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Before and After Photos

Shawna has lost 30 pounds!

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BWLW Facebook member Shawna has lost 30 pounds! She is determined to reach her weight loss goal!

She says, ” I started my journey about a year ago…no surgery I just changed my eating habits letting go of the white and switched to whole wheats…i use to eat only once or twice a day now i eat 5 to 6 times a day small portions.I stopped drinking soda and I started doin Insanity and Zumba..I lost a total of 30lbs and toned up a lot!” Great job, Shawna! For more great before and afters, visit www.blackwomenlosingweight.com

Lauren became a Vegan, lost weight and changed her LIFE!

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Today’s featured before and after comes from Lauren Forster Walls aka Vegan Radiance. She has lost pounds and transformed her health with a plant based vegan diet.  I think her story is amazing and I’m happy to share it with you all.  I really believe in a vegan and/or raw food diet and I’m in the process of going raw vegan myself.Here is her story:

Like so many, I’ve tried every weight loss plan that promised me I could lose pounds and inches…and quickly. I never was a huge junk food eater, but nevertheless, could never seem to get to a healthy weight after my last child was born in 1991. And now here I was in my latter 40’s and it was becoming about more than just my waistline, but my lifeline. I had already been prescribed high blood pressure medicine and lost a friend, my age, to a heart attack in June 2011, so I was desperate for an answer.

FB: Vegan Radiance
FB: Vegan Radiance

Memorial Day weekend 2011; my only goal was to grill some 1” thick steaks and relax, but the universe had other plans. I awoke and distinctly “heard” a voice say….”You need to stop eating meat.” I did not question it, but knew I would comply and seek guidance as to the next step. That night, after a meatless day, I searched my cable guide for any kind of food documentary that might offer some guidance. I found the movie, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”. Little did I know that movie would change my entire life. The movie itself and Joe’s journey healing himself on a juice fast was inspiring and brought me to tears. I watched it twice before realizing there was a doctor in the movie, Dr. Fuhrman, giving Joe powerful information on nutritionally dense foods and the health connection. I did an internet search for Dr. Fuhrman and I tell you, it was like sun rays shot out of my computer when I found my way to what he calls NUTRITARIAN eating. I soon discovered he had a book, Eat to Live, which lays out a whole foods/plant based way of eating. I ordered it immediately, read it as fast as I could, went to Whole Foods on June 4, 2011—book in one hand, shopping cart in the other and the rest is history. I just followed exactly what he said in the book—Eat G-BOM*BS: Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms*, Berries, and Seeds  http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/gombbs.aspx

Everything he lays out in the book is true. The weight came off effortlessly with no exercise. The food is delicious and satisfying. My blood pressure began resolving and within 11 weeks eating a whole foods/plant based way my doctor “un-prescribed” me from ALL high blood pressure medication. By October, I had shed 30 lbs; something I’d never been able to do my entire adult life. All of my allergies resolved, I have no pms symptoms anymore, no headaches, no gastrointestinal distress, no stiff achiness—I can jog and jump and move effortlessly, my painful feet went away, I did not take an aspirin or any kind of cold/flu medication for over a year and I was full on good food. My mind is clear and focused. It’s an absolutely amazing way of eating. I love that one can get started without having to buy special foods, weigh, measure, count points, pay membership fees, buy chemicals to sprinkle on, etc…Dr. Fuhrman makes the information to get started abundantly/easily available to all. I highly encourage folks to buy the book as it goes into detail which really helped me succeed.

I have been following Eat to Live for 1 year and 3 months now and I still love it every day! The weight has stayed off and I’m looking forward to even higher levels of health and wellness as I continue with a whole foods/plant based lifestyle.

I was getting so many questions about my transformation, that I started a Facebook page dedicated to my journey at: www.facebook.com/pages/Vegan-Radiance/252309384840857

Peace and Health!
Lauren Walls (aka Vegan Radiance)

Miami lost 75 pounds!!

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Today we are celebrating BWLW online community member Miami’s 75 pound weight loss!

She says, “I began my weight loss journey in November of 2011. After I had my baby I was in a horrible relationship and that caused me to think less of myself and eat. I ate to hide my feelings because I couldn’t express them. After I got out of my bad relationship I continued to eat because I became content with my eating habits and my weight because I didn’t think I could lose it. Then one day I saw myself naked and cried. And in that moment I decided that it was time for me to make a change for the better. A few days later I joined a weight loss clinic (Versalo Center) and weighed in at 303! I was shocked and put in my mind right then that I wasn’t healthy and I had to get the weight off of me immediately! After many months of eating right, cutting back from sweets and other junk food, I joined the gym and today I’m proud to say that I’m 75 lbs lighter! I want to lose 38 more lbs by next year and I’m more determined than ever to reach my goal. All in all, I never thought I could do it, but amazingly I Did!” YES you did, Miami! Awesome.

For more great before and afters, visit www.blackwomenlosingweight.com

Caren has gone from 260 in Nov 2011 to 206!

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Caren has gone from 260 in Nov 2011 to 206 now!! She looks GREAT.

She says, “Hiii!!!, Im Green ( as they call me). Im so happy to be apart of this page. I needed the extra motivational push. Well, I was going through complete hell last year, and i was already big and i just ate my way thru for comfort . I decided that MY End , was not gonna be from this!!! I LOVE GOD!!! he is amazing. i was dieting no carbs, limited sugar ( 4g a day) , no fruit, no dairy……. and the best part I had NO CRAVINGS. I have been on plenty diets and workout regimens. But, this time I activated my FAITH, and included GOD:) I started in Nov. 2011 and lost 54lbs. by February 2012, start weight 260.6 and my weight now is 206. I’m still pushing my goal weight is 175. I walked only cause i had a knee issue. But know its completely healed. I drink 64oz. of alkaline water a day and it has helped me extremely. i used to get sick all the time not anymore.” https://www.facebook.com/carengrn

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Caren!
For more great before and afters, visit www.blackwomenlosingweight.com

Tiffany has lost 55 pounds

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Let’s show Tiffany some BWLW love for sharing her 55 pound weight loss journey with us!!

She says, “Exactly one year ago in September, I began my healthier living journey. My breaking point was a photo posted to Facebook by a friend. Was that really me?! I kindly asked the friend to remove the photo and send it to me. That became my motivation! Also, because I am a doctoral student in Aging Research, it became quite clear to me that I couldn’t be very convincing preaching about “healthy aging” if I didn’t look the part. Most importantly, I decided that taking better care of my temple should be a priority. I believed that the same God who created the universe would help me conquer unhealthy habits. With that said, I joined a gym, downloaded the MyFitnessPal smartphone app, and got to work! One year later, I am 55 pounds lighter, I eat cleaner, and I exercise regularly. I enjoy preparing my meals in advance, reading nutrition labels, and purchasing my weekly produce from the Farmer’s Market. My favorite exercises are outdoor cycling, kettlebell pump, and running. I started training for my first 5K six weeks ago and I’ve already surpassed 5K distance in nonstop/continuous runs! People tell me I am an inspiration. I think to myself, “Me? An inspiration? Imagine that!” I’m frequently asked about the details of my “diet”, and I am quick to inform people that I am NOT on a diet. A diet implies a definitive end; it implies that I will get to a magic number and just toss my new habits to the wind. Quite the contrary! I changed my behaviors and beliefs about food and exercise for life. My body will decide my set point. With more weight loss ahead of me in Year 2, I am excited about getting into a 2-piece bathing suit on my 35th birthday! I’ll see you at the beach!” www.facebook.com/unc2000

Tiffany, Thank you for sharing your amazing transformation!!!

Skye has lost 56 pounds

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Online Community Member Kiluni Skye has transformed her health and her body and gone from 224 lbs to 179 pounds since June. She has posted a number of photos from her journey on blackwomenlosingweight.com.

 

She says, “I started my official weight loss journey on June 16, 2012 and at that time I weighed in at 224 pounds! I used my biggest fear “Insecurity” as my motivation for losing weight. For the most part of my life I was always small and never weighed no more than 140 lbs. But overtime and after having two kids, my weight began to stick to me and I simply ignored it. And before I knew it, I had reached 235 lbs within 2-3 years (2009-2012). Once looking at myself in the mirror became a nightmare, I decided that once and for all it was time for me to regain control of my life and my overall health. One day I went into my kitchen and had a meltdown; I cried and frantically threw everything out. And for once I felt a sense of “Power & Control” again! I was tired of people asking me what happened and if I was pregnant. At the beginning of May, 2012 I changed the way I ate & exercised 30 minutes a day and managed to go from 235 to 224 by the middle of June. On June 16, 2012 I officially joined a weight loss clinic and began my journey to become a “Refined Me” on June 17, 2012. And 91 days later, I’m now 179 lbs and happier than ever! Though my weight lost journey has just begun, I’ve lost a total of 56 lbs and I refuse to give up on my goal to reach 160 or less by February of next year.” Great job, Skye!!!!!

Dating Blogger Kitty has gone from 186 to 157

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BWLW Facebook Member and Dating Blogger Kitty has gone from 186 down to 157.

She says, “If the BMI Mass Index was developed in a Caucasian context… and It is less accurate in non-white populations…why do doctors use this same index on minorities knowing that it is inaccurate? How can minorities fight the war on obesity if there is not even a scale to assess our body fat properly? …..Leading minorities to strive for something that wasn’t designed FOR US… because doing so would definitely be enough to cause discouragement..

So if your feeling down, simply because your doctor keep saying your overweight or obese..do your own research and make sure…my peak weight was 186 ..i am now 154 and technically i’m still considered “obese/overweight” It took 5 months to get where i am…i first learned healthy portions and nutrition before i started working out. I hate the gym so i made walking and daily goal and apart of my life style that i don’t notice it….anyway clearly I believe if I lose any more weight I will look hungry and have the lollipop head but bigger then that my bone structure is not built for weight of 120..it is what it is lol :)”

Check her blog out at www.datingchic.com 

For more amazing before and afters, visitwww.blackwomenlosingweight.com

Fitness Powerhouse Dreama went from 215 to 165!

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Fitness Powerhouse Dreama Davidson has gone from 215 lbs TO 165 lbs. She is EXTRA fit!!

She says, “My workout regime consists of resistant training/heavy cardio…Weight and power lifting and a lot stretching. I work out 5 days a week with 2 resting days spread out. (on occasion I might do just cardio on a rest day).  I switch my workouts up every four weeks so my body rarely gets use to any given routine. The stepmill and bike are my best friends!! Lol That’s when I see the weight really fall off.

I prepare my meals at the beginning of each week and drink a gallon of water a day. Snacks include almonds, berries and egg whites. At first this whole transformation was to book more lucrative production work in film and overseas. Now my fitness is my life and has proven to make me a more happier and positive person. If anyone ever needs or will need my help I make to always stop and give some type of advice because i can remember where I started. And you need all the encouragement you can get. 😉 Once again I am truly honored that you want to feature my journey. It means way more then you know.”Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Dreama! 

Connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dreama.davidson
For more great before and afters, visit www.blackwomenlosingweight.com

BWLW Member Wiltrina’s Weight Loss Featured in Huff Post

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wiltrina before and after

2012: Congrats to BWLW Member Wiltrina for being featured in the Huffington Post!! She has lost more than 200 pounds and is training for a fitness competition! Her current weight is 165 and she is still losing. Her website is www.iusetobeu.com.  She is also on Facebook.


She tells the HuffPost, “Today I eat clean. I eat six to seven small meals a day, of things like protein shakes, baked chicken breast, broccoli, tilapia, sweet potatos and more. I work out six days a week. I do daily cardio running or the Stairmaster. I focus on different body parts daily for strength, like triceps, biceps, back, legs, abs, glutes, deltoids, etc. I love to work out; it’s my life. I get asked constantly how I lost the weight and I listen to so many stories. I tell them I truly understand I use to be you. I let them know it’s not easy but that it is definitely worth it. It’s not about how fast it comes off, but about getting healthy and changing your lifestyle. Today, I’m getting my body ready for a fitness competition. Everyone seems to not remember me 200 pounds heavier, but I do. I love me today.”You Go, Wiltrina!!! Connect with her on our online community.
Update Feb 2014: Wiltrina has continued to lose weight and inspire others. You can also find her on Facebook: facebook.com/IUseToBeU and facebook.com/PHITnessatl (she has partnered with another BWLW member, Myya Mixon)
Wiltrina weight loss

Update 2015: We first featured Wiltrina back in Sept 2012 (see below) and we’ve continued to keep up with her story. She’s an awesome weight loss coach and she has a transformation contest coming up! “I have a transformation challenge where I have helped my clients lose over 20,000 pounds. The next one starts in August 2015. Thanks for all you do.”  Reach out to her for more info.
Facebook: Wiltrina Jones – Check out photos of past challenge winners
Instagram: @fitandtransformedwiltrina
www.iusetobeu.com

iusetobeu
A contestant from one of Wiltrina’s Transformation Contests.

Pamela’s 1 year transformation in pictures – 70 lbs gone

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BWLW Online Community Member Pamela, posted these amazing photos of her 1 year journey of losing 70 lbs and gaining so much more!

She says, “This weekend will mark my 1 year BGR/Fit-iversary. A year ago I decided to focus on me. After spending my 40th birthday in the hospital with chest pains and shortness of breath, I decided I had to do something. My only goal was to just feel better. Thanks to my girl Shelia, I started out with Black Girls RUN! a week after my birthday. That first Saturday I thought I was going to DIE! LOL We did both Main and Acosta bridges! But I continued to come out to BGR 3 days a week. I then picked up Zumba, Boot Camp or whatever groupon/coupon deal I could find. At first I did not change my eating habits. I would exercise 3-4 days a week but I still ate whatever I wanted. I dropped about 20lbs doing this. February 2012 I decided to do a juice fast. I stopped eating and juiced only for about a week. I then incorporated eating 5-6 small meals daily. I eliminated beef, pork and most wheat from my diet while adding in more veggies and fruit. I keep track of my calories eaten and burned through My Fitness Pal. I now exercise 6 days a week and I have lost 70lbs. Consistency is my key. I never gave up. I did not make excuses why I couldn’t exercise. Over the past year I have not stopped. I cannot stop….I WILL NOT STOP. Why???? Because I am worth it! ♥” You are an inspiration, Pamela!!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Connect with the BWLW community at www.blackwomenlosingweight.com.