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Eddra lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Eddra lost 50 pounds. She says that she started a lifestyle change and not a diet to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared about how she did it:

Eddra weight loss

“My name is Eddra Davis. I am 29 years old and married with three boys, ages 8, 7, and 2 years old. My family is what motivated me to lose weight. I am only getting older, not younger and if I continued to go down the path I was going, I may not have been healthy enough to do the things I want to do with my children. Also, the fact that diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family motivated me to get healthy too. I want to give myself a fighting chance not to go through health issues like that and to teach my children how avoid them also. Who doesn’t want to look good and feel good,not only for yourself but for your spouse.

I looked at my eating habits and started a lifestyle change not a diet. I simply made better choices. I would choose yogurt instead of ice cream, eat turkey, fish, or chicken instead of beef. I had water with lemon instead of soda or juice. It is the little things that we choose to eat that makes a difference. If we would stop and think before we eat that cake and ask “What can I choose that I like that would be a healthier choice with less fat, calories, and sugar that was still satisfy my craving?”.  I exercised at the gym and did workout dvds at home, like Black Girls Workout Too.

My starting weight was 245 pounds current weight is 195 pounds. No matter how long it takes keep going and never give up. It dosen’t matter if it takes you longer as long as you get there everyone journey is different. Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to be active. Start out slow if you have to, as long as you start you will be surprised how much that little time will change you body, along with your water intake and changes in eating habits. Get people around you that motivate you even if you don’t know them. Make friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter because you will have your hard times. If you fall off its ok forgive yourself and start again. Follow me on instagram: revivingthebeautygame“

Nora lost 61 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nora lost 61 pounds.  She didn’t want to fall prey to the obesity-related illnesses she saw family members dealing with.  She was motivated by God and her desire to live a healthy and happy life.  Here is what she shared with us:

Nora before and after

“My name is Nora Scott. I started working out in 2012. I exercised two day a week at first then I went to 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day.  I mostly worked out on the treadmill, did squats and jumping jacks. I changed my eating habits too. I started replacing my bad snacks, like chips and candy, with fruits and veggies!!! I cut out fast food as well, then soda. Eventually, I threw away everything in my home that was unhealthy! I never used diet pills or special drinks. I just workout and eat clean. I allow myself one day for cheats, on special occasion or a weekend. It’s taken me about a year 1 1/2 to lose 61 pounds. I started off at 307 pounds and now I weigh 246 pounds! What motivates me the most is God and my desire to live. I have over 10 members of my family that suffer from obesity-related illnesses and I didn’t wanna be next! No diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure for me. My desire to have a happy, healthy life motives me. My advice to people would be to stay committed and consistent. This is your journey, nobody else’s. Don’t feel pressured to compete. Everybody on earth is different. Stay focused and don’t forget why you started.”

Quintina lost 70 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Quintina lost 70 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She really bared her soul in what she shared with us. After years of neglecting her body and medicating her life with food, she was diagnosed with a number of health issues.  She was moved by the serious health issues of her loved ones to change her lifestyle. Let’s show her some BWLW Love!

Quintina weight loss

My name is Quintina. I would like to share my weight loss journey story in the hope that I can help others. In my adolescence, I always struggled with my weight. I often used food to cope with my emotions, disappointments, and tragedies that have occurred in my life.

After years of neglecting and mistreating my body, I developed some serious health issues. At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and morbid obesity. All of the illnesses were hereditary, but could have been avoided if only I would have taken better care of myself. At the time of my diagnosis I was in denial. I continued to live an unhealthy lifestyle, eat whatever I wanted and use food to cope with my emotional issues. I was completely numb and I really didn’t care about myself anymore.

I continued on a downward spiral over the years and reached my highest weight of 273 pounds. I was in an unhealthy relationship, depressed and my food addiction was at its worst. I really didn’t see the point of living any longer.
In year 2012, I had a major wakeup call that changed my life forever.

In March of 2012, my mother became ill. My mother also struggled with her weight and several other health problems. In April, my mother had open heart surgery due to 2 blocked arteries. It was painful to see my mother go through this ordeal and it made me think about my own health. My mother’s recovery was rough, but thank God she made it through. While my mother was recovering in the hospital she would often look directly at me and say: “You need to take care of yourself baby. You don’t want to end up like me. Please do something about your health.” She was right. It was the painful truth.

After my mother’s surgery I started to make small changes in my life to improve my health. I started power walking 4 times a week during my lunch and I also changed my diet. However, I still continued to struggle with my weight and emotions.
In September of 2012, my final wake up call occurred. My father became gravely ill. My father was in the process of getting a liver and kidney transplant. He had developed lung disease and kidney failure from years of abusing alcohol. Before my father was able to have the surgery his condition got even worst. He was admitted to the hospital because of complications of his illness and he died days later.

My father tried to improve his life, but it was too late. This shook me to my core. The pain of losing a parent and watching another parent go through open heart surgery was enough for me to take a look at my own mortality. It was time for a change! In August, I was going to turn “30” and I was ready to embrace change. I was tired of being “sick and tired”.
In April of 2013, I started the process of preparing myself for weight loss surgery. I had considered having weight loss surgery for over a year, but I wasn’t really sure if that was the best decision for me. After losing my father and nearly losing my mother I had finally made up my mind that I wanted to have Gastric Bypass Surgery. I researched the surgery and studies showed that having Gastric Bypass can significantly improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. I believe that having this surgery was the best decision for me, in order to have success at weight loss and to improve my overall health.

On July 15, 2013 I had the gastric bypass procedure. The recovery was long and hard, but it was the best decision I ever made. I am over 6 months post-op. Along with the loving support of my boyfriend, friends and family, I was able to lose over 70 lbs. My diabetes is in remission and my cholesterol & blood pressure are under control. Not to mention, I am off all of my medications! I only take vitamins to supplement my diet. God is great! I am so blessed!

During your weight loss journey, it’s important to have a good support system. Weight loss surgery is only a tool for weight loss. There are Pros and Cons to weight loss surgery. This is a complete lifestyle change. This is not the easy way out! You have to be mindful about what you intake in your body, exercise constantly, and listen to your doctor’s in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Everyone will not be happy with your success.

I hope that my journey will inspire others to take better care of themselves. Do what’s best for you. What works for you, may not work for everyone. Listen to your body, before it’s too late. “Be good to your body and it will be good to you.”

Take care,
Quintina
Instagram: @curlyq_rny83

5 Weight Loss Tips for Diabetics

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diabetesIf you are diabetic, or have been told that you are pre-diabetic then you need to make some changes to your lifestyle to lose weight and keep it off. The most powerful tools a diabetic has to keeping their health is to manage their weight and eating healthy. The first few months are awkward as you will have to pay more attention to what you eat than usual, but once you get into the swing of things, it is easy to do. Here are 5 weight loss tips for diabetics that can work, and will help everyone else too.

Tip #1 – Know the Glycemic Index of your food

If they gave every person a class called “Diabetes 101” the first lesson in it would be what the glycemic index of food really is. Just about everyone who has heard of diabetes knows that they should avoid foods with added sugars, but a lot of foods transform into sugars when the body metabolizes them. The glycemic index lets you know which foods you wouldn’t think would cause a problem you should avoid. While you want to eat carbohydrates and starches, some foods (like potatoes) will have more than others that will create too much glucose in your body, while some starches (like apples) will have much less. One thing you should know about the glycemic index is that the lists rarely include foods with a zero rating. This is why you won’t find the protein foods like chicken and tofu listed. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them, just that they are not on the list.

Tip #2 – Don’t skip breakfast

Don’t listen to whatever diet guru of the day is saying, every nutritionist and medical doctor will tell you that your mother was right and breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The reason for this is your body has managed to run through its food stores during the night and by not eating first thing, you aren’t providing it with energy to begin the day. The logic does not follow that not eating breakfast will help you lose weight; in fact the reverse will happen. Your body will change into starvation mode because it will have been too long without a fresh supply of food and it will hoard nutrients as fat instead. By eating breakfast you are reassuring your metabolic system that everything is alright, as you change the rest of your diet, this will then allow it to process food better and it will result in weight loss.

Tip #3 – Cook your food so you know what’s in it

The only way to know what is in your food is to cook it yourself. Sadly, the FDA does not require all ingredients to be listed on prepared food products that would be important for a diabetic to know about. Even worse, you really have no idea what is cooked into the “home cooked” restaurant meal you love. Many restaurants add different starches and just plain sugar to all of their dishes to enhance their flavor. This doesn’t mean that dining out is off the menu, but that is should be something you do as a special treat. You will lose more weight when you cook your food yourself because you will be in control.

Tip #4 – Eat healthy carbs in moderation

Carbohydrates are not the enemy; in fact they are a very important source of energy for your body. They are also the key element to producing the specific type of glucose that your brain needs to function clearly. Not all carbohydrates are created equal thought. You want to choose carbohydrates that score low on the glycemic index and eat them in moderation. They should be a part of your daily diet, but never a daily meal.

Tip # 5 – Don’t fall for fad diet products

Lastly, don’t even read or buy or try whatever is the latest fad diet that promises to fix everything for you in just 3 weeks. Many of these diet products are jam packed with added sugars and other ingredients that could send your blood sugar levels out of control. If you want to try a small experiment – go to your store and read the nutrition label on the meal replacement shake mixes, many of them have over 68 grams of sugar per serving, which is the equivalent to about 5 candy bars. Don’t believe the latest fad diet just because it features raw fruits and vegetables, often these are well intentioned but as a diabetic you still have to factor in fruit sugars in terms of your sugar intake. The juicing craze, for example, may not be the best thing for a diabetic. When you juice fruits you remove the fiber from the fruit skin which help slow the affect of the sugars in your body. Smoothies would be a better choice, but you still have to now what you’re doing in terms of sugar intake.

Tameka lost 105 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tameka lost 105 pounds.  She was inspired by the memory of her mom and her brother who both passed after dealing with the affects of diabetes.  Here is what she share with us about how she was able to lose the pounds and get healthy:

Tameka weight loss storyHello! I want to thank you for bringing us together on one accord. I began my lifestyle change after losing my brother to kidney failure (after years of dialysis). A year ago today, I said goodbye to him on this side of Heaven. I also said goodbye to the stronghold of unhealthy living. He asked me to “be happy”, and I’m overjoyed after losing 105 pounds. I’ve done so by healthy eating, alone. I am on this journey, for as long as my forever shall be!  By faith, with determination!!

What was your motivation?
My motivation is to be healthy, happy and fit! My mother passed away at 49 years old (10 years ago), and my brother at 38 years old(7/2012). My mother and brother were on dialysis, and many of my family members have diabetes. I am just trying to live healthier. I promised my brother and myself that I will be healthier and happier.

How did you change your eating habits?
I had to cut it all out, in the beginning, no moderation. I knew this was the only way that I could get control over my eating. I cut out all fried foods, unhealthy snack foods (gummy candy, chips, cookies, ice cream), sodas and sugary drinks. I ate smaller portions and had  3 meals, 2 snacks (healthy) daily. I eat plenty vegetables and fruit, lean meats and whole grains.

What did your workout routines look like?
Okay, this is where I struggle. I didn’t workout in the beginning. My weight loss was through healthier eating. I began working out on my Wii Fit Plus, after about 6 months. I’m still trying to focus on fitness more. I wish that I would’ve done so, from the start.

What was your starting weight? 
My heaviest was 330 pounds in January 2012.
What is your current weight?
I am 225 pounds. It fluctuates between, 222-225 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
It took about 1 1/2 years.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
I advise you to choose JOY! It is essential that you recognize that this is a lifestyle change. You should set small goals, and educate yourself on what works for you. No two journeys will ever be the same. Please don’t measure your success by that of others. Eat clean and exercise. Just keep moving, and find what exercise is best to help you succeed. Keep this thought, JUST FOR TODAY! My best to you all! 

Tameka before and after

 

What is Insulin Resistance and How Does it Affect Metabolism?

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insulin resistanceInsulin resistance happens when your body stops being able to properly use the insulin hormone that is manufactured by the body. It is a condition that can affect many systems of your body, as insulin is used for more than just managing glucose levels (key to blood sugar). Insulin plays a role in how well your metabolism works to process carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients like protein. When you develop insulin resistance, your body’s ability to manage energy and to properly process nutrients is seriously impaired.

Causes

While there are known genetic factors that influence a person’s chance of developing insulin resistance, it is also associated with certain medical conditions that may or may not share the genetic profile of someone inclined to insulin resistance. The genetic profile implies that if you are Latino, African-American, Native American or Asian American you have an increased risk for developing the condition. If you are obese you also significantly raise your risk no matter what your genetic profile. Excess weight that is held around the waist area is associated with being at risk. Some of the diseases commonly present prior to the development of insulin resistance include fatty liver, arteriosclerosis, skin tags and women with abnormalities in the reproductive organs are prone to insulin resistance as well. Those with acanthuses nigricans are also considered to be at a higher risk and may not be aware they have the condition. “Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder that results in velvety, light-brown-to-black markings that occur in areas including the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.” (source)  That is why some overweight people experience a very dark coating in those areas that will sometimes be so thick it can be rubbed off.

Another cause identified for the condition has to do with conditions that may or may not be diseases or disorders but have in common that they place the body’s metabolism under unusual stress – these conditions can include:

  • being pregnant
  • taking steroids
  • having a severe infection or unrelated illness
  • high levels of stress
  • high cholesterol
  • use of steroids (prescribed or illegal)
  • sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms

There are several symptoms that indicate the presence of insulin resistance; some can only be detected with a fasting blood glucose test performed by your doctor. This test will show whether or not your body is using glucose appropriately and responding to the body’s natural hormone level well. Symptoms that you may notice yourself are increased fatigue after eating, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, kidney problems and increased weight gain around the mid-section of the body. Another sign that you may have developed insulin resistance is if you have heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. Both of these conditions are considered to be symptomatic of insulin resistance rather than accompanying disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for insulin resistance usually consists of a threefold approach of diet, exercise and medication. Medication may be necessary to promote better insulin use within the body while you are creating lifestyle changes that can manage or even reverse the condition. One of the single most important causes of insulin resistance has been identified as obesity coupled with a sedentary lifestyle. Losing weight is not enough to reverse the condition; you have to increase your exercise level to create an impact on the metabolism of your body that is a part of the insulin management process. One caution is to make sure that you have your doctor and a nutritionist be a part of designing any weight loss and exercise program you may choose to start as having insulin resistance can become complicated by further placing the body under stress. With the proper steps in creating change in your lifestyle, you can reduce the impact of insulin resistance on your life if not eliminate it altogether.

Risk Factors

Left untreated, insulin resistance can be a leading contributor to kidney disease, heart disease and high blood pressure. Studies have begun to suggest that the ability of the body to process insulin and manage glucose levels in the blood stream may have an impact on the rate of development of cognitive problems related to aging. Insulin resistance can lead to an increased risk for morbid obesity and all the risks associated with that condition as well.

How it contributes to weight gain and weight loss

Insulin resistance can both cause weight gain and prevent weight loss because it impairs the body’s ability to use glucose as fuel. Without the ability to use the insulin hormone to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins, there is little the body can do with the nutrients it has but to convert them into fat. Unfortunately, this is a very specific type of fat that is stored around the mid-section and has been linked to raised risks of certain types of cancers. While insulin resistance can make weight loss difficult to maintain, the body can self correct the condition given proper diet and exercise. It is a matter of being willing to commit to the protocol of lifestyle changes and medications (if necessary) to allow your body a chance to bring itself back into balance to avoid the risks associated with this condition.

metabolic syndrome

Jessie lost 69 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Instagram Diva Jessie lost 69 pounds.  She posts her progress, workouts and photos of what she is eating on Instagram.  I love that because it can help keep you accountable and inspire others to do what you do.  Here is what she had to say about her weight loss transformation:

Jessie weight loss before and after

“I am a mother of three beautiful children, student and a newfound gym lover. I’d gotten to the point where I felt I could not lose weight because I had children. I ate whatever I wanted and didn’t work out at all after I had my kids. However, the reason I didn’t lose weight was because I found excuse after excuse not to do so. In May 2013, I was tired of being unhappy with myself so I began working out and eating clean. Since then, I’ve lost 69 pounds by just working out and eating clean.

I work out 5-6 times a week doing weightlifting and cardio. I never knew how much this would change my life. This has become a passion for me to help others find happiness through self love and taking care of their health. Obesity runs in my family, as well as diabetes. Now that I understand how important eating right and exercising is I have began to help my family and others by informing them of things to help them on a journey to better health. I started my journey at 244 pounds and I am currently 175 pounds! I’m not done yet!

This is not a quick fix it has become a lifestyle for me. To me its about so much more thank being skinny. It’s about being physically strong? Mental strong, lean and in overall good health. If I can do it with 3 kids, you can too! Just believe in yourself and keep in your mind that “Failure is not an option!”
Feel free to follow my journey on Instagram @creolebabii_fitness where I show you videos of some of my workouts, my meal preps, and pictures of my journey from start. Let’s motivate and support each other! We’ve got this!”

Jessie weight loss photos

 

Candince lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Candince lost 75 pounds.  She was at risk of being obese and suffering health problems related to weight so she made the decision to invest in her health.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I just wanted to share my story. My journey started back in 2012. After being told by my physician that I was obese, as well as in danger of diabetes and high blood pressure, I knew I needed to stop wishing for a healthier me and start working for it. It was a wakeup call at 238 pounds (size 18). I couldn’t fit anything in my closet and was in the worst shape.

I lost 75 pounds in less than a year by exercising 6 times a week.  I also hired a personal training for strength training 2 times a week. I used working out as a way to combat stress and made it a priority. Not even work prevented me from exercising because jobs come and go but I only have ONE ME!! I threw out all processed foods and learned to eat clean! Once I quit making excuses for myself the change happened. Best decision I could have ever made. At 163 pounds my body thanks me everyday!

My advice would be to throw away the scale, surround yourself with positive people who help keep you encouraged and understand that losing even one pound is a HUGE milestone!!”

Candince weight loss photos

Jasmine lost 84 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jasmine lost 84 pounds.  She decided in her twenties that she did not want to develop the chronic health issues she was witnessing in her family.  Here is more information about her weight loss journey:

Jasmine before and after

“Hi, Although my journey is still in progress, in 1 year I have lost 84 pounds. My motivation was seeing all the women in my family and how they struggle with their weight and medical issues. I am only 23 but I saw myself headed down that same path. I was determined not to allow myself get a serious health problem, like type 2 diabetes which I was borderline for, so I began to loose weight. Also, my father passed away at the beginning of 2013 and going to the gym became a stress reliever for me.

It was hard to change my eating habits in the beginning but slowly I began to eat smaller portions and added more veggies into my diet. I did not fully cut out all of the bad things for me but I limited myself to once a week of having them in small doses. In the gym, I did 30-40 minutes of cardio (running on the treadmill or elliptical). I would then follow up with strength training on alternating days between upper and lower body. I worked out everyday, twice a day. I started out at 315 pounds and now I am down to 231 pounds. My goal weight is 190 considering that I am 5’10 and that is healthy weight for that height. My advice to anyone trying to loose weight is that it 90% mental and 10% physical. If you are determined and have the right mindset, you can do it. It may appear hard and it will take a while to see results but if you really want to shed the weight, stick to it.”

Latika lost 85 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Latika lost 85 pounds going from 315 pounds to 230 pounds.  She was motivated by a family history of diabetes to change her lifestyle.  Here is her story:

“In the photo on the left I was 315 pounds.  This is the biggest I had ever been after giving birth to my son in 2010. I decided it was time for a change and that I wanted to be under 250 pounds by my birthday 12/20. Now I weigh 230 pounds!!! 85 pounds lost. A part of my motivation was my family and having a history of diabetes which runs in my family. I consume protein shakes and vitamin supplements which are healthy for you. I also eat lots of fish and chicken which are good for protein and drink lots of water throughout the day. Also, I eat a lot of raw veggies and fresh fruit. Most of all, I work out several days a week doing 15 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training and then another 15 min of cardio which helps to burn fat. For all of you who are on your weight loss journey, don’t give up, keep striving at it. I promise you that the results will be well worth it in the end. Everyone’s body is different and you have to find a healthy plan that’s works for you.”

Latika weight loss