Black Weight Loss Success

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Amber lost 44 pounds

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Let’s show Amber some love.  She lost 44 pounds down from 418 pounds and she is just 25 years old.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:
Amber weight loss
“My name is Amber and I am 25. I have struggled with my weight since I could remember. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family but I continued to pick up and put on weight as my doctor’s dismay. I have tried almost every fad diet, weight watchers, Jenny Craig, cabbage soup and nothing seemed to keep my attention for very long. The doctor seemed to be constantly concerned about my weight and one doctor seemed to have given up hope that I was going to do anything about it at all. I had continued to make excuses about why I haven’t done anything before now but I know that excuses are tools of incompetence :).  So, after seeing myself in pictures and feeling the most uncomfortable that I have ever felt at my highest weight of 418 pounds, I decided that April that I needed to make that change for MYSELF. Not because anyone told me, not by force but because I did it on my own terms. I changed the way that I was eating, drinking, and exercising for the first time in a long time. Shortly into this journey, I experienced a herniated disc and it forced me to curb the exercise for a few months. It was heartbreaking, especially because I was in the groove and I was just about to finish graduate school. When I moved back to CA, through medical assistance, my back has never felt better. Since then, I have joined the local gym with a majority of my family members. I try to go 3-4 times a week (I do Zumba, body sculpting, water aerobics and I am currently training for a 5k), drink as much water as I can and just try to stay positive about the fact that this is NOT A DIET, BUT A LIFESTYLE CHANGE! This page has also been an encouragement to me as well as MyFitnessPal! It has kept me honest and I utilize the support of other women to get through this journey. I have seen results but I am hungry for more…pun intended  but I just wanted to be able to encourage other women who have had similar struggles that you are beautiful and that this journey is not easy but we are doing it to be healthier! You are absolutely not alone and I hope that my 44 pounds inspires the next woman as I work toward the next 44. Instagram:@ _adeebee. I just recently started a blog on wordpress: http://selfgrowththejourney.wordpress.com/.
Have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!
Amber D. Boyd, M.A., MFT
Syracuse University
adboyd@syr.edu

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. -Harriet Tubman”

Felicia lost over 60 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: AKA soror Felicia lost over 60 pounds and was able to improve a pain issue that had her walking with a cane in her thirties.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“I’ve loss a little over 60 pounds and it took a complete lifestyle change. I count carbs and calories. I put down the sodas and brownies! Lol I also hit the gym 4 times a week doing at least 30 minutes of cardio and some light weights to tone because you become quite flabby with extreme weight loss. I feel so much better. At the age of 35, I found myself having to walk with a cane because I had severe back and hip pain. Some of my problem was inevitable because of my body structure but it became worse as the weight packed on. Thought I was going to have to have a hip replacement until the doctor mentioned getting at least 50 pounds off would ease my pain, and he was right.”

Felicia weight loss photos

Audrey lost 47 pounds

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Weight loss story of the Day: Audrey lost 47 pounds.  She credits making changes to her eating and drinking habits as a major factor in her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Hello, My name is Audrey and it took my about 1 year and 3 months to go from 207 pounds to 160 pounds. I worked out 5 days a week starting off. I stopped drinking juice and pop totally. I only drink water, green tea, and milk. I still eat pretty much the same food, I just cut back on portion size and minimized how many sweets I eat.

I was motivated to start cause I never really reached over 200 pounds., only during pregnancy. I also have asthma so I knew if I lost some of the weight that would help tremendously. I started gaining weight after going through a lot of things going on in my personal life with eating and drinking (alcohol). I first lost 17 pounds just buy cutting juice out of my diet cold turkey. After seeing the results it pushed me even more to try going to the gym. I would go at least 4-5 days a week doing at least 1 hour of cardio and weight lifting, abdominal exercises, etc. I stopped eating after 7/8 pm, stopped eating fried foods, eating more fruits, vegetables, & eat more lower calorie foods/snacks. After of months doing this I just made it a way of life. I don’t go to the gym as much now but to maintain my weight I still don’t over eat and at least walk on my lunch break while at work on days I don’t go to the gym.”

Audrey weight loss story

Deborah lost 89 pounds

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Weight loss success story of the day: Dr. Deborah D. Grison lost 89 pounds after being diagnosed with a serious illness. She went from a size 18/16 to a size 4/6.  Here story shows the power of eating healthy, unprocessed foods that are full of life and nutrients. Here is what she shared about her journey:

“My name is Deborah D. Grison. I am writing to share my weight loss and healing success story. In January of 2012, I made a decision due to health the physical challenges of a pre-diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (being unable to walk) to change my eating behavior. I began to prepare all of my own meals, eliminating processed foods, sugars and all things bad. I have been doing this for two years come January 2014. My physical activity consisted of walking everywhere as I live in New York City. In August of 2012, I did begin strength training at a local NY gym that added to my weight loss success. All in all, I have lost 83-89 pounds within a year just by changing my food behavior. Going from a size 18-16 to now a size 4-6. My health challenges have subsided and I am now walking again unassisted. I am continuing with what my program and health initiative I started call EAT LIFE! Its a Movement Not A Moment. www.eatlifeonline.com It will be 2 years in January 2014, that I have lost and maintained my health and wellness success. See photos of my transformation below.”

Dr. Deborah weight loss Deborah before and after photos

Jessica lost 64 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day:  Jessica lost 64 pounds. This proud mom gained weight after suffering the loss of her fiancé.  She wanted to get healthy to to make sure that her children didn’t lose both parents.  Here is what she shared with us:

In July of 2012, I lost my fiancé unexpectedly! By December 2012 I was 317 pounds. By the time April 2013 arrived I was 331 pounds! My blood pressure was out of control and I knew I had to get healthy! My 2 children were my inspiration, I didn’t want them to grow up without a mother and father. In May of 2013, with the encouragement and motivation of my co-worker, I started my diet! I would walk 1-2 miles a day, 4 days a week and I used an app called My Fitness Pal to track my calories! I changed my eating habits by eating smaller portions and drinking more water. As far as exercise, walking and Zumba were my only forms of exercise.

Once the weight started to drop, my blood pressure got better and eventually I was taken off all blood pressure meds! By October 2013 I had lost 64 pounds! I went from a size 32 to 20, and I was 267 pounds! In the new year I plan to start fresh (the holidays got me)! I plan to lose another 67 pounds and become 200 pounds! My co-worker has stuck by me the entire time and I thank Kristi Tyson Reeves for the motivation and encouragement!

Jessica weight loss story Jessica before and after

Take Back the Temple: Sarah lost 27 pounds

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Sarah shared with us how she has lost 27 pounds on journey to take back and take care of her temple by embracing a healthy lifestyle.  She is on a mission and feeling the difference already. Here is what she shared:

“From before in May 2010 weighing in at 304 lbs to now at 277 lbs and well on my way! Rather than looking at it as a “diet” or even to say “healthier lifestyle”. I am calling it a journey of taking back to take care of GOD’S temple. At first I was a little apprenhensive to submit my story because I thought my pounds loss thus far were so small compared to others. And to still look at photos of me, I really don’t see a physical difference just yet in these photos, but I definitely do FEEL a difference. However, I decided to submit it anyway to show that I am on my way! And because I am very proud of how far I’ve come. I am taking back with lots of prayer for wisdom as to what I put into my mouth and my eating habits are changing just by that. I am drinking lots and lots of water (once a day I will add a couple of tablespoons of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar in my water). I have a library of Leslie Sansone’s walking DVD’s that I use 4 times a week and they are between 30 to 45 minutes depending on if I do 2 or 3 mile walks. I also do a series of upper and lower body exercise with weights for strength training twice a week. My focus and motivation is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”.

I have a more to go to get to where I need to be physically, but…I am certainly not where I use to be. And I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me strength. I am glad to be a part of Black Women Losing Weight and to see all who are on this journey. I am encouraged to see all of the success stories coming from our black women who are taking back. I plan to submit again in a few months with an update on my progress. GOD bless you all! And keep taking back to take care of GOD’S temple.”

Sarah before and after photos

Chana lost 62 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: Chana lost 62 pounds.  She says that eating right plus working out plus consistency = results and we agree.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Chana before and after photo

“My motivation was Nakeisha James who started a group called Fit4life sisters after seeing different women losing weight and seeing there progress it motivated me to get going, also looking in the mirror seeing this person I no longer wanted to be.

How did I change my eating habits? I started by taking away the sodas, processed  foods, fried food, junk food, bread, pasta, etc. I added veggies, fruits, plenty water, salads, and baked food such as chicken, salmon, fish.  I also controlled my portions and food intake, and cut all starchy foods out.

My starting weight was 215 pounds.  My current weight is 153 pounds.  I started my journey December 2012. It took 11months for my transformation and I’m still going.

Workout routine wise, I started off doing Zumba 3-4 times a week and walking 5-6 times a week.  I did this  along with workouts from YouTube, working out on the treadmill, elliptical, doing strength training, lots of cardio. Workout DVDs such as Billy Blanks, Jillian Michaels, Shaun T, BGWT.  I’m currently doing Iron Core Kettlebell for toning by Sarah Lurie.

My advice to others is to have the right mindset, be determined and stay consistent. Eat right+Workout+Consistency=RESULTS”

Karen lost 60 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Karen.  She lost 60 pounds after dealing with years of tremendous loss and sleep apnea. Here is what she shared about improving her health and losing the pounds:

Karen weight loss diet

“Hello my name is Karen. I am 47 years old. My weight loss is a testament of God’s Grace and Mercy. My weight gain began my sophomore year in college and gradually progressed through the years. I had several storms in my life which caused me to be depressed. My brother was murdered at the age of 25, my childhood friend died soon after. My closest friend in college died of sleep apnea. My father died in 2000 and I lost my grandmother in 2010. My grandmother was with us until the age of 107. She was the rock of the family. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. People say just think they had a long life or it was their time. Knowing all of this does not take the pain away. Even though we move forward their still in our hearts. I was in an emotional roller coaster relationship that was not healthy for me. I begin to stress eat and before I knew it I had gained quite a bit of weight.

Because of God’s Grace and Mercy I knew that changes needed to take place in my life and that meant I had to be willing to make those changes. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and menopause in my early 40’s. I had gone to several doctors and no one could really diagnose what was wrong with me. I was frustrated. About four years ago I had gone to an urologist and he suggested that I go through a sleep study for sleep apnea. I was in denial. I said, no. I did not listen. However, I continued to have the same symptoms only by this time I was sleeping all day after coming home from work. My mother would send my sisters to my house to check on me. I would become so angry because they were interrupting my sleep. I now know that I could have slept on and not awakened. I was transferred on my job. This sent me back into a state of depression and I began to eat foods that made me feel good such as ice cream, cookies, and hamburgers from McDonalds, Taco Bell and Popeye’s. This hurt because I was happy where I was working I had been there for fifteen years. It was difficult for me to accept this change. I tried a new doctor and when I told him my symptoms he immediately suggested that I had sleep apnea and suggested that I be tested to validate the diagnoses. In February of this year I went through the sleep apnea clinic and was diagnosed in April. I knew that my weight was a contributing factor to my condition. All I could think about was that my friend had died from sleep apnea 25 years ago. He had given up and I had to fight for him in my mind.

I was overweight I needed to change my eating habits and lose weight. My doctor put me on a 1200 calorie diet. I lost 20 pounds in two months. I walked ten miles a day even though I was supposed to walk for 30 minutes. I wanted it! The third month I only lost 3 pounds. I decided to go on the HCG diet. It takes discipline as with any diet however, this was a weight loss tool that worked for me. It is a low calorie diet. It consists of fruits, vegetables, chicken, turkey, shrimp, and lean hamburger meat just to name a few. I have lost 60 pounds and I am continuing my weight loss journey. I want to lose another 40 pounds. I am no longer on blood pressure medication. It is because of God’s grace that I am still here. I know that I have a purpose to fulfill in this life’s journey. I awaken every morning reading two of Steve Maraboli’s inspirational quotes: “Renew, release, let go. Yesterday’s gone. There’s nothing you can do to bring it back. You can’t “should’ve” done something. You can only DO something. Renew yourself. Release that attachment. Today is a new day!”. And the other quote: “When you rise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love –then make that day count!”. We are faced with many obstacles in life however; it is up to us to make that change. We are going to make mistakes in this life. We are human. Just start again and just do not give up. Remember God’s grace and mercy will carry one through. I am a living witness that he will help you on your journey. Don’t give up keep moving forward! It is through change that I have grown. I end with this quote Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.

‘Remember all things are possible for those who believe.’
— Gail Devers”

Andrea lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Andrea lost 68 pounds in 7 months by changing her habits to create a healthier lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Andrea before and after weight loss

“My motivation to lose weight was a better ME. Once I became a mother (9 years ago), I just let myself go and put myself last in everything. I knew I had gained a lot of weight (number wise) but I never saw myself as being as overweight as I really was (reality hit looking at pictures of myself before and after my weight loss). I am blessed to not suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol issues, or any other disease associated with being overweight and I wanted to ensure that remained the case as I approached the “dirty 30’s”. The ultimate motivation/goal was that I wanted to lose at least 50 pounds by my 30th birthday.

I changed my eating habits mainly with using the “myfitnesspal” app in counting calories. I cut back on sweets as this is my biggest struggle (I cut them out completely in the beginning), no sodas, rarely eat fast food and when I do I eat healthier choices. I hardly eat fried foods and I make moderations to what I eat.  For example, if I eat a sandwich, I use one slice of wheat bread and I use mustard instead of mayo. I am more conscious of what I eat and how much I eat and counting calories is the biggest help of all.

My workout routines consist of walking/running on the treadmill 3-4 miles 5-6 days a week. I did Hip Hop Abs for 3 months along with monthly challenges on Black Women Losing Weight page. I have only exercised at home; no gym membership!

My starting weight was 249 pounds (my heaviest) when I went to the doctor in April 2013 and that is when I started making small changes with foods and slowly walking at least 1 mile a day on the treadmill every day. I went back to the doctor May 2013 and weighed 246 pounds and that is when I kicked into high gear on this weight loss journey. As of December 12, 2013, I weighed in at 181 pounds. My goal weight (after losing the first 50 pounds) was 175 pounds by my birthday (December 15). Although I missed that goal, I am still so very proud of myself and how far I have come. I am now aiming to get down to 165 pounds (hopefully by May 2014).

My advice to others is to never give up! Gaining weight is easy and losing it will be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. It is hard, takes commitment, strength, determination, will power, and faith. There are good days and bad days but when you have a bad day, pray about it and start over tomorrow-don’t beat yourself up. I have been on this journey for 7 months strong and I have days when I fall off the bandwagon but I just get back up and keep going. Every step and effort you make makes a difference and equals a step closer to a better and healthier you! I encourage others to lose weight for themselves and no one else because when you do it for the wrong reasons, it probably won’t last as a weight loss journey is about a lifestyle change for the rest of your life. No two stories and experiences are alike so you have to do what works best for you and your life. The Black Women Losing Weight page is an excellent source for women on a weight loss journey as it gives women hope and motivation that if “she” can do it, so can IJ

***Picture on the left is from December 2012 and picture on the right is from November 2013***”

Shalonda lost 75 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Shalonda lost 75 pounds with Weight Watchers, ditching red meat and exercising regularly.  Find out more about her motivation and the details of her weight loss journey:

Shalonda before and after

“Hello, my name is Shalonda Robinson. I began my weight loss journey January 27, 2013. To date I have lost 75 pounds doing Weight Watchers. I have always had a weight issue since I was a little girl, but I never imagined I would balloon to over 300 lbs (At my heaviest I was 335 lbs.) after I had my daughter 17 years ago! It had gotten to the point where I was scared to go to sleep for fear I have a heart attack in my sleep. I was tired of my knees hurting, my feet swelling, and just generally not feeling good. I’m 42 and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger and it was only going to get worse. I want to be around for a long time, so I decided enough was enough. I still have 96 lbs to go and I’m determined to reach my goal and keep it off.

I decided to join Weight Watchers. Many people think it’s a diet but they truly teach you how to make smart and healthy decisions. I basically eat all day, but instead of snacking on a bag of chips or a candy bar, I opt for a fruit smoothie or raw veggies to satisfy that desire for crunch. I’ve cut out red meat and pork. That wasn’t something taught by Weight Watchers, however. Really, with Weight Watchers you can eat just about anything. It was a personal decision. I drink 80-96 oz of water daily. I’ve increased my fiber and multi grain intake. My exercise of choice is walking. I walk on the treadmill, while it’s been cold, for about 45 min 3-4 times a week, but I prefer walking the trails in the park. That’s just about it. I will admit, I could be further ahead, but when I slip, I don’t beat myself up over. I just dust myself off and start again. This is a battle I will always have, but I never feel defeated because it’s all in my hands.”

Shay weight loss story