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how I lost weight

Eutonya lost 25 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Eutonya lost 25 pounds.  She knows that even though she’s had some ups and downs on her journey, slow and steady wins the race.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

eutonya before and after

I started my journey back in September 2014 to lose weight and try to eat better. Since I started, I have lost weight and gained it back so many times, but I never gave up. I’m not just doing this because it’s about to be summertime. A lot of people lose weight to have that summer body but I did it due to health problems. I have high blood pressure and I’m tired of taking medicine.  I also wanted to have more confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I love the skin I’m in, but I know it can be much better. I’m not getting any younger. I will be 39 years old this year and I want to be like a fine wine (better with time).

I started eating more healthy. I stopped eating ALL fast food druing the first 3 months of my journey. I only ate baked chicken and fish and more vegetables and fruit. The first 3 months, I walked around the lake 5 days the week. My starting weight was 242 pounds. Now, I weight 217 pounds and my goal is to lose 15 more pounds (height: 5’6″).

My advice is to never give up, even if people say you can’t do it. Trust me, it’s been hard. My weight was going up and down but I never gave up. So, to the people that said I couldn’t do it I say, “Y’ALL KNOW WHAT Y’ALL CAN DO FOR ME”. To the ones who have been helping me I say thank you because y’all push me! “WORK HARD or GO HOME!”

Instagram: @wine_fine76

Morgan lost 53 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation: Morgan lost 53 pounds. She was inspired by her mother’s weight loss success and wanting to walk across the stage at her graduation more fit and healthier. Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

morgan before and after

My name is Morgan Donathan. I am s 26 year old from Nassau, Bahamas. The motivation for my weight loss came from my mother’s weight loss, along with my college graduation. I wanted to truly love and care for myself as I deserved to. I saw my mother lose and keep her weight off and it truly motivated me to want to do the same for myself.  This came along with the fact that, after longer than I expected, I would be walking across the graduation stage with my B.Sc. Psychology. In the beginning, I didn’t change anything with my eating, but I was working out 4 days a week doing Cardio Kick and Pilates. I then cut out a lot of carbs and sugars. I ate protein, mainly chicken breasts, vegetables/salads and I drank only water. I took  my sugars from the fruits I ate, which were strawberries, blueberries and grapefruits.

My starting weight was 224  pounds and I am currently 171 pounds at 5’6″ tall. This process took about a year and a half. If I can do it, so can you. It’s not easy and many, many days you’ll feel like giving up, not working out or eating comfort food.  However, the pay off for doing the things you need to do is so worth it. You will feel so much better and healthier. My Instagram is @morgiethemermaid.

Audra lost 140 pounds

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Update July 2016 – Audra is still going strong and has lost 30 more pounds for a total of 170 pounds released. Instagram: @livingvictorious1

audra weight loss

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Audra lost 140 pounds and she’s kept the weight off for 8 years.  She was kind enough to tell with us how she released the weight and share a sample meal plan. Check out her journey.

audra weight loss

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my family and my desire to avoid the illnesses that can come with being overweight, like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and back pain. I wanted to live the best quality of life. What inspired me was moving into a apartment complex that had a gym.

How did you change your eating habits?
What did you stop or start eating? See my original meal plan below:
BREAKFAST (Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
Quaker Oatmeal or Special K Protein Plus Cereal (Cereal Box is Light Blue in the front)
1/4 or 1/2 Grapefruit or 1/2 of an Orange

SNACK (Between 10:00 & 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 & 3:00 p.m.)
(Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
1/4 or 1/2 can of Fruit Cocktail or Sliced Peaches w/Splenda (No Sugar Added)
or other 1/2 of the Orange or Grapefruit
Cottage Cheese w/fruit
Quaker Reduced Sugar Granola Bar (90 Calories)
Sugar Free Jell-O

LUNCH (Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
Salad with or without Grilled Chicken (with Reduced Fat Dressing)
Campbells “Healthy Request” Soups (Savory Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Pasta or Mexican Tortilla) – These soups have 40% to 50% less sodium than the regular soups & can range from 110 to 190 calories per can.
Ritz Reduced Fat Crackers

DINNER (Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
I basically alternate from the Lunch Menu most of the time (e.g. Soup for Lunch, Salad for Dinner or vice versa). However, I do sometimes eat the following to give myself a break:
Chicken Breast or Ground Turkey Patty grilled on the George Foreman Grill
Frozen Peas or Corn or Broccoli (Frozen or Fresh) – Frozen veggies carry less Sodium than canned ones
1/2 baked Potato

DESSERT OR SNACK AFTER DINNER
100 Calorie Pack Chips a’ Hoy or
Sugar Free Jello & Fruit Cocktail w/Fat Free or Sugar Free Cool Whip

BEVERAGES OTHER THAN WATER
Fuse Non-Carbonated Beverages (Look for the Low Carb varieties) – These drinks are very low calorie and are infused with vitamins & minerals.
Arizona Diet Green Tea
Crystal Light Beverages

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out 6 days a week. 45 minutes to an hour of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. .

What was your starting weight? 300 lbs.

What is your current weight? 160 lbs.

What is your height? 5’2″

How long did your transformation take? 14 months and have kept it off for 8 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
“SLOW GRADUAL CHANGES ARE THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS”.

I have a Facebook women’s Fitness group named Sisters Getting Fit for the Kingdom.

audra before and after

Tanika lost 120 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tanika lost 120 pounds. This proud mom wanted to live a long, healthy life and be more active with her daughter.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

tanika before and after

Hello, my name is Tanika. I am a 30 year old single mother of a 10 year old, beautiful girl. Growing up, I was always athletic even in high school playing five different sports. I even worked for a gym. I became pregnant at the age of 20 and I weighed 155 pounds on the day I found out. I’d gained 50 pounds when I gave birth to my daughter, but over the years I continued gain weight unknowingly until I looked at a photograph of myself. I weighed myself and I topped out at 295 pounds.

tanika bikini
“First time I put on a swimsuit in 15 years.”

Then, I moved back to California where I became a little more health-conscious after getting into a relationship with a wonderful man who also lives a very fit life. He helped motivate me. I also wanted to do better in terms of my appearance. I gradually started working out 2 times a week during doing moderate cardio and extensive weight training. I even took a few courses in Muay Thai to boost up my stamina. After seeing results, it became naturally for me work out regularly, and I have now started working out 4 times a week. I have changed my eating habits by cutting out sugar, increasing my protein intake and drinking more water. I also drink a lot of smoothies and raw juices.

I now weigh 175 pounds, but the majority of that weight is muscle. My goal is not to be a size 2 but to live a fit and healthy life. I want to be able to run and keep up with my daughter who is a cheerleader. I still have the moves to do a toe touch. The only thing I say to others is find who you are inside and live your life right. Don’t worry about being small, just be healthy. You will see the longevity in your life.

Jennifer lost 25 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Jennifer lost 25 pounds and went from a size 22 to a size 16.  She was inspired to change her life so that she would live a full life and be here to see her sons thrive.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight…

jennifer before and after

My name is Jennifer Mathis from Vaiden, Ms. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. At my heaviest, I weighed 245 pounds. Currently, I weigh 220 pounds (height: 5’6″ tall), but I’ve also lost numerous inches. I went from a size 22w to a size 16 from July 2014 to February of 2015. I still have a long way to go with my weight, but I am extremely happy about my progress thus far!

I work out 4 to 5 days per week. My workouts consist of at least 1 hour of cardio, whether it’s SPIN CLASS or the treadmill at 15% incline. I have also incorporated weight training at least 3 times per week.
My diet consists of high fiber, like bran and vegetables. To be honest, I am still a work in progress when it comes to my diet, but I am making conscious decisions when it pertains to my diet. I grew up in Mississippi. My mother taught her daughters how to cook and how to cook WELL! I have had to learn how to streamline my recipes and still make them tasty!

My motivation is my family, I want to be here to see my boys become young men and begin their families.
I want to be here for them. I want to meet my daughter in laws and grandchildren when that time comes.

My advice? Consistency. Stay at it, even when you don’t see results! Hold yourself accountable and surround yourself with people of like mind. After a few weeks, you’re not going to want to miss a gym session!

jennifer weight loss

Carmel lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Carmel lost 80 pounds.  Her motivation began with harsh and hurtful words from her now former spouse. With time and perspective, she found motivation within herself, changed her life and found happiness.  Here is what she shared with us…

carmel before and after

Two months after saying I do, my husband left because he said I was too fat. At first, I was filled with anger and embarrassment. My first thought as I watched him pack was how much I was going to make him regret his decision.  The very next day I started working out. I was fueled by rage and revenge. I quickly lost 20 pounds but every moment at the gym was a chore. Every step was torture.

At some point, around the 25 pound weight loss mark I started enjoying the process. I started feeling good and feeling healthy. I started feeling beautiful.  My focus changed and it became about me. I began to understand that a healthy, active and fit me was so much better than the me I was. I started becoming excited about exercise. I started to enjoy the benefits, the compliments, the new found abilities.

carmel weight lossTwo years later, I can truly say. “Thank you, John.” Did I deserve to be left? No, I didn’t. No one does. Was I fat? Yes, I was well over 240 pounds. Was I unhealthy? Oh Yes! My knees hurt, my back ached. Walking in heels was becoming a chore. Sleeping restfully was hit or miss. Diabetes and high blood pressure were knocking on my door. Here’s my simple reality: I truly believe that if he hadn’t left I would still be that fat, tired, sickly woman in an unhappy and unhealthy marriage.

So, thank you John for leaving me. I truly wish you joy and happiness. Because today I’m healthier than I’ve been in 10 years; I feel more alive and more beautiful at forty than I ever thought was possible in my thirties. I am open to all that the future holds including the possibility of finding true and lasting love. It’s because one day you decided I wasn’t good enough. Today, I can truly affirm and testify that “All things work together for good for them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

I’ve changed my eating habits three times over the past two years. Initially, I read the book Eat to Live: The Amazing Nutrient-Rich Program for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss, Revised Edition by Joel Fuhrman. I ate a mainly plant based diet with only about 10% meat. I ate a huge salad daily and a lot of fruit and veggies. My protein source was primarily vegetarian meat or soy meat substitutes. I lost 40 pounds with this diet plan and then I plateaued. At this point I reduced the amount of fruit I was taking and cut out added sugar. That helped me to lose another 15 pounds and then I plateaued again. My final adjustment was restricting my diet to 1250 calories a day and utilizing My Fitness Pal to track my intake. I lost a total of 80 pounds.

I work out four to six times per week. I hired a personal trainer and have worked with him consistently for the last two years. I used Couch to 5k and started running on the treadmill. With my trainer, who is an MMA fighter, I also started boxing as a form of cardio. I lift weights three times per week.

What was your starting weight?
240 pounds

What is your current weight?
160 pounds

What is your height?
5 feet 7

How long did your transformation take?
1 year and 1/2

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Keep focused, keep motivated but don’t expect progress instantly. Accept setbacks. Don’t punish yourself for mistakes. But most of all, lose the weight for yourself and no one else.

Instagram: @brownecarmel

Sequoqah lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sequoqah lost 62 pounds. After dealing with being overweight for most of her life, she decided that it was time for a lifestyle change.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight…

sequoqah weight loss

Hi, my name is Sequoqah Brown and I am 31 years old. Last year on June 24, 2014 I set out to start my journey to weigh loss. I’ve been overweight my whole life. I was tired of dealing with the pounds and ready for a change. It was not a good feeling to be unhealthy. I talked to myself and prayed to God that by my 31st birthday on 02/04/2014 I would be under 200lbs. I worked out 2 to 3 times a day. Changed my unhealthy eating habits and completely drank nothing but water the whole time. I stopped eating fried foods and starches. I stopped drinking sodas, added more fruits and stared eating clean. I worked out daily. Exercise wise, I did a lot of upper body exercises, squats, jumping jacks, plank and used the treadmill. I also ran at football stadiums.

By Thanksgiving 2014, I was down from 240 pounds to 182 pounds. I shocked myself. I kept working out and reached my goal. To this day, I still drink only water, I’m still working out and I don’t eat after 7:00 pm. Now, I weigh 178 pounds (height: 5’4″). I love the skin I am in. I feel so much healthier and still have more to go on my journey.

My advice to others who want to lose weight is to stay focused on this journey once you start, because you are always one step closer than you were the day before. Also, drink lots of water.

sequoqah before and after

Jul lost 47 pounds

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Update Oct 2019: Jul lost 60 pounds. She initially shared her story with us back in 2015 and she is still going strong.

Jul before and after

God is good! I have maintained my weight since the last update. My greatest tip is water intake. I can not overemphasize drinking water. Also, I like slices of cucumbers mixed with pineapples.

Don’t ever forget to use portion control. I eat a small meal every 3 hours and drink water in-between. Sometimes, I snack on almonds, pears, or green apples.

The advice I can give to my sisters who are struggling with their weight is that losing weight must start with your mind and spirit. It took me years to realize this. You must change your habits and always remember that when your body is hungry, it wants nutrients, NOT calories. – @officialjulzebulon

April 2015  – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jul Zebulon lost 47 pounds.  She experienced weight gain from emotional eating after the loss of her father, followed by pregnancy weight gain.  Her story should serve as inspiration for women facing weight loss after pregnancy.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

jul before and after

Life is a blessing, but sometimes situations hit us very hard and the only option we have is junk food. During my pregnancy, I was eating everything my eyes saw. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, pink chocolate, whatever chocolates…lol. A day without McDonald felt like I was in prison. Then I lost my Dad and everything went from bad to worst. Junk food became my best friend. I went from 165 pounds to 235 pounds very fast. Adding weight can happen very fast but losing it is a bitch. After that, I gave birth to my baby C-section on 12.26.14. I was resting in my hospital bed, still in a horrible pain, I looked at myself and didn’t like what I saw. I made a promise to myself that now the baby is out I had to take care of myself. I didn’t know how it was going to happen but I had to start somewhere.

Few days later I was discharged. I came back home, changed my eating habits and controlled my cravings. I stopped eating bread, white rice, fried plantain, chips,…etc and I eat 3 hours before bedtime. I made healthy food choices like beans, avocados, greens, more fruits, grapefruit, almonds, and more water intake. I don’t have any specific YouTube videos, I just watch any workout video and do some dancing. I also purchased a treadmill, so I normally workout at home like 30-45mins. My favorite form of exercise is dancing, because I sweat and I don’t feel bored. I also joined some groups on Facebook for motivation.

I’m still a work in progress but so far I’m 47 lbs lighter 3 1/2months (height: 5’5″). My goal weight is 160 lbs and I must achieve it before my baby turns 6 months old. 47 pounds in 3 months might sound wired but yes, I did it and it’s true. I’m working my butt off everyday lol.

My advice for those that wants to lose weight: stop procrastinating. If you truly want to lose weight, focus on it. Cut off sodas, bags of chips, pizza etc, and learn how to say NO to junk foods. Don’t say you want to lose weight yet everyday you’re chilling on the couch snacking on the wrong foods. Make a healthy grocery list and always stick to it. When you feel like giving up, always reach out to people that understand your struggle. Being a SEXY mom isn’t only for celebrities. With dedication, commitment, and discipline, you can achieve anything.

jul weight loss

jul zebulon before and after
April 2018: Jul is still going strong.

Update 2017 – We shared Jul’s story a year ago and she’s sent in a great update.  She’s had some ups and downs, but she hasn’t given up. Now, she’s down a total of 60 pounds.

jul before and after

Since the last time you shared my story, I have struggled back and forth with my weight, but I finally regained my confidence and self esteem. I figured out that my biggest enemy was my eating habits. So, I stayed away from fast food and starchy food (Pizza, McDonald’s, rice, etc). I increased my protein shakes. I bought a protein shake powder, B12, Zinc and Biotin from GNC store. These things has helped me significantly with achieving my weight loss. The B12 supplement is my No. 1 because it’s gives me energy. I see myself getting skinnier and skinnier every day. I am still dealing with my Dad’s death, but it’s a process that only time will heal.

jul weight loss storyMy goal weight is still 160 pounds. I don’t want to be too skinny, my body is not meant to be tiny. I want to be moderate, elegant, and beautiful. I’m concentrating on losing fat, not lean muscle. I receive so many compliments and everyone wants to know the secret to my success. My advice for other people is to stay away from that “quick fix” stuff. (I.E. slimming tea, herbal medicine, pills, etc.) If you can control what you eat, you will lose weight fast, safe and effectively.

I have lost 60 lbs in total. I am still a work in progress. Sometimes I lose, when I think of my Dad’s death, I end up gaining but so far it’s been steady. I can’t complain because I know that God is great! People can follow me on Instagram: @JUL_ZEBULON or Facebook: LadyJul Zebulon for more weight loss info.

Quovella lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Quovella lost 71 pounds.  Motivated by loss of her dear sister and learning that she was borderline diabetic, she decided that it was time for a change.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight release journey…

quovella before and after

What was your motivation?
Several situations motivated me:
1. The death of my sister was so devastating I needed to do something positive with my time to release my mind from the pain and depression that I was feeling and going through due to her passing away. My sister and I discussed me losing weight while she was alive, so I’d waited long enough. I decided it was time to do it. No more procrastinating.
2. I went to the doctor and he told me that I was on the borderline diabetic and to get on the scale. It read 300 lbs. I said it is time for me to do something about this state I’m in.
3. I also witnessed several of my friends pass away from heart attacks and strokes, and to be honest I feared that it would be me if I didn’t lose the weight soon.

I inspired me by believing I can do all things with the help and strength of God. I was determine to LIVE!!
I also was inspired to do it naturally and discipline myself to say no to food or eating it in moderation.

How did you change your eating habits?

My eating habits were changed to smaller portions and I prepared my meals everyday. I made healthier meals, making sure to get lots of veggies and protein. My intake of water increased as well. So that I won’t be hungry, I prepared 4 small healthy meals daily and ate every 4 hours. I also carried healthy snacks along with me such, as almonds and fruit.

  • Stopped eating after 6pm. If I was hungry, I ate fruit or yogurt.
  • Stopped eating FAST FOOD. If I did go out to eat, I paid close attention to the low calories meals and that’s what I ordered.
  • Stopped eating fried food, sweets and starches such as potatoes.  I also stopped eating white bread and rice (major NO’S).
  • I started eating more salads and veggies everyday.

What did your workout routine look like?

My workout routine consisted of starting off in the beginning of everyday with cardio for at least 30 minutes. I gradually moved to 45 minutes and then 1 hour, doing 2miles daily.

What was your starting weight?  What is your current weight?

My starting weight was 300lbs. My current weight is 229 lbs. My height is 5’2″.

How long did it your transformation take?

My transformation took 1 year and a half.

What advice do I have for others that want to lose weight?

My advice: Don’t put it off let any longer. Your tomorrow starts today. Stay focused, ignore negativity and stay consistent with a made up mind. Be determined and don’t give up, even when you don’t see immediate results. It’s a process. If you fall off a day or two, don’t get discouraged. Just get back on track. DO IT FOR YOU AND BELIEVE YOU CAN. KEEP PUSHING EVEN AFTER YOU REACH YOUR GOAL.

Tiffanie lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tiffanie lost 68 pounds. She made the decision to change, found a supportive group, changed her eating habits and worked out regularly.  Her results are awesome.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss transformation…

Tiffanie before and after

My name is Tiffanie and I would like to share my weight loss journey. I was on vacation in July of 2014 and not liking the way my clothes were fitting. I was determined to do something about it when I got back home and I did just that. I joined a local weight loss support group, similar to Weight Watchers and got started. I was determined to stay focused and take it one day at a time. I realized that there would be setbacks along the way.

With regard to food that I enjoyed eating but was not the best for me, I looked at it as though “it would be there later.” I’ve turned down many opportunities to eat the things that were not healthy for my body because I was determined to be a success story. I try to make good food choices, exercise regularly and do Fitbit challenges. I find the challenges show me what I am really capable of and that I can push myself. My eating habits consists of missing NO meals and minimizing my portions. I also sugars and carbs and eat high protein foods. I started eating more protein, more vegetables and less bread. I really didn’t drink soda or alcohol in the past, so that wasn’t an issue. I started out walking slow on the treadmill and then worked my way up to some running. I now work out five to six times per week. That consists of a lot of cardio and some weight training.

I am 4’11” tall, 40 years old and it has taken me about 9 months to now be down 68 lbs. In July of 2014, my starting weight was 227.5 pounds. My measurements were 44 in the chest, 40 in the waist and 51 in the hips. Today (April 4, 2015), I am weighing in at 159. 8 pounds. My current chest measurements are 35.5, waist 33 and hips 41.

I knew that I was more than a conqueror in Jesus Christ and I could do all things through Christ which strengthens me. My faith in God really got me through from day to day. While I feel very good about my results, my final goal is to encourage others that are in the struggle and let them know that they can do this also. My advice to others is to first know that you can do anything you put your mind to, stay focused and once you start your journey take it one day at a time. Things won’t be perfect but you will see progress.