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Before and After Photos

Anyika-Monique lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Anyika-Monique Hunt lost 71 pounds.  She decided that enough was enough after getting sick and that she wanted to be there to raise her son. She reached her weight loss goal and is now inspiring others, including her young son and her mom (we featured her mom’s story last week), to get healthy and lose weight.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:
A Hunt weight loss

My story: I’m a busy, single mommy of one child that got sick. I was having chest pain and blackouts and decided that enough was enough and that my son needed me around! It was time to get healthy. My starting weight was 190 pounds plus. I have lost a total of 71 pounds.  Exercise wise, I did it by doing Zumba, Body Bombat, Spin, sticking to a meal plan, and being consistent. No shots, no pills and no short cuts. I got down to 119 pounds. It took me 4 months of hard work to get the first 50 pounds off and over the last 5 years I have kept the weight off, toned up and I’m now at 125 pounds. However, I’m not done yet. I’m still working on toning my body and staying healthy. My lifestyle has rubbed of on my son and he has lost some with and is now rocking a six pack. At 13 years old, he has gained so much confidence. In the beginning, I cut out a lot of oil, salt and fried food. I started eating smaller portions and eating 6 meals a day. I am now living a vegetarian/raw vegan lifestyle. I juice and workout daily. I’m embarking on a 100 day healthy challenge. I’m waist training as well. It’s very exciting. My number one goal is to help my community. I teach Zumba fitness in Las Vegas and I host a special fit club for women and men in my community. That includes Zumba, toning, nutrition counseling, and the hosting of monthly topics.  I wanted to lose weight and couldn’t find help so I educated myself and met my goals!! Now I can be a helping hand to others.

I also have a blog post where I go into very detail about my journey…

Instagram: @zumbawithahunt
Facebook.com/homewithahunt
Zumba website: www.ahunt.zumba.com

Anyika-Monique Hunt

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Hannah lost 56 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Hannah lost 56 pounds.  This proud and petite single mom tried many methods to lose weight and had an unfortunate experience trying on clothes that was the last straw, opening the door for her to start her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hannah weight loss

Hello My name is Hannah Ngae (aka Noni). I was born in Kenya. I moved to this country when I was a little girl at 16 yrs old. Now, I’m a proud single mom of a two year old boy named Jordan.  A year ago, I weighed 199 lbs at only 5’2″ feet tall.  Today, I weight 143 lbs. I have lost 56 pounds. Before, I was depressed and stressed out. I tried all sorts of diets and pills but nothing seemed to work. In May of 2013, that’s when my life changed. I went to the store and tried on like 10 dresses and pants but nothing seemed to fit. I looked at myself in the changing room mirror and decided enough is enough. I won’t lie to you, I shed tears. I decided to give up everything and get committed with one goal. I always put God first in everything I do. I prayed and asked God to guide and walk with me during the start of my weight loss journey. May 1, 2013 I gave up sugar and white carbs. I started drinking lots of water and green smoothies. I started noticing a changes as my skin became smooth and soft. My stomach started disappearing as well. I was so exited because my friends started noticing my progress too. In that first month, I lost 8 pounds. I continued till I joined a gym on Nov 5th.

Magic started happening. I met a good friend who we became close. She trained me. We could spend hours at the gym. I did cardio mostly which made me shed all the weight. Elliptical is my best friend. It has flattened my tummy toned my bum and thighs.
I have left fast foods alone and I now make my own healthy meals. I always measure and weigh my foods regardless. I don’t do processed foods or fruits, I would rather spend millions buying fresh foods. I don’t eat rice now. I use quinoa instead, which I love. I take 5 meals a day, under 1200 calories total. I workout 7 or 6 days a week and sometimes go in at 4 am.  I do cardio for 30 minutes, stretch 15 minutes, lift weights and do another 15 minute of Cardio.

My Transformation has taken 1 year, and I’m not done yet. I’m just getting started. I have set a goal to loose 15 more pounds before August 15. Loosing weight has becoming Addicting to me and I’m so proud of how far I have come being that I’m a mom, student and also an employee.

Your health is one of the most important things in your life, and you really need to make time for it. I was too busy with things that ultimately didn’t matter to take care of myself, and I ended up being Obese. To change your weight you need to change many aspects of your life so that you can lean more towards healthy living. A big part of that is emotional well being and motivation. Recognize when you are eating out of habit not hunger. Learn to tell the difference between feelings satisfied and feeling stuffed. Get support from a partner or friend.  I advise every one to focus on what you want your life to look like not just your body. Never Give Up! It’s the easiest thing to do and then it becomes hard to regain the strength to loose all the weight over again.

Instagram: @NoniJordan

hannah before and after

Tummy Transformation: Jennifer’s abs are showing

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Jennifer contacted us from the UK to tell us about how she lost 28 pounds.  She has a lean back and 6 pack abs now.  Those abs are Showing and all that muscle is giving her definition. This tall beauty can now fit into her daughter’s jeans! Here is what she shared with us:

Jennifer weight loss abs

Jennifer back developmentHi, my name is Jennifer Malvo I lost my 2 stone (28 lbs) in weight by working out and eating healthy. I cut out the junk and the processed food I was eating. I was putting on weight and my clothes were feeling tight.  I just looked bit chunky so I decided to train myself and change my diet. I liked the pictures of the bikini models and women who are bodybuilders. They looked good. I’ve never had muscles. I was 12 stone (168 pounds – 5’9″ tall) when I started my weight loss journey 8 weeks ago. I worked in a Gym Legends gym in Worcester, Great Britain. So, my transformation began when I started using light weights and doing cardio. I got back home from the gym started to do Pilates body stretches.  Within one week, my body was changing. 3 weeks later, I had abs and then back definition. I’ve never had abs before. I was so happy that the weight was coming off. I had more energy. I felt good and looked good. I was eating more vegetables, fish and chicken for protein.  I had healthy things like rice and nuts for carbs, as well as berries.  I also cut back on chocolate and fizzy drinks. I had water and fruit teas instead.When I was at home I would train too, doing light weights and dance. Another thing about my workouts; Doing two or more exercise combined worked for me.  I can get into my daughter’s jean now. Now I’m 10 stone (140 pounds) and still training 🙂

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jazz lost 217 pounds

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Update: We shared Jazz’s story of losing 217 pounds back in 2014. She sent us an update to say that she’s kept the weight off and lost 7 more pounds. Check out her story below.

Hello! I currently weigh 243 and my goal is to be 200 pounds. My height is 6’3″. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea few years back and I decided to take action. I’m still a work in progress.”
Instagram: @kiss_of_death90

jazz before and after

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jazz lost 217 pounds.  This 6’3″ beauty decided that she would work to avoid diabetes and high blood pressure that run in her family’s health history.  At 467 pounds, she knew to she had to make changes to her lifestyle to improve her health.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

jazz weight loss success story

I’ve lost over 200 pounds and counting. How did I do it? Hard work motivation and dedication. I drink half of my body weight in ounces of water each day. I stopped eating junk and processed food. My goal for each week is to lose 2-5 pounds. I workout every other day and sometimes twice a day. I’m not where I want to be but I’m determined enough to not throw in the towel and give up that’s easy to easy. Diabetes and high blood pressure runs in my family and I’ve motivated myself to not join the team. I was on the edge of having diabetes if I didn’t do anything about my health.

I changed my eating habits by cutting down on the junk, fried and process foods by having smaller portions.  Then I gradually worked my way over to not craving it at all. Everything is a process. Always remember that a slow process is better than no process. My workout routines went from 10 of everything i.e. (jumping jacks, lunges, sit ups, push ups and even long walks) to doing 200 of everything every other day. My starting weight was 467 pounds and my current weight is 250 pounds.  Im 6’2″ tall. My transformation took 2 years. My advise to others goes back to what I said in the beginning: a slow process is better than no process. Nothing happens overnight. You must have willpower. Before eating those donuts or fried foods think about how many calories and fats are in those choices. Think about how hard you would have to work to get it off.

Jazz before and after

Lesa lost 123 with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Lesa who has lost 123 pounds.  She decided to have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery after dealing with a number of chronic health conditions affected by being overweight.  After dealing with the loss of her closest relatives and having to be put in a medically induced coma, she realized that she had to be here to support and love her children.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Lesa weight loss surgery

I’ve always been overweight, as far as I can remember. It was “cute” when I was a chubby toddler and never shed any of the extra pounds. I grew up in an “overweight” family. I was raised by typical Black Country fed, homegrown, soul food grandparents. My mom was the type of woman who loved being a voluptuous woman and I inherited that gene.

I loved being voluptuous, plus sized, etc. it wasn’t until I realized that as I older, I got bigger. My entire adult life I was 300+ but by the time I was 37, I was up to 390 lbs.  Now with health problems, single parenting, losing close family members and juggling too much that I started having severe health problems; namely Sleep Apnea, Congestive Heart failure, low immune system, and Pulmonary Hypertension (which caused me to go into respiratory distress October 2010).

After being in a medically induced coma for 21 days I woke from the coma and my first thought was “Who took care of my babies?”  They already lost my mom and grandparents and were on the verge of losing me!!  My mom passed away at the age of 45 years old and it was heartbreaking to me and my children.  She had a multitude of health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, & CHF that if she lost weight she might still be alive today.  I was finally diagnosed with Tracheal Stenosis after being hospitalized three times. Then, I had to have an emergency tracheostomy February, 2011. I was told by numerous doctors that I would have the trach for the rest of my life due to extensive scarring to my trachea from the intubation.

One of the medical specialists that told me that I would have my trach removed in December of 2012. My trachea healed. I discovered that Medicare paid for gastric surgery and in May 1, 2013 I had my first consultation. Initially, in 2009, I planned to get the Lap Band (I’m glad that things didn’t work out for me to get it). I researched the gastric sleeve and found people that had the surgery.  After months of planning I had my surgery October 31, 2013.

Weight Loss Surgery is a tool, not a miracle cure for obesity. It is our responsibility to make the right choices.  I sometimes start to eat things like I’m a trance.  Not realizing what I was doing until I’m in mid bite.  I’ve discovered that my comfort food and drinks aren’t so comforting.  Now, I love veggies, fruits and WATER. Lots and lots of water.  I do not get caught up in the scales. This is the one thing that I cannot stress enough. It is not good emotionally if you get all of your sense of achievement from the scale. I just keep in mind that this is a Marathon and NOT a sprint. My workout routine is walking. I walk everywhere and climb stairs.  Imagine me, a person who loves to shop having to use the motorized cart in Walmart or having to sit down while shopping at the mall…or flat out not going to the mall at all!  Imagine not wanting to go anywhere because your fat is basically insulation and you are constantly hot!  Now, I have energy and don’t mind cooking, cleaning, walking or climbing the stairs.

I’m still in transition and I’m only 9 months post-surgery and have lost 123 lbs. and my current weight is 267.  Initially, I wanted to be 225 lbs. or a size 18/20, however my ultimate goal is to just be healthy.  I recommend joining a support group as I seem to be having identity issues post-surgery.  I’ve always been comfortable being plus sized that now that I’ve lost weight I can’t identify with the person I see in the mirror.  Daily what I am thankful for is that I’m not plagued with health issues and I’m going to be around to be a parent to my daughters!

Lesa weight loss surgery

Markita lost 25 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – Markita wrote in to tell us about how she’s maintained her weight loss of 25 pounds for more than a year despite weight gain due to medication.

“You featured my story last July, and I just wanted to send in an update of my maintenance since! After being featured, I was put on medication which caused me to gain 7 pounds, which I could not lose until recently coming off the medication. However, I was able to get back down to 165, the goal weight my doctor gave given me for my height. I was also able to release the weight by continuing to watch my carb and sugar intake. Thank you for what you do, your site has kept me motivated, even when I wanted to throw in the towel!”

markita before and after

July 2014 – Proud mom of 4 Markita lost 25 pounds and gives all the glory to God.  Making healthy smoothies, drinking Apple Cider Vinegar and avoiding high fructose corn syrup were just parts of her lifestyle change. Here is what she shared with us:

Markita weight loss mom

Markita after weight lossToday’s Encouragement!!!! I am a busy wife and mother of 4 minor children. I was sick & tired of being sick & tired, and feeling unattractive! In October 2013, after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I made the necessary changes in my lifestyle & diet that I can & will follow for the rest of my life with God’s help, love, & guidance!!! You can do it too. It’s never too late!!! Seek Him. After all, God designed you, and knows what it will take! I lost all this weight in a matter of 6 months. Majority was lost in the first 3 months. I found the NutriBullet fruit and veggie smoothies in the morning helped a lot. I’ve cut back on sugar and sweets big time and I only eat red meat occasionally (Mostly chicken & Turkey). I only drink sugary drinks like pop, juice, lemonade occasionally. I avoid high fructose corn syrup & artificial sweeteners like the plague, lol! If I need sweetness, I will use a little raw organic honey or a little raw sugar. I drink decaf green tea every night before I go to bed. I drink lemon water throughout the day. I drink Braggs organic Apple cider vinegar with water in the morning and before dinner. I still eat pasta and bread, but only in moderation. I only cook with olive oil and use real butter, no spreads. I love almonds and almond butter. These are most of the things I have done and still do to maintain. Everyone is different, but this is what works for me and I can do these things for the rest of my life. I had to make it more of a lifestyle change instead of diet! Hope this helps someone, God bless you!!!! Starting Weight 188 poundss/Ending Weight 163 pounds= 25 pounds.

MarkitaJuly14blog

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 35 pounds.  Motivated by the loss of her father and wanting to live a long life for her young children, Angela committed to being consistent with her weight loss efforts.  Consistency is KEY. Here is what she shared with us:

Angela2July14blog

“HELLO!!! My name is Angela Greer and I am one year into my healthy life journey. I’ve lost 35lbs since July 2013. I started my healthy life journey last July (left pic) after a trip to Essence Festival with my husband. The pic on the right is one year later!!! Honestly I can’t believe that was me!!! (I thought I was doing it down there! Lol!) I am inspired daily by so many, but none more than losing my Dad to health issues. (Love you Daddy). I was determined to honor his memory by changing my lifestyle, being a healthy example for my two babies (4 & 2 years old), and ending our family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

My transformation happened with consistently working out – doing Cardio and Weight Training. Ladies, don’t be afraid of weights. It leans, trims, and tightens…not bulks! Look at my pics! I also tried to eat clean. NO secret diet, magic pill or drink. Just consistently working hard!

No I’m NOT perfect and I have many things to work on, but I just wanted to show you that a “normal” person that has a super busy life can make a change and live a healthier life. I’m a busy Mommy so I don’t have “time, I make it! You can do it!  Thank you for your encouragement and positive vibes sent through your posts! It continuously keeps me motivated! I appreciate you!
Xoxoxo~ Ang #transformation #FitLifeForever #Whosthatgirl #SexyAngela #twokidswho #stillworkingonmyawesome”

Instagram: @mzangiebaby

Update: Darlene lost 86 pounds and became a figure competitor

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Update July 2014: Darlene lost 86 pounds and became a figure competitor. We featured her story back in December when she was down 70 pounds.  She is down 16 more pounds but she also built tons of muscle during her weight loss journey. Read her update and find out more about her amazing transformation and her recent WINS!

Darlene weight loss story

“I participated in my first figures competition last week placing 1st overall in Tall Novice.  I also placed 3rd in Masters and Open Class. I have lost 86 pounds in total and plan to compete again this October. I want to let all women know that if you set your mind straight and stay focused you CAN reach your goals. At 47, I am in the best shape of my life! Feeling Amazing!!!

When I reached my goal weight of 145-150 pounds, I realized that there was something more I could do on my fitness endeavor. I have many friends who competed in bodybuilding, figures and bikini competitions. I attended some of their shows and would always say, “You’ll NEVER catch me up on a stage in a bikini and heels!” Or, “I just want the body, but not the stage!” I used to see the competitions as pageantry in nature, but the true reality is that I felt like that was a goal too far for me to reach at my age. I had sagging skin and stretch marks from having two sons. So, after attending a friend’s show, I asked myself, “Darlene, do you want to do this?, or have you convinced yourself that you can’t do this?” I believe it was the later of the two. I consulted with friends who were competitors, asked tons of questions and did my research. I decided to go for it on Feb 23, 2014, but hadn’t fully committed (financially). I started eating clean, chicken, fish, turkey, egg whites, green veggies and good carbs (sweet potatoes, brown rice and oatmeal). I strength trained 5-6 days a week with lots a cardio to lower my body fat. At the time it was 26%. Over the weeks, I got stronger and gained the confidence I needed to commit. I registered for the show! A good friend of mine helped me with poses and wardrobe. The routine was my invention-I’m from New Orleans-dance is what we do! LOL I took that stage on Jun 28,2 014, after 18 weeks of preparation, with a full time traveling job, two sons, a dog, juggling it all while on a mission. I chose Kelly Price’s song “It’s My Time, because it really was time for ME! I wanted to be an inspiration to all women and motivate anyone who feels as if they are constantly hitting the reset button. I shined up there, and before the awards were handed out. I was already a winner!!!”

Read more about Darlene’s weight loss journey…

Darlene weight loss story

 

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Natalie lost 50 pounds

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Update Dec 2015: Natalie is now down to 180 lbs, for a total of 85 lbs gone. Check out her updated before and afters and read about how she lost the weight.  Instagram: @natalie_thefitmami

natalie before and after
Updated Before and After 2015

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Natalie lost 50 pounds. This blogger and proud mom was motivated to be there for her child and to get off several medications.  She ate clean, exercised and got RESULTS.  Check out her weight loss story and find out more about how she was able change her life.

Natalie hungry hungry housewife

What was your motivation?
Becoming healthy for my 10 month old. I also wanted to get off of blood pressure and cholesterol medicines.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started by throwing out all of the processed foods in my house and started fresh. I try to eat as clean as possible with minimal processed foods. I shopped the outskirts of the grocery store; fresh fruits/veggies, meat, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds. I also ate every three hours in small portions. Meal then snack etc. I found ways to tweak my favorite recipes by substituting fattening ingredients for nutritious ones. I also drank protein shakes for breakfast and late night snack.

What did your workout routines look like?
I did 30-45 min of cardio paired with weight training 6 times a week. I switched between Turbo Fire and running on treadmill for cardio.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 265 pounds. Current weight is 215 pounds.  My height is 5’7″.

How long did your transformation take?
7 months and I am still going! I have currently hit a plateau but that is not going to stop me. I have started doing fasted cardio to switch up my routine a little.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
You really have to get fed up with being unhealthy. I have been struggling with weight since after college and each time I failed because my whole being wasn’t into it. You have got to want it as bad as you want to breathe! I listen to motivational compilations on YouTube while I workout also! Eating is #1 then exercising. Recently, found a free app on my cell phone called My Fitness Pal and it is really helpful in seeing how many calories I am eating.

I made a website with cool recipes I try and there is more info about my journey on the about section.

-Natalie Balderas
Website: www.hungryhungryhousewife.com

natalie weight loss story
updated before and after 2015

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Britany lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Britany lost 30.6 pounds.  She was motivated by seeing the health issues that her family members suffered from.  She has changed her eating habits and embraced regular exercise.  Here is her story:

Britany weight loss

Weight loss story: I started my journey in November 2013. I first started out by cutting out carbs for two weeks. During that two weeks, I lost a total of 8 lbs. Then sickness hit. I gained all the weight back except about 3 lbs. In January of 2014, my job started a weight loss wars challenge. I started working out like crazy but wasn’t getting any results like I wanted. Trainers I know explained that I wasn’t fueling my body properly and my body was storing fat. So with that advice, I revamped my eating habits. I started out by measuring out my food (including more protein) and including more fruits and veggies in my diet. Now, I eat 6 small meals a day. I stopped drinking juice and soda (although to get a sip every blue moon). I drink water and unsweet tea. I didn’t cut out all bad foods so when I want something bad, I’ll eat half instead of the whole plate. My workouts consist of Zumba, boxing, jogging/walking, spin, and bootcamp. My starting weight was 211.1 pounds and my current weight is 180.5 pounds (height: 5’6″). I still want to lose 15 more lbs to reach my goal weight of 165.

My motivation was seeing all the health related issues my family has such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arthritis. Seeing what they have been going through, I decided to not allow those issues come into my life if I could do something to prevent it. My advice to those who are starting their journey is to continue pushing yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day so please don’t give up when it seems like you’re not making progress. Find others who want the same as you and you will continue being motivated and encouraged. Enclosed are my pictures from June of last year to July of this year.

Instagram: @britsuttles

Britany before and after photos