Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for diet and exercise

diet and exercise

Jennifer lost 130 pounds

by 23 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jennifer lost 130 pounds.  She is proud to say she did it all by herself, no trainer, no nutritionist, no surgery.  She is a testament to the fact that if you can go cold turkey on junk foods and highly processed foods while committing to exercise, you will see results.  Here is what she shared about losing the weight:

JenniferJune14

Hi, my name is Jennifer Griffis, I’ve been on my weight loss journey for 7 months, All By MYSELF! No trainer, no surgery. What motivated me was my health issues and my kids. I has diagnosed with hypertension and it was never under control. Every time I went to the doctor, I got admitted. I also got tried hearing that I was gonna die if I did get my weight down and my blood pressure under control. My heaviest weight was 355 pounds and now I weigh 225 pounds, I’VE LOST 130 lbs  in 7 months.

GOD has really seen me through this obesity. I’m not finished because this a LIFEstyle for me not a diet. I started my journey last year in August 20,2013. I workout everyday for 3-4 hours. I do cardio for 2 hrs and I weight TRAIN for 2 hours.

I started to change how I think about food and what I was putting in my BODY that made me FAT. I wanted to know how to educate myself on food and what best foods to eat. I changed my eating habits by changing how I looked at what foods do to my body. I just went cold turkey on cutting all bad sugars and carbs out of my diet. I learned that sugar turns into fat so I stopped eating junk foods, pops, juices, everything unhealthy that I used to eat and drink. I didn’t touch those things anymore. Then I started to eat more fruits and veggies. I grilled or baked all my lean meats and fish. I challenged myself to drink a gallon of water everyday also. I’m still on a good track with my eating habits, because I no if I eat the wrong things it is gonna make me feel sick, so I just don’t touch the old foods I use to eat. I have learned to make better chooses everyday because that is what helps me get results with my weight loss. I eat 5-6 times a day; 3 healthy meals, 3 healthy snacks, and drink water all day.

The BEST advice I give everyone is PRAY FIRST! I started by asking God to help me with this obesity, to help me fight this fight.  Second, You have to to BELIEVE in yourself! When u know BETTER, you do BETTER! I CHOOSE 2 LIVE! Thank you and God Bless

Kimberly lost 60 pounds

by 3 Comments

Let’s show some BWLW love to Kimberly.  This proud mom lost 60 pounds over the last 3 years by changing her eating habits and exercising regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

“My name is Kimberly Copeland Harris and I have lost 60 pounds. It took me 3 years but after years of yo yo dieting.  I finally began to exercise regularly and stick with an eating regiment that I still stick with. My children are my motivation. I wanna live a long life for them!! At my largest I was 232 pounds, I am now 175 pounds.

I changed my eating habits by reducing my overall food consumption and not eating after 6 pm.  My workout routine: I work out 2-3 times a week.  This includes walking, squats and sit ups. My advice for others: Don’t diet. Diets don’t work. Just change your eating habits. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies. Do more cooking at home and leave the snacks alone.”

Kimberly weight loss story

Shannon lost 25 pounds

by 2 Comments

Update May 2016: She’s had some ups and downs, but she hasn’t given up. Check out Shannon’s updates and read all about her journey. 

Starting weight: 219 pounds
Current weight :187 pounds
I’m still going strong and working out 4 times a week. One day a week, I with a personal trainer. I take kickboxing classes and I’ve continued to do high intensity interval training. Healthy eating is still a major part of my routine. I prep my lunches in advance and I’ve learned that planning out my meals helps me out a great deal. Drinking lots of water is still an important part of my journey. I have had some off days along the way, but consistency is Key.

shannon before and after

Update July 2014: Shannon has lost a total of 40 pounds. “I have an update. I’ve lost another 15 pounds and tons of inches. I have been weight training and doing high intensity training (HIIT) with a small group. I’m also drinking a gallon water a day.”

Shannon weight loss

May 2014: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shannon lost 25 pounds.  She started her journey in January, determined to lose weight in the new year.  She is well on her way and wants to share her progress so far.

“My name is Shannon Keys I began my weigh loss journey in January of 2014. I wanted to make a serious change during the new year. I have two children and I wanted to be a healthy example for them. I weighed in at 219 pounds in January and have lost 25 pounds so far. I’m currently at 194 pounds. I’m just getting started, but I’m proud of my success. I drink water, water… and more water. I’m also eating a lot of fresh veggies, chicken breast and fish. I prep and plan out my meals. If I wanted a treat, I would treat myself.

I began by doing cardio and weight training 5 times a week. I did circuit interval workouts. For example, I do one minute of jumping jacks, one minute of burpees, followed by squats and weight training. I use workouts I’ve found via the OnDemand fitness channel on Comcast. I also did Jillian Michaels’ Thirty Day Shred and Shaun T.’s Rockin Body program. Each week, I would plan out my workouts and they were different each week.

My advice to others is that each day is a new day to reach your goals. Remember that, even if you have a bad day. My other tip is that you should drink tons of water! Understand that the  results will come if you just keep your goals in mind.

If you have a support system, I suggest that you use it. My husband helped me focus and took on my responsibilities with our kids while I worked out. He also changed his eating habits along with me. Today, I’m focused and ready to lose 25 more pounds. Following the BWLW page on Facebook has been a inspiration for me. I will keep you updated. Thanks for wanting to share my journey.”

ShannonMayfb2

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kimberly lost 90 pounds

by 4 Comments

kimberly before and afterUpdate – Shout out to Kim. We have followed her for a few years and she has maintained her 90 lbs weight loss. (read more about how Kim lost the weight below): I wanted to give you an update as to my journey! By the grace of God, I am still down 90 pounds. Oct 10th was my fitness anniversary, marking 4 years that I have been able to keep the weight off. My best advice for others is to love yourself where you are. Getting healthier is the goal, weight-loss is the bonus. To maintain my weight loss I have kept a consistent cardio plan, but I now have added strength training into my workout routine. My toning results are amazing. I still go vegetarian twice a year for a system cleansing and of course I limit my intake any foods that weren’t cooked in a healthy way.

During my weight loss journey, I have had so many women reach out to me to help them start their journey. I always ran from it because I am not a trainer and I don’t have the stereotypical gym body that people associate with health and fitness. Finally, one day I accepted the vision that God gave me and I created “Team Curvy and Healthy”. Team Curvy and Healthy is a empowerment movement for women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their body. So many of us work out 4-7 days a week and eat clean, but we are not stick thin or completely chiseled. Many people are body shamed at the gym that they don’t even want to go. Team Curvy and Healthy is empowering for everyone to love themselves! It’s a movement!


Update May 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day:  We featured Kimberly’s story back in 2012 and she has not only maintained her weight loss for 2 years, she’s lost 6 more pounds.  Read more about her journey and check out her weight loss video below:

Check out our original post from 2012 for more info on how she did it.

Kimberly Rainey Weight Loss Story

“You posted my story back in 2012 and I wanted to give you an update. I am now 90 pounds down. Through diet and exercise, I have been able to maintain my weight and even lose more. I still believe in no diet pills, surgery or anything unnatural for weight loss. I try to eat a clean diet.  Every 6 months or so, I go completely vegan for 9 days. I am so excited to see so many women on the path to healthier living. Giving God all the glory, I have had several people thank me as their weight loss inspiration as they have started and STUCK to their plans. I have a updated photo for you. My original YouTube video of Kim Rainey’s weight loss journey is still up and because of your Facebook feature it had over 5,000 views! I am so appreciative of you spreading the word of health and fitness with our sisters!”

kimraineybeforeafter2014

Inspirational Weight Loss: Roxanne lost 111 pounds

by 26 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Roxanne lost 111 pounds in 11 months.  She is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse that is deeply connected to her weight gain.  She was able to not just lose weight but do the emotional and spiritual work that she needed to do to reclaim her self worth.  Read her inspirational story and check out her before and after photos below:

roxanne weight loss story

“Starting at the age of seven I was sexually abused by my step father. As I looked at childhood pictures that’s when I noticed that the weight began to pile on. You see, whenever these horrific acts would take place, my step father would give me food as a ‘reward’ and for any young child cakes, fast food and snacks are some of the best rewards to have. I had developed a technique in my mind that would allow me to leave my physical body and to think on all the ‘junk’ I was going to purchase and or receive once the act was over. This is where my relationship towards food began. I made food my comfort and over years I gained more and more weight.

On May 25, 2013 I started my weight loss journey at 388 pounds. I was having a daily devotion time and God began to speak to me.  I made the decision to journal my weight loss on Facebook (the good, the bad and the ugly) because it held me accountable for my outcome and I knew that others were watching and I refused to let them down. I began walking 1 mile, five to six times a week. I started drinking protein shakes and limited my food intake by counting calories. I began eating six small meals a day every three hours to avoid being hungry. I gave up red meat, fast food, fried foods, and drank only water. I would plan my meals in advance and I always kept healthy snacks in my car and purse for ’emergencies’. I also drank lots and lots of water.Eventually, I added water aerobics, Zumba, kickboxing, weight lifting and jogging to my routine and I continued working out at least six times per week.  Two things that really worked for me was making exercise a hobby as opposed to making it a task and reminding myself that this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Diets are temporary but a lifestyle change is forever.

In addition to me losing physical weight, I began a healing process which started from the inside out. I had to learn how to put myself first and I had to learn how to forgive myself and those that hurt me. My journey and my transformation was more spiritual than anything else. There was a ‘deconstruction’ process that had to take place before I could ‘reconstruct’ my thinking process. I was always told how pretty I was so I had good self-esteem but NO self-worth which onset SO MANY other issues in my life. My life was not an easy life by far but I am living proof that with faith, determination, consistency and hard work- ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

As of today I have lost 111 pounds (in 11 months) and gained my life back!!!! I have learned to love ME-flaws and all.  I’ve learned to take hold of the inner-strength that already existed on the inside of me.  You see, when your mind is in bondage, it prevents you from doing even the simplest tasks. This has been eleven months of the most sweat, tears, transparency, commitment, dedication, perseverance and consistency that I EVER endured in my life!! God holds my hand and I have allowed Him to lead the way after 37 years!!!!! God changed me. He changed my way of thinking. Made me believe in myself. He gave me hope and I finally believed in myself enough to recognize where my pain originated from and to know that I, Roxanne, was worth finally living my best life. I was successful only because I chose to give God all my pain, hurt, despair & weariness.  God gave me beauty for my ashes. Peace for my depression and hope for my pain. I had to be a role model for my three beautiful children so they could understand the power of believing in yourself. My journey isn’t solely about weight loss.That’s just the manifestation of it. It is about literally being healed from the inside out and allowing God the opportunity to do something great and different ONLY for His glory. I am living proof that God has the power to change your life COMPLETELY if you allow Him to do so. I’m not done yet (39 more pounds to go) but I can see the light & it’s shining brighter than I could have ever imagine. If I can do it YOU CAN TOO!!! Thanks for allowing me to share.
Love, Roxanne”

Roxanne before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lakiesha lost 30 pounds

by 6 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lakiesha lost 30 pounds.  This proud mom decided to that after years of caring for others, focusing on work and just not having the time, that it was time to work on her weight and her overall health.  Find out what she’s done since January 2014 to lose the weight and check out her photos below:

Lakiesha weight loss story

“Hello! My name is Lakiesha and I have recently dropped from 196 lbs to 165 lbs and this is just the beginning! I made the decision on 1/1/14 to get healthy! I am the oldest of five kids and was a teenage Mother.  My Daughter is 18yrs old and just completed her first year of college, I decided that it is time to take care of me! I am motivated by my increased energy and newfound “Zen”! I started with the 40 day Daniel Fast and have continued. I eat clean, which to me is a veggie/fruit smoothie daily for breakfast, 4-6 small meals a day, increasing my protein and adding vitamins.  I’m also exercising 4-5 days a week!  I FEEL better than I look! My goal is to start taking Salsa dance lessons and run a half marathon by next summer.

Along the lines of taking care of me, I had my Fibroids removed this month (May).  This is something very common in Black Women.  After 10 years of being focused on work and “not having time” for me, I took charge and had 3 very large Fibroids removed, ultimately resulting in a hysterectomy.  However, I must say that I feel better already! No regrets.  It’s MY time!”

Lakiesha before and after photos

Audrey lost 80 pounds

by 8 Comments

Weight Loss Inspiration: Audrey lost 80 pounds.  She wants you to know that it’s never too late and you are never to old to reach your health and wellness goals.  Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Audrey weight loss

“Hi! My name is Audrey. So far, I have lost 80 pounds. My before pictures don’t tell the whole story, as I put on an additional 30 pounds after they were taken! By then, I was too embarrassed to take pictures. I started my journey about 4 1/2 years ago. I’ve been overweight all my life as is the case with most of my family on both sides. I finally decided to change, but wasn’t really as committed as I should have been. I lost 50 pounds, and then put 40 back on. About a year ago, I FINALLY became serious.

I am now in a dress size that I haven’t worn since 1974 (my freshman year in college). I am still on my journey as I have another 40 pounds I need to lose. I started with a whopping 48.8% body fat! Yeah, I know…dangerous! I am now at 30% body fat. I cannot emphasize enough that this is truly a lifestyle change. I eat cleaner, drink about a gallon of water every day and I exercise regularly.  I stopped frying my meats. I do allow myself the occasional piece of fried chicken or fish, just not that often. I eat 6 times a day which helps my metabolism. I have 3 meals around 350-400 calories and 3 snacks around 200. Soda is a rarity as is white flour products. I learned to eat oatmeal and sweet potatoes without the butter and brown sugar, as I’ve been accustomed to.

I have a personal trainer now and I strength train as well as do cardio. I will be 59 years old in July.  I would say to anyone who is thinking it’s too late or you’re too old that I’m living proof that you aren’t. I’ve also had knee replacements 9 years ago. However, there’s always something you can do once your doctor clears you! I’m doing things now that I NEVER thought I would do! If I can, anyone can!”

Audrey weight loss

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sabrina lost 45 pounds

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sabrina lost 45 pounds.  She found a weight loss program that worked for her and worked it.  This proud mom also included her kids when working out for more motivation.  Read her story below.

Sabrina before and after

“I was slowly letting myself go. I was so wrapped up in everyone else I didn’t realize I had packed on so many pounds. My friend told me about a Beachbody program that uses martial arts to help shape your body. I was interested because I’m a ninja at heart. I bought Les Mills Combat and kind of half way did it. I wasn’t motivated. Then one night I put the DVD in and my boys joined me. I felt like I had to push harder because I wanted to set a good example. I didn’t really lose any weight during round one because I wasn’t dedicated to the program or the nutrition guide. I finished and was like I really want a t-shirt but I want to earn it. I started over and committed to the program and the nutrition guide. I added their nutritional shakes to my routine and worked out with the boys. I found myself pushing harder and really reshaping my body. Finally, I stepped on the scale and didn’t quickly get off.  That’s when I found out that in 120 days I’d gone from 215 pounds down to 170.

Sabrina weight lossWorking out with the kids really helped me step up my game but also finding a challenge group full of people doing the same workout as me helped me stay accountable. I recommend getting into a group of people with similar goals who are doing similar things on their journey and being an active member. It really helps you and others stay on track. I loved getting fighting fit so much I decided to pay it forward and become a coach myself.”

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Donita lost 46 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Donita lost 46 pounds in 10 months.  She notes that Zumba and cleaning up her eating habits were key to her weight loss victory.  Read all about how she lost the weight:

“Before I decided to start losing weight, I weighed 224 pounds. I honestly didn’t think there was a problem with my weight until I saw a picture of myself. I didn’t like who I saw and I realized that I need to make a change. Like most people who deal with weight issues, you want to make the change but you don’t know where to start. I started going to Zumba two days out of the week. I felt like the “biggest” person in the class but I continued to attend. Once I lost my first two pounds, I was excited! My Zumba instructor encouraged me along the way and before I knew it, 2 pounds became 14 pounds. I was determined to keep going.

During lunch at work, I decided to start walking a mile instead of eating a big lunch. I had to cut out pop, fast food, and junk food altogether. Many people doubted me when I first told them that I was trying to lose weight. I refused to listen to my critics and I stay focused on my goal. Today, I weigh 178 pounds with a weight loss of 46 pounds within 10 months. My first goal was to get my weight down to 200 pounds. I have exceeded that goal and now my next goal is to reach 160 pounds. I am not trying to be “skinny” but healthy. To anyone who is trying to lose weight, please stay focused. Don’t do it for anyone else but YOU! And lastly, encourage yourself. People may not be rooting for you, but be your own cheerleader! Regardless if you lose two pounds or two-hundred pounds you’re making progress!”

Donita before and after photos Donita weight loss story

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dawn lost 40 pounds

by 7 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dawn lost 40 pounds.  She was inspired to lose weight and get health by the passing of her dear father.  This 5’3″ petite diva embraced the low carb lifestyle and exercise.  Read her story below to learn more:

DawnMay14

“I started the Atkins Diet many times before, but never had this much success.  I have lost 40 pounds…this diet works for me. My motivation was that my father died of cancer last April and I was on a mission to become healthy. I was 38 years old never did drugs a day in my life! My drug of choice was food. No smoking, no drinking. I could not understand why God would take the only person who ever loved me my whole life! My mother never raised me. She too had died years earlier from AIDS. She was a heroin addict.

I was on a mission. I started at my highest weight ever, 347 pounds at 5’3″ tall. I started working out every day. The first day was hell. I kept telling myself you can make it! I started out walking one mile a day for three days a week. My husband would walk with me every morning. Later, I started going to the gym and doing the treadmill.

Eating wise, I followed the Atkins plan.  I just had meat, eggs, salad and vegetables. Every morning. I take omega fish oil 3,000 mg. I have 3 pills every morning and 1 multi vitamin. I also drink lots of water. I’ve been on this weight loss journey for 1 year as of this April 2014. I started gaining weight back to the tune of 15 pounds. It’s been two weeks to this date, 4/9/14, that started again with the plan and I’ve I lost 11 pounds. My goal is to lose 100 pounds. Thank you for reading!”