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before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Michele lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Michele lost 55 pounds, going from 235 lbs to 180 lbs.  She worked our regularly, followed a solid weight loss plan and changed her eating habits. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Michele before and after

“I lost weight (22lbs) before and didn’t keep up with it and gained it all back plus 3 extra pounds. I became tired of feeling tired all the time, can’t fit clothes, and not feeling beautiful.  My success story started last year May when I said, “This is it! I’m finally going to lose the weight and keep it off!” I started changing my eating habits and working out daily. I stopped eating fast food completely! I bought fresh fruits, yogurt, egg whites, whole wheat products and things like that to change my diet. I followed the Weight Watchers plan that I remembered from when I was on Weight Watchers years ago! In the gym, I was doing mainly cardio on the elliptical and treadmill with my girlfriend. She friend helped me stay motivated and we would go to the gym sometimes twice in one day.

I set a goal of 30 lbs gone for my 30th birthday, which is in August. I made that goal! I felt awesome and beautiful, which I haven’t felt in a long time! I said I’m not going to stop there and I wanted to keep losing more weight. I don’t know what I want my ideal weight to be but so far I have lost a total of 55 pounds, from 235 pounds to my current weight of 180 pounds! The picture on the left is of me at my birthday party last year weighing 205 pounds! I just wore the same dress, shoes, and even jewelry this past Sat (June 7th, 2014) and the difference left me speechless. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come from last year May. My advice would be to never give up! It’s the easiest thing to do and then it becomes hard to regain the strength to lose the weight all over again! I don’t exercise everyday like I use to but I still exercise. I’m more focused on toning now.”

 

Degra lost 147 pounds

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degra weight loss storyUpdate: Sept 2015 – “I went from a size 24/26 to a size 10. My weight loss journey started on 4/19/12. I mainly cook my food at home and do a lot of strength training and cardio!”

deeJuneWeight Loss Story of the Day: Degra lost 147 pounds.

Hello my name is Degra Smith. I’ve always been overweight all my life, all through high school I struggled with being one of the biggest girls at school. My starting weight was a whooping 372 pounds. I’ve tried many diets and weight loss pills. Nothing seemed to work, which put me in a depression stage of my life which made me eat anything that made me happy. That happiness was only temporary, then I began to hate myself once my happiness from food digested in my system. I was literally on a diet roller coaster, where I would lose the weight then gain it back plus more. I always felt tired and very lazy but always wanted to eat! Many times I hated going to the doctor because I didn’t like hearing the results he gave me. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was a boarder line diabetic. Everyday I looked in the mirror I was unhappy seeing what was in front of me so I decided to throw out all the vertical mirrors in the house. Everyday promises were made saying I’m going to join a gym, but all them promises were broken because I was literally embarrassed because I thought I would be the biggest person in the gym.

My turning point came when I decided to adopted a baby boy from Africa, I said to myself, how am I going to keep up with the baby if he wants to play when I’m this big.  I have no motivation and I’m always tired? On April 19, 2012 my life changed! I joined Lucille Roberts Gym for Women in Kearny NJ. I haven’t look back ever since. I exercise six days a week two hours a day! I completely stop drinking sodas and juice, I prepare my own meals, eat more vegetables and fruits. Don’t get me wrong I don’t deprive myself of anything, I just eat it in moderation. Today, I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or no longer a boarder line diabetic.

My current weight is 225 and I am proud to say that I have lost 147 pounds without surgery. Hard work, patience, determination, motivation, will power has got me feeling great and wanting to go farther into my journey. It feels so good to see that I motivate my family and friends and how individuals are asking me how to get started. They just don’t know that while motivating them, they are motivating me to keep going and I never want to see that 372 pound girl that I used to be. My advice to other is to never give up. Its hard and you might have your off days but the next day is a brand new day!!! You can do it!!!!!

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sindy lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sindy lost 75 pounds.  This proud mom was prescribed a lifestyle change by her doctor after being diagnosed with heart problems.  She embraced clean eating and regular exercise to transform her health and her curves.  Here is what she shared with us:

Sindy weight loss

Hi,  I love your page! A little info about me is: my name is Sindy. I’m a 26 year mother of a 4 year handsome prince named Chezzy. I’m a proud latina woman of Afro-Dominican and Puerto Rican decent. About a year ago I was having frequent heart palpitations, which prompted me to visit my family doctor. When I called her she wanted to see me that night and so I went to the hospital. She did an EKG on me and discovered I had A fib (Atrial fibrillation or flutter is a common type of abnormal heartbeat). I was placed on meds for the condition. Then I saw a cardiologist to run some additional tests and her prescribed me life change. That included no caffeine, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water.  Now, I exercise on a daily basis and eat right.

When I first started my weight loss journey I went to the gym 5 days a week. I primarily focused on cardio. I also ate EXTREMELY clean. About 5 months in, I started weight training. I went to the gym 3 days a week and worked out at home 2 days. My eating habits consist of healthy home cooked meals. I stayed away from fast and processed foods. My family and I also switched from conventional food to organic food. It’s a little more money but my family is worth it. I must say my favorite exercise is squats. They make my booty just right…lol.

I was terrified of not being with my son and his father, so I changed my life.I was 220 pounds and now I am 145 pounds. So far, it’s been 1 year and 14 months from the moment I changed my eating habits and 10 since I began excising. I’m so happy that I decided to change my life. I’m proud to say I did it 100% natural, without pills, surgery, crash diets, etc…just hard work.

Instagram: @msspanishfly_ inactive

Sindy before and after Sindy before and after

Update: Elaine lost 145 pounds

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Check out this update from Elaine on how she lost the pregnancy weight – July 2015:

elaine before and after

I was featured back in June of last year for losing a total of 145 pounds. In September of last year I found out that I was having a baby and gained over 80 pounds during the pregnancy. I knew that I had to eat healthier meals for my child’s health, as well as my health. On May 14 2015, I gave birth to baby boy.  As I was leaving the hospital the nurse told me to weigh myself and I was devastated to find I was up to 269 lbs again.

After I was released from the doctor’s care, I immediately started making healthy choices. First, I changed my eating habits back to clean eating. I also started walking 2 miles per day while trying to build up the courage to reach my goals again. I started eating 1200 calories a day and worked out. While looking back over my pictures from before pregnancy, I knew that I had to do what I’s done before.

I committed through the hard workouts, calories counting, eating healthy, low carb diet, walking, and running. I knew I could get back too where I was or at least half way there. Now my baby is 2 months old and I’ve lost a total of 68 lbs (2 months post pregnancy). I’m proud of myself because I had some doubts that I would make it back to my size 14 pants and medium shirts so soon. I’m so thankful that I did not lose the motivation and courage I’ve gained on my long life journey. I’m proud to say that if you put forth the effort, the results will always be positive.

June 2014 – Let’s show some BWLW love to Elaine.  She is down an extra 32 pounds since we first featured her story in December.  She has gone from a size 24 down to a size 14.  Read her update and then check out our original post on her journey to see how she did it.

Elaine weight loss

“On Dec 11 2013, I shared my story of success with the Black Women Losing Weight community. February 2013 I was at 323 lbs.  When I shared my story with you all in December 2013 I was at 210 lbs, a total of down 113 lbs lost. I wanted to give you an update from that time period. I’ve lost an additional 32 pounds which brings me at a total weight loss of 145 pounds lost. I am on the 1500 calorie diet. I use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar to detox.  I eat 3 meals per day and 3 snacks to add up to 1500 calories. My meals are made up of turkey, fish, baked salmon, baked fish, baked potatoes and baked sweet potatoes. The majority of my meals consist of vegetables. I try to have something healthy for my snacks, such as apples, bananas, etc. I have a cheat meal every now and then. I am a exercise person. I workout 5 to 6 days a week doing exercises with dumbbells, walking at least 2 miles per day, jogging, weight lifts, kick boxing, power walking, running up stairs and cardio. I am proud to say that weight loss has helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I went from a pant size of 24 t down to 14. I’m wearing a size medium shirt and size large pants. I have worked so hard and I know it can be done.”

Elaine before and afterPhoto from Dec 2013

Elaine lost 113 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Patricia lost 52 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Patricia lost 52 pounds, going from 302 pounds to 250 pounds.  She was motivated by a pain issue and decided it was time to change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Patricia before and after photos

Hi, my name is Patricia. My story is a little different than most. What initially peaked my interest into becoming healthy and fit stemmed from the extreme back pain I was experiencing due to being blessed up top… Lol. My initial weight was 302 pounds and I am now at 250. I started out in a bootcamp class 3 days a week and unexpectedly I really enjoyed working out. From there, I ventured into my current love, my hip hop class.  I also love hiking, run/walk, strength training etc.  Before I’d I ate everything from fast foods to any and all restaurants. The killer for me was mixed fruitie drinks with all the empty calories. I found any reason and excuse to eat out and drink of course. The most important change I had to make was my diet. Initially when I started my weight loss journey I didn’t change my eating and it showed.  Now with my lifestyle change I do allow myself cheat meals and an occasional fruity drink but I’ve adapted drinking my Moscato every so often instead.  Turkey and chicken are my meat of choice. I also eat lots of vegetables and fruits. I’ve now started drinking my gallon of water a day to come full circle.

My endurance and momentum to keep up physically proved challenging. Once I got on board with my eating everything else fell into place. Most importantly, I no longer have back pain. Because of this, my fire is now lit by the desire to become healthy and fit. I am 50+ pounds down with 1 1/2 years in on this journey. I’m just getting started. This is indeed a lifestyle change for me that is here to stay. I must say that I’m truly enjoying my journey and the new and improved me.

Check her out on Instagram for more photos from her journey: @plussizebella

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Christina lost 103 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Christina lost 103 pounds.  This singer and SGRho Soror began her weight loss journey after a wake up call at the doctor’s office and some inspiration from an MTV star’s weight loss.  She did the work and now she is reaping the benefits of greater health.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight (check out her before and after photos):

Chrissysingz

Christina Turner
26 years old
Columbus, OH
Singer/Substitute Teacher
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Delta Omega chapter)

What was your motivation?
My motivation came in January 2012 after having a check-up at my doctor’s office. The nurse said that if I didn’t start getting my health in order by the time I’m 25 years old, I would have to start taking medication for high blood pressure. Shortly after, I saw a story on a young woman named Chelsea Settles (MTV) who is around the same age as me and same starting weight. I saw her success with her weight loss journey and was extremely motivated. I then made up in my mind I needed to challenge myself enough to prove it to myself; that I’m capable of doing anything I put my mind to, including losing weight.

How did you change your eating habits?
I first changed my eating habits by committing to 30 days of NO beef, pork, fast foods, sweets, pop and no eating after 8pm. I lost about 35 lbs in the first month. Shortly after, I adopted those into my lifestyle (I still don’t eat/drink beef, pork, fast food and pop). I’ve found the most success with 5 small meals a day (3 meals, 2 snacks), detoxing with apple cider vinegar and drinking a gallon of water a day. I still enjoy a cheat meal once a week occasionally.

What did your workout routines look like?
I love love kickboxing; it burns tons of calories! I joined a gym in June 2012 where I started weight training and saw SERIOUS results with lifting weights. It burns inches and tightens up the excess fat. I’ve also done work out challenges and workout dvds such as Turbo Fire and Insanity. Mostly I love variety; any exercises to keep my muscles guessing! I usually workout 4-6 times a week, no less than a half hour each day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 320 pounds. My current weight is 217 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took 2 years and 3 months. There were months where I’d hit a plateau and the scale wouldn’t budge, but I kept being consistent. I frequently did research to try different things; new recipes, new exercises …and I eventually would start losing again. I refuse to get discourage when the scale says differently. My body is currently still under construction!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It takes discipline, consistency and hard work. Once a person makes a serious commitment to want to change their lifestyle, and not for superficial reasons, but to honestly want to live a healthier life, the transformation has already begun. The journey is more mental than physical.

Instagram: @chrissysingz

Chrissy weight loss Chrissy before and after

Work in progress: Mykenz lost 23 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Mykenz.  This proud mom wrote in to share about the changes she’s made in the last few months that have allowed her to lose 23 pounds after years of yo-yo dieting.  She is a work in progress, but is seeing great results already.  I know that she will ultimately reach her weight loss and overall health goals.

mykenz weight loss

I wish that I could say that my journey has been easy over the last few months but it has been everything but that!! I have struggled with my weight since I gave birth to my son in 2009. I have tried Weight Watchers, Slim Genics, Jenny Craig, all kinds of weight loss pills and diets, including the Lemonade Diet. I’m not saying they don’t work because they do (might go crazy in the process), however they can be expensive and just weren’t the methods that worked for me. Weighing in at 225+ lbs, I finally accepted the fact that I was going to have to work for what I said I wanted, as they say nothing good comes easy.

Over the last couple of months I have learned a lot about myself and began to change my life through diet a day exercise. Although I am still a work in progress, I take this moment to celebrate my accomplishments thus far because small changes have turned into lifestyle changes which have resulted in a healthier me! I workout 3 times per week for about an hour. My workouts are bootcamp style and I’m doing things such as running, squats, lunges burpees, etc with a great group in my area call Total Body Anatomy (TBA). My biggest challenge was portion control so my instructor at TBA introduced me to Body By Vi Shakes. I take them as meal replacements for breakfast and dinner and have a healthy lunch and snacks throughout the day. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies and drink lot of water. No sweets, bread, store bought juices. I’ve been going four months and fast food now makes me literally sick to my stomach!

Those looking to get out there the best advise that I can give is;

1. No matter how much you mess up, get right back up swinging harder knowing that today is a new day.
2. You didn’t gain it in a day, you won’t lose it n a day. Be patient with yourself. It takes time.
3. Be your biggest cheerleader, after all no one can lose it for you.
4. Get a great support system/group.
5. You get out what you put in. Hard work hurts!
6. Only you can decide if who/where you want to be is more important than who/where you are. Change and accountability are required.
7. Most importantly, through Christ ALL things are possible!

Thanks to all who have supported me throughout my journey especially mommy’s big boy! For there is truly no feeling like your 4 year old son telling you that you can do it when you feel like quitting. As of yesterday, I am happy to report that I am 202 lbs with 35 left to put behind me!!!

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sha lost 72 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sha lost 72 pounds.  This actress and dancer faced major health challenges that stalled her career and relationship turmoil before reaching the point where she was ready to change her life and get healthy.  Check out what she shared about losing the weight:

Sha weight loss story Hi my name is Sha. I have been overweight most of my life. It was mostly because of a medicine called prednisone. I ate like any other regular young teen or young adult.  I always loved dance and basketball so I leveled off at around 220 – 250 pounds at 5’7, which I thought was not so bad at first because I could still do the things I always did. I just figured that it was my destiny to be a plus-size girl forever so I just accepted it. I was able to start a career in acting in 2005 and what was even more awesome was that it was a dance movie called “Take the Lead”. Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE DANCE so this was an awesome blessing and I thought I would do more.

Well, in 2006 I met a man whom I put my career on hold for because I thought I fell in love with him. I wanted to be loved for real for once. We had a great relationship on the outside but there were some serious issues behind close doors which led me to use food as my comfort as I kept a lot of things inside and did not tell anyone. We actually got married even though I was not completely happy but I figured I would not find anyone better. As the weight piled on I got more insecure. I got real desperate and tried everything to lose weight, but my now ex husband didn’t help at all. He loved to eat really bad foods with me and even when I tried to workout and eat better he was not supportive or encouraging. I was getting sicker mentally and physically. I weighed 282 pounds. I started to not go out of the house anymore. I developed really bad back pain problems, severe Anxiety/Panic Disorder and depression. One day we got into a really bad argument which turned physical and he left me in the house alone for 4 days with no phone call or anything. After hysterically crying for hours I looked at myself and had to be honest with myself. I was not happy and I started to realize that I wanted more for myself.

I’m a big fan of WWE SUPERSTAR John Cena and I always loved his quotes. I finally started to apply all the positive quotes to my life. Also, I had a friend whom I dated when I was 18 years old who started to help me be more active and was really encouraging. He reminded me about the person I used to be when I was younger, a more positive, confident, fun and bubbly me.  At the same time, my husband started to come home less and less. The time he was home we argued and once he spit in my face so enough was enough. I moved out to get away and to get myself together. My guy friend and I continued to get closer. We started to take walks and change some eating habits slowly. A lot of my issues started to go away. Then, I hit a plateau where I was not losing anymore weight. At that same time, even though me and my friend was becoming closer and I was waiting on getting a divorce. I found out that my husband had been cheating on me before I moved out, so I kinda went back into a depression. With the help of my friend, who turned into a great awesome boyfriend, I had to realize I could either get up and fight to be successful or lay down and be a failure.

I discovered that John Cena had a new weight-loss plan called ChangeTime.  With it, I only had to workout 20 min twice a week and change my eating habits 6 days a week and then I can eat whatever I want 1 Day out the week. I ate more vegetables, beans, lentils, chicken, salmon and raw cashews. 6 days out the week I drink a gallon of water a day. No sodas, no juice, no rice or pasta. I have more energy. My health issues have improved and my weight has continuously gone down. I currently weigh 210 pounds and I am planning on being under 200 pounds for the first time in my adult life by my birthday in July 2014. My workout routine is simple movements and I can workout at home.  I do push ups , planks, sit ups, squats, lunges and walking.  I also workout with Hip-Hop Dance and Zumba DVDs. So, my change started in June 2013 and I will definitely continue on my journey of weight loss transformation.

My motivation to keep going is that I really want to continue on the career path I started on years ago. Plus, I wanted to finally become a dancer for different artists and in movies. I have loved dance since I was a child. Im so passionate about it and just want to be a leading lady in an Usher or NeYo Video…but definitely Usher. I want to dance live on stage for and awards show. I’m working hard to live out my dreams and motivate other people to live out their dreams no matter what the situation is. My Advice to anyone trying to lose weight is no matter what, Never Give Up. If one way does not work for you, keep trying and keep pushing on. If your weight loss stalls, kick it up a notch and change up your routine.Keep trying because something WILL work and you will get to the place that you really want to be with your weight and Everything. If I can do it with all the emotional struggles and physical limitations I had (and sometimes still have) then anyone can do it. You just have to believe and fight for what you want. If you work hard and keep faith, you will be successful.

Instagram: @shalove80

Sha before and after photos Sha before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bernadette lost 73 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bernadette lost 73 pounds.  She decided that enough was enough and that she wanted to like what she saw in the mirror.  She changed her eating habits and started exercising regularly to reach her goals.  Read more about her weight loss journey:

Bernadette weight loss story

“I’m Bernadette Robinson and I wanted to share my story. I started my weight loss journey in November 2012. I hated my overall look and decided to change it. My starting weight was 267 pounds. After dieting and exercising 3-4 times out the week, I ended dropping down to 194 pounds by March 2013. That’s a total weight loss of 73 pounds and I’ve maintained my weight loss. I knew how hard it was to begin my journey, but that’s the thing. I began and I conquered!

I was looking at myself one day and I was tired if what I was seeing. Fat, rolls, tummy lol. I started eating more vegetables (because lord knows I wasn’t eating nearly as enough as I should have been). I drank lots of water and cut out sodas completely. I also ate smaller portions instead really big meals. For exercise, I worked out at the gym 3 times a week. I workout on the treadmill, elliptical machine and stationary bike.  I do squats, pull-ups and 150 crunches a day. The advice that I would give to others is: If you want to change the way you look, do something about it! I know it is not easy to make that first step, but it does get easier in the long run! Most importantly, do it for YOU.”

Bernadette before and after Bernadette before and after

Renae lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Renae lost 55 pounds.  This single mom wrote to us from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands to let us know all about her weight loss journey.  She learned that changing your lifestyle is hard work and hard to commit to, but it’s all worth it.  Check out what she shared with us:

Renae weight loss story

“My name is Renae Meyers and for most of my life I’ve struggled with managing my weight and living a healthy lifestyle. In 2006 I became pregnant with my first born and it became even harder for me after that. Being a single working mom was not easy for me. It was not until I started noticing that I didn’t even have the energy to play with my daughter that I knew something had to be done. In 2011 I made the decision to take control of my health and live a more healthy and active lifestyle.  The pic on the left was me in 2011 weighing over 225 lbs and the pic on the right is me today weighing 170 lbs. It wasn’t easy and keeping the weight off was a struggle at first because when you’re surrounded by so many fast food restaurants and you walk past so much junk foods in the grocery stores the temptation can be overwhelming. I’ve learned that you have to make sacrifices if you want something bad enough and staying fit is my ultimate goal. I never want to go back to being that person I was in 2011 and that’s why I’ve committed myself to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle by eating more healthy,  drinking lots of water and working out consistently 5 days per week at the gym. I’ve learned that results don’t come overnight and if you want it bad enough you have to work for it. There were many times I wanted to give up because I wasn’t seeing the progress that I wanted to see when I wanted to see it, but I never gave up. I knew that I needed to set goals for myself and stick to them. I currently do a lot of weight training and run 2 miles 2 days per week along with other forms of cardio. Excuses don’t give you results. Hard work and dedication does. Being fit is now not just a destination for me. It’s a way of life.

I’ve changed my eating habits by eliminating foods from my diet that contain artificial ingredients and I focus more on natural foods and juices. I drink a lot of water and coconut water as well. I live in the Caribbean so coconut water is easily accessible. I’m also a Beachbody coach so I drink Shakeology shakes in the mornings for my breakfast. I usually snack on nuts and local fruits in between meals. I’m not a vegetarian but I do eat meat in moderation. When I eat meat, I usually try to find the lean parts of it and I take off the skin of chicken before I prepare it. I usually incorporate a bigger portion of veggies with my meals and cut back on rice and other starchy foods but I do eat them and have not eliminated them completely from my diet.”

Instagram: @renaemeyers340

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