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Stephanie lost 40 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Stephanie lost 40 pounds. Wanting to avoid a family history of diabetes and obesity, she incorporated exercise into her daily routine and cleaned up her eating habits. She talked to us about the actions she took to lose those pounds.

stephanie before and after

Hello, My name is Stephanie! I am 5’1 “and 28 years of age.  My weight loss journey started on March 26, 2015 and I weighed 204 pounds. It took me 5 months to lose 40 lbs. My current weight is 164 pounds and my goal weight is 150. The weight gain started with my pregnancy back in 2004.

I stopped eating fast food and processed food.  My motto: If you can’t kill it to eat it or grow it in a garden, just forget about eating it. I basically eat veggies, fruits, nuts, eggs and meat. I only drink water.

My workout routine consists of a number of different things. I make a workout out out of grocery shopping. When choosing a parking spot at Wal-Mart, I park far away. If there is a closer parking spot, I drive right pass it. After arriving home with my groceries, I take one bag in the house at a time. On my lunch breaks at work, I do 60 seconds of planks. My daughter and I have jumping jacks contests to see who can jump the longest. Just make a workout out of anything! I also attend Zumba once a week and I’m a member at Club Fitness where I workout 4 days a week. When the weather is great, I enjoy walking/jogging outdoors.

I’ve attempted to lose weight 5 times before this time. What made this journey successful was doing it alone and being consistent. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a partner but don’t depend on them. What inspired me was that I wanted to be healthier. I don’t currently have any health problems yet, but diabetes and obesity runs in my family. My daughter, who is extremely active, also motivated me. I just wanted to look amazing naked!

My advice: It is important to take pictures and videos along your journey. Remember, everyone will notice that you are losing weight, but you may not see it until around 30 lbs. Be sure to take measurements and don’t let the scale hold you back. There is nothing wrong with a cheat meal, but cheat days are a huge no no. Good luck.

Instagram: @Lovelysmile87

stephanie weight loss

Keshia lost 95 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Keshia lost 95 pounds.  She started out at 378 pounds and was inspired by her daughter to start her journey. She embraced portion control and is working with a personal trainer. Her hard work has paid off and now her awesome story can serve as inspiration of others. Here is what she shared with us…

keshia before and after

I started out at 378 pounds. My knees were swollen and it was hard to walk. I have never told anyone but I was very depressed. I decided to change my life by getting a personal trainer and changing my eating habits. I am now down 95 pounds and I plan to continue this rigid plan until I am healthier. I have been on this journey for 9 months.

My inspiration for losing weight was my 4 year old daughter. One day at the park she was sliding down the slide and I said I’m coming up. My daughter looked down and said, “Mommy, you’re to big you might hurt yourself.” Although I laughed in front of the other parents, I was dying inside.

I stopped eating excessively and started eating portion sizes a month later. I begin to research how to lose weight without starving myself. I cut out sodas and replaced them and my meals with a protein shake or bar. My trainer has me working out 3 days a week but he really wants me there 5 days a week. I can’t afford 5 days a week right now though.

My current weight is 283. I am 5’11” tall so I look a lot smaller than what I actually am. My goal weight is 190 pounds and I know that I will be there in time. It has taken 1 year and 2 months to get where I am now. The only advice I can give is that once you start your journey you have to remember that you are starting it for you! Regardless of what others may say, fight through it! Even if you have to fight alone! Thank you for sharing my story. I hope to inspire someone.

Instagram: @Kbazemore_78

keshia weight loss

Kathalene lost 36 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Kathalene lost 36 pounds. After starting and stopping weight release efforts for years, she committed to addressing the weight gain and getting back to a healthier self.  She’s had lots of support and drew inspiration from others who shared their stories of positive lifestyle change online.  Now, she is sharing her success story with us.

kathalene transformation

What was your motivation and inspiration?
My motivation was to just lose weight. I needed to get the extra pounds I’d gained over the years off! I’d started and quit many times trying to lose the weight. When I saw that the scale read 205 pounds, I was in shock that I weighed that much. My clothes didn’t fit like I wanted them to and I was determined to get out of the plus sizes. I also wanted to be able to get off my blood pressure medicine and NEEDED to be a Healthier Me. Therefore, I knew I had to make some serious changes and be consistent. I wanted to feel good about myself again. I had the support of my husband, sons, family and friends.

My inspiration came from the people in my life who were also making their lifestyle change to get fit and healthy. My sister and brother-in-law both started running and eating better. I watched how the weight was just coming off them both. So, I believed that if they could do it, I could do it too. I had to stop with the excuses about why I couldn’t workout and I had to start making healthier food choices. I follow a lot of people on Facebook and Instagram that are on a weight loss or fitness journey or who have healthy goals. It keeps me going, because if they can, I can.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started off first by tracking my food intake. I used the App “MyFitnessPal”. I soon after, added more fruits and vegetables and watched my portion sizes. I cut out all sugary drinks, sweet tea, sodas and juices. Now, I only drink water, green tea and my occasional Starbuck drink. I just started being more aware of what I was putting into my body.

What did your workout routines look like?
A year ago I started off by walking for 2-3 miles, 2 days a week. Once I lost a few pounds I started run/walking. This past May, I started running and now I run 3 miles, 3 days a week and 5 miles on the weekends. I try to do upper and lower body strength training at home once a week. I usually work out 5-6 days a week.

Stats:
My starting weight was 205 pounds and my current weight is 169 pounds. My goal weight is 150lbs, so I am still on this journey. Height: 5’7”

How long did your transformation take?
I am currently still on my weight loss journey, but it took me a year to lose 36 pounds.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t stop!! If you keep going you will see progress. On the days you don’t see progress you still have to keep at it. It is definitely a process and if you are putting in the work it will happen. I suggest taking lots of before pictures, because for me I didn’t see the weight coming off until I looked back at pictures. Find something you enjoy doing and it will make your workouts something that you look forward to doing. Find people who are also on their weight loss journey and hook up. We all need encouragement and motivation at times. Write your workouts into your schedule so you see it. If you can meal prep that is a bonus. It keeps you from eating anything you haven’t planned for or making a fast food run. Make small goals each month. Most important tip: Don’t stop! I tell people that if I can do it, anyone can, but you have to make up in your mind that you are going to do it and most importantly that you CAN do it.

Instagram: @ktwhitedanzr

kathalene weight loss story kathalene weight loss

Markisha lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Markisha lost 100 pounds. This awesome mom wanted to be fit, healthy and have lots of energy to care for her daughters. She changed her eating habits and worked out 5-6 days a week to reach her goal.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Markisha before and after

Hi, my name is Markisha and I would like to share my story of how I lost weight. I weighed 230 pounds when I started working out and I’ve lost 100 pounds. I currently weigh 130 pounds.

My height is 5’4″ and it took me 10 months to lose the weight. What inspired me to lose weight is that I got tired of being big, feeling tired and having all that weight on me. I wanted to lose the weight so that I can be healthy, fit and do all the things I need to do for my youngest daughter. Also, working out is my stress reliever.

I started off by drinking herbalife shakes and then I started working out at the gym. I changed my entire eating routine around. Now, I bake my food, drink lots of water and eat more veggies and fruit. I stopped eating fried foods too. I workout 2 times a day, 5-6 days a week. My workouts consist of running, lifting weights and body weight exercises like lunges, squats and sit ups.

My advice to anyone who wants to lose weight is that if you want to really lose pounds you have to change your eating habits and be dedicated to your goals. All it takes is that one first step to get into the gym or workout at home.

Instagram: @Markishag

Erica lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Erica lost 75 pounds and now she’s sharing her story to inspire others.  Realizing that she’d gotten comfortable and complacent about her weight, she took action and the results are awesome!  Here is what she shared with us…

erica before and after

The struggle was real and I was tired of being fat… It wasn’t enough to just be tired of being “cute for a big girl”, because I had been a big girl for so long. As far back as I can remember, I have always been the chubby one, the chunky one or better yet the one who is “cute for a big girl”. Over the years you get comfortable and just adapt. Some women and young girls confuse comfort with confidence. In doing so, they get complacent and start telling one of the lies I told on many occasions: “ I’m fat and happy”. That is such a large lie that is told by the heavier side of society. You see, I don’t think anything is happy about being fat.

It wasn’t until my best friends 30th birthday on July 25, 2014, with mine fast approaching, that I decided to make a change. I believe that we all change for one of 2 reasons, which are pain or pleasure. Sadly at the time my change was pain driven, but driven nonetheless. After a long day of birthday festivities, my thighs had rubbed together so badly that they begin to blister and swell. It wasn’t until that night that the pain really sank in and was at that point of me barely being able to walk up the steps of my townhouse. It was then that I fully decided that I had to change. I was 29 years old, 5’2″ tall, single, had no children and weighed almost 250 pounds. In previous years at my heaviest, I weighed in at a whopping 274 pounds. However, my confidence would say, “ I’m cute so I don’t care”. Well, I’m thankful that I began to care because on June 2, 2015, I walked out of the 200 lbs club and weighing 199 pounds. Excitement is a mere understatement. I realize now more than ever that you can do anything you put your mind to. You just have to believe and be diligent and patient. My goal weight is 150 lbs. It feels great to put on a size 12 coming from a size 20 in pants.

My transformation: I changed my eating habits per my trainer, cut out all sugar and began to eat 6 small meals a day. Please Note: This was one of the hardest things I have done in my life and it took me almost a year (mentally that is) to accomplish this. It has been a little over a year since I have become committed to the new me and I have so much advice to share with other women.

In short, I will say that you can accomplish your goals and transform your body I am living proof. The best thing to do is to focus on the 24 hours in front of you each day instead of looking at the big picture. It’s true that small baby steps over time become inches off your waist, your thighs and your arms! The scale will move slow but that shouldn’t be your focus. Eating clean (no sugar), lifting weights, doing moderate cardio, getting plenty of rest and drinking water are a few key ingredients you will need to get things rolling.

It had been a long time coming. After I had a long talk with myself, I decided it was time to not only practice what I preach but preach what I practice and share my weight loss journey. I pray that my transformation inspires people all over the world and encourages them to not give up on their dreams of living a healthier life! Follow me on IG and FB: @preciousericamcgee

Have the best day ever Every day! Love you mean it! Yours truly, “ Ms. Motivation!

Kit lost 58 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Kit lost 58 pounds.  As a young lady, she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, but she didn’t let that stop her. This proud mom found a fitness program to inspire her and fell in love with meal prepping. She lost the weight, gained it back during pregnancy, lost the weight again… and now she’s sharing her transformation story with us.  Check out her inspirational story.

kit before and after

When I was 18 years old, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, hospitalized and put on meds (which were only making me sick). I decided to get my nutrition and fitness together when I realized that my body and health were going to suffer if I didn’t do something soon.

Motivation:
I always knew that I wanted to be fit and knew I could do it. I just couldn’t make the connection from my brain to my body to get moving. One day, I had a sudden epiphany: There was NO reason for me to be Overweight! I was young and in the prime of my life. That’s when I decided that I was going to Do Something More!

Eating Habits:
Man, you talk about something being HARD to Change! I’m a Native New Yorker with Southern Roots. Food is how we Celebrate EVERYTHING! Food is how my family shows love (southern traditions die hard). I had to learn how to find foods that I could make for the family so we could still show the love, without all of the excess fat and calories. I started my research and found a program that came with a meal plan. This was really the start that I needed to help me not cut things out, but to make better, healthier versions of them. Baked French Fries vs. their fried counterparts quickly became a part of my staple. I also learned the value of food prepping! Food Prepping is my Friend! It helped to keep me out of the kitchen and I’ve never been hungry since I have meals already cooked and ready to go! 80% of your success comes from what’s on your fork!

Workouts:
Here’s a funny story. Do you watch informercials? Well, after I had my son I did and I happen to run across Turbo Jam (years ago). They looked like they were having a great time! So, I purchased it! It was just what I needed to get started. Now, I do a combination of cardio and strength training. I have also set up a home gym for those days I can’t make it to the gym. I like outdoors activities (still building up on my running) and being active with my son. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to Dance as well. Combining all of these things allows me to mix it up so I’m never bored!

Weight:
When I initially started, I weighed 223 pounds. I managed to lose 68 pounds, however, when I got pregnant with my son I gained 40 lbs back. I went back to my foundation and managed to get the weight back off. Now at 165 pounds and 5’2″ tall, I’m pushing to get rid of that last 10 lbs. I’m doing it by eating right, exercising, and following the plan!

Advice:
My advice to anyone getting started on this journey would first be to Get Started! Don’t wait 30 days from now and let a new reason pop up in your head to tell you why you can’t do this. Don’t be afraid to go for it. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Remain consistent and don’t beat yourself up if you have a “cheat meal”. Just don’t make it a cheat week!

I have an Instagram page (@bodynbeauty_kit) as well as a Facebook page (FB.com/BSB.Fitness) where I share all of my workout tips, routines, and inspiration to help others continue to push and realize what they’re truly made of.

kit weight loss transformation

Ashley lost 59 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Ashley lost 59 pounds. After battling her weight for years and trying to present a happy persona, she prayed for the strength to change.  She changed her eating habits, used moderation and  started exercising.  Her hard work has paid off and now she’s sharing her story with us.

ashley weight loss story

Hello, my name is Ashley. I’ve battled with being overweight for so long. I’ve always been the fat friend or cousin. Things had gotten so out of control that I started pretending to be this bubbly plus sized diva and acting as if I was confident with being fat. I figured that if I pretended and I made jokes about myself, then no one could use my flaws against me and hurt me. However, deep down inside I was depressed and I felt so broken.

One morning, I woke up out of my sleep and I began praying, crying and asking God to please give me the strength. I wanted to change so bad for myself. I believe that you literally have to get sick and tired and fed up with yourself before it clicks and you’re ready to make that change that leads to weight loss. All the other times I tried to lose weight, I told myself things like “You’re wasting your time” or “You’re never going to lose this weight”. This time around I was so determined. I was willing and ready to fight. This time I tell myself things like “You will and you can do this” no matter how long it takes.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out beef, pork, fried foods and soda. I still have sweets, but in moderation. Also, I substitute white bread, white rice and white potatoes for whole wheat bread, brown rice and sweet potatoes.

I workout 4-5 days a week, which includes strength training (which I rotate between arm and leg day). I do an hour of cardio exercise, such as the elliptical and treadmill. I started my weight loss journey on January 19th of this year at 276 pounds. Now, I currently weight 217 pounds (height 5’3″).

The advice that I would give someone who is trying to lose weight is to just stay consistent. It didn’t take a day to put the weight on, therefore it will take more than a day to get it off. The best thing I could’ve ever done was to believe in ME. Ask yourself, if someone else was able to do it then why can’t you?

Instagram: @get_fit_nurse_ash

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!

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

Cherlexia lost 50 pounds

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Update Feb 2016 – Cherlexia wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 10 more pounds for a total of 60 lbs gone! “I’ve been on my journey for 10 1/2 months now and I’m still working hard.”

cherlexia before and after

Oct 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation: Cherlexia has lost 50 pounds since April 2015.  This strong mom experienced the worst time of her life after multiple miscarriages.  She overcame depression and bad eating habits.  Her transformation was fueled by plant-based, vegan eating and lots of exercise.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it.

cherlexia before and after

The picture on the left is probably the worst picture I’ve ever taken in my life. I had just suffered my sixth miscarriage in 2 years a couple weeks back and I honestly felt like crap, inside and out. I was depressed and dealing with anxiety. I got tired of feeling sorry for myself, so I put anything to do with fertility on hold. I realized that I had 3 healthy children and what had changed about me since then was my lifestyle. At 24 years old, my eating habits were horrific. I decided that I wanted to get my body healthy and realigned with nature, as it should be.

I’d been vegan in the past and it was honestly the only time my body functioned normally. Being a nurse, I knew this was the best lifestyle for me. I went cold turkey and went back to a vegan lifestyle. I am what you would call a plant-based vegan. I rarely eat processed foods and I drink a gallon of water daily. At first, because I had no clue what to do workout wise, I started the the T25 program. Then I started added walking/jogging into my routine, 3 times a week. Now, I strength train and do cardio 6 days a week for about 30 minutes daily. This includes running 2 miles, 5-6 days a week.  I work, am a wife, mother, and full time student.

The most important lifestyle change I made was to connect with the @tierragoesgreen program. It was life changing on the inside as well as the outside. I dealt with my demons, beat the anxiety and I am beating depression everyday. After I took my before picture, I got on a scale and I was a few pounds over 200 lbs. Today, I weigh 150 pounds (height: 5’2″ tall). I’ve lost 50 pounds since April 1st, 2015 and I have no intention of stopping.

My advice to anyone looking to get healthy is do it for you. When you do it for anyone else, it will only last so long. The mind can only be as strong as you keep your body. You have to work to realign your body with the way God intended it to be and deal with why you gained the weight in the first place. If you fix the bad eating habits, then your weight loss and health gain will fall in line.

Instagram: @im_thewelldressedhippie

cherlexia weight loss story