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Joanne lost 80 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Joanne lost 80 pounds.  She credits Boxing with changing her life. Here is what she shared about her weight loss and health journey:

“Boxing literally changed my life! I was 32, creeping up to the 300lb. mark, and on the verge of being placed on medication for high blood pressure medication. “Don’t try, just do,” were the first words of encouragement Mr. Floyd M. Brown of REGIMEN Boxing offered me on November 1st of 2011 when I started my wellness journey. I smile now when I think back on our first few workout sessions. Most times, I couldn’t tell if I was sweating or crying, but I was seeing results and more importantly I felt encouraged every step of the way.

My workouts consisted of heavy cardio, an array of calisthenics from burpies to jumping jacks, light weight work, and my favorite…….BOXING. I went from working out twice a week to no less than 4 times a week. I also had to tackle my unhealthy relationship with food. I am not the type that can just give things up, but I did learn the importance of moderation. Somewhere along the way, I also figured out how to make healthier choices. I traded rice for quinoa, chose to stop eating pork, cut down my red meat intake, and gained a new appreciation for fish in the process. I also increased my water intake, incorporated more fruits and veggies, and slowed down my sugar intake. More importantly, I often took the time to ask why I was eating before I sat down to do so. This afforded me the opportunity to determine if I was eating out of hungry or boredom, feelings of frustration, etc.

I now stand 80 pounds lighter, have run two 5K races, and live an all-around active lifestyle that I share with my 11 year old daughter. Boxing, Zumba, Boot Camp and conscientious choices are my weapons of choice in this battle called obesity. I am still a work in progress, but I have definitely come a long way with the help of Mr. Brown and the REGIMEN. I was and continue to be challenged every step of the way, but with each level of intensity comes the same level of support and truth be told that made all the difference in the world. The last time I can offer is when I get discouraged, I just think to myself “I just can’t give up now.” Stay encouraged ladies, we got this!”

Joanne weight loss journey

Aspiring Bodybuilder: Phurtura lost 24 pounds

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Aspiring bodybuilder/fitness model and serving Navy sailor Phurtura wrote in to share how she lost 24 pounds and built muscle.  After years of emotional eating she was motivated by joining the military to become more active. Here is what she had to share:

“Hello! I warned to share my journey with your page. I started working out in March of this year. I wasn’t fat or overweight but I was definitely unhealthy and saw myself at a better physique. In 2010, I weighed 130 pounds, and I’d slimmed down from last year when I hit my heaviest weight at 148 pounds. I currently weight 122 pounds and I’m looking forward to a career in fitness modeling along with continuing to serve my country as a US Navy sailor.

Food was a coping mechanism for my unhappiness. Unlike most people, I stopped eating when I’d get depressed. Then I’d spend a full day or stuffing whatever I found in my mouth only to turn around and stop eating again. Did I know that it was unhealthy? Yup. However, at the time I felt that if pain and disappointment we’re all I got out of this world, then I deserved it from myself as well. When I joined the military, and started to become more active. I was reborn in a sense. I found so much empowerment through improving on myself physically and mentally. The motivation to just want the best for myself took hold of me and I didn’t fight it. I began researching ways to eat healthier, become a physically fit person and found it fun!  I cut out all the junk food and started eating clean. My workouts definitely took a change because I wanted to challenge myself so I enjoyed going heavier in terms of weights. Within this process I found me. Wanting to be happier for myself made me change my habits.

I go by @phurryone on Instagram, where I post a lot of my meals, photos and links to other sites.”

Phurtura weight loss photos

Phurtura weight loss success story

Juhanna lost 60 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Juhanna lost 60 pounds and gained muscles.  She was motivated by a weight loss challenge at her job.  Now she motivates her loved ones and others to get healthy.  Here is more info on her weight loss journey:

“Hello My name is Juhanna (iamjuhanna on instagram). I have been on my weight loss/fitness journey since August 2012.

On December 4th 2009, I had my daughter. I went from a size 8 to 16/18. By the end of my pregnancy, I weighed 193 pounds. So, I decided to lose weight. I went down to 186 within a month but I wasn’t really motivated to lose anymore until last year.

There was a weightloss challenge at my job and I decided to join in with others to lose weight. When I started the challenge I was 186. By the end of the challenge I was 155. I felt so empowered. I was working out 5 days a week, counting my calories and drinking mostly water. I decided then that I would continue this healthy lifestyle. I set a goal of 135 and a under goal weight of 128. I am now 126 and I’m  working out 3-5 days a week with weight training to tone up and running. I still count my calories and drink mostly water.

I did Zumba on Xbox and Leslie Sansone “Walk Your Belly Flat” the first 5 months to drop weight (3-5 days a week, 45 minutes to an hour a day). Once I saw skin hanging, I started doing every old school workout that you can do in your own home. I don’t have a gym membership (love them, but expensive). Squats with weights, lunges with weights, planks, pushups, tricep dips, shoulder presses, tricep pull backs, reverse flys and wall sits. A lot of challenges with these exercises are on my instagram page. I follow Fit4life Sisters which motivated me a lot. I watch portion control with my eating, as well as cut out a lot of fried foods (my weakness). I cook only baked, boiled, steamed or sauteed at home. Only drink water and teas.

I have become a motivator to the love ones around me that it is possible and there aren’t any excuses but the ones you make. Diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and heart problems run strong in my family. I made the commitment last year to end that cycle. No excuses. So, make the choice today to live a healthy lifestyle.”

juhanna weight loss story

Nicole lost 31 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Nicole.  She’s lost 31 pounds and gives the glory to God.  She was motivated to be as healthy as possible at 40 years old.  Here is what she shared about how she’d lost the weight:

Nicole weight loss photosWhat was your motivation?
My motivation was that I didn’t want to be unhealthy at age 40. I realize that people go through major changes at 40 and health issues start to appear around this age because of years of unhealthy living. I became overweight after my second child (9 years ago), and couldn’t seem to get it off. I tried everything and became frustrated with the whole weight loss effort. I allowed myself to eat anything I wanted and ballooned to my highest weight ever, including pregnancy.

How did you change your eating habits?
Diets didn’t work for me. I just didn’t have the will-power. I took it to God. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s and He is who helped me be successful after years of failure. He gave me a plan and strength to do it. I eliminated sweets, (my weakness), sodas, fried foods, sweet tea (I’m from the south. I could be hooked up to an IV with it…lol). However, I only eliminated it during the weekdays. On the weekends, I allowed myself to splurge a little. Because I did well all week, I didn’t over-do it but I didn’t deny myself in the weekends. I think that was the key. I didn’t deprive myself. I wanted to lose 40 at 40, to be fit, fabulous, and forty! So, by the time I’m 41, I want to be at my best health and weight! I’m loving 40 and the transformation I can see!

What did your workout routines look like?
I actually didn’t include working out until 9 months into losing weight. I hate working out and still do. I don’t get the warm and fuzzy feeling from working out. I find it a chore. Lol, but when I started to see the weight drop, it gave me some motivation to start walking in the mornings. I would walk a track, about 3 miles a day, 6 days a week. Then, in the evenings, I started Hip-Hop Abs. I did have someone that made me walk in the mornings and they wouldn’t let me slide, even though I wanted to most mornings. My daughter motivated me in the evenings because she liked to work out with the video too. Soon, I plan to get a personal trainer to help with toning and defining the weight loss.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was 245. I am currently 214, I think, because I only weigh once a month. Weighing every week would frustrate me, because some weeks women actually gain weight. I can now wear clothes I haven’t worn in years! And that is how I can determine the weight loss.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in July 2012. My dad got very sick and died during this time and that set me back a bit. I lost a little motivation for a while, but I got back on track. But, it honestly isn’t about the time frame, as long as I get it done. The race isn’t given to the swift….but the one who endures to the end!

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what motivates you. It’s different for everyone. What works for one, may not work for another.

Nicole weight loss success story

Ashley lost 130 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Today’s weight loss success story: Ashley lost 130 pounds with gastric weight reduction surgery, changing her eating habits and exercise.  Here is what she shared about losing the weight:

Ashley before and after

“My motivation was myself! I was tired of being so fat and I couldn’t wear nice clothes and heels.  Also, I wanted a healthy life. I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery. I got it on December 5, 2011. It was the best decision I’ve ever made because in the past I tried dieting, diet pills, exercising, etc. After the surgery, I completely changed my eating habits and I exercise all the time. It has given me energy and a new outlook on life. In a year, I lost 100 pounds.  My current weight is 185 today.  I’ve lost a total of 130 and I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary for my surgery!!! My advice to others is if you need that extra push then get the surgery but make sure you’ve really tried everything. AND remember nothing happens overnight.  It takes hard work and dedication.”

Debra lost 50 pounds

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debra before and after

Update Jan 2017:  I was featured the end of November and I am still at it. I’ve still been doing the meal plan with Terry Starks and working out at LB’s Circuit Training. It’s been 16 weeks now and here’s what I’m looking like.

I have lost 21 pounds… woohoo! I started the plan with Terry at 142 pounds and I now weigh 121 pounds. Since November of 2016, I have lost 7 pounds but dropped over 10 inches. I try not to focus too much on the number on the scale, because that can discourage you. I focus more on how my clothes are fitting and how I look in the mirror.

My words of advice would be to change things up. I thought I had the answers. I was meal prepping and working out, but yet my body wasn’t changing. It wasn’t until I reached out to Terry Starks and tried his plan that I got the true change I desired. Even though I was meal prepping, my food choices were not getting me where I wanted to be. I was so afraid of paying money for a plan that wouldn’t work, but I did my research and it is paying off. I haven’t been this small in my adult years and it has taken me to another level in my fitness. To see all hardwork I am putting in at LB’s paying off is amazing. Our health takes some investing… time and money! We are worth every cent we put into it!

Nov 2016 – Debra not only has maintained her success, but she’s continued to transform her body. Now she’s working with the Diet Doctor, Terry Starks and getting amazing results. We shared her story more than 3 years ago and how she’s sharing an update.

debra before and after
The pic on the left is what my body looked like when I started Terry’s plan. The pic on the right was after 7 weeks on his plan. Completely transformed.

I actually injured myself when I ran a half marathon in September of 2015. So, my workouts had to change. Having to change from my “go to” workout of running was extremely challenging. I continued to meal prep, but I wasn’t really losing any weight. My body had plateaued. Feeling frustrated with no results, I found a gym here in Toledo called LB’s Circuit Training and started working out there. I started to see some changes but my body structure wasn’t changing the way I wanted it to.

Then I remembered Terry Starks helped a few people I knew and I thought, “What do I have to lose.” Changing my meal plan and prep with the help of Terry has completely transformed my body. I am losing body fat while gaining muscle. I now combine Terry’s meal plan and LB’s Circuit Training and my results have been unbelievable to me in such a short time.

What I have learned most on this journey is that if you want change to happen, you have to change! You have to be willing to change up things, despite how uncomfortable it may be. We get so use to the way things are, that change is difficult and no one wants to do it. We must realize that it’s a must if you want to get to that next level of fitness. Remember 80/20… 80% is what you eat and 20% is exercise. You will never be able to out work a bad diet. Your body will not change without changing your eating habits. I haven’t been this lean since my early 20’s and using Terry Starks meal plan has made the difference. Body fat down and lean muscle mass up. Instagram: @liloleme_dee

debra weight loss

2013 – We featured Debra’s story back in February (more information in the original post) and she recently sent in an update to let us know that she is down a total of 50 pounds.  She has also embraced strength training. Here is what she had to say and her updated photos:

Debra weight loss story

“I was featured earlier part of this year and I am still going strong. I love your daily posting of progress pictures and it continues to keep me encouraged. I have found a new love and that is weight training. I am not a heavy lifter but I have found that my body is responding well to the new training. I have lost an additional 10 pounds since my feature and I am not done yet. I am wanting to build more muscle. I use to be afraid that I would look all bulking from weight lifting, however, I have found that is the furthest from the truth. Weight training has changed my life and my body. Still a work in progress and loving every minute of it. Two years of slow and steady weight loss!!!”

Debra weight loss photos Debra weight loss photos

Karynthia lost 67 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Proud mom of 3 Karynthia lost 67 pounds this year.  She did it with the support of her boys and by creating a weight loss plan that works for her.  She shared with us in depth about what it took to lose the weight:

Karynthia weight loss

“Hi my name is Karynthia Irvin. I’m a 32 year old mom of 3. On March 18, 2013, I weighed in at 281lbs. I decided that yet again I would try and diet. I had tried this diet thing so many times before. Like a relationship, it was on again off again. But this time it was finally it!! This time it would be a lifestyle change instead of a diet. So, it began. I started simple, nothing major, just took away sodas and flavored drinks. Which was pretty easy since I wasn’t big on sodas. Then I had to slowly and gradually bring my sweet tooth food down completely. Yes, I had a melt down at one point. So, I decided not to deprive myself of things I loved to eat. In the past I tried cutting back cold turkey. Not such a good idea. It forced me to eat more because I was trying to satisfy my cravings for what I really wanted. Now I have limited my intake using portion control. I substitute my sweet tooth snacks with fruits, 100 calorie packs, and various light health snacks. Junk food? As a mother of 3 yes, I guess I can say that my pantry is junk food heaven. However, I have learned that if I don’t buy it I won’t eat it. Of course my boys weren’t trying to understand my method. So, I decided that my urges and temptations would settle.

Meal planning? Boy, was that a journey. What I learned was that it didn’t have to be as complicated as everyone made it seem. Dieting is very costly. And with a family, it’s hard to cook separate meals, even so to be tempted with food. So, I still cook my usual foods, just give and take on ingredients and cooking methods and substituting certain foods that I normally would not eat. And of coarse eating way smaller portions than normal. See, this keeps me from falling back or I guess for a lack of better words keep me from relapsing. I can finally say it works for me, so why stop doing what works.

Karynthia weight loss storyExercise/workout? Yes, yes, most certainly one of my biggest challenges yet. I remember when working out was a “feel like” sort of thing. If I felt like doing it then I did. And if I didn’t feel like it, well lets just say I was on the bandwagon of “not” feeling like it often. I think my biggest challenge was not enough motivation and encouragement. Sometimes you get people on board with you and when they give up, your speed falls right behind them. So, I guess when I realized that others were not as serious as I was, I had to take another approach. Now I have to workout alone and push myself to go the exta mile. I had to finally say that I can do it, even if it was alone. Through it all I must say I maintained pretty well. I workout mostly 4-5 days/wk, sometimes twice a day. I started out low intensity. Never really going overboard. Just some walking here and there. Then picked up some Zumba and workout DVDs. While on youtube searching for workouts, I came across one of Keaira Lashae’s dance workout, which I must say the bulk of my workouts consisted of team lashae!! Hey, it was good enough for me. I started to add various routines in my own daily workouts. I also started implimenting jogging into my walking time. Yes, jogging!! After many years of dieting and exercise I can never say that I even came close to a sprint. Not even power walking. So for me to jog, was a very big accomplishment to me. Also, I’m adding additional workouts and routines to make it more challenging and push me just a little bit harder.

Motivation and encouragement? Well, as I stated before, there was little motivation from others. I must say if anyone motivated me, it was most definitely my 3 boys. No one encouraged and motivated me as much as them. Even watching me and getting involved made me turn it up a notch. I have my own personal cheer team. They kept me on my toes and never fell short of reminding me that it was time to workout, or if something was healthy or unhealthy. I didn’t need a personal trainer nor a nutritionist. I had 3 of the best in the business. For every new level of accomplishments, they would say, “Yay! Good job mommy!”. When I thought I couldn’t do it they assured me, “Mommy, you can do it!”. That pushed me a little bit harder. I know that without them, this journey would have been quite unsuccessful. I have learned to push pass my boundaries and go pass my comfort zones. I am so blessed to have come such a long way. I have now transformed my life and I’m on a journey to a healthier better me. Now, weighing over 60lbs lighter I can say I may not be perfect, but this new lifestyle is perfect for me. And yes, I put in the work. No diet pills/fads, no surgeries, and no fly by night weight loss quickies. I am still a work in progress and I will continue this journey one step at time. I pray that my journey is a blessing to someone and that it encourages others to keep pushing. May your journey be successful and remember prayer is key to from start to finish. I may not be where I want to be, but I am definitely not where I use to be. From 281 pounds to 214 pounds!!”

Kaynthia weight loss photos

Charnise lost 100 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Charnise wrote to us to share her weight loss surgery story.  This proud mom of 3 chose to have the gastric sleeve procedure and she is very happy with the results.  Here is what she shared with us:

Charnise weight loss photos

“My name is Charnise and I lost 100 pounds in 9 months. I had weight loss surgery in February 2013, and I can honestly said that was the best decision I’ve made for myself. After being married for 3 years and having 3 kids in 5 years, I let myself go. I was only 24 years old and I felt like I was 44. I was always tired, always had back pains, migraines, and asthma attacks. I knew it was time for a change.

I had gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery done. I’m on a low carb/high protein diet. I make sure I drink 100 oz. of a water a day and take my multivitamins. I do different workouts so that I don’t get bored and quit. I run/walk on the treadmill for 2-3 miles and do strength training on some days, and on the other days I do Zumba and workouts on YouTube at home.

Some people think that having weight loss surgery is the easy way out but that is not true. Not only is it a physical challenge but it’s also a mental challenge and emotional challenge. I battle my food addiction every day. It’s a battle everyday but it is definitely worth it. I feel good, I have much more energy and I love the person I see in the mirror. I feel my age now, I love the way my husband looks at me now and I really just love life.”

Lyndsi lost 104 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Proud mom Lyndsi lost 104 pounds the old fashioned way, by reducing her calories and working out.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Lyndsi weight loss photo

“Hello, My name is Lyndsi Steel. I’m mixed, black and white. I’ve lost 104 pounds all naturally, just by eating 1200-1500 calories a day, drinking 8 bottles of water, and working out 6 days a week. Also, I cut out  red meat.

Motivation: My motivation is my kids and my mamma.  My mother died from diabetes and high blood pressure! I didnt want to be next and leave my kids on this earth without me.

Changing my eating habits: I only ate 1200-1500 calories a day! No red meat, just chicken and fish. Portion control played a big roll!! Nothing drank nothing but bottles of water all day and ate lots of green leaft veggies. I eat breakfast, a snack, lunch, a snack and dinner. I trained my body to eat at certain times; 7am breakfast, 10am snack, 12 noon lunch, 3pm snack, 6:30 super and nothing after 7:00 pm.

My Workouts: I love to dance so i did Hip Hop abs and Zumba mainly. I work out for at least an hour a day, if not more, monday-saturday.

Weight: My starting weight was 320 pounds and my current weight is 216 pounds.

How long did it take?: 1 year. I was loosing 4-6 pounds a week at first than it slowed up.

My advice to others:  I advise people to keep on keeping on. Even if you have a rough day start fresh the next day. Allow yourself at least one cheat day. No matter how much you move, every little bit helps. When I first started I could only do 15-20 minute of a workout dvd!!  Also, look nice while you are working out.  Reward yourself with a new hot workout outfit!”

April lost 102 pounds

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We featured April‘s weight loss story a little over a year ago when she was down 70 pounds.  She wrote in recently to update us with her progress and she has lost 102 pounds total.  Here is what she shared:

April Weight Loss Update

“I’ve been on my weight loss journey going on 2 years this coming March. When I started, I weighed in at 272 pounds and a size 22 in pants. I always have been between a size 16, 18, or 20 since High School. However, I had gotten up to my biggest size (22) and that’s when reality set in. I was very uncomfortable when trying to fit in my jeans. I couldn’t fit anymore! So, I made up my mind that I had to do something about my weight. I started changing the way I eat.  I began eating lots of salads, baked and grilled fish, chicken, tuna, salmon & lots of fruits and veggies!! I can’t forget…Water! It’s so important and your body needs it! I started working out going to the gym, doing boot camp, boxing, Zumba, water aerobics & walking. I even joined Weight Watchers, which was Great! They helped me a lot. It was about a month when I got back in my jeans, and they were too big. I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy. Within the first 4 months I loss 40 pounds, I kept going, went from a size 22 to a size 11/12 & 272 pounds down to 170 pounds. I have loss 32 pounds and lots of inches since my original post. I did hit a big time plateau, but I didn’t let that stop me.

I’m still in the gym doing more toning & strength training. A total of 102 pounds gone bye bye ;). No, it was not all easy, you have to put in hard work!! You will have times when you struggle & have victories!! You will have ups and downs, but it’s up to you how long you are going to stay there! Get back up and get back at it!!! I have devolved a passion for this. I believe it’s my calling and that God wants me to help others to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. I have inspired & motivated so many people all over the world..my family, friends & coworkers, men & women..to lose weight, eat better and stay active since being on my weight loss journey. I also started a small business of my own called Health Living WITH APRIL, making and selling my Healthy Salads to friends, family, coworkers and anybody that wants to eat healthy!!! I deliver to Hair Salons, Day Cares, Doctor Offices and other local business in the area. You can just call me “healthy salads on wheels” lol. Stay encouraged BWLW! Never give up! Believe me you can do it too!!!! My FB page is also called Healthy Living WITH APRIL where I inspire, motivate, encourage, share my weight loss journey & progress. Thank you Black Women Losing Weight! I will continue to update you with my progress. Love your page!! I look forward to seeing more success stories!!! God Bless:) God Is Good! I’m So Thankful!!!”

April weight loss photos