Black Weight Loss Success

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Melissa lost 157 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Melissa.  She has lost a total of 157 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Good Evening, my name is Melissa Thomas. I’m 44 years old. In 2009, I weighed 325 pounds. In 2011, I lost a total of 143 pounds. I now weigh 168 pounds, down 157 pounds total.  I went from a size 26 to a size 10.”

Weight Loss Motivation: “My sons and my health were the main motivation for my weight loss.”

What did you do to lose the weight?: “I changed my eating habits by eating breakfast. I wasn’t doing that at first. I also stopped eating pork and I eat a meal at least 6 times a day.  I started at Curves for a year, then I just worked out at the gym 3 days a week.  It took me 2 years to lose get to a healthy size.”

Your advice for others who want to lose weight: “The only advice I can give is “Stay motivated and focus”. It’s hard work but as long as you have determination it will be ok.”

Melissa weight loss story

Martina lost 111 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Martina lost 111 pounds.  She no longer suffers from pre-diabetes, sleep apnea, knee issues or high blood pressure.  She wrote to us and shared how making lifestyle changes helped her get healthy:

“Hi. My name is Martina and I am a 33 year old woman, wife and mother of two girls. I’ve lost a total of 111 pounds in 14 months. I used to weigh 253 pounds.  Now I weigh 142 pounds with the help of diet and exercise and the support of my family and friends. On July 14, 2012, I had a breast reduction and weighed 253 lbs at the time of my surgery. After my surgery, I decided to lose weight for various reasons. I decided to lose weight due to my health. I was borderline type 2 diabetic with high cholesterol, back problems and facing other health issues. I was also having heavy menstrual cycles, had trouble walking and sleep apnea. I was at my heaviest, so I decided that enough was enough.

Six weeks after my breast reduction surgery, with the support from my husband, I decided to join the gym.  I changed my eating habits by changing my portion sizes, cutting back on sweets and unhealthy snacks and eating more fruits and veggies.  I stopped eating pork and beef, drinking soda and sweet tea’s. I started drinking more water and green tea, walking and working out at home. I also downloaded an app on to my phone called My Fitness Pal that helped a lot with my weight loss. In the beginning, I worked out 7 days/week with cardio and did strength training for 1 to 2 hours.  I cut back to only eating 1500 calories/day or less. Now, I work out 5 days/week for at least 30 to 60 mins with cardio and strength training.  I eat no more than 1800 calories/day. I feel healthier, younger, and stronger than I ever did when I was in my teens and twenties. Since my weight loss, my cholesterol has gone down dramatically.  I’m not facing type 2 diabetes anymore and I don’t have trouble walking up and down the stairs due to knee issues.  Also, no more sleep apnea, my blood pressure is low and my menstrual cycles are not as heavy anymore.  Since my breast reduction, I went from a size 46DDD to a size 36C. My motivation was my family, my friends and looking at old pics of myself and saw how unhealthy I was. My advice is to keep holding on and believe in yourself and with prayer, determination, dedication, and hard work anything is possible.”

Martina before and after weight loss

Natasha lost 30 pounds by eating clean and exercising

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Natasha wrote to us to share her weight loss journey.  This proud mom has released 30 pounds by eating clean, counting calories and exercising.  Read all about how she did it:

“Hi!  This is my first attempt at losing weight naturally and I’m succeeding. Thus far, I have released 30 pounds by eating clean and exercising. I consume a high protein diet with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I also track marco-nutrients and count calories. I never eat below 1300 calories a day! I try to consume 1600 to 1750 calories of clean, wholesome foods. When I started eating good, I started losing weight and building muscle. Some of my favorite exercises are HIIT (high intensity interval training), sprinting, sand-bell training and anything strength related. I also joined Black Girls Run and found a jogging partner. In addition, I am active with my daughter at the playground. If I’m not playing with or chasing her, I doing cross training. I’ve got 20 more pounds to go until I reach my goal by my 33rd Birthday in January 2014. It really is a lifestyle and I’m enjoying every moment of MY journey. Best weight loss advice I have is to respect your goal and trust the process and make it your own. Do what you love but just commit to do it. Persistence pays off. Just keep going! Thanks so much for sharing! Xoxo Tasha”

Natasha weight loss story

Muriel lost 36 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Muriel.  She lost the weight by working out via DVD with Jillian Michaels and changing her eating habits.  She wrote in to share her story with us:

“Hi my name is Muriel Merritt. I would love to share my story. I started May 1, 2013 on my weight loss journey. In the beginning, I weighed 220 pounds.  Now, I’m 184 pounds. So far, I have lost 36 pounds.

My motivation to lose weight was the encouragement of friends and family. Also, I wanted to do something special for me for my birthday (11/28/13). I had to change my eating habits if I wanted the weight to come off. I work in a grocery store, so I stopped going to the bakery and Deli for snack time.  Instead, I started to utilize the Produce Department. I used Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred workout DVD and in the first month and lost 13 pounds. It consisted of three 6 min circuits; strength training, cardio, and abs. This DVD started the transformation of my body and changed my life. My transformation took 4 months. I started my weight loss journey 5/1/13 and lost the weight by 9/1/13. This is only the beginning.”

Muriel weight loss photos

 

Shana lost 57 pounds

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Shana wrote us to share how she lost 57 pounds by eating right and exercising.  She also embraced running.  Check it out!

Shana weight loss story

What was your motivation?

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2012 and that’s when I decided enough was too much. I challenged myself to lose 100 pounds and I’m almost there. I hope to be off medication soon.

How did you change your eating habits?

It wasn’t easy! It took me a few months to get into clean eating and planning my meals out, everything was smooth sailing. I’m currently on a strict carb and sodium diet where I’m keeping my daily carb intake below 150 mg and sodium  below 2000mg. Water is a must if you want to stay the course and continue to lose weight. As far as meat goes, anything with a “loin” on the end, I try to stick to. Chicken, fish and shrimp are my main sources of protein. I try to cook all of my own meals and incorporate a fruit & veggies into every meal. One thing I learned was to keep your meals the same each week. That was hard for me because I like variety but if you keep your meals the same, you’re able to adhere to a stricter diet. Not saying that I don’t cheat because once a week. I throw in a day where I eat whatever I want…ALL DAY. I live for cheat days! I believe that if you eat strict all week, a cheat day is only fair.

What did your workout routines look like?

I belong to a gym in our apartment complex so I hit the gym 5 times a week and run the Couch to 5K program 3 times a week. The weekends are off limits unless I’m running a 5K on a Saturday or something like that. I love to go to classes because it holds me accountable if I’m with a group of people and I can’t “cheat” if other people are watching me. I’m attempting to run a 30 minute 5K by April 2014. Wish me luck.

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

I was 280 pounds when I decided to go on my journey. I currently weigh 223 pounds and am aiming for 170 pounds for my goal weight.

How long did your transformation take?

I’ve been working on my weightloss on and off for 1 1/2 years. I want to be finished and toning by the end of this year.

Lashema lost 66 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Lashema lost 66 pounds in 6 months by working out with a personal trainer and being strict about her portion sizes as she changed her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Lashema weight lossWhat was your motivation?

Looking at pics from my vacation in Jamaica made me feel so ashamed of how big I had gotten! Once you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin, yhen it’s time for a change! Never will I go back to the past.  Never in a million years did I think I would be able to say I lost 57 pounds.

What did you do in terms of working out?

I started this journey 6 months ago, set a time frame goal and I can honestly say it has been amazing.  My very first day of training was definitely not what I expected. I left the gym thinking this chick is nuts.  Who has somebody running on the treadmill their first day training?  I guess she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at that moment!  However  in the end I’m so grateful for her.  Not only did she help me change myself physically, she also helped me gain motivation, determination & a passion for fitness!   What did my workouts look like?  I did 1 hour cardio with 30 min weight training 5-6 days a week.

People ask me what’s next after I hit my goal. Well, along with having a regular goal I always had a ultimate goal that I wanted to reach without having a time limit on it.  I don’t think this journey is over. I will always being improving myself.

How did you change your eating habits?

By completely changing my lifestyle, I couldn’t change on a temporary basis and expect long term results and to reach my goals. I eat in the right proportions.  Basically, I each a cup of everything. I carry ziplock containers to make sure my measurements are correct.

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

My starting weight was 226 pounds.  Now I weigh 160 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?

I took 6 months.

Lashema weight loss story

Tamillia lost 110 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Tamillia lost 110 pounds with gastric bypass weight reduction surgery.  She is a truck driver by profession.  Being on the road means her workout options are limited, but she has been able to workout consistently and change her eating habits.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey so far:

My name is Tamillia. I began my weight loss journey last November with gastric bypass weight loss surgery.  My weight before surgery was 340 pounds.  At my last doctor visit, my weight was 230 pounds. My motivation was not to develop heart problems or high blood pressure since it runs on both sides of my family.  My other motivation is my daughter. I want to live a long life so that I can see her grow up.  I am 7 1/2 months post op. My goal weight is 170 pounds.

I continue to eat right and exercise when time permits because I am a truck driver and my schedule is full. My journey continues daily.  I walk at least 4 days a week for about 2 miles a day and I workout with some resistant bands daily as well.  After my surgery, I am eating small portions, protein shakes, and green vegetables.  I also eat grilled or baked chicken and fish.  Being a truck driver my exercising is limited to walking around my truck & trailer daily and doing resistant bands.

Tamillia weight loss success

Renee lost 40 pounds

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Our featured weight loss journey of the day: 50 year old diva Renee lost 40 pounds. This 5’4″ beauty fought her blood pressure down and lost the weight with walking, running and eventually became a vegetarian.  Read more about her story:

My name is Renee. I found your page on Facebook and love it. I’m look at it every day for motivation, tips, etc. I share a lot of your challenges, recipes, post, etc. I love all the stories and I would love to tell mine. April 12, 2012, I started a new job and I had to get new uniforms. I was shocked when I was measured for a size 12 and found that I weighed in at 180 lbs. Mind you, I’m only 5’4. I had to take a DOT physical for work and instead of being passed for two years, I was only passed for 3 months because my blood pressure was too high. My feelings were hurt and I knew I had to do something. Going to the doctor for medicine to control my blood pressure was not an option.

April 15, 2012, I started walking five miles every day.  I cut out fast food, sodas, red meat and pretty much anything white.  I also started drinking healthy smoothies. By August, I was in a size 10 and weighing around 157/160. I had lost 20lbs. I was breaking ground (yaaay). I started running 2.5  miles every day (outside in Las Vegas triple digit temp), lifting 5, 15 and 20 lb dumb bells and doing crunches.  Then I cut out chicken and was only eating fish and veggies.  I drank a lot of water, water, water too.  By December (whoop!), I was down to 140 lbs and wearing a size 7. In March (2013), I took on your 15 day No Meat Challenge and never looked back. I’m a vegetarian now. I joined a gym, too. I run, squat, lift, etc. Being healthy and fit is now my lifestyle. I’ve been at it for almost a year and a half now. I’ll be 50 years old in on Aug. 12th and I’m feeling amazing!!! My blood pressure is great, 117 over 75!! No health issues. I lost 40lbs and have no plans of ever finding them again!  Plus, my knees don’t even hurt anymore.  The before pic was taken March 2012… after pic (black and white) was taken May 2013… pic in yellow taken July 2013.  Thank you for allowing me to tell my story and success. And, thanks again for your page and support.

Renee's weight loss

Keya’s Emotional Weight Loss Story

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I had to share Keya‘s moving story that she posted to our Facebook page.  She didn’t note how much she lost (you can see it in the photos) but I think the details of her story are far more important and inspiring.  Here is what she shared (Update Oct 2013: See her updated photo and more info below the original post):

Many people don’t believe me when I tell them I got to 200 lbs. I was at a place of hopelessness and despair. My husband was in prison, I was raising 3 children as a single mother all while working 40+ hours a week and maintaining a 4.0 average in college. I had no time to take care of me and I had no time to love me.  All the love that I could muster each day was distributed evenly amongst my 3 children. A life of pain including suicide attempts, miscarriages, infidelity, not being wanted by your mother, finding out at 26 that your biological father is in fact your mother’s step dad and SO much more…was a building volcano waiting to erupt.  I am finally at a place where I am getting back to the basics! I found my voice and no longer allowed those things to hold me bondage. I use them to help others and that allowed the chains to break free.

We often time live life as though we are invincible, well, I had a mini stroke back in 2009.. It was one of the many times I had a brush with death and I just kept praying that God would help me to live because I was not ready to die. Finally, once again, I AM LIVING Y’ALL! Get your health right, you only got ONE life! I changed my eating habits and I workout with a trainer 4 times per week including electrifying cardio and Zumba classes. I also walk/run 5 miles on the 5th day. I hope to inspire someone, as I know what it feels like to have no inspiration or motivation in life.  I love y’all to PEACES! ♥~Keya

Keya weight loss pictures

Update – Keya has lost 40 pounds: “I just wanted to share a more updated picture, I’m still losing pounds and inches and wanted to reshare my story in hopes of helping another.”

Keya weight loss 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