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Before and After Photos

Lakenya lost 103 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lakenya lost 103 pounds.  She was diagnosed with diabetes and was inspired to lose weight while watching her mother’s struggle with the disease.  Read what she shared with us about her journey:

Lakenya's weight loss story

“Hello, my name is Lakenya “Lovelylady” Davis and I have been struggling with my weight all my life. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1999. I never really took diabetes serious until I saw how bad it affected my momma.  In addition, after many bad relationships I gained more and more weight. I didn’t see how big I was until I said enough was enough in 2011. I started my journey by walking in the evenings when I got off work. I stopped eating anything white or red. I also went on a lean cuisine diet plan. I stop drinking sodas and dark water only.  For exercise, I increased my walking goal to walking 2 miles at least 3-4 days a week. I went on a 1200 cal diet and slowly lost weight.  Now, I have lost over 100 pounds and I’ve got 75 more to go.  My starting weight was 346 pounds and now I’m down to 243 pounds.

My momma inspired me to be healthy and told me not to end up like her, so I continue to change my lifestyle. I was on and off of many diets but wen I focused I was able to get results. Now, I have more faith so I will not stop until I loose another 75 pounds or more. Anyone can do it.  You have to find what you are willing to stick to and then really stick to it.  It will be rough but if you really want it u will do it! I am living proof! Start right now. Don’t keep putting it off. Do it now!! Best of wishes.”

Instagram: @Kenyadiva13

Lakenya before and after Lakenya before and after

Jennifer lost 130 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jennifer lost 130 pounds.  She is proud to say she did it all by herself, no trainer, no nutritionist, no surgery.  She is a testament to the fact that if you can go cold turkey on junk foods and highly processed foods while committing to exercise, you will see results.  Here is what she shared about losing the weight:

JenniferJune14

Hi, my name is Jennifer Griffis, I’ve been on my weight loss journey for 7 months, All By MYSELF! No trainer, no surgery. What motivated me was my health issues and my kids. I has diagnosed with hypertension and it was never under control. Every time I went to the doctor, I got admitted. I also got tried hearing that I was gonna die if I did get my weight down and my blood pressure under control. My heaviest weight was 355 pounds and now I weigh 225 pounds, I’VE LOST 130 lbs  in 7 months.

GOD has really seen me through this obesity. I’m not finished because this a LIFEstyle for me not a diet. I started my journey last year in August 20,2013. I workout everyday for 3-4 hours. I do cardio for 2 hrs and I weight TRAIN for 2 hours.

I started to change how I think about food and what I was putting in my BODY that made me FAT. I wanted to know how to educate myself on food and what best foods to eat. I changed my eating habits by changing how I looked at what foods do to my body. I just went cold turkey on cutting all bad sugars and carbs out of my diet. I learned that sugar turns into fat so I stopped eating junk foods, pops, juices, everything unhealthy that I used to eat and drink. I didn’t touch those things anymore. Then I started to eat more fruits and veggies. I grilled or baked all my lean meats and fish. I challenged myself to drink a gallon of water everyday also. I’m still on a good track with my eating habits, because I no if I eat the wrong things it is gonna make me feel sick, so I just don’t touch the old foods I use to eat. I have learned to make better chooses everyday because that is what helps me get results with my weight loss. I eat 5-6 times a day; 3 healthy meals, 3 healthy snacks, and drink water all day.

The BEST advice I give everyone is PRAY FIRST! I started by asking God to help me with this obesity, to help me fight this fight.  Second, You have to to BELIEVE in yourself! When u know BETTER, you do BETTER! I CHOOSE 2 LIVE! Thank you and God Bless

Update: Erica lost 64 pounds, transformed her body and is helping others

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Update: Erica is celebrating her 4 year health and wellness anniversary this month and she is down 4 more pounds since we featured her a few months ago.  She’s lost a total of 64 pounds and transformed her body.  Now she is coaching others and sharing the good news of greater wellness.  Check out her update below and then check out her weight loss story to find out what she did to lose the pounds.

Instagram: @erica_stepteau

ericaMar214

June 2014 will mark my 4 year Health & Wellness Anniversary. I accomplished my 64 lb weight loss goal in May 2012 and have maintained my weight for 2 years now! In the mist of my journey, I found my passion in helping others achieve their goals using some of the very same principles I’ve used in my journey. Two years ago,  I created a Facebook Group page (Erica Stepteau’s Fit4Life Group). This group started off with 39 people and as of today there are over 900 members apart of this group. I share daily tips, recipes, create workout videos, and facilitate monthly challenges.

fit 4 life coachI am now training to participate in my FIRST Figure Competition. This competition will be held on October 11, 2014 in Atlanta. I am SUPER excited about this opportunity. Training for this requires an enormous amount of dedication and perseverance. I have to get my body fat % down to 6%-10% and also build muscles at the same time. At my heaviest, I had 40% body fat (whew!). I have made some great progress since Jan 2014 and I am 20 weeks away from the big day! At 64 pounds heavier I would NEVER thought to accomplish any of these things. I feel so blessed and honor to be an advocate for such an issue of great need. I will not stop! Each day I strategize on how to spread the word. We all can help with fighting obesity; make a difference and start the change in your household today!

In addition, I started my own business: Fit4Life Nutrition & Fitness Coaching in Jan 2014 as a Wellness Coach. My vision is to empower families to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors centered on MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. Teach parents to educate their children to grow up healthier and motivate them to pursue any dream they desire to achieve. They are learning so much about how to treat this journey as a lifestyle change instead of a diet and achieving weight loss!! I meet with them weekly via FaceTime/Skype, provide customized meals, and customized fitness plans. We also read two books together to address mindset issues affecting their progress towards their goal.

More than one-third of U.S. adults (34.9%) are obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). There is such a great need for advocates to minimize these statistics. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. Fit4Life Nutrition & Fitness Coaching has a mission to attack obesity through several channels: Community Curriculum/Seminars, One-on-One Coaching, and continuous Social Media challenges/motivation.

Erica weight loss success story

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Frederica lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Frederica lost 62 pounds.  After struggling with the pounds for years and eating clean, she found out that gluten and wheat foods were to blame for her weight loss issues and health problems.  Here is what she shared with us about losing the pounds and changing her life:

Frederica weight loss

What was your motivation?
My health and my Zumba instructor Dee were my motivation. I have always been active and ate clean but the weight would continue to pile on. I tried many weight loss programs even when I was in the military. I would run day and night just to stay in my weight limit which was a daily challenge. I received mail from my command basically labeling me as fat and lazy. No matter what I did, the weight would come back.

I’m one to rarely get sick. I’ve always avoided dairy and I ate very little meat since childhood because I felt it was not digesting. However, in 2011 I developed asthma and acid reflux. Medicine helped at first then nothing was working. Doctors will prescribe you anything. They will also refer you to their friends for big ticket items like surgery. I was referred to have a stomach bypass but for what? I knew I didn’t eat enough to have this type of surgery.  This was confirmation that they didn’t care for me as person. Why should they? I got mad and took control over all areas of my life starting with my health. I listened to my body by paying attention to every ache and pain, everything out ordinary, including hair loss and gum disease.

I watched every health documentary on Netflix and finally I found one book “Wheat Belly” that lists all the symptoms I have had since childhood.  After reading the book “Wheat Belly” I eliminated wheat. My stomach went down, my gums are healthy, no more asthma, acid reflux, insomnia, foggy brain, hair loss, or arthritis.

Fredericka before and afterHow did you change your eating habits?
I eliminated grains from my diet completely. I have always avoided sugar, diary, and red meat. I also starting juicing, which is indescribable on how good it makes you feel.

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out an hour a day. I made a promise to myself that I would because I have no choice. I do Zumba, strength training and of course I enjoy a good run on the weekends.

What was your starting weight? My starting weight was 293 pounds.

What is your current weight?  My current weight is 231 pounds.

How long did your transformation take? 9 months.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
No one can take care of you but you with God’s help. There’s no empathy when doctors deliver bad news. Become one mentally and spiritually within yourself and listen to what your body is telling you. With me, after years of trail and error I found out it was not a diet or pill I needed. It was the food that the doctors recommended. Start by taking the bottom of the food pyramid and placing it at the top. Good luck to you all.

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Kimberly lost 60 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Kimberly.  This proud mom lost 60 pounds over the last 3 years by changing her eating habits and exercising regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

“My name is Kimberly Copeland Harris and I have lost 60 pounds. It took me 3 years but after years of yo yo dieting.  I finally began to exercise regularly and stick with an eating regiment that I still stick with. My children are my motivation. I wanna live a long life for them!! At my largest I was 232 pounds, I am now 175 pounds.

I changed my eating habits by reducing my overall food consumption and not eating after 6 pm.  My workout routine: I work out 2-3 times a week.  This includes walking, squats and sit ups. My advice for others: Don’t diet. Diets don’t work. Just change your eating habits. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies. Do more cooking at home and leave the snacks alone.”

Kimberly weight loss story

Shannon lost 25 pounds

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Update May 2016: She’s had some ups and downs, but she hasn’t given up. Check out Shannon’s updates and read all about her journey. 

Starting weight: 219 pounds
Current weight :187 pounds
I’m still going strong and working out 4 times a week. One day a week, I with a personal trainer. I take kickboxing classes and I’ve continued to do high intensity interval training. Healthy eating is still a major part of my routine. I prep my lunches in advance and I’ve learned that planning out my meals helps me out a great deal. Drinking lots of water is still an important part of my journey. I have had some off days along the way, but consistency is Key.

shannon before and after

Update July 2014: Shannon has lost a total of 40 pounds. “I have an update. I’ve lost another 15 pounds and tons of inches. I have been weight training and doing high intensity training (HIIT) with a small group. I’m also drinking a gallon water a day.”

Shannon weight loss

May 2014: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shannon lost 25 pounds.  She started her journey in January, determined to lose weight in the new year.  She is well on her way and wants to share her progress so far.

“My name is Shannon Keys I began my weigh loss journey in January of 2014. I wanted to make a serious change during the new year. I have two children and I wanted to be a healthy example for them. I weighed in at 219 pounds in January and have lost 25 pounds so far. I’m currently at 194 pounds. I’m just getting started, but I’m proud of my success. I drink water, water… and more water. I’m also eating a lot of fresh veggies, chicken breast and fish. I prep and plan out my meals. If I wanted a treat, I would treat myself.

I began by doing cardio and weight training 5 times a week. I did circuit interval workouts. For example, I do one minute of jumping jacks, one minute of burpees, followed by squats and weight training. I use workouts I’ve found via the OnDemand fitness channel on Comcast. I also did Jillian Michaels’ Thirty Day Shred and Shaun T.’s Rockin Body program. Each week, I would plan out my workouts and they were different each week.

My advice to others is that each day is a new day to reach your goals. Remember that, even if you have a bad day. My other tip is that you should drink tons of water! Understand that the  results will come if you just keep your goals in mind.

If you have a support system, I suggest that you use it. My husband helped me focus and took on my responsibilities with our kids while I worked out. He also changed his eating habits along with me. Today, I’m focused and ready to lose 25 more pounds. Following the BWLW page on Facebook has been a inspiration for me. I will keep you updated. Thanks for wanting to share my journey.”

ShannonMayfb2

Kendra lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Kendra lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She was inspired by her love for her son, her career goals and wanting greater health.  Check out her story and photos:

Kendra before and after

“My name is Kendra Durham and I am 27 years old. My motivation to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery was my son, my career goals, and wanting to maintain good health. On October 25, 2012, I had weight lost surgery and my life has changed forever. As of today, I am 135 lbs lighter. The day of surgery I was 402 pounds. Today, I weight 267 pounds. Before surgery I was tired a lot, less active with my son, and had low self-esteem around other people. Now, I am able to enjoy life with my son and I am confident when around others. My drive to pursue my career in Law Enforcement has increased and I working on my career interests.

Before the weight loss surgery, I stopped eating junk food and drinking soda. After the surgery, I continued to not eat junk food or no soda, and began working out in the gym three times a week. I continue to watch my portion size especially with bread and rice. My family and I ony eat fried food once a week. The journey to loss 135 pounds took 2 years, but I know this will a lifetime commitment to health eating in order to keep the weight off. My advice is to love yourself and know that weight loss is a journey. It takes time and dedication, but it is well worth it.”

Kendra weight loss surgery

Weight Loss Story of the Day: MicheLe lost 67 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – MicheLe wrote in to update us on her amazing transformation. She’s lost over 67 pounds, recently turned 46 years old and she continues to eat clean and train regularly.

I just wanted to update you on my transformation. You featured me last year on May 30th. I turned 46 years young on December 20th. Here I am, 20 months later. During this time, I have managed to maintain my weight, lose more inches and drop another dress size. Initially, I wore a size 16, now I’m in a size 4. I have continued to do strength training three to four days week and cardio five to six times a week. As you know, the majority of weight lost is due to diet. I have been eating clean for two years now. I eat five to six meals a day, eating every three hours. I still only drink water, about a gallon daily. A girlfriend told me just the other day that her struggle is doing it solo. I told her that although I have trained with someone, I am only with the trainer three hours a week. The other 165 hours, I am on my own. So, essentially, I am solo 99% of the time during the week. I have to make good decisions when it comes to my diet.

michele before and after

May 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: MicheLe lost 67 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size 6.  She embraced calorie counting, portion control and strength training to transform her body so much that she recently competed in her first bikini competition.  Read about her journey and check out her photos below:

Michele weight loss success

“With commitment, focus, dedication and determination, I lost 67 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size six (height 5’4”). Two years ago I had pre-hypertension. My doctor continued to tell me to lose weight and to exercise. When I started my weight loss journey, I set a goal to get into a size eight. I reached my goal in seven months with strength training, counting calories and controlling my portion sizes. I met with my personal twice a week for 30 minutes and took a bootcamp class once a week. I tracked everything I ate and drank a gallon of water a day.  I ate every two to three hours including breakfast, lunch, dinner and two to three snacks. I had protein for every meal and snack. My trainer told me the best way to lose weight was consistency so I ate basically ate the same foods every day. My breakfast consisted of egg whites, spinach, oatmeal and a tablespoon of peanut butter. For lunch, I had protein, brown rice and veggies. For dinner, I had protein, veggies and tablespoon of peanut butter. For my snacks, I had a protein shake and fruit.

I maintained this size for a year. Late last year, I set another goal: to enter into a bikini competition. I began strength training, cardio and clean eating. I met with my personal trainer three times a week for one hour and did cardio on my own four days a week for 35 minutes. I accomplished this goal in five months and participated in my first bikini competition last Saturday (May 24, 2014). I did not take home a trophy but I won this struggle to lose weight.”

Michele before and after

Beach Body Time: Andrea lost 25 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Trinidadian BWLW sista Andrea.  She decided that it was time to get her beach body back and went from 187 pounds to 162 pounds, losing 25 pounds. Read her story and find out how she slimmed down:

Andrea weight loss

“Hi, my name is Andrea and I am from the beautiful island of Trinidad. I have been following your page since Dec 2013 and I am very grateful for the daily encouragement I get from you. You have inspired me to lose weight the healthy way. I wasn’t going to do it any other way but seeing all those weight loss success stories has made me believe that it could be done through healthy eating and exercise. I am now ready to submit my story hoping it will help others struggling with weight loss.

My motivation to lose weight was to get a beach body for vacation and to be able to get clothes to fit me without a problem. I haven’t gotten that perfect beach body but I am close enough. I changed up my eating habits by having more steamed veggies, chicken or fish. I had cereal, oats, green smoothies, fruits and salads. I cut out bread, rice, pasta, sugar and snacks. I drank only water. This helped together with regular exercise but I did not accomplish my goal for the first vacation in October 2013. I was able to lose 11 lbs and some inches from April to October. I went from 187 lbs to 176 lbs. I exercised about 4-5 times a week by walking/jogging and doing steps sometimes twice a day. Progress was slow and sure, but discouraging. I felt like I was exercising in my mind. After vacation, I came back about the same size as I decided that all the food and snacks on a ship wasn’t worth all the hard work I had put in before. By the third day I started making healthy choices. I continued my quest after vacation as another one was coming up in May 2014 and I had more reason to get in shape.  My best friend Candy had been encouraging me to like BWLW page forever but I only did in December. I watched and read and got encouragement. I decided to do the green smoothie challenge in January and boy did that help. I did juicing too. I held up on the exercise as I wanted to see if that 80% what you eat/20% exercise would work.

Indeed it did. By the end of January I lost just about 7 lbs that really made a difference. People started noticing my weight loss and I felt great. It gave me that umph to keep at it. I tried losing more weight in February but I’ve just been able to maintain since then. I exercise just about two to three times a week now. Nothing too strenuous and I continue to eat as healthy as possible. I still have cake and chocolate and pizza whenever I feel like but I choose more healthy options daily. I started at 187 lbs in April, October I reached 176 lbs.  I’m now at 162 lbs, maintaining since February. It took me just about ten long months to see a big difference but I did not push as I could have. My advice is to keep at it, always make healthy choices and ignore the people who don’t respect your choice to be healthy.”

Andrea before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kimberly lost 90 pounds

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kimberly before and afterUpdate – Shout out to Kim. We have followed her for a few years and she has maintained her 90 lbs weight loss. (read more about how Kim lost the weight below): I wanted to give you an update as to my journey! By the grace of God, I am still down 90 pounds. Oct 10th was my fitness anniversary, marking 4 years that I have been able to keep the weight off. My best advice for others is to love yourself where you are. Getting healthier is the goal, weight-loss is the bonus. To maintain my weight loss I have kept a consistent cardio plan, but I now have added strength training into my workout routine. My toning results are amazing. I still go vegetarian twice a year for a system cleansing and of course I limit my intake any foods that weren’t cooked in a healthy way.

During my weight loss journey, I have had so many women reach out to me to help them start their journey. I always ran from it because I am not a trainer and I don’t have the stereotypical gym body that people associate with health and fitness. Finally, one day I accepted the vision that God gave me and I created “Team Curvy and Healthy”. Team Curvy and Healthy is a empowerment movement for women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their body. So many of us work out 4-7 days a week and eat clean, but we are not stick thin or completely chiseled. Many people are body shamed at the gym that they don’t even want to go. Team Curvy and Healthy is empowering for everyone to love themselves! It’s a movement!


Update May 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day:  We featured Kimberly’s story back in 2012 and she has not only maintained her weight loss for 2 years, she’s lost 6 more pounds.  Read more about her journey and check out her weight loss video below:

Check out our original post from 2012 for more info on how she did it.

Kimberly Rainey Weight Loss Story

“You posted my story back in 2012 and I wanted to give you an update. I am now 90 pounds down. Through diet and exercise, I have been able to maintain my weight and even lose more. I still believe in no diet pills, surgery or anything unnatural for weight loss. I try to eat a clean diet.  Every 6 months or so, I go completely vegan for 9 days. I am so excited to see so many women on the path to healthier living. Giving God all the glory, I have had several people thank me as their weight loss inspiration as they have started and STUCK to their plans. I have a updated photo for you. My original YouTube video of Kim Rainey’s weight loss journey is still up and because of your Facebook feature it had over 5,000 views! I am so appreciative of you spreading the word of health and fitness with our sisters!”

kimraineybeforeafter2014