Black Weight Loss Success

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Starting Her Journey: Nicollette lost 15 pounds

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Nicollette wrote in this month to share how she has begun her weight loss journey.  So far, she’s lost 15 pounds.

Nicollette weight loss

“Last year after my brother passed away I went into a depression & ended up gaining 30 pounds. I tried a million different short cuts and failed, but I’m thankful, because my failures taught me what works for me and what doesn’t. Last month I finally decided enough was enough after my mother-in law called me out about my weight gain at a family gathering. I was so embarrassed.  I cried, but I finally made up my mind that I was gonna get the weight off and keep it off. I haven’t reached my goal but I did lose 15 lbs in 24 days.

The 1st picture I was 232 pounds & now I’m 217 pounds. I did it through diet & exercise. I completely cut out all sugary drinks.  Now I only drink water, herbal teas and smoothies. I stopped eating meat and junk food. I cook mostly and snack on healthy foods like carrots when I’m busy. It sounds so constricting, but it’s not. I still eat some of my favorite meals, I just make healthy substitutions and try new healthy recipes. Healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up taste. I also work out (mostly strength training) with a trainer twice a week and do cardio 3 times a week. I also started juicing fruits and vegetables. I got new recipe books (amazon has some ebooks for free). I follow a lot of fitness and healthy eating pages on instagram.  I also started reading memoirs of weight loss journeys like Former Fat Girl. These little things help keep me motivated when I lose track of my goal.

I feel amazing now. I can fit my old clothes and I’m not tired all the time. I have energy and I’m so motivated & committed to my health. I feel like a new person. My advice to anyone trying to lose weight is to be dedicated! It’s hard but it’s worth it & don’t let anything bring you down. You have to want it more then you want to be comfortable. You have to make a lifestyle change! Find what works for you! There are no secrets to weight loss, just eating right and exercising. If I can do it anyone can!”
Instagram: vanityyyslave

Brandy lost 131 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Brandy lost 131 pounds.  Exercise was key to her transformation and now she is able to be more active with her children.  Find out how she did it:

“Hello my name is Brandy Francis. I’m 34 years young and a single mother of a 2 going on 24 year old. MY Battle with weight has always been just that, a battle, but in 17 months I have lost 119 pounds. My highest tipping weight was 292 pounds and I now weigh 161 pounds.  That is a total of 131 pounds.

I have done every weight loss program and supplement, but to my surprise neither one would help me loose the weight I have currently. My employment with a warehouse is where the shedding of pounds started, it is equivalent to going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week working out and 4 to 5 hours on every part of my body. My eating habits changed because of my recent “singlehood”. I could no longer enjoy the luxury of fast foods 3 to 4 times a day. So, being in this warehouse they would only allow water on the floor which was a battle because I was addicted to Pepsi.  At first I said, “Noooo Water.” but NOW water is my best friend. I’m no longer on blood pressure meds and I’m so much more active with my 29 month old. I’m so blessed and grateful that at one of the worst times of stress in my life I didn’t revert to old habits of binge eating or feeling sorry for myself. The biggest size I put on was a 24/26 at Lane Bryant and I’m now wearing a size 10/8. I will always battle with weight, but right now I’m winning!!”

Brandy before and after Brandy weight loss

Marshea lost 81 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Marshea lost 81 pounds.  In the wake of a terrible relationship, she found inner strength and changed her health for the better.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Marshea weight loss

August 2013 is when I started my weight loss journey. I was in a relationship for 5 years with “Lovely”. When we started dating I was a great size (10). It wasn’t until the end of our relationship when I became massively overweight. I was so depressed and devastated I ate myself to fatness. “Lovely” told me I was fat, ugly and that no man would ever want to be with me. “Lovely” moved back to his hometown, (charlotte, NC) and I stayed in my hometown, (L as Vegas, NV). I was so heart broken and my self-esteem was totally diminished. I began to pray and ask God to heal my heart, help me regain myself esteem, and gain motivation for the challenge I knew I would face during this time.

Let me tell you, “God is amazing!!!!”. One day I woke up and had this sudden urge to go workout. Every day I worked out. When I began I struggled. I’m actually laughing at myself now because I hated working out but, busting the pavement made me stronger and gave me so much confidence. One of the things I enjoyed most was the various people on the street who were telling me to keep up the good work. I also changed my eating habits. I did that by not eating fast food, eating fresh produce, using portion control, and eating only when I was hungry to shirk my stomach.

One thing that also assisted the weight loss was not to weigh myself. I felt it was a waste of time and my hard work would show. I knew before I started working out I was 290 lbs. I weighed myself February 11, 2014 and I’ve lost 81lbs. I’m not finished I have more to lose. “I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m truly not where I was”.

Thank you for creating this page as it has encouraged me to keep up the good work. I hope my story is an inspiration to another women struggling with the issue of obesity and low self-esteem.
Sincerely,
Marshea
Instagram name: divadazzle05

Update: Nakia lost 54 pounds

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We featured Nakia in 2013 to share her weight loss story and how she lost 43 pounds.  This month, she sent in an update with photos to let us know that she’s lost MORE weight.

“Hi, my name is Nakia Davis and I wanted to update you on my progress. I submitted my original transformation July 3, 2013. As of today, I’m down 54 pounds total. I lost another 11 pounds since July. I’ve added running at least 3-4 times a week to my routine as well as Taebo and Focus T25 DVDs. I’ve now started clean eating and eliminated bread. I continue to drink only water and green tea. My goal now is not so much as weight loss (started at 220 and now at 166) but toning up my body. I would have never thought I could accomplish this in 1.5 years.  I encourage you to believe that when you make up in your mind that this is what you really want, transformation will take place!! Peace and blessings…….and it can be done!!”

Read the original post to find out more about how she lost the weight.

Nakia before and after

Brittany lost 82 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Brittany lost 82 pounds and she has kept the weight off for 2 years.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“Hi There! My friend introduced me to this page and I’ve really liked the tips and the shared stories. I have a story of my own.  I’ve been struggling with my weight since I was in 2nd grade but with motivation from my mom, eating healthier and by exercising everyday (sometimes twice), I was able to lose 60 pounds in about 3 months. Unfortunately, I gained 30 lbs back, but since then I have lost a whopping 82 pounds total and have been able to keep it off for two years now.

What did you do in terms of changing your eating habits and exercise?

I started by going to the gym every day, sometimes twice a day with my mother.  She’s always been my biggest motivator. I stopped eating fast food, cut out pork and cut out beef.  I also added vegetables, that I never knew were so good, to my diet. I started drinking protein shakes and juicing fresh fruits and veggies.  I was also walking 5 miles, 5 times a week.  I’m not finished yet but I would like to be able to help motivate others in their journey to get fit and become healthier happier individuals. Here is a before and after pic.”

Instagram: @its_alwayssunny  @andshebakes13

Brittany weight loss

 

Devona lost 450 pounds!

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Amazing Transformation: We got an update from Devona. She is still losing weight!

Update 10/14: “I just want to say that I love your pages, on both Facebook and Instagram. I read those amazing women’s stories everyday. I wanted to give you an update of my progress. As I mentioned before, I started at 730 lbs. After weight loss surgery and a lot of hard work through exercise and diet, I am now 257 lbs. This has been a lifestyle change for me. It’s also a daily struggle, but I am determined to beat obesity. I want to encourage everyone one, whether they have to lose 15 pounds or 500 pounds it can be done with hard work and determination. If I can help and motivate just one person, I have done my job. I am living proof! Thanks again for all you do.”

Devona before and after

Update Feb 2014:  Originally, we featured Devona’s story back in Aug 213, she’d lost 300 pounds. Now, she is down 450 pounds from her starting weight of 730 pounds.  She opted to have weight loss surgery to change her life, but she had to lose 100 pounds pre-surgery to qualify.  Read more about her journey below…

Devona weight loss

“Hello Ladies of BWLW. My name is Devona Gaines. I wanted to give an update on my weight loss journey. This page has been such an inspiration to me. I read everyone’s stories and get the motivation to keep going. As I reported back in 2013, my highest weight was 730 lbs. I was extremely sick. I suffered from congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, was insulin dependent with diabetes, had sleep apnea, hypertension, etc. All these health issues were a result of my morbid obesity. Well, I finally decided to change my life. I had gastric bypass weight loss surgery in March 2013. This procedure completely changed my life. I no longer have those medical conditions, and I am only on one medication.

In my last post, I had lost 300 pounds. Well, I have made great process. My total weight loss is now 450 pounds. My current weight is 280 pounds. I have not been in the 200’s since high school. To God be the glory!  My motivation was LIFE. Simple as that! I wanted to actually live my life. That was not possible at 730 pounds. I was a prisoner in my own body. Now, I have a new found freedom that is hard to explain. I have kept my pre-op eating habits which includes a high protein low carb diet. My workouts have increased. I am able to move so much better, so I have started walking more.

I started this process in January 2012 and I am still a work in progress. There are pros and cons to having to lose so much weight, but trust me, the pros more than outweigh the cons. I have Devona back. My advice to others on my journey is to keep going. Whether you have 40 pounds or 400 pounds to lose, it can be done. Just take it one day at a time, stay strong in prayer, and keep moving. It is never too late to be better!!! That is my life’s motto!!”

Eddra lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Eddra lost 50 pounds. She says that she started a lifestyle change and not a diet to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared about how she did it:

Eddra weight loss

“My name is Eddra Davis. I am 29 years old and married with three boys, ages 8, 7, and 2 years old. My family is what motivated me to lose weight. I am only getting older, not younger and if I continued to go down the path I was going, I may not have been healthy enough to do the things I want to do with my children. Also, the fact that diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family motivated me to get healthy too. I want to give myself a fighting chance not to go through health issues like that and to teach my children how avoid them also. Who doesn’t want to look good and feel good,not only for yourself but for your spouse.

I looked at my eating habits and started a lifestyle change not a diet. I simply made better choices. I would choose yogurt instead of ice cream, eat turkey, fish, or chicken instead of beef. I had water with lemon instead of soda or juice. It is the little things that we choose to eat that makes a difference. If we would stop and think before we eat that cake and ask “What can I choose that I like that would be a healthier choice with less fat, calories, and sugar that was still satisfy my craving?”.  I exercised at the gym and did workout dvds at home, like Black Girls Workout Too.

My starting weight was 245 pounds current weight is 195 pounds. No matter how long it takes keep going and never give up. It dosen’t matter if it takes you longer as long as you get there everyone journey is different. Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to be active. Start out slow if you have to, as long as you start you will be surprised how much that little time will change you body, along with your water intake and changes in eating habits. Get people around you that motivate you even if you don’t know them. Make friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter because you will have your hard times. If you fall off its ok forgive yourself and start again. Follow me on instagram: revivingthebeautygame“

Ebony lost 130 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Ebony lost 130 pounds from starting at more than 400 pounds.  She found a weight loss plan that worked for her and she embraced exercise, like Zumba and water aerobics. She is celebrating her weight loss victory!  Here is her story:

Ebony before and after

“So, I wasn’t going to post my story so far because I am in the middle of my weight loss journey, but every one has a story to tell, and here is mine. I have been overweight all my life. Childhood, adolescence, adulthood. I made attempts to lose weight before but always gained it back. It’s a funny place to be hating the state your body is in but being so scared to change because you don’t know where the hell you will start, and if you succeed, can you keep it off. The tipping point for me came in 2012. Despite being overweight all my life, it was the first time that I can honestly recall my size causing me difficulties in mobility. I had a hard time fitting in restaurant booths. I didn’t go to movies because of fear of fitting in the seats. I broke the shampoo chair at my local salon. I saw a picture of myself holding my baby niece and I took up half the couch. I knew then I couldn’t go the way I was going. From this would come canes, walkers, oxygen masks, and obesity related diseases and death. I was looking into weight loss surgery but the state revoked the coverage, so I decided in June 2012 to try Weight Watchers.

My starting weight was 410.8 pounds. I also went back to the gym which I hadn’t entered in a year. I started slowly, doing water aerobics and 25 minutes on the elliptical. Then after I lost 25 pounds, I took the plunge and went to my first Zumba class. That was where I found my love for activity. Weight Watchers helped me learn portion control, minor indulgences in moderation, and healthy eating. Now here I am, 19 months later and 130 pounds lighter. I go to the gym 4 days a week. I am down 6 sizes, and have gained self confidence, healthy habits and a new life. I am about 100 pounds from my ultimate goal, but I am blessed and thankful for the journey and success I have had so far. To anyone reading this, know that as long as you have a breath, it’s never too late.”

Kecia lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Kecia lost 72 pounds.  She joined found a weight loss plan that worked for her and committed herself to working out.  She did it for her KIDS and I love that.  Here is what she shared about her victory:

“My name is Kecia and I started this journey at 322 lbs. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Fat frustrated and wanting to change, I joined Weight Watchers. My biggest motivation is wanting to live longer to be here for my two children. I want to be able to go to a amusement park and ride the rides with my kids. I also don’t want my son following in my unhealthy footsteps. Joining Weight Watchers was the best thing I did for myself. Now I weigh 250.  That’s 72 lbs down!!!!!

I cut out all fried foods, sweets and soda. I drink 8 bottles of water daily and I eat a lot of lean protein and veggies. My snacks are fresh fruits and vegetables. I am just more aware of what I put into my body now.

All I could do was walk at first, for exercise. It took me at least an hour to do a mile.  Now I’m doing a 13 minute mile. I also go to the gym 5 days a week now. This is a new lifestyle for me and I don’t look at it as a quick fix, it should be a lifestyle change. There is no quick fix to a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight has held me back in the past, not anymore!!!!!!”

Instagram: klm_losing100lbs

Kecia before and after Kecia weight watchers

Video: Beverly lost 109 pounds with Dr. Ian’s Shred Program

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We shared Beverly‘s story after she lost 84 pounds with Dr. Ian’s Shred program and now she’s giving us an update.  Video: She was featured on the Doctors TV show to talk about her weight loss victory.

“You posted my before and after picture when I had lost more than 80 pounds on Dr. Ian Smith’s Shred program. Now, I have lost more weight and  I am down a total of 109 pounds by using Dr. Ian’s original  “Shred” plan and his new plan “SuperShred”. I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and don’t have a thyroid gland. Also, I am 55 years old and currently in menopause. I’m dealign with everything that could possibly work against me in terms of losing weight. I have been able to beat the odds and as my doctor says, It’s a miracle. I would like to share my updated picture and story in hopes that someone’s life can be changed for the better and people can realize that it is never too late. I also work out to Dr. Ian’s DVD “Shred 27 Burn” as well as doing deep water running, water aerobics and Zumba. I was featured on the Doctors TV show as a guest sharing my weight loss story. Here is my current before and after picture.”

beverly shred weight loss