losing weight

Tamara lost over 230 pounds

July 22, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 7 Comments

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.

Madelyn lost 47 pounds

July 21, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 9 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Madelyn lost 47 pounds. This determined young lady decided to stop putting of the long term goal of losing weight. In 7 months, she has been able to transform her body with healthy eating and lots of exercise. Check out her story and before and after photos.

Madelyn weight loss

Hello, My name is Madelyn J. I started my weight loss journey back in November of 2013. My motivation came from my decision to join Peace Corps and also it was a goal of mine I kept putting off. I knew if I was moving to a new country to serve as a peace corps volunteer I would need to be at a healthy weight and my recruiter also stressed that to me. Obesity is a disease and my BMI considered me right at the Obese range. I started at 190 lbs. I am 5’6 and 23 years old, there is no reason I should not have been living a healthy lifestyle. My eating habits changed drastically. I ate out all the time and never cared what I was putting into my body. I started drinking at least a gallon of water a day and cutting white carbs. I upped my fruits and veggie intake and cut out pork and beef. I started eating breakfast everyday and taking multi vitamins. I began to meal prep my meals for the week and cut my eating out to one day a week.

My workouts were tough at first, but I had family and friends by my side supporting me with my journey. I joined Planet Fitness and began working out 5 days a week for 2 hours. I would do an hour of cardio (running/jogging outside, elliptical, treadmill) and an hour of weight training (this included arms, legs, and ab workouts). I didn’t see results quick, but I realized it didn’t take me a month to put on the weight so I wouldn’t lose it that quickly either.

My starting weight was 190lbs and I am currently 143 lbs today. My goal weight is 137 then I will just be focusing on toning. My current transformation has taken me 7 months, but i’m not completely finished. I feel better now than I have in years. Remember it is a lifestyle change and not just some fad diet. You have to commit and stay consistent and you WILL see result. I did it my way without any pills, shakes, or waist trainer. Nothing against people who use these methods, but I get asked that question a lot. It wasn’t easy, but it surely was worth it. My advice is no one can make the change but you. Stop putting off what you can do today.. Simple changes can make a difference! Join a gym, get a workout partner, watch what you eat and you will see those pounds start disappearing in no time!

Madelyn weight loss
Madelyn before and after photos

Jaymee lost 123 pounds

July 20, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 4 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jayme e lost 123 pounds. Wanting to be healthier and have more energy, she decided that it was time to start making gradual lifestyle changes. She knows that slow and steady wins the race! Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Jaymee weight loss

This before and after pictures represent a difference of six years. I have loss a total of 123 pounds as of today. I currently weigh 180 pounds, but my lowest I weighed 170 pounds. I am 5’8″ tall. With small changes, I have been able to learn how to cook healthy meals for myself. I also think lifting weights has helped me shape my body in the way that I like.

My motivation to lose the weight was to be healthy and have more energy to do day-to-day activities. I was also motivated by wanting to be happy. My weight limited my energy level. I was always tired and fun activities became a task. I started by making small changes gradually. Not drinking my calories, walking most places, always taking the stairs, no processed carbs, smaller portions. I made a small change every month. Some of these healthy habits I still do today. I did tons of walking and cardio when initially losing the weight, but as I got under 209 pounds I began lifting weights and have little to no sagging skin. I worked out about 4 times a week and did all types of workouts just to stay active and interested . My advice to others is to take it a step at a time. Build small good habits to create great ones. Taking your time to adjust to a healthy lifestyle will help you stay on track rather than jumping in head first.

Instagram: @~~jay_meal~~

Jaymee before and after

Nikki lost 103 pounds

July 19, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 3 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nikki lost 103 pounds. Tired of feeling invisible and dealing with low self esteem, she decided that enough was enough. She embraced healthy eating habits and worked out with DVDs at home to transform her body. Here is her story:

Nikki weight loss story

When I started my weight loss journey, I was 266 pounds at 5’6″. I was uncomfortable in my skin, had low self esteem, and avoided mirrors as much as I could. I prided myself on my intelligence and accomplishments since I felt that was all I was good at. One day. I woke up and realized I had enough. No more making excuses and being treated like I was invisible. After finally making up my mind to change my life, on January 2012 I started to change my diet. I cut out sodas and all the fattening foods I was eating. Since at the time we didn’t have a grocery store close by, I was mainly ordering out every day. When I first began working out, I was doing Zumba, then moved on to Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, and I am currently doing Piyo. I would work out at home 6 days a week. I would also have one rest day and one treat meal a week. My current weight (and maintenance weight) is 163 pounds and I have been maintaining it since March 29, 2013. My transformation took 14 months, and I am currently working on toning and building lean muscle. I am now a beachbody coach, returned to school for nutrition science, and will be receiving my bachelors degree in 2016. If I could give someone advice on losing weight, I would say to take it a day at a time. Don’t focus on how much you have to lose because you will feel overwhelmed or like it is impossible. Set small goes for yourself, and cross them off your list as you go! I am documenting my weight loss journey on instagram so please follow me at nikki_c85! Stay blessed!

Nikki before and after

Update: April lost 105 pounds

July 17, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Update Dec 2015 – April wrote in to let us know that she has maintained her 100+ pound weight loss for more than a year and is now a certified personal trainer. “Since losing 100lbs I’ve managed to maintain my weight loss by consistently eating the proper food and working out regularly. I do allow myself to have 1-2 cheat meals throughout the week. I’ve continued working out 5-6 days a week. I only do cardio 2 times a week. I lift weights, heavy weights. for the most part.

Many people have been inspired by my story, so I became a NASM certified personal trainer. The reason I decided to become a trainer is that my love for fitness has grown. I’m also motivated by knowing that I’ve been blessed to be so successful with losing weight. That’s why I want to help others who have weight issues and those struggling to believe they can do it. I do provide online training and in person training. I’m located in Northern Virginia about 45 minutes outside of Washington DC. Any questions: email me at aprilalexanderpr@gmail.com.” Read our original post on April from 2014 to learn more about her weight loss journey.

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We featured April’s story back in April 2014 and now, 3 months later, she’s lost 14 more pounds for a total of 105 lbs gone. Check out her update and new after photo below:

7/14/14 – “I wanted to give an update on my weight loss. I have lost 105 pounds to date. I’ve changed up my routine a bit by incorporating heavier weights, TRX, and plyometrics workout. I’ve managed to keep a clean diet with eating 6 times day, every 3 hours. Many people ask me what’s my ideal goal weight. I don’t have a goal weight, because when you begin to lift weights the scale fluctuates because it can’t determine muscle verses fat. As you build muscle you will lose inches and maybe not as many pounds. My tips for those that are struggling with their weight loss journey be consistent even when the scale isn’t moving or you can’t see the change in your body. Eventually you will see the results. Remember success doesn’t happen overnight it’s a process.” Instagram: ~~@iamaprilstyles~~ Updated: @Apryl.Alexander

April lost 100 pounds — Updated Photo – 105 pounds gone

Weight Loss and Yoga?

July 16, 2014 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

yoga weight loss

When it comes to yoga, looking at videos of tiny women draped in spandex, bent and twisted up like pretzels can be quite discouraging. Many women look on and immediately dismiss any possibility that they could ever do yoga. “I’m too big.” or “I’m not flexible.” has been uttered far too many times. If you do a quick search online, you may be pleasantly surprised by how many women of all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness practice yoga on a daily basis. Or, better yet, how many people actually use yoga to lose weight. Yes, yoga can be a viable mode of exercise to lose pounds when added to a balanced workout schedule.

Technically Speaking

Generally, weight loss happens when a person’s calorie intake is less than their calorie expenditure. In other words, you’re burning more calorie than you’re eating and your body metabolizes fat. We know that. So, in the traditional sense, yoga wouldn’t top very many people’s lists of means for getting fit. However, when you use the term “yoga”, that’s a very general statement. There are countless practices done in a variety of environments that each target and enhance different parts of the body.

If all of these different branches had to be categorized into two classifications, there would be mental yoga and power yoga. Varying upon perspective, both classes can aid in your weight loss experience.

Mental Yoga

These forms of yoga enhance the functions of the mind. Your brain serves as the conductor for the rest of your body. It sends signals to your cells, giving instructions every minute of every day. With a clear and controlled conscious, you’ll be in a better position, mentally, to tackle tasks that require dedication and focus- such as exercise.

Mental yoga will help you feel more connected to your body. Potentially, it can eliminate deep seeded body image issues, allowing you to accept and embrace your body’s uniqueness. This will make exercise less daunting. You won’t be doing it because you have to or because you feel bad about yourself. Your primary focus will be to enhance your best qualities and live a healthier lifestyle. Because you deserve it.

Power Yoga

Much more vigorous and high impact than mental yoga, power yoga is done with burning calories in mind. Ashtanga and Vinyasa are two forms of power yoga that are ideal for weight loss. Many studios have also incorporated “hot yoga” into their list of offerings. Done in studios with rising temperatures, muscles are strengthened with 70- to 90-minutes of activity. You’ll be sweating off the calories the entire time. Your flexibility will also be improved.

A Little Bit of Both

Even better is when you find a style, such as Kemetic yoga, that incorporates the best properties of each category. Reminiscent of the original form, Kemetic yoga dates back as far as the art along Ancient Egyptian pyramid walls. Many of the poses in Kemetic yoga are tailored to increase elimination and purification of the body’s blood and organs. Additionally, instructors assist followers in strengthening their mental awareness. Between detoxification and pushing your limits mentally and physically, Kemetic yoga is a great relief. The combination of these properties creates a powerful trio that will really aid you in losing weight.

A Package Deal

It goes without saying, yoga won’t burn the same amount of calories as cardio, but it is a staple in the weight loss routines of much of America’s population. Many celebrities assure that daily meditation and yoga practice is what has helped them maintain their physiques. It helps to loosen stiff muscles (which works amazing when trying to keep the cramps away after Leg Day at the gym), and build up your endurance. Don’t think so? How long you can support your entire body while upside down with just two fingers as your support. Yeah…I thought so. *Smile*

Nutritionally Speaking

As with any form of exercise, yoga won’t help you shed the pounds on its own. You’ll have to put in just as much, if not more, effort than with traditional means. Ever heard the saying, “Abs are made in the kitchen”? Find a form of yoga that makes you feel comfortable, pair it with a healthy diet and a couple minutes of cardio. Along with other forms of cardio (like Zumba or walking) and strength training, you’ll be on track to see the pounds drop right before your eyes.

“Mind over a matter” is more than just a saying. Don’t let your weight or physical condition deter you from embarking on the rewarding journey formally known as yoga. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t flexible, frequent practice will give you that flexibility. It’s no different from beginning a weight lifting routine or making the decision to start running. At first it’s not that easy, but after a while…you get stronger.

Anyika-Monique lost 71 pounds

July 15, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

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

July 13, 2014 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

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 development Hi, 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 🙂

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jazz lost 217 pounds

July 13, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 4 Comments

Update: We shared Jazz’s story of losing 217 pounds back in 2014. She sent us an update to say that she’s kept the weight off and lost 7 more pounds. Check out her story below.

Hello! I currently weigh 243 and my goal is to be 200 pounds. My height is 6’3″. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea few years back and I decided to take action. I’m still a work in progress.”
Instagram: @kiss_of_death90

jazz before and after

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jazz lost 217 pounds. This 6’3″ beauty decided that she would work to avoid diabetes and high blood pressure that run in her family’s health history. At 467 pounds, she knew to she had to make changes to her lifestyle to improve her health. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

jazz weight loss success story

I’ve lost over 200 pounds and counting. How did I do it? Hard work motivation and dedication. I drink half of my body weight in ounces of water each day. I stopped eating junk and processed food. My goal for each week is to lose 2-5 pounds. I workout every other day and sometimes twice a day. I’m not where I want to be but I’m determined enough to not throw in the towel and give up that’s easy to easy. Diabetes and high blood pressure runs in my family and I’ve motivated myself to not join the team. I was on the edge of having diabetes if I didn’t do anything about my health.

I changed my eating habits by cutting down on the junk, fried and process foods by having smaller portions. Then I gradually worked my way over to not craving it at all. Everything is a process. Always remember that a slow process is better than no process. My workout routines went from 10 of everything i.e. (jumping jacks, lunges, sit ups, push ups and even long walks) to doing 200 of everything every other day. My starting weight was 467 pounds and my current weight is 250 pounds. Im 6’2″ tall. My transformation took 2 years. My advise to others goes back to what I said in the beginning: a slow process is better than no process. Nothing happens overnight. You must have willpower. Before eating those donuts or fried foods think about how many calories and fats are in those choices. Think about how hard you would have to work to get it off.

Jazz before and after

Lesa lost 123 with weight loss surgery

July 12, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 3 Comments

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!