Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

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Candyce lost 51 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Candyce lost 51 pounds with the help of the MyFitnessPal app, learning to eat her favorite foods in moderation and working out regularly. Here is what she shared with us:

What was your starting weight?  What is your current weight?

In the before photo I’m at 206 pounds in August 2012.  In the after photo I’m at 155 pounds in July 2013.

What was your motivation?

My motivation was mostly my babies. When my then 2 year old told me “Mommy, you got a big fat belly!” I knew that it was time to make a change! Also, I was sick of not being able to run and play with the children.

How did you change your eating habits?

I didn’t cut out my favorite foods, I just ate them in moderation. I also changed the way I prepared things, such as using wheat flour instead of white flour and using whole wheat pasta. I wasn’t a bad eater to begin with, but like most of us, I tended to overindulge. I also started using the MyFitnessPal app to keep track of what I ate.

What did your workout routines look like?

When I first started, I was going to boot camp classes twice a day.  I had to cut that out when I sprained BOTH ankles. So then, I turned to YouTube for some low impact cardio, arms, leg and an workouts.

How long did your transformation take?

My transformation took 7 months and I have maintained it for four months so far! Thanks for keeping black women encouraged!

Candyce weight loss pictures

Courtney lost 186 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Courtney!  She is a long time member of BWLW and was one of the first people featured on our Facebook page (before we had a blog).  She lost 186 pounds after having vertical sleeve weight reduction surgery about 7 years ago.  She wrote to us to update her story:

“My name is Courtney and I have been big all my life.  At 21 years old, I changed my life by having weight loss surgery! I had the vertical sleeve procedure in 2007.  Then, I was wearing a size 28-30.  Now, I’m in a size 6-8 and I weigh 140 pounds, down from 326 pounds!!! I had a baby in December 2011 and I still maintained my weight.  I’m over joyed with the healthy me.  I had the surgery because that was my last hope after trying everything under sun and spending lots of money! So, if it works for you great!! Thanks so much for your time!”

courtney weight loss surgery

 

Lindsey lost 140 pounds

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Update: Lindsey has lost a total of 140 pounds and her loose skin removal surgery is being chronicled on a new show, Skin Tight, on the TLC network. (Jan 27th at 10pm EST). More info on the show.

lindsey before and after

July 2013: Today’s weight loss before and after story: Vlogger Lindsey M. Adams lost 126 pounds.  She realized God’s healthy plan for her life, left an abusive relationship and learned to eat right and exercise with programs like Weight Watchers.  Here is what she shared bout her weight loss journey…

Lindsey weight loss storyLuke 1:37 “ For with God nothing shall be impossible “ That is the foundation that transformed a 5’5″, 307 pound women into a healthy, whole and fit 181 pound woman today. After 126 lbs. lost and still losing; God has been my number one source, provider, intercessor, healer and motivator. I started my Journey in July 2011, after the Lord spoke to my spiritual accountability partner about the enemy’s plan to kill me with morbid obesity. I wore a size 22/24 and weighed over 300 pounds. Most importantly I had low self- value and esteem and was in abusive relationships for over 8 years. I found myself being the “other woman” or the “side-line” piece because I tried replacing my feelings of rejection with male attention. Between July 2011 and October 2011, I lost 26 pounds by walking 1 hour on my local track for 3 days a week. In October 2011, I joined Weight Watchers and a nutritional program called “Body Breakthru”. As a member of these programs, I learned lifestyle changes and ways to face my weight loss challenges. I also joined LA Fitness and became an avid group fitness participant. Over a total of 15 months, I lost my first 100 lbs. Today, I am a size 10/12 and 181 pounds. I am excited to reach my goal and I continue to add variety and intensity to my workouts. I also work diligently to stop over eating and emotional eating, as well as to practice better portion control and honest calories tracking. I have been a motivational speaker for the Weight Watchers’ Jennifer Hudson Center in Chicago.  I am also an online personality creating videos about my weight loss journey on LindseymAdams.com.

weight loss success photos

Brittney lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Brittney who lost 40 pounds in the last year.  She started walking and then jogging.  She also started juicing and worked to change her eating habits. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Hi! I’ve been really serious about losing weight for the last year. After getting married, having 4 beautiful children receiving my Master’s of Education degree, I had gained 80 pounds. I got to the point where I got tired of buying clothes and having to return them because they were too small. I felt smaller on the inside, but it didn’t reflect on the outside? After setting my mind on being a better, healthier me I started to walk 3 miles, 3-4 times a week. Within 6 months, I started jogging a little, but increased my total workout to 4 miles. In the last 3 months, I have started jogging 3 miles and walking 1 of those miles. I even broke my treadmill from using it so much.

I have  cut back on my portion intake.  Instead of eating my entire meal when we dine out, I save half for lunch the next day or I choose healthier options of the menu. I juice regularly, drink a gallon of water a day and take full advantage of a fresh fruit salad everyday. I even participate in BWLW monthly exercise challenges. I have successfully lost 40+ pounds and I am working toward the next 40! Thank you for the motivation and encouragement.

Brittney weight loss pictures

Raspberry Ketones: Are They Just a Diet Fad?

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Most of what your body needs to be healthy can be found in nature. From wholesome, organic foods to herbal and vitamin supplements, the earth supplies virtually everything you need to survive and stay well. So, it’s safe to assume that some natural ingredients possess healing qualities unmatched by man-made chemicals. However, some herbal supplements, while safe, do little to improve your overall well being.

raspberry ketoneRaspberry Ketones are derived from the ingredient in raspberries that give them their smell. Found in very small amounts in each raspberry, ketones are extracted and combined to create the natural supplement of the same name. Many medical and weight-loss specialists have proclaimed that raspberry ketones are capable of dramatically enhancing weight-loss efforts.

Weight Loss and Health Benefits of Raspberry Ketones

Proposed benefits of raspberry ketones include increasing lean body mass, treating hair loss, enhancing weight loss, and fighting obesity. As with most natural supplements, the results and opinions surrounding raspberry ketones are mixed. While the supplement has attracted some medical support from famous health experts such as Dr. Oz, it has attracted just as many critics, leaving many to wonder if raspberry ketones are the real thing or just another fad.

The Science behind the Hype

How do raspberry ketones work? According to experts, raspberry ketones regulate the hormone adiponectin – a hormone which is in small supply in overweight and obese individuals. Increasing adiponectin has shown to have a positive effect on insulin levels. All of these chemical changes within the body are thought to improve metabolism, the rate at which the body burns and uses calories.

Raspberry ketone supplements have been around for decades without much attention being given to them. However, recent studies have shown that mice lost a great deal of weight when given the supplement in high doses. Prior studies used smaller amounts of raspberry ketones and were found to be inconclusive.

Side Effects and Drawbacks Associated with Raspberry Ketones

Although raspberry ketones are considered safe by the FDA, they have never been used in any human trials. It’s rated GRAS (generally recognized as safe) and the FDA doesn’t recognize the weight loss claims.  Therefore, their effectiveness and safety have not been tested in people. Some evidence also shows that raspberry ketones are chemically related to a stimulant that can cause shakiness, high blood pressure, and accelerated heart rate. Bottom line: There’s not enough information to make a conclusive decision as to the effectiveness or safety of this dietary supplement.

As with all weight-loss regimens, medical professionals recommend eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to facilitate weight loss even while taking raspberry ketones. While the effectiveness of raspberry ketones remains unproven, medical professionals do agree on one thing: You must eat less and exercise more to lose weight.  Please do not take any natural supplement without checking with your medical professional of choice.

Sylvia lost 56 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Sylvia lost 56 pounds using My Fitness Pal as a calorie counter, running, aerobics and strength training.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Sylvia and I am from Atlanta, GA.  I have struggled with my weight for years. But during graduate school I was stressed and in an unhealthy relationship which started the weight gain spiral.  In 2009, my mother passed away and I lived across the country from my family. Needless to say getting and staying motivated was tough.

I had the goal of losing weight for years but this year something finally clicked. I weigh in every week and post my results on a door that I walk by everyday. I also created a “thinspiration” wall of quotes, pictures and weight count down chart; essentially its a vision board. I use the My Fitness Pal app to track my food and a calendar to track my workouts. In addition, once a month I post my weight loss progress on Facebook.  For me, all of these tools together have helped with my accountability.

Eating habits – I use a calorie counter (My Fitness Pal). I try to stick to a 1500 calorie diet. A food scale, measuring cups, sandwich and snack bags are your best friends. You will be amazed at what a “true portion” once you start using them. I did try juicing (one meal) for two weeks until I got to a point where I liked fruits and vegetables. I don’t believe in restricting foods because it makes you binge. Everything in moderation.

Exercise – I started running in 2010 but I became a runner in 2011. I joined Black Girls Run-Atlanta and they helped me train for races. I started with a 5k, got hooked, and now I run half marathons. I also like cardio kickboxing and step classes. Additionally, I lift weights at the gym. If you really want to see results, lift heavy weights and read body building articles. Strength training is what truly changes the shape of your body.

In 2009, I was 240 pounds. Now, I weigh 184 pound. A 56 pound weight loss over the course of four years. I try to encourage people not to worry about how long it takes. Just know that with time and hard work, you will achieve your goals.

Sylvia weight loss success

Jennifer lost 51 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Jennifer.  She has lost 51 pounds since April 2nd of this year and is striving to lose 49 pounds more!!  Here is what she shared with us: “I’d like to share my story.  I’ve lost 51 pounds since April 2, 2013.  How did I do it?  Just by stopping drinking soda, cutting out sweets and with an intense exercise regiment.  I also eat clean. I went from 386 pounds to 335 pounds.  My goal is to lose another 49 pounds and maintain my new lifestyle. My motivation was when my doctor told me that I could not have another child due to my weight.”

Jennifer weight loss before and after

Tai lost 105 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Tai lost 105 pounds by doing the work of working out hard and changing her eating habits to lose pounds.  She has provided a LOT of detail for us. Here is what she shared with us:

Tai weight loss

“Good morning, I just wanted to give my personal thanks to you for promoting wellness, especially in our community. I’ve been on a healthy journey myself the last 15 months going from 265 to 160! It has inspired me to share my journey as a means to help others like me know it is possible to change your life. This is a really awesome page & I’m glad my friends told me to check it out. Thanks again for your contribution towards healthy living & Showing good examples for women to follow!

On July 5th, 2011, I removed my rose colored glasses and realized an ugly truth I had been hiding from for years: I was extremely overweight and unhealthy. It was during a weekend trip to Miami with friends, and it was the first time I felt uncomfortable in my own body. I had been overweight for the better part of my life, and had become numb to cruel taunts and overweight remarks; however, this weekend was different. If you’ve ever been to south beach, you know that it’s a scenery of nicely composed bodies flaunting them proudly up and down the main strip and boardwalk.

Tai weight loss before and afterUpon returning home from vacation I decided I needed to do something about my weight. I was about 265 pounds and standing only five feet tall. At the time I was a year and a half from my 30th birthday, and I didn’t want to enter the next year of my existence with the unwanted weight. Further, I knew that it would be harder to lose the older I became. I started by joining a Biggest Loser completion at my office. It helped to keep me motivated in the beginning because I’m very competitive and there was money involved for the top two losers. I ended up coming in second place after losing 17 pounds in eight weeks; however, after a few months of working out I hit a plateau and became very discouraged. I was around 30 pounds lost when I decided to change gears and stop working out at the gym. I instead took to a female dance studio that hosted classes like Zumba, Belly and Pole Dancing. I looked like a fish out of water participating, but I kept at it. What I liked most about the studio is that there were women of all ages and sizes, and they pushed me to do better. I kept up with the classes for about two months and then decided to start working out at home to save money. I took to walking and the intense Insanity workout. This forever changed my life. The program was tough, but I pushed play every day because I knew that if I did I would get results. Eventually my daily one mile walk turned into a two mile jog and increased to running several miles later down the line. I finished two rounds of Insanity and then moved on to another home program called TurboFire. The convenience of working out at home helped me stay on track because all I had to do was walk into my living room, which gave me no excuse as to why I couldn’t work out.

What was most beneficial for me during the entire process was learning how to eat properly. In the beginning, I stuck to a 1200 calorie diet, but found that I was consistently hungry. After a while I stopped losing weight, and after doing some research I found out I wasn’t eating enough calories to sustain my weight loss. I also started to look into the actual foods I was eating. I eat a lot of processed foods like canned soup, frozen meals and boxed foods. I learned to adapt to a method of clean eating instead. It wasn’t easy; it took about 6 months of researching and trying new foods before I became fully versed in what clean eating was. The benefit of it verses my previous diet regiment was that most of the food was only lean cuts of meat, raw fruits and vegetables, eggs, fish, nuts and seeds. I started to try at least one new food item each week until I replaced most of the bad foods I had previously consumed on a regular bases.

It took 14 months, but I to date have lost about 105 pounds. My current workouts are now back in the gym lifting weights as I am down to 160 pounds and looking to gain more muscle mass. I also run daily, anywhere from three to six miles, and I’ve taken up yoga. The results I received along the way certainly helped me to stay focused. Also, the people I encouraged along the way by sharing my struggle was a major motivator. I used social media sites like My Fitness Pal, Instagram and my Facebook page to share my store and have others share theirs. Providing motivation to others and helping them see that accomplishing their goals has been one of the most rewarding benefits of this whole process. This is because when I was at my highest weight there were not many women who were where I was and had gotten to a point I was trying to achieve. This is the main reason why I find it so important to motivate women who are currently the “old me” looking to achieve their own health and fitness goals.”

facebook.com/TaiFitness
Instagram: @TaiFitness

Tai weight loss story

Video: Aja Davis Working it with BWLW’s July Challenge Exercise Routines

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Hi Ladies, I’m so excited that our friend Aja Davis of Black Girl Slim has turned the routines from Black Women Losing Weight’s July Challenge workout calendar into 3 great videos!!  This is awesome because you will be able to use these videos at home for months to come, after the July challenge is over, for a quick and effective workout!!!  Check out the videos below and follow along with Aja!

Check out routine 1, above. 2 and 3 are below. 

Kim lost 190 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Kim lost 190 pounds. She sent us the details of her weight loss plan, tips on eating right and her meal plans.  She shared with us in great detail.  Here is what she had to say:

My name is Kim Archie.  I’m 43 years old, and I currently reside in Sumter, SC. I was overweight for the last past 7 years. My weight started effecting my health in 2009. I began to feel really tired and in a lot of pain. I went to see my family physician and he did a blood work up along with a lot of other tests. One test in particular was a Sed Rate (Erthrocyte Sedimentation Rate).  This is a test that determines inflammation in the body. My Sed Rate was extremely high and my physician referred me to a Rheumatoid doctor. It wasn’t Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both knees. He prescribed me to take over counter supplements like Glucosamine, fish oil pills for my heart, and Aleve for arthritis. Since I was overweight, the arthritis was eating up cartilage around the bones in my knees. In other words, I needed to get the weight off so I could keep the cartilage around my bones. By 2011-2012 the arthritis had gotten worse. I developed shortness of breath really bad, I couldn’t stand or walk far due to the pain. My good cholesterol level was going bad which was leading up to all kinds of problems. The pain was so intense I couldn’t sleep at night if I would turn over it felt as if I was in a car wreck. I wanted to do gastric bypass my physician was like “absolutely not”. In May 2012, I was tired of being tired. June 11, 2012, I went to GOD in prayer and ask him to guide me along the way with my journey to lose weight.

My starting weight was 378 pounds and I needed to change my life. There was no turning back.  I was on a mission. The first week wasn’t even as hard as I thought it was going to be. The second week, I wanted to incorporate walking. My neighborhood is as large as a track and I made the initiative to try to start walking. It was so hard, but I made my first mile and came in rested and went back out and did it again. I walked one mile in morning and one mile in afternoon. I built my walking up as my body could tolerate it.  Now, I do 5 miles in morning and 5 in afternoon. By November 2012, I had lost a 100 pounds.  Then, I incorporated the gym. I planned my own menu’s and I stuck with it. I dodged a bullet. I’m not diabetic and I don’t have any health issues. My body is free from pain and inflammation because I’ve overcome with my weight lost and continuing to eat right. I have lost a total of 190 pounds. I’m currently working on 10 more pounds and I will be maintaining my weight loss instead of dieting. I made a guide so many people were in boxing me for my guide and help (below). There’s no turning back I’m moving forward to life coaching others with weight issues.

Kim weight loss before and after What I’ve had success with (Let add no surgery, no diet pills here’s my plan) – Make sure to get your BMI before you start and how many calories you need to intake****THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT****

• Remember to start with Prayer
• Commit to starting this journey
• Believe in yourself
• Write in a journal your start weight, your goal weight, your process, and what you plan to do once you have reached your goal.
• Everyday won’t be a good day but hang in and find that inner strength to continue.
• As you make progress you will want to do more.
• Find the right group of foods that work for you
• Remember there’s NO MAGIC PILL!!!!

*******GOING COLD TURKEY*******
Here are the steps that made me successful with my
Weight loss….
1. I cut off all sugar (SWEETS), breads, pastas, fried foods
2. Stopped eating red meats
3. Eating 5 portioned meals a day
4. Drinking only water over 80 ounces a day
5. Nothing to eat after 6:30-7:00pm at the latest
6. Drinking a glass of water before meals stops you from over-eating.
7. 2 to 4 cups of leafy veggies a day
8. LET THE SODAS GO BYE-BYE
9. The meats I’m eating are Fish (Tilapia), chicken (skinless breast), tuna, and salmon.

BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY

Next, I’m listing what I ate and have had great results….
Veggies
1. Spinach
2. Green beans
3. Green leaf or Romaine lettuce
4. Broccoli
5. Brussels sprout
6. Collard greens
7. Tomatoes
8. Carrots
9. Purple onions
10. Cucumbers
11. Green bell pepper and colored bell peppers
12. Celery

Fruits
1. Watermelon
2. Blueberries
3. Strawberries
4. White grapes
5. Green apples
6. Pears
7. Bananas

Nuts
1. Almonds
2. Pistachios

Yogurts
1. Yoplait light my two favorite flavors are ( blueberry patch and red velvet cake)
2. McDonalds yogurt parfaits

Protein Shakes
Dole makes a protein shake in three different flavors.  My favorite is mixed berry you can use any juice but I only use MINUTE MADE (50% less the sugar)  Pour it up to the mark, place top back on and shake for 30 seconds and drink.

Other Tips:
Planters has a new nutritional peanut energy mix in three different flavors. I place it on apples, bananas and celery it’s really filling.

I add Oscar Myers bacon bits to my salad, it’s the best for dieting; I use Wishbone ranch dressing low fat dressings make me sick. I only use a little to flavor salad. I also use a little cheese
SAMPLE MENU OF MY DAY

BREAKFAST at 8:30am or 9:00am
• Cup of sliced watermelon
• Banana with peanut butter recommended 2tbsps
• 1 cup of Yoplait yogurt
• 20 oz’s of water or more
• I change the yogurt out to protein shake too
• Find what works best for you……

MID-MORNING SNACK at 11:00am
• ¼ cup of pistachios or almonds
• ½ of a apple or ½ cup of grapes
• Or 1 Kellogg’s red berry bar
• 20 oz’s of water or more

LUNCH at 1:00pm or 1:30pm
• 1 can of green beans washed and heated
• With sautéed tilapia or boneless chicken breast on side
• Or a bowel of vegetable soup…
• 20 oz’s of water or more

AFTERNOON SNACK at 3:00pm or 3:30pm
• ½ cup of blueberries and ½ cup of strawberries
• Or celery sticks(4-5) and ½ cup of baby carrots
• 20 oz’s of water or more

LAST MEAL OF THE DAY
• Salad with green leaf of romaine lettuce, spinach, green bell peppers, purple onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and 2 boiled eggs, strawberries, white grapes, OF COURSE I MAKE A BIG CONTAINER FULL.
• Also I top with less than ¼ of cheese and a few of Oscar Myers bacon bits the best for a diet.
• I use wishbone regular ranch just enough to flavor my salad low fat dressings make me throw up its called portion control….
• I normally sauté me two small pieces of tilapia or boneless chicken breast colorful bell peppers.
• OR I could make me a spinach or multi-grain flat wrap with green leaf lettuce of romaine, spinach, purple onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, little sprinkle of cheese, and small sprinkle of bacon bits, sautéed chicken breast(diced up), and little ranch dressing and roll it up it’s really good
• Or a protein shake
• 20 oz’s of water or more
****I used virgin olive oil to marinate my fish and chicken and Pam olive oil spray to place in my skillet to sauté tilapia (fish) or boneless chicken breast and bell peppers

LADIES YOU GOTTA EXERCISE DON’T OVER DO WHAT YOUR BODY CAN TOLERATE…….I STARTED WALKING ONLY 2 MILES A DAY ONE IN MORNING AND ONE IN AFTERNOON AS MY BODY COULD TOLERATE MORE I PICKED UP THE PACE. I CAN DO 5 OR MORE IN MORNING AND AFTERNOON. I INCORPORATED THE GYM AFTER LOSING OVER A 100 POUNDS. I’M STILL LOSING WILL START TONING IN MAY 2013……JUST SOME TIPS TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE YOU ALL I STARTED AT 378 POUNDS SO YOU ALL CAN DO IT I’M HERE FOR YOU!!!