The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.
Today’s weight loss success story: Joanne lost 80 pounds. She credits Boxing with changing her life. Here is what she shared about her weight loss and health journey:
“Boxing literally changed my life! I was 32, creeping up to the 300lb. mark, and on the verge of being placed on medication for high blood pressure medication. “Don’t try, just do,” were the first words of encouragement Mr. Floyd M. Brown of REGIMEN Boxing offered me on November 1st of 2011 when I started my wellness journey. I smile now when I think back on our first few workout sessions. Most times, I couldn’t tell if I was sweating or crying, but I was seeing results and more importantly I felt encouraged every step of the way.
My workouts consisted of heavy cardio, an array of calisthenics from burpies to jumping jacks, light weight work, and my favorite…….BOXING. I went from working out twice a week to no less than 4 times a week. I also had to tackle my unhealthy relationship with food. I am not the type that can just give things up, but I did learn the importance of moderation. Somewhere along the way, I also figured out how to make healthier choices. I traded rice for quinoa, chose to stop eating pork, cut down my red meat intake, and gained a new appreciation for fish in the process. I also increased my water intake, incorporated more fruits and veggies, and slowed down my sugar intake. More importantly, I often took the time to ask why I was eating before I sat down to do so. This afforded me the opportunity to determine if I was eating out of hungry or boredom, feelings of frustration, etc.
I now stand 80 pounds lighter, have run two 5K races, and live an all-around active lifestyle that I share with my 11 year old daughter. Boxing, Zumba, Boot Camp and conscientious choices are my weapons of choice in this battle called obesity. I am still a work in progress, but I have definitely come a long way with the help of Mr. Brown and the REGIMEN. I was and continue to be challenged every step of the way, but with each level of intensity comes the same level of support and truth be told that made all the difference in the world. The last time I can offer is when I get discouraged, I just think to myself “I just can’t give up now.” Stay encouraged ladies, we got this!”
Today’s featured weight loss success story: Anita lost 53 pounds by working out with a boot camp workout group and changing her eating habits. Here is what she shared with us:
Hello BWLW, my name is Anita. I have lost over 50 pounds in the last ten months. My biggest motivation was one of my 3 year old students calling me fat. So, I called a trainer that I used in the past and we talked. She invited me to join her Boot Camp that meets 3 days a week, for an hour. Then she began to teach me how to eat clean. I did everything she said and worked really hard. It has helped me a lot too. I now eat a lot of vegetables, whole grains, smoothies, lean meats and drink lots of water. I gave up white foods (white sugar, white flour, etc), sweets, sodas and wine. My start weight was 240 pounds and now I weight 187 pounds. I have God, my trainer and my loving husband (who drinks smoothies now) to thank for encouraging me along for the last ten months.
