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Vanessa lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured before and after weight loss story: Vanessa has lost 54 pounds since January 2013.  She exercised and ate CLEAN.  She even started doing Cross Fit!  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello! My name is Vanessa. My weight loss journey began January 2013 at my heaviest weight of 260 pounds. I now weigh 206 pounds on a 5’5 frame. I was tired of being overweight and all the negative baggage that came along with it. So, after a million unsuccessful attempts of about a million other diets, I finally made the commitment to myself that my New Years Resolution would seriously be to get my body right. I felt that I wasn’t reaching my fullest potential with all this weight holding me down. I started off working out on an exercise trail that was 3 miles long for 5 days a week. I progressed on to running. With a combination of eating CLEAN (nooooo processed foods, only water, portion control) I lost 40lbs!!!! After that 40lbs, I decided my body needed something more intense and I didn’t want my skin to slack/sag, so I joined Athletes Ego CrossFit and started workouts with them.  Infused with weight training, the rest of the weight fell off. My transformation took 7 months (January 2013-July 2013). My motivation was just simply about me feeling bad about my body all the time. I didn’t like how I looked, so I changed it. I’ve also made up this little saying that I say to myself and others when tempted, “Don’t be a slave to the snack”. This really helped me because I don’t want to be a slave to ANYTHING and food will NOT control my life like I’m some type of puppet! Ladies you can do it. The results last longer than taste. Remember that!

Vanessa weight loss story

Monique lost 78 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Monique lost 78 pounds with clean eating and the help of a dedicated personal trainer.  Here is what she shared with us:

I was focused and dedicated to my journey. I lost 78 pounds and competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition on 6/29/13…What an experience!

My struggle with my weight begun with my first pregnancy 20 years ago. The weight packed on quick. I gained over 70 pounds. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and gave birth to a Premie. I continued to gain after delivering my son, as a result of the birth control I chose. I tried every diet out on the market in my attempts to gain control.  Not understanding that word (Diet) was the problem. Fast forward, 10 years later, we finally were pregnant with our 2nd child (a baby girl that was also a Premie). I also developed Gestational Diabetes with the second pregnancy and additional weight gain added to my overall weight.  I never loss the pounds from 10 years earlier with our first child. Shortly after the birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 30’s. This is where I had to seriously make some serious changes to my health.

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I couldn’t lose the weight for vanity, but once it effected my health, I knew it had gotten out of control. I had to educate myself and make the needed changes in order to save my life. I was directed to the Diet Doctor A.K.A. Terry Starks on Facebook. He introduced me to the clean eating lifestyle. I quickly adopted to the lifestyle and applied it as a way of life from 2012 to present. My weight was at my highest was 220lbs after the delivery of our 2nd child. Can you imagine that on a 5″2″ frame? I loss a total of 78 pounds to date. I’m proud to say I took it to another level and challenged myself with the help of Terry Starks and entered my 1st of many bikini bodybuilding competition at 44 years young on 6/29. I took 4th place. I hope to inspire and motivate others just like myself. . You can do it! In order to CHANGE your BODY… YOU must first CHANGE your MIND. ..REAL LIFE!!!

Monique weight loss before and after

Bridgette lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Bridgette who lost 40 pounds by eating clean, food journaling, and working out regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

My primary motivation to lose weight was because my children!!! I wanted to be around for them. I lost my parents due to heart disease and I was determined not to leave that legacy for my children. My starting weight was 200 pounds in 2011 and over the next year, I managed to lose a few pounds. My real weight loss journey didn’t begin until December 2012! Over the last 6 months, I have lost a total of 40 pounds through walking/running, logging everything I eat and eating less carbs. I eat clean (vegetables, fruit, turkey, and chicken, No white carbs) 85% of the time.  On the weekends, I may have brown rice or pasta in a dish. I drink at least 6 glasses of water daily.  I plan to lose an additional 5-10 and I will have reached my goal of 150 pounds. This is a lifestyle change!!!

Bridgette weight loss story

 

Jada lost 135 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Jada lost 135 pounds with hard work and determination after a major health crisis.  This proud mom of 4 credits her weight loss to her trainer, working out consistently and clean eating.  Here is what she shared with us:

I stare into my 1 year old daughter’s eyes and recall how I almost had a total breakdown when she was just 7 days old.  At 324 pounds, I was hospitalized for three days.  I was suffering with hypertension, an enlarged and weakened heart, palpitations, sleep apnea and fluid in my lungs. I was told that I’d be able to do no more than a 15 minute brisk walk because of my conditions, and when I asked would I get better if I lost weight I was told “not really.” My OB/Gyn told me he hadn’t seen that much fat in one person before and suggested I have weight loss surgery. They had a hard time getting my baby out (I had a C-Section) and an even harder time closing me up. I knew my life depended on my losing weight, but I wanted to do it naturally. So, I walked into Body By Denise when my baby girl was eight weeks and a day.  I was convinced that if I just got my weight down, things would get better despite what the doctors said. With a whole lot of hard work (working out five days each week), an equal amount of dedication, and a constant size 9 foot up my backside (my awesome trainer Denise Warren), I dropped the weight.  I no longer suffer with ANY of the aforementioned ailments. Exactly 1 year later, I am now 189 pounds.  I’m enjoying being a mom and have all the energy I need to run behind my tribe of energizer bunnies (I have 4 children, three boys ages 11, 8 and 5 and my 1 year old baby girl). I love Body By Denise (BBD) something serious. Eat Clean + Train Dirty = Great Results!!

To be more specific about eating clean, I do not eat processed foods at all and no white starches whatsoever. I drink only water and unsweetened tea. I have no more than 2 servings of fresh fruit daily and 2 to 3 servings of green leafy vegetables. I eat only lean protein like tilapia, salmon fillet or chicken breast. My protein is either steamed, baked or grilled. I consume about a gallon of water daily and I do not eat after 8pm, 5pm on days that I work out. I snack on unsalted almonds and pistachios and limit my sodium intake to no more than 1500mg daily. My sugar intake is 25g or less per day. I add lemon to my water whenever I can and make sure that warm lemon water is the first thing I consume in the morning…Then I have  fruit.

Jada weight loss before and after

Updated: Avonna lost 115 pounds

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Updated Dec 2013: Avonna has lost a total of 115 pounds.  She wrote in to update blog post we did on her back in April.

“As of today I am 115 lbs down! I jog almost everyday, a strength train and I challenge myself to new challenges.! It’s been a thought year but I have come along way and I still have a long way to go. Follow my journey on IG @FabulousVonnie. This year shall be greater than last. My eating habits have changed drastically!  How I look and feel about food is completely different! It’s a mental process more than anything. Fruits and veggies are my bestfriend!  But it’s more so the feeling of knowing that I don’t want to be fat any more.”

Avonna before and after

Let’s show some life transformation love to Avonna who has released 60 pounds and transformed the way she feels about herself and her body.  She has given us a lot of detail from her weight loss journey.  She put together her own exercise plan through research and putting it to the test.   She also ate clean.

“Growing up being FAT was a struggle! I wasn’t popular, barely had friends and didn’t like myself. Everyone around me was skinny, petite and then there was me. I was always referred to as “Big Von” I was that sister figure to guys, not the attractive, “be my girlfriend” type. That was miserable.

I come from a fit strict family! For the longest time I was the biggest one and it became uncomfortable and it didn’t help me knowing that I was a disgrace! It caused me to fall into a depression and that caused me to eat, ultimately getting even heavier. Due to my weight and what I was going through, I had low self esteem! Practically no respect for myself, I didn’t care. I didn’t care to get dressed or anything! I was plain Jane.

Up until recently, I was in a 5 year relationship and was comfortable! I knew this was forever and was once again neglecting my body! My relationship ended in the beginning of the year and I decided I need to make changes. I wasn’t happy with my body, my personality or anything. I felt he continuously cheated because I wasn’t attractive. I was never approached by men! I felt disgusting. So in Feb 2012 I walked into a gym, LA Fitness. And decided to take control of my life. I have lost 60 pounds and I got into fashion more and I feel much better about myself. My head is held high and I feel beautiful. There are no more nights were I feel like I am in another body. I am a work in progress and I know it’s ultimately up to me to decide where I want my fate with my body and happiness. The my lack of confidence prevented me from shinning to my brightest potential! I had to realize that I can only be the person that God wants and made me to be. I am in LOVE with the woman I am today! My weight no longer defines me!!

324 was my starting weight. So embarrassing. I never really admitted that to any one before.  I created my exercise plan by doing research and putting my research to the test. I would create my own circuit workouts and rub drills. I would walk on the treadmill and gradually increase my speed and incline. As far as eating I clean eat. No fast food, processed foods, fried foods and eating in moderation was definitely important. I had to realize when I was hungry or when I was bored. I am an emotion eater. I eat when I’m happy, sad, mad, angry…whatever the emotion was I ate to it.  That’s sad to say.  Now, I eat more leafy veggies to keep me full longer. I cut out all sugary drinks and focused straight on water. Strictly water.”

Check out her blog: confessionsofafatchick.com

avonna weight loss story

Updated: Princess lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured success story: Princess lost 60 pounds by eating clean and working out 5 days per week.  Her story should give hope to women who are dealing with post-baby weight and weight that comes with dealing with the stress of life.  Here is what she shared (check out the update below):

“I haven’t attained my goal, YET. I’m getting there, though. My weight issue started the same as many mothers. I had my first child 2 years ago. I weighed in at 175 lbs prior to pregnancy and I lived in the gym. I gained 40 lbs during the pregnancy. I lost most of it during the hospital stay and shortly after. However, with the stress of having a new life, mixed with unhealthy eating, I blew up to 265 – 270 lbs in a year’s time!!

I’ve been consistently working on my weight loss a little under a year, with glitches here and there. I’m currently down to 209lbs!!! My goal is to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I eat clean. I also blend/juice daily and workout 5 days a week.

I took control because I wanted my life back! Being overweight is so uncomfortable. It made my body ache. It also made me lazy and unmotivated. I was active prior to pregnancy and it went out the window with the weight gain. I’m getting back to it.

I want to be healthy for my family. I want to get back to looking and feeling good about my appearance. My Mother always said, “When you look good, you feel good!” I’m working hard to get back to that place.”

princess weight loss story
Updated Nov 2013:  “A few months back, I told you all my pregnancy and post pregnancy weight gain story. At the time I was down by 60 pounds. Well, I stuck to it. To date, I’m now down another 20lbs and countless inches! My update is to inspire my Black Queens to stay focused and determined to reach their goals. Yes, you may fall off from time to time. The key is to get back up and restart your journey! Clean eating, strength training, cardio and spinning have all helped me lose the majority of the weight. I’m so driven to make this a lifestyle change because I want to be healthy for my family and live a life without health complications that I can control by staying active and eating well. Continue on that journey, Ladies!”
Princess weight loss photos

Nicolle lost 67 pounds

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Update 2016 – We featured Nicolle‘s weight release journey back in 2012 and she is still going strong. She lost 67 pounds, gained a few pounds back and now she’s working those off. Check out her update…

“I regained some weight and right now I’m working to lose the last 20 pounds that I regained. I am focusing on my eating habits, because you can’t outrun your fork. I have had a lot of support from a trainer who happens to be on Facebook. I believe that this time around I am going to take the slow and steady route rather than trying to get the weight off fast. Getting it off forever is much more important.”

nicolle before and after

Nov 2012 – Today’s weight loss success story: Nicolle lost 67 pounds by eating clean and exercising.

Nicolle weight loss

She said,
“I wanted to share my before and so far pictures with you. I started my weight loss journey at 244.4lbs.  In the first picture (with the tanktop) I was around 220lbs (5’9”).  I started my journey with weight watchers and am 8lbs away from my goal weight. 

I needed support and accountability so I purchased a three month pass to Weight Watchers. In the beginning I ate a lot of pre packaged meals and diet foods until I read the Eat Clean diet book by Tosca Reno. My diet now consists mainly of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans…and A LOT of water. I eat 4-5 small meals a day and track everything I eat in a food journal. I make sure to drink around 100 ounces of water per day.  As far as exercise is concerned, I started out walking and then joined a gym and did everything from the StairMill to spin classes. Now I mostly do weight training and speed walking. That has been important for me, only doing exercises that I enjoy and eating things that I like…I’m not going to stick with a program that I don’t like no matter how well it worked for someone else.

I am still a member of Weight Watchers and hope to lose the last 8lbs and meet my goal before the end of November (and before all of the holiday parties 🙂 Thank you for this page and all the support it offers!”

October Challenge – Meatless, Clean Eating, 5 hours of Exercise

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Hey Ladies!!! It’s time for our October Challenge.  We will begin on OCT 1, 2012 with 3 goals – Meatless, Clean Eating, 5 hours of exercise each WEEK.

I hope you consider all of the goals, but ultimately it’s up to you what you chose to do.  If you only want to do 2 out of the 3 for example, that’s fine.  If you want to eat fish, that works too.  The goal of our monthly challenges is that Black Women Losing Weight members try new positive habits that can enhance their weight loss efforts.  You are committing to these lifestyle changes for a whole month!

Determination is KEY!!  I will post resources and links daily on our Facebook page, online community, and here on the blog to help you stay on track.


What do I have to do to participate?

  1. Decide what parts of the Challenge you want to commit to. – Meatless Eating, Clean Eating, 5 hours of Exercise EACH Week.
  2. Each Saturday you will check-in and give a status of how the week has gone within our online community, www.blackwomenlosingweight.com.  You can do this as a blog post or status message on your profile page.  You can also post to our Facebook page to let your BWLW sisters know how the Challenge is going for you.  This is how keep each other accountable and encouraged.  You will also be able to discuss the challenge every monday night during our LIVE weight loss support chats.

October Challenge Goals – This is what you are committing to!

  • We are going MEATLESS for 31 days – That means no fish, no chicken, no pork, no beef, no bison…no flesh foods.  If it has a mom, we aren’t eating it.  In essence we are going vegetarian for 31 days.  You will need to consider how you can cook more and plan your meals.  I will provide a number of resources for you daily via Facebook and here on our blog.I suggest that you take a B12 supplement or B-Complex supplement at least 3 times per week while going meatless.   Most multivitamins have B12 in them as well.If you are wanting to continue our September Smoothie Challenge for another month, please do so as part of the meatless goal.  Oh, Eggs are optional.  It’s up to you.
  • We are committing to CLEAN EATING for 31 days –  What is clean eating?   When you eat clean you will be eating unprocessed, whole foods that are cooked in ways that don’t add a lot of extra chemicals and toxins.  We are talking  fruits, vegetables, tofu, soy, whole grains, lots of water, healthy dairy, fresh juice, and lean meats.We will be working to avoid fried food, white flour, artificial ingredients, soda, commercial juice and sugary drinks, processed sugar (white sugar, corn syrup), foods with preservatives and extra chemicals, saturated fat, and trans fat.
  • We are committing to WORKING OUT FOR 5 HOURS EACH WEEK – You can work out at home with DVDs.  You can work out in the gym.  You can walk at work or in your neighborhood.  It’s up to you.  Running, yoga, weight lifting, walking, jumping rope, pilates, spin class, zumba…the choices abound.  The goal is that you commit to 5 hours of exercise each week.

Challenge Resources – Here are a few links to get you started.

Meatless

Clean Eating:

Exercise: Free Workout Videos Online