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Yolanda lost 100 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Yolanda.  This proud mom lost 100 pounds in 10 months with weight loss surgery and no longer has high blood pressure and arthritis.  She expresses in her story that her weight made her feel safe and she was able to hide behind it.  Here is what she shared with us:

On Sept 5, 2012, I had weight loss surgery. I have lost 100 pounds! My start weight was 262 pounds and now I’m down to 162 pounds. From 2000 to 2012, I had two babies, high blood pressure and arthritis in my spine. I could barely barely walk 100 ft. without catching my breath and experiencing extreme pain in my legs and lower back. I put my life on hold for all those years, because being bigger made me feel safer for some reason. I literally hid behind my weight and it controlled my life. I can’t believe how much my life has transitioned in 10 months. The high blood pressure and arthritis are gone!! No more riding around on a scooter to shop in stores! I can walk now without losing my breath or being in pain.

I did not gain weight from overeating. I gained it from not eating enough food, not exercising, stress and not getting enough rest. The fat in my body stayed stored up due partially to starvation. My routine was 1 to 2 meals a day, if that. Now that the weight is gone, I feel like the most wonderful person in the world! I have my life back! I love going to the gym three times a week to work out. I eat more now to maintain my weight, meditate, and try to keep myself stress-free! I hope my story inspires someone out there who is struggling and hiding behind their weight like I did. You are not alone in this fight! It takes courage and don’t worry about what others think, because you only get one life and one body! So do what is best for you and live your life like it is GOLDEN! I took control of my life and it was the best decision I ever made! Blessings!

yolanda weight loss

25 Ways That the Stars Keep the Pounds Off

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Celeb stars fat lossCelebrities face the same human dilemmas as the rest of us. Weight loss and fat loss are no exceptions.  We see their struggles played out in magazines and on television all the time.  While there seem to be a lot of fad diets that stars are connected to, there is some thing to be learned from their stories, even if it’s just a cautionary tale.  Following are 25 ways stars keep the pounds off:

  1. Fad Diets – As unhealthy as they are, fad diets and celebrities often go hand in hand. Unfortunately, whenever a celebrity endorses a fad diet, weight-loss hopefuls jump on board, resulting in health issues and very little to brag about. Don’t do it.
  2. Vegetarianism – Cutting out meat and/or all animal byproducts have helped many stars stay slim.  Consider trying it.
  3. Personal Trainers – While expensive, many stars employ personal trainers. Most health clubs offer this option for the less wealthy among us.
  4. Support – Support from family and friends is just as important to the rich and famous as it is to the rest of us.
  5. Low-Carb Diets – Saying no to or limiting carbs is a sure fire way to keep the pounds away.  Works for most people.
  6. Lifestyle Changes – Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight require major lifestyle changes, which include eating healthy and exercising regularly.
  7. Gastric Bypass – Yes, a few stars have used invasive surgery as a means to shed unwanted pounds.  The deal with the same bias and health issues that many non-celebs deal with and many try to hide it.
  8. Pilates – This form of exercise, which uses the body’s own natural resistance is a favorite among celebrities.  Give it a try.
  9. Weight Watchers – Weight Watchers and other similar programs have snagged a few stars, many of whom have become spokespeople for their particular weight-loss program.  It is a time tested program.
  10. Cutting Out Junk – Yes, they are tempted by junk too. Saying no to sugary and processed foods is vital for weight loss.
  11. Nutritionist – Many stars consult with nutritionists and dieticians before choosing a meal plan.
  12. Personal Chef – While we all can’t afford one of these, personal chefs create and prepare recipes that help stars maintain their weight.
  13. Learning to Love Exercise – We all tend to find time for the things we love. Learning to love exercise is a great way to ensure that you always find time to do it.
  14. Write it Down – Writing down everything you eat in a food journal keeps you accountable and helps you spot patterns that might be sabotaging your diet.
  15. Set Goals – Even celebrities have to set goals and work toward them little by little.
  16. Online Coaching – As busy as they are, many stars have to go online to update their food journals and receive diet advice and coaching.
  17. Cleansing – Cleansing diets and products that remove toxins from the body are also popular.
  18. Eat More Often – Instead of eating a few large meals per day, stars often eat several smaller meals – ideally six smaller meals per day.
  19. Interval Training – Interval training combines short, intense bursts of specified training with longer, moderately-paced activities.
  20. Don’t Skip Meals – Skipping meals slows down your metabolism. Never skip meals and always eat breakfast.
  21. Work Out in the Morning – As the day progresses, it gets harder to find time to exercise and easier to find excuses to get out of it. Stars get up early and exercise before doing anything else.
  22. Sleep – People who get too much sleep and those who don’t get enough often weigh more than people who sleep an average of 7 to 9 hours per night.
  23. Manage Stress – Stars manage stress with relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and grounding.
  24. Drink Water – Your body often identifies thirst as hunger. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and curb cravings.
  25. Snacking – Celebrities keep healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and raw vegetables handy in case hunger strikes.

Latese lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Latese lost 60 pounds with Zumba, protein shakes for meal replacement and portion control.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, My name is Latese. When I graduated from high school, I weighed 145 pounds and even at that weight I thought I was fat. After high school, I never worked out.  I also ate what I wanted, mainly fast food, and enjoyed mango margaritas at least four times a week. My clothes got bigger, but I remained in denial about how much weight I had actually gained. January 28, 2012, I weighed in at 225 pounds. It was shocking and depressing. At that moment, I made a vow to lose 50-60 pounds.

I joined a gym and started taking Zumba classes at least five times a week.  When I wasn’t doing Zumba, I was in boot camp classes. I also stopped drinking those mango margaritas and replaced many of my meals with protein shakes. I pretty much ate what I wanted, just in portions. I cut back on fast foods as well. I still drink protein shakes as a meal replacement now.  I am proud to say I have reached my goal of losing 60 pounds. I weigh 165 pounds.  I’m only 20 pounds away from what I was at 18 years old. I have more energy, and can fit into the clothes I never would have been able to a year ago 🙂

Latese weight loss success

Your Liver, Your Metabolism and Weight Loss

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Fat is primarily broken down and processed in the stomach and throughout the intestinal tract, but other organs play an important role as well including the liver. An unhealthy liver cannot digest and process fats and other toxins, causing the body to store fat cells instead of using them for energy. And we all know what happens when fat cells are stored in the body – your weight increases.

An unhealthy liver also makes it more difficult to lose weight despite your best efforts. You can diet and exercise until you starve yourself and fall over from exhaustion, but you’re not going to see much difference until you get your fat-burning organs in proper working order.

Your Liver Weight LossThe Liver’s Role in Weight Loss

Your liver is a giant filter responsible for processing everything you put in your body as well as breaking down and releasing the toxins your body naturally produces. Believe it or not, fat cells actually contain a great deal of toxins, making them harder than other types of cells for the liver to process.

Unhealthy and processed foods contain fat and other ingredients that the liver finds difficult to process. When you consume a large amount of these foods, your liver cannot handle the work load and starts storing fat. Additionally, your liver becomes less efficient, resulting in a slower metabolism. So not only does an unhealthy liver result in weight gain, it slows down the very process responsible for weight loss – metabolism.

Your Liver and Your Metabolism

Since your liver is responsible for choosing which fat cells to burn and which ones to store, it is primarily responsible for your metabolic rate – the speed at which your body uses and burns calories. The liver is also responsible for regulating cholesterol levels within the body. Therefore, an efficient and healthy liver burns calories and fat faster, resulting in healthy weight loss and maintenance.

How to Get a Healthy Liver

If your liver is less than healthy, you don’t have to accept the fact that your body burns fat slower than it could. You can improve the health of your liver and increase your metabolism by doing the following:

  • Avoid Processed Foods – As mentioned before, the liver finds it difficult to break down processed foods. These foods usually come in boxes and are more convenient than other types of foods. They include frozen pizza, microwave dinners, and most comfort foods. Instead of eating these types of foods, eat fresh foods.  Also, avoid foods with trans fats.
  • Lower Your Stress – Stress causes the digestive system to slow down, resulting in a slower metabolism. Keep stress at a minimum or learn how to manage it properly. The calmer you are in your daily life, the better your body and fat-burning organs will perform.
  • Cleanse – Consider performing a gentle liver cleanse. One of the easiest ways to do this is to incorporate 1-2 servings of vinegar into your diet (a teaspoon or 2). Put a little on your salad as a dressing or on veggies to intensify the flavor while detoxifying your liver at the same time. Apple Cider Vinegar is a great choice. There are also cleaning herbs that you can research that help the liver. However, no detoxing methods will have much impact if you are still eating and drinking junk.
  • Drink Water – Most people understand the connection between liver issues and alcohol, but soda, sugary juice and other chemical laden drinks are also not the best choice for a healthy liver.  Let water be your drink of choice for a happier liver and happier kidneys.
  • Stop drinking alcohol – This really should go without saying. You don’t need the extra calories that are in most alcoholic beverages and you don’t need the liver damage that comes with regular drinking. More info.

The role the liver plays in weight loss is huge. If you want to lose weight and speed up your metabolism, you shouldn’t ignore this vital organ. A healthy, efficient liver will help you reach your weight-loss goals faster.

Side Note: We should take this very seriously due to the rise in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease. “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the build up of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It is normal for the liver to contain some fat. However, if more than 5% – 10% percent of the liver’s weight is fat, then it is called a fatty liver (steatosis). NAFLD tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Rapid weight loss and poor eating habits also may lead to NAFLD. However, some people develop NAFLD even if they do not have any risk factors. NAFLD affects up to 25% of people in the United States.” – American Liver Foundation

Paula lost 170 pound with weight loss surgery and working out

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Paula wrote us to share her weight loss journey.  She had weight loss surgery in 2003 and lost 130 pounds.  In 2012, she renewed her weight loss efforts and dropped 40 pounds.  She joined weight watchers and amp’d up her exercise efforts.

My name is Paula and I have struggled with weight my entire life.  After my second son who was born in 2002, my weight really got out of control and I knew I had to do something. Over the years, I have tried every diet under the sun and they just didn’t work.  I needed to do something quickly so I could be around for my boys. That is when I decided to have weight loss surgery on April 23,2003. On that day, I weighed in at a whopping 400 pounds (the before picture I took 2 days before surgery). Once I had the surgery, I lost just about 130 pounds and I felt great.  Life was good.

Now, fast forward to 2012.  Still feeling good, but not feeling healthy.  I knew that if I didn’t want to see 400 pounds again, I needed to revamp my eating and get active. So, that’s what I did. I started out by cutting junk foods and making healthier food choices.  I also started working out at home, doing Zumba and the Biggest Loser on the Wii. In 6 months, I lost 30 pounds. Next, I joined a local gym by my home and started taking Turbo Kick classes, spinning, and any other cardio class they offered.  I also joined Weight Watchers, which was a godsend because it helped me learn about portion control and how to really make healthier food choices.  It also helped me dropped another 10 pounds.

Now, I am a GLADIATOR lol.  I take Tabata Boot camp classes at 5:30 am in the morning,where me and several other women go HARD w/the best trainer performing HIIT drills and challenging our bodies. The best part of it all, is that I have also fulfilled a dream I have had since I was a little girl. I am now a full blown RUNNER! I did my first 5K in Oct 2012, since then I have ran another 5K and an 8K in March 2013! My second 8K is coming up in June and then it’s time to train for my first half marathon! Losing almost 200 pounds has literally changed my life. I am am now a much happier, healthier and confident person then I ever was or ever thought I would be.

Paula weight loss surgery

10 Habits That Make You Fat

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Ever feel like you’re doing everything right – following a meal plan, recording every entry in your food diary, and exercising like a nut – only to step on the scale to learn that you’ve lost little to no weight? When this happens, old habits are usually to blame. You might not even realize that you’ve held onto poor habits because you do them without thinking. One or more of the following 10 habits might be why the numbers on your scale are not moving in the right direction:

  1. Poor Hydration – When you’re dehydrated, you may feel like your hungry, which can result in overeating. Drinking the right amount of water also encourages the body to shed pounds; those who drink plenty of H2O most often always weigh less than those who don’t. So the next time you want to reach for a snack, reach for a glass of the clear stuff instead.
  2. Eating Low-Fat Foods – Low fat should equal fat loss, right? The opposite is actually true. Low-fat foods can actually make you fat. Why? Fat-free and low-fat foods typically contain more fast-burning carbohydrates than other foods, resulting in a sugar high and a hungry, grumpy, sluggish crash afterwards.
  3. Meal Multitasking – Anytime you combine other activities with eating, you are likely to consume too many calories. Watching TV, reading, working, and driving while eating should be avoided. Make meal time all about eating and let the other stuff wait.
  4. Skipping Meals – Common sense will tell you that if you skip a meal, you will probably eat more at your next meal due to ravishing hunger. However, there’s more to it than that. Skipping meals slows down your metabolism, which means your body slows the calorie-burning process. So not only will you eat more if you skip a meal, your body will not burn off the calories efficiently.
  5. Sleep Patterns – Studies have shown that those who sleep too little or too much often weigh more than those who sleep an average of six to eight hours per night. In fact, poor sleepers can weight up to 2 ½ times more.
  6. Liquid Calories – Juices, sodas, and alcoholic beverages contain massive amounts of calories, but they don’t make you feel full. For this reason, liquid calories are considered empty calories. If absolutely cannot live without a glass of wine or can of soda, keep it to a minimum. Allow yourself only one calorie-containing drink per day.
  7. Emotional Eating – It’s human nature to turn to comfort foods when emotion strikes. Learn to recognize emotional eating and replace eating with other activities you enjoy when you’re feeling down.
  8. Eating the Bread – Most restaurants offer some sort of complimentary food such as bread, rolls, or chips. Do not fill up on the free food. In fact, ask your server to bring the bread with your meal.
  9. Not Eating Protein – Foods high in protein leave you feeling full longer, which means you will eat less. Eating a diet rich in protein will result in fewer calories consumed and a lower body weight.
  10. Shopping Habits – Do you do most of your grocery shopping in the center aisles? If so, you’re probably purchasing the wrong kinds of foods. Most of the healthy food is located along the four walls of the store. Do most of your shopping here.

To optimize weight loss, you need to do more than add healthy habits to your lifestyle. You must also remove the negative or poor habits that are making you fat and sabotaging your weight-loss efforts.   Here is some additional inspiration.

heygirlFB

 

Sawanda lost 57 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Sawanda lost 57 pounds.  She overcame many challenges that many working single mothers face and was able to lose the weight.    Here is what she shared with us:

What was your motivation? I was turning 36 years old.  I looked at myself in the mirror and realized that a whole decade was about to end for me. I didn’t like the way I looked nor felt. I have lost weight in the past, but allowed depression from a marriage separation and the challenges of having a special needs child lead me bad eating and workout habits. I recognized that if I didn’t do anything about my weight NOW, then my 40s were going to look the same obese way! I couldn’t do that to myself or my child. My sick and tired days were OVER.  I was sick and tired of FINALLY being sick and tired!  My 40s were going to look better than my 30s.  I was determined!

How did you change your eating habits? I was introduced to myfitnesspal.com and I LOVE IT! I thought it was going to be hard to track all of my daily calories, but, it’s really simple! It keeps me conscious of how much I’m eating during the day. Normally, I eat pretty healthy. I love organic veggies and fruits, whole grain carbs and lean, grass fed-free range meats, so my food choices did not change.  However, my portions did! Healthy food does not mean they do not have calories. THEY DO! I eat clean (simple, whole foods) at least 85% of my time and allow a cheat meal once a week.

What did your workout routines look like? I made EVERY excuse in the world to not get to the gym. With a special needs child, a full time job and a part time business, it was challenging to get to the gym! My co-worker told me about Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred DVD work out program. I have never been a fan of home workouts (I was without a child and business when I wasn’t a fan) a long time ago.  I knew that a changed mindset was needed, especially if I’m ever going to lose this weight. I bought the DVD and LOVED IT! I loved the fact that it’s only 25 minutes of my day and there were NO MORE EXCUSES for not working out! I did that for 2 months 5 to 6 x a week, then added Jillians Kickbox DVD and the Couch to 5K running program! Currently I work out at least 5 to 6 times a day, still using Jillian Michaels DVD’s.  I’ve started to finally MAKE time for the gym to use weights and strength train!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? On July 1st, I was 221 pounds. As of today (May 30th), I am 164 pounds – a total of 57 pounds! I would like to get to 155 pounds before my birthday (July 11)! 9 more pounds to go! This is a lifestyle change and I am ready for my 40’s to be fit and fabulous!

How long did your transformation take? When I stopped relying on SPANX is when I realized my transformation had begun. After the first 25 pounds were gone, I was still using it, then one day I looked in the mirror after I put my dress on and noticed that I didn’t have to put SPANX on underneath! LOL! Everything looked smooth and “in place!” LOL! It took me 8 months to go from a size 16/18 to a solid size 10 (and can fit size 8’s)!

I know there is a woman out there who is just like me.  I had the mindset that I just didn’t have time for my health! Running a household, a full time job and a business can be crazy!  Then I thought, if I don’t take care of me and drop dead, then those people and things I hold so dear won’t have me anymore to take care of them.  I know this is cliché’, but if I can do it, with all the responsibilities I have on my plate, trust me, you can do it too! Just remember to K.I.S.S. (keep it short (and) simple)!

Sawanda weight loss story

 

Kimberly lost 63 pounds

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Let’s share some BWLW love with Kimberly who lost 63 pounds with the help of an exercise bootcamp and by following at 1500 calorie eating plan.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, my name is Kimberly and I’m 33 years old.   I decided that I would lose weight about 18 months ago, after being diagnosed with high blood pressure.  I knew that I was living a very unhealthy lifestyle.   I chose to follow  a diet plan of 6 small meals for 1500 calories a day.  I joined a extreme workout boot camp here in Chicago.  I’ve lost a total of 63 pounds in 7 months by eating healthy and working out 3 days per week.

I wanted to become healthy again.  I also wanted to look better, after looking in the mirror one day and seeing an image of someone I didn’t recognize.  That’s when I knew that I had to make a change. I was also tired of shopping in a plus size stores.  I was 228 pounds and my current weight is 165 pounds.  Thanks for listening to my story.

Kimberly weight loss

Natalie lost 112 pounds

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Update 2015: “It has been 2 years and I have kept my weight off. I did gain 30lbs last year, but I quickly turned it around. The BWLW Facebook page has helped me and kept me focused. I was able to lose the 30 pounds I gained plus and 11 lbs. Today, I weigh 174 pounds.” That’s a total of 123 pounds gone. Instagram: @new_natalie

natalie before and after

Today’s weight loss before and after story:  Natalie lost 112 pounds by embracing regular exercise and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Natalie weight lossI went from 297 pounds to 185 pounds. I did it all on my own and would love to share my story. Started my journey on 9/20/2011.  What motivated my journey was trying on clothes and being almost out of a size 24 pants, about to be a size 26 pants.  I cried in the dressing room and all the way home. I then threw out all my bad food and began my new life that day. I only baked or grill my meats.  I only eat chicken or turkey meat.  Water or tea are my only drinks. I eat lot’s of fruits and vegetables. I learned how to turn my favorite meals into healthy meals. For instance, I love pizza and now I can make it healthy by using 100 calorie whole wheat pita and low fat cheese, chicken and all the vegetables I can fit on it.  That would be considered a treat for me.

I love the gym now, it’s my stress reliever. I started off not really being able to do anything in the gym before feeling like I was going to pass out. I set little goals for myself.  When I started I was running and one minute and 30 seconds in I was ready to stop. Each week I went up a minute and now I am able to run 4 miles on the street.  In the beginning, I worked out twice a day for an hour or two per session. I used every machine in the gym and sometimes I would freestyle routines or watch YouTube to pick up tips. I always set little goals and my first goal was to get into a size 22.  Once I did that, I kept going down in size until I reached my goal of a size 13/14. My goal weight is 175 pounds. I cried many nights and prayed for the strength from God to help me through this. I have empowered my little sister to lose 46lbs this year and have helped some friends as well. I love telling my story, because may help one person who feels like I did.  It may help them know that they too can do it.  It was a long road and is still a long road, but I will never gave up and never will.

Natalie weight loss before and after

Karen lost 30 pounds

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Let show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Karen who has lost 30 pounds.  She was motivated by a diagnosis of diabetes.  Here is what she shared with us:

I changed my eating habits.  I stopped eating pork.  Now I eat chicken, fish and less beef.  I also eat a lot of vegetables and have cut down on sweets.  I don’t drink soda, only water or sweet tea.  I walk 2 – 3 miles, 3 days a week and I workout two days a week.  In addition, I trained myself to eat small portions so now I get full fast with less food. My motivation was my doctor telling me I have diabetes and I might have to take insulin.  She said that  if I lose the weight, I can over come diabetes. Being overweight, you start having high blood pressure and diabetes.  I didn’t want that for myself.  I’m 41 years old and I feel that the older you get the harder it’s is to get the weight off. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and for having a page for us.  When I see your page, it encourages me even more.

Karen weight loss before and after