Black Weight Loss Success

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Meoshia lost 28.6 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Meoshia lost 28.6 pounds by changing her eating habits, taking HCG drops and walking.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

meoshiaAug14blog

I wanted a healthier lifestyle so I started the HCG drops on nov 28 2013. I weighed 236.6 pounds and  my motivation to lose weight was that I couldn’t find many jeans that fit me correctly. I have always had a smaller waist but my hips and my back side were wide. For exercise, I walked 2 miles 3-4 days a week. I also tried my best to eat right thru the week.

I eat baked chicken and baked fish, as well as lots of green veggie. I have also learned that snacking on healthy food throughout the day helps out a lot. I drink 74 oz of water everyday. I basically gave up fried foods and if I do eat them it’s like a reward to myself. I only season my food with Ms.Dash seasoning. I also eat greek yogurt.

I have lost a total of 28.6 lbs and I am 5’11”. My advice to others is to find what works for your body and stick to it. I realize that I had to set small goals each time because I got discouraged when I set big ones and didn’t meet them in time.

Instagram: @__teamjackson

NOTE: The FDA banned real HCG drops from the market so what is now on the market is usually a mix of other agents/ingredients. The HCG diet is a calorie restriction diet, and that is the main reason it works for weight loss. Of course, there are pros and cons to that type of diet in terms of gaining the weight back when you stop the calorie restriction is you don’t have a plan in place. Check out this article for more info: www.blackweightlosssuccess.com/the-hcg-diet-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/

Kim lost 59 pounds

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Featured Story: Kim lost 59 pounds. After the birth of her third child, this proud mom was having trouble losing the pounds.  She committed to regular exercise and clean eating.  Learn more about her journey below:

Kimberly weight loss

Hi! My name is Kim C. I started my journey a year after having my third child. In February of this year I made up in my mind that something had to give. I was the biggest I had ever been and my knees were beginning to bother me. I can proudly say that after six months of clean eating and exercise I have lost a total of 59 pounds! My motivation has been my family and my own determination! Anything can happen if you just believe!

I started on February 3, 2014 weighing in at 285 pounds. I am 5 foot 3 and my body just couldn’t take all of that weight. It was very difficult getting the weight off after my third child. I began by eating 5-6 small meals a day and drinking nothing but water. I eat fruits, veggies, chicken, seafood, and whole wheat products. I workout 5-6 days a week. My workouts consist of Zumba, kickboxing, trekking classes, and the “Power House Physiques” workout DVDs. In six months, I have lost a total of 59 pounds, from 285 to 226 and I still have at least 40 more pounds to go. My advice to others is to never give up on yourself. Start off small. Replace a coke for a bottle of water or choose that apple over a doughnut. If you slip up, it’s not the end of the world. Get back on your healthy eating wagon and ride it until you have reached your goal. Lastly and certainly not least, always remember to love yourself and never compare your journey with others. Always remember that you are your own competition.

Instagram: @sunshine_love82

Kimberly before and after

Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Her journey is today’s featured success story. This proud mom decided to have gastric bypass surgery to be healthier.  She told us that she chose life over death with no reservations. Read more about her journey:

Pamela lost 160 pounds

Hello, my name is Pamela March. My starting weight was 394 pounds and my motivation to lose weight is me and my son . I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery on June 14, 2012. I want to be healthy and enjoy life. I was 45 years old when I had the surgery so the choice was ME living or dying and I want to live. I had no fear or doubts when I decided to have the survey.

During the first 8 months, the surgery does the work. After that, it’s on you to make change happen.  Therefore, I changed my eating habits. I took all white foods, junk food and soda pop out of my diet. I did portion control and I ate out a salad saucer. No doubling up and NO seconds. I do allow myself to have a treat maybe once every two weeks. I also started eating more seafood like salmon, tilapia, as well as turkey.  Now, I cook with canola or olive oil and I eat wheat pasta once every two weeks. I’m not a big carb eater, but I do eat fresh fruit and vegetables.  I don’t want to eat any processed food at all. For exercise, I work out 10 minutes a morning. I do weights, jumping jacks, as well as leg and arm exercises.  I walk around the track maybe twice week for 20 minutes.

It has taken me 2 years so far and I have lost 160 pounds. I am currently at 234 and I have 20 more pounds to reach my goal.  I thank God, my doctors and my family and friends for all their support on this journey. Without them, I couldn’t have made it.

My advice to others is to find out what works for you. It might take some times but stick with what works and you will reach your goal. If I was talking to someone interested in weight loss surgery, I would tell that person go to a hospital that specializes in weight loss surgery, do research on your procedure, check out your surgeon before selecting one, and have a good support group.  I am in an online group through my hospital where I had the surgery. You want to have people who are going to support you and your journey. You don’t need any one who  is going to make you doubt your decision. I also tell everyone, “Don’t weigh yourself everyday.” I think it is best to weigh yourself once every two weeks. That work for me.

Pamela weight loss surgery story

Mia went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat

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Mia’s story is our Success Story of the Day. She went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat and she’s no longer using the scale to judge her progress. This chef has transformed her body with bodybuilding and clean eating.  Read all about her journey below. MiaBlz weight loss Starting out on November 26,2012 when I woke up and joined Lifetime Fitness my life has not been the same since. I walked into Lifetime weighing a hefty 260 pounds, the largest I had ever been in my life. I started off going to the gyms twice a day as well as training with a personal trainer so that I could get my technique right on how to lift.  They also told me what I needed to do to get this weight off of body. I had just gotten out of a abusive relationship and over the past two years. I had gained over a hundred plus pounds and something had to change. I came to Lifetime once before and I knew I wanted to come back but I was in a financial bind and that was not in my budget. Once my financial situation turned around I knew I had no more excuses. I love to dance and so I did every chance I got. Every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon I took all Dance Jams and Zumba classes I could do. I am a chef so food was not the problem but proper eating was. We often think to lose weight we must starve ourselves but contrary to popular beliefs you must eat a clean proper diet in order to lose weight. By Feb of 2013, I could see my hard work paying off. I was almost out of the 200’s and those around me could see me melting away as well. When the seasons changed, I joined Bootcamp and lost more. I did a 90 day challenge in spring/summer of 2013 and I believe I placed in the transformation section of the competition. I tried my hardest but I never gave up. In December of 2013, I have decided to get into bodybuilding. I lost over half my bodyweight and I knew that from a lifetime of my weight being up and down that this was now a lifestyle change, It has been the best change I have ever made. I am now at 16% body fat and I don’t care about what the scale says. It’s about how I look and feel. My ultimate goal is to train others and utilize my cooking skills as well as my found knowledge of body transformation and lifestyle changes to help others being out there inner healthy person. I am now known as Mia Blaze of Blaze Athletics – “Blazing a trail to a new beginning”. Follow me of Instagram at Miablz1 or my Facebook fan page of inspiration MiaBlz.

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before
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after cardio

Tamara lost 51 pounds

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Today’s Success Story: Tamara lost 51 pounds.  She wanted to avoid a family history of weight-related illness and eat in a way that better supported her overall health. She found success in a supportive workout group and changed her eating habits to melt away the pounds.  Here is what she share with us about her weight loss journey:

tamara weight loss success

My motivation was the fact that as an African American, we are known to have high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These ailments all run on both sides of my family and I didn’t just want to be another statistic. I also have just one kidney so my health is very important to me.

Now, my eating habits are better than they were prior to working out. I’m eating less carbs, fewer sweets, having smaller portions and I’ve increased my water intake tremendously! Hydrating is a must! The changes in my eating habits include mainly eating chicken, fish, and shrimp. I decreased my beef intake and stopped eating as much fast food. I began eating more home cooked meals. Food preparation helps with the discipline on eating right, because if you have a plan, it’s easier to attain a goal. I increased my fruit and vegetable intake as well. Fresh fruit helps me tremendously for those “sweet cravings” being that I’m one that loves sweets, lol. From time to time, I’ll do a week long cleanse with just fruits and veggies, adding carbs (cup or rice) or fish on the last two days.

I attend TNT BODY CAMP here in Shreveport, La where Tarrant Graham is the owner, trainer, motivator, etc.  This camp was a major part of my change. I attend 3 to 4 classes per week (He offers 10/week). In the classes we do cardio, weight training, resistance bands, medicine balls, low hurdles, bars, obstacle courses, tires and body weight exercise for resistance. Most importantly we motivate one another to keep pushing when we see someone ready to give up! My starting weight was 247 pounds in May 2013 and I am currently 196 pounds as of  Aug 11, 2014 (I’m 5’7″). It took about a year to lose the weight  because my eating habits were not the best, but I strived to improve daily! My advice to others is that change first starts from within. You have to want to change in order to see change. Then, you have to work on your eating habits (which is a daily struggle). Lastly, you have to commit to exercise. Consistency and Self discipline are 2 key factors when you want to see change. Surround yourself with people who have to same goals, someone who will encourage you to keep pushing.

Instagram: @tamarad_thatsme

Kimberly lost 62 pounds

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Today’s Featured Success Story: Proud mom Kimberly set her mind to it and lost 62 pounds.  With the support of her family, she was able to go cold turkey and eat clean.  Consistent exercise and tracking her eating were also key to her success.  Learn more about her journey below.

Kimberly

What was your motivation?
Losing weight was on my “to do” list. I cut my hair short in January 2014 and decided to workout. I always thought I was pretty, well dressed and composed so the weight didn’t bother me. I simply made a decision to lose weight and BOOM, I did it…mind-over-matter!

How did you change your eating habits?
Soda was the first thing to go! I went cold turkey and gave them up, and haven’t looked back since. I begin juicing, and eating clean. I was a “junk food junkie”. I would put anything into my body. Now, I juice several times a week, and I eat lots of fruit. My favorite juicing recipe is kale, spinach, pineapples, and Almond/coconut milk, YUM! I track everything I eat through MyFitnessPal.com. The Jawbone bracelet and Polar watch monitor are my new best friends.

What did your workout routines look like?
I do ZUMBA 6-8 times a week, because I absolutely love to dance. I also walk 3-4 miles with my husband, daily. My day begins and ends with 100 crunches, and on occasion, I lift to build muscle. Plus, when I shop, I park far, far away, no more up front parking!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 225 big ones! I am currently 163 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took about 5 months. My body went into shock!!! No more fast or junk food, with added exercise, the pounds literally fell off, especially the belly fat.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Track, track, track what you eat and drink a ton of water. I lost weight my way and did the things I enjoy doing. You have to do it for YOU and you have to do it YOUR way!! Last but not least, ask for the support of your family! My husband and boys were super supportive, they kept me on my toes and complimented me daily. They are so proud of my accomplishment, and the new me!

Instagram: @iwokeupskinny

Kimberly Kimberly

Melz lost 65 pounds and is documenting her journey

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Zeta Phi Beta Soror Melz lost 65 pounds and is documenting her journey on Facebook and Instagram (@fitgrlmelz).  I wanted to share her story as the Success Story of the Day, because I love it when people share their weight release journey in pictures with the world to give hope to others.

Melz weight loss

What was your motivation?

I had three family members go into the hospital within one month with side effects stemming from Type II diabetes. My mother and brother both had simple infections that were made way worse because of it. At that point, I said I don’t want this life so I began walking.

How did you change your eating habits?
At first, I used Herbalife and still ate what I wanted, just in moderation. About 8 months into my journey, I started researching foods that promote a flat stomach. I then started to do weekly meal prep of brown rice, vegetables, chicken/tilapia/salmon.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started with walking and Zumba, then started jogging. Later I began weight lifting.  I was adding a new element of exercise every 2-3 months.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 283 pounds and got down to 210 pounds. I’m currently 218 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been on my journey for a year and 5 months (still going).

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Start slow, don’t get discouraged, try healthy swaps until you’re ready for a full “food overhaul”, and don’t be afraid to lift weights!!

melz Melz zeta phi beta soror

Ledeatra lost 100 pounds

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Zeta Phi Beta Soror Ledeatra lost a little over 100 pounds.  She credits working out with her personal trainer and completely cleaning up her eating habits as the major factors in her journey.  Here story is today’s weight loss success story of the day.

Ledeatra weight loss story

I lost 100 lbs in 6 and half months. My motivation was that I was just plain sick and tired of being overweight. Once the new year started I contacted a personal trainer who I saw a high school classmate use.

Eating habits: I ate lean meats such as chicken (ground, breast, tenderloins) ground turkey, salmon, low sodium tuna packets.  For carbs, I mainly had green veggies such as spinach, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus. For breakfast I would mainly have Herbalife meal replacement shakes. I try to avoid any thing high in sodium, sugar or carbs.

My Workouts: 6 days a week, I workout with a trainer. We do everything from weights, jogging, treadmill, lunges, pushups, etc. I do lots of full body exercise.

Starting weight: 257.6 pounds
Current weight: 156.8 pounds

My progress so far has taken 6.5 months. My biggest advice is do not give up. I had days that the scale didn’t move or when it even went up. I had sick days and days I did not want to get out of bed but I did. For me, having a personal trainer is the difference because he has pushed me more than I thought possible. Lastly, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Just because something says low fat or low Cal does not mean it is healthy or will make u lose weight.

Instagram: @ladywatson11

Ledeatra lost 100 pounds

Mia lost over 65 pounds

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My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Mia lost over 65 pounds.  Her journey is today’s featured success story!  She turned the negative comments of others into positive motivation and changed her habits to reach her goals.  Now, she is inspiring others.  Read her success story.

Mia Nicole weight loss

 

What was your motivation?
My motivation initially was somewhat fueled by negativity. A couple of relatives and classmates blatantly called me fat. No one had ever said that to me so bluntly and it really hurt me. I had always considered myself thick. When I got that reality check, that was all I needed to get my act together. I wanted to show all the people who called me names or ever talked about me what I was capable of.

How did you change your eating habits?
I’ve tried every crash diet and meal replacement system under the sun. They all worked for a while, then I would quickly plateau or start gaining it back once I got tired of being so strict. Now, I just eat clean, whole, non processed foods without all the chemicals. I was a vegetarian for years, but now I am a pescetarian (vegetarian who eats fish) and I count my macros.

What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT Heavy and do interval circuits. I stopped doing tons of cardio. I just stick to 15-20 minutes of HIIT a few times a week.

What was your starting weight? 232 pounds. I’ve lost over 65 lbs and I am 5’3″ tall.

What is your current weight? I don’t weigh myself. It stresses me out.

How long did your transformation take? Initially, I lost the weight in 6 months in 2005. Since then, I’ve been learning through trial and error. I’m focused on putting on muscle and shaping my body.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Do your own research. Don’t just listen to what people tell you that you should do, because they aren’t you, they haven’t lived in your shoes their whole lives, and everyone is different. When you decide to lose weight, you better be ready to have plateaus and set backs. You better go in with a fierce attitude and be ready to fight the battle because it is not easy and it never gets easier. Surround yourself with positive people and a support system with similar goals. They can’t make you eat right and workout, but they sure can pick you up when you’re down and keep you focused.

Check out more of her photos on Instagram: @bbjudyfit

Mia weight loss success story

Hannah lost 63 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Check out Hannah’s awesome update photo. We featured her story back in 2014.

hannah before and after

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Hannah lost 63 pounds. This sista from the UK wrote in and shared her weight loss success story in great detail. She transformed her body and her health with consistent exercise and a very clean eating plan. Her story shows that you have to come out of your comfort zone to change your lifestyle.  Here is her story…

Hannah weight loss story

My name is Hannah Davies and I’m 24 years old. My weight has always fluctuated with my emotions and my relationships, never to empower myself until now. I must admit I was never really happy. I was a teenage mom, living in shared housing when I met my partner and felt complete and comfortable.  A mixture of depression and unemployment after university was a recipe for disaster. I grew from being 150 lbs in 2010 to 210 lbs in 2012. From a size 10 to a size 18, I gained 3 dress sizes! I believe that a combination of poor diet, exercise and lack of knowledge and self worth was my greatest downfall.

In June 2012 my family and I went to Poland to celebrate the marriage of my Uncle. The BEFORE picture you see was taken whilst in Poland. This picture was my looking glass, my realization that if I didn’t change my lifestyle now my weight would just increase.  I lost 5 lbs whilst away due to the amount of exercise the family did. This was the start. Upon returning to England I tried fad diets where all you had were meal replacements but found these were short term effects and no example to be setting my son. From there I joined my local gym and took the exercise classes. I found great enjoyment in yoga and Pilates. Although joining the classes was hard as I felt like the biggest person in the class, I drew strength from my partner at the time (who is a bodybuilder). He reminded me that “everyone starts somewhere” and that “Nothing in life comes free”. I started to surround myself with like minded people, enjoyed my classes more and Googled for healthier ways of living. I ate six small meals a day which were weighed on a food scale.

  • Meal one spinach omelette 2 egg whites and one yoke
  • Meal two chicken or turkey and asparagus or broccoli
  • Meal three protein shake, small amount of almonds or natural almond butter (like peanut butter but found in health stores)
  • Meal four fish with broccoli or sweet potato
  • Meal five almond butter
  • Meal six protein shake.

I had a cheat meal/day once a week but this did lead to a yoyo effect of loosing weight in the week and gaining on the cheat day. I find now that if I want a treat I will have it as this is now a lifestyle not a diet. I’ll be honest I found it incredibly difficult to eat so much and of a such limited types of food. I always ensured there was at least a gap of an hour between eating and going to the gym which usually happened after meal four. Always had meal five and six straight after the gym to ensure my muscles got the protein they needed to repair and replenish for the next day.

Although the optimum time to exercise is the morning being a mother this was not possible. I would always warm up with 5 minutes on a cardio machine, then train the group of muscle for that day whether it be arms, back, shoulders, chest or legs and then finish with 20-25 minutes of fast walking on a incline. Although the optimum duration to burn fat is when your heart rate is high (40-45 minutes) I felt bored staying in the gym for that long. I found that by December 2013 I had gone down to 165 lbs but then stopped loosing weight and felt as hard as I tried I couldn’t loose anymore! My job as much as I love it, is predominantly stationary this was also a contributing factor.

I split from my partner of four years in 2014 and decided it was time to do something for myself. Since July 2014 I have gone back to a diet similar to this, gained a training partner and started running, something I haven’t attempted since i was a teenager. I completed the Race for Life in 24 minutes and entered a half marathon. My goal is to run the London marathon and be on stage in a body building completion September 2015. My goal in the next few years is to start kickboxing and dancing again. That is something that I always enjoyed but never felt confident to participate in when I was my larger self. I want to go on stage not to win, but to stand there feeling empowered and proud knowing that anyone can do anything no matter where they started, if they believe, chase the knowledge and have the courage to change their outlook on life.

As of today 07/24/14, I am proud to say I weigh 147 lbs and recently bought my first 8/10 dress. I’m not skinny and wouldn’t want to be. I’m muscular and healthy, which is all I ever wanted. I walk away from my journey knowing that true strength and happiness comes from within and not reliant on others. I would wish you luck in your journey but instead I shall wish you strength and happiness.

Instagram: @Papaya_Mittoo