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Jeannette lost 60 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jeannette lost 60 pounds. She has been on a 16 year journey fueled by faith and prayer. Facing diabetes, going through divorce and the loss of her beloved mom has been painful and challenging, but she has focused on being there for her children and pushed through. Check what she shared with us.

Jeanette before and after

My name is Jeannette and I’m 43 years old. I’ve lost a total of 60 pounds. My motivation was wanting to live, after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2000 following the birth of my youngest son. I knew that if I wanted to see my children grow up, I had to take control of my health. So, initially I was inspired by my children to fight for my life. I also was inspired by other diabetics who actually took this chronic disease seriously, by watching their diet and nutrition.

More recently, in 2014, I experienced a serious turn of events. My marriage of 15 years was breaking up and I began to have a setback in terms of my weight loss. I was still loosing weight, however it wasn’t healthy weight loss, since it was coming off due to stress and not eating. Like any other woman going thru a similar situation, I had low self-esteem and felt like I was loosing myself.

After going through lots of anxiety issues, I prayed and prayed for God to safeguard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7). I began doing a lot of personal Bible study and praying for the strength to find myself again, and Jehovah God began answering the prayer of His lowly one!

After going through my separation and ultimately divorce in January 2016, I began to bounce back quickly with the help of my Heavenly Father and my loving Congregation. I then decided it was time to be the woman and mother that God intended me to be.

I began eating healthier foods that were high in protein and fiber. I ate less carbohydrates, and started eating more lean meats and vegetables. I started drinking less sweetened drinks and started drinking half my body weight in water. This helped me to eliminate waste and toxins from my body. I also use a detox/slimming tea, which aids in my weight loss and keeps my system running smoothly. My workouts consist of cardio and strength training. I also enjoy running, whether it’s on a treadmill or in a park. I work out approximately 2-3 times a week.

My starting weight was 220 pounds, and my current weight is 160 pounds. My height is 5’4″. I’m now well into my Forties. It has taken me a total of 16 years, off and on, but by being more prayerful and more consistent with my diet and fitness, it finally paid off! Weight loss surgery wasn’t apart of my journey, just Bible study, prayer, meditation, hard work, determination and consistency.

Recently, I loss my mother due to COPD in May 2016. However, I didn’t allow this difficulty to hinder my progress. Although this was a very difficult time for me and my family, I knew it was important for me to continue taking care of my health. I had to be there for my children, like my mother was their for me. I certainly cherish the times and memories I had with my mother and want my children to be able to say the same!

Even though their may be many bumps in the road, I would say keep moving forward, because life is full of ups and downs, but it’s how you respond to it. To anybody wanting to lose weight, I would say make it a matter of prayer. Work in harmony with your prayers and certainly God will energize you, giving you both the power and the will to act accordingly (Philippians 2:13). Just stay the course, no matter how hard it gets, because your body is a holy temple from God (1 Corinthians 6:19). I encourage all to continue to “glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Instagram: @jonezzzgurl2000

jeanette

La Shon lost 41 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: La Shon has lost 41 pounds since March 2014.  What I love about her story is that her whole family is participating on this journey to lifestyle change and supporting her efforts.  She has seen her health improve and she has challenged herself to live her best life.  Check out what she shared with us:

La Shon Weight Loss Journey

Hello, my name is LaShon Driver and I am 39 years old. The day I begin my weight loss journey and my commitment to a healthier me was March 30. 2014 weighing 252. On that day, I decided to take back my life and health. I’ve always had weight issues but didn’t understand why. I’ve learned that to much of anything is not good for anyone. It is okay to have “junk food” but it needs to be done in moderation or rarely in my case. That’s when you begin to understand what fuels your body and good habits will follow.

I started by writing down things that I wanted to accomplish from being a healthier me. From that point, I committed to small challenges and goals. For example, the first 2 months I committed to only drinking water, no sweets, and having white carbs only twice in a week. I started having breakfast every morning, that being oatmeal, veggie omelet, or a fruit and veggie smoothie. I also incorporated exercise into my commitment by walking for 30 minutes at least 3 days a week. Just from those small challenges and goals, I now drink at least a gallon of water a day and I’m jogging (YES JOGGING) 40 minutes 5 days a week. I try to incorporate weight lifting twice a week but I really have not committed to it. This will be my 6 month challenge for myself. My meals consist of smoothies with protein powder for breakfast, fruits and veggies for snacks, lunch with baked chicken or turkey with some veggies and sometimes brown rice or wheat pasta, and smoothie for dinner with a salad or poultry. I’m not (past or present) a “big eater”, just in the past I was a “bad eater”.

My inspiration was my family and not having to take medicine for hypertension. I have 2 handsome sons, 2 beautiful daughters, and a wonderful husband who has supported me throughout my commitment. 99% of my exercise is done at home with them, because when I’m jogging in the neighborhood they are leading the way on their bikes. My husband provides me with weight training with his free weights. He has also jumped on the bandwagon with providing a better food choice for our family. In the past, our cabinets consisted of chips, cookies, and candy but now he is buying more fruits and vegetables. Every week he is bringing home a new fruit for us to try as a family. By being a healthier me, I’m able to concentrate on God’s purpose for my life.

When I begin my journey to a better me I weighed 252 pounds and as of July 30, 2014 I weighed 211 pounds. That is 41 lbs. down. I am no longer on blood pressure medicine and my attitude has changed tremendously. By March 30, 2015 I hope to reach my goal of 165 lbs. So, I’ll be back.

My advice to others who want to lose weight is first ask God for help. We ask God for help with financial issues, family issues, etc., so why not incorporate God into creating your purposeful life. Secondly, create challenges for yourself and know if you are not trying to complete them, you are only cheating yourself. Also, push yourself beyond your target. I will tell myself I’m only going to run 40 minutes but if I have a little more in me I’m pushing to 41 minutes or 15 more steps. Understand the battle is within and you have to pursue happiness within. Yes you will have those “Oops Days”, but that does not take away from your current progress. Finally have that support system that exercises with you (thanks Dena), helps with nutrition, or that just says “you are looking good”. Everyday will be a challenge, but creating your own challenge and completing it makes it more rewarding. God bless you all and I wish everyone much success.

The Top 5 Things to Look For After Weight Loss

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swimsuit after weight lossYou’ve put in the work, logged hours at the gym, made the conscious effort to make healthier decisions and it’s all finally paying off. Many people mistakenly believe that the hard work is over when the scale shows a number that you have been looking for. That’s not the case at all. The journey to losing weight is more than just altering your appearance; it’s a complete lifestyle transformation. There are a number of things that you may be challenged with after losing weight that you want to look out for. Even if you haven’t started your journey, taking a look at this list ahead of time and it may help you prepare for or bypass a few of these common post-weight loss occurrences/issues.

Loose Skin

Having loose skin is a battle many people have to fight, whether they’ve lost a couple of pounds or over a hundred. The absence of that extra weight can leave behind unsightly loose skin that can be annoying or create health concerns (depending on how much loose skin you have). Weight loss surgeries result in rapid results, without slower results and methodological fitness training, but surgery usually results in significant loose skin due to the rapid nature of the weight loss.

You can have surgery, of course, but unfortunately, surgery isn’t a viable option for everyone. There are a variety of reasons you may opt against going under the knife but rest assured, there are other ways to deal with loose skin. The best way to limit the skin’s loss of elasticity is to lose weight slowly.  We are talking 2-6 pounds per month depending on how much weight you have to lose.  If you have more than 75 pounds to lose and you are very focused, you could lost 5-10 pounds per month and it still be slow weight loss.  Everyone is different so, some people have a lot of loose skin or very little with fast weight loss. The skin is a living organ, if you allow it enough time to adjust, it will naturally form to your new shape. A good rule of thumb is about 1-2 pounds of fat loss each week. Be sure to incorporate weight lifting in your exercise routine to build muscle and keep your skin tight.  Use the muscle to keep your body filled out and not deflated. If your weight loss is already done, most experts  say it takes around 2 years for the skin to tighten on its own, and even then it may not snap back all the way (or the way you would like it to).

Your eating habits and hydration are also crucial to taking care of your skin during and after weight loss. Between food and water consumption, you should be taking in a minimum of 64 oz of water per day. Be sure to moisturize your skin with nutrients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A to help elasticity.  Here is a whole article on the subject.

Life As A Thin Person

Life at your goal weight may not turn out how you’ve always pictured. Losing weight alters your appearance but you also have to work on your emotional and mental state to truly be whole. Insecurities, low self esteem, relationship issues and negative thoughts can carry on after your weight loss, affecting how much you enjoy your new physique. On the other hand, you may receive an overwhelming amount of love and positive attention.  You may have better self esteem and release the past of your past while in your new body.  Again, each person is different. What you don’t want to do is think that because you’ve lost weight that all of your problems will go away and that life will be exactly what you want it to be.  Be it negative or favorable interactions, thoughts or situations, you have to be prepared to deal with life through new eyes.

When making the decision to lose weight, it should be for your own benefit. Your lifestyle change should make you healthier and happier, but you can’t be concerned with how it will affect others or situations. Never make a decision for anyone else’s approval or acceptance. The truth is, your physical appearance shouldn’t matter to those who really matter in your life. Love and friendships should not be based on superficial concerns, walking into your transformation with these expectations could result in a emotional let down.

More Haters

Unfortunately, everyone who’s smiling at you and encouraging you regarding your recent weight loss is not sincere in their well-wishes. Making the decision to be accountable for your actions and take your health into your own hands is seldom made and even less likely to be completed. When you join the ranks of those who have achieved a weight loss transformation, you may be faced with a few friends and family members who aren’t too supportive of your new look. Normally the “hate” stems from their own insecurities and shortcomings but it something you may or not be faced with.

Connecting to the last point on the list, you’ll have to mentally prepare yourself to make the transition for your own benefit. Support may be few and far between, but if you’re embarking on this journey with the right mindset, the haters will be irrelevant.  Look at those you are hating on you with compassion and understand that their hating has very little to do with you. Show love, but don’t allow yourself to attacked or abused by those who don’t like the “new you”.

Gaining The Weight Back

Reaching a certain size or weight may be your initial goal but you’ll need to create a plan to keep the weight off. Once it’s loss, you may feel you have room to revert back to a few old habits and take a couple days off from the gym. While you may be able to ease up on your routine, you should definitely continue to make healthy decisions. Gaining back the weight can be more frustrating than losing it. If you aren’t careful, you can find yourself taking a few steps backward. Don’t beat yourself up for slipping up, be proactive and create a plan that makes you comfortable and stick with it. The longer you make decisions that will benefit your health and appearance, the more they’ll come naturally. You didn’t do all of that hard work for nothing, keep it up!

What To Wear

Shopping for clothes you may have never worn, in sizes you may have only dreamed of wearing, can be overwhelming. Weight loss can come about in a variety of stages and you should celebrate each one. However, restocking your wardrobe can be expensive if you buy new clothing for every 10 pounds lost.  You don’t want to end up with a closet full of 4 different sizes. Shop smart and take advantage of sales and special offers. Find a good local tailor to downsize your favorite outfits so that you don’t have to buy new ones. If you’re still progressing through your weight loss it may be smart to take advantage of hidden gems found in thrift stores and consignment shops. You can find new or gently used outfits for the office or even just to work out in without breaking the bank at big name stores. Weight loss can be similar to pregnancy in the sense that you’ll have to find clothes to adjust as your body continues to change. There isn’t a point to buy brand new cloths that will soon be too big. Save as much shopping as possible for the big reveal once you’ve hit your target.

When you do reach your goal, go out and have fun. Shop around and try on different styles in the store. It takes some practice to get used to your new shape and your overall transformation should be full of great memories like the first time you see yourself in what has been your dream outfit. Try colors, styles and prints you wouldn’t have worn before, but losing weight doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself. It’s ok to keep your same sense of style, your same loving personality, but wrap it all up in a new and improved, healthy package.

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

Sawanda lost 57 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Sawanda lost 57 pounds.  She overcame many challenges that many working single mothers face and was able to lose the weight.    Here is what she shared with us:

What was your motivation? I was turning 36 years old.  I looked at myself in the mirror and realized that a whole decade was about to end for me. I didn’t like the way I looked nor felt. I have lost weight in the past, but allowed depression from a marriage separation and the challenges of having a special needs child lead me bad eating and workout habits. I recognized that if I didn’t do anything about my weight NOW, then my 40s were going to look the same obese way! I couldn’t do that to myself or my child. My sick and tired days were OVER.  I was sick and tired of FINALLY being sick and tired!  My 40s were going to look better than my 30s.  I was determined!

How did you change your eating habits? I was introduced to myfitnesspal.com and I LOVE IT! I thought it was going to be hard to track all of my daily calories, but, it’s really simple! It keeps me conscious of how much I’m eating during the day. Normally, I eat pretty healthy. I love organic veggies and fruits, whole grain carbs and lean, grass fed-free range meats, so my food choices did not change.  However, my portions did! Healthy food does not mean they do not have calories. THEY DO! I eat clean (simple, whole foods) at least 85% of my time and allow a cheat meal once a week.

What did your workout routines look like? I made EVERY excuse in the world to not get to the gym. With a special needs child, a full time job and a part time business, it was challenging to get to the gym! My co-worker told me about Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred DVD work out program. I have never been a fan of home workouts (I was without a child and business when I wasn’t a fan) a long time ago.  I knew that a changed mindset was needed, especially if I’m ever going to lose this weight. I bought the DVD and LOVED IT! I loved the fact that it’s only 25 minutes of my day and there were NO MORE EXCUSES for not working out! I did that for 2 months 5 to 6 x a week, then added Jillians Kickbox DVD and the Couch to 5K running program! Currently I work out at least 5 to 6 times a day, still using Jillian Michaels DVD’s.  I’ve started to finally MAKE time for the gym to use weights and strength train!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? On July 1st, I was 221 pounds. As of today (May 30th), I am 164 pounds – a total of 57 pounds! I would like to get to 155 pounds before my birthday (July 11)! 9 more pounds to go! This is a lifestyle change and I am ready for my 40’s to be fit and fabulous!

How long did your transformation take? When I stopped relying on SPANX is when I realized my transformation had begun. After the first 25 pounds were gone, I was still using it, then one day I looked in the mirror after I put my dress on and noticed that I didn’t have to put SPANX on underneath! LOL! Everything looked smooth and “in place!” LOL! It took me 8 months to go from a size 16/18 to a solid size 10 (and can fit size 8’s)!

I know there is a woman out there who is just like me.  I had the mindset that I just didn’t have time for my health! Running a household, a full time job and a business can be crazy!  Then I thought, if I don’t take care of me and drop dead, then those people and things I hold so dear won’t have me anymore to take care of them.  I know this is cliché’, but if I can do it, with all the responsibilities I have on my plate, trust me, you can do it too! Just remember to K.I.S.S. (keep it short (and) simple)!

Sawanda weight loss story

 

Nina lost 48 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Nina lost 48 pounds and is my newest weight loss HERO.  She battled colon cancer and serious health issues to emerge with greater health and pounds lost.  She is a survivor!  If you have a ton of excuses as to why you can’t lose weight, you need to read this story for inspiration.

Read her amazing story:

“30+ years with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis- the drs say Im supposed to be crippled by now. Survived colon cancer and an abusive husband . . .you CAN get fit if you want to. Oh and I run even with chronic asthma! C’mon ladies, with prayer and hard work its possible.

I was already a decent eater WHEN I ate.  I had a colectomy so eating has been a challenge, but I was malnourished from not eating regularly and eating late at night when I did eat. So the 1st change was to eat several times a day. Then I cut out white sugar. Except when I eat out, I only use Agave nectar especially in tea or even fruit (not juice) in recipes and NO soda – that took care of 12 lbs almost immediately. When I’m extra busy, I substitute a smoothie for a meal so its portable. The rest is exercise. I work out 7 days a week. I walk/run 4-5 days totally 25-35 miles a week. I do strength training and core exercises at home and throw in Zumba and yoga for fun whenever my schedule permits. I’m now doing a 5K (always for charity) about once a month and my goals are: 20lbs more, added strength training and to complete a 10K. Im only 5’1″ and had been 212 lbs. Im about 164 now and would like to be at or near 145. Because the PSS can cause wasting I need to be muscle heavy to keep up my joint and muscle strength and I need to keep the fat away from my upper belly because of my chronic asthma, lung sclerosis and pulmonary hypertension . . .oh yeah, I have less than 60% lung capacity on the right side – walking a flight of steps can be brutal some days so running has been the most surprising achievement ever !

I want to Thank You for this page/group where everyone is SO positive and encouraging. I would have NEVER posted a picture of my whole body before now and before reading all the testimonies.”

Don’t Run Away from the Challenges on this Weight Loss Journey

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Guess what, Ladies. That challenging thing that you are running away from is the key to the change you want to see in your life. There is no getting around it.

On this weight loss journey, we are faced with real, profound challenges. Health challenges. Eating challenges. Exercise challenges. Physical limitations. Limits imposed by illness. Lack of support from family, spouses and friends. What we must focus on is that if we CAN overcome these challenges and do the things that improve our health and allow our bodies to release the weight, we WILL be able to CHANGE OUR LIVES in a very concrete way.

We will achieve greater health and be free from the diet roller coster ride. The sense of pride will be ours. The freedom to live without the burden of obesity will be ours. The victory will be ours. Oh, but only if we are willing to face the challenges that will come.