Black Weight Loss Success

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before weight loss

Melody lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Melody lost 55 pounds.  Her dressing room epiphany about her weight is something that SO many women are motivated by.  Sometimes it’s just the number on a scale or dress size that makes you wake up to where you really want to be health and weight wise.  All sizes are beautiful, but we also know when we need to make a change for US. Here is what she shared about how she lost the pounds:

“First, I feel so honored sharing my story with other women, especially Black Women who are losing weight. In January 2013, I was asked to be Matron of Honor for a wedding. The bride was bigger than me. Trying on dresses at David’s Bridal as a size 22 wasn’t that bad but watching someone at a size 32 struggle was my serious wakeup call. The next day, January 29th 2013, was the day I stopped drinking soda and sugary drinks.  I did research on the internet about eating healthy, how to exercise and realized water and walking were the 2 major ingredients to losing weight that would work for me. I made no excuses for myself.  No matter what situation I was in, my health came first. Don’t get me wrong, I was far from perfect but 55 pounds lost in one year is my best accomplishment. I still workout and it’s been one year of no soda. Here are my pics.”

melody before and after

Tameka lost 105 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tameka lost 105 pounds.  She was inspired by the memory of her mom and her brother who both passed after dealing with the affects of diabetes.  Here is what she share with us about how she was able to lose the pounds and get healthy:

Tameka weight loss storyHello! I want to thank you for bringing us together on one accord. I began my lifestyle change after losing my brother to kidney failure (after years of dialysis). A year ago today, I said goodbye to him on this side of Heaven. I also said goodbye to the stronghold of unhealthy living. He asked me to “be happy”, and I’m overjoyed after losing 105 pounds. I’ve done so by healthy eating, alone. I am on this journey, for as long as my forever shall be!  By faith, with determination!!

What was your motivation?
My motivation is to be healthy, happy and fit! My mother passed away at 49 years old (10 years ago), and my brother at 38 years old(7/2012). My mother and brother were on dialysis, and many of my family members have diabetes. I am just trying to live healthier. I promised my brother and myself that I will be healthier and happier.

How did you change your eating habits?
I had to cut it all out, in the beginning, no moderation. I knew this was the only way that I could get control over my eating. I cut out all fried foods, unhealthy snack foods (gummy candy, chips, cookies, ice cream), sodas and sugary drinks. I ate smaller portions and had  3 meals, 2 snacks (healthy) daily. I eat plenty vegetables and fruit, lean meats and whole grains.

What did your workout routines look like?
Okay, this is where I struggle. I didn’t workout in the beginning. My weight loss was through healthier eating. I began working out on my Wii Fit Plus, after about 6 months. I’m still trying to focus on fitness more. I wish that I would’ve done so, from the start.

What was your starting weight? 
My heaviest was 330 pounds in January 2012.
What is your current weight?
I am 225 pounds. It fluctuates between, 222-225 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
It took about 1 1/2 years.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
I advise you to choose JOY! It is essential that you recognize that this is a lifestyle change. You should set small goals, and educate yourself on what works for you. No two journeys will ever be the same. Please don’t measure your success by that of others. Eat clean and exercise. Just keep moving, and find what exercise is best to help you succeed. Keep this thought, JUST FOR TODAY! My best to you all! 

Tameka before and after

 

Tamsyn lost 26 pounds

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Show some BWLW love to Tamsyn.  This proud mom lost 26 pounds.  She has embraced running and is now a CrossFit lover. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey: 

“After having 2 kids and I had surgery on both knees when I was younger.  My knees gradually started hurting and I stopped working out. After seeing myself in a picture and having to shop for bigger clothes, I decided it was time to lose weight. I lost 26 pounds by eating right and starting CrossFit. I work in education, so I was able to start going to the gym twice a day. Not only did I lose weight but I was able to gain muscle and confidence. I ran in a 5k and recently I competed in a CrossFit competition. Through my 8 month journey, I continued to remind myself that I did not gain my weight in a day, week or month, so it was going to take time and determination to get it off. I am now in love with my CrossFit gym and hate missing a day working out there.

Before, my eating habits were overeating to the point that I was completely uncomfortable after I ate a meal. Now, I have learned to control my portions. Even if I want a burger, I will get a kids plate. I now leave satisfied instead of full. I now go to produce markets to get fresh vegetables and fruits for snacks instead of chips and juice. I have tried a number of foods that I disliked in the past and now enjoy them, such as kale and avocado. I can eat a sweet potato without all the sugar and marshmallows and use pure raw honey and cinnamon instead. However, as stated before the first step was controlling my portions.  I feel so much better about myself and refuse to go back to the old unhealthy me.”

Tamsyn weight loss

Letia lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Letia lost 100 pounds.  She went from a size 18/20 to a size 9/10.  She took the time to change her eating habits, changed her portion sizes and exercised.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Letia weight loss story

“Hi,my name is Letia Bowling. I lost a 100 pounds by changing my eating habits. It was hard at first, after battling with death in the family and losing a baby at 18 weeks pregnant, but I told myself “No excuses”.  In the past, it seemed like I would always put my weight loss goals on hold.  I would say I’ll do it next week or after my kids birthday is over or after Dec 31, etc.  Well, those dates went by and I was still was doing the same thing.  That is until the one day that I said today is the day, not tomorrow or next week but now :-D. I told myself that if I fall, I will get back up.  

I use to wear a size 18/20 in pants and a xxl shirt.  Now I’m in a 9/10 pants & a medium shirt!I drink 2 cups of lipton green tea with a slice of lemon & honey daily and eat less fried food. I used to eat a lot of red meats but they were too heavy on my stomach, so now I eat a lot of chicken and fish. When I do eat a burger or hot dog, instead of eating two I just add a lot of veggies on my burger/hot dog and that way I feel fuller.  I also have a picture on my fridge that says, “I will not go back.”. I changed my intake of sugar.  My God, have you notice how many calories are in a soda!  When I do have a soft drink, I drink sprite zero,etc. If i do have fried food, I eat small portions.  I look at the calories in any food I eat. It’s funny how I use to hate eating healthy to now all I want is something healthy. For exercise, I walk a least a mile, 4 days a week.  I’ve done Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs workouts.

I also set realistic goals. For example, I said that if I lose 20 lbs and then I’ll keep doing what got me to that goal until I’ve meet my goal.  So far I have 50 friends who all are losing weight by following my example. I’m so glad I’ve lost weight because I was 276 pounds and now I’m 175 pounds.

My advice: I want everyone to know that if you fall you can get back up. Don’t stay down.  Also, stay away from diet pills because I’ve tried those in the past but I got a blood clot from them, so please stay away.  Also, I did lose weight in the past from diet pills but once I got off of them I was big all over again.  I lost weight naturally this time and I have kept it off going on 1year and a half.  Yayyyyyyyy me!”

Tanieka lost 80 pounds

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smtanieka

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tanieka lost 80 pounds going from a size 24 to a size 8.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“I started my weight loss journey a year ago and have lost 80 pounds. I started realizing that my weight was just going to keep going up if I don’t do something soon about it. I was a single mom with three kids slowly going down hill and takin care of everybody else but myself. I logged on to a weight loss site called My fitness pal and figured I would give it a try. I met friends along the way who gave me wonderful advice.

I workout 5 days a week, and eat around 1500 to 1600 calories a day. A lot of my meals consist of chicken, fish, turkey and veggie meats, along with lots of fruits and vegetables.  I don’t eat a lot of carbs, pasta or breads. I do have a cheat day during the week which keeps my cravings at ease when I want something not so healthy to eat. Weight loss is not a race, is a Journey.  Slow and steady will get you there, it will give you the willpower to keep at it.

P.S..This photo was a year ago at my brothers wedding. I was a size 24 and now I am a size 8.  The dress looks like a trash bag on me now..LOL!!!”

Tanieka weight loss

 

Fonda lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Fonda lost 62 pounds.  Her daughter Jasmine sent in her weight loss journey to celebrate her mom’s victory.  I think it is awesome when family members send in the stories of their loved ones.

Jasmine before and after story

“Hello BWLW, my name is Jasmine and I’m a proud daughter of this wonderful woman pictured above, Fonda Sparkman. My mother started her journey in March 2013 & has lost a total of 62 pounds as of Jan 2014. I’ve watched this woman struggle up her apartment stairs and when getting out of cars to now  seeing her working out 7 days a week doing intense cardio and strength training. In the beginning she had considered weight loss surgery since she’s a diabetic and had some heart problems.  However, during the course of the prep stages for a possible surgery, she had lost so much weight on her own that the doctor didn’t even recommend her as a candidate. With a combination of Weight Watchers and exercise I’ve seen my mother transform. Some of her diabetic medicine has been reduced and her doctor has even referred her to a cardiologist with hopes of reducing her heart medication. She is a true inspiration for me to get my own health intact. I just wanted to share her story as a testament to the fact that with portion control, exercise and dedication, one’s health can truly be transformed!”

Fonda weight loss story

 

Pamela lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Instagram Diva Pamela lost 55 pounds.  She not only changed her body, but also the way she felt about herself.  She took 2 years to transform her lifestyle and got great results.  Check out what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Pamela before and after weight loss

“My motivation to lose weight was when my husband and I went through a separation. Once we decided to work things out, I realized I really didn’t love myself anymore. I didn’t like a lot of things about myself and I began working on each of them one by one, starting with weight.

I changed my eating habits by cutting down my portions, and eliminating sweet drinks. I began to eat my meals on salad plates and after every bite, I’d put the fork down. I ate a lot less this way.  My workout routine was walking 3 miles 5 days a week. I did this for a year. Then, I began running 15 miles a week. When I started lifting, that’s when I really noticed my body change and tone.

My starting weight was 220 pounds and my current weight is 165 pounds.  My complete transformation took 2 years. I have maintained the weight loss, built lean muscle and keep a very active lifestyle.

My advice for anyone looking to lose weight is to start with one thing you are ready change. Eating less, walking, drinking water…whichever you chose, stick with it until it is habit. Then, pick something else to start working on. Don’t overwhelm yourself with doing it all at once.  All of this is how those habits have stayed with me and are a part of my everyday life.”

Instagram: @Runswithhips

Kimberly lost 137 with weight loss surgery

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Kimberly lost 137 pounds with Gastric Sleeve weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared with us about losing the pounds:

“I lost 137 pounds (126 of those pounds in 8 months).  I started out at 299 pounds.  My current weight is 162. At a height of  5’8”,  my goal weight was only 185 pounds.  I hope that my pics can be posted to inspire someone.

My motivation was to get healthy for my family, especially my four boys who are ages 11, 9, 7, 6 years old.  I had gastric sleeve surgery.  Now, I don’t drink any calories.  I also don’t eat rice, pasta, or bread.  For exercise, I work out three times a week and lift a little weights.  My advice to others is never give up on your goals.  Be positive and remember that it is a journey.  Some journeys takes time but as long as you are headed in the right direction that is what is important.”

Kimberly before and after Kimberly weight loss success story

Andrea lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Andrea lost 65 pounds.  This proud mom and nurse designed her own weight loss plan after doing her research and finding out what would work for her.  She hopes that her story encourages someone as many of the BWLW success stories have given her inspiration.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight:

Andrea weight loss success story

“I just want to be an inspiration to someone else, just like those who’s stories you have posted before! I will never forget scrolling on my Facebook timeline and seeing success stories from full figured women like myself.

After having two babies one year apart and coping with the stress of finishing nursing school, I decided I make a change in December of 2012 after graduation. I didn’t opt to follow a planned diet or workout by the book. I simply sat down and re-evaluated my habits.

I made a list of all the foods that were obviously bad for me. I was consuming 3 times the sugar recommended daily! I knew there was time for a change. To start my journey, I did a 10 day detox to flush my system from all parasites that slowed down digestion and my metabolism. After the flush, I began a “self made” diet that consisted of 64-90 oz of water a day, lots of fruits and vegetables, white meat only, baked everything and no sweets or soda. I didn’t have bread unless it was whole wheat, and ate nothing after 7pm. The key to weight loss is not starving yourself. So many of us think that not eating is what helps when it’s actually the eating the speeds the metabolism to burn more fat! So, I definitely took heed to consuming small frequent meals a day.

I didn’t begin working out right away, because I wanted to make sure my body was in good condition to handle the change. I hadn’t worked out for over 10 years since I played basketball in high school! However, when I did began to work out I started out with 2 miles a day at a local track and slowly progressed to adding a mile a week. After I reached my goal of 5 miles a day, I started spacing my day and doing walk/jogging every other day. I am not at my goal yet but working toward it daily but I am proud to say I am 65 pounds lighter then when I first began. It feels great!!

The key to losing weight is becoming familiar with your body and what works for you. Do your research and stay committed to working towards a better you! I came up with a phrase to remind myself daily that I’m 3D – I Don’t Diet, I Discipline. Hope my story can help someone else!!”

Instagram: @gr08one
Twitter: @thegr08one

Latrisce shares how she lost 24 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Latrisce.  She dropped 24 pounds in 5 months with simple, practical changes, like portion control!  This is more proof that practical changes work (fads don’t). Here is what she shared with us:

Latrisce before and after weight loss

“My name is Latrisce. I’ve lost 24 pounds since August 1, 2013. I achieved this by mealtime portion control. I have a small plate that’s about 7 inches and if the food doesn’t fit on it, then I don’t eat it. I also have cut back significantly on sweets which is a real weakness of mine. I also drink more water than Latrisce before and afterI use to but still not as much as I should (I’m working on that). It’s mental for me. If I am not hungry, I do not eat. I use to eat out of boredom or when I was offered food whether I was hungry or not. I refuse to do that now and I respectfully decline any offers of food if I am not hungry.

For exercise, I try to walk about a mile and a half 3 times a week . I also take the stairs when possible and park my car in a distant parking space when going to stores. I am very excited about my accomplishment and want to encourage others that they can do it as well. HAPPY NEW YEAR BWLW!!!!”