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Brandi lost 34 pounds with Weight Watchers

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Brandi.  She lost 34 pounds with Weight Watchers and Zumba classes.

I have lost 34 pounds doing Weight Watchers and Zumba. After having my kids, I got lazy. I ate fast food often (sometimes twice a day) and never made time to exercise. I would often go an entire week with no fruits or veggies. My main motivation was looking at pictures from my 37th birthday party. I made a vow to be fit by 40.

I’ve never been skinny but I was in much better shape in the past. After I got married, I had a hard time getting pregnant and had two miscarriages. I got a little depressed and basically stopped taking care of myself. I finally got pregnant and had a son.  During my pregnancy, I felt like I should eat all the ice cream and junk I wanted because “I was eating for two”. I tried fad diets, lost weight and gained it back many times. I had a second son and kept all 40 of the pounds I gained during pregnancy. With two kids, working, and going to school I decided I had no time to plan healthy meals and exercise so I ate a lot of fast food and second helpings of “good comfort food”. At my highest I was 30 lbs higher than when I delivered my second son.  I found out about Weight Watchers at work and joined.  I learned just how much over what my body needed that I had been eating and have been losing weight since! 11 months later, I’m well on my way and continue to work at being healthy. I am also doing Zumba and trying to be consciously active at least 4 days a week. I’m hitting a plateau but with the help of your blog I’m finding new strategies to break it!

Brandi weight loss journey

Fact or Fiction: Are There Really Foods that Will Speed Up Your Metabolism?

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Responsible for how fast your body burns calories and fat, metabolism not only affects your current weight, it also determines how fast you will lose weight, how many calories you can eat per day, and how well you maintain your weight. With all of these factors relying on your metabolism, there are a lot of reasons why you want yours to be fast.

Recently, many diets have claimed that you can speed up your metabolism simply by eating certain foods. If such a magical combination of foods existed, anyone who wants to lose weight should know what foods speed up the body’s metabolic rate and include them in their diet, but do they exist?

Myth: Metabolism Boosting Foods

Each time you consume calories, you give your metabolism a little boost. But are there really some foods that boost it a little more than others? Aside from a few foods that increase the amount of calories burned – hot peppers, green tea, and cold water – there’s not much difference between the foods you eat when it comes to your metabolic rate. Even the few foods that do boost your body’s calorie-burning ability make such a small difference that it’s hardly worth mentioning. So, no, there are no foods that magically speed up your metabolism, making this tale a huge myth.

How Eating Affects Your Metabolism

Your body learns to rely on the amount of calories you consume each day, adjusting your metabolic rate accordingly. If you consume too few calories, your metabolism slows down, resulting in fewer calories burned. The more you eat, the faster your metabolism works. However, you have to eat only as many calories as your body can burn in a day for this to work. If you consume too many calories, your body will turn them into fat, resulting in weight gain.

Your metabolism also speeds up and slows down throughout the day according to how often you eat. If you go a long time between meals, your metabolism slows because your body doesn’t know when more food is coming. Therefore, it tries to reserve the calories it already knows it has.

Eating for a Speedy Metabolism

Increasing your metabolic rate has more to do with how often you eat than it does with what foods you choose. This is, of course, assuming that you eat healthy foods to begin with. Going a long time between eating slows your metabolism. When you finally do eat, your body burns the new calories slowly.

Eating increases your metabolism. Eating six small meals per day rather than three large ones speeds up your metabolism because your body is busy burning calories in anticipation of the next meal. For this to work, though, you need to be consistent. It takes time to train your metabolism to work at peak performance.

Myya lost 100 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Myya Mixon lost 100+ pounds and now competes in fitness competitions. Her weight loss story is a true transformation story. Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

8 years ago, I weighed 216 pounds. My fitness journey began when I saw a picture of myself and I hardly recognized who I was. After seeing this picture, I purchased a gym membership at Gold’s Gym and began attending group fitness classes. I worked out 6 days a week, 2 hours per day. My exercise regimen focused on both cardio and strength training. I also placed myself on a strict 1200-1500 calories a day diet. In 8 weeks, I lost 22lbs and then I was hooked. After about a year and a half, I had lost 75 pounds. I kept the 75 pounds off for 6 years and then I decided that I wanted to compete in fitness competitions. I met with Adele Amore Travis of Amor Fitness and Nutrition and she became my competition coach. She monitored my nutrition and revamped my workout routine. In 5 months, I lost an additional 27lbs and placed 6th in my first fitness competition.  I placed 2nd in my second fitness competition. I am living proof that if you are determined and persistent, you CAN do whatever your heart desires. Changing your body is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical.

Myya weight loss transformation

Check her out online at www.myyamixon.com

People Magazine contacted us about Myya’s story and chose her for a weight loss themed issue.

Myya Mixon People Magazine

MrsTLovely lost 131 pounds with the Realize Band

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MrsTLovely wrote to us about her weight loss journey.  She lost 131.6 pounds with Realize Band weight loss surgery. Even though she had weight loss surgery, she credits her hard work, dedication to a lifestyle change, faith and perseverance as key to her weight loss.

Hi, I’ve lost 131.6 pounds to date. I used to weigh 378.8 pounds i now weigh 247.2 pounds. I had Realize Band weight loss surgery to help me with portion sizes on June 28th, 2011. However, I credit my weight loss more so to hard work, dedication, faith and perseverance. I work out 6-8 times per week. I started out by working out for 2-3 hours. Now, I exercise twice a day and I eat clean. I documented my full journey on Youtube.  I have inspired and motivated many to change their lives and have changed people’s minds in regards to weight loss surgery, especially the band.  The amount I have lost is far more then expected for the Realize Band.  The expectation was 60 pounds and I’ve lost 131 pounds.  I credit the change in lifestyle I’ve made. I have a facebook page where i share motivational words and recipes for effective weight loss.   Also, I am still active on youtube in hopes of helping as many  people as I can on their journeys as I’ve been doing for the last almost two years while chronicling mine.

MrsTLovely weight loss surgery

Stephanie lost 146 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Stephanie who lost 146 pounds with gastric bypass surgery.  She no longer suffers from hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea.  Her motivation was her husband and two children.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Stephanie and I’m from Orlando FL. I am a 30 year old wife and mother of two. All my life, I struggled with my weight, starting in elementary school.  Even as an adult, I was teased about my weight. At the age of 27, I was diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea.  These conditions were constantly getting worse. During this time, my weight was 361 pounds.  I had to do something quick, so I began taking lipotropic b12 shots and getting lots of exercise.  With this and eating right, I got down to 305 pounds. The weight loss was steady and I was feeling a lot better.

Then I had a slip and fall accident and injured my knee.  A month later I was in a car accident and injured my back which left me unable to exercise. The weight began to come back until I was back at 351 pounds. At that point, I felt helpless.  I continued to do the injections but they no longer worked.  I tried hcg and had really bad side effects from that, so had to stop. Me and my doctor then decided that we had tried all other options and she referred me for gastric bypass weight loss surgery.

On August 30 2012, I had my surgery.  I have since lost 146 pounds. Now, I can play around with my children. I can dance. I can fit on roller coasters. I no longer suffer with hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea. My motivation was my children and my husband. I wanted to be here for them as long as I possibly can. My current weight is 205 pounds. The workouts I do is on the Xbox Kinect. I do dance games like Dance Central and Zumba. I also do workouts with DVDs by Jillian Michaels and Jane Fonda.  I workout on the treadmill, run and do yoga as well. I try to stick to a fat free,no sugar, no carb, high protein diet with lots of organic fresh fruits and vegetables.

A lot of people like to think WLS patients try to take the easy way out but let me tell you nothing about this has been easy. I still have to eat healthy. I still have to exercise in order to lose weight. I still have cravings like a person with a normal size stomach but it takes a lot of will power to say no. I am just happy to be able to live life to its full potential finally. Thank you for reading my story.

Stephanie weight loss surgery

Anita lost over 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Anita lost 53 pounds by working out with a boot camp workout group and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello BWLW, my name is Anita. I have lost over 50 pounds in the last ten months. My biggest motivation was one of my 3 year old students calling me fat. So, I called a trainer that I used in the past and we talked. She invited me to join her Boot Camp that meets 3 days a week, for an hour. Then she began to teach me how to eat clean. I did everything she said and worked really hard. It has helped me a lot too. I now eat a lot of vegetables, whole grains, smoothies, lean meats and drink lots of water. I gave up white foods (white sugar, white flour, etc), sweets, sodas and wine. My start weight was 240 pounds and now I weight 187 pounds. I have God, my trainer and my loving husband (who drinks smoothies now) to thank for encouraging me along for the last ten months.

Anita weight loss before and after

BrownSun lost 70 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to BrownSun who lost 70 pounds by striving to be her greatest self, eating more fresh foods, drinking more water and going meatless.  Here is what she shared with us:

Greetings and Blessings, I would like to give kudos to Black Women Losing Weight because you guys are expressing and establishing positive conversations of hope and inspiration by your mission. I would like to know if you guys can feature me as well as a success story. At my biggest I weighed in at 260 pounds and now I’m down to 190 pounds. I started my journey in 2011 and I’m still striving for better holistic health and consciousness. My motivation was the destiny to become my greater self.  I’ve achieved my weight loss by eating more veggies, fruit, and water.  Also I recently stopped eating meat. I greatly appreciate you guys for staying positive and showing the beautiful black bold wombman another side to Facebook. Thanx

Brown Sun weight loss

Emicia lost 160 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Emicia lost 160 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery, changing her diet and by facing the reality of her health issues.  She started at 404 pounds and was deeply moved by a neighbor who tried to reach out to her about health concerns and obesity.  I truly appreciate her openness and transparency.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’ll never forget walking my neighbor Ms.Barbara to my door that day. As usual, we had a long conversation, but this time when I gave her a hug good-bye, she held on for a bit longer. When we parted, she was crying, which she *didn’t* do. I was concerned, and apparently, so was she. “Emicia”, she began, “I love you, but you have to do something about your weight. I suffer so much [due to my weight] and I don’t want you to suffer like I do”. I was confused. The confusion would be cleared up on my way to work one day when I ran into 2 policewomen in the hallway. Assuming someone was robbed, I asked what was wrong. They pointed into Ms.Barbara’s apartment, where she lay…dead. I broke down. But as cruel as it felt for God to allow me to witness that, the lightbulb finally went off. “I don’t want you to suffer like I do!” now had an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence.

At that moment, there was no BBW rallying cry that could drown out reality. It wasn’t about being “big and beautiful”, or whether Lane Bryant also made cute clothing. I saw weight for what it really was, a life or death situation. Ms.Barbara’s death made me decide to chose life. I didn’t understand why stress made my body react so oddly. After watching both my [adoptive] parents die in hospitals, I could not bring myself to see a doctor. However, the week Ms.Barbara died, I gained 7lbs without any lifestyle change, which baffled me. That brought my weight up to an astonishing 404 pounds!!??!! I had to see a doctor. It took awhile of testing and exams to determine the cause, but I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, which explained the whole host of symptoms associated with my body attacking itself. One of the other symptoms, hypermenorrhea, had nearly killed me.

After being placed on medication, I found a nutritionist, a walking partner, and created a food journal. I also limited carb and sugar intake, ate more fresh vegetables and fish, and less beef and pork and I lost 30lbs. I needed to amplify my efforts and I wanted a tool that would give me portion control. On May 23, 2011, I had Gastric Bypass surgery. I’m not sure why it’s said to be the “easy way out” because it’s actually been quite difficult. I fought on, changed my diet, and continued walking. Now I stand here 2 years later and 160lbs lighter. I still have a way to go, but I’m on my way. I’m not sharing this to perpetuate the myth that big women are self-loathing, lazy or worthless. Quite the opposite!!! Many of the big women in my circle are the best mothers, grandmothers, everybody’s mothers, community leaders, businesswomen and worldchangers that I know. They’re the women who keep us healthy, so why not keep them healthy??? Ladies, I am on this journey with you and we will get there together. If you need any encouragement, advice or support, you know where to find me :o).

“I call heaven and earth to record this day … that I have set before you life and death … therefore choose life” -Deut 30:19

Emicia weight loss before and after

Nicey lost 74 pounds

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Let’s show Nicey some BWLW love.  She lost 74 pounds by changing her eating habits, dropping sugary drinks and adding exercise to her life.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Nicey and I have struggled with being over weight my whole life…until now! Being the only child that my mother had made getting what I wanted very easily, especially FOOD!!!  I can remember wanting to wear certain clothing or get on rides at the fair with my cousins, who were slimmer than I was, but couldn’t. IT HURT!!!! I was so scared that I would become diabetic or, better yet, die in my sleep from being so big. I was tired of being disgusted with myself and decided to make changes in my life. In 2012, I was blessed to meet new people who had such an impact on my life and started a journey that I am still on…My weight lost journey!!! I am proud to say that I am now 74 lbs lighter by changing my eating habits, dropping sodas and juices and by adding exercise routines into my life. I exercise 5 days a week. You would find me walking, dancing, Hip Hop Abs with my home boy Shaun T and I even do a little Zumba. I have too much to live for and can no longer let MY battle with My weight continue. (By the way I’m winning) I can promise you that if you think that you can’t do it, you are so WRONG.  Surround yourself with a lot of positive people that will help get your motivation going. Trust me, I am no better than the next person but I am SOMEBODY and so are you! Don’t go for the gusto, just set small goals  and just like me you will be on your way to Fit, Fabulous and Fine!

Nicey weight loss before and after

Farah lost 75 pounds

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Today’s featured before and after weight loss story: Farah lost 75 pounds by changing her diet, embracing green smoothies and working out religiously.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Hello, I wanted to share my journey thus far. It’s long but I know it’s attainable.  I reached my highest weight when I was pregnant with my last son. When I was at 39 weeks, I weighed 294 pounds.  Despite not getting the support I needed at home , 6 weeks postpartum I went down to 282 pounds. I still looked so puffy I pictures I’ve seen of me at this weight.

Prior to me getting pregnant, I was into fitness and nutrition. So, I knew what I had to do. I had to completely stop procrastinating and stop being all in the feeling from my past. I still had my gym membership.  I started back going to the gym 5-6 days a week, doing cardio and strength training.  I was also eating 80% clean eating.  The only thing I ‘m doing different now is using a Nutribullet, which I love , love , love.  I use it once or twice a day. Everything I use too make my protein/veggie/ fruit drink is raw.  No cooking required.  Some times I add a little bit of healthy fats . Of course, I drink tons of water everyday day.

I’m still under construction, but I’m happy with what I have accomplished thus far. The tools I use; Your monthly challenges, my fitness pals, free weights, cleaningeat.com, Google for healthy Recipes, Zumba, boot camp, elliptical, treadmill with incline, jump rope, planks, Squats, ankle weights, burpees, mountain climbers, dvds, cable machine, other people’s success stories and a heart monitor Ft4. I can’t thank god enough. #stillaworking progress  Now I weigh 219.6 pounds.

Farah lost 75 pounds