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diet and exercise

Monique lost 80 pounds

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Success Story of the Day: Monique lost 80 pounds.  After years of dieting and bad eating habits, she decided that she wanted to prove those who doubted her wrong.  However, along the way her motivation turned inward and her journey became all about her feeling good and being healthy. Here is what she had to say…

Monique before and after

Instagram: @thatssomoe
Youtube: Thatssomoe

My name is Monique, and my journey started in 2012 at 280 pounds! My whole life, I was a heavy girl, so I really just came to the conclusion I would always be that way. I would try little diets and I knew how to workout, but my bad eating habits would always ruin my progress. One day I was talking to my then Ex-boyfriend about how I really wanted to go on a diet and change my life. He just said “You always say that. You’ve been on 20 diets already, just let it go”. While I don’t really think he knew how those words affected me! The journey started off trying to prove everyone wrong who had ever written me off, especially him, but a month into things it became more about me. It became more about how I was feeling and treating my body like a temple!

Cardio really helped drastically drop the weight. Once I got to a certain weight I incorporated weights to tone!

When I first started out I kept a strict protein/veggie/fruit diet. I also drank lots of water. No fried foods and no salt in order to lower my blood pressure because it was high! I did not eat very many starches! For snacks, I ate a variety of nuts, protein bars, and dried fruits if I wanted something similar to candy. I really just had my mind made up about eating better. I knew had to get a control on things before they got worse, and I believe that’s how I stayed faithful to my diet! When I started working out I focused on cardio and that really helped drastically drop the weight.. Brisk walking helped build my endurance. Once I was able to run I would do interval training, walk for 2 min run for 1 min. That’s what helped with dropping the weight all over! Now to tone I still do interval training, but now I also weight train.

I’ve lost 80 lbs so far (Height 5 feet, 6 1/2 inches”)!I would tell anyone who is about to embark on a journey, have your mind set and made up! You will not change your body until you have changed your mind! Of course I’ve detoured on my journey a bit but I’m not giving up!

Monique weight loss story

Lesson #4: Identifying Your Weight Loss Motivation

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I’m posting weight loss lessons this month to help you dig deeper into your emotions, thoughts and habits during our Modified Daniel Fast.

Lesson 1 |Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 5 | Lesson 6

weight loss motivationLesson #4: Identifying Your Weight Loss Motivation

What is your weight loss motivation? Why do you want to lose weight? What is your big WHY?  Everyone who starts a weight release journey needs to identify what their main motivations are.  I say motivations with an “s” because they may vary.  You may want to love the way your body looks and get off blood pressure medication.  You may want to decrease your insulin levels and be able to fit into your favorite dress.

Let’s do some work to identify and document our weight loss motivations!  Get out your journal, the computer you’re documenting your journey on or a piece of paper.

1. How You Look! – I want you to write down the motivations that are connected your appearance and how you feel about it. Here are some examples…(Write down your truth)

  • I want to be able to go to a store and find more clothes in my size.
  • I want to be able to fit into my favorite clothes again.
  • I want to love what I see in the mirror.
  • I want more positive self esteem.
  • I want to firm up and tighten up my body.
  • I want to look in the mirror and smile more.
  • I love my body but I don’t feel healthy, I want to change that.
  • I want to lose weight so that there is less pain in my (fill in the blank).
  • I want my clothes to fit better.  I don’t want to keep buying larger clothes

2. Wellness and Fitness – Write down the motivations you have that are connected to health and fitness.  Here are some examples…(Think about your goals and write down what is true for you)

  • I want to decrease my high blood pressure medication.
  • I want to avoid developing diabetes.
  • I want to have more energy.
  • I want a better chance of having a long life.
  • I want to run a half marathon.
  • I want to compete in a fitness/bodybuilding competition.
  • I want greater wellness
  • I want to be a vegan/vegetarian.
  • I want to eat healthy everyday

3. Life in General – Write down the motivations you have that are connected to friends, family, men, relationships, spirituality, etc.  When you are taking on a major lifestyle change it can affect various areas of your life.  You’ll have motivations connected to things out side of just eating, body image or fitness.

  • I want to find the love of my life and be a whole person in the relationship.
  • I want to get over the abandonment I feel due to my relationship with my dad.
  • I want lose weight and get healthier before I get pregnant.
  • I want to be more outgoing and less shy.
  • I have a high school reunion coming up that I want to look good for.
  • I want to have less stress and anxiety about my weight and health.
  • I want to have more energy to run around with my kids.

Create Affirmations:
Now, I want you to rewrite your motivations and change them into affirmations.  You will declare that you WILL or you CAN do these things.

  • I will have more energy by eating healthier food and less junk.
  • I will run a marathon.  I will start training this week.
  • I can firm up and tighten my body with exercise.
  • I will lose (fill in the blank) pounds.
  • I can stop eating junk food.

Take Action: I want you to take some time to look at this list and determine what motivations are the more important to you.  Pick at least 3.  Write these 3 down on 3 note cards. Then…

  • Put one card in your purse
  • Post one card on your fridge
  • Leave one at work or wherever you eat lunch
  • Tip: Make a poster of it and post it on your bathroom mirror.

For at least one week, I want you to pull out the card and read it to yourself out loud before you eat ANYTHING!  I promise you…it will help you stay on track.  You can also read the card before working out.  This is a very simple yet power action for staying on track and giving yourself what you REALLY want!

Lolitha lost 40 pounds

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Today’s Story: Lolitha lost 40 pounds.  This proud mom now has more energy to run around with her son.  She decided to change her eating habits and get active after years of yo-yo dieting and trying diet pills. Here is what she shared about her journey:

Lolitha weight loss journey

My name is Lolitha Robreno. I have always been a confident person but one day I was sitting on my bed in front of my wall mirror and was speechless at what I saw. For years my weight yo-yo’s. I finally I took a really good look at myself and realized that I needed to change for me. That’s how my journey begin and I couldn’t be happier. I started out weighing 226 pounds. I am now weighing in at 186 pounds. However, my journey is not over.  I now have 20 pounds to go to get to my goal weight.   I have a four year old son who is very active and my energy level was non existent before. I was always tired. That is not the case now. My mental state has changed on this journey too.

The ride so far has been challenging. I took pork out off my diet and boosted my protein intake tremendously. In the beginning, I tried the Garcina Cambogia pills but the weight would go away and come back plus some after taking it, so I decided to do all natural eating clean and working out. I started working out 2 hours a day, 4 days a week. I did 1 hour cardio and the other weights. A friend of mine was going to the Camp Gladiator boot camp and invited me to join, They were outside workouts and I loved it. I did most of my core workouts at home. My motivation tripled when I started going to the boot camp. 

I stopped eating pork and my fast food eating was reduced significantly.  Eating fast food was one of my really bad habits. I started reading and began eating spinach, cauliflower and all the healthy foods I hadn’t tried before. I had a Protein shake for breakfast and I did a 30 day no sugar challenge. Otherwise, I only drank water, which I hardly ever did before.

Lolitha before and after

 

Ashley lost 33 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Ashley (@oh.thats.ash on IG)! She fought off depression and the pain of a bad break to get to her lifestyle change.  She’s lost 33 pounds since February 2014.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Ashley weight loss photos

My 3 year weight loss journey…  Since I can remember I’ve been plus size, I battled self esteem issues as a child and as a young adult. In college, I decided to sign up for Weight Watchers in 2011. I lost a 30 pounds, reaching 200 pounds. By Feb. 2014, I had gained it all back, plus 20 pounds. This means I was at my heaviest weight and the most depressed I’ve been in my entire life. While going through a rough break up on 2/17/14, I decided to take back my life. I began running with the Northwest Indiana Soul Sisters and Black Girls Run. Then I joined a challenge on Instagram called #PhreshandFit by Phasion. With these challenges I changed my diet and learned choosing healthier foods. I cut out pop, juice, red meat and sweets. My workouts consist of running, Hip Hop Cardio and going to the gym. I attempt to burn 1,000 calories 5 days a week.

Today, I continue my journey. I am currently 5’2 at 217 Ibs. That’s far from my goal of 175, but I’ve learned that weight loss is a mental challenge within yourself. You have to do what works for you and understand that slow progress is still progress. Every time, I read a FB comment or see a post from another woman losing weight I am inspired and motivated, because for once I don’t feel alone in the journey.

My advice to others, don’t wait on anybody else to start, get out there and get going. It’s about you, so love you and the skin you’re in. And remember… there are levels to this fit.

 

Mia went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat

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Mia’s story is our Success Story of the Day. She went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat and she’s no longer using the scale to judge her progress. This chef has transformed her body with bodybuilding and clean eating.  Read all about her journey below. MiaBlz weight loss Starting out on November 26,2012 when I woke up and joined Lifetime Fitness my life has not been the same since. I walked into Lifetime weighing a hefty 260 pounds, the largest I had ever been in my life. I started off going to the gyms twice a day as well as training with a personal trainer so that I could get my technique right on how to lift.  They also told me what I needed to do to get this weight off of body. I had just gotten out of a abusive relationship and over the past two years. I had gained over a hundred plus pounds and something had to change. I came to Lifetime once before and I knew I wanted to come back but I was in a financial bind and that was not in my budget. Once my financial situation turned around I knew I had no more excuses. I love to dance and so I did every chance I got. Every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon I took all Dance Jams and Zumba classes I could do. I am a chef so food was not the problem but proper eating was. We often think to lose weight we must starve ourselves but contrary to popular beliefs you must eat a clean proper diet in order to lose weight. By Feb of 2013, I could see my hard work paying off. I was almost out of the 200’s and those around me could see me melting away as well. When the seasons changed, I joined Bootcamp and lost more. I did a 90 day challenge in spring/summer of 2013 and I believe I placed in the transformation section of the competition. I tried my hardest but I never gave up. In December of 2013, I have decided to get into bodybuilding. I lost over half my bodyweight and I knew that from a lifetime of my weight being up and down that this was now a lifestyle change, It has been the best change I have ever made. I am now at 16% body fat and I don’t care about what the scale says. It’s about how I look and feel. My ultimate goal is to train others and utilize my cooking skills as well as my found knowledge of body transformation and lifestyle changes to help others being out there inner healthy person. I am now known as Mia Blaze of Blaze Athletics – “Blazing a trail to a new beginning”. Follow me of Instagram at Miablz1 or my Facebook fan page of inspiration MiaBlz.

MiaBAug3
before
MiaBAug4
after cardio

Theodora lost 52 pounds

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Theodora lost 52 pounds and is our featured weight loss success story of the day!  After years of yo-yo dieting she has worked for the last 4+ months to shed the pounds and learn how to eat healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Theodora weight loss story

I’ve been dieting on and off pretty much all of my life. Each time, I would lose a large amount of weight just to turn around and gain the weight back and then some, a true yo-yo dieter. My motivation this time around was not only to lose weight but also to learn to eat correctly. The diets I did in the past were fad diets that promised fast weight loss, but as soon as I stopped the plan the weight was back on in months. I decided to join Xsport Fitness and I hired a personal trainer. She made a meal plan for me that consisted of egg whites, oatmeal, fruits, lots of veggies, protein, brown rice and sweet potatoes. I work out every day on my own and twice a week with my trainer. I usually do more cardio on my own and a lot of weight training with the trainer. I started out at 318.5 pounds at 5’7″ (the heaviest I’ve ever been) and today I am 266.5 pounds, down 52 lbs! I still have a long way to go but I’m so happy to be doing it the healthy way this time. I started this journey on April 22 2014, and I’m praying that in April 2015 I will have a hot new body! LOL My advice for anyone trying to lose weight is to take it one day at a time. Don’t think about how much weight u have to lose or how slow it’s going just stay focused and u will get there.

Theodora weight loss

Kimberly lost 62 pounds

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Today’s Featured Success Story: Proud mom Kimberly set her mind to it and lost 62 pounds.  With the support of her family, she was able to go cold turkey and eat clean.  Consistent exercise and tracking her eating were also key to her success.  Learn more about her journey below.

Kimberly

What was your motivation?
Losing weight was on my “to do” list. I cut my hair short in January 2014 and decided to workout. I always thought I was pretty, well dressed and composed so the weight didn’t bother me. I simply made a decision to lose weight and BOOM, I did it…mind-over-matter!

How did you change your eating habits?
Soda was the first thing to go! I went cold turkey and gave them up, and haven’t looked back since. I begin juicing, and eating clean. I was a “junk food junkie”. I would put anything into my body. Now, I juice several times a week, and I eat lots of fruit. My favorite juicing recipe is kale, spinach, pineapples, and Almond/coconut milk, YUM! I track everything I eat through MyFitnessPal.com. The Jawbone bracelet and Polar watch monitor are my new best friends.

What did your workout routines look like?
I do ZUMBA 6-8 times a week, because I absolutely love to dance. I also walk 3-4 miles with my husband, daily. My day begins and ends with 100 crunches, and on occasion, I lift to build muscle. Plus, when I shop, I park far, far away, no more up front parking!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 225 big ones! I am currently 163 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took about 5 months. My body went into shock!!! No more fast or junk food, with added exercise, the pounds literally fell off, especially the belly fat.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Track, track, track what you eat and drink a ton of water. I lost weight my way and did the things I enjoy doing. You have to do it for YOU and you have to do it YOUR way!! Last but not least, ask for the support of your family! My husband and boys were super supportive, they kept me on my toes and complimented me daily. They are so proud of my accomplishment, and the new me!

Instagram: @iwokeupskinny

Kimberly Kimberly

Mia lost over 65 pounds

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My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Mia lost over 65 pounds.  Her journey is today’s featured success story!  She turned the negative comments of others into positive motivation and changed her habits to reach her goals.  Now, she is inspiring others.  Read her success story.

Mia Nicole weight loss

 

What was your motivation?
My motivation initially was somewhat fueled by negativity. A couple of relatives and classmates blatantly called me fat. No one had ever said that to me so bluntly and it really hurt me. I had always considered myself thick. When I got that reality check, that was all I needed to get my act together. I wanted to show all the people who called me names or ever talked about me what I was capable of.

How did you change your eating habits?
I’ve tried every crash diet and meal replacement system under the sun. They all worked for a while, then I would quickly plateau or start gaining it back once I got tired of being so strict. Now, I just eat clean, whole, non processed foods without all the chemicals. I was a vegetarian for years, but now I am a pescetarian (vegetarian who eats fish) and I count my macros.

What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT Heavy and do interval circuits. I stopped doing tons of cardio. I just stick to 15-20 minutes of HIIT a few times a week.

What was your starting weight? 232 pounds. I’ve lost over 65 lbs and I am 5’3″ tall.

What is your current weight? I don’t weigh myself. It stresses me out.

How long did your transformation take? Initially, I lost the weight in 6 months in 2005. Since then, I’ve been learning through trial and error. I’m focused on putting on muscle and shaping my body.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Do your own research. Don’t just listen to what people tell you that you should do, because they aren’t you, they haven’t lived in your shoes their whole lives, and everyone is different. When you decide to lose weight, you better be ready to have plateaus and set backs. You better go in with a fierce attitude and be ready to fight the battle because it is not easy and it never gets easier. Surround yourself with positive people and a support system with similar goals. They can’t make you eat right and workout, but they sure can pick you up when you’re down and keep you focused.

Check out more of her photos on Instagram: @bbjudyfit

Mia weight loss success story

Sherie lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Zeta Phi Beta Soror Sherie lost 50 pounds. Through hearing some harsh words from her doctor, Sherie got a wake up call.  She changed her lifestyle and took her health into her own hands.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Sherie weight loss

 

My motivation was having high blood pressure and being called overweight by my doctor. My doctors comments hurt me and helped me at the same time, because those words motivated me to get healthy.  I’ve learned that I am a self motivator. I didn’t have a personal trainer so I had to take this journey into my own hands.

To change my eating habits, I gave up sodas, sweets, chips, fried food, and fast food. I also started drinking more water, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and reduced my calorie intake to 1200 calories a day. My exercise routine consisted of cardio (running, treadmill, elliptical), core exercises, Zumba class and cycling.  I exercise 4 times a week.

My starting weight was 220 pounds. (I am 5″4″.) My current weight is 170 pounds. It took about 14 months for this weight loss transformation. The advice I have for others who want to lose weight: you can do it once you’ve made up in your mind that you want to be healthy.

 

Tamara lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost 55 pounds. She worked out at home and gave up sweets to lose the pounds.  I love that she is sharing her journey with the world on Instagram to inspire others.  Here is her story:

tamara weight loss

August 2013, I started my weight loss journey. I’ve struggled with my weight for basically my entire life. Sure, I’ve lost weight then gained it back, but that was before I discovered Beachbody. I had been watching the ShaunT’s Hip Hop Abs infomercial for 4 months. Finally, in August, I decided to buy it. On August 13th, 2013, I started with Hip hop Abs. Two weeks later I had ordered and started doing the RockinBody program as well. On Oct 17th, I started Hip Hop Abs ‘Extreme’, After that I STILL needed more, so October 23rd I started T25 Alpha, Beta, and 5 weeks of Gamma. On February 4th, I started Insanity and April 14th I started Round 2 of Insanity. Later, on June 30th I started another Round 2 of T25. Recently, July 2nd, I joined Gold’s Gym because I felt the need to build more muscle to loose more fat.

Two months after starting to workout daily, I started eating healthy 85-90% of the time. I gave up donuts, which was pretty much my favorite thing to eat for breakfast (I had them 3 times a week). I cut down significantly on sweets because I had one of the biggest sweet tooth problems out there.

I have lost a total of 55 lbs totally by working out daily and eating healthy.  I’m now 200 pounds at 5’2″. You see, it IS very possible with hard work and dedication. I feel so empowered now because I’m getting stronger and healthier every day. My advice to others is to not be scared about starting your journey but to just Do It. If I can do after being overweight basically ALL my life (and I’m 44 years old), then Anybody CAN DO IT. Trust me!

Instagram: @tamaras_360_fitness

tamara before and after