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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Kelly lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Kelly on her 40 pound weight loss.  I love that she says the her eating ideology is, “Eat for what I am about to do..not for what I’ve already done”.  Here is what she wrote us to say:

I’m Kelly B. of Philadelphia PA. I am 47 years old and a mother of a 24 year old. I am blessed to say I’ve lost over 40 pounds and went from a size 14/16 to a size 8 in about 6 months and have kept it off for almost 2 years. It is a lifestyle change and a daily decision to eat healthy, exercise regularily, and take time to take care of myself while caring for all others. My exercise routine includes spin classes, 5 times a week. I run approx 5-6 miles, 2 times a week.  I also lift weights for toning, take Zumba classes and occasionally do aerobic work. The key to consistency is finding multiple things that you love and alternate your workout so that you don’t become bored. I have amazing energy and a great life. It is also important to change what you eat so my ideology for eating is this…”Eat for what I am about to do..not for what I’ve already done”. We must not feel the need to always reward ourselves for a hard workout by eating unhealthy foods in excess, but rather reward ourselves by providing the nutrients necessary to replenish what we’ve lost without jeapodizing our work out efforts. I hope someone is motivated and encouraged that if I can do it and MAINTAIN my weight loss, they can do the same.

Kelly weight loss

Tryphena lost 87 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Proud mom Tryphena lost 87 pounds over the last 3 years with diet changes and consistent exercise.

“Hello, My name is Tryphena and I am a 32 year old mother of 1 son. I had my son in June of 2009 and the before photo below was taken in January 2010, 6 months after I had him. I weighed 245+ pounds and wearing a size 22-24. I was miserable and out of shape. My husband never talked about how fat I was or that I was ugly. He always told me that I was beautiful and that he loved me. I needed to feel that same way about myself. One day, I just could not take it anymore, the way I looked and how I felt. I decided to join the YMCA and I worked out 4 times a week. I took Spin class and Zumba class. I changed my diet from fast food and fried foods to fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. Today, I weigh 158 pounds and I wear a size 6-8. I Thank God for all he has done. To God Be ALL the Glory. Thank you!”

Tryphena before and after Tryphena before and after

Stephanie lost 90 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Stephanie has lost 90 pounds since Aug 2012.  She is a grandmother of 5 and a mother of 7 who decided to lose weight and switch to a healthier lifestyle.

I’m the mother of 7, grandmother of 5 and I’ve been married 26 years.  I decided to take care of me.  I’ve lost 90 pounds since Aug.2012 by eating healthy (Vegan) and exercise.  It’s a Lifestyle change.

I went to Florida on vacation last August and was miserable. I was short of breath with every step. I looked at the picture of myself (the one I shared below) and thought ” I have Grandkids I want to see grow up” so I decided to take care of ME for once. I began eating berries and salads. I gave up meat, soda, and juice. I drink a LOT of water. I limit my carbs to 2 times a week. I eat black bean burgers, hummus, avocados and a lot of veggies. I watched the documentaries “Forks Over Knives” and “Vegecated” on Netflix and started to research nutrition.  I walk on the treadmill and have started weights to tone my arms and legs. If I want a cookie, I eat a cookie… Not the whole bag.  I do not eat candy. I replace the need for candy with strawberries, kiwi and grapes. I feel better than I have in years. I was 300 pounds and now I’m 210 pounds. My goal is 189 pounds. Eating healthy and exercising has become a way of life. I can finally breathe again. Thanks so much for allowing me to share my story. Blessings

Stephanie weight loss

Staci lost 33 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Staci who has lost 33 pounds post pregnancy with My Fitness Pal, portion control and watching her calorie intake.  She is blogging about her progress and wants to be less than 200 pounds by her birthday in November.

I love your page! It is truly an inspiration to see the great results and it pushes me more and more towards reaching my goal! I started my journey in August 2012 at 286.6 pounds (I’m 290 in my before photo) and today I am 259.2 pounds (A little more than my after photo).  I am a firm believer that I can do all things through Christ who strengths me! I plan to lose 60-70 pounds before my next birthday in November and get below 200 pounds. I lost my weight by using My Fitness Pal and watching my calorie intake and portion control. Feel free to check out my blog as well: getfitwithstaci.wordpress.com/

When I feel like I can’t press forward I look at the success stories of those who have had a successful journey. I am reminding myself that I also can obtain the same results.  My motivation: my husband, my two children, Co-workers and inspirational posts from Facebook friends and people who post their success stories.

I changed my eating habits by eliminating sodas and sugary drinks, eating more whole wheat products and avoiding white rice and pastas. I now avoid cakes and sugary snacks and opt for fresh fruits. I still enjoy certain foods in moderation and during special occasions. I’ve increased my water intake to at least 10 cups per day.  I’ve become more active by playing with my kids.  I’m CONSTANTLY MOVING around the house, at work and parking far from the store while out shopping. I’m also making healthier choices when eating, practicing portion control and staying active most days of the week.

Staci Weight Loss

Akeema lost 91 pounds

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Let’s show Akeema some BWLW love and congratulations for her 91 pounds lost.  After dealing with the pain of losing her mom, she was able to change her life and find greater fitness through belly dancing and adopting a plant-based eating lifestyle (vegan).

Here is my pic and my story. I was typically an overweight child, but was able to grow out of it and lose weight in college. During my college years, my mom got ill and I was failing all over the place.  Grades, health, relationships and the whole nine. When I came home from school, I was getting prepared to be married and mom passed away. Being so devastated I just continued to let myself go, to the point of reaching over 320 pounds. I spent all of 2010 crying, praying, hoping for a change, and then a girlfriend invited me to a Belly dance class. It was the start of a revolution for me. I began dancing, going to the gym, running and became vegan in 2012. I am part of a Belly dance Troupe.  I continue to not only lose weight and eat clean, but also encourage others that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Today, I am at 229 pounds and still losing.

I’ve been vegetarian for 13 years but went vegan April 2012. When I made that choice, I realized that I became more aware of what I eat. I don’t count calories but I am aware of how foods I eat affect my body. I read up on food and know how food affects the various parts of my body. I shop in the grocery store 3 to 4 times a week. I don’t eat any whites (bread rice sugar). I eat veggies with every meal including breakfast. I eat raw vegan as much as possible. When I go out to eat (very rare) I ask tons of questions about what is in my food. When I go to people’s functions, I typically bring a lunch bag with my favs fruits and veggies. I aim to eat several small meals per day. My shelves and freezer stay empty as I avoid processed foods as much as possible (vegan foods or not processed is processed).

Akeema weight loss

Nia lost 106 pounds and kept it off for 7 years

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Nia who lost 106 pounds and has kept it off for seven years.

Starting weight: 237
Currently: 131

“I started off with about 20 minutes a day on the treadmill, walking. I could hardly breathe after 20 minutes, so that was my limit. After a while, I was able to do a “brisk walk” for 30 minutes.  After I got my “wind”, I was able to run for an hour (who knew)!!!

I drank A LOT of water, which not only hydrated me, but killed cravings during the day. I have to honestly say that I didn’t change much of what I ate, just the AMOUNT (portion control)! I still ate burgers and fried foods (and I still do), because I knew I would crave them eventually, and I didn’t want to shock my system.  It keeps me from overindulging when I do have these foods.

Thankfully, I now have better portion control, and by drinking water, and exercise, I’ve been able to keep it off for 7 years!”

nia weight loss

Nekita lost 145 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Proud Delta Sigma Theta soror, Nekita lost 145 pounds with the help of Weight Watchers and by working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

“On September 8, 2008, I joined Weight Watchers weighing in at 288 pounds. In September 2009, I had lost 110 pounds and was weighing 178 pounds.  In the midst of that, I had my second daughter causing me to gain 85 pounds back but then have a major come back with diet and exercise.   I hit my goal weight in March of 2012 weighing in at 143 pounds for a total of 145 total lost, which I am still maintaining.

I decided to start my journey to a healthier me for a number of reasons. At 24 years of age, I had high blood pressure and had reached a weight of 288 pounds. I’ve always loved to eat, but my love for food was making it physically impossible to enjoy playing and riding roller coasters with my daughter, traveling by plane due to seating size restriction, or even just walking a flight of stairs without taking a break. After suffering much of the humiliation of not being physically able to enjoy life and being at risk for so many diseases mentioned by the doctor, I decided to make the commitment to change my life.

Living a healthy lifestyle has been no walk in the park.  There are good days and most definitely there are the challenging days. Working out and changing the way I eat is no longer a chore just to lose weight, but it has now become a part of my life which motivates me to carry out this habit throughout my daily life.  My advice to others would be if you fall try to pick yourself back up again and start fresh; every day is a new day. Take it one day at a time, and set small goals along the way instead of looking at the ultimate goal. Try not to look at being healthy as a diet which is temporary, but as a lifestyle change that will take time.  Always have the “I can attitude” and be willing to try new things.

nekita weight loss story

Krystle lost 115 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Krystle lost 115 pounds.  She credits changing her eating habis and eating 1300 calories per day.

“I did it the natural way.  No surgery! I took the before picture in May 2012 and the after picture in February 2013 with a total weight loss of 115 pounds!  I just had to make the decision not eat the things I ate before.  I changed my diet to 1300 calories a day. Trust me, it wasn’t easy but I had to dedicate myself to making healthier choices. I think my biggest motivation was my kids and trying to prove to myself that I can do it without the surgery.  Dedication! That’s the secret.”

Krystle weight loss success

Ebonie lost 96 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Ebonie lost 96 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She is a mother of 4 and proud wife who didn’t want obesity or health issues to take her away from her family.

“Hi, my name is Ebonie and I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery last July. I have struggled with my weight for over ten years and I reached a point where I knew I had to do something once I ballooned to 327 pounds. My four babies and my hubby need me. I am proud to say I am 96 pounds lighter and feeling great. It is still a daily struggle and some people feel surgery is an easy way out but it is not. You still have to make right choices everyday. I love this forum and good luck to you all on your weight loss journeys.”

Ebonie weight loss surgery

Elaine lost 42 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Elaine lost 42 pounds and has gone from a size 20 to a size 14.  She credits God, changing her eating habits, juicing, and exercise for her transformation.  She says:

Elaine weight lossMy Journey was not an easy one. I had so many trials going on at one time. My family was affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, In 2006 my son (who never been in trouble) was facing charges of 10 yrs.  He was charged with Guilt by Association in Oklahoma City and I didn’t have the finances to get an attorney (He was cleared of all Charges).  By 2008, I was going thru a divorce. So long story short ” Life Happened”.

I remember crying after looking in the mirror one day and asking myself “How did you let yourself get like this”.  I was 242lbs, and had severe high blood pressure of 200/144.  I have always been a fighter, and it was time to fight!  From my hospital bed, I surrendered my life to God and asked Him to save me and restore me. After I was discharged from the hospital, I knew If I wanted to live I had to change some things in my life. I was a good mother, my kids deserved to enjoy me at my best. They are my true motivation!!!

I seeked help thru counseling, because I realized I was eating every issue that I was going through. After 2 months of counseling, I was ready to do whatever I had to do to start loving myself again and with God’s Grace, I could save my life.

I started researching for list of nutrients that were healthy and would be most beneficial for my body in order to heal from all the toxic and bad food that I fed to myself. I made a list to eliminated all junk foods and drinks, labeling them “Non Factor Foods”, because they were not serving a purpose in my temple. The lifestyle changes I made was more like the foods listed in the Daniel Fast , but I added olive oil, coconut oil, whole wheat bread and Oatmeal with some pecans.  I ate 50% less sugar to keep from depriving myself. I also purchased Leslie Sansone: Walk at Home – 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk at Home Videos. After 3 weeks of dedication, walking everyday 1 mile and increasing my miles…the weight started falling off. I later upgraded to Shaun T Rockin Body videos and I also started juicing between meals. And 42lbs later…Here I am. God is Good and I give Him all the glory. My heart, mind, body and soul have been restored and I just want to help, inspire and encourage as many people as I can.