Black women all around the world are getting healthy and losing the pounds. Let’s show some love to Zoey from South Africa! She lost 57 pounds with regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Read her story to find out the details of how she did it! 
Hi, My weight loss started when I was doing a 4 month course. That was last year in May. We were doing physical training three times a week. My weight when I started was 105 kg (231 pounds). At the end of the course i was 95 kg (209 pounds). However, I relaxed and did not exercise anymore. On Dec 6, 2013 I decided to register with the gym and I haven’t stopped since then. I even join their classes; spinning class which starts 5:30 in the morning till 6:30 and a 30 minute abs classes. I workout 3 times a week at the gym, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1 day for spinning 2 days I would do cardio and strength, including abs. Now, I jog when I get a chance on the weekends, do TaeBo, skip rope and use an ab wheel. Today, I just bought 10 kg (22 lb) sets of dumbbells. I’ve invested a lot in home equipment like a skipping rope, an exercise ball, ab wheel and women’s health dvds. I’m currently going to the fitness house (gym) 3 times a week and I’ve joined endurance class which is spinning. When I started working out again at the gym I was 98.5 kg (217 pounds) and my body fat was 43%. The last time I checked my body fat it was 32%. I’m not sure what my percentage is now because when I want to check it the machines are always offline. My current weight now is 79kg (174 pounds). My height is 5’5″. My motivation to want to lose weight was because of my health. I’m a diagnosed asthmatic, so I would struggle with breathing and easily get tired. As a person who works in the medical field, I knew that if I didn’t do anything about it I would not live long enough to see my 3 beautiful baby girls group. My Eating Habits: I’ve cut all junk food like fried chips and soda drinks. I avoid eating too many carbohydrates and sugary stuff. My meals For breakfast I always have high fiber cereals, with fat free milk or plain yogurt. Mid day – Fruits, nuts, raisins Lunch – I can chose to eat my Low go bread which is also high in fiber with no sugar or salt added with peanut butter and boiled eggs Dinner – Brown rice, 2 servings of veggies with grilled meat (chicken, turkey or fish). Sometimes sweet potatoes with any meat or High fiber spaghetti Don’t forget the greek salad as well. The discipline that is most important is food portion control. You can use food scale or just a palm of your own hand. It works. Also, eat before 6pm in the evening and try not to stress a lot as you know stressing too much decreases ones digestive system. For those who want to lose weight, I suggest you start a motivating routine and set a realistic goal. Find a weight loss partner or group, this will help you cut down a mental strain by sharing what you going through with someone. Start an exercise log because writing down your progress makes everything concrete. Find an old photo where you look good and post it on your fridge. That will remind you how you used to look and see that what you want to be is attainable is motivating. Lastly but not least, set up a reward, think positively, pace yourself, keep it fresh and have fun.
lose pounds
Dee lost 156 pounds with weight loss surgery
Let’s show some BWLW love to Dee who has lost 156 pounds and gone from a size 32 to a size 14-16. She decided to have weight loss surgery so that she could be a healthy and happy mom for the long haul and decrease the possibility of dealing with a number of illnesses that run in her family. We congratulate her! Here is what she shared with us about her journey:
I’m a 32 year old mother to two boys (11 and 13 years old). They were my motivation to lose weight. I want to be here to see them graduate and have families of their own. My mother’s side of the family suffers from diabetes; my mother, 2 aunts, 1 uncle and my late grandmother. I knew I would be at risk with me being overweight. My mother also suffered from high blood pressure and my daddy suffered from high cholesterol, so I knew of the risks I could possibly face having 1 or all 3 problems. Luckily, I did something about my weight before it got to the point of me having those problems. On 11/6/2013 I opted to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery. I swear that I tried everything before it resorted to this. I had no choice but to change my eating habits my new stomach pouch. It won’t let me eat certain foods like I use to, which in my case is a good thing. It actually keeps me balanced. For the 1st few months after surgery, I walked 30-45 minutes, 3 days a week. I’m now on the process of toning and dealing with all the extra skin I have cause it’s just about everywhere. I had to cut out fried fatty foods but I do have a cheat meal twice a month (just being honest). Healthy eating gave me a whole new outlook on life and my health. With me having this surgery protein is the key. I eat Greek yogurt, more vegetables, chicken, turkey, seafood and I try to limit my carbs.
Luckily my insurance is covering my breast lift and a pannis removal (which is the extra skin that hangs below my private area…thank goodness for that…lol). My highest weight was 363 pounds. On the day of my surgery I was 345 pounds. As of today I’m 207 pounds and still counting (I’m 5″11). My transformation took 7 1/2 months. My advice to others wanting to lose weight by surgery, the old fashion way or however makes you happy know that it’s a lifestyle change anyway you look at it. I did it to be healthy and like a tattoo that I have says “Only God can judge me now!”.
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Termaine lost 55 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Termaine lost 55 pounds. This proud mom wanted to make sure that illness did not take her away from her family. Improving her health was her motivation to lose the pounds. Read what she shared with us about what steps she took to achieve her goals.
Hi my name is Termaine Walls and I want to share my weight loss story with you and others. I have recently lost 55 pounds from November 2013- June 2014. My decision for starting on this journey was that I have hypertension, high cholesterol, fluid
on the brain and am border line diabetic. At an appointment, my doctor told me at my next appointment she was going to 
discuss insulin treatment with me and that was the last and final straw for me. I realized either I changed my life for me and my babies or they would not have a mom. I began to cut back on eating so much in one sitting. Also, I realized that when I drink ice cold water right before I ate it helped me feel full while eating so I really didn’t want that much of my food. I also started walking in the park when my son would go to Tee-ball practice. My exercise routine consists of walking 2-3 times a week. Instead of taking the elevator at work I took the stairs and I began to park further away at the the grocery store. I also speed walk to the store and while I am in the store. I recently began to the 8 Minute workout 2-3 times a week. My eating has went from eating from big plates to eating out of my kids bowls. I take in a 16 oz cup of cold water right before my meal and that helps me feel full. After a while, I noticed some progress and I began to want it even more. Now, I am at the weight I was before having my kids.
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kera lost 77 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Delta Sigma Theta Soror Kera lost 77 pounds. After yo yo dieting and suffering with low self esteem she decided that enough was enough. Read her story and find out how she changed her life to lose the pounds.
I’ve always suffered from low self-esteem. I think for me the motivation to lose weight came from being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Feeling sorry for myself was really getting old. In April of 2013, I decided to try Herbalife after trying and failing at almost every diet known to man. I was 283 lbs and miserable. I think the reason I was able to remain consistent and am successful at weight loss is because not only do I feed my body properly, I take the time to feed my mind as well. Personal Development is a very important piece of my regiment. I read books and listen to great motivational speakers.
I live by 80% nutrition 20% fitness 100% MINDSET. The funny thing about my eating habits is, before I changed my lifestyle I thought I wasn’t eating that bad because I wasn’t eating a lot. I was just eating all of the wrong things. I slowly started changing by substituting wrong foods for the right ones. Instead of white rice, I would have brown rice. I stopped drinking juices and sodas. Breakfast became a very important part of my day. At this point in my journey I plan my day around eating. Every 2-3 hrs I am fueling my body with foods that are nutritious and high in protein.
I work out 4-5 times a week. Nothing to rigorous, just an hour of cardio or something fun like a Zumba class. I want to enjoy my workouts. My advice to anyone who is on their journey to weight loss is to take it one day at a time and enjoy the highs and lows. It’s not complicated, but it won’t be easy. Today, my current weight is 206 pounds and my goal is to reach 170 pounds no matter how long it takes. I’m committed to this healthy active lifestyle!!!!
Instagram: @misskredman1913
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shavon lost 75 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shavon lost 75 pounds, down from 350 pounds. After experiencing the loss of a loved one and the loss of a relationship, emotional eating contributed to her weight gain (as it does for so many of us). She found the determination to make the lifestyle changes she needed to make for healthy, lasting weight loss. Read her story:
“Hi, my name is Shavon and I’ve lost a total of 75 pounds. After experiencing great depression from the loss of a close loved one and breakup of a relationship, I began to find comfort in food. At 32 years old, I was weighing in at my heaviest of 350 pounds. I could no longer walk or stand without my feet and ankles swelling and being in excruciating pain. Not to mention, I was just not happy with what I saw in the mirror. June 16, 2013 is the day that I woke up and decided to take control of my health and change my life. Through prayer and determination, I first purchased a Sam’s club card and begin to buy fruits and veggies in bulk. I begin to cook and prepare my own meals on a daily basis. I begin walking daily at the park and eventually joined LA Fitness. 6 months later, I took up my now favorite hobby of Swing Out dancing. I engage in these 3 activities at least 4-5 days a week for exercise. WATER WATER WATER has become my best friend! Lol. As of today, I’m down to 275 pounds. My ultimate goal is to reach 190 pounds. My advice to anyone is to do what works for you. I am NOT on a diet, I just learned to listen to my body, have fun and do what works for me! Moderation is KEY.”
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shekenta lost 159 pounds
Update Nov 2016: Shekenta wrote to us to share her awesome progress. She’s gotten leaner by dong things like eating organic, using intermittent fasting and doing challenging workouts. Check out what she shared with us about what she’s learned over the last 2 years.
How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
Since my initial story, my weight has been up and down 21-27 lbs, here or there. It’s never gone so far up that I couldn’t get it back down within 2-3 weeks. I gain weight/water weight really fast, but I’ve learned to adjust my eating and workout routine when needed. I’m currently weigh 217 pounds at 6’1.5″ tall. That isn’t a big change from before, but I’m a lot leaner now and wearing smaller clothes. I LOVE working out and being active is definitely my lifestyle. Consistent eating habits will always be my struggle, but I’m ok with that. I just try an improve them one day at a time.
What has worked in terms of eating habits and what worked in terms of exercise?
I eat organic. I’ve also been eating for my blood type for a little over a year now. I find that this works for me. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting for a little over 2 months and I love it! I fast 16 hours and eat during 8 hours, making sure I get my necessary calories and nutrition within the 8 hour window. It is really helping me lean out and burn fat. I go to Orange Theory Fitness. This is one of the best investments I’ve made when it comes to working out. I think everyone should try it at least once. It will change your life.
What lessons have you learned on this journey?
I’ve learned that self love is really improtant. We are our worst critics. We can set ourselves back just by being or thinking negative. Our bodies are constantly changing. Learning to trust the process is so important. Also, NEVER compare your journey to anyone else’s. This is yours and yours alone. You alone know how you got to where you are and how hard you’ve fought to get to where you are now. Lastly, what works for someone else might not work for you. Find the things that will help you succeed.
At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
My advice would be to strength train from the beginning, even if it’s only using you body weight or 2-5 lb. weights. It will help define your body more. Don’t deprive yourself of things you really want. If you do, it will be more harmful to your journey than if you would have just eaten it. Lastly, don’t be too strict on this journey. Cut or modify unhealthy things slowly… Baby steps.
Instagram: @Amazon_Queen
Jun 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shekenta lost 159 pounds. Over the last few years this Zeta Phi Beta soror has worked to changed her eating habits and found exercise routines that work for her. She knows that slow and steady wins the race. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:
What was your motivation?
Every year, I like to change something about myself. I tried in 2007, but living w/other people makes it so much harder and didn’t make it. On July 14, 2008, I started my journey with a help of a consistent friend. After I saw the changes, I was able to do it on my own. Now, my motivation is to stay healthy and get to a healthy body fat percentage. Plus, I LOVE the way my body is changing.
How did you change your eating habits?
I slowly started removing unhealthy things from my diet starting with fried foods. I’ve been eating majority organic since 2009. I recently removed altered sugars from my diet, which pretty much eliminated anything packaged or else that wasn’t organic. I never deprive myself of my cravings and treat myself often. However, treating myself has changed from super fattening foods to frozen original tart yogurt or cookies from the organic store. Still fattening, but less of an effect on my body.
What did your workout routines look like?
When I first started out, I just walked 4 days a week at least 2 miles. Then I would increase based on my workout level. The first mistake I made was not strength training. Lesson learned. Now, it is an important part of my routine. I used to love the gym, now… not so much. I am on my 2nd round of Insanity while lifting weights. I also have done T25 all 3 phases and I weighted hula hoop. Those workouts have really helped tone my body and slim my waist.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’ve estimated my starting weight at about 379 pounds based on when the last time I weighed myself back then and how big I had gotten. I’m currently at 219.8 pounds and still going.
How long did your transformation take?
The first 80 lbs was the easiest. I think my body was just happy to be moving and seeing a change. After that, it was harder to lose. These last few are the realest ever. I’ve never had to pay so much attention to my caloric intake. I’ve mastered the maintaining, that’s the easy part for me. I would get content for awhile and then decide I want to reach another goal. That’s why my transformation stretches over the years.
What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
This is not easy and don’t EVER let anyone fool you into thinking so. Don’t let those outsiders who don’t have your best interest at heart discourage you from what you are trying to do. …And definitely, don’t EVER do it for someone else. This should be for you and making yourself a better person.
Update: Ashley lost a total of 75 pounds
Update: We featured Ashley’s story a year ago when she’d lost 50 pounds. She wrote in this month to let us know that she has not only maintained her weight loss, but now down 25 more pounds. Check out how she is continuing to transform her body and build a healthy lifestyle below. (Check out her new pics too!) You can read the original post on how she lost the weight here.
Through consistent clean eating, learning what works best for my body shape, & going hard in the gym (weights & High Intensity Interval Training cardio), I’ve managed to drop tons of inches & body fat. As you can see it takes time, & I’m still pushing to get my body fat % lower. Follow my journey on Instagram: @WatchMeMelt & Facebook.com/watchmemelt2
Since I sent my last picture, I had to grow mentally and spiritually. I realized that losing weight wasn’t for a birthday, event, vacation, holiday, etc. Instead, it is about living a OVERALL healthier life. With fitness, I learned that I must always continue to push myself. If it is too easy, it will not create the change I am looking for.
I maintain my weight by continuing to eat a clean diet with plenty. I also learned with fitness that you do not need to do endless hours of cardio. I learned to incorporate HIIT training and weights to further sculpt my body.
My biggest challenge has always been food. I love sweets but I have learned about the ingredients in them and how they cause us to continue craving and wanting more. Therefore, I now allow myself to eat sweets in moderation (1 x a week). This helps me to stay focused mentally and on track. I still have a good 20 pounds I would like to lose and I will eventually reach my goal. So far, I am down 75 pounds (25 more since the last story) .
My message to the women who find me inspirational:
1) Learn WHY your changing your eating habits and incorporating healthier foods is good for you. Watch documentaries that talk about animal meat, obesity in America, and the preservatives in packaged foods. We all know that we want to lose weight, but understanding WHY you gained it in the first place will help you to make healthier options.
2) Do it because you want to live an overall healthier life vs just looking good for your family reunion or some other event. Once that event is over, guess what will happen? You will slowly gain that weight (and more) back!
3) Don’t overwhelm yourself. Make small changes and overtime they will become big. Live your life and don’t become obsessed with weight loss. It will happen…trust me!
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tyler lost 93 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tyler lost 93 pounds. This petite Delta Sigma Theta soror lost the pounds by counting calories, exercising and using portion control. Check out what she shared about her journey from 228 pounds to 128 pounds.
“Hi! My name is Tyler and I am 23 years old! In college, I gained the freshman 100 instead of the freshman 15. My motivation was my health. I went to the doctor during my senior year for help. My period had been skipping for 6 months for no reason. The doctors not being able to explain it, as well as realizing I weighed 221 pounds was a wake up call. I couldn’t be 4 feet 11 inches tall and weigh that much. So, I committed myself to a diet of 1200 calories a day and at least an hour of exercise each day. I changed my eating habits by paying attention to calories and eating grilled and baked foods. I measured and weighed my food for portion control. I committed to working out doing 30 mins of cardio and 30 of weights per day.
A year and half later, I currently weigh 128 pounds! I’m proud of myself because I did it without any supplements or professional help, just watching what I eat and working out. My goal is to reach 110 pounds and Im looking forward to reaching it and never getting that big again. My advice is never do fad diets because they make you miserable and don’t work. Every time someone that I knew asked me to go on a popular crash diet with them, I said no. They always acted like I was crazy and they would be smaller with that diet plan, but they always gained the weight right back while I steadily pounds. Patience is a virtue!”
Robin lost 43 pounds
Let’s show some love to Robin. She lost 50 pounds with HCG injections from her doctor and a very low calorie diet. Since then she gained a few pounds back and is learning to change her lifestyle for long term results. I think her story shows that short term diets can work, but in the long term you have to learn how to eat right and exercise to have lasting lifestyle change. I thank Robin for sharing her story and being so open and honest. I think that her story will truly help someone. Read her story below:
Note: I know that some people have problems with these plans, let me just say that up front. However, for many people who are under the supervision of a doctor they can be a viable alternative to things like weight loss surgery and it can be an option for those suffering from serious health issues with medical supervision.
“In 2011, I went to the doctor because I was feeling just sick. Having had high blood pressure for many years, I just assumed that my pressure (as we say) was high. I had been hospitalized at least three times previously due to my hypertension. Of course, I have heard the stories and advice, like you need to eat less salty foods and exercise more. I usually would eat fast food everyday because I am not a cooker. I was drinking alcohol, not exercising and eating late at night. I always had an excuse not to go workout or do the right thing. I even hated walking to my mailbox. I am a natural people watcher. I look at a person’s style, fashion, and the way they move in their clothes. All the while I’m thinking, I wish I could look like that or feel as confident as they looked. The feeling of dread increased because I was turning the big 4-0 the next year. I was going to be 40 and fat. I weighed in at 226 lbs and was wearing 18-20 size clothes. I was also having problems sleeping, getting tired quickly,and just was not feeling as youthful as I wanted to feel. In my mind, I did not feel like I was 40. My body was telling me I was 40+.
After a lot of encouragement and trips to the doctor, I decided enough was enough. I was introduced to homeopathic doctor by my co-worker. They have a masters degree in public health, is a holistic nutritionist and a health coach. The doctor suggested the HCG diet for me. At first, I was really skeptically, she promised if I worked hard on the program I would see the results. I promised I would give it my best. The program required me to give myself a shot of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) manufactured drug every day and eat no more the 500 calories a day. I thought to myself, nope I am not going to make it. To make a long story short, I lost a total of 14lbs in the first week. At the end of the 6-week program I had lost a total of 50lbs. I went from a size 18/20 to a 10/12. I was so happy but I didn’t realize how the weight lost would affect me. The good part was my confidence in wearing the clothes I so desired to look great in went up, I was less tired, less stressed, and was think about food in a healthier way. The bad part was without support, I was unsure if I was going to be able to maintain it.
Today, I weight 183 pounds. No, it is not where I want to be. My goal is 165 pounds. However, I run 3 miles every day. I fight daily to make sure that I am doing the right thing. We all slip up on occasions. The HCG diet plan is not an excuse that I can use every time that I feel I need to loss fast weight. I have learned that it is up to me. I am still in a size 10 but believe me I battle with unhealthy habits. I am and will always remain a die heart FOODIE. I am now, however, watching what I put in my mouth and how much of it. I am an advocate for the HCG diet, for those like me who suffer from hypertension, borderline diabetic, and other health issues. I no longer need to take three blood pressure pills. With the plan’s help, I avoided going on medicine for diabetes and I love to provide help to others. HCG helped but it is up to me to keep being the soldier to maintain my SEXY.”
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamiko lost 132 pounds
Update: Tamiko lost 10 more pounds for a total of 142 gone. Read her update.
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamiko lost 132 pounds, going from 277 lbs to 145 lbs. This petite, proud mom of three girls found success with the Weight Watchers weight loss program and lots of exercise. Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight:
“Hi, I’m Tamiko. When I first started my weight loss journey I weighed 277 pounds. I didn’t have any health problems, even though I was extremely overweight. However, I was tired. I was tired of not really living and not being someone my three daughters could look up to.
So, I joined Weight Watchers and stuck to it religiously. I stayed within my points and chose healthy foods and snacks. I searched online for delicious food and snack ideas. I also learned new ways to cook and snack by attending Weight Watchers meetings.
I started working out. I took boot camp classes and hit the treadmill for at least an hour every day. I walked, took the stairs when I could and parked further away from the stores when shopping. I went All Out. I wanted the weight to be GONE. I did Zumba, cycling and other classes. I’ve learned to switch things up or you’ll get bored. I hit the gym twice a day at least 2 times a week, so I work out about 8 or 9 times a week most of the time.
I began my weight loss journey in 2006. By Aug 2008, I was down from 277 pounds to 165 pounds. I went from a size 26/28 to a size 10. Then, I got too comfortable and started to gain weight back. By Mid 2012, I was back up to 218 and started over again. This time I made up my mind I won’t stop until I reach goal.
Today, I weigh 145 pounds and wear a size 8 (height: 5’2″). I have lost a total of 132 pounds. I am five pounds from my goal. I would advise others who are looking to lose weight to hang in there. Don’t look for quick fixes because they don’t work. My weight loss is a result of going hard in the gym and eating right. Losing weight isn’t easy but if you dedicate the time it will happen. You may fall (I did) but get back up and go harder! Quitting is not an option! I have a Facebook page where I talk about my weight loss journey it’s facebook.com/TamikoWeightLossJourney”
