how I lost weight

Jodie lost 72 pounds

October 23, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jodie has lost 72 pounds since December 2013. Facing a diagnosis of high blood pressure and diabetes, she decided it was time to take back her health and change her lifestyle. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

Jodie before and after

In December 2013, I began to just feel different so I decided to go to see a doctor. I found out I had high blood pressure and diabetes. I have a son and a daughter. In addition, my son has sickle cell disease. I really want to live so that I can continue to take care of them.

I was a junk food and soda freak. I prayed and prayed, asking God to just guide me to eating better. I started drinking tons and tons of water, eating fruits and veggies and getting up to go walking. I just did whatever I could to keep moving. I had to pray, get up and stay active. I also started reading up on exercises and finding different stories on YouTube of people making changes and CHOOSING TO LIVE. I didn’t go to the gym…just started by working out at home.

I started out weighing 320 pounds and now weigh 248 pounds (I’m 5’11”). It didn’t happen overnight. Everyday I try to give my full 100% but there are also days when I give 200%. I will not lose this fight because it gets easier when you put in effort.

My Advice: You will love the results and reactions people give you. I didn’t want to be skinny because I always have been a plus size woman. However, I did want to be at a healthy. Weight has never gotten in the way of me doing anything, but when my health became an issue I had to decide that I wanted to be here for my kids. I’m still working hard.

Jodie weight loss story

Michelle lost 85 pounds with weight loss surgery

October 22, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Michelle lost 85 pounds with Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery. She wrestled with the decision over the course of a few years. After having surgery and changing her lifestyle with healthy habits, she is happy with the results. Here is what she shared with us…

Michelle before and after weight loss

My name is Michelle Kyle Gough. I reached my health goals by having weight loss surgery. It has really been a journey for me. After seeing a photo of me at kings dominion in the summer of 2009, I was disgusted with the way I looked and I knew that something had to be done! It was a roller coaster ride for year trying to lose weight. Then, I wanted to have weight loss sugary in 2010, but I was afraid after attending the seminar.

In 2011, I changed the way I ate and joined curves at 262 lbs. I went down to 230 pounds. Then I got Sick and had to have surgery in June of 2011. After the surgery I couldn’t exercise for 6 weeks and I lost my motivation a few months.

Later, I started the process again and considered having weight loss surgery again. I joined the gym, watched what I ate and I prayed to God to give me the courage and the strength to go through the entire process. With the love and support of my family I would do it. I didn’t tell many people about it because I didn’t want the negativity from others to discourage me.

On November 4th 2013, my Gastric Bypass surgery day, I weighted in at 242 lbs! So far, I haven’t had any complications and for that I thank God. I’m now down to 157 lbs! I feel great and I don’t need my CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) or GERD Medicine. It’s still a journey. I still go to the gym 4-5 times a week for an hour or more and my husband goes with me. My only regret is that I didn’t make the decision back in 2010 to have surgery. My advice to others is find what works for you and stick with it. Stay positive and encourage yourself. Don’t look for others to do it, because everyone that claims to support you won’t in the end (you’ll find that out on your journey). Surround yourself with positive people and most of all love yourself!!

Fighting PCOS: Kiah lost 55 pounds

October 21, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 12 Comments

Update: We featured Kiah‘s amazing story a year ago. She’s maintained her weight loss and dropped 8 more pounds. “I am down a total of 55lbs and have about 50 more to lose. I’m off my medication and losing weight naturally with PCOS. I’ve lost more inches than anything! I’m also teaming up with doctors kiah pcos and specialists to spread awareness about PCOS in hopes of finding a cure. The biggest changes that have helped me lose weight and keep it off is my willingness to keep working out. Even when I don’t always make the healthiest choices, getting adequate exercise is vital for continued success. I still don’t drink sodas and do my best to stay away from processed and chemical based foods. I continue to workout out at least 3 times weekly for 45-60 minutes. Here are some new before and after photos that I hope inspire more women. Thank you again for sharing my story. It is most definitely a journey. Steady wins the race!”

I want women with PCOS to know this….Fact: Women with #PCOS who exercise 30 minutes a day can lower insulin levels and take inches off their waist. A recent study has shown that PCOS women did not see weight-loss on the scale, but lab testing showed improvement in insulin sensitivity and waist size. I am proof that you can still become healthier and smaller even when the scale doesn’t move. I’m down 5 dress sizes and my PCOS symptoms have reduced significantly. For more information on the importance of exercise for PCOS go to www.pcosnutrition.com

Here are some new before and after photos that I hope inspire more women. Thank you again for sharing my story. It is most definitely a journey. Steady wins the race!” www.facebook.com/AjourneyIdeserve

kiah weight loss story

Oct 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kiah lost 47 pounds. She was diagnosed with PCOS and experienced a number of symptoms including weight gain. She has worked to get her PCOS under control and change her life. Here is more info about her journey…

Kiah weight loss story

I have always struggled with my weight. I’ve gone from the college athlete playing basketball on a daily basis to an emotional eater adding unhealthy weight. My fitness and health experiences are broad spectrum. Recently,I was diagnosed with PCOS. I gained 95 pounds and went up 9 dress sizes in 11 months, losing a bit of myself in the process. I felt so alone and lost due to excessive facial hair, rapid weight gain, heart complications, and mood swings. I am currently on Metformin for PCOS, however that alone was still not enough to get the “old me” back. I had to fight for her and even though I did not always know how I would succeed, I was certain that I was going to succeed. Today, I am happy to say that I have lost 47 lbs and counting! Changing my eating habits and working out is a must for me to win against PCOS. I am sharing my journey to healthy living in hopes of helping my friends and family.

We all know it begins with a choice, a commitment to oneself to break bad habits and embrace good ones. We also know that the choice must be made daily, hourly; from 5 am alarm clocks to turning away carrot cake and doughnuts at work. My commitment is not just about losing weight, but starting a new lifestyle that includes better food, more activity, more joy, feeling healthy and happy. I am committed to caring for me because I deserve a joyful life.

My initial weight loss commitment was a struggle. I would exercise hard before going to work. I was feeling like I had accomplished a great deal only to see little to no weight loss (my starting weight for this journey was 265 lbs.). Weeks went by and only a few pounds to show for all my effort. Needless to say, I was discouraged feeling like perhaps the whole idea and effort put forth was pointless. I knew something wasn’t right as I had lost weight before using the tools that I had gained from all those years in athletics, yet I had no answers. Fortunately, I gained health insurance (finally) and made an appointment to see a doctor. I was diagnosed with PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; a disease in which women’s hormones are imbalanced causing unwanted changes in the way women look. Overtime, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, due to weight gain. I am now on medication for the PCOS and with my doctor’s blessing I’ve recommitted to my goals.

I exercise at least 4 days a week and eat healthy foods once foreign to me – eggplant, brussel sprouts, and asparagus; in additional to healthier meats, no soda, more water, and no meals after 8 pm. I also chose to commit to the Dr. Oz two week cleanse diet during my journey with great success – 11.7 lbs. in ten days.

It has taken me about 8 months to lose 47 lbs. Its a journey my friends and I hope other women are inspired by mine. This is my journey. Everyone deserves to be healthy and happy…inspiration comes from a myriad of sources. Perhaps my successes, struggles, insights and support will inspire others. For workouts, motivation, and inspiration go to www.facebook.com/AjourneyIdeserve

Instagram: @ajourneyideserve

Kiah before and after

Tasha lost 48 pounds

October 20, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tasha has lost 48 pounds since June of this year. She is losing the weight for her and wants to inspire the people around her as well. Here is what she shared with us…

tasha before and after

Highest weight: 242 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Goal weight: 140-145 pounds
Height: 5’1″

Hello my name is Tasha and I’m am on this journey to lose weight after trying so many times and experiencing many set backs.. I decided that after the death of a close friend I would vow to myself to get healthy…mind, body and soul. It has taken me 2 years to figure out that this is MY journey and I can do this!!! I started on June 7th of this year and as of today I am 48 pounds down and counting! I hope to inspire and motivate ANYBODY that is trying and trying. Falling down is apart of the process, but getting up and moving on is the victory! My main motivation was that I did NOT want to go back to where I started. I want people to know that all is possible with consistency and that belief that there is a healthy (not skinny) person is in there somewhere.

My original workout routine was walking, walking, and more walking! I eventually starting reading and researching, got a waist trainer and started doing sprint intervals. Later I began running. I set small goals on my off days and began doing 2 workouts on some days. After a month, I incorporated weight lifting. On weekends, I went to the high school track where I started running the bleachers with the main goal to run miles continuously.

My diet consisted of no fried foods and minimal to no sugars. I eat low sodium, low carb and high protein food. That means lots of baked or grilled fish/chicken, raw fruits, veggies for snacks and a gallon or MORE of water daily!! Water is the key to restarting your metabolism.

It helps to have a support system and mine was my family and close friends. I motivated them to come with me so now it’s a movement! However, you have to want to do it for YOU, because eventually it becomes a lifestyle! God’s got us! LETS GET IT!

Check out more photos from her journey on Instagram: @tasmitchell74

tasha weight loss journey

Breast Cancer Survivor: Tracey Dickson lost 40 pounds

October 19, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 5 Comments

Update 2017: Tracey wrote in to share that she is 9 years breast cancer free and has continued to keep the weight off that she lost after gaining weight during treatment. She is fit and fabulous at 50 years old.

I just wanted to take a moment and give you a weight loss/breast cancer update! I am 9 years cancer FREE and I have kept the weight off since after treatment back in 2008! Now, at 50 years old, I am PROOF that GOD, fitness and eating well can carry you a LONG way! Thank you so much for sharing my story a few years ago! I hope that I can continue to inspire just as your page continues to inspire and motivate me and thousands of other women! You give the women in our community the courage to dig deep and GO FOR IT!! BRAVO!
New Instagram: @traceyfit2fly

tracey before and after

Success Story of the Day: October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As we reflect, I want us to celebrate this sista’s story. Tracey Dickson lost 40 pounds after gaining weight during chemo. She said something that I love: “Six months after chemo was over I had done what I set out to do, which was have breast cancer leave me better than it found me.” I think that is something we can all aspire to: to be better and to feel blessed after life’s trials.

Tracy breast cancer survivor

In 2008, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt like I had run full speed into a brick wall! As a flight attendant and certified fitness instructor I felt pretty healthy. I certainly didn’t feel like breast cancer would ever find me. Boy was I WRONG! I am only 5’3″ and I weighed about 128-130 at the time. By the time I finished chemo, I had gained over 30 pounds! I had won the fight against breast cancer, but in the midst of chemo I lost the fight to stay fit and trim. I knew that I was determined to have breast cancer leave my body waaaaay better than it found me. I remember my mother saying to me “Tracey, you have got to give your body what it is use to, and your body is use to MOVING!” So, with those words I began to FIGHT my way back to a leaner, healthier and more FIT body than ever before.

I started with my diet. I changed to more of a vegetarian lifestyle. I ate a lot of fish, vegetables, complex carbs like sweet potatoes. I also ate berries, nuts, and egg whites. I concentrated on eating more whole foods and less sugary packaged stuff. I drank plenty of water and green tea. I TOTALLY cut out sodas and high sugary juices and I made a point not to eat after 8PM. I also found that bringing snacks and meals with me on the road kept me safe from falling off my clean eating plan. I always try to incorporate a protein into each meal. But sometimes I switch things up and either eat a protein with lots of veggies or a complex carb with lots of veggies. My snacks were and still are nuts and fruit or protein. I also make healthy protein shakes at home.

Next it was time to get back on the trail and in the gym! I started out with 20 mins of cardio and 10 minutes of weights. My body was so tired and worn out it was all I could do. But as time went on I got stronger and I could tolerate more. I worked my way up to 40 minutes of cardio 5-6 days a week and 2-3 days of weights. Upper body then lower body on another day, then full body once a week. It was obvious that because I had more muscle my body was TORCHING fat and calories! The weight lifting was key and I felt AMAZING!

Six months after chemo was over I had done what I set out to do, which was have breast cancer leave me better than it found me. I was leaner, stronger and healthier and I had lost a total of 40 pounds! I was a petite 5’3″ muscle mama weighing in at 117! Sounds tiny but on this short frame I am solid as a ROCK!

I still follow my clean eating but now I shoot for 4-5 days of good cardio/weights instead of the 5-6 days. I learned that if you set your mind to something and WORK for it you can achieve it. Under Armour did a national search for 3 athletic survivors to be the face of their Power In Pink line and I was chosen. Once again I proved to myself that if you work for it God will do the rest!

I remember back when the doctor told me that I would have to jump through hoops to get well. I told her to show me the hoops. Now when I think back to that time I just smile, shake my head and say to myself “wow, I never knew I could jump so high!”

IG @traceyzdfit2fly

FB @ Tracey Dickson Scott

If I can…….YOU can! #MAKEITHAPPEN #BEANINSPIRATION#JESUSLOVESME #NOONEEVERSAIDITWOULDBEEASY

A photo posted by TraceyzdFIT2FLY (@traceyzdfit2fly) on Apr 1, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

Tracy before and after

Dana lost 68 pounds

October 18, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dana lost 68 pounds and is now a certified fitness instructor. She has experienced a number of serious challenges that inspired her to change her life. Now she is helping others to do the same and that is a wonderful thing!

Dawn weight loss before and after

My name is Dana L. Bradford-Majors and I am currently a fitness instructor in Indianapolis, IN. My initial motivation was the loss of both my aunt and uncle in a two month timeframe. We were all survivors of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, but unfortunately, stress and health factors both took them away. I then became pregnant in April of 2011 and lost my son in August. I then became pregnant in December of that same year and as a result, gained about 80 pounds due to depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism and your typical pregnancy weight gain.

What was your motivation?
My inspiration was my family. I need to be here for them. I have 4 young children and I, along with my husband, are their foundation. I want to be able to play with them without getting winded!

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits gradually by taking recipes that I learned from my mother, father and great aunt and tweaked them to be a little healthier. I love to cook, so the possibilities are endless when you want to create a dish that has to feed 6 people AND you still want it to taste good lol! I am NOT a fan of sweets or soda, so I seldomly, if ever bring in any junk food. I am an avid water drinker, so I drink that, along with homemade smoothies and protein shakes as well.

What do your workout routines look like?
I workout 5 times a week. I weight train twice a week, along with Zumba, PiYo and Pound, Rockout Workout.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 228 pounds. I am currently 160 pounds. I’m 5’4″.

How long did your transformation take?
I’m still on the road to my fighting weight, but it’s taken me 2 years to get where I am now.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Never give up, never settle. If you have a goal, it’s yours and yours alone. No matter what, don’t give up. Find the cruise control, then break the speed limit!

My instagram is @majorfitness1 and you can find me at facebook.com/MAJORFitnesswithDana

Kevela lost 63 pounds

October 17, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kevela lost 63 pounds. After an embarrassing incident at an amusement park, (something that is common for many overweight ladies, unfortunately) she knew that it was time to take action and change her lifestyle. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

kevela before and after

I just wanted to say that I am so grateful to what God has done in my life and I wanted to share my testimony with others. Maxing out at 305 lbs, I was in my biggest state of depression ever. But God…I’ve lost over 60 lbs and I am NOT finished yet. To everyone that is starting their journey…start with realizing your “Why” and go from there!.

It honestly all started when I was asked get off of a ride at Six Flags because I could not fit. I was so embarrassed and it ruined my whole trip. During the summer of 2012, the basketball coach at my job began working out with me and one of my co-workers. I remember barely being able to be on the elliptical for 10 minutes. I told myself then that it was time to change. Grant it, people threw the option of surgery at me daily, but I told myself that I could do it on my own. I had a support system, a trainer and a strong mental focus.

I began eating grilled food and plenty vegetables! I have never loved vegetables so much =) I love my water and I make sure to have it with me all of the time. I basically stopped eating a lot of fried foods too. Grant it, I do slip up, just not nearly as much as I used to.

I love cardio! I know it sounds weird, but I love running and I love the stair master. I also love going to fitness classes that incorporate weights and cardio, because I am having a skin loose issue due to the weight loss. I am hoping it will go away without having to get it removed. My current weight is 242 pounds and I am 5’6″. I started my journey at 305 pounds and I am finally to the point of keeping the weight off.

I would say that I did not become “addicted” to the healthy lifestyle until last summer. My advice for anyone starting their journey would be to NOT give up! The change will come in time. Don’t be embarrassed to be that “big person” running down the street or lifting weights. You’re being inspirational! I PROMISE!

My instagram is taubeta_07. It is private but I will follow and accept you all! I have it set private so I don’t have students all on it =)

– Kevela

KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

October 16, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 5 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery. Post-surgery this proud mom is very happy with her choice and has lots of energy to be active with her son. Read more about her journey…

Katarra weight loss

I’m KaTarra and my motivation to become healthy came in 2011 when I gave birth to my son. I knew at that point that being overweight was not am option anymore. I was 5’5″ and topping the scales at 335 pounds!! My last option for losing the weight turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in my life besides having my son. I chose to have the Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery to help me, not to do it for me.

My eating habits had to change dramatically because of my surgery, and I just keep that post-surgery frame of mind when it comes to my eating now. I only do small portions and I do a lot of protein with my meals because that’s what helps me. My cardio workouts are 45 minutes to an hour on the treadmill. My strength training is doing squats with a 45 lb bar with one 45 lb plate on each side for 10 reps per set. I do crunches as well.

I now have the energy I never had before to workout & be active with my son! 160lbs down & still going! I continue to watch what I eat, I work out at least 3 times a week and I actively use the MyFitnessPal app. I wore my very 1st 2pc swimsuit ever (though it was a tankini, mind you) for the 1st time in my life in September on my 1st vacation out of the country!! I’m making major accomplishments & it feels great!

Instagram: @tiniki80

Katarra before and after

Update: Torrie lost 65 pounds

October 15, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

We got an update from Torrie! When we featured her back in Nov 2013, she’s lost 41 pounds. Almost a year later she’s down a total of 65 pounds. Check out her update.

Torrie before and after

Hello, My Name is Torrie Jackson. I’m currently 37 years old and I’m from Michigan. You did a story on me last year and I wanted to follow up. I have been continuing on my weight lost journey and I’ve now lost a total of 60 pounds. When I first started the process in early 2012, I was 230 pounds. I’m really proud to say that I have reached my goal weight of 165. I’m feeling great each day and just trying my best to stay fit my walking and bike riding. I’m also entering my first 5k this year, the Fifth Third Bank Turkey Trot 2014 in Detroit, MI on Thanksgiving Day.

Living a healthy lifestyle may mean something different from one person to the next. For me, health is defined by living a disease-free life. Living healthy is important to because I want to be around to play with my son who is currently age 5. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle not only improves my quality of life it may even add years as well. Besides, when you are physically fit, it gets reflected on your face, so you look attractive and start feeling good about yourself.

Good health has a positive effect on the productivity even as an employee and that is why we need to take good care of your health, both in the workplace as well as at home. I feel more energetic, my mind and body is free from work pressure and mental stress. I’m also able to handle the daily tasks at workplace with a positive attitude, focused more on the positives and not bothered much about the negatives. Most importantly, at the end of the day, I can sleep well feel stress free. Being mindful of my diet, and physical activity and stress level allows me to effectively balance all aspects of my life and might increase my life span.

Thank You to Black Women Losing Weight because you have helped with keeping me motivated.
-Torrie Jackson

Find out more about how Torrie began her weight loss journey and the steps she took.

Cherdrina lost 120 pounds

October 15, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Cherdrina lost 120 pounds. Going vegetarian, taking spinning classes, running and changing her eating habits have lead her to an awesome weight loss transformation. Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

cherdrina before and after

My name is Cherdrina and I have lost 100+ pounds. I was well over 270 pounds when I knew it was time to make a change. I never really had weight issues until after having my last child and dealing the stressors of life. I began to eat my life away in response. I was always tired and never could find the energy to do much of anything. It was not until December of 2012 that I made weight loss goals and began eating healthy. I made my New Years Resolution on January 1 of 2013, threw my old eating habits out of the door and did a total 180. I was determined to be a healthier me, so I cut out meat cold turkey and went straight vegetarian. I also started exercising daily. Spinning became my favorite form of cardio. I also added strength training to my regimen. Eventually, I started to run with the local Black Girls Run group and fell in love with it.

I made sure, and still do now, to read all labels on foods that I buy or consume! The vegetarian lifestyle helped me to make better eating choices, but still I must be careful not to consume too many starchy foods. I had to cut out sweets which were my favorite, now I still treat myself occasionally, but just not as much as I was before losing the weight. I also had to cut out my love for breads and pastas. I had the habit of consuming bread with every meal, which was my biggest problem. I have the healthy eating down now, so I’m always looking for healthier alternatives and options even when eating out It makes a huge difference!

I started at 279 pounds and now I’m here at 159 pounds. As of now, I lead a much healthier lifestyle, I feel awesome and look awesome. It was indeed a lifestyle change and I’ve made sure to stick to it. Healthy feels so good. I encourage everyone to embark on this journey of healthy living !

Instagram: @mrschocolate_persuasion

Blog: www.burstthephat.blogspot.com