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Anne lost 78 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Anne lost 78 pounds. This mother of five wants to be healthy for her family, so she dedicated herself to creating a healthy lifestyle. Intermittent fasting, tracking her food intake, walking for exercise are just some of the ways she took action to change her life.

Anne lost 78 pounds

The picture on the left is from April 2019 at my heaviest: 245 pounds. I decided that I had to make a lifestyle change, which meant eating right, exercising, and waist training. Now I weigh 167 pounds! 

What was your motivation?
My children and being healthy for them. I have twin daughters and three sons. If I’m not healthy, my time with them could be shortened.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What kept me going was my desire to change my life. I wanted to make an actual lifestyle change instead of just dropping a few pounds for the season.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started by making small changes and finding healthy alternatives for unhealthy foods. (i.e., regular soda switched to diet to zero sugar soda, and eventually, I only had it once in a while) I started using low-carb tortilla wraps instead of bread. I also changed my salad dressing (Catalina to Ceasar, etc.)

I used the Carb Manager app. It allowed me to scan in and track my food intake based on a low-carb diet, which was a game-changer for me. I also started Intermittent fasting on a 16-8 schedule.

Anne lost 78 pounds

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I increased my goal for my daily number of steps and tried to hit that as many days as I could. Somedays, I would take my kids to the park and let them play while I would walk. I also did a 15-minute video with Mr. London on YouTube (his fupa challenge ) 3-4 days a week.

What is your height?
5’8″

When did you start your journey?
I started in April 2020.

How long did your transformation take?
I’m still on my journey.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Consistency is key.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Take small steps and have realistic goals for yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to hit the reset button.

Instagram: @an_g_21586

Anne lost 78 pounds

Sha’Ri lost 60 pounds

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Sha’Ri lost 60 pounds by transforming her eating habits and focusing on wellness after her fourth pregnancy. She also got her Master’s in health and wellness and became a certified health coach/gut health expert.

Sha'Ri lost 60 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I was a 20-year-old single mother, and I struggled. Then was diagnosed with Lupus and given a year to live. I’ve been overweight, underweight, and had eating disorders. Not being able to recognize myself and wanting to make sure my kids saw the best version of me was my motivation. 

I went back to school, got my Master’s in health and wellness, and became a certified health coach/gut health expert. I just recently became certified in environmental toxins. I’m in the second year of my PhD. 

When I feel like giving up, I remember there’s someone that’s where I was, and they need me to continue to know they can overcome whatever they are struggling with.

Sha'Ri lost 60 pounds

How did you change your eating habits?
I started listening to my body. A lot of people are quick to give up foods when our body needs certain things. As a woman of color, my goal was to recognize what I lacked and fix the damage I had done, and allowed diet culture to do to me. I gave up the things in my environment that were polluting my body. I temporarily cut back on carbs and sugars while I reset my body. Then I reintroduced them when my body was able to stay in fat-burning mode.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I worked out maybe 5/6 times: once on my rowing machine the other times free weights. As a certified health coach and gut health expert, I understand how the body works and if you follow science you don’t need to work out. Working out releases endorphins and can make you feel good but there are so many things it can’t do, like reverse the damage on your liver, and organs and so much more. To be honest, I don’t have the time with four kids, two businesses and getting my PhD. I will start strength training soon but the goal for me isn’t to be ripped or skinny or have a six pack. It was to heal my toxic gut, get better sleep, gain energy, have clear skin, and come off medications and enjoy my food guilt free. I know that’s not the typical answer you get but it’s realistic for me and I want to encourage those that feel lost or like they can’t commit to a crazy schedule.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
This is my 4th pregnancy (the second pregnancy where I gained over 60lbs – After my third daughter, I reached my heaviest weight: 215 pounds). I weighed 185 pounds in the before, which was six weeks postpartum. In the after (85 days later), I weighed 132 pounds. Now, I am around 125 pounds. I don’t weigh myself often because the number on the scale wasn’t my goal. It was how I felt waking up, if my skin was clear, and if I didn’t have dry skin. I focus on my gut health. 

Sha'Ri lost 60 pounds

What is your height?
5’3”

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
The body photo was 2.5 months postpartum after my 4th (I’ve also had five miscarriages) to 4 months postpartum. The face photo was nine months postpartum with my third to eight months later.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Fads, gimmicks, quick fixes are temporary, and diet has the word die in it for a reason. True health lies in your gut. 

You are capable and stronger than you give yourself credit. Coming off of a death sentence and 13 prescriptions, and three anti-depressants isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Your life is worth it. Even on your worst day, someone more deserving didn’t wake up, and that proves there’s a purpose for your life. Stop quitting, stop giving up and keep fighting. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Stop focusing on the weight. Love yourself right where you are. No matter what the scale says, if you don’t love yourself, you won’t appreciate yourself at any size. You can’t expect anyone to love you because you teach people how to do that. 

Instagram: @sharismyth
Website and blog: ShariSmyth.com
 
Sha'Ri lost 60 pounds

Jai-Lyn lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jai-Lyn lost 70 pounds. She was told that breastfeeding would help her lose weight quickly, but that was not the case for her. To avoid a family history of illness and become the healthiest mom she could be, she focused on portion control, meal prep, and fitness. 

Jai-Lyn before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation started nine months after I had my daughter. I gained about 35 pounds with that pregnancy. I was told by many that if I breastfed, then I would lose the weight quickly. This was not true for my body. Although I was planning to breastfeed regardless, of course, I was excited about the possibility of losing weight along with it. Unfortunately, my body would NOT release the weight…no matter what I did! After about nine months of breastfeeding, I decided to wean her and begin my journey. 

What inspired me to keep going is my family history of health issues. I’ve watched family members go through many health challenges due to habits or genetics. I want to be the healthiest version of myself.

How did you change your eating habits?
I immediately cut out red meat and pork. I began to meal prep and plan out what I would eat. This was good for me because it helped me not to eat out of sheer boredom. I still eat the things I like, such as cookies and pizza, but I do it in moderation.

Jai-Lyn lost 70 pounds

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
Initially, I worked out about 3-4 days a week. Now I work out seven days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I lost 70 pounds. My starting weight was 263 pounds, and my current weight is 193 pounds.

What is your height?
5’10”

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in January 2018, and it took me a little over a year to lose weight. I became a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through ACE, and I’m certified in RIPPED™️. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgery, no supplements.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Is losing weight and being healthy easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I want to be an example to my kids on how to take care of the body that God gave you!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Stay focused on yourself. If you have a setback, it’s okay. Also, do NOT compare your journey to anyone else. 

Instagram: @jamazinglyfit

Britney lost 86 pounds

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Update July 2020: Shout out to Britney. She’s lost 26 more pounds since March for a total of 112 pounds gone.

 
 
 
 
 
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Transform Tuesday: I remember taking that pic on the left and I remember how much I wanted to lose weight. That day, my sister begged me to go walking with her and I didn’t want to go so bad but I did. I couldn’t keep up, I was embarrassed, and deep down I felt like a complete failure…. and you know what was the saddest part is, I wasn’t even at my heaviest weight! 😭 BUT GODDDD!!!! Now I walk every single day without thinking about, exercising is fun to me now, anddddd I’m down 106lbs from my heaviest weight!!! #TransformationTuesday #Grateful #iLoveMySelf #BritTheeStallion 🙌🏾💪🏾👏🏾 • • • • • #LosingWithTheLawsons #VSG #Motivation #gastricsleeve #GastricSleeveJourney #transformers #NewMe #bariatricsurgery #weightlossjourney #Transforming #KetoRecipes #LosersBench #weightloss #watchmeshrink #BlackGirlMagic #VsgPostOp #Vitamins #ExplorePage #LetTheJourneyBegin #FatToFit #YouGoGirl #GoMe #FineAssGirl #WorkingHard #HardWorkPaysOff #UnderConstruction

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Transformation of the Day: Britney lost 86 pounds with healthy eating habits, exercise, and VSG weight loss surgery. She feels like she has been given a new lease on life.

Britney before and after

I reached my heaviest weight of 353 pounds on September 25, 2019. I’m so grateful for my VSG surgery (vertical gastric sleeve), healthy eating, and exercising. I’ve been given another chance at life! Through hard work and dedication, I’m down 86 pounds. Today, I weighed in at 267 pounds.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My husband and kids are my motivation! There were so many days when I wanted to give up. However, I thought of how much fun my kids will have if I can run around and play with them and not just have to sit and watch.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits have changed drastically! Now, I eat a very high protein diet and try to stay away from carbs as much as possible. I also only drink water and Gatorade Zero. I plan on starting a full keto diet in April.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
I try to walk at the park at least four days a week, walking 1-2 miles. We’ve had to stay in the house lately due to the virus, but I have a friend who does virtual workouts daily. I follow her online and work out with her Monday – Friday for an hour.

Britney VSG surgery

What is your height?
5’3″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on October 7, 2019, with my VSG surgery. For the last five months, I’ve been on this amazing journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that I’m more capable than I think. I’m stronger than I ever knew. Also, it’s never too late to start over and be as great as I want to be!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Even when it looks too hard, just keep going! It’s not a race, so go at your own pace. You got this girl!

Instagram: @losingwiththelawsons

Britney before and after VSG surgery

LaVitt lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: LaVitt lost 40 pounds. Postpartum depression and the challenge of working two jobs didn’t stop her. She wanted to adopt a healthier lifestyle for herself and for her son, so she put in work in the gym, and cut out meat at the table. Check out her journey.

LaVitt before and after

Starting weight: 215 pounds 
Current weight: 175 pounds
Height: I’m 5’5 1/2″

The past couple of years have been life-changing. After giving birth to my amazing son and learning to adjust to being a mom, I lost myself. Dealing with postpartum depression and getting slammed with what people call “real life issues,” I completely hit rock bottom. After soaking in my sorrows for a while, I finally reached a point where I was tired of being unhappy. I felt that it wasn’t fair to my son, because I knew he absorbed all of my emotions. He deserves nothing but happiness. As a mom, I knew I had to be better, not just for myself but for my son. We both deserve the greater ME.

So, in April 2018 I said, “I’ve done this before, and I can do it again. NO MORE EXCUSES! Let’s get this work.” Working 2 jobs and being a full-time mom, I hit the gym whenever I could squeeze it in… even if it were only 30 minutes of cardio. Now, 6 months later, I’m down 40lbs. Although I’m not finished yet, as a mom, who struggled with losing the baby weight I wanted to share my journey.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by going cold turkey. I literally just took the unhealthy foods out my diet. I kicked meat out my meal plan and only ate seafood. It was definitely hard, but I did it.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I workout like 4-5 days a week. Most days, I’m only able to do 30 minutes of cardio. When I had more time, I still did 30 minutes of cardio, but I also added weights for toning. My cardio in the gym consists of running, using the stair climber machine and using the bikes. I do all three exercises every time but at different speeds as I get better.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that weight loss requires hard work, dedication and, most importantly, sacrifice!!

What advice would you share with women who want to lose weight?
All things are possible if you really want it. I’m a mother who worked 2 jobs, starting at 4am and ending at 6pm. I still found the time to workout, even at home when I didn’t have a sitter. I used my mommy time in the gym instead of out with friends drinking. I knew that it was what I wanted, and I didn’t stop until I got it.

Instagram: @boss_type_chiick

She’Reese lost 50 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: She’Reese lost 50 pounds. She just wanted to be comfortable in her skin and set a healthy example for her children. Cutting out the junk and making smarter food choices, led to results. She also put in work at the gym, taking lots of fitness classes. Check out her story.

she'reese weight loss story

What was your motivation?
Wanting to be comfortable in my own skin and having my children see a good example of someone who is working out to stay in shape. My husband has always be attracted to me, even at my heaviest, but I didn’t feel attractive. I wanted to feel good about me.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I wanted this to be a lifestyle change, not just another thing to give up on. I was tired of being unhappy and tired everyday. Also, I started seeing results and that motivated me even more.

How did you change your eating habits?
Cut out all soda and drastically cut my carbohydrate intake. I cut out soda and sweets (cookies, cakes doughnuts). If I knew that we were having a work meeting with doughnuts, I would plan ahead and have a bowl of fruit, granola bar, or yogurt with granola prepared to help with urges. Bascially, I just made healthier food choices when it came cooking at home and dining out.

What did your workout routine look like?
I took Bootcamp and Zumba classes (both) twice a week and I would try another, additional class as well. I worked out about 4 to 5 times a week. Speaking for me and maybe other women too, but I don’t feel confident enough to go to gym and say, “I’m going to work legs and back today.” I need something with more direction. I find that going to a class is more helpful to me. I explore and try out different classes that fit my level of fitness, but also push my abilities.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 208.4 pounds and my current weight is 157.6 pounds. My height is 5’2″.

When did you start your journey?
I decided to take my life back in February of 2017. My transformation is still ongoing, but to this point it has taken about 10 months.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That I have control over me. I can make good, healthy decisions that have allowed me to achieve my goal of losing weight.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Stick with it, because it is worth it. There will be hard moments, but you can do this. Preparation is key, so make sure you have healthier food options at home. Take your meals to work and get creative with recipes so you don’t get bored.

Instagram: @fitness.guinea.pig

Bria lost 56 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Bria lost 56 pounds. After the birth of her daughter, she decided to make changes to her life to ensure that she could watch her grow and thrive for years to come. Check out her transformation.

bria before and after

Starting weight: 287 pounds
Current weight: 231 pounds

I struggled with being overweight all my life. Once I had my daughter, I finally realized that I needed to do something about it because I want to watch my daughter grow up.
I’m currently 56 pounds down and I’m not done yet. I’m eating better and I’m on a meal replacement. I feel a lot better now!

What was your motivation?
My motivation is my 3 year old daughter.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My boyfriend. He helped me to push forward on the days that I just wanted to give in.

How did you change your eating habits?
Now, I eat healthier overall. More fruits and veggies has been added to my daily meals. I stopped eating fast food everyday. I’m currently using Herbalife as my meal replacement. I have one shake for breakfast and one for lunch.

What did your workout routine look like?
I basically did a lot more walking on a regular basis.

When did you start your journey?
In the middle of October 2016.

How long did your transformation take?
About 5 months and I’m still going.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the importance of being healthy.

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
Keep going, don’t stop and don’t look back.

Instagram: @Baebanggz

bria before and after

De’Asha lost 65 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: De’Asha lost 65 pounds. After giving birth to her son, her weight reached over 300 lbs. She made the choice to become a healthy, active mom and avoid a family history of weight related illnesses. Working out at home and going low carb has produced awesome results. Check out her journey. deasha before and after I am a 28 year old mother and I’ve battled with my weight most of my life. After having my son in 2013, I stepped on the scale and it said 320 pounds! I was so upset and I knew I had to do something about it. I worked out hard and got down to 255 pounds, but life hit me hard and I gained the weight back (reaching 280 lbs).  Now, I am back down to 255 lbs at 5’10”, and I’m on a journey to reach 220 lbs. I am so thankful for this fitness journey. I no longer suffer from high blood pressure and I am no longer at risk for diabetes.

What inspired you to keep going when times got tough? What keeps me inspired was remembering that I was doing this for my son. Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure runs in my family. When my son was born, I made a promise to him that I would change my life around to be healthy for him. He deserves an active and healthy mother. I want to be that for him.

How did you change your eating habits? I tried just about EVERY DIET THERE IS. What I find works best for me is going low carb and eating no more than 150 grams of carbs each day. 3 days a week, I have a “cheat day”, then back to low carbs for 3 more days. That is a more realistic plan for me to follow than other diet methods. I did cut back on un-healthy foods as well. I cook most of my meals. My go-to, guilt free healthy meal is chicken fajitas. They taste awesome and I can eat them all day, minus the tortillas of course. I also love mangos and pineapples.

Do you workout in the gym or take any fitness classes? I workout 5-6 days per week doing various Beachbody workouts at home. My favorite is T25. Sometimes, I mix up my workouts by going to the gym or running outside when its nice.

When did you start your journey?  I originally started in January 2014, but fell off and gained the weight back. I recommitted in September 2016.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight? The advice I would give to others is to never give up on yourself. Take lots of pictures of yourself, even if you don’t see a difference. Don’t allow the scale to make you upset. Try on an old pair of jeans and use that as a method of tracking your progress. Follow me on this journey to 100 pounds down! Instagram @BigFineandFit

Would you like to share your weight loss journey and be featured on this site?
Submit Your Story Today!

Earlier this year, I stated I wanted to be the same size I was in High School. I graduated in 2007 and I was a size 16 pants & XL shirt. Well I met that goal 🤗 It feels so good to be the same size I was 10 years ago, what’s even more rewarding is I did it by myself. Proper nutrition & killer workouts 🏋🏾‍♀️ You can do whatever you set your mind to. It was a struggle to get here, but I’m here & I’m not giving up until I reach 100 pounds lost 💪🏾 #Letsgetit #Byefupa #weightlossjourney #throwbackThursday #tbt #goals #fitnessjourney #thickfit #plussizefitness #plussizefit #beforeandafter #blackfitnesswomen #blackgirlsworkouttoo #blackgirlsworkout #blackfitness #fitfam #blackwomen #blackgirlmagic #share

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Fit Mom: Shyra shares her workout routines

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Busy mom Shyra wrote in to share her progress and her intense workout routines. Her past and where she came from can’t stop her. She wants to be an example of healthy, fit living for her daughter, the youth she works with and other women who want to change their lives.

shyra workout routine

I am currently working with a personal trainer that I see 3 days a week at 7 AM in the morning. I am a mother of a 12 year old girl and I work with inner city youth who I love! My motivation comes from them. I always tell them that you can do anything you put your mind to, so I had to live by example. One of my goals is to give my city a Half Marathon in the “hood”, a place we call home! My daughter and I also take boxing lessons together once a week.
My first goal was to teach myself that I can can say no to what the world calls food. I eat all raw, whole foods and I make my own smoothies every morning. My smoothies consist of spinach, milk, blueberries, banana and peanut butter. I’m 34 years old. My goal is to be in the best shape that I have ever been in and to be an example to other women. I want to show them that age doesn’t matter. I use my Facebook page to help keep women inspired.

I know that where you come from doesn’t determine your destination! I have come out of an abusive relationship and I use that pain to fuel my hard work. I put it all into my workouts. Tupac said, “For every dark night, there’s a brighter day.” I tell myself that every morning. Here are a couple of pictures of my morning routine!

Instagram: @shyrashavon

shyra HIIT exercise

shyra intense exercise routine

shyra2blog2 shyra3blog

Tiffany lost 40 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Tiffany lost 40 pounds. Like many mothers, this mom of two wanted to be healthier and more active for her children.  She used naysayers for inspiration, ate smaller portions and walked 7 days a week.  Here is what she shared with us about her progress…

tiffany before and after

My name is Tiffany and I’m a 35 year old mom of 2 beautiful children. My main reasons for wanting to lose weight are becoming healthy and being around for my children. I would love to see my 16 year old graduate in a couple of years. Also, I have a 2 year old that’s very active and I love keeping up with him. What really inspired me was people saying that I’d never lose weight or reach my goal. A lot of times you have to prove people wrong, and that’s just what I’m doing.

I’ve lost 40 pounds and I can tell a big difference. I started my journey a little over 6 months ago and now I’m starting to really see results. I never thought I would have this much energy, but I’m loving it. I can’t wait to see where this journey brings me.

I changed my eating habits by eating smaller portions and cutting out sodas. I’m also drinking lots of water. My workout routine is walking for 2 miles, 7 days a week. If I’m not able to walk, I will do the 21 Day Fix exercise workouts on DVD. My starting weight was 215 pounds and now I’m down to 175 pounds (height: 5’0″). I’m still not finished. The advice I have for others; Take baby steps, set a goal and don’t let anyone or anything deter you from succeeding.