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Before and After Photos

Miranda lost 90 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Miranda lost 90 pounds.  She was determined not to have to deal with the medical issues that pledged her family history.  She did her research, created her own weight loss plan and took ACTION.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Miranda before and after

I’m 43 years young and I married my BFF 6 years ago.  I’m the mother of 2 handsome young men, a Probation Officer by career and a BeachBody Coach by hobby. I’ve struggled with my weight since my early 20s. Obesity and diabetes run in my immediate family. My granny, mother and my younger sister are all diabetics and on insulin. I struggled with the roller coaster dieting for years. In the past, I succeeded at losing weight, but failed at keeping it off.

Turning point: I busted out of my work pants at 260 lbs in 2010 and refused to buy a size XXXL so I got them hemmed and started my journey. I learned to change my mind in order for my body to change! I researched different diets and created a nutrition plan that worked for me! I got a personal trainer but he said it would take over a year to lose the weight I wanted, so I started my fitness research and made a fitness plan that worked for me! I lost my first 72 pounds in 6 months by exercising and eating healthy (2010).  However, I gained back 20 lbs in 2012 because of people saying that I was too small and I looked like I was on drugs (I was 188 pounds at that time). I wasn’t happy with gaining this weight because I worked so hard to lose it. So, I decided to block out the voices (people’s comments) and I got down to my healthy BMI of 172 pounds.

I became addicted to fitness/nutrition and eventually got down to 168 pounds.  Now, I stay in the range of 170lbs – 172lbs. I learned to love the skin i’m in! (I’m 170lbo at 5’10” right now) MY purpose is to INSPIRE others to LOVE themselves enough to CHANGE FROM WITHIN.

Instagram: @jusfit_jusblessed
YouTube: msgunn4life

Jente lost 53 pounds

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Update 2015: I lost 25 more pounds since November 2014 for a total of 78 pounds gone. What helped me lose the weight was not wanting to gain it back and wanting to become a more healthier me. Live long enough to see my children grow up.

jente before and after

Weight Loss Success Story: Jente lost 53 pounds.  After a potential diabetes diagnosis and years of battling her weight, she made the decision to change her eating habits and her life.  Here is what she shared with us…

Jente before and after

Starting Weight: 370 pounds
Current Weight: 317 pounds
Height: 5’9″

What motivated me to lose weight, was the day the doctor told me I was borderline diabetic. I’ve been fighting with my weight quite for sometime now. I was inspired by my own life trials and tribulations and by wanting to see my children grow up, graduate from high school and college. I knew that by being that heavy I was destined for a heart attack soon. I changed my eating habits a lot. I’m not eating pork because it makes me very sick. Beef I eat maybe twice a month. I’m replacing my sweets with fruits, eating smaller portions and not eating past 6pm. I am also eating more vegetables and drinking plenty of water. 

It took me 6 months to lose the weight. The advice I have to give is if losing weight is something you want badly, then do it. Stop having doubts about it or thinking about the “What If-s”. Just do it. Set a goal for the number of pounds you want to lose for that week and go for it. Doubts kills more dreams than anything else does. I believe in you, so have faith in yourself. To want better and to do better…  

Instagram: @young_andmotivated 

Tanisha lost 193 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tanisha lost 193 pounds, down from 430 pounds, with weight loss surgery and by changing her lifestyle.  After years of using food to battle depression and dealing with a host of medical issues , she decided to have surgery to live a better life.  Here is what she shared with us…

Tanisha before and after

All throughout my teenage years, I was obese and being 5’2″ it was a disadvantage. Ever since I was in college, I’ve always had a bad habit of eating everything I could because it always made me feel better. It was comfort for my depression and satisfaction for my needs. My obesity was worse when I went to CSUSB in 2006. I got fatter and bigger every year. I would try to lose the weight, but my mind would tell me “no!” so, I just felt that if I would eat, I would feel better and I was on the right track for a while. However, since I graduated CSUSB in 2011 my health gotten much worse. I had Obstructive Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, Pre-Diabetes, etc… I knew then I had to get weight loss surgery. It was my saving grace.

Since then, I had the surgery in June 3, 2013. I had the Gastric Sleeve Surgery and I was scared at first. However, I knew that if I did not changed my ways, I might have died. My highest weight was an astounding 430 pounds. Now, I weigh an incredible 237 pounds. I’ve lost 193 pounds total since 2012 and I’m still losing weight now. I was given a second chance to start my weight loss journey.

I have to eat three meals a day with only two snacks meals, and I’ve stopped eating so many sweets and junk food. Now, I’m eating fruits and some veggies. I hated to exercise when I was obese, but now, I really love it! I love to use my Nintendo Wii and play my Dancing video games. I incorporate some strength training two times a week into my workout schedule. Walking everyday helps me to feel free from the negativity in my life.  Also, Belly dancing is new for me, but I really love it.

My family and my friends have always helped me because they knew I would not survive if I went the wrong path. They have really become my providers. Being a musician as well, my music friends always gave me the confidence I needed to be strong. Being a huge wrestling fan also helped me become stronger as well.

For everyone that wants to lose weight: You have to take it one step at a time. Stay strong, stay positive, and live a healthy life. Never look back, because if I can do it, you can do it as well! You all are so worth it, just believe in your heart and yourself. You can follow me on twitter: @henrytanisha or on Facebook.

Stacey has maintained her 180 pounds gone post-pregnancy

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Update: That’s right! After Stacey lost 180 pounds, she became pregnant.  She is happy to announce that she’s dropped all but a few pounds of pregnancy weight and maintained her lifestyle change.  More proof that you CAN lose the weight post-pregnancy.

Stacey Update post-pregnancy weight loss
Updated photos

“Since my last update so much has happened! I had another baby and gained about 48 pounds during that pregnancy. I am currently 8 months postpartum and I’ve lost all but four of those pounds. I have to keep a strict eating plan for myself or I will get off track and it makes a humongous difference for me. I also try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio each day even if it’s a brisk walk on my lunch. In June of this year, I opened my health and wellness business and I’ve almost completed my nutrition certification course through NAFC and it’s going well! I have spoken at 2 events to talk about the importance of nutrition and how it coincides with what God has for us.

I pray that each of you find your own way on what to do to get healthy and do whatever it takes to save your life. Let no one make you feel a certain way about anything. You do what u can because once we leave this earth it is no repeat to try to do it again! Many blessings to u all and thank you to the administrator of Black Women Losing Weight for the opportunity of a second feature!!

Please like my page on Facebook www.facebook.com/kwullc , follow me on Instagram @kwus_creator, inbox or request my personal page on Fb Stacey Yvonne and my website is www.kwuhealthandwellness.com(it’s not finished yet but it has been published).”

Original Featured Success Story from June 2013: Read about how Stacey lost 180 pounds.

Stacey weight loss before and after

Angela lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Angela lost 70 pounds.  She started eating clean and working out to get more energy and see her body transform.  She says, “The best advice I have for anyone trying to lose weight is to educate yourself and learn to listen to your body.”  Read her story…

Angela before and after

My name is Angela and I have been on my journey for about one year so far. I have lost a total of 70 Lbs. I went from a size 24-26 to a size 18.  I decided to start losing weight after my mother took a hideous picture of me. I decided right then I did not like the extra weight and decided to go on my journey. I started exercising five times a week and embraced clean eating. I love the extra energy and seeing my body transform. I am very excited to see what the next phase of my weight loss journey has in store for me. I started at 307 pounds and I’m 5’7″.

Change in Eating habits – I became Pescatarian (seafood only) about three years ago. This aided big time in my weight loss. My eating habits have not changed since I started my transformation. I only bake and sautée my food. I eat plenty of leafy greens, lots of vegetables and drink lots of water too. I do not eat out often and prepare a majority of my meals at home as well doing meal prep for the week.

Workout routine – I did a majority of cardio(usually jogging & wii active) and weightlifting four to five times a week. I wanted to make sure that I was focusing on building and toning my muscles as well as weight loss. For my next weightless goal, I am trying to lose another thirty pounds. To achieve this, I workout five days a week. I do thirty minutes to a hour of Zumba and about a hour of resistance training. 

The best advice I have for anyone trying to lose weight is to educate yourself and learn to listen to your body. It took me a while to figure out my routine. Now I have a good rhythm and I’m seeing the results of my hard work. This takes time so don’t expect instant results. Set realistic goals to achieve. You have to do this journey for yourself not anyone else. I wanted this and focused my efforts towards it to achieve my results. It’s hard and bad days will come, but the good days outweigh the bad.

Garnetta lost 56 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Garnetta has lost 56 pounds since March 2014.  She was determined not to reach 300 pounds so she changed her eating habits and started exercising on a regular basis.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey so far…

Garnetta Sweet before and after

My name is Garnetta Sweet and I started my weight loss journey on March 4, 2014. I have had some hiccups along the way but I’m not giving up until I get to a healthy version of myself. I have lost a total of 56 pounds and I’m still on my journey. No where near where I want to be, but I’m definitely not where I was.

When I started my journey, I was at 296 pounds. I made up my mind at that point that I was not going to hit 300 pounds. My stepdaughter and granddaughter were definitely my motivation to become a healthier version of myself. I had started having cardiac issues and blood pressure problems. I replaced fried chicken, pizza, burgers and junk food with baked chicken, fish and salads…which are now my favorite things. The smell of grease makes my stomach hurt now. My workout basically consists of 1 hour of cardio 3 times a week . My current stats are that I am 5’8″ and my weight is 240 pounds for a total of 56 pounds lost since March. I am no where near where I want to be but definitely can feel a difference. My advice to anyone who is considering weight loss: Do it and stick to it. Don’t give up and don’t let a setback stop you. Keep pushing forward! You will be so glad you did and be so much healthier for it.

Instagram: @garnettasweet

Kristin lost 93 pounds

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Kristin lost 93 pounds.  She took the popular b vitamin shots as part of her weight loss journey, but she also had to workout and switch to a high protein diet.  Here is what she shared with us…

Kristin before and after

 

Hello my name is Kristin and I’ve been dealing with weight my whole life. At my heaviest weight I was 278 pounds. I’m weigh 185 pounds today. I lost 93 pounds with b12 & b6 injection over the course of a year (9 of those months in 2013). My motivation was to be able to buy clothes in normal stores instead of the biggest plus size. Also my feet, back, chest and heart were hurting all the time before I lost the weight.

I eat a high protein diet with a lot of meat. I went for being the pasta and cheese queen to eating as much lean meat and fish as I want. I walk about 3 times a week and do sit ups all day long (220 sit ups, 40 at a time,  through out the day). I didn’t do a lot of exercise but I just joined a gym to take off the last 20 pounds that I’m trying to lose. I believe that my b12 shots saved my life and my new way of eating has given me my freedom back. I’ve taken 2 double shots twice a week for the last 2 years. It is pricey here in Toronto but by health is worth the money.

My advice is to cut out sugar, rice, pasta and bread. Stay away from those foods and your body will change bit by bit. Thanks to the BWLW Facebook page for keeping me on track.

 

Kiauntra lost 46 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kiauntra lost 46 pounds.  She shared with us about her 10 month weight loss transformation.  She not only changed her eating habits and started exercising, she also changed her mindset and let go of some toxic relationships.  Here is what she had to say about her journey…

Kiauntra before and after

After battling depression for years I knew it was a time for a change! I had to remove some toxic people and I changed the way I thought about myself. I started running, doing yoga and other positive thinking practices. It’s been a slow process but in 10 months is was able to go from 210 lbs to 164 lbs.

I began changing my eating habits by eating clean. One of the best investment I’ve ever made was in a blender. I was able to find some really good smoothie recipes on Pinterest and replaced my usual breakfast of sugar and carb loaded breakfast pastries to green smoothies with kale, spinach, carrots, greek yogurt, etc…

My workout routine consists of a lot of running and group exercise. I tell everyone, it’s all about the playlist! I made sure to have songs on my iPhone to keep me motivated! I love to socialize, so group fitness at my local YMCA worked great 3 times a weeks. I would go to the YMCA and I knew the other class members would hold me accountable if I missed a class. My favorite classes are Zumba fitness, step aerobics, and toning class.

Advice: You will not loose weight without a transformation of the mind! Like several women I know, I have every workout DVD, could tell you about any diet fad, and knew what it took to loose weight year after year I would complain and left it on my wish list. I even remember going on a field trip with my daughter and one of her little class mates called me fat, and I was who me? I would never forget the look on my child’s face. Kids go through so much as school and the last thing my kids were going to have to go through is to defend their “fat mom”! I had to have “come to Jesus” moment with my self!

I had to change the way I thought about myself, got into positive thinking, started to eliminate the toxic people in my life which included a emotionally abusive husband! Getting closer to God, tapping into my destiny, those dreams I forgot about it, and it was ON!! Like a light switch I started enjoying working out, it wasn’t a chore. I looked forward to making healthy meals for my family and continuing to live life the way I was supposed to.  I’m stress free, healthy, and happy!

Instagram: @Kiauntra

Jelly lost 126 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Jelly lost 126 pounds.  She was fed up with being overweight and dealing with social anxiety and depression as a result.  She decided to stop making excuses and start making changes to her lifestyle to reach her weight loss goals.  Here is what she shared with us…

Jelly before and after

I am 25 years old, going on 26 this year. I have been Big pretty much most of my life. I was always known for having a “Pretty face”…you know, the “The usual” comments. I reached my biggest weight of 310 pounds at the ages 22-23. I was just FED UP with being unhappy with myself, looking in the mirror and just OBESITY it self!! At this point in my life I never left the house and hated to go anywhere with anyone unless I had to. I had no social life whatsoever and developed a serious case of social anxiety and a deep depression.

June 2011 was the year I stopped making excuses and started making goals and there I began my journey into weight loss. Since then I have lost a total of 126 pounds! I did this simply by using portion control and counting calories. I did also start walking for 30 mins a day and sometimes switched it up with 20-30 minutes of Zumba, Turbo Jam or HipHop Abs at home. Walking was definitely one of my favorite forms of exercise.

2014 was the year I started going to the gym for the first time ever. There I do cardio 30-40 minutes (Zumba) 2 days a week and Weight/strength training 4-5 days a week. Back to “portion control” Counting calories, I cannot stress to you how important it is! That alone is going to help you to lose weight! A lot of the times we don’t realize “how much” we are eating. Changing that alone changed me! Now, it may not work for everyone but I’m just telling you “my experience” and what worked for me.

I have found weight loss to be somewhat of an emotional, sometimes very draining and at times very “discouraging” experience with many many bumps in the road. I am STILL learning new things! There will be times you want to give up due to not seeing results fast enough or whatever the case may be. Whatever you do DONT GIVE UP! It’ll all be worth it. Trust me, I am not the smallest nor do I want to be. I don’t have the best body “yet”, but I have come a very long way. I just want to be able to help and encourage others and let you all know IT IS POSSIBLE! if you really want it YOU CAN TOO!

Instagram: @L0se2Win

Jelly before and after

Crystal lost 79 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Crystal lost 79 pounds.  This proud mom was inspired to change her life and get healthy to be more active with her daughter. She is now off high blood pressure medicine, feeling healthier and giving God the glory for her transformation.  Here is what she shared with us…

Crystal before and after

On Nov 6, 2013 I embarked on journey to become healthy. My inspiration to change was my faith in God and my daughter. I knew that I couldn’t play with her and didn’t have the energy to do much. I weighed in at 312 pounds and was wearing a size 24 in pants. Today, I wear a size 16 (and counting) and weigh in at 233 pounds (height: 5’3″). In the past, my weight became a constant issue. Could hardly put on my clothes. I was also a borderline diabetic and already on blood pressure pills. A year ago I had also lost hope and my self-esteem was lost. I cried and but I pushed past my pain and struggle. With my lifestyle change, I’m no longer on medication and my heart is getting healthier by the day. I can play with my daughter more as well. Hope came and found me.

Thank God in Heaven for sending me a trainer that pushes me to be the best me. I’ve really got with a health coach who keep me motivated. I started eating right and exercising. No baked goods, no pork, no red meat and no sweets.  I also drink lots of water. My workout is a lot of high intensity training. Squats, jumping jacks, push ups, sit ups, treadmill and battle ropes.

Today, I’m medication free. Daily I’m pushing to be the best I can be and I know God has keep me through it all. I have lost almost 80 pounds and still counting. My pray and hope is for people to learn to love themselves and be healthy. My advice for others: Stay focused and be constant. Every day won’t be peachy, but if you try, even if it’s just one lap, it will be one lap you didn’t do yesterday. Never give up on yourself or dream and love yourself to the fullest.

 Instagram: @coachccee