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Natisia lost over 200 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Natisia shared her weight loss journey, detailing the ups and downs she overcame while losing over 200 pounds. Since 2011, she has studied health and nutrition, transformed her eating habits, and committed to fitness. 

Natisia before and after

Social Media:
Instagram: @Herbalife_TravelNurse_GOD_1st
Facebook Page
TikTok: travelnursemealprepnmore

What was your motivation?
My motivation is my kids. I weighed 427 pounds and had t get my niece or other people’s kids to play with my kids because I couldn’t. Obesity runs in my family. My grandmother weighed over 500 pounds. I knew her struggle, so I didn’t want to go through that. 

How long did your transformation take?
I’ve lost weight and gained it so many times, trying to find what is best for me because everybody is different. I got down to 182 pounds [total lost: 245 pounds], got pregnant, went back up to 280 pounds, had the baby, and got back down to 200 lbs. I started this whole journey in 2011. By 2015, I got a panectomy, an arm lift, and a breast lift because of the skin.

Then, I got pregnant again in 2020 and lost that child, which is my only daughter. Six months later, I was pregnant again (another boy), and now I have a 1-year-old. 

I got up to 305 pounds, and now I’m losing it again. I am almost 260 pounds now. My goal is to get down to 190 lbs and have a BBL and tummy tuck that I already booked for next year.

Natisia before and after weight loss

How did you change your eating habits?
I started by cutting out all fried foods, sodas, snacks, and bad carbs. After doing all that, I incorporated shakes and began joining challenges, whether it was walking or taking the steps (because I lived in apartments). 

Initially, my shakes were Slim-Fast, but there were only three flavors, and I got tired. So I switched to Beachbody, and the shakes were nasty to me. Then I switched to Herbalife. Ever since I’ve been with Herbalife, I’ve learned more and gained more nutrition knowledge. I even became a certified nutritionist and certified health coach. 

I love donuts, pizza, and waffles, so with the shake mix, I made everything I wanted (foods that, in the past, would have messed up my eating habits). I detox once a week and meditate to refocus my brain, etc. 

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine was walking every evening for about three months. I lost almost 80 lbs and began incorporating workout programs. I started doing P90X with Beachbody. I completed the program, losing a hundred pounds, so I kept going. 

What is your height?
My height is 5’4″.

Natisia lost over 200 pounds

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to starve myself because I did that for a while, and the scale didn’t move. Sometimes it’s best to focus on non-scale victories because you can work out so hard all week, get on the scale and see that it didn’t move…which can cause you to be discouraged.

 I’ve also learned to do what’s best for me because what works for another person may not work for me. Again, I’m speaking from experience. Also, I learned to lift weights because if I had started lifting weights in the beginning, I probably wouldn’t have had to get the skin surgery.

What advice would you like to share?
Join groups and always educate yourself. Read as much as possible, so if anyone tells you something, nine times out of 10, you will have already read it. 

Listen to your health coach or doctor but also listen to your body. Don’t get so caught up in cardio and forget that weightlifting is for fat loss, and cardio is for weight loss. Think about fat loss on this journey more than weight loss because long as you’re losing fat, you’re losing weight.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Weight loss surgery has never been a part of my journey, but I am getting gastric bypass surgery next year since every time I get down to my goal weight, I get pregnant. My doctor told me if I get the gastric bypass, I won’t have to worry about gaining as much weight if I ever get pregnant again. I’m also getting a BBL and tummy tuck next year in Miami. I don’t want to pay for all that and gain the weight back. 

I’ve educated myself so much in this journey, and I’m actually in school now to become an RN because I love what I do. This journey also pushed me to open up my recovery care business because I know a lot about surgeries, so now I travel and help dolls around the world. 

Karen lost 112 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Karen lost 112 pounds. As a Registered Nurse, she wanted to live an authentically healthy lifestyle and overcome depression and emotional eating. She gave us the details of her two-year journey, which includes transitioning from low-carb/high-protein to Vegan and opening a Fitness & Cycle Studio.

Karen before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @knock_out100
Facebook: knock_out100

My name is Karen Oliver. All my life, as far back as I can remember, I have always had a love/hate relationship with food. As a result, my weight would always fluctuate. I secretly battled emotional eating and binge eating for years. Whenever I felt stressed or depressed, my weight would increase. However, I love cardio-related exercise, so I could always manage to lose any excess weight. 

This all changed in 2013 when my mother lost her 10-year battle with cancer. I was working as a Cancer/Oncology Nurse and felt lost and empty. I went into a deep depression for two years, and my emotional eating became out of control. My weight reached an all-time high, and my health reached an all-time low. I became pre-diabetic, developed high blood pressure, and had chronic knee pain. I knew it was time to make a change.

What was your motivation?
I never wanted to be a hypocrite. It was and still is so very important for me to be authentic. I did not want to continue living an unhealthy lifestyle and then at the same time work as a Registered Nurse…a Cancer nurse at that. It was my job to try to save lives, and I was slowly killing myself. I was literally disgusted with myself. I knew I had to make a change quick, fast, and in a hurry.

Karen before and after weight loss

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
When I found myself getting really down, I would watch motivational shows or listen to motivational speakers. I think I have watched and re-watched every episode of The Biggest Loser, Fat Chance, My 600 lb Life, and Extreme Weight Loss. 

I loved to look at before and after photos of women who were just like me and successfully lost weight. I was so tired of taking before pictures. I wanted to take an after photo and be successful also. Also, I only associated with people that encouraged me to be the better version of myself.

How did you change your eating habits?
I learned to hate what is bad (as the scripture Amos 5:5 highlights). I gave up all the foods I overindulged in (the foods that led to my 100-pound weight gain). I hated what they did to me, and I didn’t touch them for close to 2 years. 

I was a bariatric RN case manager at the time, so I also followed the same diet that I encouraged my patients to follow. (1-2 premier protein meal replacement shakes per day with a low-carb/high-protein meal for dinner). 

I lost 100 pounds by following a low-carb/high-protein meal plan. I have maintained my weight loss for the last five years by following a Plant-based/whole food/Vegan lifestyle.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I joined a female gym and had the opportunity to train with two incredible female trainers. They were a mother/daughter duo who specialized in High-Intensity Interval Training. They kicked my butt, literally. I attended class/therapy 3-4 times per week and fell in love with HIIT workouts. They also helped me re-establish my passion for running, and most importantly, I found my strength. I will forever be grateful to my trainers for their expertise and the personal interest they showed me when I needed it the most. 

What was your starting weight? 254 pounds

What is your current weight? 142 pounds

What is your height? I’m 5’0″.

How long did your transformation take?
It took almost two years.

Karen lost 112 pounds

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I had dedicated my entire life to caring for others while slowly neglecting myself and my health. I have learned that I deserve the same love and consideration that I would give to others. 

Once I began to see my value thru my own eyes, I was unstoppable. Five years later, I am still unstoppable. I stand ready and willing to do whatever it takes to present the best version of me at all times. I have also learned that when tragedy strikes, instead of GIVING UP as I did in the past, I have learned to GROW UP. Grown and mature people may experience pain, but they push thru. They let their experiences shape them, not break them.  

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Prayer is powerful. When I feel anxious or stressed, I pray instead of looking for food for comfort and relief. Surround yourself with people who have the same goals that you have and can give you the ultimate amount of support. 

I am proud to say I have found my tribe/squad and we inspire and uplift each other regularly. We Ride or Die for each other physically and emotionally. We have the privilege of riding together every Monday and Wednesday morning at 5:15 am. Each class is like a party, so I never feel like I am teaching.

I have no regrets. My pain and my struggles have made me who I am today. Now, I am proud to stand before others as a Registered Nurse, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, and a Certified Group Fitness/Kickboxing/Cycle instructor. My journey helped me become a small business owner, and I had the privilege of opening my own boutique: Knockout 100 Fitness & Cycle Studio.

Shanisha lost 133 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Check out this update from Shanisha. She has worked hard to lose 133 pounds. We’ve followed her journey since Sept 2021, when she shared how she lost 50 pounds before VSG surgery. She is truly committed to healthy eating habits and exercise, crediting her trainer for helping her get results.

Shanisha before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @shanisha_weightloss

What is your current weight?
My current weight is 241 pounds as of today.

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight? 
I continue to meal prep my foods and eat 1200 calories a day. I noticed during this journey that when my body is under stress, my weight will stall. So I make sure that I eat all three of my meals and two snacks in between my meals. 

I work out five days a week, including three days with my personal trainer. Without my trainer, I wouldn’t be 133 pounds down.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Shanisha (@shanisha_weightloss)

Which of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey stands out the most at this point?
I have learned that it’s very easy to regain weight after it’s gone. I also learned to eat sweets one day a week and how to hold myself accountable for everything. 

Losing weight is not an easy task. Don’t ever think it’s easy to lose weight. It was easy putting the weight on and very hard to take it off. Since I have been on my weight loss journey, I have lost my relationship of 12 years. The goals you want for yourself may not be the goals someone else wants for you. 

I’m learning how to be by myself again, work two jobs, be a full-time mother, work out, and continue to lose weight. I didn’t know that my life and body would change so much. I’m learning new things every day on this journey. I have turned my heartbreak into my source of energy.

I’m not done yet. I have another 61 pounds to lose, and I will hit my 180-pound mark no matter what.

Read more about her transformation journey.

Mo lost 30 pounds

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Update April 2021: In 2014, Monica started her transformation journey and lost 30 pounds in six months. She’s worked very hard to maintain her success over the years. Check out her update.

Monica before and after weight loss

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this pandemic without access to a gym has been a huge adjustment. Fortunately, we’ve remained consistent and disciplined with home workouts and clean nutrition. Being home 24/7 has allowed me to be very creative in the nutrition area. I’m maintaining and looking forward to the day to return to the gym. 

What is your current weight?
Current weight: 162 pounds
Highest weight 184 pounds (43 years old)

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I do cardio 3-4 times per week (walking, HIIT, or peloton bike) and weight training three times a week. I also track my macros, drink a gallon of water each day, and get 6-8 hours of sleep daily.

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most at this point?
Always make changes that are sustainable for a lifetime and stay consistent—no quick fixes or gimmicks. 

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
Remember, it’s a lifestyle, so don’t beat yourself up over a bad day. Take one day at a time and stay consistent. Don’t let one day turn into a week, month, or year. @teamblacklifestyle

Originally posted in 2016 – Transformation of the Day: Mo lost 30 pounds in 6 months and has kept it off for 2 years. She and her husband started their fitness journey together, but realized that their exercise efforts were being sabotaged by bad eating habits. Once she committed to healthy eating, the results were undeniable. Check out what she shared with us.

mo before and after

My name is Mo. I’m a 38 year old mother (15 yr old) and wife (6yrs). I decided in 2014 that I needed to recommit to a healthier lifestyle after reaching my highest weight of 184 pounds. My husband and I worked out faithfully but our eating habits were preventing us from reaching our fitness goals. I decided that I really needed to buckle down on my eating habits and stop wasting my time in the gym. I was so tired of losing and regaining the weight over the years. We had to take a long hard look at ourselves and start to practice what we preach.

It took me 6 months to lose 30 pounds and I’ve maintained the weight loss for almost 2 years. I’m 5′ 4″ tall and my current weight is 155 pounds. Losing weight is the easy part, because the real battle is maintaining that weight loss and continuing to live a healthy lifestyle. I’m so happy that I’m finally back to my pre-marriage weight and I feel great. My goal is to continue to living a healthy lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same.

How did you change your eating habits?
Mainly, I gave up the frequent happy hours. Margaritas were my favorite drink. I started to eat clean and meal prep on a regular basis because when you are eating out you tend to make unhealthy choices. Even when choosing “healthy” options on a menu, you don’t really know how the food is prepared.

What did your workout routine look like?
We workout out 5-6 days per week doing a combo of cardio and strength training. I’m a runner, so initially I did running for cardio. I recently changed up my cardio routine to include the stair master and Plyo moves. I do cardio 6 days a week and on 2-3 of those days I include strength training.

What is your advice for others who want to lose weight?
My advice to anyone who would like to lose weight is to stay consistent with your workouts and clean eating regimen.

Updated Instagram: @teamblacklifestyle

mo weight loss journey

Update June 2020: Shout out to Monica! We’ve been following her journey since 2016 when she told us about how she lost 30 pounds.

“I’m still maintaining a healthy weight, healthy habits, and living a lifestyle. I’ve transitioned from weight loss to weight maintenance. I’ve been on this journey for a long time and have adopted the lifestyle. My current goal is to continue to maintain my weight loss while getting  stronger and build lean muscle.” – @teamblacklifestyleMonica before and after

Update May 2019: Mo is still going strong! She’s kept the weight off for more than four years. “I’m currently maintaining at 156lbs, down from my highest weight of 184 pounds.” @teamblacklifestyle

Monica before and afterMonica before and after

Erika lost 90 pounds

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Update Dec 2020: Erika has lost 46 more pounds for a total of 90 pounds gone.

Erika before and after

Update! I have lost a total of 90 pounds. I had many ups and downs throughout my journey. This year, I decided to have gastric bypass surgery. While preparing for surgery, I changed my eating habits. I stopped eating sweets and stopped drinking pop. I also increased my activity by walking more and doing exercises with resistance bands.

Erika before and after

Posted July 30, 2017 – Transformation of the Day: Erika lost 44 pounds. Uncontolled asthma, aches and pains led her to pursue a true lifestyle change. She transformed her eating habits and made exercise a priority. Read about how she took action and got results.

erika before and after

Starting weight: 357 pounds
Current weight: 313 pounds
Height: 5’5″

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my health. I am asthmatic and there was a point when the condition was severely uncontrolled. There was a period when I was having asthma attacks at least once a month and needed my rescue inhaler everyday. I also had aches and pains, especially in lower body, because of the weight that I was carrying. Somehow, I suffered a cracked bone in my left foot and doctors aren’t sure how it even happened.

What kept you going during the tough times?
Every time it hit a roadblock, my daughter was my biggest motivator. I would remind myself that I have to lead by example.

How did you change your eating habits?
I decided to begin my journey to becoming vegan. As of right now, I am a pescatarian [a vegetarian who eats seafood ]. In addition to eliminating meat for my diet, I also stopped drinking alcohol, pop and juice. I mainly drink water (infused, alkaline, distilled and purified), green tea, homemade smoothies and very rarely coffee. I have eliminated dairy products (except cheese, which will be removed soon). I have stopped eating fried foods and only order salads if I visit fast food restaurants. I also learned how to control the portion sizes of what I consume in one sitting, and I don’t eat right before going to bed.

What did your workout routine look like?
Because I had a busy schedule, I had to get creative when it came to working out. I started out by going for walks in the park when the weather permitted. When I would go places, I would try to park far away from the entrance. Now, while I am at work, I take brakes throughout the day to go for walks. I purchased some free weights, so I can workout while I watch TV. I also have participated in Black Women Losing Weight‘s & JJ Smith’s monthly challenges. I have gotten into the habit of trying to setting a mininum step goal everyday.

When did you start your journey?
My journey began in Fall of 2015. There have been periods where I’ve had set backs. I understand that it is going to take some time to reach my ultimate target weight, but I am determined to continue.

What advice do you have for other people who what to lose weight?
Don’t give up. The most important thing that I have learned is that you have to change your way of thinking. You have to understand that the majority of your weight loss journey is going to be about what you eat. You can workout like a beast, but have bad eating habits and undo your progress. Changing your eating habits is an important step, because you can start to see results before you start exercising. Also, don’t beat yourself up if you give in to a cookie, or some ice cream once in a while. Just don’t go overboard.

Instagram: @melanin_goddess_222

erika before and after

Mary lost 50 pounds

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Update Oct 2020: Mary lost 11 more pounds for a total of 61 pounds gone. We’ve been following her journey since 2016. She joined an online program for accountability and guidance and got great results. We asked her to share how she has maintained her success and what has allowed her to stay on track.

Mary before and after

Age: 42
Height: 5’7″
Starting weight: 247.3 pounds
Current Weight: 186.3 pounds
Weight Loss: 61 pounds
Starting Dress Size: 18
Current Dress Size: 10
Representing: Chicago, IL
Zodiac sign: Libra

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I changed my diet and prepared all my meals. I also worked out 4 to 5 days a week.

What obstacles, hurdles, or setbacks have you faced during your journey, and how did you get back on track?
Due to my hectic work schedule and a hypertension diagnosis, I changed my eating habits. Then, shortly after that, I decided to return to the Fitness on Fire program to get guidance and have a support system, especially during the pandemic.

The Fitness on Fire program has helped me. My Nutritionist and Trainer provided guidance to help me achieve these results. They can help you understand healthy eating and nutrition. The training is not strenuous, and you get results.

The program also helped me truly see my transformation during the process, even though it’s an online program. The honest and real feedback I received made a difference in how I see myself and in the rebuilding of my confidence.

What has worked in terms of eating habits and what worked in terms of exercise?
I avoid takeout food, junk food, and fried foods. I eat more fruits and vegetables. I exercise 4 to 5 days a week (for up to 75 minutes) doing the workout regimen that my online trainer, King of the Fire, designed.

Of the lessons you have learned on this journey, what stands out the most?
I have learned that it’s easy to lose focus during your journey. Never give up, and you can always redeem yourself. This is your journey, and you control the outcome.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
Be invested in you. This is a constant journey. Always remind yourself that you come first and that this is a lifestyle change.

Instagram: @finesse13

Transformation of the Day: Mary lost 50.3 pounds. Her wakeup call was diagnosed being with pre-hypertension, knowing how hypertension negatively affected her family. She reached out to her sister who shared how she lost 60 lbs. with an online training program. She decided to give it a try. Check out how she got results.

mary before and after

Age: 39
Height: 5’7″
Starting weight: 247.3  pounds
Current Weight: 197 pounds
Weight Lost: 50.3 lbs
Representing: Chicago, IL

What was your motivation?
At the age of 37, I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension, which is hereditary in my family. My blood pressure was always elevated and I was feeling sick all the time. I heard about how my family members suffered with the disease and  wanted to avoid medication, which would be the next step if I continued on the path I was on. I can remember looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, “When did I let myself go? When did I start to forget about me?!” I was once a vibrant thing (in my Q-Tip voice), outgoing and the life of the party. I believe all that left when I started to gain weight. I was motivated to begin my weigh loss journey because of my health and because I wanted to feel like the “old me”.

What inspired you?
My youngest sister, Rashonda Williams inspired me to focus on releasing the weight. I saw her transformation on Facebook and Instagram one day and I started to think… if she can do it, could I? I remember the day I called my sister to ask her about how she was losing the weigh and she told me about Fitness on Fire Online Program. I gave it some thought and I decided to make a change in my life. I started in Oct 2015. I was nervous and concerned, because I was unsure how I would make the necessary adjustments and changes to my lifestyle. I am in a stressful workplace and grabbing something quick to eat was a habit that I had become accustom to. One day, I saw a quote that read, “I will fight for it. I will not give up. I will reach my goal and absolutely nothing will stop me.” This quote has inspired me on those days when I wanted to give up, when I wanted to eat a bag of Ruffles, and when I looked in the mirror and saw myself as I did the first day I started my journey.

How did you change your eating habits?
I followed the guidelines from my nutritionist, Nutritionist Guru on the Fitness on Fire team. I cut out junk food, fast food and fried foods. I stopped eating potato chips, cookies, cake and candy. Also, I loved drinking store bought fruit juice in the past, but I stopped drink it. I began to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, chicken and fish into my meals. I’m also drinking plenty of water.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I dedicated up to 90 minutes, 3-5 days a week, to doing a HIIT/resistance training workout, along with ab crunches (100 to 200 each visit to the gym). This was all part of the fitness regimen that my online trainer, King of the Fire, has designed for me to drop the body fat.

How long did your transformation take?
I started to notice changes right away, within weeks. My transformation has taken about 12 months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice to others who are on this journey is to remain Consistent. Consistency is key. You have to believe that you can do it, even when life gets in the way. When I started my journey, I was preparing my meals every Sunday for the week and visiting the gym 4 to 5 days a week. Then, Life started to get in way. My job became more stressful and required more of my time. I started to become tired and burned out. My meal prepping declined and I started to visit the gym less. Even though all of this caused changes to my original regimen, I always told myself, “Continue to eat the right foods. You have tomorrow to go to the gym if you missed a day.” Never give up because it will pay off. I just never quit, because I came too far to turn back.

The Fitness on Fire program worked for me because I had the support of Nutritionist Guru and King of Fire. They  provided direction, support, guidance and motivation along the way. I must say, I have tried other programs and all of them are incomparable to Fitness on Fire.

Instagram: @finesse13

Previous Update 2017: Mary wrote in to share her progress photos and some of the insights she’s had on her journey so far. She’s gone from a size 18 to a size 12.

mary before and after

Starting weight: 247.3 pounds
Current Weight: 195 pounds
Weight Lost: 52.3 pounds

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during my journey is how to stay consistent. I’ve also learned not to allow the challenges of the day to day, such as work and daily responsibilities, hinder you from achieving the goals you’ve set out for yourself. Planning is key. Meal prepping makes it so much easier to stay consistent. I’ve committed more time in the gym, now going 5 days a week when time permits. Before, I was going 3-5 times, but wasn’t consistently going weekly. I cut out fast food, alcohol and eating late. I’m learning more about what I’m putting into my system. I’m more conscious of what foods works best for my body.

One of the things that stands out the most is how much my features have changed and how my body has been reshaped. I have a waistline. I have curves and an hourglass figure. I wasn’t able to see what was hidden underneath before. Now, I never want to hide this shape again, so I will continue my lifestyle change for a new me. I often look at myself in the mirror and ask, “Who is that girl with the high cheeks bones and hour glass shape.” I’m so amazed at what hard work, dedication and true commitment to self can do.

My advice to others would be to never give up. It can be challenging to stay focused on your journey, because of career and family responsibilities. There were times during my jouney that I found myself making bad choices in my food selections, but I avoided beating myself up for the mistake I made. I just went to the gym, worked harder and focused on the day ahead. I didn’t let emotions hinder me and I overcame the obstacles. I stayed focused on Me!

The compliments I receive from my coworkers, family and friends kept me motivated. One particular day, I was walking the aisle at work and a gentleman came running down the aisle behind me calling my name. When he finally caught up to me, he said, “You look great. How much weight have you lost and what are you doing?” That made me feel good to know that people notice my transformation. I felt that my hard work truly paid off.

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

Tanisha lost over 100 pounds

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Updated Sept 2020: Shout out to Tanisha. She lost 100+ pounds and has kept the weight off for six years. Today, she’s down 101 pounds. We asked her to share how she has maintained her results by adopting healthy eating habits and working out.

Tanisha before and after

How have you maintained your success?
My current weight is 175 pounds. (Starting weight was 276 pounds – 101 lbs weight loss). I’ve maintained my results for six years by committing from the start to make my journey a lifestyle instead of a diet. I do this by making sustainable changes to my nutrition and eating more whole foods/macronutrients. I stick to lean proteins (chicken, turkey, and fish), complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, etc.), and healthy fats (avocados, nuts/seeds, etc.). I enjoy food and cook the things I love, just in a healthier way. (Example: healthy chicken tacos on corn tortillas, whole-grain crust pizza, etc.). 

I used HIIT workouts (high-intensity interval training) for regular exercise to lose body fat. I also did strength training in the gym to change the composition of my body. 

Of all the lessons you’ve learned thus far, what stands out the most?
Of all the lessons I’ve learned on my journey, it would be that motivation is something that comes and goes. Some days you wake up with zero motivation, which makes sticking to your healthier lifestyle a little harder. However, when you become fully committed via finding your bigger “why,” it makes pushing through the low motivation days a lot easier. (For me, it was the birth of my son. I wanted to get healthy for him.) @nishafitness_

June 5 2017: Transformation of the Day: Tanisha lost over 100 pounds. As a college senior with a newborn, she faced significant challenges. She didn’t let anything stop her from graduating with honors and losing the weight. You may have seen this Alpha Kappa Alpha soror’s inspirational story in People Magazine’s recent “We Lost 100 Pounds” article. Check out her journey.

tanisha before and after

My name is Tanisha Washington and I am a single mother living in Austin, TX. I was always the big girl growing up in the south, due to poor eating habits and lack of nutritional education. I endured a significant amount of bullying and depression at a very young age. I knew I didn’t want to be the fat girl anymore, but I didn’t know how to lose the weight. During my senior year of high school, I obtained my first job and adopted improved eating habits. Once I lost 10 pounds, I became even more active in the evenings and on weekends.

Through these efforts, I was able to drop 45 pounds! I gained the confidence to be the person I had always dreamed of while I was in college. I was a beauty pageant queen, a cheerleader, and was initiated into the most illustrious organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. However, my life took an unexpected and unplanned turn three years into my degree program.

At the age 21, I found myself pregnant and abandoned. I was a first generation college senior with no plan for where I would be living or working to support my unborn child. I did not have a family who could support me or my child, so I knew I would to have to pull on every piece of strength that I could find within me to conquer the tribulations I faced.

I worked full time while taking 15 hours at school to graduate during the following spring semester. I attended all my doctor’s appointments alone, with no physical, emotional, or financial support from long distance family or my child’s absent father. My son, Liam, was due on December 4, 2013, during the week of finals. With the help of my college professors, I was able to take my exams early. I aced the semester with a 3.5 GPA and a week later, on December 10, 2013, I had my beautiful son.

As a new single mom with a newborn, it was difficult to adjust to the demands of a new life. God provided for me in ways I could never imagine! My sorority sisters would watch Liam for me while I attended class, and help me out when I needed time to study. With their love and support, I graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors in May of 2014! I was filled with joy and excitement knowing that I was making steps in the right direction to give Liam a better life.

Although, I was thrilled with the excitement of graduating and receiving my first job offer, I still couldn’t look at my body in the mirror. Through the stress I endured while I was pregnant, I gained 50 pounds and was extremely out of shape. When looked in my infant’s big brown eyes and knew I had to get healthy for him.

I cleaned up my eating habits and remained consistent and determined. No matter how hard things got, I never gave up. I cut out junk food and sugar. I stuck to a clean diet with lean proteins (chicken, turkey, and fish), healthy fats (avocados, nuts), leafy vegetables, and high fiber carbs (whole grain breads, brown rice, red/sweet potatoes). I would substitute a lot of my carbs for healthier options. (Examples: spaghetti squash instead of pasta noodles, cauliflower mashed potatoes instead of traditional mashed potatoes etc.) I found that when I consumed large amounts of veggies and protein, I had a lot more energy throughout the day.

When I first began my weight loss journey, I did not work out besides walking everyday. I lost my first 45 pounds by just focusing on my eating habits, because nutrition is key when it comes to weight loss. As the weight began falling off, I started going to gym and began working harder than ever to tone and shape my body. I focused on strength training and high intensity interval training for cardio. I would workout 3-5 times a week for about 45 minutes to an hour.

After a year, I had dropped over 100 pounds! I was a whole new Tanisha, with a refreshing outlook on life. In May of 2015, I began a MBA program that allowed me to continue to work full-time to support my son. In December of 2016, I graduated with my Masters of Business Administration with a 3.5 GPA!

Recently, my testimony was featured in the “We Lost 100 Pounds” issue of PEOPLE Magazine. I am living to proof to women all over the world that you can rise above any situation life throws at you. With faith and determination, anything is possible. I now mentor girls and women in situations similar to mine and provide motivation to those in need of strength. I’ve documented my journey and the habits that have helped me change my life so that I can provide it as a resource for anyone in need.

My starting weight was 276 pounds. I’m 5’8″ and I currently weigh 173 pounds with about 15.5% body fat. The biggest piece of advice I have for anyone beginning a new fitness journey would be to remain consistent. Weight loss is a mind game, but anyone can achieve their goals with motivation and consistency. Remember, you did not gain the weight overnight so you’re not going to lose it overnight. Just stay focused and motivated. Put away the scale. It’s not the best measure of progress and can become an obsession. Take pictures and compare them instead to gauge your progress. I maintained my motivation by watching success stories on YouTube. I have since created my own channel, sharing tips and helpful weight loss information. It’s your turn to get happy & healthy!

Instagram: @nishafitness_

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✨ I’m not one of the thousands of personal trainers who were skinny/fit majority of their lives. Everyone’s journey is different and that’s the beauty of it. I’m so very grateful for my journey..all the tears, doubt, pain, happiness, sadness.. all of it! I was almost 300 pounds at my heaviest and I used my weight as an excuse not to do the things I loved.. like play volleyball (because of the fear of spandex) , wear spaghetti straps in the summer (I’d literally be in a jacket sweating bullets to avoid showing my arms), or anything else that exposed my size. I couldn’t be the person I was created to be due to anxiety & fear. Well let me tell you something, fear is a liar! I told myself in the second picture that I was done being fear’s consistent victim. I made up my mind about the life & body I wanted then I kept my eyes forward. . I learned the one simple equation to not only weight loss but to life! If you’ve attended any one of my lifestyle transformation seminars then you know this— . Habits + Time = Results … Good Habits + Time = Good Results! Bad Habits + Time = Bad Results You can’t take time out of the equation, in fact, it’s MOST important! That’s why I can’t stress it enough to set REALISTIC goals for yourself. Think long term.. it’s a marathon, not a sprint. A lifestyle change , not a diet. Once you understand this, you’ve got the keys to success. . I love helping amazing people discover their keys to success & I’m so very excited to help soo many more! . . .. #weightlosssecrets #tbt #transformations #obesetobeast #fitjourney #myjourneytofit #austinpersonaltrainer #fattofit #300pounds #summerbodychallenge #getfittoday #fearisaliar #keepaustinfit #fitspiration #fitinspo #bodycheck #fitgirls #personaltrainers #overweight #transformacion #100poundsdown #fitmom #momslosingweight #texasfitness #melaninqueen #droppingpounds #throwitback #myhealthjourney

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Helena lost 147 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Helena lost 147 pounds. As a young child, she was battling with high blood pressure, prediabetes, and bullies. By the time she reached 22 years old, she began to understand how her lifestyle and the foods she ate impacted her health. She shared with us about her two-year transformation.

Helena before and after

What was your motivation?
I have been overweight since I was in second grade. By the time I was 11 years old, I already weighed 200 pounds. I had high blood pressure and was prediabetic. I was also being bullied by a relative at home, and at school, I was bullied some more. It was a rough road for me. 

Food became my escape, as the numbers continued to climb well into adulthood with me entering the 300’s. And by 22 years old, I tipped the scale at 315 pounds. I had to make a change.

What motivated me to lose weight was learning about the different kinds of diseases that harm the body. I knew that me weighing 315 lbs at only 22 was taking me on a shortcut to death. I DID NOT want that. Also, I couldn’t even climb two flights of stairs. 

So, I got a dog. Yes, a dog! It forced me to take walks, and that was how I began this journey.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by studying what’s recommended for a balanced diet. A McChicken and medium fry were not on that list. So, instead of stopping by Mickey Ds, I started stopping at the grocery store’s produce section instead. I’m still human. To this day, it can be a struggle, but I make sure not to fall to far off the wagon. I remain focused on my goal.

Helena before and after

Tell us about your workout routine.
In the beginning, I started walking. Then, I NERVOUSLY joined a gym. I was TERRIFIED, but I went anyway. I started working out there two days a week. Then, I increased to 3 days a week. Now, I work out five days a week!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 315 pounds. My current weight is 168 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’6″.

When did you start your journey?
I started this journey in 2012 but was very inconsistent. (I started over a MILLION times.) It wasn’t until two years ago that I re-started, and I haven’t stopped since. I heard the phrase “fitness toddler.” I think that’s pretty accurate for me, lol.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I have not had any surgery.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice for women who want to lose weight: DON’T GIVE UP! Ask yourself, “What will happen if I don’t?”

Instagram: @deesweigh_tofit

Helena before and after

Tiffany lost 80 pounds

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Update August 2020: Tiffany lost 80 pounds, but when she started to take the Depo Shot for birth control, she regained 60 pounds. She changed her mindset, ate healthy food, and retrained her body to love movement. Now she is 10 lbs away from her lowest weight.

Tiffany before and after

What is your current weight?
I currently weigh 223 pounds! My highest weight was over 300 pounds.

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
After losing 85 pounds naturally in 2016, I was featured by Black Women Losing Weight in 2017! I did very well maintaining my weight loss until the end of 2018. I started taking the Depo Shot as a form of birth control. By early 2019, I gained 60 pounds back. I had to restart my weight loss journey pretty much. 

I am happy to announce that I am back on track and just 10 pounds away from my lowest weight to date. I’ve maintained my weight loss by changing my mindset and implementing real-life solutions to “diet culture.” 

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most?
This time around, I truly learned how various drugs could control and manipulate your body. After losing a significant amount of weight TWICE, I’ve learned to be patient with myself, giving grace to my missteps and loving of my body through every change that it encounters!

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
My favorite motto will always be, “Change your mindset. Change your life!” Recognizing that weight loss is 100% a mental battle as you unlearn old habits, learn about quality foods, and retrain your body to love movement. It’s ok to stumble, just keep going! @beautiffullyme

Tiffany before and after

April 19, 2017 – Transformation of the Day: Tiffany lost 80 pounds. With her 30th birthday approaching, she decided to get into the best shape of her life. Her main inspiration was the women in her life who were succeeding at releasing the weight, including her mother who lost 100 pounds. Check out what this blogger/vlogger did to lose the weight.

Tiffany weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
There honestly was a list of motivational factors that made me decide to get serious about my weight. I was turning 30 and wanting to be in the best shape of my life. July 10, 2016 is when I decided that I would take my journey seriously. I was inspired by the awesome women in my circle who were succeeding with their own weight loss efforts. I watched these women, who had the same struggles as me, winning and it was amazing to see.

My mother is my biggest inspiration. She lost over 100 pounds on her journey. My friend Che met every weight loss goal she set, and the wonderful women of the Che Inspires Weight Loss Group on Faceboook were all supportive and inspirational.

How did you change your eating habits?
I drastically changed my eating habits. I went from eating 1-2 huge meals a day, filled with take-out/drive thru food, to 6-7 small meals/snacks a day. My meals included: Boiled eggs, cheese slices, omelets, pretzels, protein shakes (CaramelPremier Protein changed my life. SO GOOD), tuna salad, etc. I stayed under 1500 calories and I drank a gallon of water each day. To be realistic with my goals, I allowed myself a cheat meal on Saturdays. I took Zumba class on Saturday morning and ate my cheat meal, with NO GUILT, on Saturday too. MyFitnessPal completely and totally took the guess work and frustration out of counting calories. It also allowed me to link my FitBit to it so I could see exactly what my day looked like from a health standpoint.

What did your workout routines look like?
My workout goal was to be active 3 days a week. I would walk/run for 30 minutes using the free “Walking for Weight Loss” app once a week, which was typically Sunday or Monday. I took my whole family with me to make it fun.  I also would dance at home with my favorite music once a week for about 30 minutes, typically on Wednesday or Thursday. Then I would join an hour long  Zumba class once a week on Saturday. I’ve never really worked out before, so spreading my active days out made the process less overwhelming. I set my FitBit up with the goal of 5K steps daily and consistently hit that goal.

Being active doesn’t always mean going to the gym. Things like parking your car at the back of the parking lot, racing your child down the street, cleaning and organizing your storage shed are all part of being active. Just move!

Starting weight/Current weight
My heaviest weight was 300 pounds. However when I “started over” on July 10th I weighed 279. I currently fluctuate between 220 and 225 pounds. My height is 5’9″.

How long did your transformation take?
Overall 8 months total. Between the months of July 10th – August 28th, I lost 21 pounds. That was my goal time frame as I was going to Punta Cana for my 30th birthday. On vacation, I lost 10 pounds by simply following my weekly routine and walking throughout the Dominican Republic. Since returning, I have continued to lose weight. I’m no longer looking to lose weight, but rather to maintain my healthier lifestyle and tone more.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
You can do it! Celebrate every small accomplishment because every good decision or healthy means you are one step closer to your goal. During the process, don’t forget to live and enjoy life. Setting unrealistic expectations is more harmful to your journey. Rather, conquer one step at a time until you have it down. It takes just 21 days to form a good habits!

I hope my story can inspire another woman who wants to make a change.

Instagram: @beautiffullyme
Facebook: beautiffullyme

tiffany before and after

LaVitt lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: LaVitt lost 40 pounds. Postpartum depression and the challenge of working two jobs didn’t stop her. She wanted to adopt a healthier lifestyle for herself and for her son, so she put in work in the gym, and cut out meat at the table. Check out her journey.

LaVitt before and after

Starting weight: 215 pounds 
Current weight: 175 pounds
Height: I’m 5’5 1/2″

The past couple of years have been life-changing. After giving birth to my amazing son and learning to adjust to being a mom, I lost myself. Dealing with postpartum depression and getting slammed with what people call “real life issues,” I completely hit rock bottom. After soaking in my sorrows for a while, I finally reached a point where I was tired of being unhappy. I felt that it wasn’t fair to my son, because I knew he absorbed all of my emotions. He deserves nothing but happiness. As a mom, I knew I had to be better, not just for myself but for my son. We both deserve the greater ME.

So, in April 2018 I said, “I’ve done this before, and I can do it again. NO MORE EXCUSES! Let’s get this work.” Working 2 jobs and being a full-time mom, I hit the gym whenever I could squeeze it in… even if it were only 30 minutes of cardio. Now, 6 months later, I’m down 40lbs. Although I’m not finished yet, as a mom, who struggled with losing the baby weight I wanted to share my journey.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by going cold turkey. I literally just took the unhealthy foods out my diet. I kicked meat out my meal plan and only ate seafood. It was definitely hard, but I did it.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I workout like 4-5 days a week. Most days, I’m only able to do 30 minutes of cardio. When I had more time, I still did 30 minutes of cardio, but I also added weights for toning. My cardio in the gym consists of running, using the stair climber machine and using the bikes. I do all three exercises every time but at different speeds as I get better.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that weight loss requires hard work, dedication and, most importantly, sacrifice!!

What advice would you share with women who want to lose weight?
All things are possible if you really want it. I’m a mother who worked 2 jobs, starting at 4am and ending at 6pm. I still found the time to workout, even at home when I didn’t have a sitter. I used my mommy time in the gym instead of out with friends drinking. I knew that it was what I wanted, and I didn’t stop until I got it.

Instagram: @boss_type_chiick