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Tara lost 30 pounds

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Tara lost 30 pounds in 6 months with exercise and clean eating. She was willing to go all in, no excuses and her hard work paid off. Check out what she shared with us.

tara before and after

I am a 41 year old woman with asthma. When I had more weight on me, it was hard to move around the classroom, let alone workout. I never thought about losing weight because never felt I was big. One day, a friend of mine pointed out that I did NOT look good in a bikini. LOL. That is the moment when I started my journey. I lost 30 pounds in 6 months by doing cardio and eating clean. I didn’t take any supplements. Today, I am now training my body to possibly become a bikini competitor.

How did you change your eating habits in terms of eating clean?
I stopped eating fried foods, fast foods and snacks. I also stopped drinking soda. I focused on lean meats and veggies.

What did your workout routines look like?
I worked out with a trainer 4 to 5 times a week. My workouts consisted of cardio and weight training.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
In the beginning, I weighed 200 pounds. I now weigh 170 pounds.

What is your height?
5’4″

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
You only will lose weight with dedication. No half-assing. You have to go all in!

Instagram: @iam_mzmocha

Anne lost 56 pounds

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Anne lost 56 pounds. This year, she decided to change her life after being diagnosed with diabetes at at 340 pounds and 25 years of age. She wants to inspire other young women and let them know that committing to new, healthy habits can make a big difference. Check out how she did it.

anne before and after

My name is Anne. On April 8th, 2016, I was feeling sick, so I went to the Emergency room. The first thing they did was check my blood sugar. I found out that at 340 pounds and 25 years of age, I had become diabetic. That same night, when I got home, I decided this wouldn’t be the end of me. I decided that I would reverse my diagnosis. I’m managing my diabetes and hoping that my next set of labs show clear improvement from my initial diagnosis.

When I found out I was diabetic, I changed my diet and cut out most carbs. I follow a high fat low carb diet which seems to work really well for me. I found my plan and some pretty awesome recipes on the Diet Doctor website. My physical activity is really pretty simple. I walk for an hour and a half everyday and take yoga or Zumba 4 times a week.

I’m 5’11” and now weigh 284 pounds. I really want others, especially young women like myself, to know that they need to be aware of their bodies. I want them to understand that no matter how young they are, anything can happen, and that making better choices every day can make a really big change. I feel so much more comfortable in my body now. I still have a long battle ahead of me but finding your Instagram page and Facebook page has helped me to realize that I can do anything and that my diagnosis is not the end of my life. Thanks!

Instagram: @emmanuellecarre

Ke lost 90 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ke lost 90 pounds. What started out as just a desire to lose weight is now a lifestyle change. Over the last 11 pounds, she has changed her eating habits and worked out, even when she didn’t feel like it. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

ke before and after

I was debating for a while about sharing my before and after photo, because honestly I’m ashamed at myself for getting to that point in my life. Over the years, I was going thru a lot and didn’t notice what I was doing to by body. So, I had to do something about it and I did.

I started this journey of mine in May of 2015 . I went from 295 pounds to 205 pounds. I’ve still got a little ways to go, but I feel damn good about myself. I can actually look in the mirror and no longer be disgusted at the person I’m lookin at anymore. It stills feel so surreal to me though.

I changed my eating habits in the beginning by using Herbalife. I would  have a shake and tea for breakfast, a salad for lunch and another shake and tea for dinner. I would also start cutting my calories very early in the day, like around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. If I got hungry, I would snack on peanuts or fruit. Water was, and still is, my best friend. When I didn’t do the meal replacement shakes, I would eat small portions of healthy foods, like salads, boiled eggs, etc.

I started going to the gym. I would go 5 times a week and do a lot of cardio and calisthenics. On the other two days of the week, I walk. When it comes to exercise, taking a break wasn’t an option for me. I did this routine everyday, even when I had to force myself in the beginning. Now, it’s a habit and I can’t stop.

This all started because I wanted to lose weight, but now I just want a healthy lifestyle. It took me approximately 11 months to lose 90 pounds and I’m not finished yet.

To my support system: I just wanna thank everybody for your love and support, because whether you believe it or not, your comments inspired me and help me not to give up on myself again. If I can do it, so can you.

Instagram: @SLIM_THYCK88

Destiny lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Destiny lost 65 pounds. After a wake up call from her doctor, she was very motivated to avoid diabetes and potentially having to take insulin shots. She wrote to us to share her journey and let us know what actions she took to release the pounds.

destiny before and after

The moment that I decided to take control over my life was when my doctor told me in March of this year that I was at risk for diabetes. I was scared and all I knew was that I did not want to give myself shots, nor did I want to take medicine.

Now, I’m 5’2″ tall and weigh 257 pounds. I started out weighing 322 pounds. It took a total of 7 months for me to lose 65 pounds. Eventually, I want to lose 100 more. Then I will be at my goal of 157 pounds.

What did I do?: I made major changes with regard to what I eat. Now, I only eat fish, chicken, seafood and lots of veggies. I cut out a lot of sweets, pasta, rice, bread, and red meat. I work out 5 days a week for one hour.  In terms of exercises, I mainly do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training.

My best advice to anyone wanting to lose weight is to take baby steps and set realistic goals that can actually be accomplished.

destiny weight loss

Loraine lost 67 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Our BWLW sista in South Africa Loraine lost 67 pounds.  After a red carpet photo wakeup call, she decided that it was time to release the pounds.  She got a dietician and hit the gym.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Name: Loraine G.
South Africa
Age 26
Started October 5, 2014

loraine before and after
Recent photo/Before photo

I’m not saying that I didn’t know that I had weight issues. The truth is far from that. I have never been a small person but this was my breaking point. All it took was just a picture of me on the red carpet, the picture of me on the right. I knew I was bigger than this when I was pregnant with my son, but that was 5 years ago. Since then, I had time the time to work on my body but instead I used the “I’m ok.” lie. That was until that picture landed on Facebook and everyone commented telling me I looked beautiful. However, all I could see was how far I had let myself go. That’s when I began my getting myself back on track with my weight loss journey.

So, I went home and one thing I knew was that I had been on a number of “get slim quick” fad diets. I would lose pounds and then gain it all back…and double this time. I thought  to myself, “This time, do it right.” I had to change my mind set, so I went looking for a dietitian. That’s the best investment one can ever do for themselves. I knew that I didn’t really know anything about eating, clearly, since I was gaining weight at an amazing rate.

On October 5th, I started with my new eating plan in hand, a new scale and an open mind. I knew that it wasn’t going to happen overnight and I wasn’t going to see the results I needed to unless I trusted the process. Truly speaking, the cutting out of the junk food was the easy part. It was my relationship with the gym tha I couldn’t really seem to handle. I was overweight, very self conscious and I knew that I was very out of shape. I looked up going to the gym for dummies, went to instagram and I googled lots of information. That’s when I realized that everyone had to start somewhere and that if you ask for help there are loads of people who are willing  and happy to help. I would walk on the treadmill regularly and every day it got better. Soon I found that  I enjoyed lifting weights, spinning and doing Zumba in the comfort of my own home.

Very day it gets better. In all honesty, I’m still not a fan of the gym but I know two things; I love how I feel when I finish my work out and that I love seeing the results. I push all the demons out of my head, turn up my gym music and I push myself. I also listen to that voice that tells me I can push through this last set, and I always smile at the end of it.  I have to remember how those jeans didn’t fit any more. I remember how it feels every time you go a size down and the compliments come your way.

I started at 122 kgs (269 pounds) to and I am now at 92 kgs (202 pounds). I’m 1.57 meters (5 feet tall) and my goal weight is 80- 85 kgs (176-187 lbs). I’m still pushing, but I’m not trying to look like anyone in particular. I just want to feel happy about my body because every curve and every little imperfection is perfect. I’m grateful that my body never gave up on me. At one time I didn’t know how to respect it. This is the house I have been given to leave in and I love it. Even though I take some off days, I know I’m not where I started in October 2014. My advice: Start off small. Progress is created by efforts repeated daily. Action leads to results. Figure out what works for you and don’t lie to yourself. There is no easy way out. If you put the in the work you will get the results.

Instagram: @misslolowood

Star lost 136 pounds with surgery

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Weight Loss Transformation of Day: Star lost 136 pounds with surgery.  After seeing her family ravaged by the effects of diabetes and dealing with the loss of her father, she decided that she had to change.  She opted for weight loss surgery.  Now she’s changed her lifestyle, her eating habits and is an avid runner.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

star before and after

My name is Star T. and I would like to share my story. Diabetes has plagued my family. I lost my grandmother, grandfather, and my father (who raised me as a single dad) to complications related to diabetes. All three family members had renal failure and had to attend dialysis. In 2012 is when I lost my father and I knew I had to make a change otherwise I was looking at the same fate. I used to be against weight loss surgery but decided to check out my options. After getting educated about the options and doing my own research I opted for the gastric sleeve surgery. I had the procedure done on May 24th, 2013. It was the best decision I had ever made. My highest weight was 320 pounds and I currently weigh 184 pounds so I’ve lost 136 pounds. I’m 5 feet, 6 inches tall. I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary of having weight loss surgery on May 23rd.

star runningPrior to surgery, I would exercise but not nearly enough to be considered active. Now I work out 7 to 8 times a week doing “boot camp” style exercises. I also belong to the local Black Girls Run! chapter here in Sacramento which promotes healthier lifestyles and being active. Since losing weight, I have completed several 5k races (running them, not walking). I have set a goal of completing my first half marathon in October. I’ve also inspired my family to get healthier and make better choices when it comes to food. Weight loss surgery isn’t cheating. It’s a tool and it’s up to you to use it properly.

With weight loss surgery, eating is very restricted and that forces you to have to change your eating habits. I mostly consume protein, vegetables, and fruit. I’ve cut out a lot of carbs such as rice, potatoes, pastas, and bread. I do consume them but not as frequently as I used to prior to surgery. I never was a big soda drinker so that wasn’t hard for me to cut out. I’ve incorporated meal prepping, so on Sundays I will meal prep for the week and that usually consists of some type of protein like chicken breasts or ground turkey meat, a vegetable like sautéed spinach or broccoli, and usually a baked yam or quinoa. I find that meal prepping saves me from making bad choices. It’s an everyday struggle choosing the right foods to eat especially working in an office setting where there are lots of temptations.

Instagram: @starzee78

Ashley lost 85 pounds

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Update Oct 2015 – “I’ve started a 90 day shred program and I am training for my first fitness show next year. No surgery, just diet exercise, and I’m not stopping!”

ashley before and after

June 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 85 pounds. After a major health crisis due to diabetes, she had emergency surgery and long term hospitalization.  That experience led her to change her lifestyle and get healthy.  Now, she is insulin free and she shared her weight loss journey with us…

ashley before and after

My name is Ashley and I started my weight loss journey two years ago. While out celebrating my anniversary with my husband, I passed out. He rushed me to hospital and I was informed that emergency surgery was needed. I was later diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The disease was so out of control that all my internal organs were inflammed. I went in the hospital December 2012 and I didn’t walking again until February 2013.

When I was first released, I was injecting myself twice a day will insulin. I began walking on treadmill at the gym. Today, I’m running.  The best thing invented for a diabetes is exercise. I would do 60 day challenges while eating a low carb, high protein diet. I did at least 35 minutes of cardio but generally around a hour. I workout at least 5 times a week. I also recommend eating clean. I only eat lean and green. No sodas and no sweats, except once in a blue moon

I started at 220 pounds and currently I am 135 pounds.  I have actually lost a total of 102 pounds. I started Feb 2013 and lost 91 pounds. Then I became pregnant went back to 200 and I’m currently 135 pounds. The best part is that I’m no longer on any type of medicine for diabetes and now all my tests do not represent a diabetic. I post daily videos and exercises on my Instagram account: @ashy620

The best advice I can give is don’t give up. Don’t stop, always push forward. Nothing changes without dedication, hard work and consistency.

Avicia lost 78 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Avicia lost 78 pounds.  After years of yo-yo dieting and fad plans, she found success with green smoothies, clean eating and exercise.  Now she wants to help others change their lives.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

avicia before and after

Growing up, I was always a thin girl and never had any weight concerns. I would eat anything I wanted with no issues. I began taking birth control and gained about 30 lbs, but once I stopped taking it the weight fell. Then in 2000, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and within the first year of having her I lost the 70 lbs I gained while pregnant. I was wearing a size 8 again. After gaining a pound here and there, within 5 years I was just over 200 lbs. I started doing whatever quick fix was available. Any new fad for rapid weight loss, I tried. I did lose a few pounds doing that but it soon came back plus some when I stopped following the fad plan. By 2008 I weighed 230 lbs, which was what I weighed the day I gave birth to my daughter.

I started to go to the gym regularly, even spent a couple of thousand dollars on a personal trainer and I lost about 15 pounds over the span of 6 months. Approaching my 29th birthday, I weighed 215 pounds and I took a week off to celebrate. However, one week turned in a month, a year and then 2 years had passed and I had not stepped foot in the gym. The scale continued to move up and by my 30th birthday I weighed 250 pounds. I tried a few diet pills and nothing happened. I talked about losing weight daily but put forth no action. By the end of 2011, I weighed 263 lbs (my heaviest) standing at 5’3” tall. Still unhappy and yet unmotivated, I accepted my weight and thought that I would be a big girl forever.

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In February of 2012, I had to undergo a breast reduction and I immediately lost 10 lbs. I began to walk at the track near my home that spring. I lost 5 pounds over that summer, but things were not happening fast enough for me so I gave up yet again. By 2014, I was back in the 250’s and unhealthier than before. Then in April 2014, a friend asked me to join her on the 10 day Green Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith and I my exact words were “Girl, I can’t be drinking no smoothies all day.”  After more persuasive talks from her and some much needed prayer I decided to give myself 10 days. I began the green smoothie cleanse on 4/20/14 and those were the most challenging 10 days of my life. I can remember sitting in my car in tears while eating an apple (day 5) but I would not let myself give up again. I had to do it for me. I completed the 10 days and continued a couple more and by my birthday on May 2nd I had lost 13 pounds. On that day I decided that I would never go back to my old eating habits and that it was time for me to take control of my life.

I focused on clean eating and ate lotss of vegetables and protein. My day will usually consist of a smoothie for breakfast and lunch then a light dinner, like chicken or fish with veggies and brown rice. I eliminated soda, coffee and juices, so I drink water, green tea and herbal teas. No artificial sweeteners, I will only use stevia if needed. I snack on crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumbers and celery throughout the day. I do my best to stay away from processed foods and foods with GMO’s. The biggest change for me was prepping my meals for a couple of days at a time. It’s helps tremendously. I also prep for upcoming events. No one wants to give up their favorite foods so I plan accordingly. If I know I have an event coming up I really buckle down and eat right so that when the time comes can enjoy a nice cheat meal without guilt. I love cardio, so I walk/run at least 4-5 times a week and I completed my first 8k in March. I recently started yoga and I enjoy it. I also have started some weight training to build muscles.

I followed the guidelines set in place in that book and other books by JJ Smith. Throughout this past year I have been able to lose over 70 pounds. It has been very challenging but extremely rewarding. Today, I weigh 185 lbs, my initial goal was just to get less than 200 lbs, but now I have a new goal set in place of 170 pounds. I am more determined than ever to continue this journey, for me this is a lifestyle change and I will never go back to the old me. The best advice I can give anyone trying to lose weight is to change your perspective. Don’t look for quick fixes because those are temporary solutions to a lifelong problem. Don’t look at it as dieting because dieting comes to an end. If you want permanent results you have to make permanent changes. It’s a lifestyle change!!

I recently attended the Sexy by Summer conference in DC and I became a certified green smoothie cleanse leader. This means that I have been trained by JJ Smith herself and I can teach anyone everything they need to know to be successful on the cleanse. I’m so excited about this new journey.
Facebook group: Vee’s healthy habits
Instagram: @thenaturalpurpleprincess
Weilos: @kurlykurvynfit

avicia weight loss

*Disclaimer: This book info contains an Amazon Affilate link. We may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Kira lost 60 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Kira lost 60 pounds.  After doing the Daniel Fast, she dedicated herself to perfecting her body temple with clean eating and lots of exercise.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

kira before and after

I just completed my third Daniel Fast! It was this fast that helped me get my journey on track almost three years ago. I asked God if he gave me the strength and endurance to make it through I would clean his temple, my body, from the inside out. Upon completion of my first Daniel Fast, I started alternating between home and gym workouts 3-5 times per week. Over time, I increased my workouts adding boot camps with @_thecommission_ fitness and clean eating. Almost one year ago, I also added a personal trainer to my journey. Between the two; I now workout between 8-10 times per week and some days I do 1-4 workouts. I work out Sunday -Thursday.

  • Sunday Monday and Wednesday: cardio and weightlifting
  • Tuesday and Thursday am: cardio and ab workouts
  • Monday and Thursday evenings:one hour boot camps which consist of cardio and HIIT workouts
  • Friday and Saturday are rest days
Daniel Fast Books

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I keep dining out to a minimum by only choosing to do so when the occasions are special. I replaced white sugar with agave nectar and replaced dairy with nut milks. I also removed complex carbs from my diet (white bread,white rice,pasta). I don’t eat pork and I indulge in beef occasionally.

I fill my free time with family and fitness. To date I have lost 60 lbs. No pills, surgery or supplements…just a simple formula of prayer x hard work x clean eating. I am grateful everyday for how far I have come and I continue to work hard like it is day one! During each workout I tell myself that this journey is not just for me, but prayerfully I hope to inspire someone else who may have the same struggles I have. I share my journey constantly on instagram (@shoegal1275) and Facebook. If I can inspire at least one person I have paid it forward!

Sheila lost 39 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sheila lost 39 pounds. Determined not to let a family history of obesity and illness affect her future, she embraced regular exercise and changed her eating habits to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

sheila before and after

Hi, my name is Sheila and I am 43 years old. In March of 2014, I had finally had enough. I had become sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had tried time and time again to lose weight but always gave up. After seeing first-hand the effects of obesity and rheumatoid arthritis, which both run rampant in my family, I finally was scared straight into making changes in my life. At 5’3″ tall and 202 pounds, I started working out with a trainer 3 days a week, doing strength training and very little aerobic exercise.  Then, after 6 weeks my trainer dropped me out of the blue. The scale hadn’t moved but I lost a few inches.

I wanted badly to quit at that point but looking back at my family’s health issues I decided to pick up the ball myself. I begin increasing my aerobic activity to 45 minutes three times a week and then up to 5 days a week, mostly walking on the treadmill. I dropped all the fast food I was eating and started cooking and eating more healthy food by incorporating more salads and fresh vegetables into my meal plan. I also added more protein and that helped me with food cravings. Exactly one year later, I’m now happy to report that I weigh 163 pounds. While I am still 33 pounds from my goal, but I am proud of myself. Trust me, if I could do it anyone can. Thank you for letting me share.

sheila weight loss Sheila