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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Stephanie lost 90 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Stephanie has lost 90 pounds since Aug 2012.  She is a grandmother of 5 and a mother of 7 who decided to lose weight and switch to a healthier lifestyle.

I’m the mother of 7, grandmother of 5 and I’ve been married 26 years.  I decided to take care of me.  I’ve lost 90 pounds since Aug.2012 by eating healthy (Vegan) and exercise.  It’s a Lifestyle change.

I went to Florida on vacation last August and was miserable. I was short of breath with every step. I looked at the picture of myself (the one I shared below) and thought ” I have Grandkids I want to see grow up” so I decided to take care of ME for once. I began eating berries and salads. I gave up meat, soda, and juice. I drink a LOT of water. I limit my carbs to 2 times a week. I eat black bean burgers, hummus, avocados and a lot of veggies. I watched the documentaries “Forks Over Knives” and “Vegecated” on Netflix and started to research nutrition.  I walk on the treadmill and have started weights to tone my arms and legs. If I want a cookie, I eat a cookie… Not the whole bag.  I do not eat candy. I replace the need for candy with strawberries, kiwi and grapes. I feel better than I have in years. I was 300 pounds and now I’m 210 pounds. My goal is 189 pounds. Eating healthy and exercising has become a way of life. I can finally breathe again. Thanks so much for allowing me to share my story. Blessings

Stephanie weight loss

Monica lost 89 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Monica.  She lost 89 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery after having 2 strokes and wants you to know that it’s not a quick fix.  She wrote us to share the details of her weight loss journey…

“I commend women that have lost weight with diet and exercise only. But let’s make it clear, gastric bypass is a NOT a quick or easy fix. Gastric bypass is a kick start for many people, but if you don’t exercise or eat clean, you will not lose weight and some people have actually gained weight after gastric bypass surgery. I think we should congratulate women on losing weight and getting healthy instead of questioning or criticizing them for how they lost the weight. It is a struggle no matter how you lose the weight.

I was 42 when I decided I needed to lose weight. My motivation was my second stroke. I didnt’t want to die. My grandmother died of heart problems due to super morbid obesity and I was on my way. I was 5’3″ and 229 pounds. I opted for lap band surgery but there were lots of complications and I started gaining weight back. Later, I got gastric bypass surgery. I started working out, I hired a trainer, and started eating clean. I also started taking Zumba classes 4 times a week. I am now at 140 pounds and I would like to lose about 10 more pounds. My health has improved and I feel better at 49 than I did at 39.”

weight loss surgery Monica

Ms. Fab lost 86 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – Ms.Fab has kept the weight off for 4 years by exercising and doing yoga at home. She says, “I will continue to keep living this healthy life.” Instagram: @ms.fabs_world

ms fab before and after

May 2013 – Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Ms. Fab lost 86 pounds going from 245 to 159.  Ms. Fab (aka. Rita) is a mother of 4, the founder of the Mommy-Make-Over Campaign and of “Girl Talk with Ms. FAB” a motivational program for teen girls.

“I made the decision to change the way I ate felt and looked by looking at this picture (before photo). I knew I had to do something.  The biggest issue I had was that I ate my problems away…stress stress stress, so I wondered what if I walked my stress away.  I started walking every day, twice a day, in the morning and evening.  I went from 1 mile to 7 miles per day.  Whatever I was stressed out about I left it at the end of my walk and did not bring it back with me.  Water became my love.  I started eating right.  I began drinking a lot of water and switched out sweets with fruits or veggies (mini carrots are everything).  I also use honey.  Working out became something I looked forward to everyday.  I was finally doing something for myself.  Being a wife and a mother of four, I always put weight loss off cause I didn’t think it was important.  That was until I lost my first 30 pounds and then I became addicted to my new lifestyle.  I love the new found Ms.Fab.  I changed completely not just in weight loss.  I changed and became who I always was meant to be…..Fabulous!”

Facebook: Girl Talk with Ms. Fab

Ms. Fab Rita weight loss

Joy lost 38 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Joy lost 38 pounds with working out and building muscle.  She is focused on non-scale victories.

Hi! My name is Joy! I have been working out (consistently) for little over a year and a half now and just took a before and after picture of myself. I had no idea of the difference!  I am even more surprised that I was able to lose the weight in a very healthy fashion! I cut back my portions, found a way to make healthy snacks opposed to the sugary ones.

I also started working out 5 days a week. I initially began with “Walk Away the Pounds” but since then I have incorporated weights into my workout, building muscle and getting a better cardio workout. I’m currently not sure how many pounds I have actually lost since I stopped weighing myself a while ago. Basically, I started out around 295 and am currently around 257.  I found throughout my weight loss journey that I was getting too caught up on numbers and found the scale was causing me more discouragement then motivation. As a result, I was looking pass all the success I was having off the scale (I had more energy, was eating healthy and losing inches!). I have always been bigger and though this did not hinder my personality as a person, I do feel better about myself and feel great when I workout (something I never thought I would say, lol!).

I just wanted to share my story as so many of the stories I see on here have inspired me and caused me to be excited for others! Still I mush on! It is like my body programmed to this new way of living and that feels good! I had to really find what worked for me on this journey and everyday I am pushing myself to do a little more! God Bless!

Joy weight loss

Staci lost 33 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Staci who has lost 33 pounds post pregnancy with My Fitness Pal, portion control and watching her calorie intake.  She is blogging about her progress and wants to be less than 200 pounds by her birthday in November.

I love your page! It is truly an inspiration to see the great results and it pushes me more and more towards reaching my goal! I started my journey in August 2012 at 286.6 pounds (I’m 290 in my before photo) and today I am 259.2 pounds (A little more than my after photo).  I am a firm believer that I can do all things through Christ who strengths me! I plan to lose 60-70 pounds before my next birthday in November and get below 200 pounds. I lost my weight by using My Fitness Pal and watching my calorie intake and portion control. Feel free to check out my blog as well: getfitwithstaci.wordpress.com/

When I feel like I can’t press forward I look at the success stories of those who have had a successful journey. I am reminding myself that I also can obtain the same results.  My motivation: my husband, my two children, Co-workers and inspirational posts from Facebook friends and people who post their success stories.

I changed my eating habits by eliminating sodas and sugary drinks, eating more whole wheat products and avoiding white rice and pastas. I now avoid cakes and sugary snacks and opt for fresh fruits. I still enjoy certain foods in moderation and during special occasions. I’ve increased my water intake to at least 10 cups per day.  I’ve become more active by playing with my kids.  I’m CONSTANTLY MOVING around the house, at work and parking far from the store while out shopping. I’m also making healthier choices when eating, practicing portion control and staying active most days of the week.

Staci Weight Loss

Latashia lost weight and went from a size 22-24 to a size 16-18

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Latashia lost weight and went from a size 22-24 to a size 16-18 from February 2013 to April 2013.

What would you like to share regarding your weight loss journey?

The three main things I do is pray and put holy oil over my mouth and stomach.  I am a user of the detox trio by Robin Anthony  of renuherbs.com.  I also have the help of my trainer Shawn Taylor!!!  Believe me when I say that my big bro is the bomb dot com!  I mean it for reals!!! Everyday is a struggle. Do I eat bad sometimes? Yes, but I know to cleanse that evening and the next day go hard with my eating and exercise! I do two a days every other day when I’m not running my own business!!! Please guys, stay committed and strong!! Everybody can’t do it! Like my trainer states everytime 80% of the people who go to the gym look the same day after day,  only a few change over time!! Always continue to DIG DEEPER!!!

How much do you weigh?

You know what I never weigh myself because it discourages me. i never look like what i weigh! lol sad i know.  I want to say it’s because of muscle. I can say that I went from a size 22-24 to a size 16-18.

Latashia weight loss

Charmaine lost 90 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Charmaine lost 90 pounds and is working on “reversing” her diabetes.

I’ve lost 90 pounds by eating healthier, staying active and roller derby! My diabetes is almost reversed now. 🙂

My motivation was to get my diabetes under control. I took oral medication for it which helped.  For my weight loss, I cut out fast food and sweets. I eat a big breakfast and a small dinner. I care for a handicapped boy for a living and we are always on the move, going somewhere, doing something.  This is versus my old job where I sat for 8 hours, so that has  kept me active.  Then I joined a roller derby team and that has really kicked me in to gear.  I feel healthy happy and I’m feeling good with more energy than I’ve ever had.  I went from 297 to 207 still have more to go.  Now, it’s a lifestyle.”

Charmaine weight loss story

Valaria lost 60 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Valaria who lost 60 pounds with the help of bootcamp classes and changing her eating habits.

I just hit my 60 pound goal as of today by eating right, taking bootcamp class and having a great healthy support system and accountibility partners. I am excited about continuing my healthy journey and I have fifteen more pounds to my goal.  I plan to start toning within the next month with a personal trainer.

My motivation at the beginning was inconsistent but when I became serious I was unstoppable. I changed my eating habits to fish, chicken and veggies.  I drank more water and got more rest. My workout routine is a mixture of cardio, light weights and bootcamp drills for four days out of the week.

Valaria weight loss

 

Kimmy lost 80 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Kimmy lost 80 pounds with exercise and changing her eating habits.

I’d like to share my health journey details with you. When I first started out, I was going on 230 pounds.  It was really difficult doing energy consuming activities.  All I wanted to do was play on the computer and eat, pretty much.  One day I got tired.  I was tired of being tired and I looked in the mirror on Halloween night 2010.  I said to myself, “It’s time for a serious change.”.  Now, I didn’t know a thing about losing weight or health, but I was aware that all the snacking and sodas needed to go.  In the beginning, I traded soda for good ol’ H20 and started trying tea sweetened with honey when I wanted something different.  I monitored what I was consuming, cut out all fast foods and set my portion sizes.  As far as exercise, I began walking for an hour a day (that was so hard).  I will always remember that burn, but I told myself that the pain is my body changing!  After a week or so, I began incorporating jogging intervals to my walks.  I was feeling amazing!  I was getting stronger!  I began studying tips and facts about diet and exercise.  I used to be afraid of weights (due to rumors about women and bodybuilding.  I didn’t want to get manly.).  Time passes on and I went from 1 push up to 40 push ups.  I loved that I was becoming stronger.  Eventually, I started incorporating weight training.  My body was changing quickly!

As of today, I have my protein for breakfast.  It could be basic 2 eggs or a smoothie, as long as I’ve got my protein. I make sure that I eat every 2 to 3 hours, for example some carrots, apple sauce, peanut butter banana sandwich on whole wheat (fav), protein bar, a small salad, dried veggies or fruit.  If I have to have a certain food that may not be the most healthy, I research how to make it in a healthy alternative way.  It’s your mindset over everything.  There is always temptation and there always will be, but it’s up to you to take control of the wheel and shut up and drive to that wonderful place called (health).  Sitting here today, I can honestly say that I am proud of me and I thank God for the strength, perseverance and knowledge granted to me me along the way.

Kimmy weight loss

Dee lost 70 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Dee lost 70 pounds.  This grandmother of 8 was motivated by wanting to be around for a long time for those children.

Hello, my name is Darlene and I began my Weight Loss Journey in 2011.  It’s been an up and down road, but I am hanging in there. I changed my eating habits and started exercising. So to all you women that think its impossible start reaching for the its possible. I have lost 70 lbs so far, I am not done yet. Good luck and best wishes to you all.

What motivated me to lose weight was health issues. I have 8 lovely grandchildren so I want to be around for a long time! (Smile). Anyway, my daughter who is 38 years old started with me, we started portion control on our food and really began to eat healthy. We ate more vegetables and lean meats (mostly chicken breast skinless).   We also ate more fruits.  With this change we started walking everyday. Our walking increased mile after mile and the pounds just seemed to melt away. I love my new lifestyle. My starting weight was 254 pounds and I am glad to say that today I weighed in at 184 pounds.  I have 30 more pounds to lose.  It takes determination and dedication to succeed, and I finally made up my mind to do it even at 57 years old. I also do aerobics daily and strength training at times. It really works.

Dee weight loss