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Essence lost 46 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story:  Essence lost 46 pounds.  Her story shows that you don’t have to chase quick weight loss. She gives the full details of her 2 year journey to weight loss and greater health and tells us what she did to make the difference.  Here is her story:

Essence weight loss

I would love to share my story and the struggle of just flat out being HUMAN.  The set backs, the come backs, the sweat, the tears, and over the struggle of getting to where I am today. I always like to tell people to ENJOY the struggle. And the reason why I say that is because it took me to find something that I love to do in order for me to PUSH to lose the weightI am 5’3, and at one point of my life I was 23 years old, weighed 184 pounds and was wearing a size 13. I was laid off from my job in 2007 and had just recently moved to Texas. It took me a year to find a job while living at home with my parents. There was nothing to do but lay around, apply for jobs, and eat. I was depressed.

2 years ago my doctor expressed to me that I was border line Diabetic and I had High Blood Pressure in which I would have to take blood pressure pills to get it under control. I use to be one of those women who was big but “carried my weight well” as a lot of people would say. I felt like that was a nice way of saying “you’re big, but not THAT big.”  I would go to the gym 3 times a week, doing 45 minutes on the elliptical, but still eating whatever I wanted to. I knew this was not going to get me where I needed to be and I tried to be content with myself but at the end of the day I was very unhappy with my weight.July 1st 2012 was the day that turned not only my health around but my life around! This is the day I started a 7 day all fruits and Vegetables cleanse.

Breakfast- frozen fruit smoothies, with my favorite fruit and apple juice
Snack- cup of cantaloupe
Lunch- garden salads with light vinaigrette dressing or sometimes no dressing at all
Snack- bananas, strawberries, grapes
Dinner- Vege stir fry ( Spinach, Onions, Broccoli, bell peppers with low sodium teriyaki sauce and garden salads if I didn’t feel like eating stir fry for dinner).

After this cleanse, I lost 6 lbs in a week. (mostly water weight of course) but it was a START and just what I needed!  I’m not perfect,  I can honestly say that I was one of those people who bought chips, cookies, and all other snacks you can think of,  I’m not afraid to admit I told myself I would eat all of it before I started this cleanse. Again, I’m human and who wants to waste food…smh @ me I know….I went from 3 days of 45 minutes on the elliptical to 6 days a week of doing 1 1/2 hrs of a combination of Turbo Kickboxing, Body Combat,  Nike Boot Camp Classes, running 3 times a week (for 1 mile at a 6.3 speed on the treadmill) and incorporating weight lifting at least twice a week at 24hr fitness!    I don’t like diets, so my meals consisted of eating better choices and smaller portions. Was I perfect? Nope, Did I cheat?  Yep! I mean let’s be realistic.  I am not the person to cook on Saturdays, so when I would eat out, I wouldn’t hold back but yes I would work out that day to shed some calories. My eating consisted of no pork and I cut back on Salt and Sugar. I did this for 1 year and before I knew it I was down to 138 pounds, and wearing a size 9. My blood pressure is now under control and I am no longer border line diabetic. Matter of fact my doctor was even impressed with my results.

I am not where I want to be physically but I’m better and stronger then I was before July 1, 2012. My self-confidence and spirit has lifted tremendously even my friends and family notice it. (Let’s just say I take more full body pictures then I do selfies these days) lol! I am now 30 years young and on a new journey of lifting more weights and eating more protein to obtain a more toned and fit body.  I am also proud to say that I have recently been certified to be a TurboKick Instructor, and I’m on a new path to help others achieve their fitness goals as well!All in all, if I don’t leave you with nothing else as you read about my journey, I do want to say this; THERE IS NO SECRET TO LOSING WEIGHT, JUST MAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH. I waited until I had bad results at the doctor’s office to make a lifestyle change. Some people don’t get the warning before the end results of sickness or even death.  So make your lifestyle change TODAY!  And don’t forget SLOW progress IS progress.”
~Essence – Instagram: @essencedw

Essence weight loss

Dominique lost 32 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dominque lost 32 pounds.  If you’ve been dealing with weight loss issues since your childhood and teen years, I think you will really connect with what she has shared about her journey:

dominique weight loss

“On September 18, 2013 I went to the doctor and dreaded to hear that my blood pressure was high. It’s something I’ve heard time & time again and this was from my OBGYN doctor. She recommended that I see my primary doctor for risk of high blood pressure. I left there feeling BLAH! and weighing in at 218 lbs. Later that day, I told myself that I refuse to be on any medication because I was overweight. There’s a long list of health problems in my family due to being overweight and I refuse to follow that trait. My heaviest weight that I can remember was 225lbs. I know I’ve weighed more before but because I stayed away from the scale I’ll never know. But past pictures tell it all.

I’ve always been a yo-yo dieter, so I know the ends & outs of what it takes to lose weight. Problem is I’ve always done it for the wrong reason, and most of all, never for myself. I was always chubby growing up. In high school, I was always the “big” one. My senior year I went on the Scarsdale Diet and lost 40lbs-45lbs right before my graduation. I was at my smallest around 160 lbs and a size 8 in clothes. I had my ups & downs in life. Stress & depression & my emotional roller coaster caused a major weight gain. Jan 2013, I went on yet another weight loss venture because I knew I was going on our family trip to Disney World in August. I got down to 204lbs. I didn’t go on this trip and I gained all the weight I lost back. By mid August of 2013, I weighed in at 223lbs.

After my doctors visit on Sept 18, 2013 I prayed to God that he lead me to good health. I started with detoxing, clean eating and light exercise. Over the next couple of months I incorporated more exercise. I had a few slip ups but that goes along with the journey. Weight loss is definitely not easy. As of today, I am down to 190 pounds, which is 32 pounds lost from August 2013.

My weight has gone up and down all my life but this time I’m doing it for ME! I have no one in my ear telling me to lose weight. I have no travel plans or an event coming up. Quite frankly, “I’m tired of being fat, unhealthy, & unfit”. My ultimate goal is to be 150lbs, healthy, & physically fit by my 30th Birthday this December. I’m taking it slow and steady with no eating restrictions. This is a lifestyle change, not a quick “fix it” temporary diet. With the guidance of Weight Watchers, I’m knocking down my goals one pound at a time. I GOT THIS!!

To those on a weight loss journey YOU CAN DO IT! I’m living proof that it can be done. With consistency, patience, and faith you’ll be able to meet your goals. Just find what’ll work for you, stay positive, and surround yourself with supportive people.

To follow my weight loss journey check me out on IG @fab_fitb4_30 or twitter @chubbydivanique“

Cassandra lost 305 pounds

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Update 2015: Cassandra was featured on the Dr. Oz show.

Cassandra before and after

Amazing Weight Loss Success Story: Cassandra documented her amazing journey of losing 300+ pounds and she looks great. She was on a mission to prove that it can be done without surgery.  Here is what she shared with us about her transformation and a video showing her progress:

“My kids were my motivation I wanted to get healthy and enjoy my life with them. I wanted to look and feel better about myself.  My blood pressure was 275, today its in a normal range.  I couldn’t walk because my knees hurt so bad but today I can walk 14 miles.

My goal was to prove this could be done without surgery and I proved just that. I decided to take on a more healthier lifestyle and I’m proud to say that I lost over 300lbs. by doing just that.

I decided to go cold turkey and become Vegan and I love it. I have more energy than ever.  I walked everyday for about an hour and a half nothing else.

My starting weight was 495 pounds. My current weight is 190 pounds. My measurements were 60D-63-66 today they are 38D-33-38.

It took me 16 months to lose over 300lbs and I’m not done yet I still have about 40 more pounds to go.  My advice would be don’t worry about how far you have to go, think of the amazing transformation when your done.

I also have a weight loss site that shows my beginning videos you can find me at www.obese2sheek.com thank you and be blessed.”

Visit her website and YouTube Channel for more information on what she did to lose the weight.

Cassandra weight loss

Misha’ lost 48 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Misha’ lost 48 pounds.  At 300 + pounds and diagnosed with high blood pressure, she made the decision to get healthy.  Her children have been her motivation and her workout partners.   Here is what she shared about losing the weight:

weight loss story

“My name is Misha’ and I’m a single parent of two beautiful little girls.  At the age of 33, I hit rock bottom while weighing in at over 300 lbs. Last year, I learned that I had high blood pressure which is known as the ” silent killer”. I was put on medication, was not happy about it and took action. I started doing water aerobics at home for an hour and then I did laps. I eliminated sugar, started drinking lemon water, eating veggies, grilled chicken, turkey, fish and plenty of fruit . For morning meals, I would drink a cup of water and have a protein shake. When I wanted something to snack on, I would eat raw almonds . In place of chips, I did Special K cracker chips. When I wanted something sweet, I ate Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries. As the summer was ending I started walking, working out with my bootcamp workout tape, riding an exercise bike and being more actively involved outside with my kids. My kids work out with me. Their faces keep me motivated because I’m all they have and I want to be around for them and watch them grow. As of today I’m down 48 pounds and I’m far from my goal but I’m not stopping . Every year I walk in Revlon’s walk for breast cancer and my goal is to one day run it!”

weight loss success story

Janet lost 90 pounds

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Today’s Weight Loss Success Story: Janet lost 90 pounds.  She gives God all the glory.  She wants us to know that getting healthy is a “process” and that she makes a conscious decision each day to stay on track with her goals.  She shared with us the details of her journey.  Check it out:

Janet before and after

“I’am a firm believer that with God ALL things are possible to him that believes! In 2003, I was at my highest weight ever! I was 250 plus pounds. I stopped weighing myself because I did not want to know my exact weight. I was to embarrassed to know.

You ask what was my motivation? Life and my health was motivation. I wanted to live I did not want to die because of hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes. Those two diseases runs in my family. I was married and at the time I had two small children. I wanted to live and be here for my family! My excuses were running thin. I kept telling myself I will start a diet tomorrow, I will start tomorrow etc. My tomorrow never came until I was ready to face my today! I had to get real with my self. I was at my lowest.  My clothing was a size 22/24. I was experiencing mild heart palpitations, shortness of breathing walking up the stairs, and my body ached! Weight hurts and it’s heavy!!

I began to pray and ask The Lord to help me. I did not want to stay the way I was. I needed to change. My help came immediately. I changed my food portion sizes. I stopped eating out on a large dinner plates. I changed to dessert plate and ate at home. You can not pile as much food on a dessert plate like a dinner plate. Changing my plate size assisted me in controlling my portion size.

Next, my eating habits had to change even more! I went from unhealthy eating to healthy eating. Cut out fried foods, and I no longer eat beef, or pork. I only eat fish, turkey and chicken. Veggies became a large portion on my plate. Also, I no longer eat bread, which was contributing to my weight gain. For making sandwiches, I got creative and would use lattice, tomatoes, or Spinach as my bread.  It’s very healthy too!

All I drink is water I can’t stress enough that water was critical and has helped my skin to become healthier. By drinking more water, my inside was being flushed out which enabled me to continue this process. Now, I may have a soda during family events but to be totally honest I drink so much water that drinking a soda is like drinking plain sugar. Also, smoothies are the best (fruit and veggie smoothies).

Currently I weigh 160 pounds and I’m a size 10. I have NEVER wore a size 10 before.  BWLW Ladies, this is truly a lifestyle change! I did not loose this weight overnight, nor did I gain it overnight. It is continual process. It took me a year to really start eating right, cutting out all that junk food and start putting action into plan.

After I started to eat right the weight started to come off. I did a little at a time I did not want to become overwhelm myself or get discouraged. So, for example, I started walking.  From walking, I went to running and from running to swimming. All along the way, I kept saying to myself “It’s a process.”.

Then I stared exercising during commercial breaks, doing 50 jumping jacks every commercial break. Then, I’d add in 20 push ups then crunches. The cycles continues to add another exercise. This got my family moving as well.  It’s a process that I have to continue. I have not arrived. I make a conscious decision daily to stay fit and healthy.

The advice I would love to give to my sisters who are struggling with their weight:  I have been there, where they are, and I know what it feels like to be overweight and not feel good about yourself. I know the silent frustrations they are experiencing especially wanting to wear the stylish clothes that don’t come in their size. Feeling like a failure because their weight is so out of control.

I want them to know that it starts with the decision to change and get healthy and fit. I will tell my sisters that all things are possible to him that believes! Believe in yourself, believe you are worthy to face your weight and believe that it can change and it will change! I would take them step by step through the process to prevent them from becoming overwhelm and discourage. Also it is critical for my sisters to know and to remember weight loss is different for everyone. If I can help one it was worth sharing my story!”

My motto Is “If I Can YOU Can”
I’m on social media
Jpharrison@hotmail.com
FB: Janet Harrison
Twitter: pd2md
Instagram: pd2md

Amanda lost 28 pounds

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Amanda has dropped 28 pounds on her weight loss journey.  After getting after facing down depression and giving up she has recommitted to her health and weight loss goals.  Here is her story:

“My journey started 2 years ago when I hired my first personal trainer. He struggled with me because I never changed my eating habits and never successfully lost weight. My breaking point came 2 years later after high blood pressure caused my doctor to place me on the Mirena IUD. I gained a whooping 20lbs. At 300 lbs, I grew very depressed and I gave up. I stopped working out with my trainer and stayed to myself… Away from family and friends. I didn’t want people to see me that large.

On December 30th, 2013, I stepped on my bathroom scale and I reached 313 pounds. I refused to get any bigger. I started back with my personal trainer who challenged me not to quit and to give it my all. I workout with him 3 days a week doing strength training along with cardio. I do hour long cardio sessions on my own for the other 4 days. Yes, I workout EVERY SINGLE DAY!! As for my diet, I started eating smaller portions and raw vegetables with every meal. I’m slowly preparing myself to become vegan! I don’t eat any carbs or sweets! When I craved sweets, I simply ate fruit. Today, I am happy to say that I weigh 285 pounds!!! That’s 28 lbs in 59 days!! I’m so proud of myself!! I’m doing it!!! I would like to encourage others to keep at it and challenge yourself! Working out without changing you’re diet will not yield good results.”

Amanda weight loss story

 

Vanessa lost 85 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Vanessa lost 85 pounds in 2 years and got her husband to join her on the journey.  She was motivated by wanting to get off of 5 meds for ailments, including diabetes and high blood pressure.  Here is what she shared about what actions she took to get healthy:

Vanessa weight loss

“Hello, my name is Vanessa Lawrence and I have lost 85 lbs. I began my fit journey in 2010. Prior to that I had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and irregular heartbeat. I’m not sure how my weight got out of control, but I knew I did not like being this young with these health problems. Nor did I like taking 5 different medications each day to treat these problems.

So I took action! I began by hiring an nutritionist. She taught me how to read labels, how to divide portions, how eating whole fresh foods could heal me better than medication and the importance of eating to live, rather than living to eat. Making that change alone I dropped 20 pounds. BUT I WANTED MORE! Next, I hired a personal trainer. He taught me different cardio and strength training exercises to add to my journey and next thing I know I’m down 85 pounds. It took about 2 years and I continue to keep it off by doing all of those things I learned from my nutritionist and person trainer. I do have to add that my husband went on this journey with me. I know that is why I have been so successful. He eats what I eat, we keep each other motivated, and its a way for us to spend quality time together.

Tips:

  • Pack and cook your own meals.
  • Eat 6 small meals throughout the day.
  • Add weights to your workouts at least 2-3 times per week.
  • Do high intensity interval training. HIIT helps burn fat and gets you out of any plateaus you may hit along your fit journey.
  • Have fun! Working out shouldn’t be boring. If you find yourself getting bored try something new such as: hiking, yoga, boxing, running outside, etc.”

Instagram: @Vanlaw365

Kelsey lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Kelsey lost 71 pounds.  She changed her habits to become a healthier person and to avoid a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes. She wants to encourage you and let you know that losing weight is possible for YOU.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Kelsey before and after weight loss

“Hi, my name is Kelsey. On March 5th, 2013, I decided that I was going to do something to better myself & acquired a YMCA membership with the hopes of becoming a healthier me. On March 6th, 2013, I completed my first workout which began this journey. I distinctly remember how tough it was.  Weighing in at 275 pounds, the treadmill was not my friend. So much so that the amount of weight I had on me gave me joint issues when using the treadmill. I would jump around to elliptical machines to lessen the joint impacts…that is until I could tolerate the treadmill again. My workout routine as I lost weight eventually moved to 45 minutes to an hour of cardio, which was usually a run/walk interval along with 15 minutes of strengthening (abs/arms) afterwards.

I changed my eating habits, cutting out fast foods COMPLETELY for the first 3 months (I now eat at them OCCASIONALLY, very rarely still), cut back on fried foods, snacked on veggies, & cut back on breads/sweets. I ate a lot more fish, salads with grilled chicken or steak, snacked on baby carrots, and just cooked more of my food overall.

My starting weight on March 6, 2013 was 275 pounds…today March 5, 2014, I’m down to 204 pounds. I feel soooo much better, mentally & physically/. I can move around easier & have tons more confidence. I didn’t know until now how much my weight was holding me back from trying new things & meeting new people. I was like a turtle who stayed in their shell before. My motivation to change stemmed from not wanting to rely of blood pressure medications and diabetic medications like my elders. I knew these health issues ran in my family and I KNEW I was heading towards the same route with the way my eating habits were. I mean I was very close to 300 lbs at my heaviest, being 283 at one point.

I want to tell all of those who are struggling or playing with the idea of losing weight and becoming a healthier person…YOU CAN DO IT!! This coming from a 24 year old woman who had failed COUNTLESS times with losing weight. You just have to WANT IT!! You have to tell yourself “it’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it”. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to know its a work in process even when u aren’t seeing the results u want. There will be days that you fall off the wagon, but don’t let that keep u down, GET BACK ON!!  I know this is so cliche…but seriously, IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN! I’m still working towards my goal weight of 175-180pounds. God bless!”

Instagram: @Kelsey_89

Brandy lost 131 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Brandy lost 131 pounds.  Exercise was key to her transformation and now she is able to be more active with her children.  Find out how she did it:

“Hello my name is Brandy Francis. I’m 34 years young and a single mother of a 2 going on 24 year old. MY Battle with weight has always been just that, a battle, but in 17 months I have lost 119 pounds. My highest tipping weight was 292 pounds and I now weigh 161 pounds.  That is a total of 131 pounds.

I have done every weight loss program and supplement, but to my surprise neither one would help me loose the weight I have currently. My employment with a warehouse is where the shedding of pounds started, it is equivalent to going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week working out and 4 to 5 hours on every part of my body. My eating habits changed because of my recent “singlehood”. I could no longer enjoy the luxury of fast foods 3 to 4 times a day. So, being in this warehouse they would only allow water on the floor which was a battle because I was addicted to Pepsi.  At first I said, “Noooo Water.” but NOW water is my best friend. I’m no longer on blood pressure meds and I’m so much more active with my 29 month old. I’m so blessed and grateful that at one of the worst times of stress in my life I didn’t revert to old habits of binge eating or feeling sorry for myself. The biggest size I put on was a 24/26 at Lane Bryant and I’m now wearing a size 10/8. I will always battle with weight, but right now I’m winning!!”

Brandy before and after Brandy weight loss

Eddra lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Eddra lost 50 pounds. She says that she started a lifestyle change and not a diet to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared about how she did it:

Eddra weight loss

“My name is Eddra Davis. I am 29 years old and married with three boys, ages 8, 7, and 2 years old. My family is what motivated me to lose weight. I am only getting older, not younger and if I continued to go down the path I was going, I may not have been healthy enough to do the things I want to do with my children. Also, the fact that diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family motivated me to get healthy too. I want to give myself a fighting chance not to go through health issues like that and to teach my children how avoid them also. Who doesn’t want to look good and feel good,not only for yourself but for your spouse.

I looked at my eating habits and started a lifestyle change not a diet. I simply made better choices. I would choose yogurt instead of ice cream, eat turkey, fish, or chicken instead of beef. I had water with lemon instead of soda or juice. It is the little things that we choose to eat that makes a difference. If we would stop and think before we eat that cake and ask “What can I choose that I like that would be a healthier choice with less fat, calories, and sugar that was still satisfy my craving?”.  I exercised at the gym and did workout dvds at home, like Black Girls Workout Too.

My starting weight was 245 pounds current weight is 195 pounds. No matter how long it takes keep going and never give up. It dosen’t matter if it takes you longer as long as you get there everyone journey is different. Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to be active. Start out slow if you have to, as long as you start you will be surprised how much that little time will change you body, along with your water intake and changes in eating habits. Get people around you that motivate you even if you don’t know them. Make friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter because you will have your hard times. If you fall off its ok forgive yourself and start again. Follow me on instagram: revivingthebeautygame“