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before and after

Tiffany lost 63 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Tiffany lost 63 pounds. This petite young lady was tired of the weight loss roller coaster. She changed her mindset and changed her habits to go from a size 16 to a size 6. Check out what she shared with us about her new healthy lifestyle.

tiffany before and after
Updated Instagram: @fitandfocused29

My name is Tiffany H. and I’m 26 years old. I have been on a weight roller coaster for pretty much my entire life. Either being underweight or overweight, I could never find a happy place within my body. I was struggling with various issues and I always seemed to turn to food for comfort. If I wasn’t in that mindset, I was feeling angry to the point of not eating at all. I didn’t love myself and I did not want anyone else to love me either. Getting close to anyone terrified me! I was self destructive as a result of this and I was constantly pushing people away.

My highest weight was 245 pounds. With the unconditional love of my wife of 5 years, my heart began to change and I made some progress. In October of 2015, I was back to my old habits tipping and the scale at 208 pounds. I’m only 5’1″ tall. This is when I decided that I have to change. I needed to get healthy and stay that way.

I started by cutting out carbs and only drinking water and green tea. I began adding more fruits, veggies and lean meats. I also started cooking all of my own meals. No TAKEOUT!  I hit the gym 2 times a day 5 days a week, doing high intensity cardio. After just a month, I noticed a huge difference. The cravings were unbearable at times, but I kept strong and stayed focused on my health goals.

Now here I am, almost 6 months later and 63 pounds GONE! Was in a size 16 pants before, and now in a size 7- 8 jeans and size 6 dress! I’m full of energy and thankful for everyday. My advice for others: Please, please get up and get moving. I know it seems like such a tiring, long process, but it is SO worth it in the end.

Instagram: @fitandfocused29

Krystal lost 159 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Krystal lost 159 pounds. This proud wife and mother felt that her weight was in the way of her living life to the fullest and enjoying special outings with her family. She started making small changes that built up to create a healthier, new lifestyle. Check out what she shared with us about how she transformed.

krystal weight loss story

My motivation was my two daughters and my husband. I did not have the energy, nor the desire, to do a lot of the things that could bring enjoyment to our lives because of the weight. I really wanted to enjoy our family vacations and days at the amusement park or water park, but I didn’t. A lot of years slipped by due to issues with my weight and my insecurity.

So, I started my weight loss journey with small changes, such as cutting carbs, sodas and sweets. I limited my intake with a lot of things I was eating, but don’t get me wrong. I have a sweet tooth out of this world. I love cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, but I can’t live on that stuff alone. There’s nothing wrong with having small amounts of these things, but when you are trying to lose weight you cannot allow yourself to have it. Once you get to your desired weight, you can introduce sweets and treats back to your diet, slowly and in moderation. Eating a lot of carbs will slow down weight loss, so I did away with many carbs completely. I started to snack on vegetables, fruits and nuts. Even when I go out to a restaurant, I switch out carbs or high starch things for vegetables and salads. I ate a lot of meat; beef, chicken and fish. I’m not a pork eater at all.

When I started to work out, all I could do was walk because of my size. I started off by walking 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week. I would walk even more if I had the energy. Then, I increased it by 5 minutes until I got up to 45 minutes. I invested in a Fitbit and I started off with the goals of walking 6,000 steps a day. I ended up walking 12,000 steps today. My Fitbit encouraged me. Even if I did not walk that much throughout the day, at night I would get in front of the television and walk in place until I met my goal. I remember one night that I did not reach my goal and I was like, “Forget it. I’ll just make up the steps tomorrow.”, but something in me would not rest. I had to get out of the bed, go to my front porch and walk 4000 steps before I went to bed. Subconsciously, I could not sleep knowing that I didn’t meet my goal. It is a real challenge to me that I absolutely enjoy.

My starting weight was 389 pounds and my current weight is 230 pounds. I’m 5’6″ tall. I am trying now to lose 40 more pounds to reach the weight goal that I set for myself. This journey took about two and a half years and I’m still going.

My advice: You didn’t gain the weight overnight and you’re not going to lose it overnight. Be patient. Take time to treat yourself right, physically and mentally. Do this truly for no one but yourself. We are all different. The eating habits or weight limits that work for another person may not work for you. You have to find a way of eating that fits you, your schedule and your family. You have to find a workout routine that fits your schedule and your family. You can pull bits and pieces from the successful stories of other. You can use this information to customize your own story. Don’t beat yourself up because somebody else’s workout routine or diet is causing you to struggle. Create your own lifestyle and carry on with your journey.

Never give up and never look at it as a diet. Look at it as a lifestyle change. These actions are things you’re going to have to implement throughout your life to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Diets are temporary. Lifestyle changes will stick. Your new lifestyle may even start to be picked up by family members, loved ones, your children or your husband. You will become an inspiration to them.

Instagram: @wife_mother_ceo

krystal before and after

Zadora lost 100 pounds

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Mommy is Transforming: Zadora lost 100 pounds. After giving birth to her daughters, postpartum depression led to weight gain. Months later she had a life threatening bout of Diabetic Ketoacidosis that opened her eyes and led her to start her weight release journey. Check out what she shared with us.

zadora weight loss story

Hi, my name is Zadora. I’m 24 years old and this is my story thus far. I have always been a bigger woman, but once I gave birth to my twins my weight I really spiraled out of control. I only gained 7 pounds while pregnant, but I put on 50 lbs after delivering due to post-partum depression. My highest weight was 445 pounds. I was shocked to find out that I weighed that much, but that still didnt change me.

What changed me happened back in April 2015, when my twins were 10 months old. I fell ill with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and almost died. That is what made me decide that I am not going to leave my babies motherless. I found something that I loved more than good food… my family.

I decided that it was time for a change so I started going through the process for weight loss surgery, which included a 6 month supervised diet. I was able to find my own balance of going vegan/vegetarian, combined with just plain healthy eating . I exercise daily and drink a whole lot of water.

I cut out all the carbs and junk food. No more fast food or soda, and the couple sweets I did indulge in I stopped having. Now, I eat a fusion diet, as I call it. Sometimes I will vegan or vegetarian for a whole week and other times I am eating lean and healthy meats (no pork) along with low carb sides. I love cooking healthy kid friendly meals as well. I plan to start a blog on my journey soon.

When it was warmer outside, I would push my girls in the stroller for exercise. We would also go on long walks. Now, I do in-home aerobic workout tapes and youtube videos, as well as jump roping and kettlebell exercises.

I’m so far into this journey and I have already lost 100 pounds. I currently weigh 345 lbs at 5’8″ tall. I been taking small steps since April 2015, but went full throttle beginning in July 7, 2015. I’ve decided to delay applying for weight loss surgery, because I am curious to see how far I can get without it. I always tell my daughters (now 20 months old) that they were sent here to save my life, because before becoming a mom I was traveling quickly down a fast road to unhealthy living. I know that I still have a long ways to go, but the first 100 lbs was so hard to lose that I cried many times and almost gave up. Now, I feel so good that I am off my insulin. My diabetes is close to reversing and above all I can breathe again with no more shortness of breath

Advice others who want to lose weight: Drink WATER, WATER, WATER! Also, don’t worry about what the next person is doing. Just live your life and be happy. Be happy with the weight you lose, not sad because “Salle Joe Over There” lost more than you. Celebrate all of the small victories. Find something that motivates you and think of it everytime you want to quit.

zadora before and after

Myra lost 125 pounds

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Update 2017: Congrats go out to Myra! She’s lost over 130 pounds. “I was named a 2017 Health Hero by O (Oprah) Magazine and featured in the January 2017 edition.”

“Five days a week, Myra Anderson drives her Mitsubishi Mirage to churches around Charlottesville, Virginia, and turns their fellowship halls into workout studios, leading participants ages 7 to 81 in cardio classes set to Christian chart toppers. As devout about fitness as she is about faith, Anderson calls her class Temple Fit…” [full article]

myra before and after

Great Success Story: Myra lost 125 pounds. She’d ignored a number of health issues she was faced with, but she couldn’t dismiss her reflection in the mirror. One day, she decided that enough was enough. It was time to change for good. Now, she’s a Zumba and Group Fitness Instructor helping others to do the same. Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

myra weight loss story

One day I woke up, looked in the mirror and didn’t even recognize myself. I weighed well over 350 pounds! I cried Big Tears, because I couldn’t believe just how much I had I let myself go. I’d already been ignoring the diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, but this reflection in the mirror could NOT be ignored. I felt like not only had I failed myself and my family, but I also felt like a complete embarrassment to all my friends and church family as well.

Food had not only become my source of celebration during happiness, but also comfort during times of sadness and depression. I was a remedy for loneliness, as well as entertainment for boredom. Food served every undesirable feeling I had and it made me feel good, or at least that’s what I thought. I didn’t realize exactly how much my unhealthy relationship with food  was actually hurting me. It was an overindulgent love, focused particularly on high calorie, fatty, greasy, food choices (combined with zero exercise).

I’vewanted just to give up, but my God had bigger plans for me! This was September 2014 and I finally said Enough is Enough. That day I vowed to do what I could with what I had to make a change! I told myself that I was ready to commit to living a healthier and happier life.

With that in mind, I pretty much plunged into my fitness journey. I went to local Health Center (for FREE) for nutrition education, support, and accountability. I started going to exercise class in the mornings and walking in the evenings. This was no easy feat! I could only walk for about 20 feet in the beginning, but I kept at it not matter what. I did this when I was sad, when I was mad, when I felt depressed or frustrated and when I was stressed. I kept showing up and worked it all out. Eventually the persistence became habit and I got addicted to fitness! Jazzercise, Zumba, walking, wogging, jogging, running… you name it, I did it. I also developed a strong network of healthier friends. Thank God, I had supportive exercise teacher who walked beside me every step of the way, supporting and encouraging me each and every day. She modeled a healthy lifestyle for me. All I needed to do was pay attention and put it into practice.

I cleaned up my eating habits and cut out fast food and sweets. I stopped buying white bread, white rice, pasta and started using portion control. I filled my fridge with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. I also stopped eating fried food. I broiled, baked or grilled my food instead. I prayed and meditated daily. I also got sufficient rest, practiced gratitude and drank lots and lots of water each day.

I’ve lost 125 pounds! What a glorious day it was when my doctor said I no longer need to take diabetes medication anymore and that my cholesterol was back in the normal range! I felt like I had been given a second chance to do right by my body!

Now, as I continue the second leg of my fitness journey, I hope to inspire other people (along the way) who are struggling with getting healthy and fit. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity, as well as empowering people to lead healthier lives in general has now become my life’s passion. I recently got licensed as a Zumba Instructor and certified as a Group Fitness Instructor. I’m only getting started. The sky is the limit!

Bree lost 47 pounds

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Update January 2018: Check out this update from Bree. She’s lost more than 60 pounds.

Bree before and after

I’ve lost a total of 60+ pounds since 2013. I currently weigh 159 pounds and I started at 220 pounds. My heigh is 5’4″. My weight fluctuates all the time, (within 10 pounds) but I’ve managed to keep most of the weigh off for about a year (and some change) by eating vegetables and exercising regularly.

I started the journey as a staunch Vegan. Then, over the course of a year, I reintroduced dairy and fish back into my diet (though sparingly).

I was unhappy with my body when I was heavier, but if I could go back, I wouldn’t hate myself as much as I did. I would tell myself that I was beautiful more and embrace my thickness (not so much my unhealthiness, but my beauty, ya know?) Needless to say, it’s much easier to like myself now because it is more about how I think I look and less about how I think other people think I look.

The most important thing that I’ve taken away from this whole journey is to make sure that I eat foods that allow me to have regular bowel movements everyday. It’s the less glamorous side of weight loss, but it’s the truth… and I’m all the more healthy for it.

Instagram: @the.high.one

Weight Loss Journey: Bree lost 47 pounds. She focused on high intensity interval training and converted to a Vegan lifestyle to get great results. Now she is sharing her story to motivate and inspire others. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

bree weight loss story

My name is Bree and I’m 5 feet and 4 inches tall. I’ve lost a total of 45+ pounds in the last 2 years and I’m still losing! The before photos are from December of 2013 when I weighed in at 210 pounds. The after photo is from February of 2016 at 163 pounds.

I graduated college in the summer of 2013, and it wasn’t until I left school that I really saw how my health had plummeted over the course of 4 years. I had developed a severe case of eczema, and every time I looked in the mirror I saw the boogie woman. Feeling like an utter loser, a complete failure and a stranger to beauty, I was determined to make a change. I bought a Black Girl’s Workout Too! DVD for a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout program and exercised with my buddy 4-5 times a week. I began living a Vegan lifestyle for spiritual awareness. It wasn’t really that hard for me to make the switch because I love vegetables and animals. I started by just cutting out meat. Once I got in the groove of eating meat free, I cut out the cheese and later on down the road, the gluten. My skin loved me for it.

If I had to choose one aspect of my health/weight loss journey that made the most difference, I would say that being vegan and gluten-free take the cake. Due to my diet changes, my eczema has dissipated with only minor flair ups. I’m more confident when showing my naked legs and arms. I also drink tons of water these days, and I’m not afraid to eat a plate full of vegetables (after all, I am vegan, ha ha!).

My advice to anyone looking to lose weight is to be patient with yourself. Egypt wasn’t built in a day *wink wink*.

You can find me on Instagram @__breet.

I also am documenting my weight loss and hair growth journey on my YouTube channel.

Marcia lost 220 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Marcia lost 220 pounds, going from a size 36 to a size 20/22. She is a proud mom and grandmother who’s motivation was to use be healthier, mind, body and spirit. After experiencing heart problems, her doctor recommended weight loss surgery and she used it as a tool to take back her life. Check out what she shared with us about her transformation.

marcia weight loss surgery

Hi my name is Marcia M. and I had weight loss surgery 8 years ago. At my highest weight, I didn’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc… However, I did start having chest pains which led to a Cardiac Cath. Once that heart issue came back to normal, my cardiologist looked at me, asked if I had children and asked if I loved them. Looking back at him with my raised eyebrow and I said that was a stupid question and of course I do. He said, “Well, if you do not have surgery you will be dead by the following year. Your call.” and walked out of the room.

Well, I had the gastric sleeve procedure and I could kick myself for not doing it sooner. A lot of people feel that surgery is a quick fix. That don’t realize that its a tool to help you get to a point to were you can exercise on your own and train yourself on how to eat right. I feel that my success comes from not going into this process thinking that I was going to be thin. I went in thinking I wanted to be healthy and alive. Fast forward to 2016, I have lost 230 plus pounds and I feel wonderful (height: 5’6″). Next phase will be dealing with the excess skin. Now, I can enjoy my children and my grandchildren.

When you have any type of gastric surgery, your eating habits change. I had to cut out sodas and some fried foods, which are my favorite. I had to get use to eating more protein. I found these New Whey protein bullets (3oz) that contain 42 grams of protein. What I do is drink half in the morning and half in the afternoon. The protein gives me energy and curbs my appetite. I tried to add friut which I love, but my sleeve, “Gladys“, doesn’t like fruit. I would get really bad pains everytime I would eat fruit. I’m like “really!!” Since I’m so far out from having the surgery years ago, I can eat more things these days, but only in moderation. For example, I love fries but I know my limit is 3, and I do mean 3. I just wait until my kids have some, eat 3 and I’m done.

My workout routines were weird due to my work schedule. I working 12 hour shifts maintaining a 32 bed critical care cardiovascular unit for children was a workout by itself.  I would literally put in anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 steps per shift. When I was off, I started going to the gym but I didn’t like being around a lot of people because I felt like that was “my” time. I decided, with the help of a special person in my life, to walk around the neighborhood, which I was terrified to do. We started with walking from my house to the stop sign, which was 4 houses down and back. Every day we went a little further, and before I knew it I was walking around the entire neighborhood without fear of running out of breath. I could walk and talk without breathing hard, lol. My walks became so important to me because that was my time to reflect on a lot of things in my life. It was a time to cry and release my anger towards situations and also have talks with God.

The advice I do give to other people who decide to have surgery or do it naturally on there own is that there is no quick fix to losing weight. When I was told either have the surgery or die that was enough for me. However, the most important thing I did for myself was to have a mindset of getting healthier, not being skinny because that may never happen. When I hear people who are well into the 500 pound range or higher state that they will have the surgery and will be a size 2, I think, “You are setting yourself up for failure.” I wanted to be able to fit in chairs and booths comfortably, be able to go on amusement rides with my kids and run (walk really fast) after my grandchildren. I wanted to be able to travel and not have to worry about getting an extension for the seat belt.

People look at me now and see that I’m not a size 2, but if they only knew where I started that would be amazed. I was wearing a size 36 and now I’m in a size 20/22. It blows my mind. So, my advice to others is please go into your journey with the mindset of getting healthier; mentally, physically and spiritually. That was the thing my surgeon told me on the day of surgery. Normally, you are wheeled to the O.R., but my doctor makes you walk and right before you get to the doors he says to turn around, look, waive to your family and also say goodbye to the person that walked down the hallway because once you turn around you are starting your new journey to a healthier you.  That is why my FB page and my instagram are named Starting a New Journey. That is what I did and it is a tough journey, but when I look back on were I came from all I can do is thank God that I am here. A healthy and a better me.

Instagram: @Starting_A_New_Journey

Kimberly lost 40 pounds

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Power of Going Plant-Based: Kimberly lost 40 pounds by her 40th birthday with plant based eating and juicing. Now she is spreading the good news of eating natural, whole foods. Check out her story and find out how she changed her lifestyle.

kim plant based weight loss

I was motivated to lose weight by my children. I have been eating organic foods at home for over 6 years, but none of that had helped me lose weight. It was over 6 years ago that I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This condition makes it very hard to conceive and lose weight.

My husband and I watched the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and we knew that a plant based diet could really help us! We started a juice fast in September of 2015 lasting about 21 days, and we lost 21 pounds. When we stopped the juice fast we went to a mostly plant-based diet, specifically excluding pork, beef, dairy and eggs. Fast forward a few more months and I had lost a total of 40 pounds by my 40th birthday on 2/25/16.

I do not exercise daily as I should, but I do simple weightlifting activities at home and try to work physical activity into my daily activities (example: taking the stairs, not the elevator).

At 5’5″ tall, my starting weight of 261 pounds was embarrassing and overwhelming. My current weight is 221 pounds. I have much more that I’d like to lose, but I’m tremendously proud of my progress!

I am a staunch believer in natural, non-medical healing, so it is only reasonable that a plant based, dairy and egg free, whole foods lifestyle would give me success.

It has only been approx. 6 months and my success is outstanding. I have only accomplished so much because I have not given up. This is the key to my success. If you fail you are still winning, because you can start over. Just don’t quit! I’ve made mistakes and eaten food that made me sick (and kept me up all night long), but I did not quit.

Most black families think they have family history chronic disease, including high blood pressure and diabetes. I don’t think we have family history of anything except a terrible diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Blog: www.inherentlynatural.com

Twitter: @inherentnat1

Instagram: @inherentlynatural

Kanika lost 73 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kanika lost 73 pounds. This registered nurse has promoted healthy habits for years, but didn’t practice her own advice seriously until she was diagnosed with a number of serious health challenges. She pulled on the strength of her faith in God, started eating clean and created small, achievable goals. Check out what she shared with us about how she’s been able to transform her life.

kanika before and after

Hello! My name is Kanika B. and I’ve loss 73 pounds naturally. I started my journey 3 years ago, weighing in at 273 pounds at 5’4″. I currently weigh 203 pounds. I battled with food addiction, depression and low self-esteem most of my life. As a Registered Nurse, it is my job to promote healthy habits, but I never even took my own health seriously until being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and early signs of kidney injury. Diabetes and hypertension runs in my family and it was then that I decided that I had to change my life if I wanted to live.

I knew I could not do this journey alone, so I invited God into my journey and that’s when true change began. I have adopted a clean eating lifestyle and use mostly all organic foods. I cut out fried foods and unhealthy snacks. I am also incorporating more vegetarian meals in my diet. I exercise 5 days a week at my local gym, doing at least 45 minutes of cardio and strength training 3 days a week.

My advice for others who are looking to lose weight would be to start off making small goals ( 5-10 pounds at a time). For me, that has been easier than looking at all the pounds I needed to lose as a huge goal. Also, put your goals in writing to make yourself more accountable. Use your support system during this journey, you need all the encouragement you can get. Start getting active with small steps and build up from there. Lastly, reward yourself when you reach your goals (non-food reward) with things like makeup, a massage, getting a mani/pedi, etc. I love to share my weight loss journey with others, because if I can they can.

Instagram: @nurse4god

Karen lost 98 pounds

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Battling for Her Health: Karen lost 98 pounds. She’s battled her weight since she was 10 years old. She’s also battled a number of serious illnesses, including kidney disease, potential renal failure, high blood pressure and PCOS. This proud mom keeps fighting and has found ways to improve her health and quality of life. Check out her story…

karen weight loss story

My name is Karen. I have struggled with my weight since I was 10 years old. At 13 years old, I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia and high blood pressure. From there, I gained large amounts of weight and didn’t know why. In 1998, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In 2008, the PCOS was so bad that the doctors told me that I could die. I weighed 276 pounds. They recommended gastric bypass as a last resort, because studies showed it could reset my body. The results were amazing! I lost 105 pounds, and my symptoms were gone.

I began gaining weight rapidly in March of 2014. I started getting really sick. In July 2014, went to the hospital, found out that I had renal failure and was admitted. For the next 7 days, I was tested for everything you can think of. I learned that I have is FSGS, an incurable kidney disease. I was devastated to find out 5 days later that my twins had it also. My PCOS symptoms returned as well.

In August 2014, I was on Facebook and found Wiltrina Jones. I followed her for a month and after failing to find help elsewhere, I took a chance. That day was the day my journey started. I followed her meal and exercise plans. I had some ups and down since then, but now I am 28 pounds from my goal. I am smaller than I was with the bypass surgery. I even have muscles and see a hourglass shape. I’m proof that you can take control and improve your health. I am still working on my goal to hit my ideal BMI at 150 pounds.

When I started with Coach Wiltrina in Sept of 2014, I weighed 220 pounds. My health was not stable when I started my weight loss journey. At the time, my kidneys were only functioning at 30%. They were failing and my doctor told me that I need to consider the donors list.

I didn’t know what to do. I was lost on how to bridge the gap of PCOS and FSGS [Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is the leading cause of kidney failure in adults.] I decided to take a chance on me and go for it with the IUTBU program. I learned how to eat and balance my portions. I stopped eating salt, sugar, and fried foods. I ate more veggies and 60 oz of protein was all I could have. I did Coach Wiltrina’s exercise plan, that consists of cardio and weights 3-6 days a week. I also joined her transformation contest for that extra challenge.

Now, I weigh 178 pounds, so I lost 98 pounds total. My current kidney function is at a 2 as of Jan of 2016. Normal is my goal and that is a 1. Though I am at stage 3 for kidney disease, I am no longer on the side of renal failure. Prior to when I started with coach Trina, I was at very bad at a 16. I also had serve edema. Now, I am off the donors list and showing improvement day after day.  I am doing so good that my doctor Hi-5s me now. It took 10 months to get from a size 18 to a 10.

My advice to anyone dealing with multiple, serious diseases: Don’t ever allow what the diagnosis is to keep you from trying to improve your quality of life. Choose your life and health, no matter how bad it looks. We all have the ability to create our best life and live it. I chose to prove that my doctors reports would not be the end of Karen. Though my thoughts and habits have evolved throughout my journey, one reason WHY still remains as my number 1. That WHY is that I have to do what I have to do to show my sons, who also have kidney disease, that it is possible to get better and live a healthy lifestyle.

Instagram: @ms.blake68 (IG name no longer active)

Coach Wiltrina on FB

karen before and after

Lavonia lost 45 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Lavonia lost 45 pounds. She knew from experience that quick fix fads don’t work and she was looking for something that could help her create a new, healthy lifestyle. Anxiety, depression, heart problems and sleeping problems did not stop her from releasing the weight. Check out what she shared with us about how she did it.

lavonia before and after

In the beginning, it was not easy to admit that I was overweight. I think I kept telling myself I would only put on a few pounds, but the reality was that I needed to lose more than 50 pounds that was putting stress my body. Immediately, I was drawn to the quick-fix fads: special shots, diets, weight loss teas, surgery, and magic pills that promised fast results, but what about the long-term plan? Over the course of several years, I tried all of the quick-fix remedies. I’d lose the weight and gain the weight right back within months, because the plans that I was choosing where not long-term remedies.

In the summer of 2015, I began my fitness journey by participating in the 21-Day Fix Extreme on-line fitness challenge group. Because of this program and its resources, I have lost 45 pounds and over 38.5 inches from my body since my journey started on June 2, 2015.

The reason why I started this journey was to find a way to stay consistent. Now that look back, I realize that I was suffering from depression and anxiety. I was not sleeping well and discovered I had breathing and heart problems. My diet was horrible. I would eat cookies and chips all through the night and drink a bottle of red wine every night as well. Before I knew it, I weighed 200 pounds.

When I would go places. I did not want anyone to see me, not even my family. For example, every time my family would gather for a function, like a birthday gathering, I would make an excuse not go, because I was so embarrassed by how much weight I’d gained. Moreover, I had self-esteem issues. I felt so ugly and fat, that finally I had to do something about it.

One day, while I was sitting on the couch thinking about what I was going to do to get this weight off me, my cell phone rang and it was my dear friend. She was calling me to see if I wanted to join her challenge group. That very phone call saved my life and I will be forever grateful to her for caring enough to call and share her weight loss journey with me. The 21-Day Fix Extreme program has helped me stay accountable to myself and to others…. and it really works!

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by staying disciplined and being accountable to others and myself. I start eating the same meals every day. I had mostly the same breakfast, same lunch, same dinner, and the same snacks. Chocolate Vegan shake for breakfast, tuna salad for lunch, grilled salmon and ½ sweet potato and fresh green beans for dinner. My snacks were always apples, strawberries and almonds.

What did your workout routines look like?
I did the 21 Day Fix Extreme home workout DVDs 5 days a weeks with 10-20 pound weights. I ran stairs for 20 minutes and did 100-meter sprints interval for 30 minutes. I also ran 2-4 miles on Sundays.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 200 pounds. My current weight is 155 pounds. My height is 5’4”.

As I am writing this story, I am thrilled to say I have lost most of weight I gained and am now sleeping and eating better too. This program is not my “diet”, this is my “lifestyle.” I do not even have to think about what to buy, make, or eat anymore. I workout every day and it is not a chore to do so. I feel amazing! As I conclude, let me just say that I am posting this because I want to encourage anyone who wants to be healthier to do so. Do not let a medical issue, depression, lack of time, of your mindset stop you from achieving your goals. Make the decision to change and stick to it! Months from now, you can be the one saying “I did it”!

Instagram: @lvforeverfit

lavonia weight loss