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Trinette lost 43 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Trinette lost 43 pounds. Her wake up call came when she was told that she was borderline for diabetes.  This mom of 3 began walking, doing Zumba and changing her eating habits. Her hard work shows. Here is what she shared with us about her journey.

trinette before and after

My name is Trinette Simpson. I’m 42 years old and I have 3 children ages 16, 8 and 4. I’ve been battling my weight all my life. The wake up call for me came in May this year when I was told I’m a borderline diabetic. I watched my dad and other relatives suffer with diabetes. I told myself, “Oh, not me.” I have enough going on already.

trinetteI began working out by doing Zumba 4 days a week (one hour each class) and walking. I started eating right, cutting out soda and junk food (I may still eat a lil sometimes..lol). I drank lots of water and started eating more baked food, more fruit and more vegetables.

I’ve gone from 232 pounds to 189 pounds. 43 pounds so far. I just wanna say that when you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

My advice: You have to stay dedicated and stick with your plan. If you slip up, don’t stop. Just continue on. I promise the results are real and you will love them. My family sees my before and after photos and they say, “I didn’t know you were that big.” I tell them, “Yes and I did something about it.” Thanks for your FB page. I love it! #inspiration

Sandra lost 44 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sandra lost 44 pounds and went from a size 26 to a size 18.  As a type 2 diabetic, she’d learned how to eat right and live a healthier lifestyle over the years, but never put the knowledge into practice.  When she did, by changing her eating habits and walking regularly, she got results.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

sandra before and after

I have type 2 diabetes so I have always gone to lots of classes on what and how to eat. But mentally, I was never ready to listen. I started my journey on May 22, 2014. I had finally made up my mind that I really wanted to lose some weight.

I would drink about gallon or more of water and eat 4 or 5 small meals each day. I also cut out most processed foods and heavy carbs. However, the main factor in my whole weight loss struggle was the fact that I cut out ALL drinks other than milk and water. That meant no soda, sweet tea, fruit juices or even diet drinks. That choice has worked well for me so far. I also replaced my love for vinegar and salt potato chips with grapes.

Even though now I haven’t been motivated to walk more than about 1 to 1 ½ miles, 2 or 3 times per week, I was told by my physician that the best way to keep my weight from coming back is to keep a slow and steady pace. Why? It helps with getting my heart rate up.

It has been a little over 14 months of work, but keeping it slow and steady has taken and kept off 44 pounds. I’ve watched the inches melt away and my clothing size has gone from a size 26 to a size 18. (height: 5’5″)

Within the next month or so I will start in a water aerobics class, then move on to more toning exercises. I have the rest of my life to reach my goal so every day will put me one step closer. My main goal is to continue being HEALTHY.

Quovella lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Quovella lost 71 pounds.  Motivated by loss of her dear sister and learning that she was borderline diabetic, she decided that it was time for a change.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight release journey…

quovella before and after

What was your motivation?
Several situations motivated me:
1. The death of my sister was so devastating I needed to do something positive with my time to release my mind from the pain and depression that I was feeling and going through due to her passing away. My sister and I discussed me losing weight while she was alive, so I’d waited long enough. I decided it was time to do it. No more procrastinating.
2. I went to the doctor and he told me that I was on the borderline diabetic and to get on the scale. It read 300 lbs. I said it is time for me to do something about this state I’m in.
3. I also witnessed several of my friends pass away from heart attacks and strokes, and to be honest I feared that it would be me if I didn’t lose the weight soon.

I inspired me by believing I can do all things with the help and strength of God. I was determine to LIVE!!
I also was inspired to do it naturally and discipline myself to say no to food or eating it in moderation.

How did you change your eating habits?

My eating habits were changed to smaller portions and I prepared my meals everyday. I made healthier meals, making sure to get lots of veggies and protein. My intake of water increased as well. So that I won’t be hungry, I prepared 4 small healthy meals daily and ate every 4 hours. I also carried healthy snacks along with me such, as almonds and fruit.

  • Stopped eating after 6pm. If I was hungry, I ate fruit or yogurt.
  • Stopped eating FAST FOOD. If I did go out to eat, I paid close attention to the low calories meals and that’s what I ordered.
  • Stopped eating fried food, sweets and starches such as potatoes.  I also stopped eating white bread and rice (major NO’S).
  • I started eating more salads and veggies everyday.

What did your workout routine look like?

My workout routine consisted of starting off in the beginning of everyday with cardio for at least 30 minutes. I gradually moved to 45 minutes and then 1 hour, doing 2miles daily.

What was your starting weight?  What is your current weight?

My starting weight was 300lbs. My current weight is 229 lbs. My height is 5’2″.

How long did it your transformation take?

My transformation took 1 year and a half.

What advice do I have for others that want to lose weight?

My advice: Don’t put it off let any longer. Your tomorrow starts today. Stay focused, ignore negativity and stay consistent with a made up mind. Be determined and don’t give up, even when you don’t see immediate results. It’s a process. If you fall off a day or two, don’t get discouraged. Just get back on track. DO IT FOR YOU AND BELIEVE YOU CAN. KEEP PUSHING EVEN AFTER YOU REACH YOUR GOAL.

Zoleka lost 125 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Zoleka lost 125 pounds. This 6 foot tall beauty decided at 35 years old and 350 pounds that she wanted to get to greater health and deal with her chronic health issues before reaching 40 years old.  Here is what she she shared about her weight loss journey:

zoleka weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My Motivation was to be 40 and fabulous, and at 35 I was extremely overweight, borderline diabetic, and had high blood pressure. I refuse to go into my 40’s on meds with breathing problems so I adopted a healthy lifestyle.

How did you change your eating habits?
Per my doctor’s instructions I eliminated bread, sugar, and sodas. I am currently doing 3 to 4 days a week meatless along with juicing, which replaces either one or two meals a day.  For my non-meatless days, I eat either fish or chicken.  My salads consists of spinach or a spinach and arugula mix with array of vegetables (no iceberg or romaine). For dessert I have granola,  fresh fruit and almonds with Greek yogurt. My Beverages? WATER!!!

What did your workout routines look like?
Just cardio at first then gradually moving to working out 5 days a week. Now, my workouts consist of 5 days of a mix of cardio/weight training/squats.

What was your starting weight? 350 pounds. My height is 6 feet.

What is your current weight? 225 pounds

How long did your transformation take? 3 years

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Adopt a healthy lifestyle! You will be able to be more consistent with it and your changes will last a lifetime!  I am a business owner and community activist. I am currently on a 60 day challenge in a group I started with business women to spread the word on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to lose another 20 lbs.

Instagram: @brownsugaenterprisesllc

Zoleka weight loss success story

Essence lost 46 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story:  Essence lost 46 pounds.  Her story shows that you don’t have to chase quick weight loss. She gives the full details of her 2 year journey to weight loss and greater health and tells us what she did to make the difference.  Here is her story:

Essence weight loss

I would love to share my story and the struggle of just flat out being HUMAN.  The set backs, the come backs, the sweat, the tears, and over the struggle of getting to where I am today. I always like to tell people to ENJOY the struggle. And the reason why I say that is because it took me to find something that I love to do in order for me to PUSH to lose the weightI am 5’3, and at one point of my life I was 23 years old, weighed 184 pounds and was wearing a size 13. I was laid off from my job in 2007 and had just recently moved to Texas. It took me a year to find a job while living at home with my parents. There was nothing to do but lay around, apply for jobs, and eat. I was depressed.

2 years ago my doctor expressed to me that I was border line Diabetic and I had High Blood Pressure in which I would have to take blood pressure pills to get it under control. I use to be one of those women who was big but “carried my weight well” as a lot of people would say. I felt like that was a nice way of saying “you’re big, but not THAT big.”  I would go to the gym 3 times a week, doing 45 minutes on the elliptical, but still eating whatever I wanted to. I knew this was not going to get me where I needed to be and I tried to be content with myself but at the end of the day I was very unhappy with my weight.July 1st 2012 was the day that turned not only my health around but my life around! This is the day I started a 7 day all fruits and Vegetables cleanse.

Breakfast- frozen fruit smoothies, with my favorite fruit and apple juice
Snack- cup of cantaloupe
Lunch- garden salads with light vinaigrette dressing or sometimes no dressing at all
Snack- bananas, strawberries, grapes
Dinner- Vege stir fry ( Spinach, Onions, Broccoli, bell peppers with low sodium teriyaki sauce and garden salads if I didn’t feel like eating stir fry for dinner).

After this cleanse, I lost 6 lbs in a week. (mostly water weight of course) but it was a START and just what I needed!  I’m not perfect,  I can honestly say that I was one of those people who bought chips, cookies, and all other snacks you can think of,  I’m not afraid to admit I told myself I would eat all of it before I started this cleanse. Again, I’m human and who wants to waste food…smh @ me I know….I went from 3 days of 45 minutes on the elliptical to 6 days a week of doing 1 1/2 hrs of a combination of Turbo Kickboxing, Body Combat,  Nike Boot Camp Classes, running 3 times a week (for 1 mile at a 6.3 speed on the treadmill) and incorporating weight lifting at least twice a week at 24hr fitness!    I don’t like diets, so my meals consisted of eating better choices and smaller portions. Was I perfect? Nope, Did I cheat?  Yep! I mean let’s be realistic.  I am not the person to cook on Saturdays, so when I would eat out, I wouldn’t hold back but yes I would work out that day to shed some calories. My eating consisted of no pork and I cut back on Salt and Sugar. I did this for 1 year and before I knew it I was down to 138 pounds, and wearing a size 9. My blood pressure is now under control and I am no longer border line diabetic. Matter of fact my doctor was even impressed with my results.

I am not where I want to be physically but I’m better and stronger then I was before July 1, 2012. My self-confidence and spirit has lifted tremendously even my friends and family notice it. (Let’s just say I take more full body pictures then I do selfies these days) lol! I am now 30 years young and on a new journey of lifting more weights and eating more protein to obtain a more toned and fit body.  I am also proud to say that I have recently been certified to be a TurboKick Instructor, and I’m on a new path to help others achieve their fitness goals as well!All in all, if I don’t leave you with nothing else as you read about my journey, I do want to say this; THERE IS NO SECRET TO LOSING WEIGHT, JUST MAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH. I waited until I had bad results at the doctor’s office to make a lifestyle change. Some people don’t get the warning before the end results of sickness or even death.  So make your lifestyle change TODAY!  And don’t forget SLOW progress IS progress.”
~Essence – Instagram: @essencedw

Essence weight loss

Tinisha lost 140 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: Tinisha lost 140 pounds and is now diabetes free.  She went from 283 pounds to 143 pounds with exercise and changing her eating habits.  Read her story:

“Hello Everybody!! My name is Tinisha!!! I wanted to share my story!!! In 2004, I was struggling with diabetes. My weight use go up and down and I couldn’t lose the weight. Between 2004 and 2010, I weighed 260-283 pounds and was in the size 22 clothes. Iwas always sad and depressed because I wanted to lose weight but couldnt lose the weight.  In 2008, I started to have problems with my diabetes and was in and out the hospital. I couldnt control my sugar.  Again, I tried everything to lose weight and it wouldnt come off. In 2009, I got pregnant and I was high risk case, going to the doctor appointments 3 times a week.  So, after I had my baby in 2010 I decided I wanted to make a change. I started to lose weight, eating right, working out and also gave up a lot of stuff I was eating and stuck to my diet.

I changed my eating habits by changing my portion sizes. No pop, no juice, just water. I ate more vegetables, fruit and lean food. Meat wise, I eat chicken, fish, turkey. I don’t eat red meat I also cut out a lot of other foods. I don’t eat candy, sweets or fast foods!! My exercise was I did a lot of walking and also joined a gym.  I walk outside 3 times a week and do workouts at home with workout DVDs. My blessing was to have a healthy lifestyle and to be diabetes free since March 2013.  That’s my blessing.  As of today, I weigh 143 pounds and I’m in a size 6 or 7 in clothes.  I’m very proud of my self!!!”

Tinisha weight loss

Cawaynna lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Cawaynna wrote to us to share her weight loss journey.  She’s lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery and has provided a lot of details and a video gallery of her progress (below).

Cawaynna weight loss surgery

“I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery on October 24, 2012. On the day of the surgery, I was 277 pounds, but at my highest weight I was 293 pounds. I now weigh around 204 pounds. I was borderline diabetic and having problems keeping up with my toddler son.  I was also constantly getting depressed because of my weight and depressed about my overall appearance. I chose to have surgery after countless tries with other weight loss options, such as; Weight Watchers twice, Slim Fast multiple times, weight-loss pills, diet shakes and etc. The weight loss surgery is only a tool and it isn’t a permanent fix! It doesn’t work for some people because they believe it is a permanent fix and they don’t use it as a tool like they should. I still have to work out and there are foods that I’m unable to eat, but it’s all worth it because of the way I now feel and look. I went from a size 26 to now in between sizes 12 & 14.

Cawaynna weight loss storyThe picture where I’m in the green tank top with a pink head rap, was taken the October 23, 2012, a day before surgery.  The one where I’m in the flower printed dress is from June 8, 2013 (my birthday) and the one where I’m in a tube grey skirt are from September 26, 2013. The one where I’m in a white dress and jean jacket is from June 2, 2012.”

What was your motivation?

“My motivation for losing weight is and always have been my son. If your not going to change for yourself, at least try to change for the ones you love. I try to work out three to four times a week when I have the time. If I can’t get in a run outside for an hour or a walk, I do cross-training videos inside the house. You can find some on YouTube. I also use 5 lb weights for my arms and stomach exercises. I no longer eat red meat and have cut back on the pork products. I don’t eat bread unless it’s wheat and toasted. I have about 2 protein shakes a day, I use EAS. I don’t drink sodas and most high sugar drinks. This is all according to my surgery diet that I must follow.”

What is your advice to others trying to lose weight?

Cawaynna weight loss surgery“The advice that I want to give to those who are trying to lose weight is, do what you think you have to do to lose the weight. As long as it’s safe, do it. If I would have listened to those who didn’t want me to get the surgery, I still would be unhappy and struggling to lose the weight. I’m certain of that. And…you have to want to lose the weight for your health and not for others or how others may see you. Meaning, don’t lose weight because a man or woman might find you more attractive.  Those are extras that come with losing weight for yourself and for your own happiness. In the end, make sure your praying also, keeping yourself in the word and use God as your guide through your journey, because your going to need him.  My YouTube channel is Divadiordoll and Instagram @Divadiordoll”

Check out this video of her progress!

LaToya lost nearly 70 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW lost to LaToya.  She’s lost about 70 pounds with vertical gastric weight loss surgery to fight diabetes and high blood pressure. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Hello my name is LaToya and I would love to share my story with you all and hopefully others. I’m 27 years old and always struggled with my weight since I was a child. My turning point was last year after going for a routine appointment and examination with my Gynecologist, who noticed the darkness of my skin and tested me for diabetes. A week later I received the phone call I dreaded.  I was diabetic. The test revealed I had an A1C of 8.3 and fasting blood level of 130, which is too high. That was the saddest day of my life because 4 years prior my family and I laid my grandmother to rest due to complications of being a diabetic for years. Prior to the diagnosis I was already on meds for high blood pressure which runs on both sides of my family. Also, prior to the added diabetes diagnosis, months earlier I had gone to a seminar and decided to under go weight loss surgery. I was tired of struggling and I was too young.  I had to much life to live. On February 25,2013, I went in to have Vertical Gastric Surgery. It was exactly what I needed. I’m no longer on meds for blood pressure or diabetes. I’m down nearly 70 pounds in 7 1/2 months and I feel GREAT! I’m 30 lbs away from my goal and hope to be there before this year ends. I work out faithfully 4-5 days a week, drinks tons of water, and take in lots of protein. After the surgery, I’m now only able to eat a certain amount of food. I have to get in lots of protein and of course fruits and veggies. I cut back on bad carbs and I don’t drink any sodas. I started incorporating a lot of cardio, strength training, and lifting weights. This transformation has been AMAZING and I don’t regret under going surgery to get to this place. The surgery is an aid, but I still have to do the work by exercising and eating healthier. I hope that my story can inspire others.

Latoya weight loss photos Latoya weight loss story

Belinda lost 65 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Belinda lost 65 pounds.  She embraced running, vegetarianism and juicing as part of her weight loss and health plan.  Here is what she shared with us:

“A few years before my before picture was taken, I visited my doctor for a regular check up and she said ” If you do not lose weight now, by age 40 you will be a diabetic.”  I heard her but I was not really listening.  My aha moment happened in a dressing room when I could not fit my normal size 14.  I broke down crying. The first thing I did when I got home that evening was get on the scale.  I was 205 pounds and standing at only 5’4″ tall.  OH MY GOD. I made up in my mind that I would not let that number on the scale control me and that I would begin to make life changing decisions and I did.  I started my journey in 2009.  I started walking a mile a day, then two miles, then three for a few months, then I added running. By 2011, I was running up to 3 miles a day, 5 days a week.  Then in 2012, I decided to become a vegetarian, so I have been eating a plant based diet along with drinking green smoothies. In 2013, I found out about juicing, so I bought the Jack Lalanne juicer.  Now, I drink at least two juices a day? My weight in the before photo was 205 pounds.  My current weight is 140 pounds. It took a few years for me to lose the weight slow and steady I would say. I was motivated to get healthy because I was tired of being tired. My advice to anyone that is struggling with losing weight is to join a support group or get a partner to commit to this life change with you. My motto: ‘Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess the baggage, the shorter the trip’ – Arnold H. Glasgow”

Belinda weight loss photos

Jennifer lost 52 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Jennifer lost 52 pounds on a journey to improve her health after learning that she was facing a number of health concerns.  She learned that nutrition is key to weight loss and had success with exercise as well.  Keeping a food journal (like we are doing for our September Challenge) is also one of the tools she used to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am inspired by the encouragement you share and how you are helping Black Women Lose Weight. I want to share my story.

My Journey started last year in February 2012. I was 33 years old and was feeling sluggish, I was in denial about gaining weight and was constantly having lower adominal pains. I knew I had to do something, so I went to see my doctor and they ran all my blood work.  To my surprise, I was bordeline diabetic, my cholesterol was 217 and my vitamin D level was 17. At that moment, I knew I had to make a change. I was turning 34 later that year and didn’t want to bring in my birthday being unhealthy. They suggested that I see a nutritionist and get going on my journey. I signed up at the gym near my job and started to make my change. I went cold turkey with my eating habits by eliminating bread, butter and sugar. I incorporated more vegetables and I also started to journal everything I was eating. I also found a great app on my phone called LoseIt. This is a calorie counter app and it helped me stay on track with my meals. I workout everyday for a half hour on my lunch break and I run on the weekends. When I started, I was 194 lbs and in total disgust with myself. I lost my focus on me. I take yoga, pilates, boot camp, kickboxing and strength training. I have been juicing since Decemeber of 2012 and I don’t miss a day. I recently had foot surgery in June and I was afraid that during my 6 week recovery I would gain weight due to not being able to work out. I realized at the moment that the key is your nutrition plan. I didn’t gain a single pound during my six weeks of recovery. I am now 142 pounds and I have lost a total of 52 pounds.

weight loss story Jennifer