African-american
Chéf Florine lost 53 pounds over 6 years.
} ?>Chef Florine is sharing her transition from 2006 to 2012. Slow and steady wins the race, right Sistas?!?!

She says, ” I started off at 270 now i weigh 217. I had a regular diet. Of course more like a lifestyle change. Eating habits changed and also working out as well. No gimmick diet either lol. I went from eating whatever to counting calories on the hour everyday. lol it was a huge challenge but i was determined. Im 217 today and i cant even remember the last time i weight this much. I used to work out everyday but now i workout at least 3-4 times a week. I go to the gym or i stay home and work on my insanity workout. This was life changing for me because everything i was used to doing i flipped and did the opposite… and thank you so much for replying i appreciate it. Anyway this story of mine could help others would be heart-touching!” You are touching hearts, Ms Chef!!!!! Thank you for sharing with us.
Courtney lost 210 pounds over 5 years!
} ?>I’m so happy to share Courtney’s story with you, Ladies. She lost 210 pounds over 5 years.

She says,”Hi Ladies, I decided to share my journey for those that have been in this battle for a long time and are possibly feeling discouraged. My before pictures are from March 2001. I was 23 years old, 400+ lbs and facing death by obesity. I chose Weight Watchers as my weapon in the battle and managed to lose 210 lbs in 5 years. The road got rocky after my initial success and I spent the next few years fighting a rebound gain and spinning my wheels.
Fast forward to May 2012. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis) and it turned my world upside down. After research and recommendations, I decided to experiment with the Paleo diet and see if it made a difference with my pain level and joint inflammation. My “experiment” has turned into a new way of life. I have lost 47 lbs in the last 4 months and more importantly, my pain has decreased tremendously. I still have a few bad days with RA, but life has definitely improved. Embracing the concept of whole foods and eliminating processed junk has been a godsend. I stay active with spin class, outdoor cycling and regular visits with my friend Gym. 🙂 I am also blessed with a support system that keeps me on track and offers unwavering encouragement.
Black Women, Don’t be Afraid to Lose that Booty
} ?>Today’s Inspiration | Don’t be afraid to lose that booty, Sistas! It’s not going anywhere. If you look at photos of black women from centuries back, the booty is there. If you look at sista’s on the mother continent who don’t eat a westernized diet, the booty is there. There are thousands of black women who have lost weight, but not the booty. Don’t let the fear of losing your God given curves stop you from losing the weight. God gave them to you and nothing can take your divine beauty from you. It’s more than just your figure.

Niecy is down 33 pounds and Loving it!
} ?>Let’s celebrate 33 pounds down with Niecey!

She says, “I am submitting my pic to show my progress. I started Weight Watchers last year but due to my crazy schedule I have managed to lose 33lbs total. However I have lost more inches then anything. I have lost 8.5 inches in my waist; 4.5 inches in bust; and 6 inches off my thights. I try to walk at letast 2 days a week and swim 2 to 3days a week. I also have a support system with close friends and family. The picture of me in the gray shirt is my before I started WW picture. The orange is my progess as of August 1, 2012” So proud of you, Niecey. Keep up the good work!!
Toi has gone from 235 to 190!
} ?>Much Love to BWLW online community member Toi T. She has gone from 235 to 190 with eating and exercise!

She says, “I started my weight loss journey feb 3, 2012 @ that time I weighed in at 235 pounds ! I am now at the current weight of 190 pounds and my goal weight is 150 or less by the summer of next year !!! My motivation for losing the weight is I got tired of other people talking about me and killing my self esteem in my face , asking me if I was pregnant and I haven’t had a baby in almost eight years and that was just the beginning !!! I take up to nine classes a week cardio combined with strength training, try to eat as heathy as possible , drink lots of water and snack on health treats !!! If I can do it anyone can do it and I am trying motivate everyone that reads this to try it and keep going until you succeed !!!! love you all” Much love to you too, Toi.
Congrats to Ashley on 79 lbs down
} ?>BWLW Facebook member Ashley lost 79 pounds and eating right was KEY!

She says, “I started my lifestyle change May of 2010 by January 2012 I was @ my 79 weight loss total. I changed my eating habits by cutting down my portion sizes and what I ate. I eat more fruits and veggies now and try not to eat after 7. I cut out junk foods and eat very little carbs. I also stopped drinking juices and sodas.I love drinking water especially with crystal light in them. I love eating foods that boost my metabolism. I also worked out every day. I think I’m where I want to be now weight wise. The way I keep it off is I still eat the same way I did to lose the way. I love my lifestyle change!” You look great, Girl!! Thank you for sharing your story.
Marci has gone from a size 18 to a size 10
} ?>BWLW Community Member, Marci has gone from a size 18 to a 10. http://blackwomenlosingweight.com/photo/from-an-18-to-a-size-10
She’s gone from 215 to 173!
She says, “I actually started making healthier food choices in Dec of 2011. In January I started working out. It is now August. I tell everyone it took me 9 mos to get rid of 50 LBS! Looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Most days, I eat veggies, lean protein, fruit and drink lots of water.

I did pretty much what we have been told for years.. Incorporate some type of activity 5-6 times a week. (For me, it was workouts at home via dvd.) Also eat your veggies and fruit. I still eat all of the things that I used to except for McDonald’s french fries. However, don’t ask me about the fries at Chic Fila! lol I don’t follow a strict plan for eating. If I want it I will eat it. I just know if I do, put in extra hard work the next day at the gym. Breakfast might be a GREEN SMOOTHIE or oatmeal and fruit. Lunch is fast food, which can be a JR Hamburger from Wendy’s with ketchup and lettuce and tomato and a side salad or baked potato or a sub from subway. Dinner is lean protein (chicken -oven fried Bobby Dean recipe) and sweet potato and veggies!! Lots of water. Honestly, I can’t tell you when I have a soda! I think it would burn a whole in my chest, if I did!” Great job, Marci!For more great before and afters and to connect with other black women who are losing the weight, visitwww.blackwomenlosingweight.com
Black Women Must Support Each Other on this Weight Loss Journey
} ?>Today’s Inspiration | African American women, Let ‘s support one another as we walk this journey to health together. You may not agree with another sista’s methods. You may feel that someone should work harder or is taking an easy route. This should not get in the way of us connecting and supporting each other.
We all have the right to make our choices and have them respected. We are smart women who know the benefits and negative points of the choices that have gotten us to this place in time in terms of out health. Let us lend an ear and share positive encouragement. Let us not be judgmental, but always willing to share our truths and hear the truths of others in kind. Let us see past our petpeeves and opinions to the real issues that our fellow sisters are dealing with and the support they need. Let us be open when our sista’s love feels like correction, but we really know it’s love.
BWLW is a community of like minded Black Women wanting to lose weight as part of their overall wellness goals. Let this be a place of unity and hope. A place of refuge for women who want to connect and share. – Ajima