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Shana lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shana lost 75 pounds.  After gaining weight during her second pregnancy she decided to take steps to exercise more and change her eating habits.  She advises us to connect with others who are trying to get healthy in order to stay on track. Check out what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Shana weight loss

Before: 215lbs
After: 140 lbs
“While pregnant with my second child, I gained over 60 pounds. That was the heaviest I had been my entire life. To help fight the weight loss battle, I hired a personal trainer 6 weeks after giving birth. My personal trainer gave me a nutritional plan, made me keep a daily eating journal, and gave me a workout plan. Along with that, I joined a running club. My changing my portion sizes, exercising, and drinking more water, I was able to lose over 70 pounds. I am now smaller than my high school weight, and healthier!

I ate smaller portions of food and more often. The combination of meals that works for me is breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, treat. I kept my daily caloric intake at 1200 calories or less. I also limited my carb intake and increased my protein. I did some form of cardio exercise everyday: walking, jogging, elliptical machines and I do kickboxing once a week. I would advise others to join a group to encourage you to stay on track. Also, I use Spark people for healthy recipe alternatives and to track my calories.”

 

Veronica lost 110 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Veronica.  After giving birth, she is now down 110 pounds.  This mom of 3 wanted to be an inspiration to her 7 year old who was being teased in school for being bigger than the other kids.  Her story shows that you CAN lose the baby weight.

Veronica post baby weight loss

“I just wanted to share my story with you guys!!! I went from 280 pounds to 170 pounds. That’s 110 lbs lost. I did this by eating cleaner and becoming more active. I hit the gym 6 days a week and enjoy different activities when I’m there, like spin class, weight training and cardio.

My motivation was my babies. I have 3 boys and my 7 year old is being teased at school for being heavier then the rest of the kids. I started my journey to let him know that he doesn’t have to stay “chunky”, as they call him. I started drinking water and cut out all sweets and sugars. I eat a clean, lean diet. I also hit the gym almost everyday if possible. I do cardio 3 days a week and strength training with a group. We do the group thing to stay motivated and focused on our goals. Constructive criticism is given when needed and it only makes us push harder. It took me a year to get most of my weight off. My advice to other is that you can do it. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE with God on your side and the will power to do so.”

Veronica before and after

Ashly lost 33 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Ashly who lost 33 pounds.  This proud mom lost the weight with her son as her motivation.  I think that this story should be motivational for anyone who is carrying baby weight years after giving birth.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Due to a heart condition I was born with, when I became pregnant it was 8 months of bed rest. Needless to say, I GAINED 67 POUNDS!! I quickly realized my weight was not going anywhere. I tried all types of diets: shakes, drink pour-ins, drops… You name it, I’ve tried it twice. When my son hit two years old, I came to the realization that I needed to get it together. I couldn’t play with my son AND THAT WAS A PROBLEM! I had my ups and downs and my friends, but from Easter 2013 to November 25 2013 I worked my butt off. Every morning,  I went to the gym for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. On my off days, I did stretching exercises. I drank at least a half a gallon of water a day but tried to shoot for a gallon. No fast food (to the best of my ability), cut down on my portions, no fried food, and when I did want something bad to eat, I would try and substitute things that wouldn’t be that bad on me (for example wheat pasta instead of regular pasta). My starting weight was 250 pounds & my current weight is 217 pounds. It wasn’t easy but I stuck through it, not only for me but for my son. I kept thinking, if i die from being overweight who will take care of my son?! My son is my motivation and being the mom other moms look up to isn’t so bad either. My motto for the gym is, ‘IF IT’S NOT HURTING, IT IS SIMPLY NOT WORKING'”

Ashley weight loss blog

Tabaitha lost 53 pounds

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Today’s featured success story: Tabaitha lost 53 pounds and she’s kept the weight off since 2011.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Hi! I want to be a inspiration to the ladies to keep going! My name is Tabaitha and I’m 53 pounds down and counting.

My motivation for losing the weight is I wanted to feel like myself again after gaining over 80 pounds while pregnant with my daughter.

I changed my eating habits by eliminating white sugar, sodas, friend foods & breads. I replaced them with baked or broiled lean meats and lots of green veggies on the side.

My starting weight was 213 pounds and my current weight is 160 pounds.

My workout routines consisted of 45 min of cardio, 5-6 days a week and light strength training.   I did a mix or the elliptical and the treadmill. When I would use the treadmill I would set the incline high to make me really work but I would power walk. I’m still not to the point where I’m running yet but I’m working on it. When I use the elliptical I up the cross ramp a little too. You just want to constantly challenge your body. Every week go up a notch in speed, weights or reps.

My transformation started off slow with me losing 23 lbs in 2010 over the course of 4 months and then took off in 2011 with me losing 30 lbs in 2 months

My advice to the ladies is to be consistent with your workouts and nutrition. Nutrition is the most important part. Drink lots of water and stay positive! I’m not done with my journey I’m losing my last pounds and getting lean & toned. Just keep going  🙂Tabaitha weight loss photos

Tabaitha weight loss story

Tsitsi lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tsitsi lost 75 pounds over the course of 2 years after giving birth to her 2nd baby.  This should give some hope to ladies out there who are still dealing with baby weight, months or years after the birth.  Here is her story:

“Hi im Tsitsi!  I’m a mom to 2 preschoolers, 31 years old and lost 75lbs /34kg!!  After my 6 week post natal checkup,  l was shocked how the scale recorded the 200s (227 pounds) when l had already delivered my 2nd baby (a 7 pounder). l couldn’t fit anything in my closet months after the birth as l kept eating unhealthy.  In denial about my weight and my “I just had a baby” excuse! Finally l read about the 10 000 steps a day challenge and with only $10 for the cost of a pedometer, l started my weight loss journey. l realised l couldnt jump or run yet but l walked, power walked actually, and aimed for 10 000 steps! I lost 10lbs and was motivated to continue. My diet was low carb, high protein.  For carbs, I did 60% veggie, 40% fruit.  I drank 64oz water minimum.  l did buy a juicer after my coworker advised me.  How l adored her green juices! Waking up an hour before family gave me time to tackle Taebo by Billy Blanks, squats, lunges, jumping jacks, crunches, triceps dips and more. I liked how my body was toning and melting fat.  Eventually my friend asked me to try Insanity and April to May 2013 I did. I got past the plateau.  I got 4 inches off tummy, 9 pounds fell off and l felt great!. Today I’m 152 pounds, very confident, workout 5 days and run 10ks 3 days a week.  I also do weightlifting, Zumba, Core Conditioning, T25 and I’m planning another round of Insanity then P90x.  l will have abs that show by the time my son turns 3 in April. It’s been 2 years of slow and steady work but l did it.  I credit eating clean mostly.  On days l feel low, Zumba and Playing Tennis does it for me. Thank You for reading!!”

Tsitsi post baby weight loss

Farah lost 75 pounds

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Today’s featured before and after weight loss story: Farah lost 75 pounds by changing her diet, embracing green smoothies and working out religiously.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Hello, I wanted to share my journey thus far. It’s long but I know it’s attainable.  I reached my highest weight when I was pregnant with my last son. When I was at 39 weeks, I weighed 294 pounds.  Despite not getting the support I needed at home , 6 weeks postpartum I went down to 282 pounds. I still looked so puffy I pictures I’ve seen of me at this weight.

Prior to me getting pregnant, I was into fitness and nutrition. So, I knew what I had to do. I had to completely stop procrastinating and stop being all in the feeling from my past. I still had my gym membership.  I started back going to the gym 5-6 days a week, doing cardio and strength training.  I was also eating 80% clean eating.  The only thing I ‘m doing different now is using a Nutribullet, which I love , love , love.  I use it once or twice a day. Everything I use too make my protein/veggie/ fruit drink is raw.  No cooking required.  Some times I add a little bit of healthy fats . Of course, I drink tons of water everyday day.

I’m still under construction, but I’m happy with what I have accomplished thus far. The tools I use; Your monthly challenges, my fitness pals, free weights, cleaningeat.com, Google for healthy Recipes, Zumba, boot camp, elliptical, treadmill with incline, jump rope, planks, Squats, ankle weights, burpees, mountain climbers, dvds, cable machine, other people’s success stories and a heart monitor Ft4. I can’t thank god enough. #stillaworking progress  Now I weigh 219.6 pounds.

Farah lost 75 pounds

4 Keys to Losing Baby Weight

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Having a baby is a wonderful experience in any woman’s life, but with the joy of motherhood comes some degree of baby weight. Those extra pounds are pesky, but they can come off with a few daily habit changes. Being a mother brings a different lifestyle, so many new mothers find they do not have the time to do long workout sessions or cook elaborate healthy recipes . Moms do not need to hit the gym for hours or commit to an extreme diet to lose the extra weight. They can try these four little things to help them reach their weight loss and health goals while still being attentive moms to their little one.

losing baby weightNew moms should make it a habit of ensuring they stay hydrated throughout the day. By drinking plenty of water, mothers can keep their energy up and distinguish between hunger cravings and thirst. When one is thirsty, they commonly mistake it for being hungry. By drinking plenty of water, new moms will keep their appetite in check. New moms should have a big glass of water first thing when they first wake up, and they should carry a water bottle with them throughout the day.  This also can be beneficial with nursing mothers.

For some, being pregnant means eating for two. Pregnant women will consume an excessive amount of calories, and they will take on the same eating habits similar to a marathon runner or heavyweight champion in traning. In most cases, pregnant women only need to have an increase of 300 calories added to their daily diet while pregnant, but many new moms will eat triple that amount. So after giving birth, new moms need to break their pregnancy habits that involve  eating foods that pack on the pounds, and instead eat a well-balanced diet and find healthy alternatives to turn to.  Those who need a little extra help with healthy serving sizes should consider meeting with a dietician. A dietician will help new moms plan out meals and assist them on the track of being healthy and losing the baby weight.

On average, an individual should get at least thirty minutes of exercise a day. Some moms cannot fathom getting away from their busy schedule for 30 minutes. If this is the case, these mothers should consider bringing their baby along for the workout or working out at home. There are some great workout DVDs out there, even titles that are just for new moms and pregnant moms.  Pushing a stroller on a run or walk adds more weight and helps make it a better workout.

Being a mother is stressful, so it is important that moms take time for themselves to de-stress. Being stressed out does not help with weight loss efforts, and many believe stress may contribute to more weight gain due to stress related hormones. Moms should take a hot bath and take time to escape their hectic lifestyle. It is important for new moms to pamper themselves; this not only will recharge their batteries for the job of parenting but also give them energy to put towards achieving their weight loss and health goals.

It took time to put on their weight, and it will take time for moms to lose the baby weight. With little habit changes, over time the baby weight will disappear, and moms will squeeze back into their favorite pair of jeans.

Nadira lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Nadira.  She lost 30 pounds since the birth of her son with Crossfit training and distance running.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’ve lost 30 lbs since having my son.  I attribute my weight loss to Crossfit training 3-4 times per week and distance running at least 1 – 2 days per week.  I also prayed while I ran and I removed negativity from my life. In terms of my eating habits, every 2-3 weeks I didn’t eat any processed carbs for 3 consecutive days.  I also used this time to only eat protein, fresh veggies, fruit, and drink lots of water. Other than that, I kept a 1500 calorie per day diet and ate foods that nourished me so I was not hungry.  Whenever I think about eating something, I always ask myself, “what is it doing for me?”.  If it doesn’t do something positive, then I typically pass on it. When I get off track, then I implement my 3 day no carbs challenge.

Nadira weight loss before after

Laketra lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Laketra lost 50 pounds.  Now that is she is pregnant, she will gain baby weight, but she will be able to do it in a healthy way.

“I started at 216 and I am currently 166! I’m a mother of two and I have one on the way!  I cut back on the junk food, I stop eating after 8pm,if i needed to snack it was a healthy one mostly fruit, I worked out 3/4 times a week for almost a year…….me getting married was my biggest motivation! I went from a 2x shirt to a med. in the last photo I’m 2months pregnant currently I’m 4months and I’ve only gained a healthy 9 pounds so far!!!!!!!!! Yay me!!!!!!”

Laketra weight loss

 

N’Nako lost weight after baby #4

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Today’s Feature:  N’Nako is a great inspiration to women wanting to lose their baby weight.  In her video  you’ll see her with child, at a size 10/12 and now a size 4.  Check out her Facebook page where she is inspiring others. 

nnako weight loss

I asked how she lost the weight and she says,
“I lost it by doing many things like: Eating raw very often, lots of fruits & veggies for snack, I drink nothing but water, green tea, a cup of coffee a day & smoothies. I am big on smoothies so they easily serve me as a healthy snack or meal replacement or postworkouts drink. I started running outdoors with my husband to change my routine with the HIIT on the treadmill. Days when I don’t run I do some Youtube videos for at leat 30 minutes.10 minutes videos when I am short on times, make my own combination of videos. I also added some weight lifting at home with whatever I have available. I do at least one workout a day 5-6 days a week, somedays 2 work outs . I do the 2nd workout on evenings especially when I want to watch a special TV show because I don’t like to just sit down and waste time in front of the TV so I get my workouts when I want to watch a show. I also read a lot of health & sport magazines to stay inspired and learn a few new tips here and there.  I am currently @127.6 . I was over 155 right after pregnancy, and around 140-145lbs on 7/1/12.”