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Nene lost more than 190 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Nene lost 190+ pounds. She was fed up with starting over and over again and not being consistent. To get results, she committed to working out regularly and adopted a low carb, Keto lifestyle. Check out her journey.

nene before and after

I weighed 398 pounds and my height is barley 5’4″. I was just uncomfortably big! I remember
thinking, “How did I get this way? Who am I?” I didn’t even recognize myself anymore. I even began to believe that I would stay that way forever because the idea of losing 200 +pounds seemed way past impossible.

One day, it finally hit me. I was just tired! Diet after diet. Every monday, I was starting over again with no results and no consistency. I was fed up! I was a beautiful soul with a love for fashion and music. I HAD DREAMS! I wanted to look like the girl I felt like on the inside. I also knew I needed to be healthy for my children. I could barely play with them, let alone take them outside for outdoor activities.

I was done. So, I began my journey. Every morning at 5 a.m., I walked for 20-30 minutes and increased as time went on. I decreased my calorie intake to 1200 calories. Eventually, I was introduced to the low-carb, Ketogenic lifestyle and my life began to change just like that! I replaced pasta, rice and potatoes with lower carb options, like zucchini and cauliflower.

Walking every morning turned into Zumba classes. I work out 5 times a week, doing a mix between fasted cardio and lifting. I have Zumba class 2 times a week. I’ve increased my water intake and cut all liquid calories out my diet! My goal is 25g carbs a day maximum.

Today, I’ve lost 190+pounds and I’m still pushing to get to MY goal weight. I know I can do it! It took a year to lose my first 110+ pounds. I turned my CANT’S into CAN’S and I’ve been focused ever since!

My advice to anyone who is struggling with weight loss like I was: START TODAY! No more waiting for the next Monday to roll around before you start your journey! A year from now you’ll wish you had started today. So, start now!

For more tips and motivation, follow me on Instagram: @nenebankz

Shaneika lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Shaneika lost 70 pounds by going Keto. She adopted a low carb/high fat/high protein eating style and shed the weight in 4 1/2 months. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

shaneika before and after

Hi, My name is Shaneika and I am 31 years old. I stand about 5 feet, 6 inches tall. I started Keto (Ketogenic Diet) on April 28, 2017, weighing in at about 305 pounds. I changed my eating habits by cutting sugars and breads out of my diet and watching my carb intake. For exercise, I do cardio when I can, maybe 2 to 3 times a week.

I decided to begin my weight loss journey after experiencing the bad breakup of my marriage. I wanted to get back to my pre-marriage weight. I was just trying to be a healthier and happier person. I kept myself motivated during the tough times by looking at old pictures of how I use to look. I didn’t want to go back down that rode, so reflecting on those pictures helped me to keep pushing toward my goals.

I have lost a total of 70 pounds in about 4 1/2 months. I am still doing Keto today and I can’t see myself stopping any time soon. I have fully adapted to the low carb lifestyle. I’m lighter, happier and free! I feel great!

The thing about dieting and losing weight is that you have to be ready mentally. Once you have the right mindset, nothing or no one can stop you!

Instagram: @buttababie86
Facebook: Shaneika Pipkins

shaneika before and after

Deshunta lost 130 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Deshunta lost 130 pounds. Weighing over 400 lbs, she was faced with high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and sleep apnea, as well as physical limitations when it came to things like travel. This Zeta Phi Beta soror decided to use surgery as a tool to change her life. Check out her story.

deshunta before and after

I’ve been overweight since the year I graduated from high school. I began to gain weight after I stopped playing sports and I never changed my unhealthy eating habits. I stand 5’10” and my heaviest weight was 404 pounds.

I decided to have weight loss surgery, because I consider myself successful but I wasn’t living. I was merely existing. I had high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, and sleep apnea. I wanted to live the life I dreamed of and I couldn’t at that while being overweight. For example, I have loved sports and travel since I was a kid, but the seating at sporting events are not friendly weight you weight over 300 pounds, so I avoided them. If you want to talk about airplanes at 400 pounds, forget about it.

I had my surgery on February 22, 2017. Some people would say “it’s the easy way out”, but I can assure you that it’s not. I felt as though the weight loss surgery could give me the boost that I needed to be me again. On the morning of my surgery, I stepped on the scale and it read 391.8 lbs. Today (exactly 6 months later), I have lost 130 pounds. I weigh 260 pounds and my goal is 185 pounds! Now, I have more energy than ever and it’s amazing. I am participating in a Corporate Challenge where I am playing sports for the corporation I work for.

After surgery, I was basically on the Adkins diet. That means no sugar, no carbs and no alcohol. My diet is high in protein. Getting lots of protein is still hard because I’m not a big meat eater. I also exercised 3 times a week doing cardio. Now, I also do strength training to make sure my skin stays tight.  Sometimes it’s rough to maintain, but I manage to do what I need to do to make this dream of mine happen.

My advice is to believe you can do it I felt I just needed a push. I know people that had the surgery and was right back where they were I wasn’t going to put my body through that I was going to work hard to get to where I wanna be.

Now, I feel that I’m finally living. My 33rd birthday is in October and I just booked my flight to Vegas… but of course that’s after I go to the Texas Rangers game.

Instagram: @1PoliticalKitty1920

Rene lost over 50 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: René lost 50+ pounds. What worked for her? High protein, low carb eating combined with cardio, weight training and HIIT. Check out how this grandmother of 2 got awesome results.

rene before and after

My name is René, this is my story. In 2013 I changed my lifestyle completely. My starting weight was 228 pounds and I was wearing a size 18W/16W. My goal was 170 pounds and a size 12. From June 2013-Feb 2014, I lost 63 pounds and surpassed my goal!

During the process, my only exercise was cardio. Several people told me to add endurance/strength training, but I didn’t listen. I lost the weight but my skin was sagging EVERYWHERE. I purposely tried to gain weight so that I could lose it again, but my body was use to my way of eating.

In January 2017, I switched to a high protein, low carb way of eating. I no longer eat red meats, pork or fried foods. My meals consist of high protein choices, vegetables and low to no carbs. I love to snack, but I switched my snacks to items such as yogurt, nuts or a protein bar.

Since Jan, I’ve lost 29 pounds with strength training in full effect. My starting weight in January was 205 pounds. I’m 8lbs away from my goal weight, but definitely happy with the transformation so far!

My workouts now consist of cardio, weight training and HIIT intervals. I workout 3-5 days a week. If I can’t get a workout in, I strive to reach my 10k step goal with Fitbit.

Now, my motivation is to continue to be medicine free, have a healthy heart and hang around for my family, especially my two precious grandchildren. Yes, I’m old enough to be a grandmother.

My advice for those striving to lose weight: The race is not given to the swift or to the strong, but to those that endure to the end! Healthy weight loss is not a quick process. Slow and steady wins every time! Don’t focus on the scale. There are numerous non-scale victories that you can look forward too! Have fun, enjoy your food to avoid over indulging, and find an accountability partner.

Instagram: @rios_wife

rene lost 50 pounds

Kitty lost 35 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kitty lost 35 pounds. This mother of four wanted to be a healthy example for her daughters. Going low carb and working out regularly worked for her. Check out what she shared with us.

kitty before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation is my 4 daughters. They are young adults and I want to be a positive example for them. When I wanted to give up, I remembered why I started.

How did you change your eating habits?
I did not use a specific program. However, a low carb, high protein diet works best for me.

What did your workout routine look like?
I work out at least 5 days a week. I do 90 minutes of cardio daily and 30 to 45 minutes of lifting weights.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight (when I did weigh myself) was 177 pounds. My current weight is 142 pounds. I am 5’6″ tall.

When did you start your journey?
I started in March 2016 and it took one year to reach my goal.

What advice would you share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to other people is losing weight is personal. Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Take your time. Find out what works for you and your body. It takes time, but don’t give up. Don’t let the scale determine your progress. Take lots of pictures. For motivation, I compare my photos when I feel like my progress has halted.

Instagram: @kitty.harristhurmond

kitty before and after

Sakeena lost 62 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Sakeena lost 62 pounds and lowered her body fat by 12%. This mom of 4 ignored her weight gain until it started to affect her breathing. After a weigh-in wakeup call, she found the strength to commit to lasting lifestyle change. Check out her story.

sakeena before and after

First of all, I want to say that this journey is by far the best thing I’ve done, but it’s also the hardest thing I ever had to do. I started gaining weight after having 4 children. I stayed away from the scale so long that I didn’t realize how bad my situation was until 2016. That’s when I stared having breathing issues and had to sleep with an inhaler in the bed. My diet was terrible. I was drinking alcohol daily and ignoring my weight gain.

I decided I needed a change in January 2017. I joined a local book camp where I had to finally get on the scale and face my fears. I was in tears when I found out that I weighed 321 pounds and had 60.7% body fat. I was so mad at myself. I knew I had to make a change, so I did.

I started to follow a strick diet plan and began working out daily. The weight began to fall off. I simple cut out all processed foods, junk foods and fast foods. I ate a low carb diet instead, with veggies, chicken, fish and low sodium seasoning. I drank lots of water and let go of all the alcohol and wine.

My workouts were intense. I did cardio everyday and weight training classes 2-3 times a week. I walk at the creek and I literally lived in the gym. Working out became my addiction.

I now weigh 259.7 pounds and have 48.1% body fat. My height is 5’1″. I’m so proud of myself for sticking to it and losing the weight. I still have a long way to go, but I am not stopping. This is just the beginning and I know I will reach my goal weight of 130 pounds with consistency and discipline. I can do it.

During this journey, my motivation was my health and my children. I knew I needed to get healthy for them and change my lifestyle so that I can be around for my babies. What inspired me when I wanted to give up was the scale. I knew I didn’t wanna go back to that number… 321lbs. I also didn’t want to go back to the guilt I carried about being overweight. I didn’t want to be unhappy with the way I looked.

Advice: First, get mentally prepared. You have to be fed up and ready to work. Next, make a plan. Throw away all the bad food around you and replace it with a healthy food. Workout daily, even if it’s walking everyday. You have to get up and move. Lastly, never stop. You may get fed up and wanna quit, but don’t. Find friends that motivate you and stay away from people who are not on the same road as you. Always remember why you started and don’t give up.

Kini lost 57 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kini lost 57 pounds. She lost a number of family members to diabetes. Being diagnosed with pre-diabetes motivated her to adopt a low carb/paleo lifestyle and get active. Check out what she shared with us about her transformation.

kini before and after

What was your motivation? What kept you going during the tough times?
I’ve lost a lot of family members to untimely, diabetes related deaths. I found out in October that I was pre-diabetic. My doctor told me that I needed to lose 100 pounds. She thought gastric bypass surgery was the only viable option, but I disagreed. During the tough times, I always thought about the family menbers I’ve lost and that kept me going.

How did you change your eating habits to go low carb?
I adapted to a low carb/sugar free lifestyle. In the beginning, I was shocked that I wasn’t really eating low carb. I really thought that I was, until I really looked at my diet. I went on a strict ketogenic diet for about 4 weeks, and then slowly transitioned to mostly paleo (I do eat dairy in moderation.) I stopped drinking any cocktails, other than a mix of liquor and diet soda, and I have red wine on occasion. I stopped eating fast food all together and cook my meals 80% of the time, but I still eat out from time to time.

I started eating a lot of low carb alternatives. I always have sugar free candy in the house and usually some low carb cookies or cake around. I rarely eat those sweet treats, but having them around makes it easy to make better choices.

How often did you workout?
I work out 4 times a week, doing dance aerobics, running and biking. I try to mix it up so I don’t get bored.

Starting weight/Current weight
I started in a size 24 and now I’m a size 16. I’ve gone from 296 pounds to 239 pounds, and I’m working on losing another 50 pounds. My height is 5’3″. I’m super proud of my progress thus far.

How long did your journey take?
I stated this journey in October 2016, about 9 months ago, but it’s been a life long battle of ups and downs. This time, I feel like I’ve truly made a lifestyle change.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
My advice: Change your lifestyle. Find fun activities that burn calories and stay as active as possible, even at social engagements. I’m far more likely to go on a bike ride with friends than go sit in a movie theater. Also, don’t be ashamed to tell your friends and family that you don’t want to go to restaurant, or to dinner, because you are working to change your life. They will usually understand.

Tiara lost 30 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tiara lost 30 pounds. Despite physical and emotional ups and downs, this young lady never gave up. With support from her swolemate she transformed her lifestyle and found her inner beast in the gym. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

tiara before and after

What was your motivation?
I’ve been on a few emotional roller coasters and plenty of physical ones too due to injuries. However, I decided to never give up. I decided that whether it was a physical or mental struggle, I was going to get it done regardless.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started by cutting out pork and beef. Snacks and sodas came next. I started eating more veggies, and  fruits and nuts became my go-to snacks. It was hard, but I did it! I am currently on a low carb diet for fat loss.

What does your workout routine look like?
My workouts consist of mostly weight training. I workout at least 5 times a week (Sometimes 7 times a week if I do 2 workouts a day on my off days)

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 185 pounds at 5’4″. My current weight is 155 pounds. I have more goals to achieve that I’m focusing on right now. Once I achieve those, I’ll set some new ones. I had drive and dedication, but my swolemate, @barney_n_a_sweet, has helped me tap into my inner beast.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in March 2011, with many trails and tribulations along the way.

What advice would you give to other people who want to lose weight?
My advice to anyone trying to reach a goal is to stay focused, as much as possible. Don’t give up because you overindulged or are not seeing results fast enough. Believe in yourself and keep pushing. Change takes time.

Instagram: @lucanabrasi0123

Tammie lost 66 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tammie lost 66 pounds. She was not comfortable with the possibility of being less and less healthy as she aged, so she took control via a low carb lifestyle and lots of walking for exercise. Check out her journey.

Tammie before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation is not wanting to be unhealthy as I aged. I realized that I am not willing to suffer the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle as I grow older.

How did you change your eating habits?
On October 21, 2016, I began a low carb lifestlye. For the first 14 days, I gave up sugar, bread, pasta, soda and just reduced carbohydrates overall. I stuck to 20 grams of carbs per day.

What did you do in terms of exercise?
I began walking for 30 minutes each day and used stairs at work instead of the elevator. I also did simple workout moves for 15-30 minutes 3 times per week. In May, I began walking 2 miles daily and now I’ve progressed to 5-8 miles per day.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 251 pounds at 5’4″. Today (7/4/2017), I weigh 185 pounds. No surgery, pills or wraps.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay consistent. Weight loss is 80% nutrition and 20% physical. I learned to burn off more than I put in.

What advice you like to share with other people who want to lose weight?
My advice would be to consult your doctor for advice on nutrition and creating a meal plan. I would also suggest exercising for at least 30 minutes a day.

Instagram: @mrstammiehinkle

We would love to feature your weight loss journey! Send us your story today.

tammie weight loss journey

Nicole lost 136 pounds

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Update: Shout out to Nicole! She’s lost 155 pounds.

Boom!!!

A post shared by PrettyNikki (@lovingmyselfandbody) on

Transformation of the Day: Nicole lost 136 pounds. PCOS, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol could not stop her. She made a life changing decision to have the Lap-Band procedure. Surgery was not a quick fix. She did lots of exercise and let go of bad eating habits to get results. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

Nicole lost 136 pounds

My highest was 379 pounds. Today, I weigh 243 pounds at 5’8″. I struggled with PCOS. I was also diabetic and had high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In March of last year, I decided to get the Lap Band and that decision changed my life.

I still have a ways to go, but I’m happy to say that my health has improved and I’m free from all medication. I also have a lots of energy and I love myself again. Going through this process, I’ve learned that I am tough, driven, beautiful and inspiring. I never would have thought I was any of those things before. Thank God for changing my mindset, because it has been so hard.

The truth is that the Lap Band got me started, but I DID THE WORK and it’s NOT easy. There’s no miracle cure out there. You have to want to change. A lot of people miss understand weigh loss surgery and think it will fix everything. Wake up call: you can still GAIN weight! You could lose NOTHING. You have to change your diet and exercise, even with surgery. You have to push and you have to change.

I ate smaller portions, measured my food and meal prepped. My meals were high in protein. I cut out all bad carbs, ate more veggies, stopped eating junk food and only drank water. It also helped to consume only liquids for a few days, every few months.

For exercise, I started running with the Running for Weight Loss app. I ran everyday. Eventually, I started doing a stairs routine and got a personal trainer to help me start toning. I worked out 6 days out the week (2 times sometimes, while working out 3 or 4 times a day)

My transformation took one year. I had the Lap Band surgery in March 2016. What kept me going was not having the pain anymore and having friends for support. Learning to love myself throughout this process also helped a lot. I just wanted to live life outside of this shell.

My advice: Put you first and don’t give up on you. Love yourself and fight for you. Learn to say no to the negative thoughts. Find a GREAT support system that you can feed off and give back to. You will get better and better. Lastly, always remember who you used to be so you’ll never go back.

Instagram: @lovingmyselfandbody

nicole before and after