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Stephanie lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Stephanie lost 80 pounds. After a major health scare where the doctors told her husband to prepare to lose her, she knew that it was time for a change.  After some starting and stopping she committed to investing in herself and wants to inspire other ladies to do the same.  Here is more info on her weight loss journey:

stephanie weight loss story

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I’m 26 years old. I wanted to share with you not because I have completed my weight loss journey, because I’m still going. I want to help keep black women encouraged and to let them know that it’s never too late to get started. In 2010 and at 22 years old, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and type 2 diabetes. I spent 4 months in the hospital. The doctors where telling my husband to prepare to start living without me. After that experience, I knew something had to change. So, I changed my eating habits, but then got bored and went back to my old habits. Even knowing my family history of high blood pressure and diabetes, I continued on this path of destruction. I blew up to 330 pounds.

In 2013, I started my new group #NoMoreExcuses because if I can spend money on other things, I can invest in my health. I knew I had to change over time through research and by trying new things I slowly transitioned to cleaner eating, eating more fresh veggies and fruits, eating very low carb and low fat. My eating habits before included fried, high fat foods and sweets. I love chocolate and pizza!!  I’m very strict on portion control now. I no longer crave greasy fatty fried foods anymore. Today, I eat cleaner, drink lots of water and I hit the gym 5 times a week with cardio 3 of the 5 days. IT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED LADIES!! I am currently 250 pounds and still going.

My advice to others is to keep going. It is never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle. Be consistent and know that you have to be patient with seeing results. You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so don’t expect to lose it overnight.

Instagram: @mzz_marie2u

 

Tamara lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost 55 pounds. She worked out at home and gave up sweets to lose the pounds.  I love that she is sharing her journey with the world on Instagram to inspire others.  Here is her story:

tamara weight loss

August 2013, I started my weight loss journey. I’ve struggled with my weight for basically my entire life. Sure, I’ve lost weight then gained it back, but that was before I discovered Beachbody. I had been watching the ShaunT’s Hip Hop Abs infomercial for 4 months. Finally, in August, I decided to buy it. On August 13th, 2013, I started with Hip hop Abs. Two weeks later I had ordered and started doing the RockinBody program as well. On Oct 17th, I started Hip Hop Abs ‘Extreme’, After that I STILL needed more, so October 23rd I started T25 Alpha, Beta, and 5 weeks of Gamma. On February 4th, I started Insanity and April 14th I started Round 2 of Insanity. Later, on June 30th I started another Round 2 of T25. Recently, July 2nd, I joined Gold’s Gym because I felt the need to build more muscle to loose more fat.

Two months after starting to workout daily, I started eating healthy 85-90% of the time. I gave up donuts, which was pretty much my favorite thing to eat for breakfast (I had them 3 times a week). I cut down significantly on sweets because I had one of the biggest sweet tooth problems out there.

I have lost a total of 55 lbs totally by working out daily and eating healthy.  I’m now 200 pounds at 5’2″. You see, it IS very possible with hard work and dedication. I feel so empowered now because I’m getting stronger and healthier every day. My advice to others is to not be scared about starting your journey but to just Do It. If I can do after being overweight basically ALL my life (and I’m 44 years old), then Anybody CAN DO IT. Trust me!

Instagram: @tamaras_360_fitness

tamara before and after

Hannah lost 63 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Check out Hannah’s awesome update photo. We featured her story back in 2014.

hannah before and after

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Hannah lost 63 pounds. This sista from the UK wrote in and shared her weight loss success story in great detail. She transformed her body and her health with consistent exercise and a very clean eating plan. Her story shows that you have to come out of your comfort zone to change your lifestyle.  Here is her story…

Hannah weight loss story

My name is Hannah Davies and I’m 24 years old. My weight has always fluctuated with my emotions and my relationships, never to empower myself until now. I must admit I was never really happy. I was a teenage mom, living in shared housing when I met my partner and felt complete and comfortable.  A mixture of depression and unemployment after university was a recipe for disaster. I grew from being 150 lbs in 2010 to 210 lbs in 2012. From a size 10 to a size 18, I gained 3 dress sizes! I believe that a combination of poor diet, exercise and lack of knowledge and self worth was my greatest downfall.

In June 2012 my family and I went to Poland to celebrate the marriage of my Uncle. The BEFORE picture you see was taken whilst in Poland. This picture was my looking glass, my realization that if I didn’t change my lifestyle now my weight would just increase.  I lost 5 lbs whilst away due to the amount of exercise the family did. This was the start. Upon returning to England I tried fad diets where all you had were meal replacements but found these were short term effects and no example to be setting my son. From there I joined my local gym and took the exercise classes. I found great enjoyment in yoga and Pilates. Although joining the classes was hard as I felt like the biggest person in the class, I drew strength from my partner at the time (who is a bodybuilder). He reminded me that “everyone starts somewhere” and that “Nothing in life comes free”. I started to surround myself with like minded people, enjoyed my classes more and Googled for healthier ways of living. I ate six small meals a day which were weighed on a food scale.

  • Meal one spinach omelette 2 egg whites and one yoke
  • Meal two chicken or turkey and asparagus or broccoli
  • Meal three protein shake, small amount of almonds or natural almond butter (like peanut butter but found in health stores)
  • Meal four fish with broccoli or sweet potato
  • Meal five almond butter
  • Meal six protein shake.

I had a cheat meal/day once a week but this did lead to a yoyo effect of loosing weight in the week and gaining on the cheat day. I find now that if I want a treat I will have it as this is now a lifestyle not a diet. I’ll be honest I found it incredibly difficult to eat so much and of a such limited types of food. I always ensured there was at least a gap of an hour between eating and going to the gym which usually happened after meal four. Always had meal five and six straight after the gym to ensure my muscles got the protein they needed to repair and replenish for the next day.

Although the optimum time to exercise is the morning being a mother this was not possible. I would always warm up with 5 minutes on a cardio machine, then train the group of muscle for that day whether it be arms, back, shoulders, chest or legs and then finish with 20-25 minutes of fast walking on a incline. Although the optimum duration to burn fat is when your heart rate is high (40-45 minutes) I felt bored staying in the gym for that long. I found that by December 2013 I had gone down to 165 lbs but then stopped loosing weight and felt as hard as I tried I couldn’t loose anymore! My job as much as I love it, is predominantly stationary this was also a contributing factor.

I split from my partner of four years in 2014 and decided it was time to do something for myself. Since July 2014 I have gone back to a diet similar to this, gained a training partner and started running, something I haven’t attempted since i was a teenager. I completed the Race for Life in 24 minutes and entered a half marathon. My goal is to run the London marathon and be on stage in a body building completion September 2015. My goal in the next few years is to start kickboxing and dancing again. That is something that I always enjoyed but never felt confident to participate in when I was my larger self. I want to go on stage not to win, but to stand there feeling empowered and proud knowing that anyone can do anything no matter where they started, if they believe, chase the knowledge and have the courage to change their outlook on life.

As of today 07/24/14, I am proud to say I weigh 147 lbs and recently bought my first 8/10 dress. I’m not skinny and wouldn’t want to be. I’m muscular and healthy, which is all I ever wanted. I walk away from my journey knowing that true strength and happiness comes from within and not reliant on others. I would wish you luck in your journey but instead I shall wish you strength and happiness.

Instagram: @Papaya_Mittoo

Isis lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Isis lost 80 pounds.  This young lady decided to stop living an unhealthy life and is now inspiring others to loss the weight.  She has transformed her body and is still working toward her goals. Here is what she shared with us:

Isis weight loss success story

My name is Isis Shannon. I have ALWAYS had a problem with my weight. When my grandmother died, I gained 50 pounds! When I was 12, I had gotten up to 290 pounds. I was depressed about it, but instead of taking care of the issue I still continued to eat ! When I turned 16, I was 352 pounds which was in October 2013. When I started my fitness page, I was 356 pounds and I was tired of living a unhealthy lifestyle! I am now 80 pounds down with healthy eating and exercise. I turned my can’ts into CANS. Now I’m on my way to being a healthy teenager. With the help from God, my family and friends I know I can continue my journey!

My highest weight was 364 pounds. My starting weight was 356 pounds. My current weight is 276 pounds (I’m 5’11”).  I count my calories every single day. I don’t go over 1800 and I don’t go under 1400 calories. I cut out all fried foods, no fast foods, no pork and no junk food. I also drink a gallon of water a day. I workout 5~6 times a week for 45 minutes or more! I started my journey in March and I’m still going. I have learned I can do this if I put my mine to it!

Instagram: @_100poundsjourney

Isis before and after

Tamara lost over 230 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost over 230 pounds.  She found a weight loss program, online tools and mobile apps to help her stay on track with her goals and see results. She has extensively documented her journey on Instagram and is inspiring others (20,000+ followers). Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Tamara before and after

I’ve been overweight/dealt with food addiction my whole life. One day in 2011, while being depressed and deciding to give up on life, I realized that I no longer wanted to die. I then signed up with Weight Watchers, weighing over 430 pounds. I counted points, completed 3 months of the program and lost approx. 35 lbs. I really didn’t like at the quality of food, just the point system. I cut out soda and white bread and added more fruits and veggies. After three months, I signed up for My Fitness Pal and logged my calories. At that time, I slowly cut back on fried foods and my favorite cookies. I decided that this was for life and I wasn’t going to rush this time. I slowly changed my diet, my lifestyle, along with doing whatever exercises I could at the gym or outside. I must say that the road to living has not been easy, but it has been worth it!! I no longer have high blood pressure, diabetes and joint pains. Above all, I’m taking my life back, and I want you to know that it is possible. YES, there are days, perhaps weeks, where we find ourselves off track; but I encourage you to keep fighting and stay positive. I realized along the way that I AM worthy of living a healthy life. And, guess what? You are worthy, too, so let’s live a positive and healthy lifestyle together!!! Instagram: @gettingmylifebacknow 

This journey was not a diet but a lifestyle change so that I understood how I got the weight off. I knew I had to continue to do it for life. Lean meats, complex carbs and green veggies were my go to foods for the most part. My favorite snacks were Greek yogurt or almonds.  I had treats here and there. I even tried cheat days/meals but that method didn’t work for me because I’m a recovering food addict. Moderation was/is key for me, so if I wanted a treat here and there I made sure it fit within my calorie range and that I worked out that day. I slowly cleaned up my diet and eliminated most processed foods. Ultimately in 2013, I eliminated meat all together and now eat a plant based diet. I do not label myself vegan or vegetarian I just choose to eat foods that my body loves. I now consume a gallon of water a day.  I must say I didn’t use to drink water at all and when I added water into my regimen the scale started to change drastically. I had treats within moderation and in 2013 I literally cut out my weekend alcoholic beverages because it was stalling my weight loss..

When I was 400+ lbs I rarely worked out. I would maybe walk 2 times a week and slowly added more time and days. For the most of journey I was what you would call a cardio queen. I would do 60 min cardio on treadmill or elliptical, five days a week.  In 2012, I became real serious in the gym with the weights which transformed my body. I highly recommend women to lift weights if they want to sculpt their bodies because weights do the body good. I would do 30 min cardio and 30 min weights. I highly recommend the app JEFIT for the people rant can’t afford a trainer but would like to figure out a weight lifting plan. When working out at home, I would use Fitness Blender or Tiffany Rothe videos on YouTube. I currently workout 5-6 days a week and do mostly weights with 30-45 min cardio most days.  My weight fluctuates a lot ranging from 197 – 203 pounds give or take (height is 5’11”. (weight lifting does that)  My goal is continue to decrease my Body fat percentage.
Tamara weight loss

Anyika-Monique lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Anyika-Monique Hunt lost 71 pounds.  She decided that enough was enough after getting sick and that she wanted to be there to raise her son. She reached her weight loss goal and is now inspiring others, including her young son and her mom (we featured her mom’s story last week), to get healthy and lose weight.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:
A Hunt weight loss

My story: I’m a busy, single mommy of one child that got sick. I was having chest pain and blackouts and decided that enough was enough and that my son needed me around! It was time to get healthy. My starting weight was 190 pounds plus. I have lost a total of 71 pounds.  Exercise wise, I did it by doing Zumba, Body Bombat, Spin, sticking to a meal plan, and being consistent. No shots, no pills and no short cuts. I got down to 119 pounds. It took me 4 months of hard work to get the first 50 pounds off and over the last 5 years I have kept the weight off, toned up and I’m now at 125 pounds. However, I’m not done yet. I’m still working on toning my body and staying healthy. My lifestyle has rubbed of on my son and he has lost some with and is now rocking a six pack. At 13 years old, he has gained so much confidence. In the beginning, I cut out a lot of oil, salt and fried food. I started eating smaller portions and eating 6 meals a day. I am now living a vegetarian/raw vegan lifestyle. I juice and workout daily. I’m embarking on a 100 day healthy challenge. I’m waist training as well. It’s very exciting. My number one goal is to help my community. I teach Zumba fitness in Las Vegas and I host a special fit club for women and men in my community. That includes Zumba, toning, nutrition counseling, and the hosting of monthly topics.  I wanted to lose weight and couldn’t find help so I educated myself and met my goals!! Now I can be a helping hand to others.

I also have a blog post where I go into very detail about my journey…

Instagram: @zumbawithahunt
Facebook.com/homewithahunt
Zumba website: www.ahunt.zumba.com

Anyika-Monique Hunt

Tummy Transformation: Jennifer’s abs are showing

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Jennifer contacted us from the UK to tell us about how she lost 28 pounds.  She has a lean back and 6 pack abs now.  Those abs are Showing and all that muscle is giving her definition. This tall beauty can now fit into her daughter’s jeans! Here is what she shared with us:

Jennifer weight loss abs

Jennifer back developmentHi, my name is Jennifer Malvo I lost my 2 stone (28 lbs) in weight by working out and eating healthy. I cut out the junk and the processed food I was eating. I was putting on weight and my clothes were feeling tight.  I just looked bit chunky so I decided to train myself and change my diet. I liked the pictures of the bikini models and women who are bodybuilders. They looked good. I’ve never had muscles. I was 12 stone (168 pounds – 5’9″ tall) when I started my weight loss journey 8 weeks ago. I worked in a Gym Legends gym in Worcester, Great Britain. So, my transformation began when I started using light weights and doing cardio. I got back home from the gym started to do Pilates body stretches.  Within one week, my body was changing. 3 weeks later, I had abs and then back definition. I’ve never had abs before. I was so happy that the weight was coming off. I had more energy. I felt good and looked good. I was eating more vegetables, fish and chicken for protein.  I had healthy things like rice and nuts for carbs, as well as berries.  I also cut back on chocolate and fizzy drinks. I had water and fruit teas instead.When I was at home I would train too, doing light weights and dance. Another thing about my workouts; Doing two or more exercise combined worked for me.  I can get into my daughter’s jean now. Now I’m 10 stone (140 pounds) and still training 🙂

Lesa lost 123 with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Lesa who has lost 123 pounds.  She decided to have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery after dealing with a number of chronic health conditions affected by being overweight.  After dealing with the loss of her closest relatives and having to be put in a medically induced coma, she realized that she had to be here to support and love her children.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Lesa weight loss surgery

I’ve always been overweight, as far as I can remember. It was “cute” when I was a chubby toddler and never shed any of the extra pounds. I grew up in an “overweight” family. I was raised by typical Black Country fed, homegrown, soul food grandparents. My mom was the type of woman who loved being a voluptuous woman and I inherited that gene.

I loved being voluptuous, plus sized, etc. it wasn’t until I realized that as I older, I got bigger. My entire adult life I was 300+ but by the time I was 37, I was up to 390 lbs.  Now with health problems, single parenting, losing close family members and juggling too much that I started having severe health problems; namely Sleep Apnea, Congestive Heart failure, low immune system, and Pulmonary Hypertension (which caused me to go into respiratory distress October 2010).

After being in a medically induced coma for 21 days I woke from the coma and my first thought was “Who took care of my babies?”  They already lost my mom and grandparents and were on the verge of losing me!!  My mom passed away at the age of 45 years old and it was heartbreaking to me and my children.  She had a multitude of health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, & CHF that if she lost weight she might still be alive today.  I was finally diagnosed with Tracheal Stenosis after being hospitalized three times. Then, I had to have an emergency tracheostomy February, 2011. I was told by numerous doctors that I would have the trach for the rest of my life due to extensive scarring to my trachea from the intubation.

One of the medical specialists that told me that I would have my trach removed in December of 2012. My trachea healed. I discovered that Medicare paid for gastric surgery and in May 1, 2013 I had my first consultation. Initially, in 2009, I planned to get the Lap Band (I’m glad that things didn’t work out for me to get it). I researched the gastric sleeve and found people that had the surgery.  After months of planning I had my surgery October 31, 2013.

Weight Loss Surgery is a tool, not a miracle cure for obesity. It is our responsibility to make the right choices.  I sometimes start to eat things like I’m a trance.  Not realizing what I was doing until I’m in mid bite.  I’ve discovered that my comfort food and drinks aren’t so comforting.  Now, I love veggies, fruits and WATER. Lots and lots of water.  I do not get caught up in the scales. This is the one thing that I cannot stress enough. It is not good emotionally if you get all of your sense of achievement from the scale. I just keep in mind that this is a Marathon and NOT a sprint. My workout routine is walking. I walk everywhere and climb stairs.  Imagine me, a person who loves to shop having to use the motorized cart in Walmart or having to sit down while shopping at the mall…or flat out not going to the mall at all!  Imagine not wanting to go anywhere because your fat is basically insulation and you are constantly hot!  Now, I have energy and don’t mind cooking, cleaning, walking or climbing the stairs.

I’m still in transition and I’m only 9 months post-surgery and have lost 123 lbs. and my current weight is 267.  Initially, I wanted to be 225 lbs. or a size 18/20, however my ultimate goal is to just be healthy.  I recommend joining a support group as I seem to be having identity issues post-surgery.  I’ve always been comfortable being plus sized that now that I’ve lost weight I can’t identify with the person I see in the mirror.  Daily what I am thankful for is that I’m not plagued with health issues and I’m going to be around to be a parent to my daughters!

Lesa weight loss surgery

Markita lost 25 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – Markita wrote in to tell us about how she’s maintained her weight loss of 25 pounds for more than a year despite weight gain due to medication.

“You featured my story last July, and I just wanted to send in an update of my maintenance since! After being featured, I was put on medication which caused me to gain 7 pounds, which I could not lose until recently coming off the medication. However, I was able to get back down to 165, the goal weight my doctor gave given me for my height. I was also able to release the weight by continuing to watch my carb and sugar intake. Thank you for what you do, your site has kept me motivated, even when I wanted to throw in the towel!”

markita before and after

July 2014 – Proud mom of 4 Markita lost 25 pounds and gives all the glory to God.  Making healthy smoothies, drinking Apple Cider Vinegar and avoiding high fructose corn syrup were just parts of her lifestyle change. Here is what she shared with us:

Markita weight loss mom

Markita after weight lossToday’s Encouragement!!!! I am a busy wife and mother of 4 minor children. I was sick & tired of being sick & tired, and feeling unattractive! In October 2013, after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I made the necessary changes in my lifestyle & diet that I can & will follow for the rest of my life with God’s help, love, & guidance!!! You can do it too. It’s never too late!!! Seek Him. After all, God designed you, and knows what it will take! I lost all this weight in a matter of 6 months. Majority was lost in the first 3 months. I found the NutriBullet fruit and veggie smoothies in the morning helped a lot. I’ve cut back on sugar and sweets big time and I only eat red meat occasionally (Mostly chicken & Turkey). I only drink sugary drinks like pop, juice, lemonade occasionally. I avoid high fructose corn syrup & artificial sweeteners like the plague, lol! If I need sweetness, I will use a little raw organic honey or a little raw sugar. I drink decaf green tea every night before I go to bed. I drink lemon water throughout the day. I drink Braggs organic Apple cider vinegar with water in the morning and before dinner. I still eat pasta and bread, but only in moderation. I only cook with olive oil and use real butter, no spreads. I love almonds and almond butter. These are most of the things I have done and still do to maintain. Everyone is different, but this is what works for me and I can do these things for the rest of my life. I had to make it more of a lifestyle change instead of diet! Hope this helps someone, God bless you!!!! Starting Weight 188 poundss/Ending Weight 163 pounds= 25 pounds.

MarkitaJuly14blog

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 35 pounds.  Motivated by the loss of her father and wanting to live a long life for her young children, Angela committed to being consistent with her weight loss efforts.  Consistency is KEY. Here is what she shared with us:

Angela2July14blog

“HELLO!!! My name is Angela Greer and I am one year into my healthy life journey. I’ve lost 35lbs since July 2013. I started my healthy life journey last July (left pic) after a trip to Essence Festival with my husband. The pic on the right is one year later!!! Honestly I can’t believe that was me!!! (I thought I was doing it down there! Lol!) I am inspired daily by so many, but none more than losing my Dad to health issues. (Love you Daddy). I was determined to honor his memory by changing my lifestyle, being a healthy example for my two babies (4 & 2 years old), and ending our family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

My transformation happened with consistently working out – doing Cardio and Weight Training. Ladies, don’t be afraid of weights. It leans, trims, and tightens…not bulks! Look at my pics! I also tried to eat clean. NO secret diet, magic pill or drink. Just consistently working hard!

No I’m NOT perfect and I have many things to work on, but I just wanted to show you that a “normal” person that has a super busy life can make a change and live a healthier life. I’m a busy Mommy so I don’t have “time, I make it! You can do it!  Thank you for your encouragement and positive vibes sent through your posts! It continuously keeps me motivated! I appreciate you!
Xoxoxo~ Ang #transformation #FitLifeForever #Whosthatgirl #SexyAngela #twokidswho #stillworkingonmyawesome”

Instagram: @mzangiebaby