Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

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Fonda lost 62 pounds

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

Jasmine before and after story

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

Fonda weight loss story

 

Pamela lost 55 pounds

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

Pamela before and after weight loss

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

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

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

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

Instagram: @Runswithhips

Kimberly lost 137 with weight loss surgery

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

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

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

Kimberly before and after Kimberly weight loss success story

Andrea lost 65 pounds

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

Andrea weight loss success story

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

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

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

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

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

Instagram: @gr08one
Twitter: @thegr08one

Latrisce shares how she lost 24 pounds

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

Latrisce before and after weight loss

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

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

Tia lost 107 pounds

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Update Jan 2017: Three years later, Tia wrote in to share an update on losing 107 pounds. She has had some set backs, but she continues to stay focused and practice healthy habits.

Despite having minor set backs, I have still managed to keep my weight under 200 pounds. I’m determined to get back to where I was in 2013. Get motivated, stay focused and be inspired. I continue to limit heavy starches and fried foods. I make sure to drink at least 64oz of water per day. As for my meat options, I still only eat seafood. I also continue with 30 day cleanses, one to three times through out the year. Moderate exercise for 30 minutes to an hour, five days per week works for me.

I’ve learned that healthy living and weight loss is a mental process first. I believe you have be mentally prepared and positive in order to reach your goals.  I’m human and I know setbacks may happen. I’ve learned to be my own motivation. My dedication to health living and not giving up, inspiring others is what stands out. When entering into this journey, I would tell others to go in with a positive mindset.

Instagram @MsTia___

Tia update

Jan 2014 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tia lost 107 pounds.  She found a weight loss plan that worked for her and made the decision to totally clean up her eating habits.  She also embraced juicing and smoothies.  Here is her weight loss story:

“My weight loss journey began February 2012. I was carrying 249 pounds on a 5’1”, medium build body frame. I was uncomfortable and tired of not being able to wear what I wanted. I was also tired of heading to the plus size section and not finding anything I liked. I didn’t want to develop any diseases or health issues as a result of me being overweight. I had enough! I was determined to lose weight and get healthy.

I signed up for Weight Watchers. I did the program for a for about five months. I got off track here and there. When July came, I had a talk with myself. I had to tell myself, “If you want a change to happen, you have to make it happen. You have to stay focused on meeting the goals you desire. You have to stop playing around.” That’s exactly what I did!

My first decision was to stop eating junk food. My almighty down fall is snacks and candy. The next was to stop drinking alcohol, which I stopped for about two months. I was never a huge water drinker, but I made it my business to drink more each day. Now that’s all I drink when I get thirsty. I also cut back on pasta, potatoes, rice and breads. I also started doing moderate exercise 30-45 minutes a day five days a week at home with various workout DVDs and Wii games.

I stayed consistent and the results made me smile. I started to challenge myself month after month to meets certain goals. As the time went by, the journey became much easier for me. I now call it my lifestyle.

I was introduced to juicing/smoothies in the Winter of 2012. Juicing is a winner! I started to see the pounds come off even more. I stopped eating poultry and dairy products at the end of summer 2013. I opt for all of the healthy alternatives that are out there. I try to avoid frying foods, but when I do I use healthier cooking oils. I do still eat fish, so you would call myself a pescatarian.

I fell in love with healthy living. By doing all of this, I’ve lost a total if 107 pounds to date. Now, I just want to inspire everyone. I want to show them that staying consistent can get you results. My motto is get motivated, stay focused and be inspired! Follow me on Instagram for more before and after, inspiration, tips! #Beinspired

I was at my heaviest in this photo on the left at 255 pounds in December 2010.

Tia weight loss story

Kiera lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story: Kiera lost 50 pounds by choosing the Medifast program after being inspired by a friend’s weight loss.  She even inspired her husband to lose weight with her.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Kiera medifast weight loss

Good morning, my name is Kiera DesChamps and I have lost 50 pounds since November, size 18 to a size 8!  Like most women, I have struggled with my weight since having two children (who are now teenagers). It was gradual weight gain that crept year after year. I have tried many diet plans, pills, and exercise, but it was never enough to change my lifestyle. Creeping upon my 40s, with a family history of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, I knew I needed to change…now!

Last year, I noticed one of my friends losing weight, without pills or surgery. I inquired about her weight loss success and she became my free health coach! She provided me with weekly support calls, guidance, and accountability, along with a healthy eating plan. It was the easy lifestyle change that I had been looking for all of my life! I eat all day, lose weight, and I actually look forward to exercising and keeping up with my active teenagers.

I eat 5 small meals a day (Medifast medically formulated meal with the exact calories, vitamins, etc.), and 1 meal with a protein a vegetable. I am exercising about 3 times per week, 30 minutes each time. I just started toning with weights for my arms. It’s the easiest plan I have ever done. I feel great and I have so much more energy. I have about 20 more to lose for a healthy BMI.

I have now become a free health coach and I help change the lives of many others. I have not reached my healthy BMI, but I am not too far away!!! For the first time in 15 years, I will be shopping for a swim suit for my vacation to Cancun, Mexico next month. I am sooooo excited!

Black women, do not make excuses about choosing health! It feels fantastic and so empowering to be in control of how you feel each day. Don’t blame your hair, lack of time, your children, etc., make a decision today!”

Kiera and her husband have lost 130 pounds combined.  Here is an article on them from their local news station.

Kiera weight loss medifast

 

Candice lost 51 pounds

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Candice over came a lifetime of fighting obesity.  This proud mom and business woman is down 51 pounds from 307 pounds with clean eating and exercise.  Read her story and get inspired!

Candice before and after weight loss

“My name is Candice Edmund and I am a 40 year old female living in Houston, TX. Wow! Where do I start? First of all let me say thank you. You facebook page has been one of the main motivators for me to start this journey. You and the women on your page have impacted my life for the better and for that I say thank you. My weight has always been an issue. Through out my childhood and my adult life I have always been obese. Obesity is truly a demon that many of us deal with. It instilled a fear in me that prevented me from being the person that God has called me to be. Many nights I have gone to sleep with thoughts of what will happen to my children if I die of a heart attack in my sleep. Obesity paralyzes you and you live with a fear that only you and others that suffer from the same disease will only know. This summer, I went on a trip overseas. I had to ask for a seat belt extender and the flight was the most difficult and uncomfortable six hours of my life. I told myself on that plane when I got back home I would change…for good…for life. In July, I started working out at the gym 4 to 5 days a week and I started eating about 80% clean. This is amazing for me because I was a slave to food. I no longer am addicted to the sweets and pastries that once held me captive. Life can throw some curve balls your way and food has always been my way of dealing with those curve balls as they came…and believe me, many have come.

Thus far, my total weight loss is 51 pounds. My starting weight was 307 pounds. I have gained lots of muscle mass. Currently, I train 4 days a week with my trainer and I do cardio as well. Since July, I have completed in several 5K’s. Last week my trainer told me that a year from now he wants me to compete. He did not realize that when he said it I really took his statement to heart. This is now my long term goal. One day, I would indeed like to compete in lifting.

I still have a long ways to go in this journey. It is a daily battle and it is far from over. My short term weight loss goal is another 50 or so pounds and then I’ll set another goal, and then another goal to become the athletic person that I envision myself being. One day I will compete in weight lifting and one day I will accomplish my goal of zip lining over a waterfall in Brazil.

I thank God for you, your Facebook page, and the courageous women on your site.”

Check her out online: www.tealightfulparties.com

Candice before and after weight loss

 

Tenisha lost 68 pounds

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Before and After of the Day: Tenisha lost 68 pounds after a divorce.  She has seen improvement in a number of health issues she suffered from.  This sister even grew her own food!  Now that is a lifestyle change!  Here is what she shared with us:

Tenisha weight loss story

“Hi my name is Tenisha Baker. I started my weight loss journey in January 2012.  I did it for health reasons and to look and feel better. I had just came out of a nineteen year marriage.  I found out that he cheated on me with a co-worker and didn’t want to be married anymore, but he wanted me to stay for financial reasons.  Needless to say I left with my six children and hoped for the better.

Before my transformation I had many health problems. I was severely asthmatic and always on steroids.  I was hyper allergic to almost everything.  I suffered with IBS, Alopecia areata, CHRONIC UTI, vitamin D deficiency, and more.

After leaving my husband, I started eating right.  I began growing my own vegetables in a garden and ate from it.  I grew cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, spinach and different types of lettuce. I also embraced exercising at home.  I spent $0.00 dollars at a gym because I could not afford it or find the time to get there and still be a mom. I also ran in my neighborhood.

I’m excited to say that I am 68 pounds lighter with all medical problems disappearing except the alopecia.  I’m happy, beautiful and healthy by my and my doctors standards. My doctor has also asked me to talk to her patients too.  Women should never give up on themselves.  Put all of your excuses away. [Btw, I’m now in love too…]”

Jessie lost 69 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Instagram Diva Jessie lost 69 pounds.  She posts her progress, workouts and photos of what she is eating on Instagram.  I love that because it can help keep you accountable and inspire others to do what you do.  Here is what she had to say about her weight loss transformation:

Jessie weight loss before and after

“I am a mother of three beautiful children, student and a newfound gym lover. I’d gotten to the point where I felt I could not lose weight because I had children. I ate whatever I wanted and didn’t work out at all after I had my kids. However, the reason I didn’t lose weight was because I found excuse after excuse not to do so. In May 2013, I was tired of being unhappy with myself so I began working out and eating clean. Since then, I’ve lost 69 pounds by just working out and eating clean.

I work out 5-6 times a week doing weightlifting and cardio. I never knew how much this would change my life. This has become a passion for me to help others find happiness through self love and taking care of their health. Obesity runs in my family, as well as diabetes. Now that I understand how important eating right and exercising is I have began to help my family and others by informing them of things to help them on a journey to better health. I started my journey at 244 pounds and I am currently 175 pounds! I’m not done yet!

This is not a quick fix it has become a lifestyle for me. To me its about so much more thank being skinny. It’s about being physically strong? Mental strong, lean and in overall good health. If I can do it with 3 kids, you can too! Just believe in yourself and keep in your mind that “Failure is not an option!”
Feel free to follow my journey on Instagram @creolebabii_fitness where I show you videos of some of my workouts, my meal preps, and pictures of my journey from start. Let’s motivate and support each other! We’ve got this!”

Jessie weight loss photos