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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Barbara lost 37 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Barbara lost 37 pounds.  I LOVE it when families support each other on this weight loss journey. Barbara’s story is a great example of that. Her daughter was a major contributor to her success story.  Here is what she shared with us: Barbara before and after Hello, my name is Barbara and I am on a journey to get fit. My journey began last year after I had surgery on my shoulder. My daughter, Anyika had started a Boot camp Fitness Class and thought the stretching exercises would help me. I am 5 ft tall and was weighing almost 170 pounds. I had gained up to 177 but I lost 10 lbs after my surgery. After working out for a few months, I learned I was type II diabetic and I panicked. By then my daughter, Anyika, got her Zumba certification. I started working out with her class and lost 25 lbs. I did her class 2 to 3 days a week if my back wasn’t hurting really bad. She always modified my workouts. I have been on all type of diets and exercise but with her class, meal planning and fitness tips, I have maintained my weight loss for over a year now.

I stopped binge eating and I always ate in the afternoon with no breakfast. Before, I had pancakes with fruit and lots of syrup with bacon, eggs and hash brown, pork chops, fried chicken for dinner. Now, its oatmeal with no sugar and fruit. I have a smoothie, veggies or fruit for snack or lunch and salmon, tuna or baked chicken for dinner with salad and lots of water. I juice a lot with Anyikas recipes. When the doctor said I was type 2 diabetic, I cut down on the sweets a lot. I learned to eat in small portions, with 3 to 4 meals a day including snacks of fruit or veggies.

I don’t have to take my high blood pressure pills anymore and I feel a lot better. My blood pressure was always high but now its normal. I have back problems but the stretching helps. My daughter has changed my life and my way of thinking. I am down to 140 pounds and I’m still counting down the pounds on this weight loss journey. My daughter Anyika’s class is called Zumba with A. Hunt Barbara weight loss success

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Keeta lost 64 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Keeta lost 64 pounds.  This professional makeup artist and proud mom was motivated my wanting to be a healthy and happy example for her daughter.  She committed to eating clean and intense exercise to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Keeta before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation started when I went to the doctor and he told me that I was 242 pounds. That was the heaviest I’ve ever been and it was a major reality check. Sometimes, I could barely walk due to severe back pain. I was carrying to much weight! I had to make a change, not just for me but also that so my daughter could see her mother healthy and happy.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits did a complete 180! I started with a detox, eating all veggies, fruits and brown rice for 7 days. Then I went into adding just chicken and seafood in my diet. No fried food, sweets, white bread or sodas. I tried to eat as clean as possible. My best friend would help me with tips on cooking healthier. Also, drinking lots and lots of water is key!

What did your workout routines look like?
Initially, I was a cardio junkie. I started doing the BLACK GIRLS WORK OUT TOO DVD. And that jump started my weight loss and inches that I lost. Then I began hitting the weight room. Squats, lunges, leg press and pull-ups…Just a full body work out. I go to the gym 4 days a week. Sometimes I’ll go 2 times a day! I started running at the park, 5 lb hula hooping and doing ab work with a weighted yoga ball.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 242 lbs.

What is your current weight?
177.5 lbs.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in April 2013

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice is start now! Some people wait for the 1st of the month or the beginning of the week. No waiting, start now. Just think if you started when you first thought about it where would you be now in your weightloss journey! Get a gym buddy! Team up at work or grab a girlfriend! It always helpful to have someone else there to help motivate each other. Also, it is ok if you have a set back. We all do. Just start over again. Make every thing you do count. Set small goals for yourself. It is not going to happen overnight but you will reach your goal with determination and dedication!!!

Keeta weight loss story

Shyliece lost 88 pounds

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Update Sept 2015: Check out Shyliece‘s progress. In the past, you’ve posted the middle of my journey. I decided to lose weight after almost having a stroke at a early age. I’ve had chronic asthma since 11 months old and chronic hypertension since age 13, which required me to take many pills daily. I’ve faced so many other health problems as well. I turned my life around and I’ve lost additional weight. I also became a personal trainer to help other women worldwide lose weight naturally and learn to keep the weigh off long term.

After getting in shape, I still suffered from health problems. My neurologist, cardiologist, and nephrologist said these problems were permanent. Even after losing 90 lbs, I was still very unhealthy even though I have a fit body. Most people couldn’t believe my health issues, especially being under the age of 30. I never gave up and kept pushing forward. I went to specialist but they kept saying my medical problems were permanent. In the end, I honestly didn’t do anything different. I just kept faith, prayed, stayed strong and kept exercising. Eventually, I was able to get off those long term medications and now I’m 100% healthy after all these years. I’m still surprised, but very, very grateful. I’m healthy with no medical problems now.

Not only am I stronger mentally and physically, I’m also blessed. I want to let other women know that they can do it because I did. I’m a witness and I know that God is good! I just want to tell other women that just because someone told you it can’t be done or because things get hard, you should Never give up. Believe in yourself and know that anything is possible! Check out my Instagram: @she_squats_fitness for motivation and fat burning fitness tips.

Shyliece before and after

Update Jan 2015: Hi, you shared my story a while back in the middle of my weight loss journey.  I’m currently 88 lbs down and I’ve turned my weight loss journey into a career. I’m now a personal fitness trainer. I also met the love of my life because of fitness. Fitness has changed my life so much and now I want to help other women, especially moms. I suffered from so many health problems and I didn’t let them make or break me, so I like to motivate other woman because I can relate to what they are going through. Instagram: @she_squats_fitness

shyliece before and after

Original Post

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shyliece lost 65 pounds. This proud mom faced a number of very serious health issues and situational stressors that turned her world upside down.  She was able to take control of her life and change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Shyliece before and after

“I was fit before Jan 16-2006. I was walking on ice one day and I fell. I broke 6 bones and fractured one other bone,  almost causing me too have my leg amputated. Luckily, I was able too get it rebuilt with pins, plates, screws, wires and rods. I didn’t walk for 10 months and I gained a lot of weight from the stress of losing my job and my apartment. I moved back home with my mom. I was stressed out and I used food to make myself feel better. My health also went down hill.  I was dealing with asthma, chronic high blood pressure and anxiety, so I was always in and out of the hospital. I gained so much weight that my leg would swell up very badly, to the point where every right sneaker or shoe I owned would bust open. My arms and leg on my right side was constantly numb from the weight gain and not eating right, so one day I passed out and was hospitalized. I knew that my daughter needed me too be here, so in 2012 I decided it was time for a change!!

I started out with small changes. I began by walking and changing some of my eating habits. By the end of 2013 I decided too go hard. I started eating clean, eating 100% whole grains, no fried foods, more vegetables, more fruit and  organic products.  I don’t eat red meat, just fish, shrimp and chicken. Besides protein shakes and green tea, I drink 8 bottles of water a day.  No soda..no juice. I started doing interval training at least 3-4 times a week on a treadmill. I also started lifting weights.  I’ve lost over 65 pounds and 45 of those pounds were lost during the past 4 months. I turned the extra room in my house into a gym room and I workout 5-6 days a week. I’m confident and happy that I’ve chosen to start living healthy. I’m not where I want too be, but I’m getting there.  I have 20/30 pounds too go and I feel great!”
Instagram: @she_squats_fitness

Shyliece weight loss story

Weight Loss Transformation: Anyce lost 176 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: This is the transformation story of a woman who at 400+ pounds didn’t know she was pregnant for almost 9 months!  Anyce lost 176 pounds after years and years of struggling with obesity.  She made a commitment to be there for her daughter and change her health for good. Read her amazing story and check out her before and after photos below.  AMAZING!

anyce lost 176 pounds

“Hello, My name is Anyce and I’ve struggled with being obese all my life. Since I can remember, I’ve always been taller and heavier than my classmates and friends. Although I never let it bother me to the point I hated myself, I didn’t participate in the simple things young girls did because of my size. For example, the one thing I always wanted to do was shop with my friends in the mall.  I always had to go separately because “normal” stores didn’t carry my size. Things became worst when I was turned down for a volleyball team in 9th grade, that shattered my world and the pounds started coming.  I didn’t want to play any other sport. As the years passed I gained over 150lbs! Instead of me doing something about it I simply embraced my extra curves and loved me no matter what.

I was an emotional eater and a closet eater. I ate my emotions and didn’t tell people how I felt. I ate the pain away and kept a smile on my face to hide the pain. At some of my lowest times I can remember buying a bucket of chicken from KFC, a 7 piece and almost finishing the whole thing, then going home saying I didn’t eat. Late night runs to Burger King with my brother and cousin who were physically fit both played sports didn’t help. I also loved onion garlic potato chips and could eat a bag a day. So, it’s safe to say nutrition was the last thing on my mind.

In February of 2008 I tried to have the lap band surgery because I just wanted to be “normal” for once but it was unsuccessful because I had an enlarged liver (1st stages to developing NASH) due to eating unhealthy. I began to lose a lot of blood so my surgeon decided to abort and no surgery for me but I wear the scars of that depressing day. Depression started and I became severely obese. By this time, I was about 380 pounds and still NOT ashamed of who I was (or so I thought). I even did Plus Size modeling at my heaviest weight! Certain pictures from different angles I didn’t like because I was so heavy (but now when I look back, I actually like many angles of me).

It wasn’t until 2012 that my life changed and everyday things became a struggle. I noticed I had NO energy, I was always tired but it was more than normal. My menstrual cycle never came on time. I would be happy it didn’t come because when it did I would be so moody and crave sweets all day, I wouldn’t want to be near myself. I would attempt to workout with my good friend but find any excuse not to and go back to bed. October 24th of that year I found out I was pregnant, BUT I was due any day give or take.  No more than 4 WEEKS notice. I gave birth to what I call my angel on earth, a baby girl on November 8th, 2012. Absolutely no birth defects and completely healthy, THANK GOD! That’s when I could confidently say GOD IS REAL! My life completely changed, I was NOW 100% responsible for another human being that could not fend for themselves and they depended on ME.

So January 2013, I sought out professional help from my doctor and he referred me to a nutritionist and I saw her monthly. We tackled my eating.  On May 1, 2014, I weighed in at 421 pounds, my ultimate heaviest. I then went on a supervised drastic diet. I only ate the following food groups for three months; protein, fiber and vegetables! That’s right no fruits or carbohydrates. I also used Body by Vi to help with my weight loss. We wanted drastic results fast as my daughter was getting older and who would be able to run after her and keep her safe if I remained the same tired self?!  I did it cold turkey (well I prepared myself mentally) by any means nessasary!!! I can say that I lost 97 lbs in 90 days.

Since then I’ve learned how to deal with emotions, for the most part I don’t eat my emotions. I’ve learned about nutrition and the purpose off all food groups. We need them all in moderation. I workout about 5 days a week.  My workouts consists of calisthenics training, weights and cardio. I’ve learned you need ALL 3 to be successful with transforming. I’ve become more active with friends and I currently can do ANYTHING with my now 1 1/2 year old. The best feeling in the world. I’m currently 176 lbs down and counting!”

Contact me on Facebook: Anyce NyCee Banks & Instagram: @AnyceB

weight loss story mom

Danielle lost 65 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danielle lost 65 pounds with weight loss surgery.  This proud single mom and blogger struggled with a number of ailments, including PCOS and sleep apnea, that she has seen go away or get better since surgery.  Weight loss surgery was the right choice for her and she knows that it was not an “easy way out”  Read her story and check out her photos below:

“Hello. I have taken the step of having weight loss surgery and I am documenting my journey through a blog. I am a 41 year old single mom to a 21 year old daughter and I’ve struggled with my weight for as many years as I can remember. Prior to surgery I struggled with hypertension, pre-diabetes, moderate sleep apnea, high cholesterol and PCOS, most which has been eliminated or reduced since surgery. The blog is losingmyselfin2014.wordpress.com/. So far I have lost nearly 60 pounds.”

Danielle weight loss surgery

What was your motivation?
One of my biggest motivations to lose weight was to be rid of my sleep apnea. I had other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, PCOS and arthritis but it was the moderate sleep apnea that became the kick in the pants for me. I hated having to put on that darn mask every night because it became my lifeline. I was tired, lethargic and moody for years and didn’t quite know why. Yes, I was a busy single mom but there was more going on so my doctor prescribed a sleep study and determined I would stop breathing over 100 times per night. This made it impossible to have solid sleep or the energy to exercise. And along with the sleep deprivation came the bad food choices. It was a vicious cycle that I needed to get controlled. Having tried for years to get the weight off myself I considered having weight loss surgery five years ago but chickened out but revisited it last year following the sleep apnea diagnosis at 40 years old. I wanted to be around for a long time for my daughter and not have more conditions and diseases added to my body. Learning more about new procedures for weight loss I decided to have the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

How did you change your eating habits?
Following the vertical sleeve weight loss surgery I had to begin focusing mainly on protein-based foods. My new pouch only allows 4 oz. of food per sitting so I had to shift not only what I ate but how much and how often as I now have to eat 4-6 times a day. My nutritional goals include getting at least 60-80 grams of protein, although I find more success in the 80-100 grams range. I also aim for no more than 50 grams of carbs daily and 64-100 oz of water a day. I look for creative ways to get protein in whether it means choosing a Greek yogurt cream cheese or a protein bar that has at least 18-20 grams per serving. I have also developed a love for seafood. I’ve never been one for chicken but find that I eat it more since it is a great protein option.

Danielle weight lossWhat do your workout routines look like? 
“I’m enjoying a variety of things around fitness. I have fallen in love with at home workouts such as Dance Central 2 & 3 on Xbox, which have fitness modes to help time your workouts and calorie count. To work on improving my muscle tone I have joined a gym. I also invested in a Fitbit, which tracks my steps and calories burned and syncs with other online tools such as Myfitnesspal, SparkPeople and LoseIt to track my food and water intake and workouts. I also have Zumba and Leslie Sansone walking videos as well as my home free weights and stability ball.  Also, I recently completed my first 5K walk in three years and have set a goal to complete one 5K every month this summer.”

What was your starting weight and what is your current weight? 
“My highest weight ever was 253 pounds. When I started my pre-op diet for my weight loss surgery I was 242.6. My current weight is 177.2.”

How long did the transformation take? 
“My transformation is still ongoing as my goal weight set my surgeon is 137 lbs (I’m not quite 5’ 4”). I had my surgery in early November so it has been just over six months that I have been able to lose 65.4 pounds.”

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight? 
“I would advise people to explore their options and make themselves a priority. I didn’t have weight loss surgery for many years believing like some people that it was a cope-out and that it was an easy way out. My own ignorance on the subject prevented me from having a healthier life for many years. Weight loss surgery is a major commitment and by no means an easy way out. It takes a great deal of discipline and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but is a valuable tool people should at least check out if to see if it is in fact for them.  I would also tell people to make themselves a priority. We all get busy with life and think that we can worry about our health later but today is later. Even if it means finding ten minutes a day to exercise it is a start.”

Carolyn lost 108 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Carolyn lost 108 pounds.  After the loss of her young son, she felt sad, depressed and overweight.  Motivation found her in the form of her daughter’s words of love.  Now, she is helping others to get healthy and fit.  Here is what she shared with us:

Carolyn before and after photos
August 2012 at 230 pounds – April 2014 at 165 pounds

“In August 2012, I was sad, depressed, and obese.  A year earlier, my one year old son passed away and I was just existing.  My wonderful daughter constantly told me how beautiful I was, but I didn’t believe it.  What started my weight loss journey was when she said to me, “Mommy, I want to be just like you.”.  I reflected on my weight struggles and vowed that I would do anything in my power to make sure she didn’t end up like me in this regard. To help her, I had to first help myself.  At my highest weight, I was 273 pounds.  I started by joining the YMCA and walking to the YMCA every day, which required me to walk 2 miles up a hill!  I put on my sauna suit and walked in the snow, sleet, and rain.  Soon, I started running to the gym.  At the gym, I worked out for two hours a day, alternating between cycling classes, yoga, and Zumba. During my first yoga class I just stared at the instructor! Downward facing what??? Within 3 months, I was able to complete a 45 minute class.

To stay motivated, I watched A&E Heavy and other shows that highlighted people who lost weight through diet, exercise, and pure grit! I wore all black and told myself that each workout was a funeral for the fat!  Every step of the way, my daughter also inspired me to keep going, even when I didn’t think I could. I released a total of 108 pounds through portion control, eating clean, and regular exercise. I became a Zumba fitness instructor and a certified nutritionist. I am now working on becoming a yoga instructor!  Sisters, this body of ours is a trust from the Most High. Honor it and take care of it. It is the only way your spirit can fulfill its purpose!  Peace and Love.”

Fonda lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Fonda lost 62 pounds.  Her daughter Jasmine sent in her weight loss journey to celebrate her mom’s victory.  I think it is awesome when family members send in the stories of their loved ones.

Jasmine before and after story

“Hello BWLW, my name is Jasmine and I’m a proud daughter of this wonderful woman pictured above, Fonda Sparkman. My mother started her journey in March 2013 & has lost a total of 62 pounds as of Jan 2014. I’ve watched this woman struggle up her apartment stairs and when getting out of cars to now  seeing her working out 7 days a week doing intense cardio and strength training. In the beginning she had considered weight loss surgery since she’s a diabetic and had some heart problems.  However, during the course of the prep stages for a possible surgery, she had lost so much weight on her own that the doctor didn’t even recommend her as a candidate. With a combination of Weight Watchers and exercise I’ve seen my mother transform. Some of her diabetic medicine has been reduced and her doctor has even referred her to a cardiologist with hopes of reducing her heart medication. She is a true inspiration for me to get my own health intact. I just wanted to share her story as a testament to the fact that with portion control, exercise and dedication, one’s health can truly be transformed!”

Fonda weight loss story

 

LaNita lost 67 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story: LaNita lost 67 pounds by working out regularly, seeking the advice of a personal trainer and changing her eating habits.  Now, she leads weight loss challenges at work and gives advice to others.  Here is her weight loss story:

The picture on the left is from Oct 2012. The picture on the right is from Jan, 1 2014.

LaNita weight loss success story

I can remember the day I decided to change. It was June 30th 2012. My little brother was having a show on a hot and humid South Carolina summer. I was dancing, drinking, and having a ball with my friends. I walked passed a full mirror and I did not recognize myself. I was unhappy with the way I looked. I knew I was beautiful, intelligent, street savvy, a good mother, an excellent girlfriend, had a great career; but these things were not enough for me. “Why can’t I stay with a diet?” “Why can’t I stick with exercising?” I don’t want to die over something I had ultimate control over.

That night as we sat in a bar and I ate on hot wings and drank a beer, I looked to my friends and told them that this was the last day I was going to live like this. “I need motivation!” All they kept saying was you just got to push yourself and stay with it. Honestly I wanted to say, but you guys don’t! I didn’t, thank god, because maybe they are happy where they are. At that moment I realized that this was not going to be a team effort. If I wanted change, I had to do this on my own. I could not expect anyone to make this change with me. When I got home, I lay in bed with my beautiful daughter and started to think back on my pregnancy. I had gestational diabetes and ended up with pre-clampsia. I ate the healthiest while pregnant then any other time in my life. That’s when it hit me. Life was my motivation, living life and inspiring a balanced life. I thank my baby girl for reminding me of that.

The next day I got on the scale at 270 pounds. I wanted to cry and fallout, but I took it as the start and that next time, it will be less. I started working out on my own around the house and outside. I started jogging and did work out videos two to three times a week. I notice about 2 months in that I was starting to get bored. The following month, I barely exercised at all. I told myself that I was going to go to the gym and get a trainer. That’s exactly what I did. I started working out at Gold’s 4 days a week and meeting my trainer once every two weeks. He taught me how to eat. Eating is always the hard part, but I felt full all day as long as I followed the plan. I eat a low carb diet with lean meats of roughly 1250 calories. I have three full meals and two snacks. My exercises include two days of strength training, two days of RPM, and in between I do fun activities with my baby girl to keep her healthy. She loves jump roping and racing! December 14 2013, was the last day with my trainer. I slowly stepped on the scale and it read 203 lbs! I was very happy. It took a year and a half to get there. It was not easy at all but losing 67 lbs felt awesome. My work is not done. I want to lose another 30. I feel great and my baby girl lets mommy know all the time that she is proud of me. I do a lot of research on foods and health now. I even give people advice and do weight loss challenges with co-workers and friends all the time. Last year, my job lost 77 lbs all together due to a challenge I started. My greatest challenge is that with this lifestyle change, I could no longer be the party girl. It took people a long time to adjust; some people even stopped hanging out with me. In the end, all I got is this one body and this one life. The party aspect can change. The best advice someone gave me when for weight loss was, “take your time and have fun with it.” That was the best advice and I give people this advice all the time.”

Jacinta lost 65 pounds

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Let’s show some love to another Sista who wants to inspire others by sharing her success!  Jacinta lost 65 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

What was your motivation?  “Waking up to my daughter telling me I was fat.”

How did you change your eating habits?  “I completely cut out soda pop and slowly increased my water intake until I was able to drink a of water gallon each day. I also cut out all fried foods and limited my restaurant nights to once a week. I have always been a big veggie eater, but after learning the benefits of raw veggies I began to eat more salads rather than just cooking them.”

What did your workout routines look like?  “Although I was a athlete in high school, after having  kids I became a couch potato and had to retrain myself. I started by buying an walking dvd and walking in my living room because I was to embarrassed of my body to go out.  As the weight dropped, I began to lift weights and slowly began to add on doing internet challenges.”

What was your starting weight? “My starting weight was 230 pounds.”

What is your current weight?  “My current weight is 165 pounds.”

How long did your transformation take? “11 months”

Jacinta weight loss success

Chanel lost 132 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Chanel who lost 132 pounds with gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I had the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery procedure, in which they removed 80% of my stomach.  It’s a little different from the the gastric bypass surgery. Once the surgery was complete, that’s when the challenge came Lol!!  Now I eat smaller portions but instead of three meals it’s now five small meals.  I exercise 2 hours a week and I break it down to 30 minutes a day.  I still have a long ways to go, but I’m defiantly on my way.  My Goal is to be healthy for myself and my daughter.  My advice: just embrace who you are. Everybody not meant to be a size 1 or 2.  I’m just trying to be part of team healthy.”

chanel before and after weight loss