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Melz lost 65 pounds and is documenting her journey

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Zeta Phi Beta Soror Melz lost 65 pounds and is documenting her journey on Facebook and Instagram (@fitgrlmelz).  I wanted to share her story as the Success Story of the Day, because I love it when people share their weight release journey in pictures with the world to give hope to others.

Melz weight loss

What was your motivation?

I had three family members go into the hospital within one month with side effects stemming from Type II diabetes. My mother and brother both had simple infections that were made way worse because of it. At that point, I said I don’t want this life so I began walking.

How did you change your eating habits?
At first, I used Herbalife and still ate what I wanted, just in moderation. About 8 months into my journey, I started researching foods that promote a flat stomach. I then started to do weekly meal prep of brown rice, vegetables, chicken/tilapia/salmon.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started with walking and Zumba, then started jogging. Later I began weight lifting.  I was adding a new element of exercise every 2-3 months.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 283 pounds and got down to 210 pounds. I’m currently 218 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been on my journey for a year and 5 months (still going).

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Start slow, don’t get discouraged, try healthy swaps until you’re ready for a full “food overhaul”, and don’t be afraid to lift weights!!

melz Melz zeta phi beta soror

Mia lost over 65 pounds

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My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Mia lost over 65 pounds.  Her journey is today’s featured success story!  She turned the negative comments of others into positive motivation and changed her habits to reach her goals.  Now, she is inspiring others.  Read her success story.

Mia Nicole weight loss

 

What was your motivation?
My motivation initially was somewhat fueled by negativity. A couple of relatives and classmates blatantly called me fat. No one had ever said that to me so bluntly and it really hurt me. I had always considered myself thick. When I got that reality check, that was all I needed to get my act together. I wanted to show all the people who called me names or ever talked about me what I was capable of.

How did you change your eating habits?
I’ve tried every crash diet and meal replacement system under the sun. They all worked for a while, then I would quickly plateau or start gaining it back once I got tired of being so strict. Now, I just eat clean, whole, non processed foods without all the chemicals. I was a vegetarian for years, but now I am a pescetarian (vegetarian who eats fish) and I count my macros.

What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT Heavy and do interval circuits. I stopped doing tons of cardio. I just stick to 15-20 minutes of HIIT a few times a week.

What was your starting weight? 232 pounds. I’ve lost over 65 lbs and I am 5’3″ tall.

What is your current weight? I don’t weigh myself. It stresses me out.

How long did your transformation take? Initially, I lost the weight in 6 months in 2005. Since then, I’ve been learning through trial and error. I’m focused on putting on muscle and shaping my body.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Do your own research. Don’t just listen to what people tell you that you should do, because they aren’t you, they haven’t lived in your shoes their whole lives, and everyone is different. When you decide to lose weight, you better be ready to have plateaus and set backs. You better go in with a fierce attitude and be ready to fight the battle because it is not easy and it never gets easier. Surround yourself with positive people and a support system with similar goals. They can’t make you eat right and workout, but they sure can pick you up when you’re down and keep you focused.

Check out more of her photos on Instagram: @bbjudyfit

Mia weight loss success story

Hannah lost 63 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Check out Hannah’s awesome update photo. We featured her story back in 2014.

hannah before and after

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Hannah lost 63 pounds. This sista from the UK wrote in and shared her weight loss success story in great detail. She transformed her body and her health with consistent exercise and a very clean eating plan. Her story shows that you have to come out of your comfort zone to change your lifestyle.  Here is her story…

Hannah weight loss story

My name is Hannah Davies and I’m 24 years old. My weight has always fluctuated with my emotions and my relationships, never to empower myself until now. I must admit I was never really happy. I was a teenage mom, living in shared housing when I met my partner and felt complete and comfortable.  A mixture of depression and unemployment after university was a recipe for disaster. I grew from being 150 lbs in 2010 to 210 lbs in 2012. From a size 10 to a size 18, I gained 3 dress sizes! I believe that a combination of poor diet, exercise and lack of knowledge and self worth was my greatest downfall.

In June 2012 my family and I went to Poland to celebrate the marriage of my Uncle. The BEFORE picture you see was taken whilst in Poland. This picture was my looking glass, my realization that if I didn’t change my lifestyle now my weight would just increase.  I lost 5 lbs whilst away due to the amount of exercise the family did. This was the start. Upon returning to England I tried fad diets where all you had were meal replacements but found these were short term effects and no example to be setting my son. From there I joined my local gym and took the exercise classes. I found great enjoyment in yoga and Pilates. Although joining the classes was hard as I felt like the biggest person in the class, I drew strength from my partner at the time (who is a bodybuilder). He reminded me that “everyone starts somewhere” and that “Nothing in life comes free”. I started to surround myself with like minded people, enjoyed my classes more and Googled for healthier ways of living. I ate six small meals a day which were weighed on a food scale.

  • Meal one spinach omelette 2 egg whites and one yoke
  • Meal two chicken or turkey and asparagus or broccoli
  • Meal three protein shake, small amount of almonds or natural almond butter (like peanut butter but found in health stores)
  • Meal four fish with broccoli or sweet potato
  • Meal five almond butter
  • Meal six protein shake.

I had a cheat meal/day once a week but this did lead to a yoyo effect of loosing weight in the week and gaining on the cheat day. I find now that if I want a treat I will have it as this is now a lifestyle not a diet. I’ll be honest I found it incredibly difficult to eat so much and of a such limited types of food. I always ensured there was at least a gap of an hour between eating and going to the gym which usually happened after meal four. Always had meal five and six straight after the gym to ensure my muscles got the protein they needed to repair and replenish for the next day.

Although the optimum time to exercise is the morning being a mother this was not possible. I would always warm up with 5 minutes on a cardio machine, then train the group of muscle for that day whether it be arms, back, shoulders, chest or legs and then finish with 20-25 minutes of fast walking on a incline. Although the optimum duration to burn fat is when your heart rate is high (40-45 minutes) I felt bored staying in the gym for that long. I found that by December 2013 I had gone down to 165 lbs but then stopped loosing weight and felt as hard as I tried I couldn’t loose anymore! My job as much as I love it, is predominantly stationary this was also a contributing factor.

I split from my partner of four years in 2014 and decided it was time to do something for myself. Since July 2014 I have gone back to a diet similar to this, gained a training partner and started running, something I haven’t attempted since i was a teenager. I completed the Race for Life in 24 minutes and entered a half marathon. My goal is to run the London marathon and be on stage in a body building completion September 2015. My goal in the next few years is to start kickboxing and dancing again. That is something that I always enjoyed but never felt confident to participate in when I was my larger self. I want to go on stage not to win, but to stand there feeling empowered and proud knowing that anyone can do anything no matter where they started, if they believe, chase the knowledge and have the courage to change their outlook on life.

As of today 07/24/14, I am proud to say I weigh 147 lbs and recently bought my first 8/10 dress. I’m not skinny and wouldn’t want to be. I’m muscular and healthy, which is all I ever wanted. I walk away from my journey knowing that true strength and happiness comes from within and not reliant on others. I would wish you luck in your journey but instead I shall wish you strength and happiness.

Instagram: @Papaya_Mittoo

Marquita lost over 60 pounds

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Marquita lost 61.8 pounds over the course of the past year.  This proud teacher found a weight loss plan that worked for her and her busy schedule. Check out what she had to say about losing the weight.

Marquita weight loss

What was your motivation?
My motivation was wanting to the lose the weight for me.  I was tired of being overweight and once I decided that I was going to do it for me it all clicked. I wanted to avoid any medical issues that are associated with being overweight.  I also did not enjoy the fact that I was lacking the energy to simple things. I have lost a total of 61.8 pounds and I’m still working to lose at least 50 more.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I changed my habits by joining Weight Watchers and watching what I eat. I also used portion control and stayed away from a lot of sweets and sodas. I was never a big eater, but just enjoyed sodas and sweets. I did not want to do the surgery thing and find it very rewarding not having to use that option to lose weight.

What did your workout routines look like?
I’m a teacher and have a extremely busy schedule but I try to do a lot of walking and drink lots of water. These things have helped. Working out at 3 times a week helps to keep me from gaining the weight back. I have even tried some weight lifting classes and Zumba.

How long did your transformation take?
I have struggled with my weight most of my life but I started this weight loss journey over the past year. It was easy in the beginning but then I was unable to lose weight for a while. I continued the plan and eventually started losing the weight again. Weight watchers really helped me stay motivated, gave me tips and the constant encouragement from others. I love showing off the before and after pictures…they motivate me!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Just keep trying because the best is yet to come with Gods help! You have to accept the challenge of doing it for you and it will become easy. Always celebrate the small victories because they lead to bigger ones.

Instagram: @love2smile06

Marquita before and after photos

Lakeisha lost 64 pounds

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Update September 2017: Check out this update from Lakeisha. She’s kept the weight off for more than 2 years.

lakeisha before and after

What has worked in terms of eating habits?
Before I knew anything about nutrition, I gave up fried foods, sodas and watched my portions. When I’m hungry, I drink black coffee or eat a slice of pickle. I also drink plenty of water. I love alkaline water (I encourage people to do their research on alkaline water).

I gained some of the weight back while dealing a death and stress. Meal prepping helped me out a lot this time. Now, I’m back stronger than ever.

What have you been doing to maintain your success in terms of exercise? 
I started doing 2 hours of cardio. After two weeks of this, I’ll stop and go back into my normal routine… leg day, arms etc. I workout 6 to 7 days a week.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I don’t care how much you workout, you cannot eat whatever you want… lol.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
Stay focused and don’t compare your success to others. Also, sometimes you have to switch up your routine when you don’t see results. Never give up on your journey. We all get off track but that’s what makes us fight harder.

lakeisha before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lakeisha lost 64 pounds and went from a size 24 to a size 14. This proud mom of 2 is now a fitness fanatic.  Here is what she shared with us about losing the pounds: KeishaJuly3blog My name is Lakeisha Thomas and I’m from Mississippi.  I’m a 34 year old mother of 2 (Tia 14 yrs old and CJ 6 years old). I’m also a nurse aid and a production tech at Nissan. When I first started my weight lost journey I weighted 254 pounds. I was shocked. I never cared about my weight until one day when my doctor told me I was obese. So, I started working out at home in my bedroom. I went from a size 24 to a size 14. I want to enjoy my kids and see them grow up.  Now, fitness is my life, my passion, my everything. This is why I love what I do, why I’m so passionate and why I share with others everything I do to stay fitt. I’m a #fitmom and I love my 2 children with all my heart.  Instagram: @KeishaaBeast

How did you change your eating habits? Chewing gum and drinking coffee has helped me out a lot on my journey. I started drinking plenty of water and cut out the sodas. I continue to eat what I always ate but in smaller portions. I work the night shift so that was a struggle as well. I’m not gonna lie, I fail daily but I never gave up. If I ate chips, ice cream, etc, I didn’t quit. I just went harder in the gym.

What did your workout routines look like? I started doing the Black Girls Workout Too & Billy Blank Exercise DVDs. I did a thousand sit up a day and started going to the gym 6 or 7 days a week. I also did HIIT workout that I found online (just do a Google search…there are tons of workouts). I did like a thousand ab exercises every night and every morning. Now, I’m doing like 500 abs exercises, 3 days out of a week.

What is your height? What is your current weight? I’m 5’7 and I weight 190 pounds. My goal weight is 175 pounds.

How long did your transformation take? I started in 2003 when I weighted 254.  I dropped down 54 pounds in one month (no lie). I just worked out that whole month. However, it was very unhealthy because I stopped eating as well. I was drinking one soda a day and eating cabbage greens. Since then, I have been on and off my journey.  So in 2012, I decided that I wanted to tone so I went harder and changed my lifestyle.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight? If you mess up along the way, don’t quit. Just keep going.  I’ve basically been tsame size since 2003 I just drop inches phuck yo scale…it didn’t take you 5 days to gain the weight so it’s not gonna take you 14 days to lose it. Keisha weight loss story

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Aliyah lost 66 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Aliyah lost 66 pounds.  Like many of us she gained a lot of weight in college and took steps after graduation to change her lifestyle, lose weight and reach her wellness goals.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey: msupshurJuly14blog My name is Aliyah, I’m 26 years old. I just realized how much weight I lost and I couldn’t be more proud of myself! I lost a total of 66 lbs over 18 months. After graduating college, I realized I had gained a freshmen 50+ instead of a freshmen 15. I did high intense cardio classes (Tae Bo, Insanity, Kickboxing & Step Interval) four times a week.  I also stopped eating after 8pm on weeknights. Although I wasn’t consistent through the entire 18 months, I am more than happy about my results thus far! I was 250 lbs and I now weigh 184 lbs (5’4″). My goal weight is 175 pounds!!! I can’t believe how close I am!!!!!!! My motivation: Well, someone asked if I had a baby since college since I had gained so much weight. I have no children so that was like my “end all to be all” moment. I HAD to make a change immediately!  I didn’t diet, I made a lifestyle change. I only made changes that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.

  • I stopped eating after 8pm
  • I love carbs so cutting them out was unrealistic. Instead, I eat whole wheat instead of white. Brown rice instead of white rice…etc..
  • Eating breakfast EVERYDAY!
  • Drinking water first thing in the morning. Drinking MORE water! 2 liters/day at LEAST!…and that’s on a bad day. On a normal day I’m shooting for 3 liters.

My advice to others would be to STAY CONSISTENT! Don’t stop. EVER!!!! This is a LIFESTYLE change!

Instagram @msupshur UpshurJuly2blog

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 66 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 66 pounds.  This proud mom of two was motivated to lose weight after trying to enlist. She set a goal to get healthy and there was no stopping her.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Angela weight loss story

My name is Angela and I’m a single mother of 2. A couple of years ago I decided I want to try enlisting in the Army, when I walked in the recruiters office and stepped on the scale weighing in at 260 pounds I became very driven. At that moment, I decided to take my life back. I began my journey back in 2012. It took me about 6 months. Once I set my mind on a goal, there is no stopping. I’ve always been so solid that I never realized exactly how big I had gotten over the years. I totally changed everything about my eating and began walking in the beginning. It was a slow walk that changed to a brisk walk and now it’s a jog/run. By the time I knew it, I had gotten down to 194 lbs.  Once I really got serious, I started baking not frying and staying away from too many sweets. I drink nothing but water now and eat lots of fruits & veggies. I actually don’t like many veggies so to make things a little easier on me I juice them lol.

Now I’m working towards my personal training certification, hosting fit camps, and even train a few clients. I’ve gone from this really thick stallion to a fit stallion.  My goal is 170 pounds and I will reach my goal. My advice would be to set a small goal/challenge first something like no bread or sweets for 2 weeks or even a gallon of water a day… After that goal is met set new ones push yourself to the limit if you have someone like a teammate that’ll help to encourage you both.  Patience is everything. JUST KEEP GOING…

Instagram: @richcutfitness

Angela before and after pictures

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nikki lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nikki lost 65 pounds.  This proud mom of three has gone from a size 24/26 to now a size 18 by eating clean and exercising regularly. Read her story and learn more about her weight loss journey:

Nikki before and after

“Hey, my Name is Nikki 32 and I’m a single mom of three. I work for hospice, so my day is always very busy and full. I have been on my weight loss journey for a while,  but in the last 7 months I have lost 65 pounds. My goal is to lose a total of 100 by September. I am losing weight for me and not to be skinny but healthy. My weight loss journey started at 363 pounds I am now 298 pounds. I went from a size 24/26 to now a size 18.

I was an emotional eater. I would let life have a negative effect on the way I was eating. I have always carried myself well and I never looked like what I weighed. Last year my doctor told me that I needed to do something or I would not live to see 40 years old. So, I decided to join the 90 day challenge with Body by Vi. During my first challenge I lost 38 pounds. I am now on my second challenge and I am doing so much better. I changed the way I was eating and I started clean eating. I have my shakes once or twice a day with healthy snacks in between and then a healthy dinner. I have my days where I crave certain things but I know that its mind over matter. I also workout twice a day. I do Zumba, workout with the Wii and I do Shaun T hip hop dance workouts. I try and walk at least 3 miles a day as well. My advice to anyone that is trying to lose wieght is to make up in your mind first that your going to do it. I stopped saying I will try and started doing it. Cut that try word out and just do it. Join support groups and get your friends involved. It is not easy doing this alone but you can do it.  The main thing I suggest it that you change the way you eat and get that cardio in.  Also, don’t always focus on the scale but inches lost instead. MIND OVER MATTER.”

Instagram: @mzcharmz32

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Keeta lost 64 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Keeta lost 64 pounds.  This professional makeup artist and proud mom was motivated my wanting to be a healthy and happy example for her daughter.  She committed to eating clean and intense exercise to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Keeta before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation started when I went to the doctor and he told me that I was 242 pounds. That was the heaviest I’ve ever been and it was a major reality check. Sometimes, I could barely walk due to severe back pain. I was carrying to much weight! I had to make a change, not just for me but also that so my daughter could see her mother healthy and happy.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits did a complete 180! I started with a detox, eating all veggies, fruits and brown rice for 7 days. Then I went into adding just chicken and seafood in my diet. No fried food, sweets, white bread or sodas. I tried to eat as clean as possible. My best friend would help me with tips on cooking healthier. Also, drinking lots and lots of water is key!

What did your workout routines look like?
Initially, I was a cardio junkie. I started doing the BLACK GIRLS WORK OUT TOO DVD. And that jump started my weight loss and inches that I lost. Then I began hitting the weight room. Squats, lunges, leg press and pull-ups…Just a full body work out. I go to the gym 4 days a week. Sometimes I’ll go 2 times a day! I started running at the park, 5 lb hula hooping and doing ab work with a weighted yoga ball.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 242 lbs.

What is your current weight?
177.5 lbs.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in April 2013

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice is start now! Some people wait for the 1st of the month or the beginning of the week. No waiting, start now. Just think if you started when you first thought about it where would you be now in your weightloss journey! Get a gym buddy! Team up at work or grab a girlfriend! It always helpful to have someone else there to help motivate each other. Also, it is ok if you have a set back. We all do. Just start over again. Make every thing you do count. Set small goals for yourself. It is not going to happen overnight but you will reach your goal with determination and dedication!!!

Keeta weight loss story

Shyliece lost 88 pounds

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Update Sept 2015: Check out Shyliece‘s progress. In the past, you’ve posted the middle of my journey. I decided to lose weight after almost having a stroke at a early age. I’ve had chronic asthma since 11 months old and chronic hypertension since age 13, which required me to take many pills daily. I’ve faced so many other health problems as well. I turned my life around and I’ve lost additional weight. I also became a personal trainer to help other women worldwide lose weight naturally and learn to keep the weigh off long term.

After getting in shape, I still suffered from health problems. My neurologist, cardiologist, and nephrologist said these problems were permanent. Even after losing 90 lbs, I was still very unhealthy even though I have a fit body. Most people couldn’t believe my health issues, especially being under the age of 30. I never gave up and kept pushing forward. I went to specialist but they kept saying my medical problems were permanent. In the end, I honestly didn’t do anything different. I just kept faith, prayed, stayed strong and kept exercising. Eventually, I was able to get off those long term medications and now I’m 100% healthy after all these years. I’m still surprised, but very, very grateful. I’m healthy with no medical problems now.

Not only am I stronger mentally and physically, I’m also blessed. I want to let other women know that they can do it because I did. I’m a witness and I know that God is good! I just want to tell other women that just because someone told you it can’t be done or because things get hard, you should Never give up. Believe in yourself and know that anything is possible! Check out my Instagram: @she_squats_fitness for motivation and fat burning fitness tips.

Shyliece before and after

Update Jan 2015: Hi, you shared my story a while back in the middle of my weight loss journey.  I’m currently 88 lbs down and I’ve turned my weight loss journey into a career. I’m now a personal fitness trainer. I also met the love of my life because of fitness. Fitness has changed my life so much and now I want to help other women, especially moms. I suffered from so many health problems and I didn’t let them make or break me, so I like to motivate other woman because I can relate to what they are going through. Instagram: @she_squats_fitness

shyliece before and after

Original Post

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shyliece lost 65 pounds. This proud mom faced a number of very serious health issues and situational stressors that turned her world upside down.  She was able to take control of her life and change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Shyliece before and after

“I was fit before Jan 16-2006. I was walking on ice one day and I fell. I broke 6 bones and fractured one other bone,  almost causing me too have my leg amputated. Luckily, I was able too get it rebuilt with pins, plates, screws, wires and rods. I didn’t walk for 10 months and I gained a lot of weight from the stress of losing my job and my apartment. I moved back home with my mom. I was stressed out and I used food to make myself feel better. My health also went down hill.  I was dealing with asthma, chronic high blood pressure and anxiety, so I was always in and out of the hospital. I gained so much weight that my leg would swell up very badly, to the point where every right sneaker or shoe I owned would bust open. My arms and leg on my right side was constantly numb from the weight gain and not eating right, so one day I passed out and was hospitalized. I knew that my daughter needed me too be here, so in 2012 I decided it was time for a change!!

I started out with small changes. I began by walking and changing some of my eating habits. By the end of 2013 I decided too go hard. I started eating clean, eating 100% whole grains, no fried foods, more vegetables, more fruit and  organic products.  I don’t eat red meat, just fish, shrimp and chicken. Besides protein shakes and green tea, I drink 8 bottles of water a day.  No soda..no juice. I started doing interval training at least 3-4 times a week on a treadmill. I also started lifting weights.  I’ve lost over 65 pounds and 45 of those pounds were lost during the past 4 months. I turned the extra room in my house into a gym room and I workout 5-6 days a week. I’m confident and happy that I’ve chosen to start living healthy. I’m not where I want too be, but I’m getting there.  I have 20/30 pounds too go and I feel great!”
Instagram: @she_squats_fitness

Shyliece weight loss story