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before weight loss

Tatyanah lost 94 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tatyanah lost 94 pounds.  This proud mom got a wakeup call with the passing of two loved ones. Over the years she’s battled obesity, faced depression and abuse, had weight loss surgery and gained some of the weight back. She has now gotten the victory with low carb eating and lots of exercise.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

tatyanah before and after

I’ve had a history of yo-yo dieting and obesity has affected in my entire family and my life since I was young. Before I had my 4 year old daughter, I lost 70 lbs by working out twice a day doing strictly cardio. I would have oatmeal for breakfast, an orange for a mid morning snack and spinach and tuna EVERYDAY for lunch. Then I’d have another orange for another snack and my dinner would be tuna with mixed veggies with another serving of fruit before bed. That was it!

I had my daughter and all the weight piled back on. I also was in an abusive marriage for 8 years which caused a lot of weight gain as well. He was an enabler and I was poisoning my head and body! I weighed 324 pounds and I had to do something. I then got gastric sleeve surgery in November of 2012 and lost 100 pounds in 10 months.

At year later, my father passed away the day after his 60th birthday November of 2013 and my heart was broken. He was my BEST friend in the world. I instantly gained 10 lbs. I left Connecticut and started a new life in South Florida with my beautiful daughter and awesome boyfriend. I got solo comfortable that I gained more and more weight. Before, I knew it was between 258-265 pounds. I was just devastated. I stopped working out and ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted because I just didn’t care about anything!

In May of 2014, I finalized my divorce with my now ex husband shortly after my older sister passed away in August of 2014. After the depression I’d experienced, I decided that I HAD to take my life back. My dad and sister both passed from heart attacks at such young ages and I decided this would NOT happen to me. I couldn’t think of leave my daughter in that easy because she is only 4 and needs me.

In October of 2014, we created a weight loss competition at work. The prize was $50.00 and the payout date was the day after my birthday. I was determined win and get my life, my self, back. I cut out all carbs and starches. I ate veggies and protein only with gallon of water each day. I love cardio and I love lifting, so I exercise for hour a day. I’d love to do more and I get a lot more sleep than ever before. I indulge in chocolate HERE and there, in very small portions, because I LOVE it.

I’m not going to lie. It has been hard but I’m so grateful and thankful that God has given me the strength to keep going. My goal weight is 165 pounds. My lowest adult was 224 pounds. Last time I checked I was 233.8 lbs (height 5’6″)! I struggle with motivation at times and truthfully feel I should have reached goal by now, but I will stay determined and make it. I am truly finally happy.

BWLW, Thank you for being there and celebrating women of ALL weight loss success even if they haven’t lost that much. Even if they still have weight to go, you guys celebrate all success and that’s why I appreciate your pages so much.

Instagram: @tatyliciouss

tatyanah weight loss

Weight Loss After The Baby: Shanta lost 20 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: It can be hard to get on track with healthy habits and lose those last few pounds after having a baby. Shanta lost a little over 20 pounds in 4 months by embracing working out at home and learning to indulge with moderation when it comes to food.  I hope her before and after inspires those who have 20 pounds or less to lose and feel like they are making no progress.  There is hope.  You just have to find what works for you.

Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

shanta before and after

I’ve had a tricky relationship with food and working out all my life. Food and exercise have been abusive—I’ve used them against my body, rather than for it. I loved being active–and losing the weight successfully after having my daughter became an obsession. I lost a little doing what I’d always done, but was no where near where I wanted to be.

Since the birth of my daughter in 2013, I was struggling to find my way back to healthy eating and a fit lifestyle. I work full time, and was exhausted. I’ve been a vegetarian for 17 years, but my sweet tooth and love of carbs was out of control. Sugar to pick me up! Sugar to keep me steady during the day! I love sweets and bread and rice and potatoes and pasta and cheese! Keep in mind that I still do, but I’m able to eat them in moderation now without immediate guilt or negative self-talk.

I learned about Beachbody Fitness through a colleague, who lost over 20 pounds in a (seemingly!) short time. As a previously fit person, I was reluctant to take suggestions and change my habits. Amazing, right? I still didn’t want to follow what was clearly a winning path. Stubborn, I am!

Still, I joined a Challenge Group. With accountability and working out, I saw changes. I work out 6 days a week with the videos. I fell in love with Sean T from Insanity, and learned there were so many other videos. It feels a little silly saying that I follow workout DVDs, but if it’s crazy and it works, then it’s not crazy!

I’ve lost a little over 20 pounds, and am still moving forward. Now, I’m a Beachbody coach, I’m staying accountable, working out, and seeing clients make the same changes I did! It’s amazing! My sweet tooth did not go away. My love of carbs is still strong. What is stronger, though, is the love of myself and the backing of my team. I now have a solid foundation, which motivates and inspires me to be better for my family, and myself.

I’d love to make friends more fitness friends. You can reach me through my Facebook account, Shanta Wilson, or maleficent70@yahoo.com (I’m a Disney fan, haha). We all need each other to thrive!

Malecia lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Malecia lost 47 pounds and went from a size 16 to a size 4/6.  This proud single mom was determined to be there for her son and to avoid diabetes. She has transformed herself and is now working to help others do the same.  She wrote and shared with us about her weight loss journey…

malecia before and after

My name is Malecia Yancy and after fears of type 2 diabetes I was inspired to live a healthier lifestyle for my son. I started with cardio and proper nutrition. I also researched what my body needs vs. what my body wants. I’m 5’0″ tall and now 1 year later, 47 pounds and over 80 inches are gone! (Transformation took 7 months.) I have now joined the fitness movement to start my own business in helping others create healthy lifestyles.

My motivation was my son. Being a single mom of a 2 year old, I was constantly tired trying to keep up with him and stay active. I went to the doctor one day and they wanted to run tests for diabetes. I was afraid and immediately thought to myself, if something happens to me what happens with my son.

I received information from a nutritionist on healthy eating, making lifestyle changes and learned about the right foods to eat to boost my energy. I immediately cut out sodas, bread, pasta and made sure that I ate 6 small meals a day. Four of those meals included a full serving of fruits and/or vegetables.

My employer has a gym, so I immediately requested access. I started on the elliptical and could barely do 5 minutes without dying. Now, I can be on the elliptical for an hour (usually watching my soap operas) to get the extra burn. Of course, I knew that I needed to start sculpting, so I began to lift weights and fell in love with seeing my muscles grow and my body transform.

I was at 183 pounds when I started and 1 year later I now weigh 136 pounds. My weight loss slowed down as I got closer to my current weight, but my pants size was still decreasing. I went from a size 16 to a size 4/6!

The advice that I would give to others who want to lose weight is to get active, get moving and never give up. Your life is worth it. While it is a lifestyle change, it is one change you won’t regret.

I have started my own fitness group, Fab & Fit with Malecia, become a licensed aerobics instructor and have produced and released a workout video with more in the making. Fabandfitwithmalecia.webs.com is my website.

Instagram: @MTS_711
www.facebook.com/Malecia.Fab

malecia weight loss

Chantel lost 69 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Chantel lost 69 pounds. Having lost weight in the past and seeing her weight fluctuate, she knew what to do to lose the pounds but was refusing to do it.  Now, she has not only lost the weight with healthy eating and exercise, but wants to help others to transform their bodies too.  Here is what she shared with us about releasing the weight…

chantel before and after

Hello! My name is Chantel Simms. I have lost 69 pounds (224 lbs to 155 lbs)! I have always gone up and down in my weight. I have always came up with several excuses as to why it wasn’t a good time to focus on doing something about it. However, in Sept. 2013 I decided to do something about it! (I also want to add that this is my 2nd time around loosing a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise. I lost 90 lbs in my early 20’s) I know what to do, but I was just refusing to do it!

chantelI have a few Personal Trainer friends in my life that have educated me throughout the years on this fitness and lifestyle change thing. Now, I am hoping to inspire, motivate, encourage some others as well. It’s possible people! YOU can do it, BUT only YOU!

Currently, I weight train 4 times a week and do 2 long days of cardio (45 min to 1 hour). I have taken up running/jogging as my cardio of choice and I love it! I have completed six 5k’s and my first 10k in April of this year! I eat 5 to 6 small meals a day and try to eat pretty clean MOST days of the week. Eating is a work in progress for me cause I am most certainly a foodie! Lol

I stopped eating processed foods and foods that contained a lot of sugar! I started meal prepping and eating more fruits and veggies, more protein and complex carbs such as sweet potatoes and brown rice. I eat chicken breast, egg whites, ground turkey and lots of fish! I do not eat red meat or pork, but that’s only by choice. I grill, bake or broil all my meats. I allow myself one to two cheat meals a week. I love to cook healthy meals for my family as well! I try to post my meals via my Facebook and Instagram pages. I also love finding new healthy recipes to try!

I starting documenting my journey via social media as my own way of holding myself accountable and to also motivate and inspire others. If I can do it, YOU can do it too! I am a goal setter, digger and achiever. I set NEW goals all the time. Advice: Be YOUR own FIT YOU! Don’t compare yourself to others! What works for others may not work best for you! Get to know yourself & YOUR body. Get a trainer/coach/mentor. Don’t believe everything you see, read, or hear…do YOUR own research as well.

I love my new fit life so much that I have decided to further educate myself to help others who want to enjoy this wonderful life as too! I am currently studying to become a Certified Health Coach through American Council on Exercise (ACE)! I’m so very excited! #futurecertifiedhealthcoach

Please follow me through my fit life journey on IG & Twitter @fitnthickbabe and like my fb page http://www.facebook.com/fitnthickbabe Share it w/someone you know who could use a little motivation! Also, I just recently launched the start of my new Fit N Thick Babe apparel line. If you are fit (YOUR “fit” not anyone else’s), focused, & fabulous then you are a Fit N Thick babe also! Get your t-shirt & display your fabulous self!

chantel weight loss

Sherri lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sherri lost 70 pounds. This mom of two gained more than 100 pounds during the span of her pregnancies. After being hospitalized and having surgery for Congestive Heart Failure, she took action to change her life. Here is what she shared with us about losing the weight.

sherri before and after

This journey has not been an easy one and I still have a long way to go.  My name is Sherri.  I am 34 years old and I’m married with two sons.  I have always been a big girl, but after my first son was born I gained almost 100 lbs.  When I became pregnant with my second son, I was 340 lbs.  I gained about forty more pounds during my 2nd pregnancy in 2007.  During my second pregnancy, I started have tightness in my chest, shortness of breath and was diagnosed with asthma.

Soon after my son’s birth, my symptoms worsened. I started to have swelling in my legs, thighs, hands and so on. I could not stand to walk from one end of a table to the next without feeling like I was about to die.  At night I could not lay flat, I had to sit straight up.  In Feb 2008, for my six week check I expressed all this to my OB doctor and he sent me straight to the Emergency Room.  When I arrived at the ER, they performed a MRI.   I had fluid around my heart and my heart was enlarged.  I was diagnosed  with Congestive Heart Failure and sent straight to ICU.  The next day I had a pericardial window procedure.  In the Operating Room, 1 liter of fluid was drained from around my heart.  I remained on ICU for 2 days with a tube in my chest for draining.  I was in the hospital for 2 weeks.

When I was discharged from the hospital, I was almost 40 lbs lighter.  My cardiologist put me on a 1200 calorie and low sodium diet.  I lost over 100 lbs in 5 months (225 lbs in 2008). I slowly lost my motivation and over the next 5 years and gained over half of the weight back back (weighing 316 lbs in 2014.)  As of now, I am trying make a healthy change and have lost 70lbs (height: 5’7″).  Like I said, this journey has not been easy one but I’m determined to get to a weight that is healthy for me.

1200 Calorie Diet: I counted the calories in everything I ate.  For breakfast I would have a 100 cal. Yogurt and some type of fruit. Sometimes I would skip lunch so I could have a pretty good dinner.  Or, I may have eaten some peanut butter crackers or 100 cal popcorn and a fruit. For dinner, I would have some type of baked or grilled meat, salad with low cal low fat Italian dressing, a baked potatoes with pepper and substitute salt with a little butter and sometimes another vegetable.. I could not have a lot of sodium, so I rarely ate any lean cuisines or healthy choice frozen dinners. For exercise, I mainly walked around my yard and rode my exercise bike.

My advice to others, is to never give up.  Yes, it is a struggle but it will be worth it in the end.

My instagram: @lavenderkisses81

sherri Sherri weight loss

Carla lost 60 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Carla lost 60 pounds.  This mom of 3 experienced significant weight gain during her pregnancies, going from a size 5 to a size 16. She found her passion for fitness and now she helps others to change their lives.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

carla weight loss

Prior to having children, I was always active. After my third child I went from a size 5 to a size 16. After having three children my weight increased up to 216 pounds. Being an emotional eater, the weight stayed on for years. Then one day my niece and I decided to start walking. People really underestimate the power of walking, but it works. In addition as I got stronger, I incorporated dance fitness. From there I became an instructor and started teaching classes. Later, I fell in love with indoor cycle. As I became stronger my confidence increased. I continued to mix in different workouts, from TRX Suspension Training to intense weight training. I also got certified to teach TRX and Cycle.  With all of this, I was still eating bad. Once I changed that, I was able to achieve the waist size you see before you.  I currently weigh 156 pounds at 5’5″ tall.

I opened a fitness center, and now I’m currently working on opening an active wear store front. My biggest love is weight training. I love how powerful it makes you feel. It took me a while to get my nutrition on point, but once I did my body transformed in a way I had never seen it do before. I allow my self one re-feed day per week, where I incorporate a cheat meal. It’s all about moderation not starvation. I allow my body two days a week to rest and deeply stretch & meditate with yoga. I just take it one day at a time because there will always be a 216 pound girl inside me. I will always love food, I just moderate it now. I encourage you all to do what works for you. Be active for at least 30-45 minutes each day. If I did it, so can you. It won’t be easy but you can do it.

Instagram: @cyclechic15
Twitter: @bodybycarla
www.hyperydefitness.com

carla before and after

Yolanda lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Yolanda (aka Tree) lost 45 pounds. This fit mom of 4 was tired of not wanting to be in family photos and not enjoying life to the fullest. She found a great weight loss and exercise plan that works for her and now she is sharing the fitness love online.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

tree

Hi BWLW, My name is Yolanda and I have lost up to 45 pounds and gained confidence in my life. I am a Georgia native so the fried foods and banana pudding along with life in general had starting to weigh on me. I have 4 kids, 2 sons ages 15 and 6 and 2 daughters ages 13 and 9. My motivation came form taking family trips every summer and never really wanting to be there due to my weight and the way I felt. I loved watching my daughter’s take pics and wanted to also be in one without being photographed from the neck down. I wanted to be a mom who was in front of the camera enjoying life with them instead of the one behind the camera and watching life pass me by. Developing the drive for a better life for them and me and more energy was something I had to do!

My eating habits were terrible. I worked 8 to 10 hours a day in a welding plant and I was eating junk and drinking sodas every 2 hours because I thought I needed them to give me energy. My lunches consisted of fast food because after work and going school I was too tired to fix meals (or so I thought). Now, I have cut out fast food, started drinking a gallon of water a day, and incorporated more veggies in my diet. I joined a gym, but living 30 minutes away was too much for me and after work all I really wanted to do was go home. I eventually reached out to a girl who’s Facebook page I’d seen. I started doing a home fitness workout called the 21 Day Fix. It implemented cardio, pilates, yoga, and weights all in a program while helping with my meal portions with a great balanced meal plan.

My starting weight was 180 pounds and my current weight is 135 pounds! My transformation took about 3 months. The only advice I have to others is do what is best for you. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should feel about you! My Instagram page is @Tree2925 and my new fitness Facebook page is Happy Home Health and Fitness. You can also check me out on FB under Tree Williams. Thank you for the BWLW page. It helps women see they can do anything with positivity!

tree before and after

Natasha lost 25 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Let’s show some love to Natasha! She’s lost 25 pounds on her weight loss journey so far and is sharing her success with us. Her goal is to lose 60 pounds and bring down her cholesterol. 

natasha before and after

I have lost over 25 lbs since last year and I am still working on my healthier lifestyle change. My goal is to lose over 60 lbs all together and to decrease my high cholesterol. For the last few years, having high cholesterol has been an issue, so it was one of my main reasons for making a change. Also, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, congestive heart failure and gout all run in my family.

Currently, I meet with my doctor once a month for a wellness check-in. Last year, I participated in a 6 month pre-diabetes monthly workshop which provided nutrition and wellness education to assist in the prevention of diabetes. Additionally, I joined a “Couch to 5k” training group, excercised with my friends and family and participated in a variety of classes such as Spin Cycle, in-door rowing, yoga and boot camp. I also participated in two different 5k races. My new diet has been eating low carb/high healthy fats, with lots of vegetables, berries, some fruits, lots of protein and ton of water.

My advice for others is that you don’t have to join any expensive gyms or buy expensive foods to lose the weight. You can start by exercising at home with aerobic classes online. Run/walk your stairs, walk at your neighborhood or local parks, walk the mall, and just be active. Get a dog…best walking partner ever!! You can learn new easy recipes online if you don’t like cooking, like myself. I actually prefer cooking more now and take my own lunches to work. Most importantly, you don’t need to celebrate every occasion or holidays with heavy fattening foods. Lastly, love yourself and take care of your body because you only get one!

natasha weight loss

Tamarra lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamarra lost 35 pounds. This proud mom of 8 was able to keep her weight off over the years, even with multiple pregnancies by being active. When she was diagnosed with asthma and unable to exercise, she gained weight. She had to make the decision to change her lifestyle and in doing so she’s helped others change their lives too. In believe that her story can give hope to other busy moms.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

tamarra weight loss

I’m a 36 year old mother of 8. I started my journey to a healthier lifestyle shortly after I had my fifth child. I was 21 years old and weighed 196 lbs. I was able to get my weight down over the years, even after having three more children. In July 2013, I was diagnosed with asthma. This changed my life completely because I was use to being very active and had managed to keep my weight under control. At the time my weight was 153 pounds.

Taking the medication and being unable to do any exercise I gained 43 more pounds. I was very unhappy, none of my clothes fit and I had lost my confidence. In August of 2014, I had a conversation with myself. I knew what I needed to do and I decided to gain the courage to make a change in spite of my asthma. I started taking action when my children started back to school.

Firs,t I did Dr. Ian Smith’s 9 day dextox. After the nine days, I decided to stay on a no meat detox plan for the rest of the month. I start going to the gym everyday and would workout for at least 1 1/2 hour. Then, I decided to have one carbohydrate meal per day and that was normally oatmeal. I minimized my fruit intake and increased my vegetables.

I took whoever wanted to join me along for the ride in terms of support. I had always had a passion for fitness and I had trained my friends in the past. So, I started offering that service and it kept me in the gym and accountable for myself and others. I include weight training in all of my routines. I have toned up in a major way. I even started taking Zumba two day a week back in March.

I have lost a total of 35 pounds so far and I’ve helped others lose weight. My current weight is 161 pounds and took me 9 months to lose the weight. I was motivated by my will to be happy and not be defeated by my asthma. I want to always be able to run and play with my children and hopefully one day my grandchildren.

I’m hoping that my story can inspire other moms that it’s never to late to change your life and your body. I believed after having kids that I could never have a fit stomach again. I have be able to tone my stomach in major way and I have even been able to bring my stomach muscles closer together. I use to have a large whole right at the navel which was the result of giving birth.

My advice to other women that want to lose weight is that everyone starts somewhere. Don’t be afraid to try a video if you are intimidated my the gym. Make small changes to your eating habits and continue to increase the changes you make over time. Always think about the positive and if you fall off, don’t be discouraged. Tomorrow is always a new day to try it again.

Instagram: @after8fitness

tamarra

Errolynn lost 73 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Errolynn lost 73 pounds.  This proud mom experienced a lot of weight gain after pregnancy.  She wanted to have more energy, to fit into cute clothes again and be healthier, so she took action.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

errolyn before and after

My starting weight was 270 pounds. I currently weigh 197 pounds and I’m a work in progress. It has taken me about 1 year to lose 73 lbs. My goal weight is under 180 lbs.

I was athletic and I served in the military. After giving birth to my twins, I gained a significant amount of weight. I have always been “thick”, but when I got to a size 22 I was doing too much. I became inspired to lose weight because I was tired of not being able to fit into cute clothes. Also, I wanted to play with my kids and not feel completely worn out. I wanted to be the old me.

After going to my doctor and learning that I had a Vitamin D deficiency, I did a lot a research for natural remedies because I’m not really into taking medicine. I found that vitamin D is fat soluble so if I lost weight my vitamin D levels should go up with exposure to the Sun. I decided not to diet per se, but to change the way I ate.

I do not eat on plates but on small saucers. I stopped drinking soda and only drink water. I do not eat after 8 p.m. It wasn’t really hard for me to change my eating habits because I was still able to eat things that I like to eat but I taught myself proportion…That is the hard part. I try to exercise regularly. I go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week to work out and or play racquetball with my husband. I walk at least 1.5 miles everyday.

My advice would be to eat better. The majority of my weight loss came from a change in my eating habits. I started using the gym to tone. If you eat better you will lose weight. Give up the soda/the carbonated drinks because they are not your friend.  I also suggest only getting on the scale once a day, at the same time of day. Lastly, make small goals so you can see your progress and keep your motivation.