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Nika lost 79 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Nika lost 79 pounds.  She focused on counting calories and regular exercise to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us”

Nika weight loss photos

“My starting weight was 247 pounds. I’m down to 168 pounds. It was a long road that has required me to finally address the issue at hand! I moved to another city to make more money, so of course I because comfortable with eating out 3-4 nights a week. I had no exercise in my daily routine what so ever. I would eat early or late, it didn’t matter. I didn’t even have to be hungry to eat, I ate just because. One day I decided to weigh myself and the number on the scale really surprised me. I knew I gained weight but I didn’t know how much because I stayed away from the scale for this very reason. I went into a major depression. The first week I lost 7 pounds because I barely ate. From then on I vowed to myself never to see that number again if I could help It. It took over two years for me to reach this point. I now workout At least 5 times a week. I try not to eat after 7 pm. I really don’t diet, I’m just conscious of the calories I eat. I do cheat at times, but I have to work harder when I do.”

How did you change your eating habits?

“I changed my eating habits by counting calories and being conscious of what I was consuming. I stopped the late night snacking. Now I consume more vegetables (trying to get full off of them). Salad and fruit has become my best friend.”

What do you do in terms of exercise?

“I go to zumba/hip hop fitness class or work out about 5 days a week, doing 20 minutes of cardio then hitting some weights.  Last but not least, I Do squats and lunges for the lower body. Even when I can’t make it to the gym or class, I go in my basement.  I pump up the music and work up a sweat by jumping rope, squats, weights for arms, lunges and planking for about 45 minutes.”

Janelle lost nearly 100 pounds

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Let’s show some love to proud mom Janelle.  She has lost approximately 100 pounds since June 2012 with calorie counting and by eating low carb.  She wrote in to share her photos and story with us:

Janelle weight loss photos

” I Wanted to share my progress with the group. I’ve released nearly 100 pounds, going from 315 pounds and now I weight 220 pounds. I cut out carbs & became more active with my children! They are the best lil calorie burners I know of. Lol!

I started my weight loss journey in June 2012. I originally started by counting calories on a mobile app called FatSecret and then graduated to the omission of carbs. The common name for the plan I follow is the 12 day diet. I eat 3 meals per day until I am full and have a cup of ruby red grapefruit juice with each meal. If I am feeling hungry between meals, I eat 2 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter or cinnamon toasted almonds.  I also consume a gallon of water each day. I have lost 100 pounds and gone from a size 26/28 to a thick size 16. My exercise regime includes playing with my children, walking, and swimming. I keep active because of my little ones. I have 3 children, ages 10 and under. They are my motivation, I plan on living to see them grow, create families of their own and then some!”

 

Beatrice lost 84 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Beatrice lost 84 pounds by working out and eating right.  She was inspired by her brother’s weight loss and decided to lose the weight after a wakeup call from her doctor.  Here is what she shared with us:

Beatrice weight loss story

“Hi, I would like to share my story. My name is Beatrice.  Exactly one year ago I started my weight loss journey. I went from 268 pounds to 184 pounds and from a size 24 to a size 10.  I did it by working out and eating right. I would love to be an inspiration to others.

My motivation was hearing the doctor tell me that I gained 40 pounds in five months. I couldn’t believe how that happened and was ashamed at myself. Also, my brother lost about 130 pounds and he motivated me.  I was also motived by being able to button a size 22 pants.

I stopped eating salt, fast food and processed sugar.  For exercise, I began walking around the park and playing tennis 4-5 times a week for the first 3 months. I lost 36 pounds.  Then, I joined a workout group at church where we do intense cardio classes 4 days a week.  The people there are so motivating.  Also, I lift weights at home and still play tennis during the day.

My advice to others is to have encouraging, motivating people around you. Keep a food journal so that you can monitor what you eat and how much you eat.  Also, drink lots of water and eat lots of protein. It’s hard work but at least you can say that you did it the right way and you will learn how to keep the weight off for good. It’s not just for the moment but it’s a lifestyle change.”

Keita lost 96 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Keita.  She lost 96 pounds by committing to working out and adopting a Raw Food Vegan lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Keita weight loss raw food

“Photos: Me at 286 pounds and now at 190 pounds. I began my journey at nearly 300 pounds. I was sick all the time and decided that enough was enough. My doctor suggested that I have weight loss surgery and I agreed, but my insurance said they needed documented proof that diet and exercise didn’t work before they would approve it.  I searched and got a gym.  I was ok with any gym because I knew it wouldn’t work.  However, I stumbled across Jungle Gym and it changed my life. They helped me find the right diet.  For me that was the Raw Food [Vegan] Diet.  They also helped me with figuring out what exercise worked for me. I have gained confidence, not only to meet my weight loss goals or to compete, but most importantly to face any challenge in life. I look forward to finally losing another 25 pounds and sharing those pictures with you too.”

Check out her video for more info on her transformation (from June 2013):

Mia lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Mia lost 58 pounds. She created a Facebook page to keep herself accountable  by publicly documenting her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

Mia weight loss photos

Hello, my name is Mia. My motivation for losing weight came in 2011 after I had fallen up concrete steps while walking to my car on campus. I was at my highest weight of 239lbs (first picture), and it was a struggle for me to get up off the ground. Needless to say, I was completely embarrassed because of the fall and because of my size. It was that day that I decided to do something about my weight. That evening, I walked for 30 minutes on the track at our local YMCA while my son was taking swimming lessons. I gradually incorporated other exercise workouts (Leslie Sansone, Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser workouts) into my at-home regimen and changed the way I was eating by watching my portions. The weight slow came off. The majority of my weight loss took place this year when I made a commitment to hold myself accountable by creating a Facebook page documenting my journey and my efforts to eat clean the majority of the time. Along with clean eating, I challenged myself to train for a 5K and completely it successfully in June of 2013 while weighing over 200lbs. I was determined to prove to myself that even though I was overweight, I could still run. To avoid getting bored with my routine, I began doing P90X and swimming 5 days a week. Along with clean eating, the weight began to fall off at a steady pace.

I went from a size 20 to a size 10 and am down to 181lbs and still working hard to achieve a healthier weight. I document my progress by taking before/after pictures on a regular basis. I have been successful on my journey because of my strong faith in God, supportive family and friends, and determination! My advice to others who want to lose weight is to start small by setting realistic goals, change your eating habits, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, join a weight loss support group (either in your community or online), and track your progress so that you can visualize what works and what needs improvement. The main thing is to realize that you can do it! I have never felt this level of happiness and peace in my life!  On my Facebook page, I share recipes that I try weekly! Here’s the link: facebook.com/miasfitnessjourney

Mia weight loss story

Inspirational Weight Loss Story: Diona lost 67 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Diona lost 67 pounds.  This amazing cancer survivor lost weight in the past but had to adopt high calorie eating to deal with the effects of cancer treatment.  Thus, she gained weight again after treatment.  She took charge of the circumstances she was dealing with and made lifestyle changes to reach the level of wellness she shines with today.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

Diona weight loss success story

“It’s funny that my first memory of knowing how much I weighed was in the 6th grade when my brother came home from basic training. He said “I can look at you and tell you weigh 200 pounds.” It wasn’t in a mean way. He was more so trying to show that he could lift me, while proving that he was strong after his military training. Throughout the years, I knew that I was overweight. But, it didn’t really bother me. I’d always been that way. It didn’t stop me from being popular, accomplishing personal goals, joining a sorority, etc. By the time I finished my MBA, I weighed 368 pounds. I tried a variety of diets, both physician supervised and alone, and finally got to 220 pounds. I was comfortable there – for a while.

4 years ago, I got diagnosed with non-Hodgin’s Lymphoma. Immediately, I went from 220 to 206. My oncologist told me to “ignore all food rules”. She said that it was imperative that I eat what I can, when I can. A year of chemotherapy and radiation was not the time to lose weight. I was very sick for a year and even the thought or smell of food would make me sick. So, I lived off of popsicles, ice cream, and other foods high in carbs/calories.

I survived and continued to eat the same way. Slowly, I crept back up to 289 pounds. I was so happy to be alive, I was LIVING, eating, and drinking. I knew I’d gained weight. But, I felt it was like 20 pounds or so. It wasn’t until an occluded artery, resultant from my cancer treatment, sent me to the ER that I got on a scale and I was devastated. How did I let myself get back to almost 300 pounds? More importantly, how was I going to get it off?

I tried all of my old tricks, no carbs, no soda, no this, no that. I’d lose a pound or two. But, nothing significant. I started going to the gym to sit in the sauna. One of the side effects of my occluded artery is that my face and arms retained water. So, that was the easiest way I knew to sweat. Then, my dog was hit by a car. At that point, I didn’t want to go home because there was no one there. So, I started actually doing some cardio at the gym and trying to stay there until it closed. Frustrated, because I didn’t really know what to do, I cut off my cable, made some other financial adjustments, and signed up with a personal trainer.

When we began to work out, he asked “What is your goal?” My response “To get back into my black dress.” If you would have told me in June that I’d be back in my black dress TODAY I wouldn’t have believed you. The weight I gained is off and I am well on my way to being smaller than I’ve ever been – including in the 6th grade.

This time around, there were no tricks, no supplements, no doctors. Just me, my trainer, the gym, and my favorite – the gold old outdoors. He told me my body would respond well to working out outside and I didn’t believe him. Now, I crave it. We do old fashioned stuff; jumping jacks, leg lifts, jogging, knee-ups, etc. I eat regular food but find myself watching what I put in my mouth because I know how hard my workouts are. It’s funny that people always ask “What are you doing?” then they seem upset when I say “Working out and eating less.” But, it’s the truth. I work out with my trainer 4 to 5 times per week. I do cardio at least twice a week. I try to rest on Sundays. But, I have so much energy now and I’m so happy that I always find myself doing something, even if it’s walking the mall to shop for my new body.

The last thing that I will say is I can definitely tell a difference between diet and diet AND exercise. Although my weight is 2 pounds more than before, I am a full dress size smaller.”

Diona before and after

Cawaynna lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Cawaynna wrote to us to share her weight loss journey.  She’s lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery and has provided a lot of details and a video gallery of her progress (below).

Cawaynna weight loss surgery

“I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery on October 24, 2012. On the day of the surgery, I was 277 pounds, but at my highest weight I was 293 pounds. I now weigh around 204 pounds. I was borderline diabetic and having problems keeping up with my toddler son.  I was also constantly getting depressed because of my weight and depressed about my overall appearance. I chose to have surgery after countless tries with other weight loss options, such as; Weight Watchers twice, Slim Fast multiple times, weight-loss pills, diet shakes and etc. The weight loss surgery is only a tool and it isn’t a permanent fix! It doesn’t work for some people because they believe it is a permanent fix and they don’t use it as a tool like they should. I still have to work out and there are foods that I’m unable to eat, but it’s all worth it because of the way I now feel and look. I went from a size 26 to now in between sizes 12 & 14.

Cawaynna weight loss storyThe picture where I’m in the green tank top with a pink head rap, was taken the October 23, 2012, a day before surgery.  The one where I’m in the flower printed dress is from June 8, 2013 (my birthday) and the one where I’m in a tube grey skirt are from September 26, 2013. The one where I’m in a white dress and jean jacket is from June 2, 2012.”

What was your motivation?

“My motivation for losing weight is and always have been my son. If your not going to change for yourself, at least try to change for the ones you love. I try to work out three to four times a week when I have the time. If I can’t get in a run outside for an hour or a walk, I do cross-training videos inside the house. You can find some on YouTube. I also use 5 lb weights for my arms and stomach exercises. I no longer eat red meat and have cut back on the pork products. I don’t eat bread unless it’s wheat and toasted. I have about 2 protein shakes a day, I use EAS. I don’t drink sodas and most high sugar drinks. This is all according to my surgery diet that I must follow.”

What is your advice to others trying to lose weight?

Cawaynna weight loss surgery“The advice that I want to give to those who are trying to lose weight is, do what you think you have to do to lose the weight. As long as it’s safe, do it. If I would have listened to those who didn’t want me to get the surgery, I still would be unhappy and struggling to lose the weight. I’m certain of that. And…you have to want to lose the weight for your health and not for others or how others may see you. Meaning, don’t lose weight because a man or woman might find you more attractive.  Those are extras that come with losing weight for yourself and for your own happiness. In the end, make sure your praying also, keeping yourself in the word and use God as your guide through your journey, because your going to need him.  My YouTube channel is Divadiordoll and Instagram @Divadiordoll”

Check out this video of her progress!

Bev lost 79 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Bev lost 79 pounds and is now a Zumba instructor.  In 2 years, this proud mom of three has gone from a size 26 to a size 8.  Read her story and find out how she did it:

Bev weight loss story

“My name is Bev and I have lost 79 pounds! When I turned 37, God blessed me with another little Boy (my older children were 22 and 18 at the time). I was too big to chase after the little guy, once he started walking. I decided to change my eating habits, and start working out. It has been a slow process, as I have been on this weight loss journey for 2 years.I keep a watchful eye in my portions, and have banned sugar from my household. I love to experiment with fresh produce.

My workouts are hard…I make them that way because I love to sweat now..lol.  In the beginning, I started going to the gym with my sister. Now at first, I wanted to kill her, because my first class was a Spin Class. I think that I may have cursed her the entire class!  I then started going to Boot Camp classes; where I met some pretty amazing people! They encouraged me to keep working out and eating better. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Eventually, I became a Gym Rat, hitting the gym as much as 6 days a week. Sometimes, I would go twice a day.  My classes consisted of: Boot Camp, Weight Lifting, Kickboxing, spinning, and ZUMBA! I loved Zumba so much, that I became a Licensed Instructor. I don’t get to go to the gym too much any more, so I walk when I can. I usually walk 5 miles and do some type of strength training 4-5 days a week. My strength training consists of LOTS of planks, abs, and squats (my fave) And if its raining, I practice Zumba. I’m constantly moving!  My starting weight was 244 pounds and in a size 26. I am now 165 pounds and in a size 8.

Slow and steady wins the race. We must LEARN how to live a healthier lifestyle. Don’t give up, and don’t make excuses! I have a small group here on FB, and U encourage others to live as healthy as they possibly can. It’s called WE WALK, because not everybody can Zumba, or do Boot Camps…but we can walk, and just 10 mins a day does wonders!  If I could give ANY advice…it would be to learn about your body. Learn what obesity is doing to your body. Keep a great support system, and most of all; LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO CHANGE YOUR HABITS! I loved myself back then…but I love myself enough to NEVER go back!”

Crystal lost 30 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Crystal lost 30 pounds.  Her photos show that you don’t have to lose 100 pounds to transform your body.  Working our regularly, building muscle and eating clean are key.  Here is her story:

Crystal weight loss photos

What was your motivation?

“At first I wanted to lose weight because I was tired going up in sizes and not being able to wear my old clothes. After researching the health benefits of weight loss, I started to do it for my health. There are a lot of obesity related diseases that are common in my family and I refuse to be the next victim.”

How did you change your eating habits?

“At first I thought I could keep the same diet and just exercise…NOT TRUE. I had to cut out sugar, fast food, fried food, and learn how to eat clean. Now, I only eat lean protein, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and I drink a gallon of water a day. I try to eat about 5 small meals of day without snacking in between. I’ve been drinking Shakeology for about a year now, and that really helps me fight cravings for junk food and desserts. I’m also a green tea lover so I drink about 2 cups of tea a day.”

What did your workout routines look like?

“I get bored with workouts very easily so I like to switch up my routine. I lift weights 5 days a week, do cardio 2-3 days a week, and I rest one day week. I do home workout DVDs due to my busy schedule, but I also run outdoors to change the scenery from time to time.”

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
“I started out at 165 lbs and I’m currently 135 lbs.”

How long did your transformation take?
“My transformation took about 7 months. It could have taken less time if I would have changed my diet in the beginning. The first 2 months were mostly trial and error.”

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be patient. The results will come as long as you put in the hard work. It’s also important to challenge yourself. I always try to push myself to go a littler harder, to lift a litter heavier, to not take so many breaks when jogging. It will pay off in the end. Trust me!

Crystal weight loss story

Crystal lost 35 pounds

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Crystal wrote to us to share that she’s lost 35 pounds.  This proud mom of 3 lost the weight after being a food addict as a result of dealing with very hard and painful things in her past.  Here is her weight loss story:

Crystal weight loss photos

“I have been plus size (size 16W-18W) for a while now.  I have even advocated to ladies in my area to love themselves, no matter what size they are. I was in denial about my own size and even though my self esteem was always high, I just felt like crap physically.

This year, I was involved in a car accident, that left me with injuries to my back and my legs were constantly feeling numb. I accepted the fact that I am overweight, and tired of being sick and tired. That was when I decided I would do something about it after healing from the injuries.

After the accident, I had to do some deep soul searching, and in the meantime I read some really helpful material on how to deal with a painful past, and forgiving others. It was then that I realized that I had a food addiction, and I turned to food after dealing with a very hard situation in my life as a child.

Food was my drug of choice and I ate constantly, any and everything.

I have been so busy changing my lifestyle by eating healthy foods, and exercising, that I decided not to publish my online newspaper anymore (Cincinnati Defender). It took up too much of my time. I am a mother to three children ages 17, 8, and 7, plus I work a normal job in addition to being a publisher I had to decide between catering to the community, and catering to my health.

In three months, I lost 35lbs, no weight loss surgery. I changed what I ate and the portions I ate. I made better food choices, and increased my water intake from maybe 6 glasses a day to 2 gallons a day.  I exercised 4-5 times a week. I am still on this journey, and now encouraging others to do the same thing. Now, I have a total of about 45 more pounds to lose.”