Black Weight Loss Success

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Crystal lost 35 pounds

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Crystal wrote to us to share that she’s lost 35 pounds.  This proud mom of 3 lost the weight after being a food addict as a result of dealing with very hard and painful things in her past.  Here is her weight loss story:

Crystal weight loss photos

“I have been plus size (size 16W-18W) for a while now.  I have even advocated to ladies in my area to love themselves, no matter what size they are. I was in denial about my own size and even though my self esteem was always high, I just felt like crap physically.

This year, I was involved in a car accident, that left me with injuries to my back and my legs were constantly feeling numb. I accepted the fact that I am overweight, and tired of being sick and tired. That was when I decided I would do something about it after healing from the injuries.

After the accident, I had to do some deep soul searching, and in the meantime I read some really helpful material on how to deal with a painful past, and forgiving others. It was then that I realized that I had a food addiction, and I turned to food after dealing with a very hard situation in my life as a child.

Food was my drug of choice and I ate constantly, any and everything.

I have been so busy changing my lifestyle by eating healthy foods, and exercising, that I decided not to publish my online newspaper anymore (Cincinnati Defender). It took up too much of my time. I am a mother to three children ages 17, 8, and 7, plus I work a normal job in addition to being a publisher I had to decide between catering to the community, and catering to my health.

In three months, I lost 35lbs, no weight loss surgery. I changed what I ate and the portions I ate. I made better food choices, and increased my water intake from maybe 6 glasses a day to 2 gallons a day.  I exercised 4-5 times a week. I am still on this journey, and now encouraging others to do the same thing. Now, I have a total of about 45 more pounds to lose.”

Terri lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Terri lost 58 pounds.  This petite 5’2″ sista was able to improve her health after being diagnosed with kidney disease with the help of a supportive Facebook community.  She committed herself to wellness and weight loss!  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Terri weight loss photos

“Hello, I’m Terri Little, I am 48 years old. I am married with 2 grown sons and 1 daughter-in-law. I was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 32. At that time my Renal doctor told me that I would most likely have kidney failure in 10 years because both kidneys were affected. He also told me if I lose weight that it would help my kidneys. I tried every fad diet out there, I lost a few pounds here and there but always gained it back. My doctor prescribed steroids that I took for about 6 months. The weight gain and side effects were unbelievable! I gained 15 pounds. I gave up trying to lose weight.

In 2011, I made my usual New Years Resolution to lose weight. Surprisingly I lost 20 pounds. I was at my largest at that time, 190 pounds and I stand at 5’2. In April 2012, (weight 172 size 10), a friend of mine added me to a lifestyle weight loss group on Facebook, that was founded by a personal trainer on the east coast. At that same time my labs for my kidney test were not good, so I said to myself, I’m going to try the group out and see if I could really lose the weight naturally and really stick with it to improve my health. As being part of the group we were to post our meals and workouts and he would give us advice on eating healthy and different kinds of exercises. That is when my journey began. The group was so motivating! I would see others overweight/obese like myself working out, posting their healthy meals, pictures and videos. He would also give us challenges. One challenge in particular I enjoyed was July 2012 was to purchase in the dress size we wanted to be. I purchased a size 4. By the end of the challenge I was able to fit that dress!

How I lost the weight: First, I stopped eating processed foods, white flour, white sugar, white rice, no fried foods of any kind. I use agave nectar as my sweetener, I bake, grill, boiling, broiled and steam my meat and veggies. I gave up all red meat. I drink half my body weight in spring water daily and cups of organic green tea. I make all sort of smoothies. I love to cook and have been told I’m a great cook  I enjoy making over my dishes so they can be healthy. I workout at the gym and at home 5-6 times a week. I love my 3 pound hula hoop, it’s really helped trim my waistline. I do strength training, free weights, cables and band. Interval cardio training on elliptical and stationary bike (something I learned from personal training in lifestyle group).

By November 2012, I reached my goal of 132 lbs. I now weight 135-138 and I have lost over 50 lbs since 2011. I wear a 4 size, sml and extra sml. I am within normal weight range for my age and height. I’m happy to say my Renal doctor was right! I lost the weight my kidney function is normal! I no longer take any medications. I now see my Renal doctor once a year. For years, I saw him every 3 months. I am overjoyed for what I accomplished! With A LOT of Prayer, Self determination and motivations from others I reached my goal! I get emotional just thinking about it. Thankful!! I’m eating for Life literally! I always say it possible.”

Terri weight loss journey Terri weight loss story

 

Tabaitha lost 53 pounds

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Today’s featured success story: Tabaitha lost 53 pounds and she’s kept the weight off since 2011.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Hi! I want to be a inspiration to the ladies to keep going! My name is Tabaitha and I’m 53 pounds down and counting.

My motivation for losing the weight is I wanted to feel like myself again after gaining over 80 pounds while pregnant with my daughter.

I changed my eating habits by eliminating white sugar, sodas, friend foods & breads. I replaced them with baked or broiled lean meats and lots of green veggies on the side.

My starting weight was 213 pounds and my current weight is 160 pounds.

My workout routines consisted of 45 min of cardio, 5-6 days a week and light strength training.   I did a mix or the elliptical and the treadmill. When I would use the treadmill I would set the incline high to make me really work but I would power walk. I’m still not to the point where I’m running yet but I’m working on it. When I use the elliptical I up the cross ramp a little too. You just want to constantly challenge your body. Every week go up a notch in speed, weights or reps.

My transformation started off slow with me losing 23 lbs in 2010 over the course of 4 months and then took off in 2011 with me losing 30 lbs in 2 months

My advice to the ladies is to be consistent with your workouts and nutrition. Nutrition is the most important part. Drink lots of water and stay positive! I’m not done with my journey I’m losing my last pounds and getting lean & toned. Just keep going  🙂Tabaitha weight loss photos

Tabaitha weight loss story

Tina lost 50 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Tina lost 50 pounds and has kept it off for 6 years.  We all know that it’s hard to get the weight off, but it can be even harder to keep it off.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, My name is Tina and I would like to share my story as to how I lost 50 lbs and keep it off for 6 years. My motivation was the health problems that some of my family members faced, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and difficulty breathing due to their weight.

I changed my eating habits by drinking a gallon of water a day and not eating after 6pm.At the time I started ,my workout plan was nothing, but then I decided I’d join the gym and get a regular routine going of crunches, cardio, and toning.

My starting weight was 197 pounds and my current weight is 147 pounds. My transformation took me about half a year. Now, I’m on an exercise regimen to where I go to the gym 3 times a week and when I’m not at the gym I’m here at my home working out in my small gym room. My diet is a gallon of water a day still and not eating after 6pm. I have protein drinks that I drink throughout the night to curve my appetite.  No sodas, no sweets and this pic is my motivation. My advice to others is to have supreme discipline when trying to loose weight and stay steadfast on your goal.

TinaOct13

Inspirational Weight Loss Story: Ida lost 142 pounds

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While facing a number of issues that many people would have found overwhelming, Ida lost 142 pounds with weight loss surgery.  I think you will find inspiration in her words. She wants us all to know that WE can do anything!  Here is  HER STORY:

Ida weight loss photos

“My name is Ida Henson Starks and I had weight loss surgery on March 13, 2012. When I went to surgery I weighed 302 pouns. Today, 20 months later, I am a healthy 160 pounds. The weight came of easy. The mental aspect has been the toughest. My parents told me if I set my MIND to do something…don’t give up and don’t give in…. I’m a success story.

I have been overweight since I was a child, not fat but larger than other kids my age. I got married at 19 years old and that was when I lost control. I didn’t eat due to depression, anxiety or a health issue. I ate because I simply enjoyed the taste of good food. At 29 years old (I don’t mind sharing this) I was diagnosed HIV positive. I’ve never been sick and instead of allowing the disease to take control of me, I took control of it. I gained weight instead of losing. In 2006, while preparing for a hysterectomy, I found out I was pregnant. I delivered a healthy HIV negative baby boy in August of the same year. I continued to gain. I divorced my third husband in 2010, and it was me and the little one. My ex had a habit of calling me fat but my 3 year old son would find ways to encourage me in his own little way. In 2011 my son started to play flag football. At 42 years old, I was not only one of the oldest mothers but I was also one of the heaviest. He wanted to play basketball, do martial arts and sing in the church choir. I wanted to get something to eat and go to bed after a hard day at work. I made up my mind after the football season ended that since I couldn’t do anything about my age, I would do something about my weight.

After getting clearance from my Primary Care doctor, Infectious Disease doctor and my OBGYN to go forward with surgery, I chose to do the gastric sleeve where 85% of my stomach was removed.  The surgery was done on March 13, 2012. I weighed in that morning at 302 pounds wearing a size 26/28. Now, 20 months later I am a size 10/12 weighing 160 pounds. I have worked out 3 to 4 times a week since surgery. I have completed a 3 mile AIDS walk and a 7 mile prayer walk. I am preparing for a 5 mile walk for the cure of Breast Cancer. I was on 1 medication for HIV, but I was on 5 meds for high blood pressure. I am still on 1 med for HIV but I’m proud to say I have not taken a blood pressure pill in 18 months. There is a lot to my story and surgery for weight loss is just a portion of it.  Someone needs to know that there is life after a diagnosis no matter what the diagnosis might be…and…when you put your mind to it.  My son and I have a saying to encourage each other. OUR saying is, ‘I CAN DO ANYTHING!!’. Thank you for allowing me to share.”

T’Ericka lost 50 pounds

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Featured before and after story: T’Ericka lost 50 pounds and found her true self.  After struggling with weight loss and low self esteem since childhood, she was able to make lifestyle changes that are about more than just losing pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey: T'Ericka weight loss photos “Many people have been asking and inboxing me about my weight loss and the question that stood out to me most was ‘Why I did it and what motivated me to stay on track?’. So, here is my story: Growing up I’ve always been the chunky girl. I LOVED to eat (I still do lol) but then I didnt know how bad it was until I started started getting teased EVERYDAY for my weight. Tt bothered me but I always kept it in.  I turned 12 and I was into modeling so my mom took me to a nearby agency, only to hear from the lady that I was very pretty but too big to be a model for her. That crushed me and from that point on I had the lowest self esteem. I ate myself into being unhealthy. I used to ask God to make me skinny (lol) so that people could like me (smh). In school I always wanted to do different things but instead I put myself in the background because I thought everyone would be judging me on my weight. I really disliked who I was!! I always thought the world only welcomed skinny people!! Then I got older and wanted to make changes so I lost weight the fast way. Then I started dating my guy and gained it all back, which put me in my lowest self esteem EVER!! (I tried not to show it but I truly gave up on myself) I didn’t go out much. I didn’t take some opportunities because I was really in a BATTLE with myself! I was unhealthy physically and mentally! However, last year I had enough. I wanted to be at my full potential. I wanted to start a journey that would be a lifestyle change for me. It wasn’t just about losing weight, it was also about gaining who I knew God wanted me to be! I ate better and really started getting my business together. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week for an hour. I do cardio (40 mins) and weight training(20 mins)! I’ve added lots of fruits and green vegetables to my plate and cut out a lot of red meat (I eat red meat occasionally). I rarely go to fast food restaurants because that once was my weakness! Im just really enjoying this lifestyle change. I feel great! I wanted to be the best T’Ericka Tifany-Joy Mullen There was!! I WANTED THIS FOR ME!!! That’s why this 50 pound weight loss means so much to me! It makes me feel accomplished! I feel like I graduated from who I was and walked across the stage to who I always knew I had the potential of being!! I not only burned away some pounds but I burned my past hurts, my low self esteem, etc. I am still a work in progress but I refuse to go back to who I was physically and MENTALLY. This Journey wasn’t just about weight loss it was about gaining me back!! God Bless!

Lyncoya lost 60 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Lyncoya lost 60 pounds in about 10 months.  This proud mom and grandmother of 1 found a weight loss program that worked for her and taught her how to change her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

“My name is Lyncoya Terrell. I’m a 38 year old married mother of 3 and grandmother of 1. I absolutely HATED seeing myself in the mirror. I hated the image. I’ve lost a total of 60lbs primarily using Weight Watchers™, in about a 10 month’s time. I have NEVER been that heavy in my life. I have a little ways to go, but I feel great about how far I’ve come. I’m also confident that I’ll keep the weight off this time because of HOW I lost it. It just feels good to be back to the old me.

As far as my eating habits are concerned, I used to fry EVERYTHING before I lost the weight. I’m not going to say that I don’t fry foods anymore, but I don’t fry them nearly as often. Maybe once every two weeks, versus 2-3 times a week. I began to stop eating subs and wings for lunch and began eatings salads, chicken, and fish for lunch. I stopped drinking soda. I don’t LOVE water, so I drink lots of Crystal Lite.  Basically, more vegetables, less rice, potatoes and bread. I stopped drinking alcohol as much. Alcohol has a TON of hidden calories that we are not always aware of. I’ll only drink it socially now, which isn’t often.

When I began my journey, I joined a gym for the first time in my life! I was terrified, but it jumpstarted my weight loss. I did an hour a day 4 times a week. I will admit that I haven’t been to the gym in more than 8 months. I’m working on getting myself back though. In my absence from the gym, I’m still losing though thanks to Weight Watchers™ and the fact that I’ve learned to change my lifestyle! (the first three photos are “BEFORE” and the last photo is “AFTER”) Thanks so so so so much for your response! Your page has been an inspiration to me throughout my journey and to be featured on your page would be awesome.”

Lyncoya weight loss photos

Healthy Curves: Tomeria lost 23 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Tomeria.  She lost 23 pounds and is focused on keeping her curves in a healthy way.  After struggling for years, she is now sharing her weight loss success story with us:

“My motivation for losing weight was a desire to be healthier and more confident. I’ve always struggled with my weight because no matter how I looked to others I wasn’t happy with myself. This caused added stress and my weight continually fluctuated because I wasn’t confident in who I was. With a smile on my face, I was secretly unhappy with my body image. I am more confident and I know that I don’t have to be a size 6 to be healthy. I am currently a 14/16 but I see and feel the difference in just a short period. This will keep me pushing towards my ultimate goal which is to weigh less than 200 lbs. Looks can be definitely be deceiving.

I recently relocated to a new state and I am now within walking distance of a Whole Foods and my job. This makes eating healthier a breeze because I cook more, eat out less and purchase more fresh foods versus processed foods. At my heaviest, I was working out but my poor food choices made it difficult to lose weight so I stayed in the 225-234 pound range. Since the scale didn’t reflect a significant change, I found comfort in food which was counter productive.

My workout routine consists of 3-4 days of cardio for a minimum of 30 minutes. My cardio choices include Zumba, Kickboxing and Walking. I also began to incorporate strength and weight training for at least 30 minutes two times a week. I’ve found that including my workouts in my daily plan make it easier to stick with it.

My starting weight was 234 pounds. I currently weigh 211 pounds. It has taken 3 months to witness a true transformation but I’m not stopping here. My goal is to keep my curves healthy.”

Tomeria weight loss success story Tomeria weight loss story

Amanda lost 90 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Amanda lost 90 pounds.  After years of yo yo dieting, she found a way to lose the weight and stop comfort eating.  She is very happy that her health has improved significantly.  Here is her weight loss story and her advice to others:

Amanda weight loss photos

“After the death of my father in August 2003, I started eating for comfort. I was 23 years old at the time, and I gained over 100 lbs throughout the next five years. Finally, On August 23, 2010, after years of yo-yo dieting, gym memberships and almost every weight loss trick known to man, I went to a personal trainer and said: “I’m ready.”  The trainer weighed me in on that day at 297 pounds.

I began to work ou 6 days a week with the trainer, doing 1-hour sessions which included cardio and weight training. My trainer also put me on a specialized meal plan that consists of meal replacement bars and shakes and low carb dinner (meat and vegetable only.). I also took vitamins and nutritional supplements. After three months of training and the personal meal plan, I lost my first 30 pounds, which was terrific.

I felt better about myself. I didn’t have the lower back pain issues that I had when I was 300 lbs. I also didn’t have the shortness of breath. My blood pressure was high at the beginning of August 2010, but by November 2010 it had come down significantly. I have a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. My blood pressure had decreased, and I was feeling amazing. I felt like I had received everything I needed from the personal trainer, so I continued the journey by myself.

For the next year, I worked out on my own at home in my living room. Yes, I did workout DVDs such as the Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels, Hip Hop Abs, and the most notable P90x. I continued to lose another 50 lbs in a year, all in the comfort of my home. Now, fast forward to the present 2013, and I’ve kept the weight off, and I still want to lose more. My total weight loss is 90 lbs. My current weight is 207 pounds.

I workout six days a week. I combine gym workouts and still do workout DVD’s as well. I use myfitnesspal.com to watch my calories. Most importantly I am committed to healthy living and feeling good. My primary motivation is to feel good. In the past, I hated not being able to walk for long periods of time and having lower back problems. I have to say to the readers, don’t give up! Again, I tried everything, but I believe when the time is right, the weight comes off. We have to hand in there and not give up!

I’m looking forward to reaching my next weight loss goal by December 2013. I am working towards losing another 40 pounds by March 2014.”

 

Erika lost 42 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Erika lost 42 pounds.  This 5’2″ diva went from 180 to 138 after years of trying diet pills and fads.  A friend’s success with just eating right and calorie counting inspired her and now her story can inspire others to do the same. Here is what she shared with us:

Erika weight loss before and after

October 17, 2012 for the third time I decided I was going to give losing weight a try. The first time I tried taking phentermine diet pills and after losing my first 7 pounds in 3 days I couldn’t lose anymore, I gave up. The second time I tried the HCG diet and lost 12 pounds, but after a month I gave up because I was still hungry. After waiting a whole year I had gained all that weight back. At the age of 23 I was 5’2″ tall and weighing 180 pounds. I was overweight, uncomfortable, unhappy, and had low self-esteem. That wasn’t the person I knew for 22 years of my life. After 3 years, I was finally fed up with being that person.

On October 17, 2012 I woke up and looked in the mirror and said to myself “I’m about to lose this weight once and for all”. This time I was serious because after seeing one of my close friends lose 14 pounds in one month by just eating healthy and counting calories, it gave me hope. That very same day that’s what I did. I downloaded a app on my phone called “Lose it”, which by the way is one of the best things to happen to me. That app helped me tremendously. My very first month I lost 12 pounds. By Christmas I was down 21 pounds. Finally I had found something that worked for me. I was so happy. After 3 months of losing weight just by eating healthy I decided to add some exercise in. I took Zumba classes once a week and I stayed in the gym. I weigh 138 pounds (42 pounds lighter) and I’m feeling like the person I used to be. My goal was to be able to wear a belly shirt, but most importantly to be healthy and fit. Best decision I’ve ever made. Im still eating healthy and exercising to stay in shape and this is now a lifestyle.

Could you tell us more about how you changed your eating habits?

VEGETABLES & FRUITS
I love salad so I eat salad a lot. I try eating different meats in my salad such as low sodium bacon, turkey and chicken lunch meat, or tilapia. I make sure I eat vegetables especially green vegetables with every meal (broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas, etc. I also eat lots of fruit (apples, bananas, watermelon, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, mango, blueberries, and especially pineapples because they help with digestion.

MEATS
I eat fish (tilapia or salmon), turkey (bacon, ground, burger, etc… and chicken, mainly breast (baked, grilled, or broiled). I try eating 6 times a day, 3 small meals and three snacks.

DRINKS
I started off drinking crystal light but now I only drink lemon water and smoothies. Sometimes, I may drink a smoothie in place of a meal. In my smoothies I use frozen and fresh fruit, almond milk, and sometimes frozen yogurt.

SNACKS
I am a big snacker so when I’m craving sweets I buy and eat 100 calorie snacks such as (cookies, brownies, chocolate candy, pastries, chips, etc, or I may have some fruit. I eat a lot of Special K and weight watchers products (frozen dinners, cereals, ice creams, cheese, etc.