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40 pounds

Amber lost 44 pounds

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Let’s show Amber some love.  She lost 44 pounds down from 418 pounds and she is just 25 years old.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:
Amber weight loss
“My name is Amber and I am 25. I have struggled with my weight since I could remember. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family but I continued to pick up and put on weight as my doctor’s dismay. I have tried almost every fad diet, weight watchers, Jenny Craig, cabbage soup and nothing seemed to keep my attention for very long. The doctor seemed to be constantly concerned about my weight and one doctor seemed to have given up hope that I was going to do anything about it at all. I had continued to make excuses about why I haven’t done anything before now but I know that excuses are tools of incompetence :).  So, after seeing myself in pictures and feeling the most uncomfortable that I have ever felt at my highest weight of 418 pounds, I decided that April that I needed to make that change for MYSELF. Not because anyone told me, not by force but because I did it on my own terms. I changed the way that I was eating, drinking, and exercising for the first time in a long time. Shortly into this journey, I experienced a herniated disc and it forced me to curb the exercise for a few months. It was heartbreaking, especially because I was in the groove and I was just about to finish graduate school. When I moved back to CA, through medical assistance, my back has never felt better. Since then, I have joined the local gym with a majority of my family members. I try to go 3-4 times a week (I do Zumba, body sculpting, water aerobics and I am currently training for a 5k), drink as much water as I can and just try to stay positive about the fact that this is NOT A DIET, BUT A LIFESTYLE CHANGE! This page has also been an encouragement to me as well as MyFitnessPal! It has kept me honest and I utilize the support of other women to get through this journey. I have seen results but I am hungry for more…pun intended  but I just wanted to be able to encourage other women who have had similar struggles that you are beautiful and that this journey is not easy but we are doing it to be healthier! You are absolutely not alone and I hope that my 44 pounds inspires the next woman as I work toward the next 44. Instagram:@ _adeebee. I just recently started a blog on wordpress: http://selfgrowththejourney.wordpress.com/.
Have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!
Amber D. Boyd, M.A., MFT
Syracuse University
adboyd@syr.edu

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. -Harriet Tubman”

Faneshia lost 41 pounds

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Regular exercice and cleaning up her eating habits helped Faneshia lose 41 pounds.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“Greeting, I was speaking to my friend on the phone and she was talking about how excited she was to have joined a local fitness center. I do not know what is was, but when I heard her say, “I am tired of being overweight, and I had to do something about it.”.  That made me realize that I was tired of being overweight too. That conversation on June 6, 2013 and it was the start of my weight loss journey. After I hung up the phone, I knew I had to make a change… A lifestyle change! Therefore, I made a grocery list and went to the store to purchase chicken, fish, and vegetables (of all kinds). I made a weekly menu and pre-cooked many of my meals. I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with two snacks in between meals.

I also began working out 5 days a week. My workouts consist of two days per week of Zumba, one day per week of strength training, and two days a week of running and hiking. I began my journey weighing 196 pounds and after 6 months I am down to 155 pounds and have melted away over 34 inches. Additionally, I log my food everyday on My Fitness Pal. I find that logging my eating habits holds me accountable for what I place in my mouth, and helps me make healthier food choices. I am not where I want to be, but with hard work, consistency and a great supportive husband I will meet my goal and stay living a healthy and fit life!”

Faneshia before and after photos

Shykia lost 44 pounds

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Snovia sent in her twin sister Shykia’s weight loss story of losing 44 pounds this year.  I think it’s so wonderful to see this sisterly support and that they are in this together.  Here is what she shared:

“This is my twin sister Shykia. She has recent lost 45 pounds. I am so proud of her. On and off there’s been a struggle with her weight and she is finally kicking ass!

Her motivation was our mom. She is very sick with diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Shykia wanted to live healthier life. She changed her habits by eating clean. We both purchased a NutriBullet and she has cut out sugar and fried foods.

Her workout routines consisted of going to the gym daily since May of 2013  She’s been working out diligently since May. weight training and using the elliptical machine. Her starting weight was 293 pounds and she now weighs 249 pounds…and is still losing.

I think her advice to others would be that  weight loss isn’t a physical challenge. It’s more mental. Stay motivated and positive!”

Twin weight loss story

Tyneisha lost 41 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Instagram diva Tyneisha lost 41 pounds off of her 5 foot frame with Weight Watchers and by embracing regular exercise after years of yo-y0 dieting and trying different plans. Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Tyneisha weight loss

“Hello, my name is Tyneisha (Ty) and my instagram name is @tantalizing_ty. I am 24 years old and I’ve lost 41 pounds since Feb of this year. My motivation to lose weight for good this time came from seeing my family members struggle with their health because of their weight. All of my grandparents and several aunts and uncles had or have diabetes and take blood pressure medication. Both of my parents have also had weight loss surgery within the past few years and have been trying to change their lifestyle for the better.

I changed my eating habits by joining Weight Watchers. I track my points, drink my 90 to 120 ozs of water a day and try to limit my carbs. I typically workout 4 to 5 days a week taking classes like Step Abs, Zumba and Kickboxing. My starting weight was 238 pounds and currently I am 197 pounds. My transformation has taken about 11 months and I am hardly finished yet.

My advice for others is to never give up, take a deep breath and keep pushing love. This is my third time on Weight Watchers and have yoyo dieted for the last 6 years. This time however I was determined that nothing was going to stop me and that this would be a lifestyle change. I also would advise others to be patient. Everyone’s body is different and therefore so will their weight loss journey.”

 

Bridgetta lost 44 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Bridgetta.  She lost 44 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 11/12.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Bridgetta weight loss story

“My motivation came from within as far as losing weight goes. I could no longer fit into any of my clothes and I felt depressed. I drove by the gym for weeks before I muscled up the nerve to go inside and finally join. It was the best decision I EVER made! I changed my eating habits from junk food, Little Debbies, McDonald’s, etc. to green, leafy veggies, proteins, water, fruit, and less red meat! My workouts consist of an hour of any cardio (my favorite is the elliptical trainer) and then working a specific area of my body.  I work a different area of the body each day of the week, seven days a week. My starting weight was 240 pounds & my current weight is 196 pounds! I started out as a size 20 & am now a solid size 11/12! I couldn’t be happier. It took me a year and 9 months to get to the size I am. My advice to all the other beautiful African American women out there or anyone else trying to lose weight is to not give up! It takes time and hard work, but it is so worth it!”

Bridgetta weight loss photos
Bridgetta weight loss story

Cheryl lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Cheryl.  She lost 40 pounds and was able to improve her pre-diabetes diagnosis.  Here is what she shared with us:

Cheryl weight loss story

“My name is Cheryl Miller and I am 42 years old. I started my journey last October (2012) while weighing 262 pounds. I was placed on medication for hypertension and was using a Cpap machine.  I was also diagnosed as being pre-diabetic. I didn’t love myself and felt miserable. I walked in a gym for the first time to change my life. Now, I have a personal trainer,  work out 5 days a week at the gym and do cardio on the weekends. My diet changed from carbs and fried foods to eating mostly chicken, fish and veggies. 40 pounds later, I weigh 224 pounds. I feel wonderful. My blood sugar went from 162 to 112 and my A1C from 6.5 to 5.8 because of my new lifestyle. My goal is to be the healthiest I can be and be medication free in 2014. I want women to see my story and become inspired to improve their lifestyle. Thank you for taking the time to view my story.  I can be found on Facebook and Instagram @sassy_fit_girl”

Cheryl before and after photos

LouCinda lost 42 pounds

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Let’s show some love to LouCinda.  She lost 42 pounds over the course of a year and went from a size 18/20 down to a size 12/14.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Lou weight loss journey

“My motivation was to take control and not end up a high blood pressure or a victim of diabetes. I’ve always felt that prescription medicine will fix one thing but you’ll need another prescription to fix the side effects of the first prescription. The doctor told me that I would die of high blood pressure if I didn’t take the pills or lose the weight. He told me to pick one. I decided to lose the weight. Besides, losing weight is something I can control so I thought “Why not give it a shot.” I knew I couldn’t do anything to long as far as workouts were concerned, because I wouldn’t stick with it. So, I thought about what I was eating.

The first thing I did was that I figured out my eating weaknesses. My weaknesses were bread, pastas and Pepsi. I could eat 6 slices of toast in one sitting. I knew that if I figured out my weaknesses first and conquered them that everything else would be a breeze! It was hard at first but I just took it day by day. Before I knew it, I had lost 15 pounds. I also increased my water intake. I felt lighter and happier. Inline with cutting out those items, I simply started walking twice a week in my local park. I only did 30 minutes because I had other things to do besides exercising. It wasn’t a fast walk but a walk just the same. Before I knew it, I was running and walking 3 times a week. When it rained, I went home and did jumping jacks. I just continued to remain active. I believe that’s the best answer to any weight loss question; just remain active and keep your body in motion. It doesn’t matter what you do, just do something. I heard people say exercising makes you happy but I just thought only the thin or tiny people say that. I now understand what they meant because if I don’t exercise or start to slack off in any way, my attitude changes. I’m happy when I exercise. I would’ve never thought that but it’s true. My starting weight was 213 pounds. I’m now at 171 pounds. My blood pressure is never higher then 120/80. I went from a size 18/20 to size 12/14. The pictures I sent are from 2011 until now. I lost 42 lbs in a year. That’s my story! My advice to anyone would be just do something!!!”

Chakira lost 40 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Chakira lost 40 pounds. This petite diva wants to motivate others with her story.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Chakira weight loss story

“I started working out in 2012 because I had gotten out of a bad relationship in 2011. He would spoiled me with food but would never go to the gym with me. I gained so much weight. I decided to start going to the gym in 2012. I would workout 3 times a week, but I would never see results because I was still eating bad foods. February 2013, I went on this big shopping spree buying size 13 and x large shirts. The week after that I said I’m going to make a change.  I refuse to be wearing a size 13. My motivation was my current boyfriend.  I’m 23 and he is 44 and shaped like the rock while I’m out of shape. I changed my diet by eating fish, chicken, and turkey. I only drink water.  I also steam my veggies and eat  fruits. I stopped partying a lot and stopped drinking.

I workout twice a day. I went to the gym by myself because I was determined to motivate others with my story. I started my journey February 25, 2013 and I could see a difference by April 2nd.  However, I saw my abs by memorial day weekend 2013. I still maintain a good diet by doing food prep and I lift weights everyday. The kind of exercise I did to lose the weight was treadmill, elliptical, and 200 ab exercises daily. My starting weight was 147 pounds and I got down to 107 pounds.  Now I’m 112 with muscle weight.  The advice I give to others is to motivate yourself and to make the  changes needed to make your bodies healthy”

Chakira weight loss photos

Torri lost 41 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Torrie lost 41 pounds with Zumba, Weight Watchers, walking and working out with a trainer.  She was willing to put in the work to push past a plateau.  Here is what she shared with us:

Torrie weight loss photos

“My name is Torrie and I’m 36 years old. My weight struggle started after I had my first and only son. I gained over 30 pounds while pregnant, on top of weight I had gained already before pregnancy.  My total weight was 233 pounds. This was the biggest I had ever been. I was in graduate school, working full-time, plus overtime with a newborn and got so comfortable that I did not even realize how much weight I gained. I was tired of not having anything to wear because my clothes were too small and I was tired of spending all of my money on plus size clothes (because they can be a little more expensive). In Spring 2012, decided to join Weight Watchers and later incorporated Zumba classes. I lost about 10 pounds which put me at 221 pounds. I continued with my Weight Watchers program and Zumba but I noticed that I was no longer losing. I got so frustrated and stopped going to Zumba and did not rejoin Weight Watchers; I hit a Plateau!

In April of 2013, my job decided to have a free 6-week weight lost challenge using Weight Watchers. I decided to rejoin. My starting weight was 221.8 pounds at my first weight in. I got frustrated in the beginning because I gained 1.3 pounds which put me at 223.1. After talking with a few high school alum that work out a lot they informed me that I needed to do more than just Zumba to push that plateau. I decided to join a gym and get a trainer. I would work out in the morning everyday, Monday thru Thursday and some Saturdays for an hour doing nothing but cardio machines (Treadmills, Elliptical, Stepper, and Bike).  I worked out with my trainer once a week doing weights. By the end of my 6 weeks Weight Watchers challenge, I was down to 217 pounds. I decided that I would not rejoin Weight Watchers but to keep track of my food on my own. My eating habits consist of lots of salads, fruit, and veggies. I ate in small portions, elimitated pop, junk and fried food from my diet. I continued to go to the gym and workout with my trainer faithfully. I started walking on my breaks at work for 15 to 20 minutes a day, as well as going to the track and walk. I keep track of my walking using the MapMyWalk app. I also did some bike riding when I could. I just tried to get as much cardio in as possible. On September 21, 2013, I attended my first real walk with the American Lung Association: Fight For Air 5K Run/Walk, with a few High School Alumni. It was a very exciting experience for me and I really enjoyed it. I took me close to 8 months but as of today my current weight is 192. The biggest advice I would give is to lost weight for you and not for anyone else. You are your own motivation.”

Sheila lost 43 pounds

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Featured weight loss story of the day: Sheila lost 43 pounds in 6 months.  She embraced regular exercise and made healthy changes to her eating to make getting healthy and lifestyle change her focus.  She also got help for chronic pain.  Here is what she shared with us:

Sheila weight loss story

 

What was your motivation?
My main motivation was to get healthy and maintain good health.

How did you change your eating habits?
I loaded up on complex carbohydrates and limited my intake of simple carbohydrates. I stopped eating processed foods and began eating more whole wheat/grains, legumes and vegetables. I only drank water and I stopped drinking sodas and beverages that had high fructose corn syrup. I only use extra virgin olive oil when preparing my meals. I stopped eating red meat, mainly because my acupuncturist said it’s very harsh on our digestive system.

What did your workout routines look like?
My workout routines consisted of 60 minutes of Zumba® 3-4 days a week.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 209 lbs.

What is your current weight?
My current weight is 166 lbs.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took 6 Months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Firstly, get healthy and lose the weight for yourself and begin when you are absolutely ready.
It will be difficult but DON’T GIVE UP!  Lastly and more importantly, do not consider it as a diet, rather consider it as a lifestyle change.

My weight loss story:
My story began about three years ago.  I worked from home eight to nine hours a day; five days a week.  I started to experience pain in my right shoulder/arm. Initially, it started as a dull, aching pain which was more of a discomfort to me. It then progressively developed into a sharp, painful, shooting and debilitating sensation to the point where my husband and I thought it would benefit me to seek treatment from a physical therapist/chiropractor. I found a local Spine and Rehabilitation center that provided Chiropractic/Physical Therapy treatments. I made an appointment and I was advised to come twice a week for several months. They did a comprehensive analysis of my neck, electrical stimulation and “spinal manipulations”.  Unfortunately, I did not get relief from any of these treatments, so I felt I had to try some type of exercise that would not only give me the relief I desperately needed but one that would effectively help me lose a considerable amount of weight.  I had heard of dance fitness program called Zumba® and how much fun, effective and exhilarating it was. I found a local studio that offered Zumba® which was very convenient and affordable. My goal was to get healthy because I truly believed my weight and lack of exercise was the cause of my pain and suffering. Toward the end of 2009, I began Zumba® and I went 3-4 times a week. The classes lasted an hour and I felt energized after every class! I purchased a scale and maintained a spreadsheet where I kept a log of my exercises and everything I consumed (food/beverages). I made a promise to myself that I would lose at least 40 lbs by my Birthday, October 21, 2011. In April of 2010, I weighed in at 209 lbs (size 16) and by my Birthday (as promised) I lost 40 lbs and weighed in at 169 lbs (size 10). In the process of losing the unwanted weight by doing Zumba®, the debilitating pain I felt in my right shoulder/arm was GONE! I have been able to maintain my weight loss and I am working on losing an additional 8-10 lbs. Amazingly, I am still pain free! I thank my husband for his tremendous support and I thank God for giving me the strength, the willpower and the belief I needed to have in myself which gave  me the confidence necessary to successfully execute and complete the goal I set for myself.  And finally, a big thanks to the amazing and wonderful Zumba® instructors who continue to inspire me!