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Tia lost 86 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Tia lost 86 pounds. She credits Yacon Syrup as helping her lose with weight.  She shared her experience with this supplement with us…

Tia before and after

“My name is Tia, and I have tried every diet under the sun. I often struggled with weight loss, due to having children. However, one late night I was watching Dr. Oz and he featured Yacon Syrup as an alternative aid for weight loss. I used all-natural, 100% organic syrup and it worked. I lost over 80 lbs. in less than one year. I was motivated by wanting to be being a healthy parent. I was inspired by the the women in the episode of Dr. Oz. I took the Yacon Syrup 30 minutes before each meal and that began to slow my snacking and hunger pains. Without the starvation feelings, I was able to control what I ate and when. The Yacon syrup is an all natural appetite suppressant, thus, forcing me on to a low calorie diet. I haven’t taken the Yacon syrup since January but I’ve managed to continue to lose weight. I have been able to maintain my urges to eat more, to overeat, and I’ve been able to resist temptation. The benefit of taking the Yacon Syrup is that I did not have to work out.

Now, that I am close to my desired goal weight, I have begun a work out regiment. I do 45 minutes of Cardio at least 3 times a week along with seated weight lifting targeting different muscles. My weight before starting the syrup was 310 pounds and, my current weight is 224 pounds. I am 5 ‘7” pounds. Now, I am an authorized distributor of Yacon Syrup that is certified organic.”

Expert Responses to the Yacon Project – Doctoroz.com

Yacon Syrup for Weight Loss – Drweil.com

Yakila lost 77 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Yakila lost 77 pounds. Although she had a happy life with a great husband and children, she felt that she wasn’t able to live as fully as she could have since her weight had doubled. She realized that she had supportive people around her who could help her reach goals.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Yakila before and after

 

I’m honored to share with you my story. To be honest with you I looked at all your questions and I thought of a million ways to write this story. Everyone tells you how they were depressed, lonely, working too much… I mean the list goes on!  I always got the comments “oh you’re cute for a big girl” or “you have a pretty face…” but it never bothered me. I was happy!! Happy with my life, blessed with 2 amazing kids, a very handsome husband (even my friends were surprised I got him) and I was living nice! I love to eat!! My family is the type that we get down in the kitchen and we waste nothing! Holidays, birthdays, you name it we were eating! So, why change!? I’m happy right? Have everything I could ever ask for right? So why even bother?

Well, I’ll tell you what changed. I started looking at the people around me. My kids would ask me to race them or to push them on the swing, but I was cheering them on from the bench! The bench! Husband started having that lingering look… And not at me! When he met me I was a size 16! I was plus size, but at 5’7″ I filled it out nicely. When I noticed him look at another woman, I also noticed I was a size 30! I literally doubled in size! He always tells me he loves me no matter what, but it still wasn’t fair for him. I was happy, but my family wasn’t. I took that picture in the mirror smiling, but I was far from happy at that moment. I couldn’t believe I let myself lose control. Yes happy, but super unhealthy! I was at my biggest at 367 pounds!! I cried when I seen that number. What was I thinking?

I called a friend of mine that became a personal trainer after high school. He told me it was okay! He said “Change starts when you make it happen.” So I started making it happen. Five days a week, I was in the gym. Met friends here and there to go walk or jog. I have two real friends in this world and they are always supportive. One is a chef and she helps me portion my food and gives me tips on how to eat if I go out. I eat a lot of fruit and veggies, whole wheat, fish and chicken. I learned its 80% of what you eat and how much. I liked to finish things until the bag was empty! Now I buy everything already portioned like salads and 100 calorie brownie bites. I drink lots of water and no soda. If I eat out I ask them how it’s cooked and modify to my liking. I still eat! Just not as much and often as I use toI learned that weight loss is 80% about what you eat and how much. In the past, I liked to finish things until the bag was empty. Now, I buy everything already portioned, like salads and 100 calorie brownie bites. If I eat out I ask them how it’s cooked and ask if they can modify to my liking. I still eat, just not as much and often as I use to. All this support around me and I never noticed once!!

I started all this in October of 2014 weighing in at 367 pounds. I’ve been weighing myself on the same scale throughout and now I’m at 77 pounds gone!! No wraps, videos or trainers. All cardio and tips from Instagram. LoL!! My grandfather even started a garden and we have fresh cucumbers and squash coming in nicely.

Like I said… All these resources and never knew it. Wanting change isn’t always just about you. Yes you should want to do it for you, but people are depending on you every day to be healthy! Your kids, your spouse, even your dog! My advice to people that need help just getting to the gym: Stop thinking about it! I did it all the time! I did all the actions of going to the gym in my mind, but was still in the bed! Now, I open my eyes and I spring up! I go splash water on my face and I move around! Once I’m up, I’m up!! That was the hard part right there! I know this may seem all over the place, but it’s a true story. I’m as happy as I was on October of last year, I just feel better now

Dessiree lost 46 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dessiree lost 46 pounds. Her nutritionist, @Nutritionistguru, was excited to interview her and submit her story to us.  She says… “Dessiree was extremely dedicated to her weight loss journey because she realized she needed to get healthy, not only for herself but for her 2 year son Jo’siyah. She gets up every morning between 7-7:30 am, 6 days a week. Her workouts consisted of cardio and weight training and following the plan designed for her to target her problem areas while focusing on endurance and strength training while her Nutritionist, which is myself, monitors her food intake.”  She’s done an awesome job!

Dessiree before and after

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Her stating waist: 43 inches
Her current waist: 33.5 inches
Total inches lost off waist: 9.5 inches
Height:  5 feet, 4 inches tall

What was your motivation?
My personal motivation is myself. I say this because prior to this journey I didn’t care about my health. Now that I have the right tools to get to where I need to go and keep myself encouraged. I am my own worst critic. All the members of the Fitness On Fire Online Training Program have also been my motivators. They have opened my eyes to want to do more.

What inspired you?
My best friend was my inspiration to loss weight. Now, I am my own inspiration.

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
I signed up with Fitness on Fire has a 24 hour fitness trainer and nutritionist available to me at all times who guided with changing my eating habits. I stopped eating fast food, eating junk food and stopped choosing the wrong restaurants. I started to eat more protein, more vegetables, more fruits and drinking lots of water I followed the plan designed for me by my online trainer. He had me doing a lot of endurance and heart rate training while my nutritionist monitored what I was eating.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in March 2014, so a year and a month.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Understand what you want out of your weight loss journey because it is going to be filled with a lot of ups and downs. This is what is going to help you to maintain this lifestyle. Stay encouraged and stay focus on the ultimate goal. Don’t let any one tell you that you can’t.

Desiree’s instagram: @costaricansensation
Fitness on Fire Blog: www.facebook.com/fitnessonfirenewyork
Fitness on Fire online nutritionist instagram: @Nutritionistguru

If you would like to submit your story or your client’s story, here are our story submission instructions.

Eat More Healthy Fiber to Lose Pounds

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eat more fiberFiber is a super important nutrient that primarily affects digestive health. Unfortunately, the average American’s diet is lacking in fiber. The typical woman in this country only consuming around 15 grams when she should be consuming at least 30 grams. That’s the average.  Many people are eating far less.

Aside from general health, there is another reason fiber is so important. It can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight!  Check out this info, which includes our top 10 fiber picks.

Fiber and Weight Loss

There have been a few studies done on the subject of fiber and its effect on weight. One main study featured in Nutrition Reviews had results that showed participants who ate just 14 grams more of fiber per day lost 4 lbs in 3.8 months. Keep in mind that this result was from only changing fiber intake, nothing else. That is very impressive.

Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine confirmed that participants that ate 30 grams of fiber a day with no other dietary changes lost an average of 4.6 lbs. Additionally, those who made further changes and switched to the American Heart Association (AHA) diet lost an average of 6 lbs. The AHA diet is stricter but if you are at risk of diabetes and are overweight, it could be a very good option for you.

Eating more fiber isn’t just as simple as reading labels. There is more to fiber than people realize.

Insoluble vs Soluble Fibers

Did you know that there are actually two types of dietary fiber? Insoluble and soluble fibers are both important for overall health but they do perform different functions in the body. As the terms suggest, insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in liquid while soluble fiber will dissolve. The ability to either dissolve or not dictates what benefits you’ll receive.

Despite common misconceptions, soluble fiber is the type that will make you feel full. The reason for this is that this fiber essentially gels when it meets liquid in the stomach. This process make your digestive system slow down which in turn is very beneficial for those who need help controlling insulin levels for their diabetes. There is also speculation that people can lower their bad cholesterol (LDL) by eating more soluble fiber.

You may have been told previously by a doctor, family member or friend to “eat more fiber” when you have trouble going to the bathroom. The fiber that is well-known for helping constipation is insoluble fiber. Essentially insoluble fiber creates the opposite effect of soluble fiber: soluble fibers slow everything down while insoluble fiber helps the digestive tract get everything out. In fact, too much soluble fiber can cause constipation. Insoluble fiber is also essential for maintaining healthy gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber doesn’t break down in water and passes through the system more intact.

Both insoluble and soluble fiber foods should be eaten on a regular basis. With a healthy diet rich in whole foods, getting enough of both fibers isn’t difficult.

10 Delicious Sources of Fiber

You don’t need to drink or eat tasteless, and sometimes expensive, supplements to get your daily intake of fiber. Whole foods not only provide the dietary fiber every woman needs but they also offer many other nutrients that you won’t get from a supplement.

There are many sources of fiber, but these 10 foods not only taste great but also contain the fiber you need to support a healthy digestive system.

  • Apples- Soluble

Apples are also a great source of soluble fiber and are a good snack for those with weight loss goals. Eating a typical medium apple will give you 4.4 grams of fiber as well as vitamin A, C and B-6. You will also get magnesium and iron. Apples are fairly high in natural sugars (around 19 grams) so limit yourself if you are trying to lose weight.

  • Dates – Insoluble

Being an insoluble fruit, dates are a great way to get some fiber as well as some sweetness. Dates are actually so sweet (93g in 1 cup!) that they work very well in smoothies and other meals as a replacement for sugar. Dates contain 12 grams of fiber in one cup and also are a good source of protein, with around 3.6 grams. Dates are super low in fat and packed with potassium, calcium, vitamin B-6, iron and magnesium. Buy a pack the next time you’re at the grocery store.

  • Raspberries and Blackberries – Soluble

Both of these berries are packed with antioxidants that promote overall health. They are very similar in nutrients with one cup of each both being around 8 grams in fiber. Blackberries are a little sweeter so they are higher in calories but not by much. Raspberries contain higher amounts of vitamins C and B-6 while blackberries are higher in vitamin A, calcium, iron and magnesium. Since both fruits are so similar, mixing and matching will help you get enough vitamins from both.

  • Wheat Bran – Insoluble

Wheat bran is a huge source of insoluble fiber with 60 grams in one cup. It is also a good source of protein, thiamine, magnesium and iron. Wheat bran can be treated like a cereal, either hot like oatmeal or cold in milk. Since wheat bran is so high in fiber it is extremely filling and a true “secret weapon” for those who are trying to lose weight but often feel hungry.

  • Kale – Insoluble

Like many dark leafy greens, kale is essential for good health. It is packed with a ridiculous amount of vitamins (133% of vitamin A and 134% vitamin C) as well as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. One cup of chopped kale has roughly 3 grams of fiber and protein. Raw kale leaves put into a green smoothie and baby kale is great in salads as it doesn’t have the bitter flavor of mature plants. If you find you have stomach trouble with raw kale, try cooking it first.

  • Butternut Squash – Insoluble

Butternut squash can usually easily be found in the grocery store and tastes delicious- somewhat like pumpkin. It can be cooked in many ways and even mashed as a substitute for potatoes. One cup of butternut squash has 2.8 grams of fiber and 63 calories. It is high in potassium, iron and magnesium. It is also well-known for being super high vitamin A with a level of almost 300%.

  • Lentils – Soluble

Lentils contain both soluble and insoluble fiber but are higher in the former. Though lower in fiber than other foods listed (around 1g in 1tbsp) it is still high in other nutrients. Even small amounts are very filling and you can easily use this food as an addition to warm foods like soups.

  • Sesame Seeds – Insoluble

Sesame seeds are quite popular in Asian cuisine but are very versatile. They are tasty toasted and raw and can easily be used as a fiber-boost addition to meals like salads. One tablespoon of sesame seeds contains 1.1 grams of fiber and 1.6 grams of protein. These seeds are also high in calcium, magnesium and iron.

  • Kiwi – Soluble

These sweet green fruits are small but pack a nutrient punch with 106% vitamin C and 2.1 grams of fiber. They are fairly low in sugar, 6 grams, so they are a good fruit for people trying to lose weight. Kiwi is high in enzymes similar to pineapple so consuming multiple fruits can have your tongue to feel irritated.

Fiber is a super important part of a good diet yet often overlooked when other nutrients like protein take precedence. Whether you are trying to lose weight, struggling to keep under your daily calorie limit or just are experiencing digestive problems, eating more of the foods featured here and others will help you get the results you are looking for.

Andreshia lost 20 pounds

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Andreshia wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 20 pounds with healthy eating and by stepping up the intensity of her workouts.  Here is what she shared with us…

andreshia before and after

I found my motivation in simply saying one day, ” I will not keep starting over”. I always worked out but my diet was the worst. I was on Instagram and saw grandmothers who looked better than me in a bikini. I told myself that I had no excuse to be this way since I had no children.

So, I started eating clean, watching my macros (counting macronutrients) and watching what time I ate. Again, I use to going to the gym, so I started to make my workouts count. I began HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), CARDIO and incline walks on the treadmill. I hit the gym 4-5 times a week.

I’m 5’4″ tall and started at 176 pounds. Now, I weigh 155 pounds.  I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I’m on my way to my goal weight of abs. 🙂 My advice for people who want to lose weigh is to stay consistent and plan ahead with your meals and gym schedule.

Instagram: @sheroinme

CJ lost 178 pounds with surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: CJ lost 178 pounds with surgery.  At 5’3″ tall and 340 pounds, she decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery to save her life.  She shared with us about her journey…

CJ weight loss story

My name is CJ and I would like to share my weight loss story. What inspired me to lose weight was the fact that I had been overweight all my life, as a child and as an adult. I didn’t want to go into my 40’s overweight.

I decided to change my life for the better on June 6 2010. I had a heart to heart talk with a friend named Carla Palmer who is a nutritionist. I explained to her my story and how I didn’t want to end up like my mother. After that talk, I woke up the next morning, took a shower. While I was looking at myself in the mirror, I remember telling myself, I’m going to kill you. I cleaned out my entire kitchen of all junk food and went grocery shopping with the list Carla sent me. I was instantly motivated. I followed Carl’s plan to the T and in 6 months I was down 100 pounds.

Then in 2011, life happened. I was laid off my job and that sent me into a depression. The whole 2 years I was laid off I gained that 100 pounds back and more. I was devastated. So, in 2013, I got hired with my current company. I was excited that their benefits started day one, but also that they covered the weight loss surgery. I didn’t have the willpower to do like I had done the first time a nd losing the weight had become life or death issue for me.

On 10/9/2013, the old me died. I had gastric bypass surgery When I had my surgery I weighed 340 pounds. My current weight today is 162 pounds. Having the surgery, was the best thing I could have done. It literally SAVED MY LIFE!!!!

I changed my eating habits by I eliminating sugar, red meat and bread. I work out 5 times a week at 24 hour fitness. I also line dance and swing dance. I’m 5’3″ tall. My advice to anyone wanting to lose weight, is to really be ready. It’s a mindset thing. The weight loss surgery is just a tool. You still have to work out and eat right.

Instagram: @Luvie73

CJ before and after

Brittany lost 100 pounds

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Update Oct 2015: Brittany wrote in to tell us that she’s lost 20 more pounds for a total of 120 lbs gone. “I got the courage to pursue a career in modeling. I gave up red meat and only ate baked chicken and fish.  I made sure to eat a serving of vegetables with every meal and had fruit for breakfast. I also started competing as an amateur boxer, went to a national tournament and got second place.”

brittany before and after

June 2015 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Brittany lost 100 pounds.  Emotional eating led to weight gain and health issues, so she decided to change her lifestyle.  She shared with us about her journey and motivation…

brittany before and after

What was your motivation?  What kept you inspired?
I was in unhealthy relationship and became an emotional eater.  My son was my inspiration.  Also, my doctor diagnosed me with high blood pressure. I gained so much weight in a short period of time that my body went into shock. The fact is that choosing a healthy life was life or death decision for me, so I chose life. I’ve always said that my son deserves a healthy mom.

How did you change your eating habits?
No fast food and no soda to begin with. I also stopped eating fried foods. To get healthy, I started eating more servings of fruit and vegetables everyday.

What did your workout routines look like?
For exercise, I did cardio, strength training and conditioning.

What was your starting weight and what is your current weight?
My starting weight was 270 pounds.  I currently weigh 170 pounds.  Height: 5’9″

How long did your transformation take? 3 1/2 years

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Never give up. Change your eating habits rather than just eating less or more. Find a physical activity that you love doing and fitness will become your lifestyle, not a chore.

Instagram: @sunshine.2010

brittany weight loss

Lee lost 48 pounds

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Update April 2016: It’s been almost one year since we featured Lee’s story and she is still going strong.

My weight loss story began almost 2 years ago. I was overweight and overwhelmed and didn’t even know where to start. I got up the day after I weighed myself, shocked that I had gained 30 lbs, and decided that I need to make drastic changes. So, I did! I started eating balanced, low carb meals and did high intensity interval training and weight lifting. I managed to lose 50lbs. That’s 20 lbs more than I thought I would. I am now happy than I’ve ever been and I’m still a work in progress. @happy_curves

lee before and after

June 2015 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lee lost 48 pounds and 6 dress sizes over the past year. Changing her eating habits and doing high intensity workouts helped her reach her goals.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

leonie before and after

Instagram – @happy_curves
Starting weight – 170 pounds
Current weight – 122 pounds

Motivation – I was very depressed about my weight and I lacked confidence. One day I decided that feeling that was not worth the instant gratification eating junk food gave me.  Since last year June, I have managed to lose 48 lbs and 6 dress sizes. I almost gave up after one month because I didn’t see results but I am SO grateful that I kept going and stayed consistent. I am so happy to have knowledge about my own body and what works for me.

Eating plan – I had to completely change my eating habits. I stopped eating processed food and fast food and switched to a high protein, slow carb diet which consisted of lean chicken, beef, fish, turkey and other seafood and vegetables. I include healthy fats (avocado, salmon, nuts etc) in my diet and I avoid dairy and gluten.

Exercise- I am not obsessed with exercise. My weight loss has been mainly due to my change in eating habits but I stay active too. I do 30 minutes of tabata or high intensity interval training about 5 days a week, incorporating weights when I can.

My advice for those seeking to lose weight – DONT GIVE UP. Weight loss is a slow and ongoing process but if you want sustainable and healthy results you need patience and consistency. You want to lose weight at a healthy pace.

leonie weight loss

Lakesa lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Lakesa lost 30 pounds in 4 months. This petite and proud mom of 3 wanted to live a healthier lifestyle.  With support of her family, she took action by making practical changes to her eating habits and by exercising regularly. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…lakes before and after

Hello, I am a 34 year old mother of 3. What motivated me to lose the weight? I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle and knew that I was considered overweight for my height (5’3″ tall). When the new year came in I decided that this year would be the year I set a goal and stuck to it.

My inspiration? My children. They’d seen and heard me battling and complaining about my weight for so long that they would suggest things to help me lose the weight. So, I promised them and myself that I was going to do it and stick to it. I shared all my weigh-ins with them, good or bad. Some weigh-ins I lost nothing but celebrated the fact that I didn’t gain either!

Changing my eating habits wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I now snack on fruits, vegetables and I try to count calories. My Fitness Pal and Jawbone Jump are my best friends at this point. I set a goal of 10,000 steps daily and I work out at least 5 times weekly. I workout while I’m watching television to keep my mind off of what I’m doing. It’s now become a habit and once a week my son and I work out together. I stopped drinking sodas. I also stopped eating white rice, fried food, beef and pork. I started drinking more water. I haven’t gotten to 8 cups a day yet but I am still trying to get there. I only eat fish, shrimp or chicken.

Everyday isn’t easy. There are days I’m lazy. There are days I don’t work out my full hour. Even days that I want to eat fast food. I had to learn the hard way that when your body is no longer used to eating certain foods, and you eat it, your body rejects it!  It took me one time to make that mistake! My starting weight was 181 pounds and as of yesterday I’m at 151 pounds! My goal was 30 pounds so I’m excited about meeting my goal, but my ideal weight for my height (5’3″) is 140 lbs so I’m going to push until I get to 145 lbs. I started this journey in January, so I’ve lost 30 pounds in 4 months.

My advice for others losing weight? DON’T give up. There will be days you fall off but just keep pushing and celebrate all your milestones! I would set a weekly goal of four pounds sometimes, then work out hard that week. I would weigh in and be disappointed because instead of 4 pounds, I lost 2 but I still celebrated. Keep PUSHING!

Instagram: @MissLakesa

Angela lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 50 pounds.  She is still on her weight loss journey but she wanted to share with us about how she has made progress.  She took baby steps in the beginning and now she’s doing 5k runs/walks, going to the gym regularly and has changed her eating habits to support her goals.

angela before and after

I would love to share my weight loss journey. I have lost a total of 50 lbs. I still have a 100 lbs to go and reading about the journeys of these lovely people that you feature sure does encourage me to keep going until reach my goal. My to lose weight motivation that I wanted to release the `Pause` button, to push ‘Play’ and start living my life for me without restrictions.

I changed my eating habits by paying close attention to my food portion sizes. I also make sure that I am eating five small, well balanced meals throughout the day. I stopped eating fried food and I now focus on eating foods that are baked, boiled and grilled but still taste amazing.

My workout routines started out with baby steps at first. I would work out to Zumba DVDs in my living room. As my confidence, grew I joined my local gym and now I worked out there 3 to 4 times a week. Now, I’m participating in 5k runs/walks, Zumba classes and U Jam classes.

My starting weight was 313 pounds. My current weight is 263 pounds. My height is 5`7″ tall.

My advice to others would be to just start. Release those fears that you may have and start with baby steps to reaching your weight loss goals. If you can find someone who enjoys working out just as much as you and make that person your workout buddy. If you can change your mind you will change your life.