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Tina lost 50 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Tina lost 50 pounds and has kept it off for 6 years.  We all know that it’s hard to get the weight off, but it can be even harder to keep it off.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, My name is Tina and I would like to share my story as to how I lost 50 lbs and keep it off for 6 years. My motivation was the health problems that some of my family members faced, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and difficulty breathing due to their weight.

I changed my eating habits by drinking a gallon of water a day and not eating after 6pm.At the time I started ,my workout plan was nothing, but then I decided I’d join the gym and get a regular routine going of crunches, cardio, and toning.

My starting weight was 197 pounds and my current weight is 147 pounds. My transformation took me about half a year. Now, I’m on an exercise regimen to where I go to the gym 3 times a week and when I’m not at the gym I’m here at my home working out in my small gym room. My diet is a gallon of water a day still and not eating after 6pm. I have protein drinks that I drink throughout the night to curve my appetite.  No sodas, no sweets and this pic is my motivation. My advice to others is to have supreme discipline when trying to loose weight and stay steadfast on your goal.

TinaOct13

6 Essential Habits for Losing Weight and Keeping it Off

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healthy habits weight lossLosing weight is really difficult to start with, but on top of that we all want to keep the weight off for good. There are healthy habits you can adopt NOW in order to increase your chances of keeping the weight off long term. Here are 6 tips that can help.

1. Don’t call what you’re doing a “diet.” This will set you up for failure immediately. Diets are quick, short term solutions for weight loss that usually are not permanent. If you are looking for permanent, long term weight loss, you need to think about it as a lifestyle change. Diets aren’t bad; they can help kick your metabolism into gear so that you can lose weight more easily. But a diet isn’t going to give you long-term success; changes in your lifestyle and food choices will.

2. Set weight loss goals. Goals are one of the most important parts of the weight loss process. The problem is, too many people say “I want to lose x number of pounds.” That is great but sometimes it’s not enough in terms of goal setting. Instead, start making your lifestyle changes gradually and make several mini-goals at a time. Sure, you can say that you want to lose 100 lbs, but it may be easier to stay motivated if you say you want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks or that you want to be able to walk a mile in addition to losing weight.

3. Reward yourself. …but please don’t make the mistake of rewarding yourself with food. If you can create rewards that are encouraging, but don’t involve messing up your lifestyle changes, they can be really good motivators. Effective rewards are desirable, timely, and contingent on meeting a particular goal. Use several smaller rewards for smaller goals, too. For example, if you went through a month of walking for 30 minutes every day, you can reward yourself with a haircut or a trip to the spa.

4. Figure out why you gained weight in the first place. Your Big WHY! – This is one of the hardest parts of maintaining long-term weight loss, but you do have to do some self evaluation. Why did you start overeating in the first place? What happened that made you want to overeat? Was there a life event/trauma? Were you struggling with a hormonal imbalance like PMS or a chemical imbalance that caused mood issues? Do you have a health issue? What happened to make you start neglecting your diet? Once you figure that out, you need to take steps that help you deal with those issues effectively later on. This will help you prevent similar issues in the future.

5. Understand portion sizes. If you understand how portion sizes are supposed to work, you’re going to be better off. We have an issue in the United States where we fill our plates to overflowing, and you really can’t do this. Even healthy foods can be bad if your portions are too big. A good rule to go by is the “fist rule.” A serving of healthy food is about the size of your fist; the smaller you are the smaller your fist is, and the smaller your portions will be. Keeping a food diary can help control your potions too.

6. Follow the 80/20 rule. You don’t have to be perfect all of the time, trust me. The key is balance and moderation. It’s going to take a lot of effort to maintain this lifestyle, so it’s okay to slack every once in awhile. If you live by healthy habits 80% of the time, slacking a little for the other 20% is okay (as long as you don’t go absolutely crazy and ruin what you did all week). Give yourself a treat on the weekend after being “good” all week.

Carlee lost 70 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Carlee lost 70 pounds.  After fighting the pounds all her life, she turned to things many things to lose weight, even a eating disorder.  Eventually she found that eating right and exercise were truly the way to reach her health and weight loss goals.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I was big all my life. Doctors told me it was impossible for me to get as small as I wanted to be.  They said that it was in my genes to big…genetics. I hated who I was but it wasnt until I chose to love who I was, whether the weight was shed or not, that it worked and now I am 70 pounds lighter.

At my highest weight I was 220 pounds. I never thought I’d be any smaller. I thought bulimia was the cure, which was not good at all.  Eventually, I went away to school and decided I’d come back a new person. I cut out all fried foods, pork and snacks. I drank plenty of water as well.  Cardio became my best friend along with bicycle crunches.  Here I am almost two years later at 150 pounds.  My advice is to love you, first and foremost, and to find what works for you.  It is about you, not everyone else. Be healthy and dont resort to quick fixes.  You are worth it!”

Carlee weight loss photos

Megan lost weight in a workplace weight loss contest

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Megan wrote in to share with us how a weight loss contest at work helped her to lose 13 pounds in about a month.  She shared with us how she did it:

Megan weight loss story

“Hello BWLW!!  Here’s a quick story about myself. Up until the age of 21, I’ve maitained a solid 150 frame. It wasn’t until the birth of my daughter in 2003, is where I began putting on pounds. The funny thing is I stayed in between 150-160 pounds for many many years. Moving forward to the present, July 1st this year and at my heaviest, I weighted 176 pounds. I was floored as to the amount of weight I’ve been carrying around it showed. My knees and back hurt, I was tired all the time, I had no energy to do anything. I knew I had to make a change and fast, I just didn’t know where to start. One day while sitting at my desk at work, an employee came up with the idea to host a “Biggest Loser” challenge (July 24th-Septemeber 24th) for any employee who wanted to joined. I thought about and brushed it off. It wasn’t until the last day for signing up that I said to myself “What’s the worst that can happen” so I entered the contest. Initially, it was all about the money and prizes one can win when losing the most weight but after a week of “detoxing” my body. I could care less about the contest and if I won because I felt great! The best I felt in a very long time. I started my weight loss journey 7/24/2013 and in that first week I went cold turkey! I came home, tossed everything out my fridge that was considered a bad food and replaced it with boneless/skinless chicken, fish, fruits and veggies. The first week was hard but I stuck with it and lost 7 pounds!! I was ecstatic! This was the motivation to keep me going. Two weeks later, I shed additional pounds! The weight is coming off slowly but surely due to hard work and dedication. After almost one full month and I went from 176 down to 163 pounds! I’m not a member of a gym yet but in the meantime, I stick to my routine of a 30 minute workout in the morning before work and after work, I do a hour routine of cardio and walking or jogging. I also maintain eating healthy, portion control and drinking plenty of water. I also take pointers from you guys, BWLW which have been a life saver for me. I still have a ways to go in my journey but I’m so happy to have embraced this lifestyle! Thank you BWLW!!”

Pamela lost 32 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Pamela!  She lost 32 pounds.  She credits 22 pounds of her weight loss to following our monthly challenges.  Here is what she had to say about losing the weight:

In the before picture I was 202 pounds! I was losing weight slowly but it was when I started the Black Women Losing Weight challenges six months ago.  That allowed me to lose 22 of my 32 pounds. I did the exercise that was given to us in the challenges! I also go to the gym at least 3 times a week.  There, I do the treadmill for at least 45 minutes.  At the gym, I focus on a different body part each day, but I always do abs before starting my workout.

I changed my eating habits, cutting back on sodas, junk food and fried foods. Black Women Losing Weight has really been a blessing to me and I can’t wait to start the next challenge!!

What was your motivation:

I would always asked my doctor for weight loss pills because I wanted the easy way out.  Because of my high blood pressure she wouldn’t give me any.  I knew I didn’t wanna continue to take blood pressure pills, so I decided to do the next best thing which was walking going to the gym.  The weight was coming off slowly and then I ran across BWLW and that really got me motivated.  BWLW along with husband being their to support me and work out with me was the perfect combination!  Now, I have a lower dosage of blood pressure medicine.  I’m gonna continue the challenges, lose weight and get off the medicine completely!  My current weight is 170 pounds and my goal is 150 pounds.

Pamela weight loss photos

 

Debbie lost 70 pounds

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Update 6/2014: Debbie lost 7 more pounds – “I started my weight loss journey April 10, 2013. I have lost 77 pounds and I’m still going strong. The passing of both of my parents just 15 months apart and a couple of health scares made me realize how important getting healthy was for me and my children. Thanks to TaeBo, cutting out sodas, junk food and portion control, I now know how it feels to he healthy. My blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose dropped along with my weight.”

Debbie before and after

Starting weight 220 pounds – Current weight 143 pounds – From size 18-20 to size 8-10

9/12/13 – Today’s featured weight loss success story: Debbie lost 70 pounds in 5 months.  She was motivated by the loss of a loved one.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

I’ve had a weight loss of 70 pounds through adopting a healthy diet and changing my eating habits.  My motivation came from losing my mom from a heart attack.  That’s when I knew I had to change for myself and my children.  My lifestyle change began on April 10,2013, so it’s been a little more than 5 amazing months.

As far as eating habits I cut out ALL sodas, fruit juices and junk foods. I drink water all day.  Also I mainly portion control.  I also cut out ALL sodas and drink water all day. If I want some flavor, I add crystal light. No junk foods and I have portion control.

My workouts consist of an hour of cardio or an hour of power walking or jogging five times a week. I’ve been doing TaeBo 5 times a week, now I’ve added power walking/ jogging.  Each day I do an hour long workout.

No gyms, no pills. Everything natural and just discipline. Also, I stopped weighing myself often and go by the way clothes fit. Went from a 20 to a 10-12! Believe me if I can do this all of you can!

My starting weight was 220 pounds.  My current weight is 150 pounds. I would like another 10 pounds more to reach my goal.

Debbie weight loss

 

Pebbles lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Pebbles lost 54 pounds.  Her weight loss and fitness journey was featured on the Dr. Oz Show (Dec 2012).  Now, she teaches others about mental as well as physical fitness.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, I’m Pebbles Armwood.  I am just a regular woman who at times gets busy, overwhelmed, and engulfed in everyday life. Around this time last year, I weighted 234 pounds and my doctor told me I was borderline diabetic. I knew at that very moment that I needed a change in my life. It’s one thing to be born with a health condition, because you’re not in control of that. However, to allow myself to become sick from something that I have control over is different. At any cost, if I can avoid, stop, and prevent any type of disease that’s what I will do. I knew that exercising was a must, so I had fun doing different fitness routines. I used dancing, walking, weight training, intervals, group workouts, etc. The key is that I had fun with my mental, emotional, and physical fitness. It took me 10 months to lose over 54 pounds.  Today, I am 180 pounds and still working on it. My message is simple, “It’s about mental fitness.. the physical part will follow.” I believe perception is reality which can make things hard, impossible, and unachievable for ourselves. Once I stopped playing the victim role, the sky was limitless. I soon realized that losing weight was a lifestyle change and not a fad. It’s all about small easy steps that will create big change. I had no idea losing weight would turn into purpose. I was a guest on The “Dr. Oz” Show after sharing my story. I now help others reach their goals thorough my blog, radio interviews, and one on one sessions. I also inform people about juicing for health. I now have a business called Pebbles Armwood Presents Mental Fitness. I do speaking events sharing my 3 Easy Steps To Mental Fitness.

“I love to dance, so I would go to the gym just do a lot of cardio because there was a lot of fat I needed to burn,” Armwood said. “I did cardio, I did elliptical, I did intervals, I did weight lifting. I love lifting weights. I could probably bench-press more than a lot of men. I would dance at home. I would go running, I would go jogging. I would do my own little made-up boot camp. Armwood also made changes to her diet, working in more parsley and lemongrass green tea into her diet, and into smoothies each morning before hitting the gym, both tips she learned from the show.” – Patch.com

Pebbles weight loss story

Samentha lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show Samentha some love for achieving a loss of 40 pounds by changing her eating habits with Weight Watchers and working out regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

My decision to lose weight was the best thing I could’ve made for myself. I gained self confidence, self respect, and learned to love and embrace myself all over again.

I have 2 children with Autism.  Accommodating my life and dedicating all of my time to them caused me to neglect myself. What I finally came to realize was, neglecting myself was just as bad as neglecting the kids. My son and daughter needed me at my best. So, I joined Weight Watchers in July 2012. I lost 30 pounds in the first 3 months. In July 2012, I was 204 lbs. Today, I am proud to say that I am 164 pounds and still losing!

I workout outdoors at least 4 times a week. My routine is mostly running and using weighted jump ropes. I also use free weights at home to tone my arms and squats to work my lower body; especially my buns

It was hard sometimes sticking to my regimen and sometimes I’ve lacked motivation and became discouraged. My friends and family are my backbone. I told EVERYONE I could about my goal. They all helped keep me accountable for my choices and actions concerning my health and lifestyle. I have learned that it does take a village.

I finally feel beautiful and liberated. Hopefully my story can help liberate others. Be happy and be healthy.

Samentha weight loss story

Updated: Sharresa lost 71.3 pounds

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Updated: Sherresa wrote in on Nov, 24 2013 to let us know that she is now down 71 pounds: “Today is the 2nd year of my Lifestyle Change Accomplishment.  I’m down 71.3 pounds and I’ve lost over 20 inches all around. The great news is I haven’t gained a pound back.  It is not always easy; but in the end, the results are sure worth it!!!! I celebrate me on this day.”

Sharresa weight loss story

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Sharresa lost 65 pounds with calorie counting, exercise DVDs and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Well, I started my change of lifestyle on November 29, 2011. I’m screaming to the top of my LUNGS, “I did it!”.  It took 1 year for my lifestyle change!!! I went from 196.5 lbs pounds to my current weight of 131.5 pounds (just got on the scale). I lost over 65lbs!! Yes, truly happy & will enjoy this day to the fullest!! I’m currently signed up with MFP (myfitnesspal.com) and my calorie intake per day is 1200. I started off doing basic cardio.  Then I did Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shed DVD, walked 2-3 miles per day and drank between 8-10 8oz of water per day.  No fast food, no junk food, everything is either baked, broiled, or grilled. I then started on Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD, did more cardio, Zumba class, Wii Fit, bike riding and jogging. Now that I have exceeded my goal weight, I have started with doing some Insanity and a lot of strength training to tone up my body. To date, I’m able to do 3.5 miles (run/jog). My goal is to get up to 5 miles and continue to increase my strength training. Now, my water intake is anywhere between 12-13 8 oz. of water.

Sharresa weight loss loss

Yolanda lost 100 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Yolanda.  This proud mom lost 100 pounds in 10 months with weight loss surgery and no longer has high blood pressure and arthritis.  She expresses in her story that her weight made her feel safe and she was able to hide behind it.  Here is what she shared with us:

On Sept 5, 2012, I had weight loss surgery. I have lost 100 pounds! My start weight was 262 pounds and now I’m down to 162 pounds. From 2000 to 2012, I had two babies, high blood pressure and arthritis in my spine. I could barely barely walk 100 ft. without catching my breath and experiencing extreme pain in my legs and lower back. I put my life on hold for all those years, because being bigger made me feel safer for some reason. I literally hid behind my weight and it controlled my life. I can’t believe how much my life has transitioned in 10 months. The high blood pressure and arthritis are gone!! No more riding around on a scooter to shop in stores! I can walk now without losing my breath or being in pain.

I did not gain weight from overeating. I gained it from not eating enough food, not exercising, stress and not getting enough rest. The fat in my body stayed stored up due partially to starvation. My routine was 1 to 2 meals a day, if that. Now that the weight is gone, I feel like the most wonderful person in the world! I have my life back! I love going to the gym three times a week to work out. I eat more now to maintain my weight, meditate, and try to keep myself stress-free! I hope my story inspires someone out there who is struggling and hiding behind their weight like I did. You are not alone in this fight! It takes courage and don’t worry about what others think, because you only get one life and one body! So do what is best for you and live your life like it is GOLDEN! I took control of my life and it was the best decision I ever made! Blessings!

yolanda weight loss