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Charlette lost 100 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Charlette lost 100 pounds. This mom was dealing with serious knee issues and high blood pressure and wanted to avoid a family history of diabetes. She hit the treadmill, despite her knee problems, and worked to change her eating habits. Check out what she shared about her journey.

Charlette

I started my weight loss journey in 2015. My starting weight was 263 pounds and I was suffering from high blood pressure. I was also borderline for developing diabetes, which I didn’t want to have and which runs in my family on both sides of my family tree. I have lost a total of 100 pounds and I’ve reached my goal weight of 163 pounds.

I first reduced my calories and started walking everyday on my treadmill, with 2 bad knees which I suffered from since 2001. I have had 2 knee scopes on both knees, and was told by my doctor to lose weight to help relieve the pain. At first, I didn’t want to listen or believe it would help, but yes losing weight has improved my knee pain (but hasn’t taken it away completely).

I walked on my treadmill 3-4 days a week, getting up at 4 a.m. each morning before my three kids got up for school. Then later on in the day, I would walk at the park with my hubby on late nights and weekends. This weight loss was all done from home. I couldn’t afford gym membership and didn’t have anyone to watch my kids.

I changed my eating habits to fresh fruits and veggies and cut back on breads and sweets. Then, I put the free MyPlate app on my mobile phone to count my calories. I still use this app to this day and I still count calories to stick with my goal of 1200 per day.

My transformation took a year and a half to reach. My height is 5’6″. I was wearing a size 22-24 and now wear a size 12 in clothing. I haven’t worn this size since my high school days.

In the past, I was suffering from depressing which would stir up from my little girl getting burned during an accident that happened in 2011. Now, my thoughts have changed and I feel I am more focused and happier with myself and my life,

I want to encourage anyone that’s suffering and wanting to change. Its very possible with motivation and mindset change. I am available for anyone that’s in need of help with weightless.

Instagram: @charlet4801

charlette before and after

Rahab lost 73 pounds

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Rahab lost 73 pounds. Not being able to fit into a Christmas gift that she loved was the catalyst for our Kenyan sista’s weight release journey. Clean eating, regular exercise and being aware of calories in and calories out were key to her success. Check out what she shared with us.

rahab weight loss

Starting weight: 90KGS (198.4 pounds)
Current weight: 57KGS (125.6 pounds)
Staring point: I started my journey in December 2014.

What was your motivation?
My turning  point was December 26, 2014. A friend sent me an adidas jacket as a gift, but to my disappointment the jacket wouldn’t close when I tried it on. I got very angry because I really liked the jacket, so I told myself that I gotta do what I have to do to lose the excess pounds. I was tired of buying bigger and bigger clothing each time and really wanted to fit into size 8 or size 10 shorts. The adidas jacket motivated me to work hard and fit in it. Also, I joined an FB group for women who were working  to lose weight and keep fit.

How did you change your eating habits? What did you do in terms of exercise?
I learned to eat clean and exercise. I totally went cold turkey on sugar, wheat and alcohol. Today, I still eat wheat but in minimal amounts. (Maybe once to twice a week, but sometimes I eat none at all.) I stopped processed foods. Instead, I eat tons of vegetables, greens, fruits and complex carbohydrates.

I worked out 4 times a week. Mainly, I was walking and working to burn at least 500 to 600 calories a day (or 300 calories on a bad day). Its all about calories in and calories out.I did squats, skipping and sit ups. Now, I’m lifting weights to tone up.

What advice would you share with other ladies who want to lose weight?
My advice to others who are on their fitness journey, I say eat in moderation but know when to say NO. One should incorporate cheat days and times when she is able to let loose  a little and enjoy without being so caught up on how many calories a doughnut has.

Tekora lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tekora lost 70 pounds. This Alpha Kappa Alpha soror was diagnosed with hypertension and could not want to imagine a lifetime of relying meds. She knew that through better eating habits and lots of exercise, she could better her health. That led her to join a supportive local dance fitness class. Today, she has lost the pounds and is inspiring others to do the same through dance. Check out her story.

tekora weight loss story

I have always been a “big girl.” For me it was my norm. It wasn’t until 2010 that I realized my norm was affecting my health. During a visit with my doctor, I was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension. The doctor wanted to prescribe high blood pressure medication, but I refused. I could not imagine being in my 30s and having to rely on a pill for the rest of my life. One thing that caused me to raise an eyebrow was that the doctor never said being 293 pounds wasn’t healthy or spoke to whether my weight was contributing to my high blood pressure.

I knew I needed to lose weight, eat better and get active, but I didn’t know where to start. I weighed 293 pounds at 5’9″ and hadn’t been in a gym since college, but I knew I needed to take control of my life. On the first day, I went to the gym and heard music coming from the group exercise room. My curiosity caused me to go in… The rest is history.

During my first fitness class it was filled with music, movement, and fun! It didn’t feel like a workout. I committed to working out two days a week. It made me feel energized. I felt like I could do this! I connected with other women who were starting there fitness journey with dance fitness. It started to be more than a class. It was an accountability circle.

70 pounds later (and lighter), I decided to create Curvy Rhythms by Tekora to inspire others to get up and start moving. I know what it did for me and I want to help others realize fitness can be fun.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by making sure that 75% of the food I eat comes from the produce section. I also ate 6 times a day, starting at 8am. This required planning! Sundays became my meal prep day. I stopped eating the whites: bread, salt and sugar. It was also important to find substitutions. For example, I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with flavored sparkling water. If I took a food away, I replaced it with a healthier option.

How often do you workout now?
I’m committed to working out no less than 4 days a week (2 days cardio and 2 days of weight training). Additional days are a bonus. After I started my healthier living journey, I wanted to show and encourage Black women to get up and start moving. That’s why I stared my dance fitness class.

How long did your transformation take?
3-4 months.

 

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It is all about mindset. You have to be mentally prepared to change your eating and fitness habits. Be realistic, be patient with yourself, and remember healthy is a lifestyle… not a size.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CurvyRhythmsbyTekora
Instagram: @curvyrhythmsbytekora

tekora before and after

Tiffany lost 141 pounds

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Update Feb 2017: Tiffany is still going strong and has maintained her weight loss. She shared with how consistently making small, healthy lifesytle changes has been key to her success.

tiffany weight loss

I would say that now I focus less on losing weight and more on creating and maintaining lifestyle changes (which I would say is my greatest lesson from this journey). Focusing on small, everyday changes takes the pressure off that comes with focusing on losing weight. I meal prep and plan dishes for the week. I look for healthy recipes that are more appetizing to keep me from craving fast food. On an average day, I do not eat meals after 7 pm. I have also cut out some of the major carbs, like breads and pastas. I do eat them occasionally but I don’t have them on a daily basis. Walking has helped me maintain my weight, but I working on increasing my cardio. I would say to anyone that losing weight is not easy, no matter what method you choose. There will be times when you make mistakes, but as long as recognize them and try to make small, healthier changes daily, you will reach your goal.

Transformation of the Day: Tiffany lost 141 pounds. After she gave birth, her daughter was hospitalized for over a year. The stress of this and poor eating habits caused the weight to pile on. After trying many weight loss plans over the years, she opted for weight loss surgery. Check out what she shared about her journey.

tiffany weight loss story

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
At birth, my daughter was hospitalized for over year. During that time, I gained about 130 lbs from eating fast food every single day. From 2007 until July 2014, I tried every diet plan and I was unsuccessful with every one of them. One day, I was sitting at home and I began watching a TV show called “My 600 Lbs Life”. That show inspired me to have weight loss surgery. Knowing just how happy I was before I gained all the weight motivated me to want to get back to a healthy life. I had RNY gastric bypass in July 2014.

How did you change your eating habits?
After I had surgery, my food intake was very limited. I don’t eat fried foods because it makes me nauseous. I cut out bread completely. Now, I eat more fresh, home prepared dishes. My crock pot has become my main source of cooking. I also notice that I crave more fruits and veggies now. I rarely like going to restaurants, because I’m so used to home cooked meals that take out seems bland and unappetizing.

What did your workout routines look like?
On my journey to lose weight, I worked out twice a week, nothing too strenuous. I do mainly Cardio in the form of walking and brisk jogging for 30 minutes.

Starting weight/Current weight/Height
My starting weight was 327 pounds.
My current weight is 186 pounds.
Height: 5’6″

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took about a year and half. I am currently still losing weight.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t be afraid to explore other weight loss option.

Facebook and Instagram: Mzz Lewis

Natalie lost 84 pounds with surgery.

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Natalie lost 84 pounds with weight loss surgery and portion control.  She was suffering with health issues, like sleep apnea, knee issues and diabetes.  Her health has improved and she’s feeling blessed.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

natalie before and after

I weighed about 320 pounds in February 2014. I cut back on my food portions and lost 10 lbs, but still had too much weight on me. I also had health problems, like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, knee problem and others. I decided to have a weight loss surgery.

I lost another 20 lbs before having gastric bypass surgery on September 2014. After the surgery, my diabetes and sleep apnea improved. I lost 54.4 lbs in six months. I’ve lost a total of 84.4 lbs in 1 year (height: 5’2″). I feel and look so much better. I did this for me because I want to be around here for a long time. This has been a struggle but the results keep a smile on my face and the pounds keep melting away.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by cutting down on portions by using a child’s plate instead of a regular plate. I also started eating more fruits and vegetables and stopped eating sweets and drinking soda.

What did your workout routines look like?
Because of a previous knee replacement surgery, I work out in the pool exercising 3 days a week from 45 min to 1 ½ hour. I also have exercise programs, like Biggest Loser, that I do daily from 15 min to 30 min.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I would advise others to start eating healthy and exercising daily to reduce excess fat.

Instagram: @MISSPASTOR