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Kataba lost 137 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kataba lost 137 pounds. After reaching 335 pounds and reflecting on a doctor’s warning that weight release could be harder as she got older, she decided to take action. She shared with us about her 2 year journey…

kataba before and after

Starting weight: 335 pounds
Current weight: 198 pounds
Height: 5’10”
Age: 24

It’s definitely been along time coming on my weight loss journey. I remember one day going on the scale at work and it read 335 pounds. All I could think of was how close I was to being 350 pounds. Something about that didn’t sit well with me. Then, I remembered seeing a doctor for a physical and her telling me that at 311 pounds I need to loose weight before I turned 25 years old, or else it would be so much harder to get it off.

I use to eat out a lot, like every meal of the day. Whether it was vending machines or fast food restaurants, that’s what I ate. I was working full time and was a full time student, so it was convenient. Convenience had its cost though. I began using a meal replacement shake system (Slim Fast) to help me drop the weight, along with eating better. Cutting back on my potions is what I felt I had to focus on the most. I began eating more fruits and vegetables, along with more protein to keep me full. I only drank water and began to walk everywhere. Soon, I no longer needed the shake system, because it felt like my stomach had been trained and I couldn’t eat as much as I use to.

Walking did it for me, exercise wise, as well as workout DVDs, like the Latin Dance focused ones. I began to plateau, so I got a gym membership. I loved the gym because I could use the stair master and the elliptical machine. I also used a lot of home workout routines from Pinterest when I couldn’t get to the gym. Squats are your friend! Lol

It took me over 2 years to loose 137 lbs, I started off at 335 lbs and I now weigh 198 lbs. I’m still on this journey. My goal is to be in a bikini for my 25th birthday and toned. My advice for others is that you can do it and you are human. Don’t throw it all away just because you decided to have that whole chocolate cake last night. Wake up and try again, because it’s not over because of one binge.

Instagram: @eye_spy_kay

Cynthia lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation: Cynthia lost 100 pounds by changing her eating habits, keeping a food journal and working out regularly. She stopped running and being in denial about how weight loss could help improve her life.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

cynthia

My motivation was that one morning I got up out of bed and made the mistake of looking into the mirror, something that I never do. As I was standing in front of that mirror and the tears began to fall, I knew that it was time. No more running, no more being in denial.

What inspired me was seeing other people’s before and after pictures and they looked really good. Their stories gave me hope and encouraged me to the point of saying that if they could do it then so could I. I also saw my knee doctor and he told me that I would feel so much better if I could take some weight off my knee.

cynthia weight lossAt the time, I wouldn’t eat breakfast, so when lunch came around I would end up eating everything that was in sight. I also ate when I was upset. In terms of eating out, Braums and Taco Casa were my downfall. I would order large nachos and fries. Each time I would say that it was my last time, but it was all lies because I continued doing it. I just did not care. Just with those two places alone, I had packed on 40 lbs.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out all the junk foods that I was eating even if I wasn’t hungry.  I cut out the fries burgers and chips and began to eat healthy. I also gave up eating out all the time and weened myself off of all sodas. At one time, I was drinking 6 sodas a day. Now, I have not had a soda in 4 years. During my journey, I began to keep a journal, was able to see exactly what I was eating and it was not pretty.

  • I started adding more vegetables, more fruits and started drinking 8 bottles of water each day.
  • I discovered tilapia, I eat more brown rice, do Meatless Mondays and I have a salad with every meal.
  • I also have learned to eat breakfast every morning. Each morning, I drink a smoothie.
  • I pack my lunch everyday for work. I also pack 3 snacks, which I eat every 3 hours.

I go to Zumba 3 times a week. If I can’t make it, I walk 2 miles on the trail. Before getting involved with Zumba, I belonged to a fitness club where I was doing water aerobics, weights and the treadmill, as well as some of the other machines. I also trained with a trainer 3 times a week. For 2 years in a row, I walked in the 4th of July Parade which is 3.1 miles. My husband goes walking with me and has been my biggest supporter.

My starting weight was 370 pounds and my current weight is 270 pounds. My height is 5’7″.  My transformation is from 2012 to the present.

My advice: I would tell people that they can do it and to not give up. I would say that the days that they don’t want to workout are the times they need to go. Once they make up their minds, that’s the key right there. That’s when everything else will fall into place. Get up, don’t be discouraged and remember that they did not gain weight all in one day, so it’s not going to be gone quick. It can be done. Always stay encouraged, be active and get moving. Start off slowly and then gradually work your way up. Go to a store or mall and get some walking in or workout with a friend or partner, but don’t give up!

Jessica lost 57 pounds

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Update 2017: Jessica has lost 70 pounds. Check out her journey on Instagram: @Gorjess_20

Transformation Tuesday 5’4 262 vs 192 Goal weight 170

A post shared by Jessica Franklin (@gorjess_20) on

jessicaupdatemay16blog

10/2015 – Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost 57 pounds. She wanted to avoid being put on high blood pressure medication at 24 years old, so she focused on healthy lifestyle change. Boot Camp workouts, high intensity training and meal prepping have all been important on her journey. Here is what she shared with us…

jessica before and after
October 2015

What was your motivation?
I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Back in 2014, I went to the doctor and was told that my blood pressure was very high. If I didn’t get my weight under control, I would have to be placed on blood pressure medication. This was all the motivation that I needed to get my health and weight under control. Hypertension runs in my family and I did not want be diagnosed at the age of 24 with high blood pressure.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating fast food so much and started meal prepping! Meal prepping takes the guesswork out of what I’m going to eat and when. I eat 4-5 times a day and have some sort of lean protein with each meal. I also increased the amount of vegetables I eat as well.

What did your workout routines look like?
My typical workout routines are modeled after a boot camp style type workout, which includes ropes, tires and an agility ladder. If I’m not doing boot camp, then I do HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training workout) or a Tabata style workout.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I am 5’4″ tall and my starting weight was 262 pounds. I currently weigh 205 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
As of August 2015, it has been one year since I started my journey! My journey is not yet complete and have not reached my goal yet, but I hope to be there by next year.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Never give up! If you fall don’t be ashamed, just get back up and keep going. You will have set backs and at times you might want to quit but don’t! Consistency is key!

Check her out on Instagram for more info and photos from her journey: @Gorjess_20

Website: justgetfitwithjessfit.com

Aug 2015
Aug 2015

Monique lost 82 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Monique lost 82 pounds.  She began her lifestyle transition as a way to recover and heal from a very abusive marriage.  Working out allowed her to process her anger and frustration. Eating right allowed her to overcome sugar addiction.  Now, she is becoming an avid runner and continuing on her weight release journey.  Here is what she shared with us…

monique before and after

I’ve lost a total of 82 pounds over about a two year period. It took a long time to achieve this goal, because I was determined to lose weight slowly so that I wouldn’t gain any of it back. When I began working on myself it was in a effort to battle back from an emotionally abusive and crippling marriage. My self esteem was completely destroyed to the point where I almost committed suicide. When I began to exercise, it helped me to begin to feel better. It gave me a place to work out all of my frustrations and anger. It also made me stronger and made me look better!  I started at 297 pounds and I currently weigh 215 pounds. I am still a work in progress.

moniqueI changed my eating habits by admitting I was a sugar addict. With that admission came the conscious decision to severely limit my sugar intake as well as my carb intake. My diet consisted mainly of proteins, fruits and vegetables. I also changed my portions by consistently only eating half of every meal. This would turn say a dinner plate into dinner and lunch for the next day.

I also began working out in the gym in my complex. I worked out doing cardio and strength training at least four times per week, but I wasn’t consistent. I would often start and then stop, which made the weight loss process take much longer. Whenever I would fall off of the proverbial wagon, I would get right back on and continue my regimens. I’ve recently started strength training on a regular basis.

My transformation has taken about two years and I am not done yet. At 5’4″ tall, I would like to lose another 50+ pounds to get to the goal weight I have for myself. I am currently a new runner. I have a running coach and a host of new running and fitness friends who give me advice daily. My favorite piece of advice is “No matter what you’re doing, no matter how bad your run or how horrible your workout, you’re still a winner because you got up off of the couch!” So, to people who are new to this I say, “Keep getting up daily, be encouraged and most of all enjoy the journey for fitness is not a destination. It’s a lifestyle!”

My motivators are people like Ernestine Shepard and my very special friend Marcus G. Williams III. They are my motivators because they remind of how possible it is to achieve that which is deemed impossible. Their examples show how possible it is to have a fitness goal and achieve it no matter your age, your size, how much money you have or how much you don’t. They remind me that the only obstacle in this fitness journey is your mind and the limits you put on yourself.

I am putting no limits on what I can achieve. I intend to be stronger and more fit everyday. I recently ran my first 5k and I am a member of National Black Marathoners Association, because within a year I am going to run a marathon!

Jewell lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Jewell lost 45 pounds over the last 5 months. She gained 50 pounds after her mom passed away due to complications related to weight. Now, this busy single mom has made her health a priority for the benefit of her son and released lots of pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it.

jewell before and after

My name is Jewell. I’m a single mother of one and I’d gained over 50 lbs since the passing of my mother nearly two years ago (due to complications related to being overweight). I realized that if something happens to me, there would be no parent left to raise my son. I always put my son first, but in thinking about his future, I realized that must include making my health a priority in my life. One day the revelation hit me: fitness will be a part of my regular routine for the rest of my life. When I sucked it up and accepted that fact, I got to work.

I began by seeing a nutritionist who I visit monthly. He helped me with a jump start eating plan and track my weight. I stood on the scale on 4/24/15 at 252 pounds, the most I have ever weighed in my life. I’m only 5’7″ tall. I started going to the gym that same day and by 4/28 I weighed 254 pounds. I was so discouraged, but I knew if I kept at it, the scale would have to go downward.

I cut out all bread, rice, pasta and potatoes at the advice of the nutritionist. I began working out 4 days a week, doing 3 days of 45 minutes of cardio and then weights. This was followed by Saturday morning spinning class for an hour.

The photos below are of me at my dad’s wedding 5/10/15 then me at my brothers wedding in 8/22/15. I have lost 45 lbs to date. My goal is to lose another 40-45lbs.

My advice to women who want to lose weight, especially women like me who’ve struggled with weight since childhood is to just accept your fate. That fate is that fitness will be the norm for you, sweets will be the occasion, and not the other way around. For single mothers or just busy mother’s with husbands and multiple children, I say figure out a way to get in the burn and make it a priority. It’ll do more for your children’s health, in the long run, to understand at an early age that fitness is the norm. I fortunately live with my dad, so after I work, I take my son to sport’s practices, bathe him, cook dinner and do homework. I put him to bed and head out to the gym by 9:30 pm if I’m lucky. It doesn’t matter the time, the results are still the same.

Most importantly, I would say that putting your health first is not selfish, it’s just the opposite. I wish my mom was still here and had she put her health first, she might still be. Overall, I feel great. I get the best sleep, my skin is very clear and I feel good about myself above all else! Good luck.

Instagram: @jwllmrtn

jewell before and after

Aurielle lost 174 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Aurielle lost 174 pounds, going from a size 26 to a size 6 over the past year.  This Delta Sigma Theta soror has lost half of her body weight and has lots of wisdom to share.  My favorite thing that she told us in her story: “Withstanding temptation is remembering what you want most, over what you want right now.”  That is the truth.

aurielle before and after

My name is Aurielle and I am 24 years old. Over the past year, I have lost 174 pounds and feel absolutely amazing! I have gone from a size 26 in pants to a size 6!

I am motivated by the way I feel and my self-confidence has gone through the roof. I am motivated by the weight loss stories of others and fitness inspiration. The effects I can see from my new healthy lifestyle are for me, but I am also able to inspire other people along the way. Knowing that also inspires me.

I changed my eating habits first by making small changes. For example, instead of eating out 5 days a week I switched to eating out 1-2 days a week until I was able to go months without eating out. Now, eating out is a very special treat. Every week, I added something new to my daily eating routine until it became a habit. I also LOVE Pinterest! It has so many great recipes, motivational posts, and inspiration ideas that it always keeps me moving forward!

I decided that I wanted to learn more about the fruits and vegetables that are available at the local grocery stores, so each week I would choose a new fruit or vegetable to try and would find numerous recipes using that ingredient. It was a great way to expose myself to lots of different wonderful foods, which I would not have otherwise tasted before my weight loss journey. I stopped eating sugar (artificial sweeteners included), fried foods, bread, soda, and really any food that doesn’t have any nutritional benefit for my body. Food is meant to give our bodies energy, if I am not getting the right protein, fats or carbohydrates from a food item, then I don’t eat it. Knowing what your food is made of is the most important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

I have become a gym addict! I love working out and could do it everyday! I love cycling class, abs, kickboxing and Zumba! Pretty much anything that lets me get moving around and trying something new.

My starting weight was 338 pounds and my current weight is 164 pounds. I am 6 feet tall. My transformation took 1 year exactly as of August 12. I have lost exactly half of my starting body weight and have become a completely different person!

My advice for those who want to lose weight is that it’s a hard road, but it’s hard being overweight too. If you have to choose a hard, choose a hard where your health, appearance, longevity and confidence can be affected in a positive way. One bad day isn’t going to ruin your healthy lifestyle, just work harder the next day to get back on track. There are slip ups and plateaus along the way with temptation around every corner. As long as you can keep your end goal in mind, nothing will stop you. Withstanding temptation is remembering what you want most, over what you want right now.
I don’t feel like I have given up anything in my life that I needed. Instead I have added so much more that I would never trade for the world!

Instagram: @AuburnAngel13
Pinterest: MyWay43DST

aurielle weight loss

Leeandra lost 26 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story: Leeandra lost 26 pounds. After realizing that she’d let herself go, she changed her eating habits and began working out. She’s committed to being healthy, hot and living a long life.  Here is what she shared with us!

leeandra before and after

248 pounds to 216 pounds & still working on it (height: 5’9″).

The Past: I loved to drink all the time, eat out, party, cook everything and munch on late nights. I wasn’t depressed or mad at my size, I just didn’t notice! I was 3 years into my marriage and just letting myself go.

I changed my eating habits by slowly but surely eating small meals. That didn’t work for me, so I took bread out of my meals and started eating regular sized meals and eating more frequently (low carb).

My workout routine is currently home workouts (HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training), with YouTube channels to help me along the way. When I was in the gym a few months ago, I would do 30 minutes of cardio and weight train. Nothing too heavy, just enough.

I started this transformation in November 2014 and it has been up and down, but mostly up.  Although I’m changing for my life’s longevity, my husband didn’t marry me this size so it’s not fair to him. It’s not funny to put on lingerie and be uncomfortable with your mate. Some women just don’t get it, but I do! I’m making the change to stay forever young, healthy and HOT.

My advice for the next person who wants to lose weight:  Consistency. I have a hard time with emotional eating. I know that if you can just control what goes into your mouth and workout despite what turns life has taken, you will be ok.

Instagram: @gettinfitlee

Jamila lost 104 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Jamila lost 104 pounds.  This amazing lady has documented her inspiring journey on Instagram.  With clean eating and lots of workouts in the pool, she was able to release the weight and change her life.  We are happy to share this awesome mom’s with you today…

jamila before and after

Hello, My name is Jamila. My motivation for losing weight was that I was tired of being overweight. I was tired of trying to keep up with my boys and just tired of always being tired. I changed my eating habits by giving up all ( or most) unhealthy foods. NO SUGAR, NO SODA, NO FAST FOOD or FRIED FOOD. I began to only eat clean foods, lean meats, fish, fruits and vegetables.

At the time, I was over 350 pounds, so walking and other exercises would hurt my feet and ankles.  That led to me doing water aerobics. During that time, I learned how to swim and started swimming 5-6 days a week.

My highest recorded weight was 353 pounds. Today I weigh 249 pounds (I’m 5’11” tall). I am not nearly where I would like to be, but I am definitely not where I was. Over this year and a half I have had setbacks and almost gave up, but got back on track. My advice to anyone on this journey is to stay consistent. If things are not working for you, seek out help and advice. Never give up!

Instagram: @healthythickchick

Obaayaa lost 66 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Obaayaa lost 66 pounds. She wrote to us from Ghana to let us know that you can have the body you want if you are willing to work hard and never give up.  After visiting the hospital due to recurring heart palpitations, this nurse knew that she had to change.  Check out what she shared about her weight loss journey…

obaayaa weight loss story

Sometimes, I look back at how far I’ve come with my fitness journey and realize that life is a succession of moments. To live each one to the fullest, one must be determined to succeed. I must confess, it hasn’t been easy. I have at times given up, been demotivated, people have laughed at me etc. However, I still found strength within myself to keep on going. Never be satisfied with what you achieve, because it all pales in comparison with what you are capable of doing in the future. The worst thing you could ever do is give up on yourself.

It all started one day when I visited the hospital due to heart palpitation problems that I was having constantly. After my doctor finished with me, he advised me to change my eating habits and exercise more. My cholesterol level was very high and that was contributing to the frequent palpitations. I decided to stop eating all junk foods; fizzy drinks, cookies, pastries, food with too many carbs, sweets etc. Fruits, whole grains, vegetables, water and lean meats, like chicken, became my new best friends. I also signed up for a gym and was working out in the morning and evening (5 times a week). My routines was more of a cardio workout combined with weight training. My initial weight was 90 kg (198.4 pounds) and I currently weigh 60kg (132.2 pounds) . It took me a exactly a year to transform my body.

I used to spend my nights dreaming of being a size 8 when I was a size 18. Now, I am living my dream and spending my nights sleeping well. You can do it. You can have the body you want. One thing I learned through my weight loss journey is, “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome”. The possibilities are endless when you work hard and never give up. Success is something that you have to earn with all your mental energy. Success happens to those who place faith in themselves. Success happens to those who are too stubborn to ever give up. Love yourself enough to give yourself the figure you want. It’s always possible.

You can check out my page on Instagram, @obaayaa_89fit, for more info.

obaayaa before and after

Jessica lost 26 pounds in 3 months

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Weight Loss Story: Jessica lost 26 pounds in 3 months.  This proud soldier and mom dealt depression and the trials that come with divorce, which contributed to her weight gain.  After a photo wake up call, she changed her daily habits and wants others to know that ” it’s never to late to late to pick yourself up again.”  Check out her story…

jessica before and after

Hi My name is Jessica and I love your page. I follow BWLW for a daily dose of motivation. All the stories are truly inspiring! I wanted to submit my story because I am very proud of the progress that I’ve made and want to share with you and all my fellow sisters.

For at least a year, I’ve struggled with my weight. My weight gain was mainly due to stress but the fact that I kept the weight on was due to depression. I was going through so much everyday, being that I was newly divorced and in a constant struggle with my ex over our son. Times were indeed hard. I knew I had put on weight but it didn’t seem like I could do anything about it. I found out I was deploying and then the thought of leaving my son started really weighing heavy on me.  I’ve never been a heavy person but somehow the weight just came on. I wasn’t doing anything except feeling sorry for myself.

I started my weight loss journey after a fellow soldier took some pictures of me walking back to my barracks. When she showed me the pictures, she said “You’re almost busting out of that uniform.” She didn’t know that I was already internally depressed about my weight, but in any case she helped me. That was a wake up call and I made a decision that day to start getting fit and stop being depressed.

My weight was 201 pounds the first time I stepped on a scale and it was very depressing. I’m 5’7″ tall  and felt so depressed about my weight that my self-esteem plummeted. I didn’t feel beautiful or even remotely attractive. I also felt like a horrible soldier. I let myself get to a point where I had to squeeze into my uniform and couldn’t pass a PT Test. I’m a U.S. soldier we are supposed to be fit physically and mentally. At that time, I was neither.

Well, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started working out. I cut out ALL fried foods and limited myself with the amounts of bread I eat. I also started substituting the heavy meals I was having for breakfast and lunch with fruits and a meal replacement shake instead. For dinner, I eat veggies and lean protein only, such as chicken breast, turkey, and fish. I started making a journal log of all the foods I ate everyday in order to hold myself accountable. I also increased my water intake to about a gallon of water a day. I only drink water, never anything else (no juice or soda or flavored water). It keeps me hydrated for my workouts.

I have grown to love running. It not only helps clear my mind and ease my stress, but it is a great fat burning, cardio workout. I’m not a heavy weight lifter, but I do lift small amounts of weight to help tone my arms. On April 2nd 2015, I weighed in at 201 pounds and as of today I weigh 175 pounds. I lost 26 lbs in 3 months.

I also want to say that I did suffer a hip injury in May. I couldn’t workout for three weeks but I kept up with my diet and thankfully didn’t put on any weight without exercise. That made me realize that weight loss is highly dependent on what you eat.

I want people to know that no matter how low and depressed you may feel it’s never to late to late to pick yourself up again. Life is truly about learning how to dance in the rain.  I’ve never felt more confident and proud of myself for overcoming my own negative thoughts!

Instagram: @I__am__jess