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Cherdrina lost 120 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Cherdrina lost 120 pounds.  Going vegetarian, taking spinning classes, running and changing her eating habits have lead her to an awesome weight loss transformation.  Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

cherdrina before and after

 

My name is Cherdrina and I have lost 100+ pounds. I was well over 270 pounds when I knew it was time to make a change. I never really had weight issues until after having my last child and dealing the stressors of life. I began to eat my life away in response. I was always tired and never could find the energy to do much of anything. It was not until December of 2012 that I made weight loss goals and began eating healthy. I made my New Years Resolution on January 1 of 2013, threw my old eating habits out of the door and did a total 180. I was determined to be a healthier me, so I cut out meat cold turkey and went straight vegetarian. I also started exercising daily. Spinning became my favorite form of cardio. I also added strength training to my regimen. Eventually, I started to run with the local Black Girls Run group and fell in love with it.

I made sure, and still do now, to read all labels on foods that I buy or consume! The vegetarian lifestyle helped me to make better eating choices, but still I must be careful not to consume too many starchy foods. I had to cut out sweets which were my favorite, now I still treat myself occasionally, but just not as much as I was before losing the weight. I also had to cut out my love for breads and pastas. I had the habit of consuming bread with every meal, which was my biggest problem. I have the healthy eating down now, so I’m always looking for healthier alternatives and options even when eating out  It makes a huge difference!

I started at 279 pounds and now I’m here at 159 pounds. As of now, I lead a much healthier lifestyle, I feel awesome and look awesome. It was indeed a lifestyle change and I’ve made sure to stick to it. Healthy feels so good. I encourage everyone to embark on this journey of healthy living !

Instagram: @mrschocolate_persuasion

Blog: www.burstthephat.blogspot.com

Cherdrina before and after weight loss

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: Hannah lost 56 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Hannah lost 56 pounds.  This proud and petite single mom tried many methods to lose weight and had an unfortunate experience trying on clothes that was the last straw, opening the door for her to start her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hannah weight loss

Hello My name is Hannah Ngae (aka Noni). I was born in Kenya. I moved to this country when I was a little girl at 16 yrs old. Now, I’m a proud single mom of a two year old boy named Jordan.  A year ago, I weighed 199 lbs at only 5’2″ feet tall.  Today, I weight 143 lbs. I have lost 56 pounds. Before, I was depressed and stressed out. I tried all sorts of diets and pills but nothing seemed to work. In May of 2013, that’s when my life changed. I went to the store and tried on like 10 dresses and pants but nothing seemed to fit. I looked at myself in the changing room mirror and decided enough is enough. I won’t lie to you, I shed tears. I decided to give up everything and get committed with one goal. I always put God first in everything I do. I prayed and asked God to guide and walk with me during the start of my weight loss journey. May 1, 2013 I gave up sugar and white carbs. I started drinking lots of water and green smoothies. I started noticing a changes as my skin became smooth and soft. My stomach started disappearing as well. I was so exited because my friends started noticing my progress too. In that first month, I lost 8 pounds. I continued till I joined a gym on Nov 5th.

Magic started happening. I met a good friend who we became close. She trained me. We could spend hours at the gym. I did cardio mostly which made me shed all the weight. Elliptical is my best friend. It has flattened my tummy toned my bum and thighs.
I have left fast foods alone and I now make my own healthy meals. I always measure and weigh my foods regardless. I don’t do processed foods or fruits, I would rather spend millions buying fresh foods. I don’t eat rice now. I use quinoa instead, which I love. I take 5 meals a day, under 1200 calories total. I workout 7 or 6 days a week and sometimes go in at 4 am.  I do cardio for 30 minutes, stretch 15 minutes, lift weights and do another 15 minute of Cardio.

My Transformation has taken 1 year, and I’m not done yet. I’m just getting started. I have set a goal to loose 15 more pounds before August 15. Loosing weight has becoming Addicting to me and I’m so proud of how far I have come being that I’m a mom, student and also an employee.

Your health is one of the most important things in your life, and you really need to make time for it. I was too busy with things that ultimately didn’t matter to take care of myself, and I ended up being Obese. To change your weight you need to change many aspects of your life so that you can lean more towards healthy living. A big part of that is emotional well being and motivation. Recognize when you are eating out of habit not hunger. Learn to tell the difference between feelings satisfied and feeling stuffed. Get support from a partner or friend.  I advise every one to focus on what you want your life to look like not just your body. Never Give Up! It’s the easiest thing to do and then it becomes hard to regain the strength to loose all the weight over again.

Instagram: @NoniJordan

hannah before and after

3 Years Anniversary: Latese lost 135 and kept the weight off

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Shout out to Latese on her 3 Year Weight Loss Anniversary.  She began her journey 3 years ago and lost 134 pounds in 2 years.  She has kept the weight off for another year and even lost an additional pound!  Check out her update and new photos below:

“You know I love to keep y’all updated. I still love your page. I have been keeping my health up to parr this year.  In 3 years I’ve gone from a  size 28 to size size 6. I’m still eating clean and I love LA Fitness like it is home.

I currently weigh 135 pounds and what I have learned from the last year of maintaining my weight loss is that everyday is different but you have to remain consistent. There are loads of temptations but it is all a mind game. Making healthier choices is not expensive and I say that with full confidence as a mother of 4. I also utilize my kids as workout partners with hopes they never struggle with any weight issues.  You gotta EAT CLEAN and TRAIN MEAN! Invest in yourself because no one else will.”

Check out our original post about her weight loss journey for more info about how she lost the weight and additional photos.

Instagram: @yesheaux.denaeslays

Latese weight loss photos

 

 

Shonda lost 82 pounds

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Update Jan 2015 – Shonda lost 8 more pounds for a total of 90 pounds gone.  She says…
“The biggest lesson I learned was if you are not prepared mentally then there is no way you can succeed. Another lesson was learning to eat in moderation even when it came to healthy food. I stuck to my same regimen when it came to eating and exercising. Staying consistent is the key. I focused on eating lots of fruits veggies and proteins. I also incorporated running and weight training. My advice to those who are losing weight is never give up, don’t dwell on your bad days trust me we all have them, take lots of pics for motivation and want it more than you want to breathe!”

Shonda before and after

Original Story – July 2014

Let’s show some love to Shonda.  This super mom lost 82 pounds by changing her eating habits, exercising and learning what cheat foods worked for her.  Read her story and find out more about her journey:

ShondaJuly14blog

My motivation was my children and the fact that I was tired of being unhealthy! I changed my eating habits by limiting my portions, adding more healthy snacks and eating frequent small meals. I have learned how eat to live and not live to eat! My workout routines consist of kickboxing, Zumba, bootcamp and personal training 6 times a week! My starting weight was 260 pounds. My current weight is 178 pounds (I am 5’1″ tall). I started eating right in August 2013 and exercising in Oct 2014.

Eating wise, I do a lot of protein and veggies. I have replaced white rice with quinoa, cut back on carbs and on bad fats.  I replaced wheat and white bread with whole grain bread but I don’t eat it often. For healthy snacks, I do lots of fruits and my guilty pleasure is WhoKnew cookies lol! A typical day for me would be…

  • breakfast: 3 egg whites, salsa, turkey bacon and granola
  • snack: fruit
  • lunch: salad with tuna or chicken, lite dressing and some nuts
  • snack: fruit
  • dinner: fish or chicken and veggies

I don’t really do carbs at dinner but when I do I eat quinoa, snack nuts or granola or maybe a WhoKnew cookie lol!

The advice I have for others is be consistent, don’t quit even if you miss up and get rid of your excuses. Do the work! It took years, months, weeks, days, hours, mins and seconds to gain the weight. It is going to take all of that to finish! I am still on my journey and there is no turning back!

Instagram: @smccants32

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

Dee lost 156 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Dee who has lost 156 pounds and gone from a size 32 to a size 14-16.  She decided to have weight loss surgery so that she could be a healthy and happy mom for the long haul and decrease the possibility of dealing with a number of illnesses that run in her family.  We congratulate her! Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Dee weight loss surgery

Dee weight loss old pants
She can now fit into one leg of her old pants

I’m a 32 year old mother to two boys (11 and 13 years old). They were my motivation to lose weight. I want to be here to see them graduate and have families of their own. My mother’s side of the family suffers from diabetes; my mother, 2 aunts, 1 uncle and my late grandmother. I knew I would be at risk with me being overweight. My mother also suffered from high blood pressure and my daddy suffered from high cholesterol, so I knew of the risks I could possibly face having 1 or all 3 problems. Luckily, I did something about my weight before it got to the point of me having those problems. On 11/6/2013 I opted to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery. I swear that I tried everything before it resorted to this. I had no choice but to change my eating habits my new stomach pouch. It won’t let me eat certain foods like I use to, which in my case is a good thing. It actually keeps me balanced. For the 1st few months after surgery, I walked 30-45 minutes, 3 days a week. I’m now on the process of toning and dealing with all the extra skin I have cause it’s just about everywhere.  I had to cut out fried fatty foods but I do have a cheat meal twice a month (just being honest). Healthy eating gave me a whole new outlook on life and my health. With me having this surgery protein is the key. I eat Greek yogurt, more vegetables, chicken, turkey, seafood and I try to limit my carbs.

Luckily my insurance is covering my breast lift and a pannis removal (which is the extra skin that hangs below my private area…thank goodness for that…lol). My highest weight was 363 pounds. On the day of my surgery I was 345 pounds. As of today I’m 207 pounds and still counting (I’m 5″11). My transformation took 7 1/2 months. My advice to others wanting to lose weight by surgery, the old fashion way or however makes you happy know that it’s a lifestyle change anyway you look at it. I did it to be healthy and like a tattoo that I have says “Only God can judge me now!”.

Dee before and after Dee weight loss surgery

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Barbara lost 37 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Barbara lost 37 pounds.  I LOVE it when families support each other on this weight loss journey. Barbara’s story is a great example of that. Her daughter was a major contributor to her success story.  Here is what she shared with us: Barbara before and after Hello, my name is Barbara and I am on a journey to get fit. My journey began last year after I had surgery on my shoulder. My daughter, Anyika had started a Boot camp Fitness Class and thought the stretching exercises would help me. I am 5 ft tall and was weighing almost 170 pounds. I had gained up to 177 but I lost 10 lbs after my surgery. After working out for a few months, I learned I was type II diabetic and I panicked. By then my daughter, Anyika, got her Zumba certification. I started working out with her class and lost 25 lbs. I did her class 2 to 3 days a week if my back wasn’t hurting really bad. She always modified my workouts. I have been on all type of diets and exercise but with her class, meal planning and fitness tips, I have maintained my weight loss for over a year now.

I stopped binge eating and I always ate in the afternoon with no breakfast. Before, I had pancakes with fruit and lots of syrup with bacon, eggs and hash brown, pork chops, fried chicken for dinner. Now, its oatmeal with no sugar and fruit. I have a smoothie, veggies or fruit for snack or lunch and salmon, tuna or baked chicken for dinner with salad and lots of water. I juice a lot with Anyikas recipes. When the doctor said I was type 2 diabetic, I cut down on the sweets a lot. I learned to eat in small portions, with 3 to 4 meals a day including snacks of fruit or veggies.

I don’t have to take my high blood pressure pills anymore and I feel a lot better. My blood pressure was always high but now its normal. I have back problems but the stretching helps. My daughter has changed my life and my way of thinking. I am down to 140 pounds and I’m still counting down the pounds on this weight loss journey. My daughter Anyika’s class is called Zumba with A. Hunt Barbara weight loss success

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