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Before and After Photos

Lana lost 62 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Proud Alpha Kappa Alpha soror Lana lost 62 pounds with SmartLipo, Weight Watchers, exercise and changing her diet. Here is her story:

“I have struggled with losing weight for about 8 years. I tried waking, working out and even Jenny Craig, Nutri- System, Atkins Diet to name a few. I had SmartLipo on my stomach in June 2012. I was 210 and was depressed because I had hit that 200 mark. I had to do something so I decided to do this. The results were phenomenal. Most of my weight was in my stomach and when I had that done I saw significant results.”

What did you do in terms of changing your eating habits and exercise to lose weight?

“I used portion control such as measuring my food. I also followed the Weight Watchers plan. My exercise regime was walking at least 3 times a week at the park or on my treadmill when I couldn’t make it to the park. I would fast pace walk 4-5 times. On the treadmill, I would do 30 min.  I don’ t diet now, I watch my calories and portion control. I also walk to help keep the weight off. I now weigh 148 and I love it. I have lost 62 pounds. I feel so good about my health and weight now!!”

Lana before and after photos

Updated: Avonna lost 115 pounds

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Updated Dec 2013: Avonna has lost a total of 115 pounds.  She wrote in to update blog post we did on her back in April.

“As of today I am 115 lbs down! I jog almost everyday, a strength train and I challenge myself to new challenges.! It’s been a thought year but I have come along way and I still have a long way to go. Follow my journey on IG @FabulousVonnie. This year shall be greater than last. My eating habits have changed drastically!  How I look and feel about food is completely different! It’s a mental process more than anything. Fruits and veggies are my bestfriend!  But it’s more so the feeling of knowing that I don’t want to be fat any more.”

Avonna before and after

Let’s show some life transformation love to Avonna who has released 60 pounds and transformed the way she feels about herself and her body.  She has given us a lot of detail from her weight loss journey.  She put together her own exercise plan through research and putting it to the test.   She also ate clean.

“Growing up being FAT was a struggle! I wasn’t popular, barely had friends and didn’t like myself. Everyone around me was skinny, petite and then there was me. I was always referred to as “Big Von” I was that sister figure to guys, not the attractive, “be my girlfriend” type. That was miserable.

I come from a fit strict family! For the longest time I was the biggest one and it became uncomfortable and it didn’t help me knowing that I was a disgrace! It caused me to fall into a depression and that caused me to eat, ultimately getting even heavier. Due to my weight and what I was going through, I had low self esteem! Practically no respect for myself, I didn’t care. I didn’t care to get dressed or anything! I was plain Jane.

Up until recently, I was in a 5 year relationship and was comfortable! I knew this was forever and was once again neglecting my body! My relationship ended in the beginning of the year and I decided I need to make changes. I wasn’t happy with my body, my personality or anything. I felt he continuously cheated because I wasn’t attractive. I was never approached by men! I felt disgusting. So in Feb 2012 I walked into a gym, LA Fitness. And decided to take control of my life. I have lost 60 pounds and I got into fashion more and I feel much better about myself. My head is held high and I feel beautiful. There are no more nights were I feel like I am in another body. I am a work in progress and I know it’s ultimately up to me to decide where I want my fate with my body and happiness. The my lack of confidence prevented me from shinning to my brightest potential! I had to realize that I can only be the person that God wants and made me to be. I am in LOVE with the woman I am today! My weight no longer defines me!!

324 was my starting weight. So embarrassing. I never really admitted that to any one before.  I created my exercise plan by doing research and putting my research to the test. I would create my own circuit workouts and rub drills. I would walk on the treadmill and gradually increase my speed and incline. As far as eating I clean eat. No fast food, processed foods, fried foods and eating in moderation was definitely important. I had to realize when I was hungry or when I was bored. I am an emotion eater. I eat when I’m happy, sad, mad, angry…whatever the emotion was I ate to it.  That’s sad to say.  Now, I eat more leafy veggies to keep me full longer. I cut out all sugary drinks and focused straight on water. Strictly water.”

Check out her blog: confessionsofafatchick.com

avonna weight loss story

Nekita lost 145 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Proud Delta Sigma Theta soror, Nekita lost 145 pounds with the help of Weight Watchers and by working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

“On September 8, 2008, I joined Weight Watchers weighing in at 288 pounds. In September 2009, I had lost 110 pounds and was weighing 178 pounds.  In the midst of that, I had my second daughter causing me to gain 85 pounds back but then have a major come back with diet and exercise.   I hit my goal weight in March of 2012 weighing in at 143 pounds for a total of 145 total lost, which I am still maintaining.

I decided to start my journey to a healthier me for a number of reasons. At 24 years of age, I had high blood pressure and had reached a weight of 288 pounds. I’ve always loved to eat, but my love for food was making it physically impossible to enjoy playing and riding roller coasters with my daughter, traveling by plane due to seating size restriction, or even just walking a flight of stairs without taking a break. After suffering much of the humiliation of not being physically able to enjoy life and being at risk for so many diseases mentioned by the doctor, I decided to make the commitment to change my life.

Living a healthy lifestyle has been no walk in the park.  There are good days and most definitely there are the challenging days. Working out and changing the way I eat is no longer a chore just to lose weight, but it has now become a part of my life which motivates me to carry out this habit throughout my daily life.  My advice to others would be if you fall try to pick yourself back up again and start fresh; every day is a new day. Take it one day at a time, and set small goals along the way instead of looking at the ultimate goal. Try not to look at being healthy as a diet which is temporary, but as a lifestyle change that will take time.  Always have the “I can attitude” and be willing to try new things.

nekita weight loss story

Krystle lost 115 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Krystle lost 115 pounds.  She credits changing her eating habis and eating 1300 calories per day.

“I did it the natural way.  No surgery! I took the before picture in May 2012 and the after picture in February 2013 with a total weight loss of 115 pounds!  I just had to make the decision not eat the things I ate before.  I changed my diet to 1300 calories a day. Trust me, it wasn’t easy but I had to dedicate myself to making healthier choices. I think my biggest motivation was my kids and trying to prove to myself that I can do it without the surgery.  Dedication! That’s the secret.”

Krystle weight loss success

Janette Colantonio lost 243 pounds

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Update Feb 2015:

JeanetteNov14Update Nov 2013: Jeanette is now down more than 250 pounds!!

April 2013 – Today’s Featured Success Story:  I’m so excited to feature Janette Colantonio.  She lost 243 pounds, down from 412 pounds, the old fashioned way.  Eating right and exercise.  Her story is AMAZING and I’m so proud of her.  We featured Janette last year and I just want to give an update because she is featured in this month’s Fitness Magazine.  Many of you may remember her because the response to her story was CRAZY!  She’s also been on TheDoctors TV show and other media outlets.  Check out her Facebook page, Refusing2Fail. You’ll find more info on how she lost the weight in the notes area of her Facebook page.

243 pounds, Ladies!  Jeanette’s story let’s us all know that we CAN do it!

“My name is Janette Colantonio, I am a wife and mother of 3. I began my weight loss journey 2 years ago after receiving a seat belt ticket for not being buckled up. This was the last straw for me. I stepped on the scale and saw 412 pounds. About a week later, after changing my eating habits, I stepped on the scale once again and saw 408  pounds. I have considered that my highest weight, but 412 lbs. is where I initially started. I chose to count calories and do a lot of exercise. Today, I eat between 1400-1500 calories a day, consisting of lean meats, veggies, and a limited daily serving of fruit and nuts. I currently weigh 169 pounds and I’m well on my way to my goal. I am down a total of 243 pounds from the initial 412 pounds I saw on the scale. I now use my journey to motivate and inspire others to take back their health!”

What do I eat?

For most of journey, my diet consisted of lots of veggies, 2 servings of fruit daily and lean meat, like turkey, fish, and chicken. I watch my sugar and sodium intake. I do not count carbs, but I am mindful of them, especially when I eat them (which is generally before 2 p.m.) Water is essential to my diet. I drink a gallon of water a day. I counted calories and my calorie limit was 1200 calories a day. Now, I aim to eat at least 1400-1500 calories a day.

My workout routine

I previously worked out 5-6 days a week 2-3 hours a day. I usually did a 3-5 mile walk daily. I belonged to a gym and would do zumba classes, weights, strength training. I also dance and work out on the elliptical. I use any opportunity to keep my body in motion. This is coming from someone who initially despised working out. Believe me, it gets easier as you go forward, just don’t give up. My current workouts are generally shorter High Intensity workouts, cardio, and picking up my weights! No more 2-3 hour workouts!

Facebook page: Refusing2Fail

jeanetteapril

Ebonie lost 96 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Ebonie lost 96 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She is a mother of 4 and proud wife who didn’t want obesity or health issues to take her away from her family.

“Hi, my name is Ebonie and I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery last July. I have struggled with my weight for over ten years and I reached a point where I knew I had to do something once I ballooned to 327 pounds. My four babies and my hubby need me. I am proud to say I am 96 pounds lighter and feeling great. It is still a daily struggle and some people feel surgery is an easy way out but it is not. You still have to make right choices everyday. I love this forum and good luck to you all on your weight loss journeys.”

Ebonie weight loss surgery

Sherry lost 30 pounds in 28 days by juicing

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Today’s featured success story: Black Women Losing Weight Online Community Member Sherry lost 30 pounds in 28 days by juicing.

“I started juicing February 6, 2013.  I’m now 30lbs lighter and feeling awesome. Checkout my picture.  I feel so great!  I’m going to continue juicing to lose an additional 20lbs. My goal in the beginning was to lose 50lbs. I never expected to lose 30lbs in 28 days, but i did and I’m so happy.  The battle is almost done! Yaeeeee!”

Sherry weight loss storyI’ve always recommended juicing as a way to cleanse the body, detox and lose weight.  I think it’s an excellent way to transition to a plant-based diet, as well (Vegetarianism or being vegan).  The key to this kind of weight loss is that you have to have a plan for what you do after you stop juicing or you may gain the weight back.  You can’t go back to your old eating habits and expect the weight to say off.  However, think of juicing as a body reset.  By juicing you can allow your body to drop weight and toxins.  You may also see that you don’t crave the same bad, processed foods you once desired.  Therefore, you can move forward to eat a much healthier diet of fresh foods, lean meats (if you chose), etc.  Juicing is not a quick fix for weight loss.  It is a tool for greater health.

If you would like to know more about how juicing can help you lose weight and have greater wellness, I suggest that you check out these 2 resources.

www.fatsickandnearlydead.com – The official site of the FREE documentary Fat Sick & Nearly Dead. Watch Joe Cross, 100 lbs overweight, regain his health by juicing and inspire others along the way.

101 Juice Fast Recipes – Just $1.01 – Great book by African American Juicing Diva, Carla Douglin.  Carla not only gives you 100 great juice recipes, she tells the benefits of juice fasting, what to expect really guides you through the process.

Joanna lost 67 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Joanna.  She has lost 67 pounds and credits Water, Walking and Willpower as the keys to her success!

“Hi, I am a 35 year old mother of 3 teenagers. 10 months ago I decided to reclaim my life, literally one step at a time. My 3 W’s are what have gotten me here: Water, Walking and Willpower.  No diets, no surgery, no pills, just me learning to love me.  One pound at a time!  I’m down 67 pounds.  Still not at my goal but I’m not where I was, and to me that’s all that matters.

I stopped drinking soda and stopped over eating. I’ve struggled my entire life with being an emotional eater so when I decided to take my life back I exchanged my emotional eating with walking. When I’m upset or sad, I put my music on and walk until I feel better. Its been a struggle but its worth every pound lost and the self esteem I’ve gained. Walking is the only exercise I’ve done. No gym membership, no trainer.  Just me and a pair of Air Max, which I walked the tread off them in 5 months. Be blessed, Ladies!”

Updated  7/2013: Joanna is now down 75 pounds!  She wrote us to say, “Just a little update…75lbs down.  Got a little stuck lately, BUT I’M still pressing on….the finish line is so close I can taste it!”

Joanna weight loss before and after

Original photo:

joanna weight loss before and after

Patricia lost 100 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Patricia lost 100 pounds.  She says that she used to live to eat and now she eats to live by keeping a food and exercise journal, choosing to clean up her diet (she is now Vegan) and exercise.  Another Zumba lover!

“For so many years I’ve struggled with my weight. I tried almost every fad diet on the market, you name it I tried it! I did lose some weight but never could keep it off, gaining what I lost back and then some. At my heaviest I weighed 255 lbs., wearing a size 22. Today I am 100 lbs. lighter! I’m happy, healthy and fit. I used to live to eat, eating made me feel good! Now I eat to live and living makes me feel Fantastic!!!

How I did it: First, I changed how I thought about food and approached exercise. I kept a food and exercise journal charting what I ate and when I exercised. I was then able to see my mistakes, right there in black and white. I made a drastic change to my diet by eliminating meat, fish and dairy products. I’ve been a vegan for over 2 years now and making that change alone was very instrumental in my initial weight loss, along with sticking to a daily exercise routine that consists of weight training, cardio, and I like to mix things up by taking classes such as kickboxing, spin, tabata and now Zumba, my new love!!

I’m on a mission and dedicated to living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I love every bit of it!! It wasn’t or isn’t easy by any means, but the hard work and dedication is so worth it!! I’ll be 43 years old this November and my new goal is to find the perfect dress to wear in a size 6!!! If I can do it GOD knows anyone can!!! Choose to live is all I say, and I choose to live.”

Patricia weight loss

Theresa lost 178 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Theresa lost 178 pounds with weight loss surgery (gastric bypass).  Her weight loss journey has brought her to a place where she was able let go of what was weighing down her mind and learn to love herself.

“I started this journey a year ago, weighing in at 356 pounds to be exact. Food has been my friend, my counselor, my therapist and even at times it was my God. Life threw so many obstacles, challenges and road blocks my way, that at times I lost the will to live. Through much prayer, determination, and support from my dear mother, I decided that I shall live and not die. My first step was to learn to love/ like me no matter the state that I was in. Then I had to change my stinking thinking. I had to lose weight in my mind. And now 1 year later I am on a road to a full recovery. Losing 178 pounds, literally half of me. I eat to live now.  I had weight loss surgery (gastric bypass) September 26, 2011. Since surgery I’ve completely changed my eating habits. More fruits, veggies, lean meats and no sodas, which was hard. I could drink a 2 liter in one setting in the past. I’m more active. I love jogging, walking and swimming. I love and have a passion for encouraging others on the weight loss journey.

I like me. I love me. I celebrate me. And because God has allowed me to go through and make it out, I make it my business to share with other women. I love on them. Offer a kind word. I hug and embrace them. Visit with them. Somebody did it for me.
I LOVE BEING ME!!!”

Theresa weight loss surgery