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Isis lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Isis lost 80 pounds.  This young lady decided to stop living an unhealthy life and is now inspiring others to loss the weight.  She has transformed her body and is still working toward her goals. Here is what she shared with us:

Isis weight loss success story

My name is Isis Shannon. I have ALWAYS had a problem with my weight. When my grandmother died, I gained 50 pounds! When I was 12, I had gotten up to 290 pounds. I was depressed about it, but instead of taking care of the issue I still continued to eat ! When I turned 16, I was 352 pounds which was in October 2013. When I started my fitness page, I was 356 pounds and I was tired of living a unhealthy lifestyle! I am now 80 pounds down with healthy eating and exercise. I turned my can’ts into CANS. Now I’m on my way to being a healthy teenager. With the help from God, my family and friends I know I can continue my journey!

My highest weight was 364 pounds. My starting weight was 356 pounds. My current weight is 276 pounds (I’m 5’11”).  I count my calories every single day. I don’t go over 1800 and I don’t go under 1400 calories. I cut out all fried foods, no fast foods, no pork and no junk food. I also drink a gallon of water a day. I workout 5~6 times a week for 45 minutes or more! I started my journey in March and I’m still going. I have learned I can do this if I put my mine to it!

Instagram: @_100poundsjourney

Isis before and after

Tamara lost over 230 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost over 230 pounds.  She found a weight loss program, online tools and mobile apps to help her stay on track with her goals and see results. She has extensively documented her journey on Instagram and is inspiring others (20,000+ followers). Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Tamara before and after

I’ve been overweight/dealt with food addiction my whole life. One day in 2011, while being depressed and deciding to give up on life, I realized that I no longer wanted to die. I then signed up with Weight Watchers, weighing over 430 pounds. I counted points, completed 3 months of the program and lost approx. 35 lbs. I really didn’t like at the quality of food, just the point system. I cut out soda and white bread and added more fruits and veggies. After three months, I signed up for My Fitness Pal and logged my calories. At that time, I slowly cut back on fried foods and my favorite cookies. I decided that this was for life and I wasn’t going to rush this time. I slowly changed my diet, my lifestyle, along with doing whatever exercises I could at the gym or outside. I must say that the road to living has not been easy, but it has been worth it!! I no longer have high blood pressure, diabetes and joint pains. Above all, I’m taking my life back, and I want you to know that it is possible. YES, there are days, perhaps weeks, where we find ourselves off track; but I encourage you to keep fighting and stay positive. I realized along the way that I AM worthy of living a healthy life. And, guess what? You are worthy, too, so let’s live a positive and healthy lifestyle together!!! Instagram: @gettingmylifebacknow 

This journey was not a diet but a lifestyle change so that I understood how I got the weight off. I knew I had to continue to do it for life. Lean meats, complex carbs and green veggies were my go to foods for the most part. My favorite snacks were Greek yogurt or almonds.  I had treats here and there. I even tried cheat days/meals but that method didn’t work for me because I’m a recovering food addict. Moderation was/is key for me, so if I wanted a treat here and there I made sure it fit within my calorie range and that I worked out that day. I slowly cleaned up my diet and eliminated most processed foods. Ultimately in 2013, I eliminated meat all together and now eat a plant based diet. I do not label myself vegan or vegetarian I just choose to eat foods that my body loves. I now consume a gallon of water a day.  I must say I didn’t use to drink water at all and when I added water into my regimen the scale started to change drastically. I had treats within moderation and in 2013 I literally cut out my weekend alcoholic beverages because it was stalling my weight loss..

When I was 400+ lbs I rarely worked out. I would maybe walk 2 times a week and slowly added more time and days. For the most of journey I was what you would call a cardio queen. I would do 60 min cardio on treadmill or elliptical, five days a week.  In 2012, I became real serious in the gym with the weights which transformed my body. I highly recommend women to lift weights if they want to sculpt their bodies because weights do the body good. I would do 30 min cardio and 30 min weights. I highly recommend the app JEFIT for the people rant can’t afford a trainer but would like to figure out a weight lifting plan. When working out at home, I would use Fitness Blender or Tiffany Rothe videos on YouTube. I currently workout 5-6 days a week and do mostly weights with 30-45 min cardio most days.  My weight fluctuates a lot ranging from 197 – 203 pounds give or take (height is 5’11”. (weight lifting does that)  My goal is continue to decrease my Body fat percentage.
Tamara weight loss

Top 5 Diet Mistakes to Avoid

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There are the top 5 mistakes that I always encourage people to AVOID when dieting and trying to lose weight.  These can hinder your weight loss efforts and even harm your health. 

I know that we don’t like the word, diet, but when you are just changing your habits temporarily and aren’t committed to long term change…that’s what I call a diet.  You can lose weight dieting, but to lose it for good you have to change your lifestyle.  There is no one size fit’s all plan to lose weight that works for everyone.  Use these 5 tips to make sure that you pick a weight loss plan that will help you find out what works for you and achieve lasting weight loss.

topdietmistakes

Starving To Burn Calories

Whenever someone wants to lose weight, the first method they usually try is to quit eating whole groups of foods.  Some go as far as to stop eating MOST foods.  That’s a serious problem. Theoretically this seems like a foolproof weight loss plan. You do not consume calories at all and the body uses the fat already accumulated to produce energy. Eventually, that fat burns and you slim down. Unfortunately, this is not how it works.

The truth is that if you begin starving yourself to lose weight, your metabolism slows down. Once the metabolism slows down, you will encounter come across all sorts of problems. Instead of burning calories, the body begins retaining the remaining energy and to do that, it builds up more fat. Your body thinks there is a famine or crisis going on and is only trying to save you from it.  So, in essence, you are not losing fat, only gaining more. On the other hand, if you eat healthy portioned meals made up of healthy foods, you will be able to control your calorie intake and keep your metabolism up to par. This will surely help you slim down.

Intense Exercise and Insufficient Diet

Before you even think about going on a diet, you should know a thing or two about calories. You should know that calories are not bad for you. Calories are fuel for your body and we all need them for just day to day body function. If you do not consume calories at all, you will feel weak, not to mention you will lose muscle. Consuming too many excess calories can be harmful for your health. Therefore, your goal is to limit your calorie intake to a reasonable amount.

Calories give you energy to exercise and the workout helps you slim down. It is in fact that simple. However, most people exercise vigorously and do not consume enough calories. Sometimes they eat unhealthy foods and consume lots of unhealthy fats and sugars as well. Always remember that if you want to lose weight, you should exercise intensely and maintain a healthy diet as well. Without that, you will only get weak and be incapable of going about your daily routine (possibly more prone to injury).  You can also create nutrient imbalances that can effect your health if you aren’t eating right but still do intense exercise.

Once you pair a fixed calorie intake with exercise, you see excellent weight loss results. That amount is different for each person.  Read this article to learn more.

Not Counting Calories

On diets most people consume a specific amount of food at each meal. They may realize that each type of food has a different calorie count and contains a specific set of nutrients.  Some weight loss plans break this info down for you, but many don’t. The best method to know how many calories you’re eating is to count calories, count nutrients (like fiber and fats) and plan out your meals. This way, you will be able to maintain a steady calorie intake. For example: If you feel hungry, you can consume filler foods that are high natural fiber and low in calories.  Celery, carrots and other raw veggies are the perfect filler foods. The same filler foods can be eaten as snacks as well. The fiber in these foods will keep you from feeling hungry.

Eating When Bored, Stressed or Emotional

Emotional eating is a major problem for so many people.  It is the number-one cause for weight gain because people medicate their feelings and issues with food ALL THE TIME.  Most people do not realize that they have this issue. They eat whatever they can get their hands on when they feel stressed, bored, bothered, upset, etc. Even if they are on a diet, they will end up consuming unhealthy foods when emotional eating kicks in, taking them off course. Instead of eating unhealthy foods when your feelings lead you to eat, you should eat healthy snacks and drink water. The best option, of course, is to avoid emotional eating completely by finding healthy ways to process and deal with emotions. Hobbies, meditation and even yoga can help you to do this.

Dieting Instead of Changing Your Lifestyle

Don’t go on a diet.  Change your LIFE.  Change your habits.  Change the way you think about food.  Change the places you go to for food.  Change the way you think about your health.  Most of the time, people pick a diet or weight loss plan (online plans, books, etc.) and they follow the plan but don’t really focus on how they can life in this new way for the rest of their lives.  Don’t do anything that can’t be incorporated into your life.  Sure you can do a smoothie or juicing fast, but you need to commit to how you’re going to change your eating habits when you start eating solids again.  If you are going to eat Paleo or Eat Clean, you want to be able to do it for the long haul or once you stop you risk gaining back all of the weight.  If you plan ahead and commit to living a new way you can see longterm change.

Update: Elaine lost 145 pounds

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Check out this update from Elaine on how she lost the pregnancy weight – July 2015:

elaine before and after

I was featured back in June of last year for losing a total of 145 pounds. In September of last year I found out that I was having a baby and gained over 80 pounds during the pregnancy. I knew that I had to eat healthier meals for my child’s health, as well as my health. On May 14 2015, I gave birth to baby boy.  As I was leaving the hospital the nurse told me to weigh myself and I was devastated to find I was up to 269 lbs again.

After I was released from the doctor’s care, I immediately started making healthy choices. First, I changed my eating habits back to clean eating. I also started walking 2 miles per day while trying to build up the courage to reach my goals again. I started eating 1200 calories a day and worked out. While looking back over my pictures from before pregnancy, I knew that I had to do what I’s done before.

I committed through the hard workouts, calories counting, eating healthy, low carb diet, walking, and running. I knew I could get back too where I was or at least half way there. Now my baby is 2 months old and I’ve lost a total of 68 lbs (2 months post pregnancy). I’m proud of myself because I had some doubts that I would make it back to my size 14 pants and medium shirts so soon. I’m so thankful that I did not lose the motivation and courage I’ve gained on my long life journey. I’m proud to say that if you put forth the effort, the results will always be positive.

June 2014 – Let’s show some BWLW love to Elaine.  She is down an extra 32 pounds since we first featured her story in December.  She has gone from a size 24 down to a size 14.  Read her update and then check out our original post on her journey to see how she did it.

Elaine weight loss

“On Dec 11 2013, I shared my story of success with the Black Women Losing Weight community. February 2013 I was at 323 lbs.  When I shared my story with you all in December 2013 I was at 210 lbs, a total of down 113 lbs lost. I wanted to give you an update from that time period. I’ve lost an additional 32 pounds which brings me at a total weight loss of 145 pounds lost. I am on the 1500 calorie diet. I use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar to detox.  I eat 3 meals per day and 3 snacks to add up to 1500 calories. My meals are made up of turkey, fish, baked salmon, baked fish, baked potatoes and baked sweet potatoes. The majority of my meals consist of vegetables. I try to have something healthy for my snacks, such as apples, bananas, etc. I have a cheat meal every now and then. I am a exercise person. I workout 5 to 6 days a week doing exercises with dumbbells, walking at least 2 miles per day, jogging, weight lifts, kick boxing, power walking, running up stairs and cardio. I am proud to say that weight loss has helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I went from a pant size of 24 t down to 14. I’m wearing a size medium shirt and size large pants. I have worked so hard and I know it can be done.”

Elaine before and afterPhoto from Dec 2013

Elaine lost 113 pounds

6 Things That Can Sabotage Weight Loss

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sabotage weight loss effortsThere’s a definite snowball effect when it comes to dieting and we’re not talking about the cream-filled coconut cakes made by Hostess. The spiral of a dieting sabotage can happen in an instant and usually the results aren’t pretty. One minute you’re at the gym trudging along looking forward to a post-workout smoothie and the next thing you know you’ve woken up from a blacked out state surrounded by pizza boxes, soda bottles and 37 empty candy bar wrappers. There are definite things that can sabotage your weight loss and it’s important to break on through to the other side of each of them.

Saying I’ll Start Tomorrow…and Never Starting

There’s an old saying that the only thing that stops procrastination is death. If you keep putting off getting a haircut for weeks and years you’ll just have long (hopefully manageable) hair. On the other hand when you sit on your weight loss goals, the end result can be health problems, regret, and worst of all more weight. Today is the youngest you’ll ever be again so what better time to get focused on your weight loss than now.

Focusing on the Scale as Your Only Source of Victory

There’s some definite frustration in stepping on a scale after a couple weeks of hard dieting and working out and seeing minimal results. What you may fail to understand is that the scale can be a huge sabotage to your weight loss goals. Take for example the fact that when adding a workout plan for the first time in a long time you’ll start to add muscle, which weighs more than fat. You may think you’re only maintaining when in fact you’re building muscle that can help you burn more fat and sculpt your body. Plus, there are other ways whereas your diet and exercise could be achieving success such as you’re sleeping better, clothes are fitting better, you’re more enjoyable to be around, and more importantly you are on your way to a permanent healthy lifestyle.

Stress Eating

Emotional eating can be a huge derailment to successful weight loss. For one, a traumatic time at work, school, or with the family will likely make you skip a workout or search comfort in the bottom of a box of Ho-Ho’s. You’ll find out that the original problem will work itself out over time but you’re still left with a spare tire around your waist from the ordeal. The best way to get through a stressful time without emotional eating is to use your diet and exercise as a sanctuary away from the problems. Having to do extra reports at work last minute or family drama can be a great fuel for an action-packed workout with the headphones cranked when you get home or to the gym.  You should also find healthy snacks to munch on when the drive to stress eating comes upon you.

Negative Feedback from Friends and Family

The first thing to remember about weight loss is to do it for Yourself. If you’re losing weight just for the hopes that the man of your dream will come knocking down your door you’re likely setting yourself up for failure. Along those same lines, be prepared to be met with skepticism from people who are jealous that you’re actually dedicated and hard-working on your self and your personal goals– something they’ve likely put off for the better part of two decades.  No Tea…No Shade, but understand that not everyone will be happy about your weight loss.  Some people will be threatened by the change they see in you.  Just know that months from now, a lot of people will see your success and want to join you.

Eating Healthy Foods that are High in Calories

There’s a fine line you have to walk when eating healthy but also trying to lose weight. There are certain foods that are great for mental and physical health but could be constricting your weight loss results. For instance nuts and seeds are a great snack food and appetite suppressant but are extremely high in calories at about 200 per ounce. Even your salad could be a cause for diminished weight loss because of the type of dressing you’re topping it with.  Be clear on the calorie content of what you are eating.  Don’t make assumptions.

Underestimating Calories Eaten or Burned

You know how when the work day is dragging on and you’re thinking in your head it has to be 2:30-3:00 yet you glance at the clock and it’s 9:45 A.M? That’s the same prey that dieters can follow into when they overestimate themselves. You might think you’re eating healthy by bringing a salad to work but once you’ve finished adding Bacon Bits, ham, olives, cheese, french dressing, and a Snickers bar you’ve got about 700 calories in one meal. You may feel that your 30 min walk on the treadmill burned 600 calories, when you really burned 250 calores.  In order to truly avoid a weight loss sabotage be honest with yourself on what you eat and how much you work out.  Embrace meal planning and do research as to how many calories certain exercises burn.

By exercising a little faith in yourself, these weight loss booby traps are nothing more than a minor speed bump on your path to success.

Diedre lost 57 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Diedre lost 57 pounds.  This 5″5″ mother of 3 embraced healthy eating and committed to regular exercise to change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

DiedreMay14

“My name is Diedre Wiggins. I’m a 41 year old mother of three. My weight loss journey started in October of 2010. My starting weight was 267 pounds and I am only 5 foot, 5 inches tall. When I begin my journey, I was only walking and counting calories. Later, I started working out with weights and going to exercise classes. I began clean eating and changing a lot of my eating habits. Now, I’m gluten free and dairy free.

It has been a long journey and I’m still going. My lowest weight was 185 pounds and my current weight is 210 pounds. My goal weight is 150 pounds.

I have lost and gained this weight several times in the past 4 years, but I finally think I found the right eating plan. I believe that I can stick to clean eating along with doing DVD workouts from Shaun T and Fitness Blender (on YouTube).  I work out on a regular basis, at least five to six times a week. I think I finally figured it out and hopefully this weight to stay off. I still have a ways to go and I will keep you updated.

You can find me on Instagram @diedre_goddess
YouTube: Diedregoddess
Facebook @diedre.reline.

DiedreMay142

Elizabeth lost 78 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tall Diva Elizabeth lost 78 pounds by getting active and changing her eating habits.  She was motivated by realizing that her health and mobility was being impacted by weighing 300+ pounds.  Here is her weight loss story:

“My Name is Elizabeth Izukananneji Chukwudebe and I have been following your page for a while now. I am very inspired by the pictures, stories and tips that I have seen.

I have always been an above average girl, both in size and height. I’m 6′ and now 233 pounds. My weight lifestyle change started in 2011 after my co-workers did a hemoglobin A1C on me at work, just out of curiosity. Result? 6.5%, which is above normal and within the diabetic range. At that time, I weighed 311 pounds and could feel it!!! My knees hurt and my hips hurt, especially going up the stairs and I would have to go up at an angle to elevate some of the pressure on my hips. That was my eye opener. I was only in my 20s!

I got in contact with my other co-worker who is a dietician and she sat me down and told me what needed to be done! I counted my calories, increased my water intake and became active again! Now 3 years, later I’ve lost 78 pounds (so far because I’m not finished yet!).  I run in multiple 5K events and I’m aiming towards a 10K in the fall. Also, I picked up playing tennis, I roller skate, play basketball, run, weight lift…just about anything to get my body moving, I’ll do it. If I don’t know how, I’ll learn it!!! I am currently 233 pounds and I feel great! I thank all of the success stories and pictures because they have truly been inspirations as well as my family and friends with their support!”

Elizabeth weight loss story

Elizabeth before and after weight loss

Felicia lost over 60 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: AKA soror Felicia lost over 60 pounds and was able to improve a pain issue that had her walking with a cane in her thirties.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“I’ve loss a little over 60 pounds and it took a complete lifestyle change. I count carbs and calories. I put down the sodas and brownies! Lol I also hit the gym 4 times a week doing at least 30 minutes of cardio and some light weights to tone because you become quite flabby with extreme weight loss. I feel so much better. At the age of 35, I found myself having to walk with a cane because I had severe back and hip pain. Some of my problem was inevitable because of my body structure but it became worse as the weight packed on. Thought I was going to have to have a hip replacement until the doctor mentioned getting at least 50 pounds off would ease my pain, and he was right.”

Felicia weight loss photos

Andrea lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Andrea lost 68 pounds in 7 months by changing her habits to create a healthier lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Andrea before and after weight loss

“My motivation to lose weight was a better ME. Once I became a mother (9 years ago), I just let myself go and put myself last in everything. I knew I had gained a lot of weight (number wise) but I never saw myself as being as overweight as I really was (reality hit looking at pictures of myself before and after my weight loss). I am blessed to not suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol issues, or any other disease associated with being overweight and I wanted to ensure that remained the case as I approached the “dirty 30’s”. The ultimate motivation/goal was that I wanted to lose at least 50 pounds by my 30th birthday.

I changed my eating habits mainly with using the “myfitnesspal” app in counting calories. I cut back on sweets as this is my biggest struggle (I cut them out completely in the beginning), no sodas, rarely eat fast food and when I do I eat healthier choices. I hardly eat fried foods and I make moderations to what I eat.  For example, if I eat a sandwich, I use one slice of wheat bread and I use mustard instead of mayo. I am more conscious of what I eat and how much I eat and counting calories is the biggest help of all.

My workout routines consist of walking/running on the treadmill 3-4 miles 5-6 days a week. I did Hip Hop Abs for 3 months along with monthly challenges on Black Women Losing Weight page. I have only exercised at home; no gym membership!

My starting weight was 249 pounds (my heaviest) when I went to the doctor in April 2013 and that is when I started making small changes with foods and slowly walking at least 1 mile a day on the treadmill every day. I went back to the doctor May 2013 and weighed 246 pounds and that is when I kicked into high gear on this weight loss journey. As of December 12, 2013, I weighed in at 181 pounds. My goal weight (after losing the first 50 pounds) was 175 pounds by my birthday (December 15). Although I missed that goal, I am still so very proud of myself and how far I have come. I am now aiming to get down to 165 pounds (hopefully by May 2014).

My advice to others is to never give up! Gaining weight is easy and losing it will be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. It is hard, takes commitment, strength, determination, will power, and faith. There are good days and bad days but when you have a bad day, pray about it and start over tomorrow-don’t beat yourself up. I have been on this journey for 7 months strong and I have days when I fall off the bandwagon but I just get back up and keep going. Every step and effort you make makes a difference and equals a step closer to a better and healthier you! I encourage others to lose weight for themselves and no one else because when you do it for the wrong reasons, it probably won’t last as a weight loss journey is about a lifestyle change for the rest of your life. No two stories and experiences are alike so you have to do what works best for you and your life. The Black Women Losing Weight page is an excellent source for women on a weight loss journey as it gives women hope and motivation that if “she” can do it, so can IJ

***Picture on the left is from December 2012 and picture on the right is from November 2013***”

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