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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Christal lost 40 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Christal lost 40 pounds by changing her diet and exercising with the help of a relative (uncle).  I love it when family members are supportive of our weight loss efforts.

“I’ve lost 40 pounds so far! I became lazy, constantly gaining weight and not eating right.  I eventually became borderline diabetic. One day, I looked in the mirror and I just couldn’t take it anymore. My uncle started training me in the gym.  Now, I eat right and just feel so much better about myself. I love the fact that I motivate others as well! It’s such a good feeling, and I’m loving my weight loss journey thus far.”

What did you do in terms of changing your eating habits and exercising?

“I slowly started staying away from sodas, and as of right now I don’t drink them at all.  I cut off junk food.  I eat 5 times a day (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner) with my meals being in small portions and snacks being some kinda fruit, veggie or graham crackers. I do have one cheat day a week though. I started off working out 5 times a week doing a variety of things.  I do lots of cardio, treadmill, walking, fat burn exercises and the stair master.  If it was in the gym I did it. My trainer had my days set for specific exercises as part of my workout plan.”

Christal weight loss

April lost 92 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to April who has lost 92 pounds while fighting diabetes and low self esteem.  She began her journey with the simple step or going walking.

“HEY!! My name is April. MY JOURNEY started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I have always been overweight as long as I can remember. I never really took my weight seriously.  Even after I was told that I was diabetic i still didn’t take it seriously. I DIDNT FEEL SICK!! So, I continued to eat like I wanted and i just popped a pill everyday. It went from 500mg a day, to 1000 mg a day, to 2000 mg a day.  I still didn’t take it seriously, even though my doctor was begging me to lose weight. I pretended everything was ok and I was happy despite my hurting back, aching legs, and fatigue. I could barely walk through Walmart without giving out of breath.

Every time I looked in a mirror I hated what I saw and I was slipping into a depression. I would cry, pray and ask God to please help me cause I hated myself. My turning point was when one of my girlfriends asked me to go to a all you can eat pizza buffet. After we left I felt so full and disgusting. I had this burning desire though to go walking, something I never wanted to do. So I turned to her and said “Let’s go walking!” Did I mention she was overweight too?  She immediately turned me down. She dropped me off at my house and as I sat there the desire to walk grew stronger and stronger. I looked over at a treadmill I had sitting in the corner of the room; which had been decoration in my house for years, and decided “I didnt need anyone to walk with me. I WILL DO IT MYSELF!!” That’s exactly what I did. At first I couldn’t do but 10 mins a day and I thought I was dying. For some reason I kept going. I workout everyday and I changed my eating habits.  Although I have fell off from time to time I am still happy with my progress! Today I am 92 lbs slimmer and I am happy about it. Although I still have about 60 more pounds to go, I thank God for my progress cause I know he is the one that put me on that treadmill to save my life, cause I was dying. Some people jump off buildings, some people put a gun to their heads, and we consider those people crazy for harming themselves, but through food I was playing rushing roulette with my life.”

April weight loss

Nicole lost 53 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Nicole lost 53 pounds.  She is super fit and is fulfilling a dream as she prepares for her first bikini fitness competition on April 27th.  I think she looks READY!  She had the help of a trainer and followed a strict meal plan and exercise plan.

“You can do anything you set your mind too!!  My motivation is being healthy. I’m training for bikini fitness competition. I’ve always dreamed of competing someday. April 27, 2013 will be my first bikini competition show. The size I am now is the size I was when I was in my 20’s. When hitting my 30’s, I started gaining weight.  I went to a size 8/10 and that was good. The when I turned 34 the weight started to come fast. I jumped from a size 8/10 to a 16 in a two year period.  I weighted 190lbs. Health problems started to come up, like back problems and asthma. One day I woke up and couldn’t walk, my back went out. I ate VERY HEALTHY but I also I smoked cigarettes and drank plenty of red wine. Well not only did it catch up with me, but I was not happy. Doctors wanted to put me on all kinds of medication and inhalers.

At that point I knew changes had to be made. So for 2 years I tried things on my own, spin classes, yoga, etc.  I only lost 10lbs and I struggled with eating healthy.  I only got down to a size 12/14. I wasn’t happy with that, so I looked into finding a personal trainer. And I went thru a few until I met and connected with the right one. He taught my how to eat right and proper exercising. He was once a bodybuilder.  At 37 my mind was made up.  I wanted to lose weight and compete in a fitness competition, so he put me on a strict meal plan and I followed it to a “T”. I started seeing results quickly which motivated me to keep going. My anniversary date of starting with my trainer will be May 8th which will mark one year.

I eat 6 meals a day and drink a gallon of water a day. My meals consists of fish, chicken, veggies and complex carbs. I eat very little processed foods. I had to learn keep reastuant foods at a minimum and I DO NOT EAT FAST-FOODS. I workout 5 days a week out of those days I see my trainer once a week, he gives me a new workout schedule every 4-6 weeks and I workout alone. I do weight lifting followed with cardio and some yoga. Now I’m coming into a sport that there is not a lot of African Americans women are a part of. Most African American only do figure or physique competition, the bikini division requires you to have a smaller frame and soft muscle tone. So I’m excited April 27th starts my journey in competition wish me luck!!! TO GOD BE ALL GLORY!!!”

Nicole fitness competition bikini

Pam lost 49 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Pam lost 49 pounds with clean eating, juicing and exercise.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I’ve battled with my weight for a few years. I finally decided to take charge.  I changed my eating to clean eating and I also incorporated juicing.  Then, I decided to start training intensely. My starting weight was 186 pounds and my current is weight 137 pounds (which is shown in the pic on bottom right). Pictures on the left are my before photos.   The one with blue top was my heaviest. I now feel very good and inspired to continue with a healthy lifestyle. I hope my progress will inspire others.”

Check her out on Facebook: Wellness Concepts

pam weight loss story

Sanini lost 36 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Sanini lost 36 pounds by working out each day and changing her eating habits.  She is switching to veganism as well.

“I was tired of not being able to find clothes that fit me. I decided to make a change. I started last year in November. I used to go the gym 4 times a week . Starting January, I decided to join The Game ‘s 60 days of fitness. I went to the gym every single day, lol. I lost 36 pounds (started at 186). Now I go to the gym for 2 hours ( 1 hour of cardio and 1 hour of weight lifting ). I cut dairy, pasta, rice, meat, and recently seafood. I can say that I’m slowly becoming vegan.”

Sanini weight loss

Alexis lost 70 pounds

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Alexis lost 70 pounds by working out regularly and changing her eating habits.  She is a Turbo Fire fan and has a YouTube channel dedicated to her weight loss journey.  She is also getting fit for her wedding in May.  Congrats!!

“I started September 9th 2012 at 262 pounds and have lost 70lbs.  I cleared my mind on all knowledge about working out and dieting. I gave myself time to research other individual’s success on their journey. At that time I found DivaSlimsDown’s channel on Youtube. She inspired me to begin my journey and document every moment as well.  I thought to myself, if she can do it so can I. Im not going to lie, it was hard but I said a prayer before I started my weight loss journey for GOD to give me strength, wisdom, and determination….HE has never failed me.

I stopped eating fast food, sodas, candy, basically anything that you are conscious about. I eat more greens, like salads, fruits, etc. Juicing is also great. I prepare my meals before 6 pm and I drink a lot of water. If you want energy try vitamin b6 and vitamin b12 complex. Those work great.  As far as exercising goes, I am very athletic now. I hike, I do Turbo Fire and workout with ibox. With hiking alone, I burn 1500 calories in 1 hour. Turbo Fire burns 1200 calories on a average.  Workout and boxing is pretty good for you as well. I like workouts that work the entire body. I will be uploading new videos about my hiking and results as well on my youtube channel: Alexis GetsRight.

I feel so blessed, energized, and beautiful. I can run and jump and do things I was never able to because I was bigger. I can shop in regular stores now and run after my kids without running out breath and most of all burn over 1800 cal in a day! I am working hard to complete my goal of 100 lbs lost…40 lbs to go and I know I can do this! Oh yea I’m getting married May 26th! Gotta get in a dress and look beautiful like im supposed to. I thank GOD, because without HIM, i wouldn’t have it this far. I have so many supporters and that is what truly motivates me. I want to give back to them so I am doing a weight loss challenge with prizes and giveaways with my own money because I truly am grateful for all of the support.”

weight loss alexis

Candace lost 103 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Candace lost 103 pounds over the course of a year with the help of a personal trainer.  She was preparing to enter the U.S Army.  We applaud her and wish her health and safety.

“I lost 103 pounds to get accepted into the U.S. army. I’ve been eating right and exercising with the help of  my personal trainer, Vito Steel. I started in March of 2012. I leave for the army in 10 days (April 15).  I exercise at least 5 days a week. I lift weights with my personal trainer. I stay away from fried foods and take the skin of of meats.  I also avoid starch, sugars and bread. My diet consists of low carbs and high protein. I eat several small meals a day (every 3 hrs). Drink only water or crystal light.”

candace weight loss story army

Charin lost 48 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Charin lost 48 pounds.  She says, “It has been a TRUE STRUGGLE but I lost 48lbs thus far. Still working but I want to loose another 30 pounds. It is a Life Style Change.”

What is your weight loss motivation?

My knees buckled when I was walking from the weight. I started December 2011. I’m STILL motivated and I want to loose 30 pounds more.

What did you do in terms of eating habits and exercise?

I gave up soda, fried food and fattening snacks.I eat wheat bread instead of white and I try not to eat that too much bread in general. I drink water.  For exercise, I go to Zumba class two times per week. I brought a treadmill and I lift weights. I do 30 – 40 minutes on treadmill at a time. I found a “Stomach Crunching” exercise video on You Tube. My workouts at home are like 45 minutes per session, 3 times a week. I eat snacks but they are the 100 calorie snacks. I eat anything that is low in calories and I splurge once a week.

Charin's weight loss story

I hope this helps somebody. If I can do it, anybody can.

Michelle lost 75 pounds

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Michelle lost 75 pounds by changing her eating habits  and exercising.  She looks great!  She says, “Hi, I live in Indianapolis, In. I have recently loss 75 lbs. my goal is 100 lbs. I actually have changed my eating habits. I have cut out all fried foods, sweets, and pop. I work out at the gym 3 times a week & I walk t least 6 miles a day 5 times a week. Thank you for hearing my story.”  Thank you for sharing it, Michelle.

Michelle weight loss

Update: Marsainah lost 64 pounds

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Two Years Later – 2016 Update – Marsainah lost 10 more pounds for a total lost of 64 pounds.

 At 22, I was told that I was pre-diabetic and that my weight was a big contributor. The doctor gave me two options; lose the weight or get on medication. Since diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer ran heavily in my family, I decided to take control of my life. The whole process took about 5 months of heavy dieting, discipline, exercising, and having the determination to “win” my life over. I’ve lost a total of 64 pounds. I worked out 7 days a week mainly, focusing on weightlifting! Weights are our friends! Now, I maintain my weight by working out 6 days a week, not eating pork and detoxing my body regularly. Currently, I’m weighing in at 160 pounds (height: 5’4″).

Marsainah before and after

Update Sept 2014: Marsainah sent in updated photos and she has been truly dedicated to her lifestyle change.  She’s lost another 10 lbs. All I can say is ABS!  She says, “Since last year I’ve lost 15% body fat by adding weight lifting to my workout routine. I’ve also lost 10 more pounds with a steady diet and a balance of my body’s needs.”

Marsainah before and after

Updated photo
Updated photo

April 2013: Marsainah lost 54 pounds with calorie restriction and exercise.  She was motivated to take action after being diagnosed pre-diabetic .  I asked her, “How did you lose the weight in terms of eating and exercise?” “Well, for the first month I went on a VERY STRICT reduced calorie diet (1000 calories).  I ate a lot of healthy salads, water, and yogurt. At 22, I was told that I was pre-diabetic and that my weight was a big contributor. Since diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer ran heavily in my family, I decided to take control of my life. The whole process took about 5 months of heavy dieting, discipline, and exercising. I lost a total of 54 pounds. I worked out 7 days a week mainly focusing on cardio. Now, I maintain my weight by working out 6 days a week, not eating red meat, and getting regular colonic cleanses.”

weight loss story