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Caira lost 55 pounds

January 31, 2023 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Caira lost 55 pounds and embraced a new lifestyle. She learned to give herself grace and stop beating herself up during this journey. She shared with us the mindset, eating style, and workout routine that has led to a new relationship with her body and food.

Caira before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram @cairaleeconner

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? 
I have had a toxic relationship with my body and food since middle school. I’ve tried several workout programs, diets, weight loss pills, etc., as early as 13 and experienced varying levels of success, but I always bounced back to my original weight. I even gained more back at certain points. 

Once I had my first child- my son in March 2021, I reached my heaviest weight at 193 lbs and quickly plunged into postpartum depression. With this depression and the ups and downs of my mood disorder following the birth, I decided to finally commit to a new lifestyle and adopt healthier habits. I wanted to show my son and not just tell him how to have a healthy relationship with his body and to take care of it. 

I stay motivated by taking a ton of pictures, reading and seeing other people’s stories, exercising in the mirror, constantly trying on my clothes to see how the fit has changed with time, and smiling every time I make it to the top of the stairs without being out of breath.

How did you change your eating habits?
The biggest difference is that I increased my protein intake. I eat a high protein, low sugar, and low/moderate carb diet. I have found that highly restrictive diets don’t work for me, nor does it work to have designated ‘cheat days’ or ‘cheat meals.’ I found that I can stick to a routine when there is flexibility, and I can eat many of the foods I enjoy. 

Caira lost 55 pounds

I also cook more and generally avoid processed foods for full meals, although some of my snacks are still processed. I still cook with butter, use real cheese, and use heavy sauces sometimes. I use portion control rather than limiting myself completely.

I definitely heap on the vegetables now more than I ever did in the past. I have found my air fryer to be the biggest lifesaver. I put everything into that thing, and it has been an enormous help in healthier eating habits. I air fry my protein, usually chicken breasts and whatever vegetables I want, eating it with a side of cilantro lime rice or roasted potatoes (also in the air fryer). That is a standard dinner for me. 

I also pretty much only drink water and iced coffee. That was my habit prior to this weight loss journey. However, my husband and I decided to stop buying sugary and alcoholic drinks besides almond milk, iced coffee, and the occasional vitamin water for our groceries. I will only have juice, lemonade, or an alcoholic beverage, etc. when I go out for dinner or get takeout. I also discovered that I love greek yogurt, which has been a great snack and an easy source of protein. I still get McDonald’s French fries when I crave them, though 🙂

What is your workout routine? (Cardio, weight training, Zumba, etc.)
I work out 4-5 days a week in the morning for 45-60 minutes. I do weight training circuits using ten and 25-pound weights and workout bands. Then I do 15-20 minutes on a step machine with 10-pound weights. I also go to weekly dance classes.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 193 pounds, and my current weight is 138 pounds.

What is your height?
5 feet tall.

Caira before and after

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my weight loss journey in January 2022 and reached my goal of 140 pounds as of December 2022. I have a new goal to get down to 130 lbs and assess at that point if I feel comfortable at that weight.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I spent so many years starting and stopping, ‘failing’ because I was beating myself up for eating a burger, not working out when I was supposed to, being unable to complete a workshop, or if the scale didn’t move. 

I learned that if you’re not working on it, then it’s a choice- but give yourself grace. As long as I am choosing to work on it, that is the journey. It’s okay if the journey is not perfect. It’s okay if I want to enjoy a donut. The world will not end if I miss a workout this week, and I don’t have to judge myself for any of it. I have been working on giving myself grace, judging myself (and others) a lot less, and embracing a mindset focused on balance and growth.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Give yourself grace! Don’t beat yourself up for not following your routine to a T or for having an extra slice a pizza one night. I believe that’s taking care of your self in a different way. It’s allowing yourself to experience pleasure and joy in food and food experiences and balancing it with the experience you want to have in your body. Adopt a lifestyle that truly feels like it can work in service of you, that doesn’t feel like a punishment. Also eat that white rice, girl! White rice being ‘bad’ for weight loss is a myth. Black and Brown folks have been eating white rice for centuries! (Can you tell I hate brown rice?)

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram

Jazmyne lost 88 pounds

November 17, 2022 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Jazmyne lost 88+ pounds. Her motivation came from seeing the health challenges and complications her elders were faced with. So she decided to have weight loss surgery, losing 35 pounds before her surgery date. Post-surgery, she focused on healthy habits, like walking during her breaks at work. 

jazmyne before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @Pop.yo.vsg
TikTok: JayeSpeakslife 

What was your motivation?
My motivation was witnessing my elders around me and their health complications. So I embedded this thought in my head: Make the change before life starts making decisions for you. 

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in December 2021.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had vertical gastric sleeve surgery on April 28, 2022.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I started getting addicted to the gym. It was my peace. It was my way of life. The inspiration prompted me to write a guide, “How to prepare for weight loss surgery 10 step guide.“

How did you change your eating habits?
I drank protein shakes. I ate vegetables, chicken salads, soups, and chicken breast… that was it. I also ate smaller portions and was strict with my time frames. I did not eat after 7 pm. 

What is your workout routine?
I did Zumba, kickboxing, swim aerobics, and Ujam. I also walked during all my breaks and lunches.

How often did you work out?
I worked out 4-5 times a day and did a 1-hour daily walk. 

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 290 pounds, but my weight on the day of my surgery was 257 pounds. 

What is your current weight?
My current weight is 202 pounds. 

What is your height? 5’3″

jazmyne before and after weight loss

How long did your transformation take?
Pre-surgery (3 months), I lost 35 pounds. Post-surgery, I lost 55 pounds. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Don’t beat yourself up for having a bad day. It will hurt in the beginning, but eventually, you start to love working out.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
That it starts with your mindset. If you are not prepared mentally, it’s not going to work. Once you change your mind, you can conquer your goals no matter what it is.

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: 88 pounds, african american women, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, eating habits, elders, gastric sleeve, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, kickboxing, lose 80 pounds, swim aerobics, vertical sleeve, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss medication, weight loss motivation, weight loss surgery, workout routine, zumba

Lyniesha lost 104 pounds

October 30, 2022 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Lyniesha lost 104 pounds by exercising and eating healthy food. She was already dealing with several ailments when she learned she was at risk for diabetes. Feeling like her body was slowly breaking down, she decided to take action and change her lifestyle. 

Lyniesha before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @lynieshaflave
TikTok: Flyniesha_

What was your motivation?
When I went to the hospital, the doctor informed me I was at risk for diabetes. At that moment, I knew I had to make some changes. Also, I’m lactose intolerant, so my body is shocked whenever I eat cheese or consume milk. I become bloated, or I experience pelvic pains. One time I ate pizza, chicken broccoli ziti, lasagna, and almost everything you can think of that involves cheese. Then I ended up in a fetal position and had to go to the hospital. 

Adding to all this… I later found out I had Varicose veins in my abdominal area. I had also been experiencing pain in my feet and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. So I knew I needed to make immediate changes because I felt my body was breaking down on me. 

I believed that losing weight would help minimize the stress in my body and help elevate some of the pain I experience in my joints, back, and overall body. 

Lyniesha before and after weight loss

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me was knowing that my grandmother, who visited me at the hospital, was cheering me on. Also, understanding that I had already made a difference in my life by eating healthier, consuming smaller portions, being a living example every day (reflecting love and light in the community), and believing I would see results on the scale.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started doing the Keto diet, and I would eat between 1 pm and 8 pm. My meals were high in protein, and I cut out some carbs. I also created a detox juice that has helped me burn fat. I drank nothing but water and dedicated 30 minutes a day to cardio, making it a part of my daily routine. 

I didn’t eat snacks or anything that would cause me to become less disciplined on my health journey. Instead, I ate fruit and vegetables 3x a day (or as much as possible with each meal). 

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine consists of exercising on the elliptical, walking, jogging, jumping jacks, or anything to get my heart rate up and burn fat. I would turn on Caribbean music and dance and/or watch Zumba and participate online from the comfort of my home. Then after 30 minutes, I would do an additional 15 minutes working on abs, squats, sit-ups, etc. 

I rotated that 15-minute routine throughout the week because every day would vary depending on my goal. So whether it was legs, arms, or stomach, my 15-minute workout would consist of an exercise that targeted that area.

How often did you work out?
I would work out five days a week and couldn’t use excuses for cheat days (like holidays, celebrations, events, vacations, or days I was cramping and or didn’t feel like moving or getting out the bed). Even if I walked for 30 minutes, that was sufficient. Anything is better than nothing… that’s what I told myself.

What was your starting weight? I was 330 pounds. 

What is your current weight? I currently weigh 226 pounds.

What is your height? I’m 5’10” and a half.

Lyniesha lost 104 pounds

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey during Christmas 2020. 

How long did your transformation take?
It took me 21 months, so basically, it took two years to take the weight off.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that as we age, what we consume and how we physically move will ultimately make or break us. But you can do anything you put your mind to. So don’t hinder your growth with negative thoughts. Instead, think positive and say, “Yes, I can.”

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? 

  • First, identify your why and what makes you want to lose weight. 
  • Have a strong will and determination. Find your inner strength and target your goals.
  • No matter what, don’t give up because every day is an uphill battle.
  • We inherit what we think and what we consume. It’s part of who we are as individuals.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, weight loss surgery wasn’t part of my journey. However, I did consider getting the gastric bypass in the past because I knew of several people who had surgery. The idea of surgery literally made me cringe from fear. I was so terrified of the million things that could go wrong.

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: 104 pounds, african american women, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, diabetes, high protein, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, inspiration, lactose intolerant, lose 100 pounds, motivation, pain, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation

Ashley lost 58 pounds

October 24, 2022 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 58 pounds. She is a proud mom, a leader in her local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and a Nurse Practitioner. She wanted her children, sorors, and patients to see her walking the walk, not just talking the talk regarding health, nutrition, and fitness. 

Ashley before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Facebook: Ashley L. Chapman
Instagram: @theAVID1
TikTok: theAVID1

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation to lose weight was multifaceted. I have two children who are athletes (football/basketball and dance). I decided that I no longer wanted to take pictures at their events, using them as a shield in front of me. I also wanted them to learn the importance of healthy eating and exercise habits. 

Another motivating factor was as a leader in the local chapter of my sorority and, at the time, leader of the healthcare program, I wanted my sorority sisters to have confidence in me. Therefore, I needed to ensure I was taking care of my own health. 

The last motivating factor was my career. I’m a Nurse Practitioner, and if I recommended weight loss as a part of a solution to a patient’s ailments, I wanted to ensure that recommendation would not be met with unspoken judgment. I wanted to show them that I not only talked the talk, but I’ve walked the walk. 

Ashley before and after weight loss

I currently work out 5-7 days a week. Have there been weeks when I didn’t want to work out – YES! However, the fact that I can fit clothes I haven’t worn in over 13 years, the motivation my children give me when I work out, being told that I, in turn, have motivated someone else, and the overall feeling of “I did that!” after the workout is complete has motivated me to keep going! I do have to say; the compliments don’t hurt either.  

How did you change your eating habits?
The most significant factor in changing your eating habits is changing your mindset. Mental fitness, if you will. I made up my mind that I would stop eating on the go and choose healthier options so my children would know how to do so. I stopped eating sugar, carbs, fried, and processed foods and stopped drinking Diet Dr. Pepper daily! This was a part of the E2M (Eager 2 Motivate) plan designed by Jeff Witherspoon of Charlotte, NC. 

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine consists of mixed cardio/strength circuits three times per week and cardio/abs focus 2-3 per week. My cardio is achieved with Zumba, HIIT, Trap Cardio, Peloton Bike, or treadmill. On Sundays, I strive for active recovery with yoga and stretching.  

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I can’t even believe I’m typing this out! My starting weight on July 11, 2021, was 201.6 lbs. (recorded at my doctor’s visit on July 12. 2021). I am currently 143.4 lbs! This makes a total of 58.2 lost thus far! 

What is your height?
5’0″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
No.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I got serious about changing my eating habits in June 2021 and then started the E2M program in July 2021. I barely exercised the first 2-3 months (maybe a 1-mile walk here and there) because it was extremely difficult at that weight. However, I lost 17.4 lbs. within the first eight weeks and have been consistently exercising over the past year. The transformation has taken about a year thus far, but I’m still going! 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Discipline. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Be like Nike, and just do it! Exercise, eating the right foods, and staying hydrated give you a clearer mind, clearer skin, and an overall fantastic feeling about yourself. I would be remiss to discuss the added health benefits, but every overweight person isn’t necessarily unhealthy. I have always been very diligent about my preventative care, and my labs and vital signs have always been normal – no matter my weight.

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram

Tangie lost 75 pounds

October 2, 2022 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Tangie lost 75 pounds. Three out from having VSG surgery, she has figured out how to maintain her results. In the interview, she shares the healthy habits and lifestyle changes that make up her routine.

Tangie before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @tangiethebody 
Facebook: Tangie The Body

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? My motivation to lose weight was finding out that I had high blood pressure. I was walking around on the brink of having a stroke without even knowing it. I was horrified that I was dying every time I had a headache. I knew I had to take control of my life. Whenever I think about giving up, I think about what it felt like to think I was dying. 

How did you change your eating habits? After having gastric sleeve surgery on 9/16/19, I began eating a lower calorie, low-fat, high (lean) protein diet 80% of the time. I usually plan my meals ahead and meal prep for the week to minimize slip-ups and grazing. I also allow myself a weekly cheat day. 

Tangie lost 75 pounds

What is your workout routine? (Cardio, weight training, Zumba, etc.) I LOVE lifting weights. Seeing new muscles in the mirror is the ultimate motivation. I alternate lifting weights and doing cardio on the elliptical. 

How often did you work out? I work out six days a week, with three days of strength training and three days of cardio.  

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? 
My starting weight was 250 pounds, and my current weight is 175-180 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’4″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey began on 9/16/19. I reached my goal weight within 18 months. I’m three years out from having weight loss surgery, and I’m still maintaining my weight! 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to give myself grace. Gaining a few pounds, eating a “bad” meal, missing a few workouts…those things aren’t the end of the world, and they don’t make me a failure.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Be kind to yourself. The only thing that can keep you from reaching your goals is you.

Read more about her journey in an earlier interview.

Tangie before and after weight loss

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: 75 pounds, african american women, after weight loss surgery, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, gastric sleeve, high blood pressure, high protein, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, lose 75 pounds, low calories, low fat, maintenance, stroke, VSG, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation, weight loss surgery

Simone lost 150 pounds

July 25, 2022 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Simone lost 150 pounds. She was motivated to change her life by her love for her son, her family’s health history, and a desire to be truly happy and healthy. Gastric sleeve surgery and healthy daily habits are the tools she used to transform.

Simone lost 150 pounds

Social Media: 
Instagram: @sleeve_me_alone19

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What motivated me was my son, my family’s health history, not being happy with myself, and the possibility of inspiring even just one person.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had gastric sleeve surgery in March 2021.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out sugars and carbs (for the most part). I do keto, with lots of protein and water. I watched my portion sizes and stopped shopping in the “middle” of the grocery store.

Simone lost 150 pounds

What is your workout routine?
I mostly do weight training and sometimes Zumba. 

How often did you work out?
I work out four days a week with a trainer.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 430 pounds, and my current weight is 280 pounds. 

What is your height?
5’11”

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I began in November 2020 and started seeing a difference around March 2021.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Discipline and that I could do what I never thought I could. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Stay consistent, write down your goal, start small so it’s not overwhelming, and stay away from the scale because it can/will trick you.

Simone after weight loss

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: african american, african american women, black mom, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, fitness journey, gastric sleeve, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, lose 150 pounds, motivation, protein, son, VSG, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation, weight loss story, weight loss surgery, weight loss transformation, weight training, zumba

Lava lost 110 pounds

July 3, 2022 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Lava lost 110 pounds. She is motivated by her desire to be a healthy example for her daughter. She has transformed by improving her eating habits and working out four days a week.

Lava before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @lavafiedbraids

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My Daughter. I needed to start living a healthy lifestyle in order to lead by example for her.

How did you change your eating habits?
I went cold turkey and stopped eating for taste. Instead, I started eating to survive. I mostly eat fish and vegetables now. 

What is your workout routine?
I work out every other day doing cardio and weight lifting. (various forms of cardio, resistance training, Zumba, etc.)

How often did you work out?
I work out four days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 300 pounds, and my current weight is 190 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

Lava before and after weight loss

When did you start your journey?
It began in 2019.

How long did your transformation take?
One year into my journey is when I saw a dramatic difference.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Biggest lesson: Your body is your temple.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Your mind is very powerful. Stay focused and push yourself until you get the results that you seek. 

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: african american, african american women, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, cardio, eating habits, fitness journey, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, lose 110 pounds, motivation, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation, weight loss story, weight loss transformation, weight training

Ciara lost 90 pounds

June 16, 2022 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Ciara lost 90 pounds. She was tired of having unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Finding out that she was prediabetic and had stage 2 hypertension was a game-changer. She decided to take steps to get her health back on track, like working with a nutritionist, exercising, and having VSG surgery.

Ciara before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I had always struggled with being overweight, and the struggle worsened during my college years. A poor diet along with a sedentary lifestyle led to creeping obesity. It was hard for me to stop. 

I got motivated when my primary care doctor told me I was prediabetic and my blood pressure was very high. (I had stage 2 hypertension.) She opened my awareness to the dietary and lifestyle changes I needed to make. My plan was to see how much weight I could lose in 6 months and, if so, consider a surgery-assisted lifestyle change to get my health back on track. She told me I would be a great candidate for VSG (sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery).

How did you change your eating habits?
I met a nutritionist who introduced me to high-protein, low-carb dieting. I started small by adjusting my portion sizes and eating on saucers or small child-size bowls. I knew I was overeating before, and I am also an emotional eater. So I started practicing meditation, journaling, and seeking a therapist to help me find healthier coping techniques for stress-induced eating. I would stick with lean chicken, protein shakes, and greek yogurt and chose nuts over potato chips when it came to snacking. 

I would also use a food app called LoseIt that let me know how many calories I was consuming. I eventually transitioned to OMAD, which is one meal a day, with two protein shakes in between. My goal was to get in 60 to 80 grams of protein daily, and making a shake in the morning was a huge help in accomplishing that goal and maintaining weight loss.

Ciara before and after weight loss

What is your workout routine? 
I love doing dance fitness, so I tried Zumba and would watch And8 Fitness and The Fitness Marshall videos on YouTube. Eventually, I started doing military-style workouts about nine months post-op. I would get up at 5 am and do pushups, sit-ups, burpees, high knees, planks, etc. Then, I would jump rope for about 20 minutes to a bomb playlist for cardio! I committed to 3 days a week to start and eventually increased to 5 days a week.

How often did you work out?
I work out 3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour each session at my home gym.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 260 pounds. My current weight is 170 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’4″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started this journey in March 2017. On September 11, 2018, I had gastric sleeve surgery after losing 30 lbs from dietary and lifestyle changes. I committed to myself, my doctor, and my nutritionist to prove I could sustain the pre-surgery diet required for sleeve patients.

I am four years out and have only regained 10 lbs of muscle. I got a tummy tuck to remove loose skin in September 2021. After losing 103 pounds total, that skin had to be surgically cut off. I regret nothing!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned to stop paying so much attention to the scale vs. how I feel in my flesh. As a result, my temple feels stronger than it ever did in my 20s. I know for a fact that I am in a much better place mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

I wanted to prepare myself for what I pray for, which is a healthy and happy life, and hopefully, meet a partner who could help me stay on that path. I knew that if I was unhappy at 260 lbs, I could not expect a partner to accept it fully. Confidence and consistency go a long way, and this helped me feel more secure in my day-to-day life. I graduated from college two months after I had surgery.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Get to your why. Identify the reason you need to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Whether it is to shop for better clothes, more serious matters like weight-related illnesses, or being healthier for your partner, children, and yourself, you can use your why as fuel to get back on track on the hard days. Thank you for listening to my story. 

My social media is @glamgoddess1212 on Instagram and glamgoddess12 on TikTok.

Ciara before and after weight loss

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: african american, african american women, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, eating habits, fitness journey, gastric sleeve, high blood pressure, high protein, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, lose 90 pounds, low carb, motivation, nutritionist, pre diabetes, VSG, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation, weight loss story, weight loss surgery

Drea lost 46 pounds

May 25, 2022 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Drea lost 46 pounds. She was tired of being in a state of exhaustion and watching her feet swell. By making healthier food choices and making fitness a priority, she got results. This Zumba instructor is on a rewarding mission that allows her to help people get fit and healthy. 

Drea lost 46 pounds

What was your motivation?
My motivation for losing weight was wanting to be healthy. I was watching my feet swell. I felt very tired and exhausted every day and knew I had to do something. I knew I had to start losing weight, walking, and making better food choices. This decision was the beginning of my rewarding mission that continues to improve my life.

How did you change your eating habits?
My first change was the amount of meat I consume, especially red meat, because of the swelling in my feet. I began eating more vegetables and fruits. I still ate chicken, but I mostly ate seafood. I stopped drinking drinks altogether and stopped eating many flour-based white products (Starch).

I’m not too fond of drinking sweets, but I love eating them, so that was a struggle. I started to limit the amount of sweets I eat each week. Now, I might eat one or two high-calorie sweets a month.

What is your workout routine?
I took this opportunity to bring others on this weight loss journey with me. I am a plus-size Zumba instructor, so I started teaching Zumba three times a week. On other days I walked or used my body weight to strength train. I aim to work out six days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started this journey at 276 pounds and currently weigh 230 pounds.

What is your height?
I stand at the height of 5’5″.

Drea before and after weight loss

How long did your transformation take?
So far, it’s been about six months. I started this journey on November 4, 2021.

Did you have weight loss surgery?
No, weight surgery is not part of my journey. My journey has been hard work and takes a lot of dedication. For me, it’s a lifestyle change that can be achieved without surgery and will be achieved by my work, sweat, tears, and focus on my goals. 

What’s the biggest lesson you’re learned so far?
To stay focused and stay consistent. I learned to place myself around positive people. I also learned to love who I am and focus on being the best me, day by day.

What is your advice to women who desire to lose weight?
Make the decision that you want to be your best woman ever. Make the decision that you want to live for your kids, grandkids, family, and loved ones, and primarily for yourself. Don’t decide to lose weight based on a man. Instead, do it because you love who you are and desire to be your best self. That way, you can do all that you want to do and show off all the goodness God gave you just by deciding to go out there and give it all you got with your womanly Grace.

Instagram: @inspire_zumba
Tik Tok: @inspire_zumba
www.facebook.com/InspireZumba1

Drea before and after weight loss

Filed Under: Before and After Photos, Instagram Tagged With: african american women, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, cut out meat, cut out sweets, exercise, fitness journey, health, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, lose 46 pounds, red meat, walking, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation, weight loss story, wellness, zumba

Malea lost 50 pounds

April 6, 2022 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Malea lost 50 pounds and has worked to keep it off for more than a year. She found that a Keto/Low-Carb lifestyle paired with intermittent fasting and exercise works best for her. She talked to us about her journey and shared some great insights.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Malea ❤️ (@livelaughketo)

Malea lost 50 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? Knowing how being overweight made me FEEL is not something I want to experience again. Being 45 pounds heavier didn’t bring me anything but sadness and insecurities. Those two things don’t make for a productive or exciting life… The life I’m trying to have.

How did you change your eating habits? I follow a Keto/Low-Carb lifestyle, which means NO sugar, NO bread, NO pasta, NO starches, NO beans, NO fruit (unless it’s berries in moderation). In addition, I practice intermittent fasting and eat HEALTHY fats (avocados, nuts, pork rinds, oils, etc.) I also eat only between the hours of 12 pm and 8 pm (on most days, lol).

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? My consistent workouts have decreased a bit, but I love dance fitness. I teach Zumba, and it doesn’t even feel like I’m working out. I also like strength training (although I need to do it more, lol)

What was your starting weight? I weighed 193 pounds

What is your current weight? I weigh 151 pounds. 

What is your height? 5’2″

Malea lost 50 pounds

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started in June 2020, and I lost 50 pounds within seven months. I’ve maintained that weight loss (give or take 10lbs).

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? I learned that it is a journey. Some days you’ll feel heavier. Some days you may look heavier, and some days the scale will tell you that you ARE heavier. But it’s important to understand you’re not a bad person because of your weight, but it is only YOUR responsibility to make sure you’re at a healthy weight.

Pick up the next meal after you go off course, and commit to a solid week afterward. Also, when you’ve reached your goal, make sure you don’t take old habits into your new life. For example, if you’ve gone from a size 14 to a size 6, stop reaching for that size 14 and pick up that size 6! Dress to show off your hard work!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? More important than having a “WHY?” is having a “HOW?” Knowing why you want to lose weight is cool, but what’s your HOW? 

  • How will you fight cravings? 
  • How will you manage planning your meals? 
  • How will you stick with your goal during the holidays or at restaurants? 

Once you can properly plan, you will succeed. 

Instagram: @livelaughketo

Filed Under: Before and After Photos Tagged With: african american women, black woman, black women, black women losing weight, consistency, dance fitness, eating habits, exercise, fitness journey, gym, how I lost weight, how to lose weight, Intermittent Fasting, keto, lifestyle change, lose 50 pounds, low carb, transformation, weight loss, weight loss journey, weight loss motivation, weight loss story, weight loss transformation, zumba

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