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before and after

Sunny lost 60 pounds

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Reflecting on how quickly my body reacts to my diet and exercise responsibility. All these pictures are in a 6 month time frame. My goal is to be as close to or better than the fisher picture in this frame. It’s hard for me to control all factors in my fit life because of my illnesses. But we all go through periods of depression, happiness, laziness, (as a woman cycles), sickness, heavy workloads, just the ups and downs of life. I don’t get sad when I look at the crazy changes my body has gone through. I actually get more motivated because the thing I pull from this is that my body is able to respond. And if it can respond, then I can mold it to be what I want it to be. I just have to keep pushing and become consistent. This week I have completed all of my workouts including cardio 😩, prepared all my meals in my Macros, no cheats, and just been extremely focused like never before. Not even that much time for selfies lol. Just increased focus. I’m excited to see what I look like in the coming months. Stay focused my friends.

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Transformation of the Day: Sunny lost 60 pounds. She was struck with a serious illness during college that almost shortened her life. The medication she was given caused her to gain almost 100 pounds. Over the course of about 3 years, she fought to take back her health. Check out her story.

sunny before and after

I started college weighing in at 145 pounds. I ended up getting very sick during my sophomore year. I had 7 seizures a day, on average. I also lost my sight and hearing frequently. At one point, I was blind for 2 months and would stop breathing at times. My immune system was so weak that I was hospitalized for a multitude of viruses/colds. I had to be put on medications that made me gain almost 100 pounds. I was told that if my illness kept progressing, I had 1-2 more years to live.

My weight got up to 238 pounds over the course of 2 1/2 years. As I began to exercise and totally change my eating habits, what was causing my illness became more clear. I was able to eventually come off of my medications and lose the weight I had put on. It has taken years of dedication to reach this point. Now my health has changed dramatically! Hopefully I can inspire others to change their habits and live healthier and show them that anything is possible.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating sugar, processed foods and foods with artificial sugars, colors and preservatives. I eat lean meats, tons of vegetables (especially green veggies), fruit and healthy, slow burning carbs. Every now and then have a proportioned cheat meal.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started working out 3-4 times a week. Gradually moved up to 5-6 times a week. I do a combination of weight training, plyo and cardio. 

What is your current weight?:  178 pounds

What is your height? 5’4″

How long did your transformation take? Approximately 3 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?:
Keep going! I almost stopped so many times and if I had I wouldn’t have seen my true potential and how strong I really am. Also, learn to love yourself DURING the journey. 

Instagram: @suzifit

sunny weight loss story

11 pounds made a huge difference for Amaka

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Non-Scale Victories: Losing 11 pounds made a huge difference for Amaka. She focused on how she felt, not just numbers on the scale. Our African sista shared her journey with us. Check it out.

amaka before and after

My story might be a bit different from the others ones you’ve featured in terms of the numbers on the scale. My transformation hasn’t been drastic, but the physical change has been amazing.

I’m just a regular student striving hard to balance school,  fitness and have a healthy dose of fun. It’s not easy, I’ll tell you. When I first got into college, I put on a lot of weight and I knew I had to do something, because I clearly ate my way to that state. Lol.

I got into the University and was ready to take over anything, I wanted to explore every bit of new freedom, which included eating cake and Fanta at 11:30pm, eating a whole pack of Pringles whenever I wanted and if I felt like, two packs. I put on weight, no doubt. My weight was 89kg (196 pounds). Some how through out my time in high school till now, I’ve always been within the same weight range, but I never crossed into 90kg. At this point, I knew it was time to do something, because my jeans were bursting at the seams.

One day, I was talking to my roommate about registering at the gym close by and she said, “No no no, that thing does not work. I’ve tried it and there’s no gain except pain.” Ha! I lasted only three days. It was very funny to me, because I was aware that this journey wouldn’t be magic and that you need patience and hardwork to see results. So, I decided to prove my roommate wrong. I wanted to make her eat her words and know that she just wasn’t ready to change, simple as that.

I did exactly that in three months by doing HIIT on the treadmill three times a week. I also lifted weights. I gained significant amount of muscle and went down a little on the scale. I was at 84kg/185 pounds, my clothes fit better and I had to gave some clothes away because they didn’t fit.

Changing my eating habits was not difficult because I had a predetermined mind about it. I buy healthy foods; beans (black eyed peas), plantain, Jollof rice, vegetables and fruit. and veggies. I eat fruit in moderation, because of the high amount of sugar some kinds carry.

I currently weight 84kg still, but I’m loving the way I look and feel. When you’re working towards weight loss, your focus should be more on how you feel not just on the numbers on the scale. Work towards achieving a healthier you. With this approach, I think you can easily build a healthy lifestyle in general and the results will come guaranteed! Drink lots of water and eat those veggies. Go for a jog, register at the gym or hit the park. Now matter how you do it, make sure that you enjoy the process and fall in love with it.

Instagram: @Amakanew

Jennifer lost 79 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 79 pounds. An unflattering photo and the desire to be fit for her son were the catalysts she needed to spark a change in her life. Her story shows that just by walking regularly and changing your eating habits you can get great results. Check out her story.

jennifer weight loss story

My name is Jennifer D. I started my lifestyle change on August 1, 2015 and I’m still going. My motivation was that I wanted to change my life for my son, who is 3 years old. What inspired me was one day, when I was at my friend’s house, I took a picture and I wasn’t pleased with what I saw. I knew it was time for a change.

I stop eating fried foods and I no longer eat beef. I haven’t ate pork in about 18+ years. I also started drinking green smoothies. I start eating grilled, baked chicken, fish and turkey. I always been a veggie lover all my life, so incorporating vegetables into my meals was not hard.

My workout consists of walking and jogging. Walking is the exercise that helped me lose most of my weight. Recently, I  started lifting weights and doing squats. I love squats. I workout twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. When first started my journey, I used walk 3 miles in the morning and 3 miles at night, for a total of 6 miles a day.

My starting weight was 311 pounds. My current weight is 232-234 pounds. It took me 7 months to get here. My height is 5’8″.

My advice to others is that it has to start with you. Just do it! Remember that you have to give up something to get something. For example; give up that fried food for a healthier food and gain a healthier life.

I would like to acknowledge Maxi Maxwell, another woman who shared her story with BWLW. She has motivated me so much that I now call her “Coach”. I have completed her 7 day tummy challenge twice and I just finished her 15 day sexy summer challenge. She such a blessing to so many!

Facebook and Instagram: @Dedicatedtogetfit

Jennifer before and after

Valencia lost 22 pounds

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Weight Loss Journey: Valencia lost 22 pounds and embraced a love of fitness. She was tired of feeling depressed and tired, so she took action via health eating habits and joining a group fitness program. Now, she is training for her first marathon this summer. She was nice enough to share her story and her meal plan.

valencia weight loss journey

Bonus: Valencia was nice enough to share a 14 day sample meal plan that she used with us. (PDF)
Valencia’s 14 Day Meal Plan

I began my weight loss journey 6 months ago, on my 26th birthday (September 30, 2015). I can not recall a specific event that motivated/inspired me to begin. I just grew tired of feeling sorry for myself and being depressed. Throughout the last 6 months, my eating has changed drastically. I eat approximately 4 well balanced meals a day with snacks in between. All my meals high in protein. I also drink a gallon of water a day, which helps keep me hydrated, fuel my muscles, control my cravings and much more.

I workout 5-7 days a week (at least 4 of those days with my personal trainer). Fit Interval Training has helped melt the fat off my midsection and greatly increased my endurance. When I’m not in the gym with my trainer, I RUN. I run at least 6 miles a week and I hope to complete a half marathon in July.

When I started my journey, I weighed 206 pounds and today I weigh 184 lbs (5’7″ tall). Yes, I’ve lost 22 lbs, but I try not to get to caught up in the numbers on the scale. It’s not always about what you weigh, it’s about how you feel!

Eating Habits: I drink a gallon of water daily. I also cut out fast food, foods high in sugar, and foods high in sodium.  A typical day is…
Breakfast: Egg whites with spinach and slice of toast or oatmeal (Honey) and a protein shake
Mid-Morning Snack: Sharp Cheddar 4-6 count and Cashews (hand full).
Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, steamed vegetables and ½ cup brown rice and small bag of sliced apples
Mid-Afternoon Snack: 6oz protein shake
Dinner: Baked Salmon, 1 cup Steamed vegetables, ½ Sweet Potato

Exercise: F.I.T (Fit Interval Training) – This small group training format was created by Rodney Samuel. Developed with his background in Exercise Science and accreditation through the (ACSM) American College of Sports Medicine. Rodney devised a program that ensures optimal results for all fitness levels, and has a modifiable design suiting for beginners and experts alike. It always follows the same format, but generates a variety of workouts, so that no two sessions are exactly alike. Rodney is my personal trainer at Fit Factory Houston in Houston, TX.

My workouts are generally broken down into 4 parts. Core, Power, Aerobic and W.O.D. (Workout of the Day). We preform various HIIT (high intensity interval training) exercises which are my favorite! HIIT, allows you to burn lots of calories without losing muscle. Ever month, my gym also hosts fitness challenges for which we are required to workout at least 4-5 days a week and eat according to a specific meal plan. In addition to F.I.T. I also run 10+ miles a week, as I am preparing for to run my first half marathon in July.

I couldn’t be happier with my decision to begin living a more healthy lifestyle. EXERCISE IS A FORM OF SELF-LOVE ! Do it because you love you! To those who think they have no time for exercise, I would tell you that I don’t necessarily “have” time either. I MAKE time. I make me a priority everyday! Don’t be afraid of change. You may lose something good, but you may gain something better.

Instagram: @fat_fit_shredded

valencia before and after

Valerie lost 102 pounds

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Update January 2018: Valerie lost more than 100 pounds and has worked to keep the pounds off. She experiened a significant loss when she gave birth during the 5th month of pregnancy and her baby passed away. Grief and depression have not stopped her. She is taking life one step at a time.

valerie before and after

Wanted to send in an update to my story since so much has changed in the last few years since I first started reading your website! My story started when I turned 30 years old in 2012. I weighed 280 lbs and was depressed. I started working out, and 3 years later I was down to 175 pounds. I continued working on myself and was hoping to compete in a bodybuilding competition.

In 2016, we decided to add to the family and I got pregnant. At 5 months, I delivered and my daughter died at birth. I was crushed and depressed again. My weight reached 250 pounds.

After I was cleared to work out again, I started weight lifting because I know it produces really great results for me. I work two body parts a day, 5-6 times a week. I also do interval cardio (HIIT) for 15 minutes, 3 times a week.  As far as eating habits, I don’t follow any particular diet. However, my eating style is high protein, lower carb and moderate fat. I monitor my macros and calories daily.

Fast forward to today… I’m down to 200 pounds and still working to get back to 175 pounds. I’m talking to someone about grief and just trying to do my best to take care of myself. It was a struggle to experience the weight gain with no baby to bring home. It’s like I gained weight for no reason, but with a great support system I’m doing better and just taking it one day at a time.

Updated pictures: In the pink dress, I weighed 280 pounds. The photo is from when I turned 30 years old. The second pic is from when I turned 35 years old. The other before and after photos (with the dates) show how I’ve been doing since I had the baby.

Instagram: @liftheavyeatbacon

valerie before and after

Transformation of the Day: Valerie lost 102 pounds. After she saw the photos from her 30th birthday celebration, she knew that she wanted to change her life. For the last 3 years, she’s been changing her relationship with food and working out hard. Read her awesome story.

valerie weight loss story

I started my journey after seeing a picture of myself at my 30th birthday party in Miami. I weighed 280 pounds and I couldn’t believe it. I needed a change, immediately!

I changed my eating habits by monitoring my portion sizes, cutting out fast food and cutting out fried food. I started to log all my meals in My Fitness Pal to keep track of what I was eating.

When I first started, my workouts were mostly cardio and a little weight  lifting. Then, after I gained some of the weight back, I got a trainer and started lifting more weights and cut down on the cardio. Now, I do strength training 5-6 days a week and the sessions are usually about 90 minutes to 2 hours. I finish my workouts with 20 minutes of sprints, 2-3 times a week.

I am 5’4″ tall and my highest weight was 280 pounds. Today, my current weight is 178 pounds. I have been working on this process since January 2013. I haven’t had any surgeries and I don’t use wraps or any other products to help with skin tightening or weight loss. I do use supplements like Whey protein and BCAA’s.

My advice for others would be to start lifting weights and don’t just rely just on cardio. Weight lifting won’t make you “huge” or “bulky”, and it can really increase your results in terms of fat loss. My goal is to compete in a bodybuilding competition by the end of this year. Also, I recently became a trainer in my gym.

Instagram: @valerietynes

valerie before and after

Stefunee lost 46 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Stefunee lost 46 pounds. She wanted to be an example for her son and her family that you can achieve your health and wellness goals if you work hard. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

stefunee before and after

My motivation to lose weight was setting an example for my son with total lifestyle changes through health and wellness. I want my son, as well as my family and friends to know that with a plan, hard work, determination, resilience and a great attitude, you can achieve all of your goals!

I was inspired by all of the beautiful transformation photos on Black Women Losing Weight and I wanted to my own success story to share! I’ve lost 46 pounds, starting at 236 pounds. I currently weigh 190 pounds.

I cut out sugar, fast foods, soda, alcohol, and coffee.  I took vitamins everyday, detoxed and waist trained. I also worked out at the gym 4/5 days a week.  My workout regimen included cardio and strength training. I would switch my cardio routine with stair climbing, Cross fit and Zumba class as well!  I love dancing so much. My dream is to have my own dance aerobics class and dance squad for girls.

I want to encourage any woman out there who feels discouraged about their weight. Making the decision to lose weight will be the best decision they can make. Losing weight will change your life!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/glamsportsinc
Instagram: @juicygenius

Alisha lost 138 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Alisha lost 138 pounds. This survivor works to change the lives of homeless Veterans at her day job. She wanted to share with us how her decision to have weight loss surgery saved her life by helping her doctors find a serious, life threatening condition. Check out her awesome story.

alisha weight loss cancer

I wanted to share my story of losing 145 pounds through surgery and how it saved my life. Through pre-operative testing for weight loss surgery, I found out that my thyroid was enlarged and crushing my trachea. I later found out that I had thyroid cancer, which had spread to my lymph nodes.

What was your motivation?
I was motivated to lose weight because I wanted to be the healthiest/best version of me and for me that wasn’t being 300+ pounds. I was inspired by my clients. I work with homeless Veterans and after years and years of homelessness and other issues, I can’t expect them to change overnight. Change is very difficult. Deciding to change behaviors, ones that I’ve had almost my entire life, was difficult, but I had to start somewhere.

I had weight loss surgery after several years of plateaus. I didn’t how to overcome the plateaus, so I sought information on surgery because it was covered by my insurance. During my prep-op work, up it was found that my thyroid was crushing part of my trachea. However, because it was not causing any serious issues we proceeded with surgery. I had the Duodenal Switch with Dr. John Rabkin in San Francisco at Pacific Laporscopy.

6-7 months after weight loss surgery, I went to my new primary cary physician for a work up and was referred to an Endocrinologist. My endocrinologist wanted to remove my thyroid because it was so large.

While preparing for surgery to remove it. My lymph nodes looked suspicious on one of the tests. After a biopsy of my thyroid and surrounding the lymph nodes, it was found that I had thyroid cancer. My surgeon explained to me after surgery that had my trachea collapsed I probably would have died due to the size of my thyroid. My thyroid was the size of 2 fists and wrapped around my trachea. The icing on the cake was that a year and half before my surgery, I contacted my previous PCP to discuss my enlarged thyroid. She brushed me off, giving me the once over and saying, “Nope, looks fine to me.” Despite all of that I’m alive, healthy, and continuing to live a full and blessed life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started using My Fitness Pal to decide how many calories I needed to eat a day to lose the weight that I wanted. 1700 calories was my goal. That was actually “more” intentional food than I was currently eating. I became most successful with my food habits by doing meal prep on Sundays. I would take 2-3 hours and make all my meals and snacks for the week. I didn’t eliminate many foods as much as I counted my calories. I prefer a big steak over a candy bar, any day. I now follow a high fat, high protein diet that aligns with my weight loss surgery.

What did your workout routines look like?
All I did was walk. I did anywhere from a mile to two miles a day at a leisurely pace, nothing too much. I’m still intimidated by the gym but I continue to walk and I’m currently looking for a personal trainer to help me lose the last 20-30 lbs and tone my body.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 333 pounds (approximately). My current weight is 195 pounds and my height is 5’5″. After having my thyroid removed on 2/6/2015, I’ve only lost about 4 pounds. However, I’m not gaining weight, which is what most people say happens after having their thyroid removed and trying to find the right dosage of medication. In addition, on January 29th, 2016 (my birthday) it was confirmed that my cancer had returned. I’m currently waiting on the results, but hopefully I’ll get another negative test.

How long did your transformation take?
It’s been about 2.5 years

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Believe in yourself and don’t give us. Celebrate the smallest victories and keep pushing forward toward your goal

Instagram: @wanderingalisha

alisha before and after

LaKesha lost 32 pounds

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Weight Loss Journey: LaKesha lost over 32 pounds in less than 4 months. This busy mom of 3 began her journey at the end of 2015. She’s just made some simple changes that have paid off with progress.

lakesha before and after

Hello, my name is LaKesha and would like to share my story and my before and after photos. In just 3.5 months, I have lost over 32 pounds without surgery and without using diet pills.

I have three boys (ages 17, 6, and 3 years old) and they all love sports. They are the force that inspired me on my journey. I wanted to change because couldn’t run after them too long or play too long with them because of asthma and being overweight.

I gave up fried foods and soda. I also started walking more during the day and in the evening. My 3 year old and 6 year old keep me busy, so they are my exercise (along with my 17 year old).

At then end of 2015, my weight was in the low 200s and today I weigh 170 pounds. I am 5’4″ tall. This is almost the same weight I weighed before I had my second son 6 years ago. I would like to lose at least 5-7 more pounds. I feel great. I look great and now I can even breathe better.

Tekora lost 70 pounds

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

tekora weight loss story

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

tekora before and after

Danielle lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Danielle lost 30 pounds. Wanting to live a healthier life and impact the world, she decided to go vegan. She researched the benefits of plant-based eating and was inspired by great food documentaries, like Forks Over Knives and Food, Inc. Read her story and find out how she did it.

dani weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My motivation was to live a healthier life and to change the world. I knew my health was at risk. In 2015, I read a lot of articles about the meat industry. I spent one weekend watching Netflix documentaries, such as Cowspiracy, Food Matters, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, Vegucated, Fork Over Knives and Food Inc. I was changed forever.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was a vegetarian for years off and on, but I wasn’t consistent. In the beginning of this year (2016), I decided to go vegan after a 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. I am currently a high carb vegan. I try my best to eat mostly whole foods, veggies and fruits. I cook all of my food, most of the time.

What did your workout routines look like?
Surprisingly, I don’t work out at the gym like I should. I do a lot home workouts, such as Hip Hop Abs and a Kettle-bell routine. I do walk very often as well. I’m currently looking to commit more to a gym routine. My weight loss was based on 80 percent eating habits vs. exercise.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 246 pounds and my current weight is 216 pounds. I still have work to do. My height is 5’6″.

How long did your transformation take?
Approximately 2 months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice for others who are looking to losing weight is to stay inspired. Don’t listen to people who aren’t on the same journey as you. Distance yourself from people who are negative towards you. Don’t overthink, don’t be too hard on yourself and have fun. For inspiration, follow social media pages and join groups. Believe in yourself and be you.

I’m an empowerment coach and Co-Founder of The World Is A Girl’s Runway Inc. I also started a vegan blog that will be launching this month (April 2016). My blog will feature my daily experiences, recipes, grocery hauls, videos and christian devotionals. It’s called the Freckled Vegan.

Instagram: @Freckledvegan_
Blog: http://theworldisagirlsrunway.blogspot.com