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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

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

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

Update: Makieba lost even more weight

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Makieba wrote in to share that she’s lost 8 more pounds since we featured her story back in December 2013.  She’s lost a total of 50 pounds. I love it when ladies write in to let us know that they have maintained their weight loss and are still going strong.

“Hi, Its Makieba Brown.  I just wanted to send an updated photo of myself and let you know about my progress.  I lost another 8 pounds and I’m now down to 165 pounds. I’ve learned that weight loss takes a lot of mental work that can absorb your life but for the better.  You have to learn to make better choices and still enjoy the foods you love. In the last post (featured story) I didn’t mention I joined Weight Watchers. I’ve been on the program for a year now and I am a firm believer that It works.  The Weight Watchers program allows you to look at food differently. However, as I stated in my previous post, I still go to the gym at least 4 times a week and love it.  I also follow the program, count points and easy lots of fruits, vegetables.  I also found that eating small portions is key.”

Read the original post on her story to find out more about how she lost the weight.

Makieba weight loss

Makieba before and after

Dionne lost 35 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Dionne. She lost 35 pounds in 3 months and is sharing the details of how she did it.  She has fallen in love with Crossfit and learned what eating habits work for her.

Dionne weight loss story

What was your motivation?

My children and my partner are my main motivation. I want to live an active and healthy lifestyle and be an example to them.

How did you change your eating habits?
I listened to my body. When I put junk in it, my body responded to it negatively. Now, I juice and the only meat I eat is fish.  I cut out soda, candy and anything else with high processed sugar.  I also only eat fruits to make sure I am receiving healthy sugars. I drink quite a lot of water as well.

What did your workout routines look like?
I am in love with CrossFit. This is a typical workout day for me:
Tabata Warm-up:
Row
Bar Hang
Med Ball Cleans

then for reps:

6min AMRAP (As Many Reps as Possible)
4 Push Press 135/95
6 Burpee Pull-ups

2min Rest

6min AMRAP
4 Push Jerk 135/95
6 Burpee Pull-ups

What was your starting weight? – 285 pounds

What is your current weight? – 250 pounds

How long did your transformation take?
I would say about 3 months. I started my journey in December 2013 but just really started to get serious in February when I began CrossFit.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight? – Never give up. Even if you have to start over again.

Instagram: @Lightbringerlibra

Shannon lost 25 pounds

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Update May 2016: She’s had some ups and downs, but she hasn’t given up. Check out Shannon’s updates and read all about her journey. 

Starting weight: 219 pounds
Current weight :187 pounds
I’m still going strong and working out 4 times a week. One day a week, I with a personal trainer. I take kickboxing classes and I’ve continued to do high intensity interval training. Healthy eating is still a major part of my routine. I prep my lunches in advance and I’ve learned that planning out my meals helps me out a great deal. Drinking lots of water is still an important part of my journey. I have had some off days along the way, but consistency is Key.

shannon before and after

Update July 2014: Shannon has lost a total of 40 pounds. “I have an update. I’ve lost another 15 pounds and tons of inches. I have been weight training and doing high intensity training (HIIT) with a small group. I’m also drinking a gallon water a day.”

Shannon weight loss

May 2014: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shannon lost 25 pounds.  She started her journey in January, determined to lose weight in the new year.  She is well on her way and wants to share her progress so far.

“My name is Shannon Keys I began my weigh loss journey in January of 2014. I wanted to make a serious change during the new year. I have two children and I wanted to be a healthy example for them. I weighed in at 219 pounds in January and have lost 25 pounds so far. I’m currently at 194 pounds. I’m just getting started, but I’m proud of my success. I drink water, water… and more water. I’m also eating a lot of fresh veggies, chicken breast and fish. I prep and plan out my meals. If I wanted a treat, I would treat myself.

I began by doing cardio and weight training 5 times a week. I did circuit interval workouts. For example, I do one minute of jumping jacks, one minute of burpees, followed by squats and weight training. I use workouts I’ve found via the OnDemand fitness channel on Comcast. I also did Jillian Michaels’ Thirty Day Shred and Shaun T.’s Rockin Body program. Each week, I would plan out my workouts and they were different each week.

My advice to others is that each day is a new day to reach your goals. Remember that, even if you have a bad day. My other tip is that you should drink tons of water! Understand that the  results will come if you just keep your goals in mind.

If you have a support system, I suggest that you use it. My husband helped me focus and took on my responsibilities with our kids while I worked out. He also changed his eating habits along with me. Today, I’m focused and ready to lose 25 more pounds. Following the BWLW page on Facebook has been a inspiration for me. I will keep you updated. Thanks for wanting to share my journey.”

ShannonMayfb2

Beach Body Time: Andrea lost 25 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Trinidadian BWLW sista Andrea.  She decided that it was time to get her beach body back and went from 187 pounds to 162 pounds, losing 25 pounds. Read her story and find out how she slimmed down:

Andrea weight loss

“Hi, my name is Andrea and I am from the beautiful island of Trinidad. I have been following your page since Dec 2013 and I am very grateful for the daily encouragement I get from you. You have inspired me to lose weight the healthy way. I wasn’t going to do it any other way but seeing all those weight loss success stories has made me believe that it could be done through healthy eating and exercise. I am now ready to submit my story hoping it will help others struggling with weight loss.

My motivation to lose weight was to get a beach body for vacation and to be able to get clothes to fit me without a problem. I haven’t gotten that perfect beach body but I am close enough. I changed up my eating habits by having more steamed veggies, chicken or fish. I had cereal, oats, green smoothies, fruits and salads. I cut out bread, rice, pasta, sugar and snacks. I drank only water. This helped together with regular exercise but I did not accomplish my goal for the first vacation in October 2013. I was able to lose 11 lbs and some inches from April to October. I went from 187 lbs to 176 lbs. I exercised about 4-5 times a week by walking/jogging and doing steps sometimes twice a day. Progress was slow and sure, but discouraging. I felt like I was exercising in my mind. After vacation, I came back about the same size as I decided that all the food and snacks on a ship wasn’t worth all the hard work I had put in before. By the third day I started making healthy choices. I continued my quest after vacation as another one was coming up in May 2014 and I had more reason to get in shape.  My best friend Candy had been encouraging me to like BWLW page forever but I only did in December. I watched and read and got encouragement. I decided to do the green smoothie challenge in January and boy did that help. I did juicing too. I held up on the exercise as I wanted to see if that 80% what you eat/20% exercise would work.

Indeed it did. By the end of January I lost just about 7 lbs that really made a difference. People started noticing my weight loss and I felt great. It gave me that umph to keep at it. I tried losing more weight in February but I’ve just been able to maintain since then. I exercise just about two to three times a week now. Nothing too strenuous and I continue to eat as healthy as possible. I still have cake and chocolate and pizza whenever I feel like but I choose more healthy options daily. I started at 187 lbs in April, October I reached 176 lbs.  I’m now at 162 lbs, maintaining since February. It took me just about ten long months to see a big difference but I did not push as I could have. My advice is to keep at it, always make healthy choices and ignore the people who don’t respect your choice to be healthy.”

Andrea before and after

Update: Diona lost 170 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Since we first featured Diona, she has lost an additional 31 pounds.  Today is a special day for this AKA Soror and we wanted to post an update of her progress so we asked her some questions about how she has maintained her weight loss and health gains.  Here is what she shared.

Diona weight loss story

“Hello! I’m excited for you to do an update to my story. I was hoping you could do it Wednesday (May 28), as it’s my birthday and my fifth year since my cancer diagnosis. Over the course of several years, I have lost 170 pounds total. My highest weight was 368 pounds and I’m currently 198 pounds.

I’ve maintained my weight loss by continuing to workout with my personal trainer 4 times per week and by making healthy choices. I’ve built a resistance to bad foods. Now, things I used to enjoy physically make me sick. I did hit a plateau. So, I stopped weight training for one month and did cardio only. I also cooked everything I ate for 60 days. I ate all organic and watched labels for sugar, corn syrup, etcetera. I even made salad dressing from scratch. This allowed me to lose an additional 31 pounds and go from a size 14 to a size 10.

Diona weight loss storyThe biggest struggle is still patience. It’s been one year since I started on this journey and I am still not happy. Instead of realizing how much I’ve done, I still see cellulite and side rolls.  My biggest victory is the number of people that have told me I’ve inspired them to change. It’s one thing to make positive changes in my own life, but when making yourself better inspires others to do better, that’s victorious.”

Check out more photos from her journey on Instagram: @winter_time_cold

Read our original post about her weight loss for more information on how she lost the weight.

 

Weight Loss Success: Juanita lost 78 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Juanita lost 78 pounds over the course of the last 2 years.  She knows that weight loss in a journey and that it doesn’t happen quickly for everyone.  She has changed her lifestyle and now is working to help inspire others.  Here is what she shared with us:

Juanita before and after

I have been working on my health for the better part of 2 years!!!! It’s been a journey and one that I STILL work on everyday! Have I had my shares of ups and downs in this journey…..ABSOLUTELY but I would not trade it for the world! I hear the people in my corner telling me to “trust the process”, “pay attention to watch you eat and what your triggers are.” While I am not there yet (NO WHERE NEAR IT), I am proud of the progress I have made. Yayyyyyyyy me! 78 pounds and counting! I pray that this picture and this post encourages, uplifts, motivates and inspires others that if she can do it then I can do it too!!! My God is awesome and has no respect of person. What He does for me, He can do for you! #stayingmissionminded

What was your motivation?
“Truly my motivation was two fold.  First it was hearing the doctor tell me that after my second knee surgery that I needed to lose weight or suffer a knee replacement sooner rather than later! But I was not listening!  Secondly, it wasn’t until I went to the 2012 Cheerleading Worlds that I saw a photo and it made me say, “WHAT IN THE WORLD? “. Only then did it click that I needed to make a change!!!

What did you do to change your eating habits?
“I eliminated sodas completely and I started to drink one protein shake a day.  I also added way more lean proteins and veggies to my daily eating, along with more good carbs! I have small meals every three hours!  In addition, I recently joined Weight Watchers because I hit a plateau and it helped me to break right through it!”

Juanita weight loss storyWhat did you do in terms of exercise?
My workouts consist of:

  • Gym 4 days a week
  • Personal trainer 1 day a week
  • BAAT ( butt, arms, abs and thighs) BOOTCAMP (3 Days a week)
  • And I work out 3 days with my coworkers after school a mix of Hip Hop Abs, T25 and Yoga. I recently became a Beachbody coach!

What was your starting weight and when did your journey begin?
“My starting weight was 355 when I started this journey! 78 pounds down and counting! I started in May of 2012 and my current goal is called Dirty 30! Losing 30 pounds in 60 days!!!”

What is your advice to others who are trying to lose weight?
“My advice: “when it gets tough just keep going! You never know who you will inspire with your walk, so I keep going! We got this! I am continuing my mission of get strong, fit and healthy….mind, body and spirit! My FB page Team Chisel USA is my accountability and is helping others in this journey!”