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Sabrina lost 60 pounds and embraced Raw Veganism

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Update June 2015: Sabrina sent in an update.  She’s lost 100 pounds. “I have consistently maintained my vegan and vegetarian regimen. I love to juice as well and/or make smoothies. I have learned to eat smarter and make it a sustainable lifestyle. I also do a mix of strength training, cardio, martial arts and recently incorporated belly dance. I just find every reason to stay active whether in the gym two to three times a day or even yard work. My mantra is: NO EXCUSES!”

sabrina before and after

Sabrina wrote in to share her 3 year+ weight loss journey.  She’s lost 60 pounds and found that a vegetarian/raw vegan lifestyle works for her, along with strength training. Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Sabrina weight loss story

I love my results and you all are an inspiration. I am still on my journey. I have been a vegetarian for over 3 years and now eat 80% raw.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was the sickness I saw in my family. I saw myself going down that very same path. People are not dying of old age anymore but of disease.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started dealing with my relationship with food in 2010. I focused on the emotional aspect of it all. It was like a full blown divorce. I cried when I deprived my emotions and didn’t eat. I was going cray – cray. Really!  I said to myself, “Sabrina, Food ain’t that good. You can’t eat to the point of unhealthiness.” Then at that moment, I knew once I believed that, I would be fine. Here is a quick glimpse of my journey with food;
1.) No red meat
2.) Turkey, Chicken, Fish Only
3.) Chicken & Fish Only
4.) Fish Only
5.) Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw

I am comfortable with these changes. I challenge myself with straight juicing on occasion and going full vegan or raw vegan. This is my journey. Yours maybe different, but we may have the same goal in mind. Do what works for you. That is the true secret to long term weight loss! If you can’t do it short term what makes you think you will be able to do it long term.

What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT weights! Women do not want to lift weights because they think it will make them look like a man. Not so. Lifting builds muscle and burns fat while you sleep.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I do not focus on weight loss per say but overall transformation deduction in BMI (fat loss) and build muscle. The scale lies especially when you lift weights you lean out. That being said, I have lost a total of 60 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I am still on my journey but started this lifestyle change in 2010.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be consistent, have intensity and integrity! Stay off that scale it will discourage you. Keep making improvements daily for it is a lifestyle change not a short term one. I would say eat and exercise according to your lifestyle. (i.e … you cannot have a lot of carbs if all you do is sit all day … turns to fat)

Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Her journey is today’s featured success story. This proud mom decided to have gastric bypass surgery to be healthier.  She told us that she chose life over death with no reservations. Read more about her journey:

Pamela lost 160 pounds

Hello, my name is Pamela March. My starting weight was 394 pounds and my motivation to lose weight is me and my son . I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery on June 14, 2012. I want to be healthy and enjoy life. I was 45 years old when I had the surgery so the choice was ME living or dying and I want to live. I had no fear or doubts when I decided to have the survey.

During the first 8 months, the surgery does the work. After that, it’s on you to make change happen.  Therefore, I changed my eating habits. I took all white foods, junk food and soda pop out of my diet. I did portion control and I ate out a salad saucer. No doubling up and NO seconds. I do allow myself to have a treat maybe once every two weeks. I also started eating more seafood like salmon, tilapia, as well as turkey.  Now, I cook with canola or olive oil and I eat wheat pasta once every two weeks. I’m not a big carb eater, but I do eat fresh fruit and vegetables.  I don’t want to eat any processed food at all. For exercise, I work out 10 minutes a morning. I do weights, jumping jacks, as well as leg and arm exercises.  I walk around the track maybe twice week for 20 minutes.

It has taken me 2 years so far and I have lost 160 pounds. I am currently at 234 and I have 20 more pounds to reach my goal.  I thank God, my doctors and my family and friends for all their support on this journey. Without them, I couldn’t have made it.

My advice to others is to find out what works for you. It might take some times but stick with what works and you will reach your goal. If I was talking to someone interested in weight loss surgery, I would tell that person go to a hospital that specializes in weight loss surgery, do research on your procedure, check out your surgeon before selecting one, and have a good support group.  I am in an online group through my hospital where I had the surgery. You want to have people who are going to support you and your journey. You don’t need any one who  is going to make you doubt your decision. I also tell everyone, “Don’t weigh yourself everyday.” I think it is best to weigh yourself once every two weeks. That work for me.

Pamela weight loss surgery story

Mia went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat

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Mia’s story is our Success Story of the Day. She went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat and she’s no longer using the scale to judge her progress. This chef has transformed her body with bodybuilding and clean eating.  Read all about her journey below. MiaBlz weight loss Starting out on November 26,2012 when I woke up and joined Lifetime Fitness my life has not been the same since. I walked into Lifetime weighing a hefty 260 pounds, the largest I had ever been in my life. I started off going to the gyms twice a day as well as training with a personal trainer so that I could get my technique right on how to lift.  They also told me what I needed to do to get this weight off of body. I had just gotten out of a abusive relationship and over the past two years. I had gained over a hundred plus pounds and something had to change. I came to Lifetime once before and I knew I wanted to come back but I was in a financial bind and that was not in my budget. Once my financial situation turned around I knew I had no more excuses. I love to dance and so I did every chance I got. Every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon I took all Dance Jams and Zumba classes I could do. I am a chef so food was not the problem but proper eating was. We often think to lose weight we must starve ourselves but contrary to popular beliefs you must eat a clean proper diet in order to lose weight. By Feb of 2013, I could see my hard work paying off. I was almost out of the 200’s and those around me could see me melting away as well. When the seasons changed, I joined Bootcamp and lost more. I did a 90 day challenge in spring/summer of 2013 and I believe I placed in the transformation section of the competition. I tried my hardest but I never gave up. In December of 2013, I have decided to get into bodybuilding. I lost over half my bodyweight and I knew that from a lifetime of my weight being up and down that this was now a lifestyle change, It has been the best change I have ever made. I am now at 16% body fat and I don’t care about what the scale says. It’s about how I look and feel. My ultimate goal is to train others and utilize my cooking skills as well as my found knowledge of body transformation and lifestyle changes to help others being out there inner healthy person. I am now known as Mia Blaze of Blaze Athletics – “Blazing a trail to a new beginning”. Follow me of Instagram at Miablz1 or my Facebook fan page of inspiration MiaBlz.

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before
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after cardio

Theodora lost 52 pounds

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Theodora lost 52 pounds and is our featured weight loss success story of the day!  After years of yo-yo dieting she has worked for the last 4+ months to shed the pounds and learn how to eat healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Theodora weight loss story

I’ve been dieting on and off pretty much all of my life. Each time, I would lose a large amount of weight just to turn around and gain the weight back and then some, a true yo-yo dieter. My motivation this time around was not only to lose weight but also to learn to eat correctly. The diets I did in the past were fad diets that promised fast weight loss, but as soon as I stopped the plan the weight was back on in months. I decided to join Xsport Fitness and I hired a personal trainer. She made a meal plan for me that consisted of egg whites, oatmeal, fruits, lots of veggies, protein, brown rice and sweet potatoes. I work out every day on my own and twice a week with my trainer. I usually do more cardio on my own and a lot of weight training with the trainer. I started out at 318.5 pounds at 5’7″ (the heaviest I’ve ever been) and today I am 266.5 pounds, down 52 lbs! I still have a long way to go but I’m so happy to be doing it the healthy way this time. I started this journey on April 22 2014, and I’m praying that in April 2015 I will have a hot new body! LOL My advice for anyone trying to lose weight is to take it one day at a time. Don’t think about how much weight u have to lose or how slow it’s going just stay focused and u will get there.

Theodora weight loss

Tamara lost 51 pounds

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Today’s Success Story: Tamara lost 51 pounds.  She wanted to avoid a family history of weight-related illness and eat in a way that better supported her overall health. She found success in a supportive workout group and changed her eating habits to melt away the pounds.  Here is what she share with us about her weight loss journey:

tamara weight loss success

My motivation was the fact that as an African American, we are known to have high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These ailments all run on both sides of my family and I didn’t just want to be another statistic. I also have just one kidney so my health is very important to me.

Now, my eating habits are better than they were prior to working out. I’m eating less carbs, fewer sweets, having smaller portions and I’ve increased my water intake tremendously! Hydrating is a must! The changes in my eating habits include mainly eating chicken, fish, and shrimp. I decreased my beef intake and stopped eating as much fast food. I began eating more home cooked meals. Food preparation helps with the discipline on eating right, because if you have a plan, it’s easier to attain a goal. I increased my fruit and vegetable intake as well. Fresh fruit helps me tremendously for those “sweet cravings” being that I’m one that loves sweets, lol. From time to time, I’ll do a week long cleanse with just fruits and veggies, adding carbs (cup or rice) or fish on the last two days.

I attend TNT BODY CAMP here in Shreveport, La where Tarrant Graham is the owner, trainer, motivator, etc.  This camp was a major part of my change. I attend 3 to 4 classes per week (He offers 10/week). In the classes we do cardio, weight training, resistance bands, medicine balls, low hurdles, bars, obstacle courses, tires and body weight exercise for resistance. Most importantly we motivate one another to keep pushing when we see someone ready to give up! My starting weight was 247 pounds in May 2013 and I am currently 196 pounds as of  Aug 11, 2014 (I’m 5’7″). It took about a year to lose the weight  because my eating habits were not the best, but I strived to improve daily! My advice to others is that change first starts from within. You have to want to change in order to see change. Then, you have to work on your eating habits (which is a daily struggle). Lastly, you have to commit to exercise. Consistency and Self discipline are 2 key factors when you want to see change. Surround yourself with people who have to same goals, someone who will encourage you to keep pushing.

Instagram: @tamarad_thatsme

Monica lost 67 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Monica lost 67 pounds.  This proud mom of 2 girls found that Zumba and clean eating were very effective as she committed to her quest to have a healthier lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us:

Monica weight loss success story

Hello, my name is Monica. I am a 33 year old parent of two daughters. After gaining nearly 70 pounds with my oldest daughter, I struggled to lose weight and keep it off. After several attempts to take diet pills and exercise in the gym, I gave up. My highest weight was 265 pounds (5’7″) and I felt terrible. My good cholesterol was bad and my bad cholesterol was bad. lol  My BMI and vitamins levels were also bad. On New Years Day 2014, I decided that I was going to lose weight and start living a healthier lifestyle.

In terms of eating, I actually didn’t stop eating anything in particular, but I did limit my intake on Everything white for the first three or four months…no white bread, rice, or pasta. I replaced those with whole wheat breads and pasta. I also limited my soda intake to little or none (including diet sodas).

The best decision I ever made was joining a Zumba class! Zumba combined with clean eating and cardio helped me lose 33 pounds in 3 months. I’ve been consistent with exercise at least a one hour workout 3-4 days per week. I have been involved in Zumba for 6 months now and I have lost a total of 67 pounds. Before, I hardly had energy to walk let alone play with my two beautiful daughters, and now I have great energy, my health has improved tremendously! Cholesterol is no longer at risk and of course my BMI decreased along with my confidence that I can adapt to this great lifestyle change!

My advice to others that want to lose weight is to have an awesome support system and someone or something that motivates you to want to live healthier! Even if its just that one stranger that you see in the gym or out walking.

Instagram: @caramelbrowncutie

Monica weight loss

 

Koiya lost 115 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Update June 2015: Hi, My story was last featured back in 2014. I’ve lost collectively 125 pounds and yesterday (June 5th) marked my 2 year anniversary of having the gastric sleeve surgery and keeping it off. I workout 3-5 days a week, eat lots of fruits and veggies and drink lots of water. I hope this inspires anyone wanting to lose weight and/or wanting to get surgery as a solution to better their lives in a healthier way!

koiya before and after

Today’s Featured Story: Koiya lost 115 pounds with weight loss surgery.  This proud single mom opted to have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery to lose weight and improve her health.  Check out her before and afters and find out what motivated her to change her life.

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My name is Koiya Nickerson and I am 29 years old. I have a beautiful 12 year old daughter, I work for a bank and I reside in Cedar Hill, Texas, just South of Dallas. I started speaking with a company called True Results about weight loss surgery back in late 2012. While I originally wanted to pursue getting the lap band procedure, after further research and consideration I decided to get the Gastric Sleeve. I knew that would be a better fit for me. I have been overweight for at least the last 7 years due to being a single mom, always working on the go, making poor food choices, and last but not least, suffering from depression over losing my mother back in February of 2013 which added fuel to the fire! As a young woman and mother, I knew I had to take back control of my life and my overall health to set a good example for my daughter because I believe that life is precious and should never be taken for granted! Since June 2013 I have lost 115 pounds! (height: 5’6″) My surgeon, Doctor Fox, would like to see me between 160-170 pounds as my goal weight and I am almost there.

I feel as if I have come a long way and that’s why I wanted to share my story with the world. I have had several friends, family and associates who have become inspired by my weight loss journey, and it overwhelms me with joy just to know that I am a role model to those who have walked or are walking in similar shoes. After losing the weight, I not only have tons of energy, but I exercise along with incorporating healthy foods into my new lifestyle to shed the pounds on a consistent basis. I will admit that it’s been a daily battle, but I can honestly say that “I’m in the lead”! I’ve learned through Faith, True Results and my support system of loved ones, that life didn’t end…It’s simply JUST beginning.

Instagram: @Koiyadanielle

If you have a weigh loss success story, please share it with us and inspire others.

Koiya gastric sleeve results

Teresa lost 100 pounds

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Featured Success Story: Teresa lost 100 pounds.  She credits calorie counting, participating in monthly weight loss and health challenges (like ours) and an online support group.  Here is what she shared with us about going from 293 lbs to 193 lbs.

Teresa success story

 

Hi! My name is Teresa Applewhite-Sharpe!  My motivation to lose weight was to prove to myself that I can live a healthier lifestyle. I changed my eating habits by keeping my meals between 1,300 and 1,400 calories per day. I concentrated more on portion control and by doing monthly challenges such as salad, smoothies and vegan meals. Otherwise, I ate meat it would only be grilled or baked chicken, fish, tuna and turkey. I challenged myself to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

My workout routines consisted of working out five to six times a week and sometimes seven days a week. I did most of my workouts at a local high school track. I started out only walking, but now I jog, run the bleachers, do boot camps, do obstacle courses and run in 5ks & 10ks. I also attend Zumba classes, Aqua Zumba classes and other group exercise classes!

My starting weight was 293 pounds. I was at my heaviest and didn’t like it at all. My self-esteem was low, I didn’t have much energy and I didn’t know how to get started with a healthier lifestyle until I took the advice of a great workout buddy name Cynthia Neal who added me to her wonderful weight loss challenge group. Our weight loss challenge group is my go to support team! I can honestly say that this group has motivated me to go beyond my capabilities with my weight loss success so I can’t do anything but to give back to this group and help others along the way. My current weight is 193 pounds. that’s right, I’ve lost 100 pounds! I started in March 2013 to July 2014. My transformation took me 16 months.

I now have so much energy and I bring the fire and the POW with me to every workout! Everyone knows me now by greeting me with the word POW!  Now, I workout four to five times a week to keep the weight off. My new goal now is to say goodbye to 193 lbs. and work hard to reach 180 lbs. then who knows what’s next! My advice to others who wants to lose weight is to set your goals, write them down, change your eating habits, drink plenty of water, ask for help when needed, own your own journey, take it one day at a time and Go Hard to accomplish your goals! I am currently working towards getting certified to become a Group Exercise Instructor because I want to help as many people as I can to live a healthier lifestyle by losing weight.

Teresa weight loss Teresa how I lost weight

Kimberly lost 62 pounds

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Today’s Featured Success Story: Proud mom Kimberly set her mind to it and lost 62 pounds.  With the support of her family, she was able to go cold turkey and eat clean.  Consistent exercise and tracking her eating were also key to her success.  Learn more about her journey below.

Kimberly

What was your motivation?
Losing weight was on my “to do” list. I cut my hair short in January 2014 and decided to workout. I always thought I was pretty, well dressed and composed so the weight didn’t bother me. I simply made a decision to lose weight and BOOM, I did it…mind-over-matter!

How did you change your eating habits?
Soda was the first thing to go! I went cold turkey and gave them up, and haven’t looked back since. I begin juicing, and eating clean. I was a “junk food junkie”. I would put anything into my body. Now, I juice several times a week, and I eat lots of fruit. My favorite juicing recipe is kale, spinach, pineapples, and Almond/coconut milk, YUM! I track everything I eat through MyFitnessPal.com. The Jawbone bracelet and Polar watch monitor are my new best friends.

What did your workout routines look like?
I do ZUMBA 6-8 times a week, because I absolutely love to dance. I also walk 3-4 miles with my husband, daily. My day begins and ends with 100 crunches, and on occasion, I lift to build muscle. Plus, when I shop, I park far, far away, no more up front parking!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 225 big ones! I am currently 163 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took about 5 months. My body went into shock!!! No more fast or junk food, with added exercise, the pounds literally fell off, especially the belly fat.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Track, track, track what you eat and drink a ton of water. I lost weight my way and did the things I enjoy doing. You have to do it for YOU and you have to do it YOUR way!! Last but not least, ask for the support of your family! My husband and boys were super supportive, they kept me on my toes and complimented me daily. They are so proud of my accomplishment, and the new me!

Instagram: @iwokeupskinny

Kimberly Kimberly

Robyn lost 78 pounds

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Success Story of the Day: Robyn lost 78 pounds.  This proud mother and grandmother was motivated by a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.  She also suffered a tragedy that contributed to her weight gain.  She was able to turn her habits and her health around.   Read her success story.

Robyn success story

I am 52 years old, a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 6. I was wearing a size 16 jeans and size 2XL in dresses. I’ve lost about 80 lbs and want to lose 10 more and concentrate on toning. It has been a year of eating healthy, using my  NUTRIBULLET and exercising 5 days a week!!! If I can do it, anyone can.

My Motivation: My father has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is diabetic.  My mother has arthritis. I started exercising and losing weight and was in pretty good shape. Then in 2011, my 2nd oldest son was in a horrific car accident, he was on life support for a week. GOD brought him through although he is still unable to walk. In the process of that and nursing him back to health I lost sight of myself. Gained weight, getting up to around 260 pounds. After seeing pictures of myself, feeling the pull of the weight AND for my son who was a health fanatic, I decided to get healthy for him as well. One year ago this month I joined the gym, started 3 days a week then started going 5, plus doing ZUMBA. Instead of driving to the gym, I started walking there. I also started counting calories. My son bought me a NUTRIBULLET for Christmas and I’ve used it everyday since. I was using the weekends as so called “cheat days” and then decided to use them as “treat days” where I would buy myself an exercise outfit, gym shoes, etc. I’m addicted to cardio and have started weight training as well. I’m also walking the track at a local High School and walking up and down the bleachers. Next month, I’m starting training with a football coach to use the tires and ropes. I didn’t start weighing myself until 5 months after I started working out. I currently weigh 182 pounds.

Robyn black woman success story