Black Weight Loss Success

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Before and After Photos

Veronica lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Veronica lost 50 pounds after having a baby.

Veronica weight loss

Here is what she had to say about losing the post-baby weight:

“Love your page here’s my story – I had a baby in 4/2010 & a year later as you can see, I still carried the baby weight.  Very frustrated, I would exercise then quit- scale wouldnt move.  Then I started exercising and eating like vegan for 14 days been clean ever since.  I trained for my first half marathon in Oct – consistency is key!  I have gone from 200lbs postpartum to 150lbs currently!

I made sure I had a source of protein in the morning- muscle milk or eggs with organic spinach, broccoli, mushrooms and other organic fruits as well as probiotics shakes like kefir.  I also added greek yogurts, and more green veggies and snacked on carrots and stopped eating out & cooked more!

Drank half my weight in oz of water daily- made sure I got 7 hrs of sleep!

Ran an average of 16–20miles/ week – Also joined a local running/ workout group that met twice a week called “Run this Town” in order to collaborate with others seeking a healthy lifestyle as well as motivation.

After a year postpartum and I didn’t see the scale moving I was really getting discouraged but I opened my own clinic Iman NP Center in Southfield, Mi and I specialize in natural weight loss because I have been there!  Instead of throwing meds at them I’m trying to get them off of the meds. We all need to be reminded that they can do it… Other black women need to up lift each other not tear each other down!”

Michelle lost 90 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Michelle lost 90 pounds by making simple changes.

Michelle weight loss

Here is what Michelle had to say about her weight loss journey on her BWLW community blog page:

“Down 90 pounds in less than two years. Making simple changes made a big difference in my life.  I’ve always been happy with myself and my size which I count as a true blessing. Even now, as I look at older and more recent pictures, I can definitely see the physical changes, but I still just see me. I never had an “A-ha” moment. I didn’t really have a drive to lose weight at all. I did realize that I had gained weight since college, but I just would buy a new outfit and that was that. A couple of years ago, I noticed that my younger sister was eating differently and working out more. I had seen her losing weight, but initially, I didn’t think too much of it. I inquired one day as to what she was doing and she simply said, “eating smaller meals and walking”. “Hmmm”, I thought, “that sounded simple enough” so I said “why not” and gave it a try. I limited my meals to breakfast, lunch and dinner each day at 400 calories each and eaten every 4 hours. I didn’t cut anything out of my diet, except for the extra calories. I also started walking EVERY day for just 15 minutes. And that was it! Simple.

As I became more comfortable, I increased my walking time to 30 mins a day and started being more selective of the foods I ate. I also started weighing myself once a week and keeping track of the progress. I was noticing 3 and 4 pounds coming off EVERY week and this was keeping me motivated! I eventually starting walking a total of an hour every day (rain or shine), lifting moderate weights and incorporating lots more vegetables with the help of “Meatless Mondays”. I started trying new foods and realizing that there were so many healthy choices to be made. I’ve lost a total of 90 pounds since November of 2010 and I am amazed on how those few small changes in my life made such a tremendous difference!”

Elena lost 44 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Elena lost 44 pounds.

Elena lost 44 pounds

Here is what Elena had to say about her weight loss journey:

“I used Weight Watchers to start. Although I have not followed to the letter probably since hurricane Sandy, there were some changes I made and stuck to that help like I gave up soda and liquid calories with the exception of a few social drinks during the holidays. I also added regular and increased fruits and vegetables to my diet. I have not totally deprived myself of anything In terms of food but have learn to cut back and do things in moderation. I plan to add exercise to my regimen in 2013. My original goal was 42 pounds by my 42 birthday in March but it seems that I will make my goal sooner. I will probably increase my goal. Thanks so much for the support. I check the page all the time for tips and inspiration.”

Georgina lost 30 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Georgina lost 30 pounds.  Changing her eating habits, juicing and running helped her transition to greater health.

Georgina lost 30 pounds

Here is what Georgina had to say about how she lost the weight:

“I wanted to share my weight loss story. For years, I struggled with weight. I had a high blood pressure. On my before picture I weighed 150 pounds. The after pic I now weigh 120 pounds. Never in my life, I thought I would be smaller size. I received a lot of negative feedback from people saying that I will always be obese and overweight because it runs in my family genes. I did not receive tuition assistance from the army because I was overweight. I got tired of feeling bad about myself and having a low self esteem. I got tired of having excuse after another and decided to change my life. I used to eat fried chicken every weekend and hot dogs every day.

In order to begin the transformation, I had to eliminate on the fried food because 70% of my weight loss had to do with what I was putting in my mouth. I decided to buy a juicer and make my own vegetable and fruit juices and eliminated on the artificial flavors. I started drinking more water and a lot of cardio five days a week. I also combined strength training so I can build muscles. My run time now is 17:20 in 2 miles and before was 24 minutes for a 2 mile run. I personally believe consistency, will power and determination will get you to where you want to be. Blocking out all negative voices and focusing on the goal that you want to achieve and never giving up.”

Anitra lost 80 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Anitra lost 80 pounds.

Anitra lost 80 pounds

She says, “Hello BWLW!!! I’d love to tell my journey. Sharing my new health keeps me motivated. At the end of 2011, I was 22 years old and weighed 320 pounds. I ate junk food all day and enough meals that could feed families. I decided then there was a change that needed to happen inorder for me to be healthy and happy. I went cold turkey, stopped eating meat and sweets. Only drunk water, ate fruits and veggies and walked daily. Time is reaching a full year since I started my journey however this still ain’t easy. Lol!  I’ve been working a year and only have 60lbs left to being healthy. Amen, thank you Jesus.”

Anitra weight loss

Marquita lost 130 pounds

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Update Aug 2016 – Marquita wrote in to update us on her weight loss journey. She had surgery in 2010 and shared her story of losing 130 pounds with us in 2013. WLS has been a tool for her, but it didn’t fix emotional eating and last year she saw the pounds coming back. Check out how she turned her life around to get back on track.

marquita before and after

One day, I decided that I was “sick and tired of being sick and tired!” I have always been overweight and have always had weight issues my entire life. In 2010, I reached my highest weight of 369 pounds at 5’3″, and my health began to reflect years of bad decisions. I was young and already had high blood pressure issues. I decided to make one of the BEST decisions that I could have ever made, which was to have weight loss surgery. Many people have their opinions with regards to this surgery, but you really have to know the true story behind a person’s decision. Weight loss surgery is ONLY a tool. It cannot fix emotional eating!

In 2015, I noticed I had stopped using my “tool” and I began to gain weight back. This was weight that I said I would NEVER gain again! Last year, I hit the reset button and took my weight loss journey to a whole new level. I did everything, from going to two different gyms to hiring two different personal trainers. I will never forget what my BeastMode (Savannah, GA) Trainer Brandi said to me. ”Remember why you started!” That bit of motivation was the push I needed.

While my husband was on deployment, I made the decision to gain control of my life! I encouraged myself to “consistently stay consistent”. After years of trying multiple diets, fads, gimmicks, weight loss surgery and excess skin removal, what worked for me was cutting my carb intake, increasing my water intake and consistent workouts. I worked out 6-7 days a week for 2-2 ½ hours a day.

I have gained a deeper understanding of the Jekyll and Hyde relationship I had with food. Don’t get me wrong, I love food and I always will. Food has been my best friend for years…lol, but I love myself more! I’m not where I want to be YET, but I am well on my way. #IGotThis Follow my Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/MarquitasWeightLossJourneyIGotThis

Jan 2013 – Today’s featured weight loss story: Marquita lost 130 pounds with weight loss surgery and changing her eating habits.

Marquita weight loss

Here is what she had to say about her weight loss journey:

“My name is Marquita and I’ve battled with my weight my entire life. I have always been a bigger girl, but my weight ballooned my senior year of high school when I stopped all sports and band activities. I began college shortly after graduation and gained the freshman 15 x6!  Throughout college and my adult life I tried many diets and gyms, with little or no success. My turning point came in January 2010 when my blood pressure was out of control and my medication was changed four times within two months. I also was at my known highest weight of 369lbs.

I knew I had to make some major changes if I wanted to live to see past 26.  My story is very simple: in September 2010 I gave up sodas. I lost about 14 lbs. November 2010, I had gastric bypass. That’s when my life really changed. I have never been more focused on my weight and my journey more in my life. This was the best decision for ME. It was not a easy decision and it’s NOT the easy way out. I have never worked so hard towards losing weight and changing my life EVER!!!  The easy way out is to continue to talk about wanting to change, but never doing anything about it. I’ve lost 130 lbs so far. After I gave up sodas in September 2010, I went on a high protein diet (protein shake for breakfast and two meals-veggie and meat) for two weeks. I lost 17 lbs doing that for two weeks. I want to lose another 60 lbs, which I am focused on losing in 2013!”

Marquita before after

Wyteika lost 52 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Wyteika from Houma, Louisiana lost 52 pounds with the Atkins Diet.  This mother of 2 is no longer diabetic thanks to her hard work.

wyteika weight loss

Here is what she had to share about her weight loss:

“I began at 267lbs to 215 lbs! Thanks to Atkins Diet! 160 days strong! I’m no longer on BP pills and I’m no longer a diabetic!   I do 1 hour a day on my treadmill 3 days a week, I run twice a week for 20 minutes. I just hired a personal trainer b/c I need to start toning. I follow the Atkins diet faithfully to the T. ABSOLUTELY NO PROCESSED FOODS. I EAT A LOT IF BAKED FISH AND VEGETABLES. I EAT A BIG BREAKFAST, PROTEIN SHAKES FOR LUNCH WITH A LITE DINNER. I snack on vegetables and protein shakes when im hungry. I’m now in phase 4 of Atkins. Mother of 2 sons that helped me along the way. Atkins id the only thing that works for me…. I tried every thing!”

Belly Fat Inspiration from DivaSlimsDown

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divaslimsdownHere is some great inspiration for those who are trying to lose belly fat from our girl DivaSlimsDown of YouTube. If you’re not familiar with Ruth and her videos, please check them out. She’s amazing and very transparent about her weight loss journey.  Enjoy!

Victoria lost 98 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Victoria lost 98 pounds.

Victoria weight loss

Victoria says, “I started my diet in March of this year and I have lost 98lbs.  I feel great n look great!  For my diet I went to metabolic research weight loss center.  I exercise 5 times weekly by attending a bootcamp, Zumba and  going to the gym.  My diet consist of low carbs and low portion size.”

LaTasha lost 35 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: LaTasha lost 35 pounds and got off of her diabetes medication by eating right and exercising.

Latasha weight loss

Here is what LaTasha had to say about her weight loss.

“My journey began on April 23rd 2012.  That is the day that I joined weight watchers.  My starting weight was 343 and I’m down to 308 now, a total of 35 pounds.  I am very proud of myself. Although I have a long way to go I wanted to share my story and my progress thus far to inspire anyone who may think that it’s not possible. As some may say “ If I can do it so can you.” It’s not easy and sometimes it can be very challenging but it’s not impossible. Once you start to see ur hard work the joy in that is indescribable. I’ve tried all kinds of pills and quick diet plans only to gain back what I lost plus more!

Just recently went to my doctors appointment & learned that Im down 50 pounds from my highest weight of 359 in April of 2010. Hadn’t paid attention. Also found out that I no longer have to take diabetes meds because of my weight loss.

I measure my foods with a food scale. I bake all of my foods & oven fry.  I minimized my intake of fried & restaurant foods and added more veggies. I try to drink 3 liters or more of water daily. I did more walking, parking further from the entrance of an establishment to get in more movement. I took the stairs instead of the elevator. I used The Biggest Loser power walk dvd & did that 3-4 times a week. I recently joined the gym, my goal is to go 5 times out of the week. With weight watchers it teaches you about portion control so with changing my eating habits alone the weight comes off.. Don’t get me wrong, I slip up but I have to remind myself of my goals, my hard work thus far, refocus and get back into it.

I’m happy for this page because looking at all of the women like myself striving to achieve a goal of weight loss and becoming a healthier person keeps me on track. I thank you all for sharing. Many blessings to all of you on your journey.