Black Weight Loss Success

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Jenn lost 46 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: BWLW Online Community member Jenn lost 46 pounds by changing her eating habits and exercising.  Here is what she shared with us:

One year ago, I fell into a depression and food became my best friend. I was eating all of the wrong things. I wasn’t active. I am only 5 ft 4 inches tall and to carry around 252 pounds was causing me pain. My back, knees, feet, and ankles would begin to hurt after only 5 minutes of walking. My clothes were getting bigger. One day, I looked at myself in the mirror and all I could do was cry. It didn’t matter that others saw me without flaws. I was unhappy and tired of feeling that way. The next day, I ate and drank all of my favorite things (Doritos, Reeses, Pepsi, french fries). At the end of the day, I threw away everything I didn’t eat and decided at that very moment to start living healthy. I decreased my carbohydrate intake to a minimum of 50 grams daily.  I eliminated sugar, sodas and juices and increased my water to a gallon a day. I also incorporated more vegetables into my meals. I joined a gym and began to do Zumba classes. Today I am 46 pounds lighter! I have never been so proud of myself in my life.

Everyday is a struggle but it’s so worth it. The camera is now my best friend and all of my loved ones can see my confidence. I am still working toward my goal, which I’ll share as soon as I am there. That dark and dismal place of my past won’t EVER see me again. You can believe that!  For all of you that chose healthy living, I applaud you. It’s not easy…But it’s SO worth it!

Jenn before and after weight loss

Charlotte lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured before & after weight loss story:  Charlotte lost 60 pounds.  She was motivated by the possibility of having diabetes to change her eating habits and get healthy.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’m down 60 pounds so far since July 2012! I have more to go. I was borderline diabetic.  I didn’t take it seriously until the doctor said she was more than sure I was over the borderline, because of all the signs and symptoms I was having. The day she tested me I prayed and told God if He would spare me from this disease I would start working out and lose the weight. I’ve seen my aunts and sisters deal with diabetes. Losing their sight, their limbs, kidney failure and having to stick themselves daily. The day I got my results I cried. Cried tears of joy because I didn’t have diabetes. As I cried and while thanking God, I popped in a workout video and haven’t stopped yet.

Along with working out I also used the loseit.com to keep track of my eating. I noticed that when I began cutting back on how much I ate the bulk of the weight began melting off. I stop eating beef years before the weight loss, never ate pork, let the sodas go, cut way back on the sweets and began eating more fruits and veggies. I love my veggies now.  Now, I carry a bag of fruits with me in case I get hungry when I’m away from home. It keeps me from stopping for fast food. Don’t get me wrong, I do have my weak points but I don’t over do it and don’t do it often! When I get to that “I don’t feel like doing this” point, I have my before picture handy and it quickly motivates me to keep moving!  I was at a weight loss plateau for a long time so I decided to join Weight Watchers recently to get the remaining weight off.  I was in a size 24-26 at the beginning of my weight loss journey and now in a size 12!  Fit&Fabulous at 40!

Charlotte weight loss before & after

Demetris lost over 70 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Demetris.  She lost over 70 pounds in 2 1/2 years and she hasn’t had in soda in over 2 years.

I would love to be featured on your page. Your page has always been such an inspiration to motivate me to hit the gym even when I didn’t think I had the drive to do so.

It took me a total of 2 1/2 years to lose over 70 lbs and keep it off. The secret to my success was to exercise at least 4 days a week, doing cardio and strength training.  I watched my meal portions and I drank LOTS of water. I completely cut out any type of sugary drinks. I haven’t had a soda in well over 2 years. All it takes for anyone to be motivated to lose weight is for them to have that “ah ha” moment when they realize they have to do something.  My moment mine came when I was told I was pre-diabetic. That was when I knew I had no other option but to lose weight and to live a healthier lifestyle.

Demetris weight loss before and after

Updated: Yvette lost more than 50 pounds

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Update Nov 2013: Yvette recently wrote in to update her weight loss story.  She lost 17 more pounds bring her total weight loss to 51 pounds.

Yvette before and after weight loss

“I was featured in May after I lost 33 pounds. I am now down over 50 pounds. My starting weight was 264 pounds. Today, my weight is 213 pounds. My goal weight is 175 pounds. I’m still walking and using Mapmyfitness. No fried foods, junk food, soda or eating out. I keep a journal of my food and activities. I participate in abs and arms challenges as well as your monthly challenges.

My journey continues as I work to live a healthy lifestyle, maintain being free from diabetes (which runs in my family), and live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up. I love bike riding with my granddaughter. She was amazed to see me ride a bike and swim. Never in 7 years had she seen me do neither of these activities until this summer. I had not rode a bike or been a swimsuit in over 10 years. Now, I set small goals for myself. My next goal is to be under 200 pounds by 2014. My ultimate goal is to be at my goal weight by my 44th birthday which is in April 2014. Slow, but steady progress.”

Yvette weight loss photos

Original post: Let’s show some BWLW love to Yvette. This 43 year old mom of 2 lost 33 pounds by walking and changing her eating habits.

I begin my journey in July 2012 at 264.8 pounds. I’ve lost 33 pounds so far. My goal weight is 175 lbs. I was invited to join a group on Facebook called Campaign 2 Move. It’s a group of about 100 ladies. We practice Meatless Mondays and Wednesdays, and we post our movement/exercise progress daily. We also share daily encouragement and meal ideals. My movement is walking. I use the MapMyFitness app and I walk 4 miles at least 5 days a week.

I eliminated fried foods, pork, and soda from my diet (on occasion I have a piece of fried chicken or fish, but not to often though). I drink water, water and more water all day long. Sweet foods and drinks have never been an issue for me. Each month, I gave myself a personal goal and for the month of April I limited my carbs (no rice, mac & cheese, potatoes…etc). My personal goal for May is to walk 3 times a day (morning, noon, and evening).

I’m 43 years old with two grown daughters and a granddaughter. They are my motivation. I want to set an example and hopefully they follow my lead. Thank you for interest and noticing my transformation.

Yvette before and after weight loss

Jillian lost 89 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Jillian lost 89 pounds by working out regularly and eating healthier.

I went on a diet and exercise regimen in 2011. No fad diets or surgeries. Just eating healthier and exercising. I’m still working on my fitness but I went from 244 pounds to 155 pounds currently.  I started using the My Fitness Pal app to watch my calories.  I also researched a lot of information on the internet about the best way to go about things. I started working out with “Dancing Off the Inches” videos.  Then I switched to going to the gym. I now go to the gym 5 times a week.

I was motivated by few things. One, my mom passed away at only 41 years old due to diabetes. Two, I just was not happy with myself and I wanted to feel good in my skin. The reactions I got from family and friends kept me motivated. I also started this plan with my best friend so we also kept each other motivated. I completely changed the way I ate, stopped drinking pop, but still allowed myself cheat meals with my healthy eating.

Jillian weight loss

Tiana lost over 100 pounds

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Today’s featured before and after weight loss story:  Tiana lost over 100 pounds by watching her portion sizes and regular exercise over the course of 2 years.  Here is what she had to say:

Hard work really does pay off.  My fitness journey has been a very hard road to stay on, but when you can really see yourself change into a more fit and healthier person that’s a reward in itself.  So, I just want to remind others that nothing is never impossible.  Always go after what you want and that’s real.

I lost so far over 100 pounds.  My motivation is just wanted to change.  I wanted a new healthy lifestyle.  I would always give up on losing weight.  This time around I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and in doing so, I totally changed my life for the better.  I made my dreams a reality.

I just started to watch what I was eating and my portion sizes.  I ate a lot of fruits and veggies.  I also stuck to eating fish, chicken, shrimp and cut back more on my breads and other things. I workout 4 to 5 (sometimes 6) days a week.  It took me about two years two lose the weight.  I tore my Achilles during the first year, so I had to get surgery to repair it.  That slowed my progress down but when I bounced back I was back at it hard.

Tiana weight loss

Kathleen lost 80 pounds

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Update from Kathleen (Jan 2014): “So, I am now down 107 pounds with 40 more to go. Here are some updated photos.”

Kathleen weight loss story

Original Post: Tonight, we’re showing some BWLW love to Kathleen on her 80 pound weight loss.  She graduates from college this month and she can now fit both legs in one of her old pair of pants.

“I have lost 80 pounds since July 5,2013.  I am 6’2 and weighed 322 pounds when I started.  I am now 242 pounds and still losing.  These photos really shows the progress that I’ve made after 80+ pounds.  I went from a size 26 to a size 14 and can fit 2 legs in one leg of an old pair of pants I use to wear!!

I have three beautiful daughters and they are my biggest motivation to be my best. I graduate in May this year from college and I will turn 40.  On my 39 birthday, July 4, 2012, I decided that I needed to make a change,  I realized if I started right away I had 10 months till my college graduation. I set my goal at 100 pounds by graduation and I am proud to say I have lost 80 pounds. I changed my eating habits completely and no longer eat fried foods. I drink only water, tea and occasional cup of coffee with very minimal sweetener.  I work out at least 5 times a week for about 1 to 2 hours a session.  I do the elipitical and stationary bike for cardio.  I also do weights and abs and core work 3 to 5 times a week.”

Kathleen before and after

Kathleen

Candace lost 103 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Candace lost 103 pounds over the course of a year with the help of a personal trainer.  She was preparing to enter the U.S Army.  We applaud her and wish her health and safety.

“I lost 103 pounds to get accepted into the U.S. army. I’ve been eating right and exercising with the help of  my personal trainer, Vito Steel. I started in March of 2012. I leave for the army in 10 days (April 15).  I exercise at least 5 days a week. I lift weights with my personal trainer. I stay away from fried foods and take the skin of of meats.  I also avoid starch, sugars and bread. My diet consists of low carbs and high protein. I eat several small meals a day (every 3 hrs). Drink only water or crystal light.”

candace weight loss story army

Nijah lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Nijah lost 50 pounds over 15 months, and says she did it without “dieting”.  She focused on creating a healthy lifestyle.  Here is what she has to say about her transformation.

“If anyone thinks that losing weight CAN’T be done without dieting, then look at ME!!!

On the left is me at my highest of 294.6 pounds. I was tired of carrying around all that baggage so I decided to give healthy eating a try AND stick with it. 15 months later, I am down 50 pounds and I intend to keep going. I eat real food and I am NOT on a diet. I am mindful though of what and how I eat. I have dessert but only once a week, and when it’s time to workout, I give it my all!!!

I’m very proud of my progress so far, and don’t intend to stop!!! (The right picture is me currently down 50lbs, weighing 244.6) Is it easy? NO, but anything worth having is worth fighting for!! I strive each day and I know that with each workout and healthy choice in eating, I am getting closer to my goal!!

I hope I have encouraged someone, as your page does!!! I’m thankful for this page and YES, I AM A BLACK WOMAN IS WHO IS LOSING WEIGHT! *POW*”

Nijah weight loss story

Update Nov 2013: Nijah wrote to us to let us know that she has maintained her weight loss.

“The left picture (below) was taken in June 2012. I remember looking in the mirror and feeling so disappointed at the fact that I had “let myself go”. I was almost 300 lbs and hated taking pictures!! I’m so thankful though that I took this one and didn’t delete because it’s a reminder of a place where I was and one in which I never want to return. I was overweight, young and depressed.

In doing some soul searching, I found out that my weight loss stemmed from low self-esteem and negative body image. From that day on, I made a vow to myself to love me and show it by taking control and holding myself accountable. I started cooking my own food (mostly baking) and limiting my salt and sugar intake. I still get to indulge but not as much or as often. I walk and also work out using the Just Dance games for the Wii, The Biggest Loser DVDs, and my ultimate favorite which is Hip Hop Abs with Shaun T!

I haven’t reached my goal weight yet, but I am proud to say that I have maintained my 50 pound weight loss! I am also empowered to say that I kicked that monster of low self-esteem in the BUTT!!!  So, my story is to be continued. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the journey and also encouraging people everywhere I go!”

Nijah weight loss photos

 

 

Updated: Sherlonda lost 139 pounds

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Update December 2013 – Sherlonda wrote in to share that her total weight loss is now 139 pounds.  Her abs are SHOWING and she has muscles! YESSSSS, Diva!  She did that!  Here is what she shared with us about her body and lifestyle transformation:

“Hi my name is Sherlonda Tyrus and you featured me back in April 2013. I wanted to send an update to my journey. I started my journey November, 2011, the day before Thanksgiving. I was 325 pounds and I was tired. My daughter who was a senior in high school, was my motivation when I started my journey. She wanted to lose weight for prom. So we started attending jcjonesbootcamp.com, my 4 daughters and I, at 5:30 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I was finally tired of being unhealthy and out of shape. I had to do it for myself this time. Determination, commitment to self, and no looking back has brought me this far. Although my daughters don’t get up in the mornings with me anymore, I still go 5 days a week. I’m almost at my goal but still have lots of work to do. It’s not easy but can be done one change at a time. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet or fad. This is my new life. You won’t find time…you have to make it. I lost the weight by changing my diet. I stopped eating fast food and started cooking at home. I eat meals every 3-4 hours. No pop or other drinks, just water, water, and water.”

Sherlonda weight loss transformation Sherlonda weight loss photos

Original Post – April 2013

Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Sherlonda lost 98 pounds. “I started my journey November, 2011. I am 227 now but I was 325 lbs. and I was tired. My daughter who was a senior in high school, was my motivation when I started my journey. She wanted to lose weight for prom. So we started Bootcamp, my 4 daughters and I. 530am in the mornings Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I was finally tired of being unhealthy and out of shape. I had to do it for myself this time. Determination, commitment to self, and no looking back has brought me this far. Although my daughters don’t get up in the mornings with me anymore I still go 5 days a week. I’m almost at my goal but still have lots of work to do. It’s not easy but can be done one change at a time. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet or fad this is my new life. You won’t find time you have to make it. And I lost the weight by changing my diet. I stop eating fast food and started cooking at home. Eating every 3-4 hours. No pop or other drinks water, water, and water.” Sherlonda weight loss