Update Nov 2017: Jasmine lost 13 more pounds for a total of 78 pounds gone. “After losing my initial 78 pounds, I became certified as a personal trainer. I recently taught my fitness bootcamp called Thee Confident Curvy Experience!”
Oct 2016: Transformation of the Day: Jasmine lost 65 pounds and has gone from a size 26 to a size 12. This Alpha Kappa Alpha soror didn’t let depression and emotional eating beat her. Check out how she lost the weight.
Over the past 6 months, starting on February 1st, 2016, I’ve lost 65 pounds through hard work, a meal plan and the help of my trainer. I was told by my therapist that I was depressed and it reflected in my eating habits. For example, I had 10 tubs of ice cream in my freezer at one point in time. That led me to make the decision that it was time for a change. Now, I run 5Ks and exercise daily!
What inspired me to keep going even when I wanted to give up is that I realized I’m not trash. Therefore, I refuse to put trash in my body, because you only get one! My eating habits were changed with a meal plan that my trainer gave me. This plan included meals that had no dairy, no salt, no sugar and limited carbs.
Initially, I worked out twice per week with my trainer doing HIIT, weight training and core workouts. Currently, I do HIIT workouts twice weekly with weight training and run daily 3-6 miles per day.
My starting weight was 303 pounds and I wore a size 26. Currently, I weigh 238 pounds and wear a size 12. I am 5’9″. My advice for others who want to lose weight is BE PATIENT. Every day, choose to change something small because progress is a process!
Instagram: @3ohThree
Meskerem lost 44 pounds
Meskerem lost 44 pounds. Our Ethiopian sista wrote in to share her success. Being diagnosed with pre-hypertension, she knew that she had to make some lifestyle changes. Healthy eating habits and working out on a regular basis really made the difference. Check out her journey.
Meskerem D. from Ethiopia
Age 28
Height: 5’5″
Starting weight: 180.4 pounds
Current weight (September 20, 2016) 136.4 poundsI started my weight loss journey six months back. I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension and it was a real wake up call. Through health eating habits and fitness training I’ve lost 44 pounds.
I crafted focused, measurable and sharp goal for 100 days and posted a tracking chart one in my bedroom and office. I review the chart every 4 weeks. It served as one motivation every time I woke up and felt tired. I looked at the chart and would say, “I have a goal to achieve for myself”. I joined and followed groups on social media, like BWLW, so every morning I read a story that indeed uplifts my spirit and inspires me to move on. My friends, family and colleagues’ encouraging and kind words were also a motivation to keep on going.
To achieve my goal, I joined fitness center six months ago. I began with swimming almost every day. Then, I began working out 4 days a week for one hour in the gym with a personal trainer. Initially, it was tough decision. I had to wake up early in the morning to go to the gym before office hours. Even tougher that ,I have to give up the things I liked for a while (like enjoying time with friends after office hours) to achieve my goal.
I got together with my personal trainer and we designed a diet plan. I was also expected to write down my daily food consumption in a monitoring table and review the progress every month. I kept up with a eating plan with less salt, carbs, fat and sweets (which I like the most). It is high in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Was it easy? No, it was a new process and new challenge. At times, you work hard in the gym but you don’t see results. It’s also hard to quit what you like. I had to ask why I put myself in such situation and there were times when I wanted to give up. But, the motivation, feedback and success stories I read kept me going ahead. Eventually, dieting and working out became like a habit or an addiction, for me. I even miss the gym while I am not there. The more I work out and see results come, I see my feelings grow to go for it more and more.
Today, though I am happy I’ve gotten here, I am not yet satisfied. My inner voice is asking me to go for it more. I look onward and forward for more achievements. I want to be better than yesterday.
My firsthand advice to all the women out there is that all you need is a willing heart, inner desire for a change and commitment. “When you want something you have never had, you have to do something you have never done.” If you want to lose weight and get fit, ACT Now! Set an ambitious goal that can be achieved in short period of time, like 100 days or less. Work hard and add up your commitment. Most importantly, enjoy the process and love what you do. Nothing is impossible. I did it and you can do it too!
Victoria lost 49 pounds
Victoria lost 49 pounds. She did it for herself and for the benefit of her 2 children. “If you would have told me in Feb 2016 that losing 107 pounds by Dec 2016 was impossible, I wouldn’t have believed you. Now, I’m sure I’ll knock that goal out of the park, plus some more.” Check out how she did it.
I always wanted to look great and feel great again. I kept saying that I would do it but never did. One day, I looked at the scale and it was at a number I was not pleased with. I started working out with family and friends. I connected with a personal trainer in March 2016 and I’m still working out with her today.
I have two children and I want to set example for them of how to keep yourself up. In order to look good you have to feel good as well. I wanna be able to run marathon one day or not be out breathe when I play outside with my girls. What keeps me going: I look at my before and after pictures and I realize that within 5 months my body has made already a big process.
I stopped eating out a lot and watching my overall intake. I also only drink water and I cut out all pop. I changed what I ate daily. For example, I substitute chips for fruit. Even though I use to skip breakfast, now I make sure that I have yogurt or oatmeal in the morning. That’s a must. If I feel the urge to pig out, I grab water. I also don’t eat after 9:00pm. If I get hungry late at night, I just drink water that’s my only liquid intake.
I workout 3 times a week with my trainer for 1 hour doing all types of exercise routines. She keeps pushing me to keep going. That’s her slogan, “Keep going!” With my trainer, I do circuit workouts with 3 other people. I do 30 jumping jacks after every intense workout. That workout: shadow boxing, 20 burpees, 20 mountain climbers, sit ups and Russian twists. We run through a park doing 2 laps at the most. We do squat jumps as well. We run through the entire workout about 4 times. It depends on what we working on that day. I use to eat out a lot.
My starting weight was 307 pounds and now I weigh 258 pounds. I am 5’7″. My goal is to be under 200 pounds by December 31st. I know that I can do it. If you would have told me in Feb 2016 that losing 107 pounds by Dec 2016 was impossible I wouldn’t have believed you. Now, I’m sure I’ll knock that goal out of the park, plus some more. I did not use shakes or surgery, just exercise and watching what I ate.
This just the beginning of my journey, but I would like to encourage all my sisters and let them know that if you take that one step you won’t regret it. I say keep going, especially to the people out the who have children. My weight loss has encouraged a lot people to try and make a change. My children even tell people, “My mom doesn’t drink pop.” or eat this or that. That let’s me know they are playing attention. This change was for me and also for them.
The picture below in workout clothes are before and after photos my trainer took in March 2016 and August 2016.
Rahab lost 73 pounds
Rahab lost 73 pounds. Not being able to fit into a Christmas gift that she loved was the catalyst for our Kenyan sista’s weight release journey. Clean eating, regular exercise and being aware of calories in and calories out were key to her success. Check out what she shared with us.
Starting weight: 90KGS (198.4 pounds)
Current weight: 57KGS (125.6 pounds)
Staring point: I started my journey in December 2014.What was your motivation?
My turning point was December 26, 2014. A friend sent me an adidas jacket as a gift, but to my disappointment the jacket wouldn’t close when I tried it on. I got very angry because I really liked the jacket, so I told myself that I gotta do what I have to do to lose the excess pounds. I was tired of buying bigger and bigger clothing each time and really wanted to fit into size 8 or size 10 shorts. The adidas jacket motivated me to work hard and fit in it. Also, I joined an FB group for women who were working to lose weight and keep fit.How did you change your eating habits? What did you do in terms of exercise?
I learned to eat clean and exercise. I totally went cold turkey on sugar, wheat and alcohol. Today, I still eat wheat but in minimal amounts. (Maybe once to twice a week, but sometimes I eat none at all.) I stopped processed foods. Instead, I eat tons of vegetables, greens, fruits and complex carbohydrates.I worked out 4 times a week. Mainly, I was walking and working to burn at least 500 to 600 calories a day (or 300 calories on a bad day). Its all about calories in and calories out.I did squats, skipping and sit ups. Now, I’m lifting weights to tone up.
What advice would you share with other ladies who want to lose weight?
My advice to others who are on their fitness journey, I say eat in moderation but know when to say NO. One should incorporate cheat days and times when she is able to let loose a little and enjoy without being so caught up on how many calories a doughnut has.Kristy lost 65 pounds
Transformation of the Day: Kristy lost 65 pounds. Back pain, swelling ankles and foot pain were a constant reminder that her health had to become a priority. She did her research and kicked off her journey with a 100 days of juicing and smoothies. Check out her story.
My motivation was a healthier me. The older I got, the more important my health became, because I was having back pain, ankle swelling and foot pain. I realized that without health, nothing in life could fully be enjoyed. I have struggled with weight most of my life and I finally got tired of all the excuses I made for myself. I would lose weight and then gain it back because ultimately I hadn’t made a lifestyle change.
After doing extensive research and watching lots of health documentaries, I was convinced that I had to make a holistic lifestyle change and eat clean. My health coach, Jame,s has also been a huge supporter and encouragement to me through this process.
My journey has been on and off over the last couple of years, but I really got serious about getting my health together at the beginning of this year when I started my 100 day juice and smoothie challenge.
I committed to removing dairy out of my diet. I was already vegetarian, but decided it was time to go vegan. I cut out 80% of highly processed foods, cut out fast foods, and I only drink water. No juices in bottles or packaged/processed juice. I juice it myself. I also make sure that my meals are low salt due to high salt causing me to swell. I focus on low sugar intake as well, unless it comes from natural sources like fruits. My diet plan consists of intervals of eating vegan, raw vegan, juicing, drinking smoothies, and water fasting.
My workout routine consists of weight lifting and walking or jogging for 1-3 miles, 4 times a week. Over the summer, I joined a spin class and I’m currently looking into swimming classes.
I’ve lost 65 pounds. My goal weight is 150. I am 5’2″ tall. No weight loss surgery. All natural.
My advice to others would be to never give up. The journey of weight loss is often long, and frustrating, but there is hope.
Instagram: @KLLAMAR
Facebook: OneHealingMinistry
Cheryl lost 65 pounds
Transformation of the Day: Cheryl lost 65 pounds. At 49 years old, she was determined to walk into her 50s in good health. This proud mom used exercise and clean eating to transform her lifestyle. Check out her story.
I’m Cheryl and I’m 49 years old. I started my weight loss journey in June 2015. At that time, I weighed 230 pounds. I had no energy, often felt depressed, felt overwhelmed and I was always tired. Over the years, I picked up an extra 80 pounds. I’d never weighed this much ever. So. I decided that I needed to make some changes.
I was faced with the challenge of making a real lifestyle change. I have a 12 year old son and I had no energy to really interact and be active with him at all. I knew then I had to make some drastic life style changes!
I started with a fitness program and it was my biggest challenge ever. I hadn’t done any type of exercise in years. Working out on my first day of class made me feel like I died and then came back alive again. My fitness class is very intense Hageshii training, along with Kettlebell drills. I’ve always loved bike riding, so I purchased a bike. I start noticing small changes and that forced to me work even harder!
I also started drinking green juices, protein shakes and increased my water intake. I embraced clean eating, including lean meat and lots of veggies. That also meant avoiding anything that has 10 or more grams of sugar. I avoid high carb in favor of high protein content. No sugars, sodas or fried foods. Now, I’m very conscious of the things I eat.
I don’t have any health issues at this time, but my goal is to stay healthy. I just don’t want to turn 50 years old and walk around with a sack of medication. Today, I’m a proud 165 pounds. I still have 25 more pounds to go, but my progress has been Awesome! #BELIEVEINYOU
Britteny lost 111 pounds
Transformation of the Day: Britteny lost 111 pounds. She had a unique wake up call that put the spot light on the struggle with weight that she’d been having since childhood. Commitment, faith, fitness and healthy eating habits were key to her success. Check out her journey.
What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I got a phone call one day from a friend of a friend who was selling insurance. I wanted to help a friend so I listened to what he had to offer. He was selling long-term disability insurance, something of which, I didn’t need but I went through the evaluation to help my friend’s friend.I was driving down the highway when he called and delivered the news. He said, “Brittney, your application was denied due to a high BMI.” I’m like, “Excuse me?” I couldn’t believe they were denying me! How could someone tell me they wouldn’t allow me to PAY THEM? Were they calling me FAT? He went on to try to ease the news by relating to me saying he has this problem as well with finding approval.
I didn’t care. They weren’t calling me fat, they were shining light on the facts. I was 24 years old at 281 pounds with a BMI of 48%. I realized that I was fighting a bigger fight than getting some insurance that I didn’t need anyway. I was fighting what I had always fought since I was a kid and that was OBESITY. I knew after this experience that it was time for a change.
Simply put, I am a Christian. When I wanted to give up, I found motivation through my connection with Christ and my belief that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also thought about all those who were rooting for me, encouraging me and counting on me. I took my goals in small steps.
How did you change your eating habits?
After that life changing experience, I searched for a personal trainer. I knew it would be an investment, but I wanted someone who would push me because I tried many different programs before. My trainer, James Allen Jr., used functional fitness and strength training mixed with a meal plan that catered to my needs to accelerate my weight loss.Changes to my eating habits included eliminating fast food, meal prepping and substituting unhealthy snack foods with healthy snack foods. I didn’t know much about nutrition at all, so I began learning from my trainer. I had to stop eating Chick-Fil-A all the time. I had to cut out potato chips and fried foods. I began drinking protein shakes, baked or grilled chicken, shrimp, egg whites and many other high protein foods.
What did your workout routines look like?
My workouts were ever changing, but mainly it was weight lifting, cardio and core exercises. I did squats, leg lifts, walked on the treadmill, did sprints, deadlifts, bench press and a lot more. I started with 3-4 one hour sessions per week. Now, I love working out and I work out every day!Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 281 pounds and my current is weight 170 pounds. My height is 5’4″. No surgery. Just diet and exercise and a whole lot of prayer.How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in January of 2015 and to be honest, I am still on a journey. I hit 170 in the middle of June 2016, I have maintained that weight since and I feel great.What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
JUST KEEP GOING! There were times I wanted to quit and I tell you that quitting is truly is the easiest thing to do. BUT, who wants easy? I am so thankful to God for this journey because I have a great story to tell! If you really want to change your life, then just keep going. Galatians 6:9 was my motivational scripture. Whatever it is… whether it’s an outfit you want to wear, a thing you want to do or just the life you know you want to live… be motivated and go CONQUER the fight!
Angel lost 40 pounds
Transformation of the Day: Angel lost 40 pounds and lowered her body fat percentage. A few weeks ago, she found herself discouraged and wanting to give up. She took the time to compare her before photos, look up her past stats and realized that she’s made a significant amount of progress. Check out how she did it.
My name is Angel. I’m 20 years old and I’m from Kampala, Uganda. Just yesterday, I stepped onto the weighing scale. I was hungry, looking at myself in the mirror and pinching the fat around my waist and on my upper arms. I was so frustrated that I went and cried myself to sleep. “I’m such a loser” was what I thought. I’m nearly two years down the road since I started my weight loss journey and I’m still very far from my goal weight.
I’ve totally cleaned up my diet. I count my calories, exercise and started intermittent fasting. Still, the scale reads “184 pounds” “WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?” I was tired and wanted to give up.
Today, I woke up thinking that I should try to rekindle my determination, so I looked up success stories and articles that could help encourage me. I landed on an article on BodyBuilding.com, a site that I had signed up for an account on, some time back. I just randomly decided to update my profile (current weight, body measurements, etc). I always knew that my Body Fat Percentage was about 27-30% back when I started the profile. Because my weight hadn’t changed much, I didn’t think it would be any different, but I
decided to use the site’s calculator anyway.I was wrong. According to BodyBuilding.com, my body fat percentage is
currently 23%, even though I’m 184 pounds heavy. I’m almost 5’9″ and have a large body frame/heavy bones. My wrist circumference is 6.6 inches and my waist is currently 32 inches. I also decided to look at some old pictures, because it had been a long time since I last did.I couldn’t believe how much I’ve changed, I had been so focused on the scale and attaining numbers that just aren’t for me. I was aiming at 155 pounds, but according to my body fat percentage, a healthier goal for me would be somewhere around 165-170 pounds.
Starting weight/Current weight
I started when I weighed about 224 pounds and currently, I weigh 184 pounds. So, far I’ve lost 40 pounds.How did you change your eating habits?
I’ve never followed any specific diet or program, but I did cut out dairy, sugar (sodas, juice,…etc), and lowered my carb intake (especially anything processed and made from flour). I made sure my last meal was 4 hours before I went to bed and “gradually” decreased my meals per day from 5-6 to 2-3 (no snacks). For me, living on a diet of mostly fruits, vegetables and meats is a bit costly, so in the end, the diet/eating plan that worked (and is working) for me is Intermittent fasting. I use the 16:8 plan, which means I fast for 16 hours daily and only eat during an 8-hour window (which for me is between Breakfast at 6.00am and Lunch at 1.00pm). On Intermittent fasting days, I consume about 1,000-1,300 calories, but every two weeks or so I allow myself a cheat day when I don’t fast. On cheat days, I eat the foods I miss in moderation. It’s important to give yourself a break from the fasting and to drink lots of water when doing IF.What did your workout routines look like?
I jog for 40 minutes, 3 times a week around my neighborhood, and do some toning exercises with a pair of dumbbells at home (also 3 times a week). I’m not yet a fan of running or HIIT. I’m trying to work my way there though. I do a lot of walking when I have the time, especially when I’m heading back home from town. I think those 2.5 miles do me some good.How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in January 2015. Honestly, I lost and gained weight back multiple times during these past 18 months because of diet changes and
inconsistency with exercise. However, the overall change to my diet
(lowering carbs, sugar and dairy) helped me gradually lose the first 32 pounds. I plateaued at 191-192 lbs for 3 months, but broke through that when I started Intermittent fasting at the beginning of this month (July). I have since lost 8 pounds more. I have 16 more pounds to go!What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I keep lots of pictures from other people’s success stories and constantly try to envision the body that I would like to have.What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I think that the more you learn about your body, the better your weight-loss
journey will flow. Also, LOVE YOURSELF. I’ve struggled with self-hate issues since high school, when I used to cut myself. Even though there’s no longer physical abuse, mentally I’m still so negative with myself. It’s the main reason why I was always giving up and failing to recognize my progress.Carolle lost 46 pounds
Transformation of the Day: Carolle lost 46 pounds in 6 months. Our French sista fell in love with Paleo eating and used a rowing machine for exercise. She puts loving herself and being patient with herself at the center of her success. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
First, my motivation was to feel better in my own skin. I wanted to feel that the body I am in pleased myself. I wanted to love myself again. What inspires me is to see all the good results you can have when you never give up. Sometimes you just don’t want to workout. Well if you don’t, that’s ok, but the day after… Workout twice. I mean that is the way I do it.
How did you change your eating habits?
advertisement P.A.L.E.O! Well, those five letters just totally changed my life in a week. 6 months ago, I was looking for a “diet” that could make me happy and which would allow me to eat without restrictions. So, I eat dairy-free, gluten- free, lots of fresh vegetables and high quality meats, except for once a week during my cheat meal. I cook a lot for myself instead of going out.
What did your workout routines look like?
I bought a quite expensive indoor rower and that is the best investment I’ve made into my goal. I practice at least 5 times a week for 45 minutes. I added running to my routine a few weeks ago. So, I run three times a week.Starting weight/Current weight
I started at 100 kg (220 pounds) and I am now at 79 kg (174 pounds). My height is 1.76 m (5 foot, 7 inches). No surgery. I really respect that choice, but I think that if you have to loose less than 50 kg to lose, you may try naturally.When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey 6 months ago. The first few results came 2-3 months after I started. People started to notice the weight loss after at least 10 kg came off. That is when you should not loose your motivation. It’s hard to know that you are changing or thing that you are so overweight that nobody would see.What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. EAT. SLEEP. DRINK Water. Move, dance, walk and fly, but move. And again… love yourself and be patient with yourself.Instagram: @Paleofitdiethealth
Lynn lost 144 pounds
Transformation of the Day: Lynn lost 144 pounds. This petite lady wanted to be a healthier mom. She had weight loss surgery and spent lots of time and effort considering her choice and getting prepared. It was not an easy fix for her. She had to put in hard work and dedication. Check out her story.
My name is Lynn. I weighed 272 pounds at 5 feet, 2 inches in the first picture. Now, I weigh 129-130 pounds. I was helped by surgery to jumpstart my weight loss, but with dedication and time I was able to lose the weight. Even though I had surgery, it was not the easy way out. It might actually be a little harder, because you have to worry about so many things after surgery. You have to follow strict guidelines and stay dedicated.
What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
My main motivation was my daughter. I wanted to be a good example to show her how important it is to be healthy. She is also the one thing that made me not want to give up. I would look at her and just picture me and her running around in the park, playing and just having fun.How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits change totally. I should be able to eat a cup of food by now and I still can only eat maybe 1/2 a cup to 3/4 a cup… and that is on a good day. Before, I did not make sure I have meat and a veggie at least on my plate. Now, I eat tons of protein and my eating plan is high protein overall. I also started eating a lot more salads and nuts. I stopped eating a lot of cheese products. In the past, my favorite food was mac and cheese. Now when I eat it I just get sick, so I do not eat that anymore. Anything that is high in fat, I do not eat because it makes me sick.What did your workout routine look like?
Work out in the beginning was walking 30 mins a day and just strength training. Now I work at home with my daughter because I want her to be healthy too. So we run around the yard or neighborhood or at the park.How long did your transformation take?
My surgery date was October 21, 2014. I had to lose 30 pounds before having the surgery. That is getting ahead of myself though. I first spoke with my surgeon, Dr. Fuzz, at the end of May 2014 and I weighed 272 pounds. I went to classes and “one on ones” with the surgeon or my nutritionist. During that time, I was working to lose 30 pounds. Then, I had Sleeve Gastretomy surgery. I lost my lost 10 pounds in the first week. By this time, I weighed 232 pounds. As the weeks went on, I blinked and I weighed 180 pounds. That was in Feb 2015. I stopped weighing myself at that point because I did not care too much about the number. I was more focused on how I felt. I weigh 130 pounds now and I feel great.What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight or who are considering surgery?
I would say do what you feel is right for you. If it is surgery, make sure you research, research and research. You should also talk to people who have had the kind of surgery you are considering. It is always good to have a different prospective when choosing anything. Also, do not let anyone discourage you from having the surgery. Just know when you tell people that you are thinking of or have chosen to have surgery that they will have their own opinion on it. That is okay, but let them know that it is your body, so it’s your decision.Instagram: @freespiritedsag87
