cardio and 30 mins of strength training. My cardio is comprised of the arc trainer, jumping rope intervals, stairs, elliptical machine or walking/jogging on the treadmill on an incline!!! Strength training is usually lifting weights or using my bodyweight.

Started my weight loss journey in May 2014. My starting weight was 317 pounds and I’m now 258 pounds. I know I have a long journey ahead of me, but I’m very proud of myself and how far I came along. It’s a challenge everyday, but I keep telling myself that I’ve been doing it, so why not keep trying!

Instagram: @coleynmw (inactive)

Kirby lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kirby lost 50 pounds in 8 months.  She cleaned up her eating habits and starting working out to create real lifestyle change and love the skin she is in.  Here is what she share with us about her weight loss journey…

Kirby before and after

Hello, my name is Kirby Wall. I started my weight lost journey in May 2014. I’m 5’6″ tall. My starting weight was 225 pounds and my current weight is 175 pounds. What motivated me to get started? I was tired I feeling unhealthy and just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin. I started by cutting out sodas, sweets, and carbs. I began substituting a meal a day for a protein shake. I eat lots of veggies and drink a lot of water.

My exercise plan is for at least an hour and half a day of working out. I try to focus on full body workouts and not just try to  one target area. I was exercising outside until this past month when I joined a gym. I do a lot of cardio, running mostly. No trainer, no dvd or classes, I just do my own workouts that I’ve learned over the years.

I lost my weight all naturally. No pills or surgery. Just clean eating and exercise. To the ladies wanting a lifestyle change I encourage them to begin sooner than later. It is totally worth it!! Dedication, determination and hard work is what keeps me focused everyday! It’s a great lifestyle change!

Instagram: @Forever_kmilan

Ashlie lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Ashlie lost 55 pounds.  This breast cancer survivor is a true overcomer and I’m inspired by her story.  She battled surgery, chemo, meds, early menopause and sugar addiction, but has reached victory with faith and determination.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Ashlie before and after

Hi, my name is Ashlie K Lowe.  I’m 28 years old and I would like to share my weight loss/healthy living journey. One year ago I was 200 pounds. Today I am 55 lbs lighter, standing at 145 lbs! At age 24, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which including having to go through Surgery, Chemo, and a 5 year med regimen to control my estrogen, which puts me through menopause. The meds cause several side effects such as weight gain, fatigue and joint pain. Over the past 4 years, I have gained about 50 lbs and as of last year, I was determined to lose it all.

My motivation to lose weight was a combination of couple things. A) I started getting asked if I was pregnant. B) My Pastor led our church on a 21 day fast which was called the “Unlock” Fast and that is really what catapulted my journey. In obedience of that, God began to reveal to me the importance of living and eating healthy and taking more control over my health. Being a cancer survivor, especially at such a young age, I realized there was so much more I could do to take responsibility in living an active healthy life, despite the side effects of the medications I’m on.

Prior to last year, I ate fast food every day several times a day, fried foods, snacks (cookies, cakes, candies, etc) all day everyday, I was use to eating absolutely no vegetables and very little fruits, but I did have tons of pops, juices and barely any water. I was addicted to sugar so much so that I would eat spoonfuls of plain sugar. Starting in 2014, my eating habits changed to no red meat, no fried foods, no fast foods, no pop. Only 100% fruit juice, minimal sweets, veggies/fruits everyday, and at least 1/2 gallon of water everyday. I literally had to pray and ask God to help change my taste buds and increase my appetite for healthy foods. I hated the taste of anything healthy. Now, I crave healthy foods. (Yes God still answers prayers )

I worked out on average 3 days a week, focusing on upper body one day, lower body the next and overall cardio the 3rd. During the summer I walked at least 2 miles everyday.

Overall, despite the challenges that came along with the medicinal side effects, I was a still able to make progress and meet my goal by the grace of God. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Set a goal, create a plan/strategy, choose to commit, have accountability, measure yourself against yourself and not other people, and don’t give up. The best you is waiting on the inside, waiting to emerge!

Instagram: @ashlieklowe
FB inspiration page: www.facebook.com/thoughtsofagrowingwoman

Dee lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dee lost 70 pounds.  This proud mom was committed to not passing on unhealthy habits and to stopping the history of weight-related disease in her family line.  She took action to reach her weight loss goals and now she’s a trainer.  Here is what she shared with us…

Dee before and after

I was very unhappy with how much energy I lacked on a daily basis. It was always a struggle just to carry out simple routines like climbing the stairs. Most days I lacked the energy to interact with my children after I got home from work. My self esteem was eroding as well. I didn’t want to shop in the “plus size” stores but that was my only option. I knew if I continued on the path I was on that my unhealthy habits would have a harmful effect on my children. I have a family history of obesity, heart attacks, and diabetes, and I was about to pass this very tradition on to my own family. That scared the hell out of me. I was ten pounds away from being 300 pounds at the age of 30 and 5ft 7in tall,  so I decided I had to lose weight.

I tried Weight Watchers. I learned to choose fulfilling foods and the importance of portion control. I eliminated soda and sugar from my diet-and the weight started dropping off. I started exercising three to four days a week performing cardio exercises first and then incorporating strength training. My current regimen is HIIT training about 4 days per week a minimum of 1hr.

Eating appropriate portions (not the ones you see in restaurants), enough to make me feel satisfied and not overly full, was key. I limited my “treats” to Saturdays only, to reward myself for doing well throughout the week. Soon, I started rewarding myself with new clothes instead of food.

My weight loss goal was to lose 100 pounds and currently I have lost 70 lbs. I am still pursuing my goal, but once I reach it I won’t stop eating healthily because I want to maintain this weight.

My advice to someone who is going through the same situation: If you are not mentally prepared to lose weight, you won’t be physically prepared. Make up in your mind and know that quitting is not an option. It will be hard, but it’s worth it! Take it one day at a time. It won’t happen overnight.

IG name @metamorphosisinva

Fb page: www.facebook.com/metamorphosisinva

Dee weight loss Dee weight loss before and after

Nikiel lost 102 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nikiel lost 102 pounds.  As a nurse she’s witnessed how being overweight can affect your health and she wanted to be there to see her kids grow and thrive for years to come, so she made a change.  Read all about her journey…

Nikiel before and after

My journey started over 9 years ago. Now I’m down 102 pounds!!!!! I’m 5’7″ tall and my current weight is 178 pounds. I can remember getting up to at least 280 pounds. I had always been overweight and dealt with low self-esteem. My career in the medical field as a nurse exposed me to the realities of physical difficulties and illnesses that come as a result of being overweight. Many patients were suffering from conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Even my family members were suffering from heart disease and I saw myself potentially becoming a statistic, so I decided to make a change. That’s what motivated me and wanting to see my children grow up is what inspired me.

My eating habits changed little by little. I mainly cut calories by keeping those cookies and chips to a minimum and eating baked chicken and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables. I was following a plan cutting calories Monday thru Friday leaving the weekend to have a cheat meal or two because that is what worked best for me at the time. I initially lost about 70 pounds following that routine as well as doing TAE BO and the The Firm DVDs for women. However, the biggest obstacle was gaining about 50+ pounds back when I got pregnant with my last child over 6 years ago.

It seems like it took forever to loose the weight but I went back to my roots where I started from and added some new things I had learned on the way. Over a year ago I introduced running into my routine by joining a local running group. This move helped me to lose an additional 30 pounds and that has been great. After losing the weight there is definitely a sense of accomplishment that I felt and looked better but my real accomplishment comes from the fact that I have encouraged others. My goal is to lose about 20 more pounds, tone up more and become a personal health coach.

My advice to those who want to lose weight would be to just start small and work your way up.  Do not beat yourself up when you have a bad day because the next day is the first day of the rest of your life. Keep positive people around you and remain positive yourself.  Find out what works for you and have fun. Always remember that it is a lifestyle change and not simply a “diet”.

Instagram: @purplelady_curvyslim

Nikiel weight loss story

Dalelynn lost 81 pounds

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Update Aug 2018: We featured Dalelynn‘s story back in 2014. She wrote in to share that she lost an additional 67 pounds for a total of 148lbs gone. Check out her update.

dalelynn before and after

I’m a mom of 4, including twin boys (almost 2 years old). I’ve lost a total of 148 pounds. My starting weight was 302 pounds and my current weight is 154 lbs at 5’8″.  It has been 4 years since I started my journey, after having loose skin removal surgery this summer. I am now working on tightening and toning. Weight loss has changed every aspect of my life. I started a YouTube channel to document my journey. I share what I eat and my exercise routine. I’m a healthier and happier version of myself all because I decided that I had enough!

dalelynn before and after

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Dalelynn lost 81 pounds. Inspired by her sister and helped by friends and family, she decided to have the Lap Band procedure and to embrace healthy actions.  She shared with us about how she has changed her lifestyle…

Dalelynn before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
I was motivated by my sister whom I lost in January of 2014. She was 34 years old and suddenly died from Aortic Dissection, which was caused primarily by high blood pressure. She had recently just lost 130 pounds on her own and encouraged me always to do it too. I had tried to lose weight MANY times prior to that but never got the courage and strength to keep going. Her passing has motivated me every step of the way. I wasn’t always overweight, but in my early 20’s I was married and became a mom of 2 in a few short years. My kids are everything to me and I wanted to be my best self for them.

How did you change your eating habits?
In March of 2014, I had the Lap Band procedure and that was what assisted me in changing my portion size in terms of eating. One thing the Lap Band doesn’t do is change WHAT you eat. It took several months for me to change my thought process. I learned from a friend of mine who is a Nutritionist to try to stay on the outside aisles at the grocery store. The inner aisles usually consists of processed food and higher sodium items. Now I eat more fruit for snacks and more veggies for dinner. 

I totally cut out bread and soda from my diet. My favorite snack of all time is SKITTLES! My family would buy it for me as a gift! I cut them out totally. They were truly addicting. I have a smoothie almost every morning for breakfast and incorporate veggies I generally wouldn’t eat, like beets, ginger, kale, carrots, and spinach into them.

What did your workout routines look like?
I workout at least 4 days a week for a minimum of 45 min. My workouts include lots of cardio and stength training. Thanks to my personal trainer/my sister I am pushing myself further and burning more calories.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 302 pounds and my current weight is 221 pounds. I’m 5’8″ tall.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformations is still going. I am working on losing another 30 lbs. It has been 9 months so far.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Weight loss takes time! You won’t get there by quiting, no matter how long it takes keep going. When you start and it gets rough, remember why you started in the beggining and use that to motivate you. Also, document your journey to help you see your progress. Sometimes the scale doesn’t move as fast or as much as you’d want and thats ok, the scale doesn’t reflect your work ethic or your value. And lastly, you are going to be your biggest motivator on your journey!

Instagram: @queendalez

Update Aug 2015: Dalelynn’s story was featured in a recent article from the Indianapolis Recorder.

Ebony lost 126 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Ebony lost 126 pounds.  To avoid a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes, she decided to get help and begin a new healthy lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her journey…

Ebony before and after

I wanted to share my weight loss story with someone in hopes to inspire them! Your page inspires and motivates me everyday. I want others to know they are not alone and that they can do it to. Its possible! I’ve lost over 120 lbs. All natural. No gimmicks, no wraps, shakes…just through eating right and exercise. BWLW, Thank you for your daily inspiration!

My motivation was my overall health. I was 21 years old and facing high blood pressure. My family has a history of high blood pressure and diabetes, so I didn’t want that for myself. I went to the doctor one day and she was telling me about my blood pressure and how I would have to take medicine. I had been obese my whole life, but I knew that if I wanted different for myself, I had to take my health and my life back.

I started out by talking with a friend of the family who happened to be a personal trainer and had been trying to get me to workout for years but I never really gave it a thought until then. He took me grocery shopping, helping me pick out food. I started eating lean meats, veggies, drinking a gallon of water a day and complex carbs. I was also eating six small meals a day. For the first two weeks he watched my eating to make sure I was serious. Within the first two weeks, I dropped 15 pounds, and thats when I began to workout. I worked out about five times a week, and a lot of it con consited of cardio, running and strength training.

My starting weight was 331 pounds, which wasn’t even my biggest. I am now 205 pounds. (height: I’m 5’11”). I started my journey in March 2013. By November 2013, I was down 100 pounds. After that I hit a long plateau, but I’ve changed up my workouts by adding weights and the numbers have been dropping. I am still transitioning; this is a lifestyle. My advice to others would be to never give up on you, and that the best project you’ll ever work on is you, so invest in yourself!

Instagram: @ebbydanny

Ebony weight loss

Khalilah lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Khalilah lost 30 pounds.  After years of trying various ways to lose weight, this busy mom credits using HCG drops for her weight loss.  Here is what she shared with us…

Khalilah before and after

Almost 7 years ago, I became pregnant with my first son and gained 50 pounds, topping out at 225 lbs at delivery. I always looked at myself as being “thick” and since my husband wasn’t complaining I was fine with how I looked. Almost 9 months after having my son I was told by someone, “Girl! You still holding onto that weight huh? I dropped my weight right after I had both of my other children.” After hearing this I knew I had to do something.

Over the course of the next couple of years I joined gyms, bought workout DVDs and a treadmill. I also paid for a boot camp and due to over exertion and asthma I ended up in ICU for two days. The weight was not coming off and I was becoming increasingly frustrated. My confidence level was as low as it could possibly get. I was introduced to Omnitrition Omni Drops in May 2014 at a starting weight of 196.6 pounds (height 5’4″) and have lost 30 lbs in 52 days with this weight loss plan. The program consists of a restricted/healthier diet while taking HCG drops to target the fat areas in your body.

I’m a full-time mom, wife, manager, children’s director and don’t have a lot of extra time to workout. I have never felt more alive and full of energy and I want others to know it’s still possible to live your best life so now I’m helping others! I can play with my two boys without feeling exhausted. I no longer take naps at work followed by a 9pm bedtime. I now live each day rather than allowing each day to pass me by.

khalilah HCG drops Omni

Yvette lost 32 pounds

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Update 2017: It’s 3 years later and Yvette is still going strong! Check out her update…

Yvette weight loss

I have been able to maintain my weight, however I had a change in body composition. Although the scale reads a couple of pounds less, my clothing size went from extra large to medium.

Depression is and has been the hardest thing to deal and having hypothyroidism doesn’t help. Last year in February, I had a setback in the form of two back to back TIA attacks. I had to have a Doppler ultrasound on the neck and a brain scan, which revealed a lesion on the left side of the brain and some carotid thickness. My cholesterol was at 295.

Despite all I was doing, the doctors recommended I be placed on statins immediately since I had a stroke before. I refused because it meant the possibility of kidney and liver damage. I employed my personal trainer for three months to get things in order through a more intense exercise regime than what I was already doing. I hit the gym morning for weight training and in the evening I did cardio, crossfit, battle ropes, the stepper, etc. I also had a very specific meal plan, geared at reducing my cholesterol.

At the end of one month, my cholesterol came down to 259 and  the test of the lipid profile was near perfect. What stands out the most is that although the journey to wellness has been painful, it has been beyond rewarding… especially when I see how many people I have inspired to just make the effort. These are people who follow my meal plans, my story and who message me to congratulate, offer blessings and ask for help. I thought I was doing this for me, but God had other plans.

My advice for other people would be that weight loss is holistic. We should attempt to heal the mind, body and soul. Find that balance, because depression causes weight gain and sickness. Any issue that upsets your balance and your piece of mind can make you put on weight. Also, do one thing at a time, one day at a time. Love yourself, because it is you who will shine through in the end. Start by increasing you water intake and limit flour and sugars. The rest will come gradually. I am three years into my journey, and I am feeling fabulous and cancer free. – @Lexi_5018

Update 2016: “Good day! A little over a year ago, I shared my story. I just wanted you to know that I am maintaining and feeling fabulous.”

yvette update weight loss

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Yvette lost 32 pounds.  She is truly an overcomer and a survivor, having gone through several serious medical conditions including cancer. Her story shows that you can face a ton of adversity and still reach your goals.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

yvette before and after

My name is Yvette Simon-Alexander and I am from Trinidad. I started my wellness journey on the 6th of April 2014 at 202 pounds. Currently, I weight 170 pounds at 5’8” tall. I am a mother of two girls, ages 23 and 18 years old. My inspiration came from wanting to spend more time with my family.

I’m dealing with several health issues. I have survived a left side stroke from which I have regained 85% of movement in my hand. I also have had a triple fracture in my right leg from which I have 2” shortening on that side, so I walk with a limp. I have a mitral valve prolapse and I am dealing with hypothyroidism. In addition, my spirit was broken when I found out in 2009 that I had stage 1 colon cancer. 6 inches of my colon was removed with the polyp. That was truly a life changing experience. I still have to do routine checks every 2 years.

For exercise, my training involves lots of cardio. I work out on the treadmill, stairs and do jumping jacks. I’m also into weight training. My diet consists of lots of water, fruit, vegetables, less meat, more fish, sweet potatoes and supplements.

My journey has been long and hard. I has been filled with tears and pain, but I am a survivor. If my story can help one person, then my struggles will be worth it. My before picture was taken in October 2013 [green dress] and my after photo on the 18th of December 2014 [denim outfit].