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Katt lost 146 pounds

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Update May 2020: Katt has lost more than 150 pounds. She started doing strength and weight training to build muscle and help the appearance of her excessive skin.

Katt before and after

Transformation of the Day: Katt lost 146 pounds by eating clean, drinking lots of water and creating her own workout routine. Her inspirations for getting healthy are her dearly departed mother and her 2 daughters. Check out her story.

Katt before and after

My name is Katt, and I am 33 years old. I have lost a total of 146 pounds. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters. I decided to lose weight the day before my birthday in 2013. I was very big and very miserable, yet gracefully beautiful. I decided that I was going to lose weight, but I couldn’t and wouldn’t use surgery. (I have no problem with people who do.) In 2010, my mother died. She had recently had the gastric bypass surgery, which was good for her because she had other medical issues. I lost the weight by eating clean and healthy, and by drinking a lot of water and exercising.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me to keep going when I wanted to give up is the death of my mom and my love for my two daughters.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating sweets and carbs. I stayed away from soda as well. I ate baked or grilled chicken meat and fish, but I didn’t eat much red meat. I would also do the JJ Smith 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse every 3 to 4 months.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I make up my own cardio/strength training/muscle toning workouts that are very effective. I call them Phatt And Simple workouts. I work out 5 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 321 pounds, and my heaviest weight was 344 pounds. My current weight is 198 pounds at 5’2″. Now that my hard work has paid off, I plan to have my 1st skin augmentation to remove the extra skin on my stomach. I have a YouTube page, BeYOUtiful Katt, that I just started. This is where I will start blogging about my tummy tuck surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned so far is that this is a process. Our individual journeys are not the same. That means you will not receive the exact same results as someone else. Also, as long as you never give up, you will never be defeated.

What advice would you share with women who want to release the weight?
Life is a beautiful thing once you start living and stop existing. “Beauty Is Pain” is my motto. With every beautiful thing, you have to go thru some type of pain! If I can do it, you can too.

Instagram: @BeYOUtifullieflawed
Snapchat: beautyispain

Katt before and after

Katt before and after Katt before and after

LaShayla lost 98 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: LaShayla lost 98 pounds. She was tired of being overweight and tired of not putting herself first. She shared with us about her two year journey and how she used healthy eating habits, intermittent fasting and lots of exercise to release the weight. She is proof that hard work pays off.

lashayla before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I sick and tired of being overweight. I looked in the mirror and I no longer knew who I was. I was so accustomed to giving to everyone else that I neglected myself.

When I wanted to give up, I remembered my life at 308 pounds. I remembered how sluggish I was and how unhappy I felt about my body image. I thought about how hard it was to find clothes to fit me. I truly hated shopping in stores because I never could find anything that looked good on me. I utilize my progress pictures daily to keep me motivated and humble. They are a reminder of the hard work I’ve put in on this journey

How did you change your eating habits?
I started counting calories and eating small portions. This was helpful, but what really assisted me was Intermittent Fasting. I fast between 18-24 hours a day for detox, meditation and weight loss purposes. I have been doing intermittent fasting for 11 months. When I’m done with my fasting period, I still eat healthy food, such as a lean meat and green veggies.

I stopped drinking my guilty pleasure: Mountain Dews and had lemon water instead. I also gave up my daily fix of french fries or some type of potato (I love potatoes). I drink a gallon of water daily to ensure  that I’m cleansing my body of toxins. I often eat salmon, tuna or ground turkey along with some type of green veggies. I’m a picky eater, so I eat the same foods, day in and day out.

What did your workout routine look like?
My workout routine consists of me working out 4-6 days a week. I started by walking 2-3 miles a day and riding the bike for 2 miles. As the weight slowly started to drop, I incorporated incline walking for 30 minutes as well some other type of cardio, such as the bike or elliptical trainer. After 3 months, I lost over 20 pounds and joined a bootcamp for 3 months. This is where my passion for fitness resurfaced.

My trainer, Crystal, always provided vigorous and challenging workouts that pushed our bodies to the limit. I dropped an insurmountable amount of inches during this period. After boot camp, I joined a cycling class and incorporated strength training into my routine for about 5 months. I like to change up my workouts continually because it’s helps to put the body in shock and surpass plateaus. After months of cycling, I challenged myself to start running. I always enjoyed the after feeling of running but was never able to run long distance at a nice speedy pace. In June 2017, I remember walking a lap and then testing my body to see if I could run the next lap and the next lap. Eventually, I completed the entire mile. I was so surprised that I could run that I continued running each day afterwards just to keep up my momentum and help increase my speed. Now, I’m running 3-6 miles nonstop at a pace of 10:00-10:15mph. I work out 4-6 days a week. Running is such a natural fat burner. It was the push my body needed to continue to transform.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 308 pounds and my current weight is 210 pounds. I’m 5’9″. All Natural Weight Loss – No weight loss surgery.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey on February 7, 2015, so it’s been 2 years and counting.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to Believe in Yourself, Trust the Process, Put in the Work, and Be Consistent with your actions. Weight loss starts mentally. Once you change your mindset, losing the weight is easier. The transformation starts inward and then it spreads outward.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Never compare your day one to someone else’s day 365. You will not have the same results as someone else. Never mind any critics, because they’ll be asking how you did it when they see the results. People tend to think that the only way you can lose weight is via surgery. I want to be the testament that you Do Not have to surgery to get the job done.

If you are consistently eating healthy and working out, in due time you’ll see results. (it won’t be overnight and it may take months) Once you see results, that will be the fuel to your motivation. Make up in your mind that this is a lifestyle and just have fun with it! Fall in love with fitness and it won’t seem like such a hassle! When you lose your motivation, dig deep and let your determination kick in because it will take you far on this journey! Whatsoever you set your MIND to, you shall attain!

Instagram: @shay_getting_fit

lashayla before and after

Kieva lost 100 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kieva lost 100 pounds and has kept the weight off for 3 years. While she was away on vacation one summer, a friend lost a significant amount of weight and that served as motivation. She joined a local training program with an emphasis on results and committed to a new, healthy lifestyle. Check out her journey.

kieva before and after

Starting weight: 290 pounds
Current weight: 190 pounds
Lowest weight: 178 pounds
Most comfortable weight: 180 pounds
Height: 5’8″
Age: 30

I was a very confident, heavy girl all my life, so when I started working out it was just to try something new with another heavy friend. While I was traveling for the entire summer, that same friend was in the gym daily. When I returned, she wasn’t so heavy anymore. Well, I didnt want to be “the big friend” by myself, so I decided to get serious.

When I started doing personal training with Houston Fitness Guru in December 2014, I was challenged to lose 15 pounds in 1 month or be dropped from training. I couldn’t believe my ears! I thought, “I can’t lose 5 pounds. How the heck will I lose 15?!” During that 1st month, I lost 17 pounds. Let’s just say I was IN SHOCK. I thought, “Hey, if I can do this in 1 month, what else can I do?”

In 3 months, I lost 50 pounds. In 11 months, I lost 100lbs! Ive been blessed to maintain my 100 pound weight loss for 3 years now!

Duing the 1st year, I cut out alcohol cold turkey. Then, I cut out fried foods. I eat 4 to 5 meals a day and I drink 1 gallon of water each day. I eat healthy every day except my one cheat meal each week. That is the day when I have WHATEVER I craved the most during the week in one meal before 5pm. (This is 1 meal, not a full cheat day! Lol.)

I do fasted cardio at least 5 days a week and weight train 6 days a week. Fitness is now a hobby of mine! Because so many women have be motivated by my journey, I decided that I wanted to know what I was talking about when they asked me questions, so I’ve become a personal trainer.

I am blessed to be part of the personal training team at the very gym where I started my journey. Now, I help a number of women start their very own journey through a 90 day challenge! This journey has been a blessing to me and I want to bless others wholeheartedly!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned during my journey: YOUR journey is your journey and can’t be compared to anyone else’s. Not only is each body different, but everyone is different overall.

The best advice I could give to someone who wants to lose weight is to start when you are ready to be your own biggest project. Stay consistent when it comes to believing in yourself, working out and healthy eating, especially. Dont give up when things get hard, because they will. Believe in yourself and dont cheat the process. You are worth it!

Instagram: @nolikeseriously

kieva before and after

Jennifer lost 200 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 200 pounds. Being hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis was her turning point. Her doctor told her that if she had not come to the ER that day, she may have gone into a coma. After that life changing event, she dedicated her time and energy to transforming her life. Check out how she did it.

Jennifer lost 200 pounds

My life got turned around in Sept 2014. When I got to the emergency room that day, I was placed in the ICU. My pancreas had shut down. My body started producing acid instead of insulin. The acid was going into my bloodstream and urine. When the tests came back, I found out that I was suffering from Diabetic ketoacidosis. I spent 3 Days in the ICU, because my sugar levels were reaching 600. The doctor said that if I hadn’t come to the hospital, I would have gone into a coma and probably wouldn’t have woken up.

When I was given an ultimatum from the Doctor, to live or die, that changed everything. The prospect of changing my life didn’t seem hard to me, because all I could remember was laying in ICU. I was just too young to die from something I could change on my own. After that experience, I decided that I wanted to live. My journey started after I went to my follow up appointment on Dec 20, 2014. On Dec 21st, I was in the gym.

During this journey, I’ve lost 200 pounds by being dedicated, committed and determined. My starting weight was 460 pounds and my current weigh is 265 pounds. I’m 5 feet, 9 inches tall and I didn’t have any type of weight loss surgery. Today, I am free of diabetes and high blood pressure.

I worked out 6-7 days a week, doing cardio for 30-45 minutes. My cardio of choice: stairmaster, double dutch, treadmill, bike or elliptical. Today, I am still in the gym 6 days a week and I lift weights. I just added Step and Sticks and Zumba classes to my routine. Zumba isn’t really my thing, but it helps me to work up a sweat before or after weight training.

I made big changes to the way I ate. I completely gave up white carbs; potatoes, rice, bread and pasta. Here are some example of the foods I ate/drank…

  • breakfast: Oatmeal, egg white with spinach or a protein shake. Straight black coffee, green tea or red tea.
  • Lunch: Protein shake, salad with chicken breast or turkey breast, plain salad, baked chicken breast and veggies. Water, green tea and sometimes coffee.
  • Dinner: The same food I have for lunch, but mostly protein shakes depending on the time I get home.
  • Snack: Plantines, popcorn or cashews.

I don’t eat pork or beef and I eat very little fish. A cheat meal for me would be hot wings and shrimp. I also don’t drink soda or eat cake, cookies and chips.

My advice to other people who want to lose weight is that it first starts in your mind. Once your mind is totally set, nothing will get in your way. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Just keep at it and go as hard as you can. Before saying “I can’t.”, just give it a try and keep trying. Never give up. I did this naturally, so I know it can be done. Also, have fun with it. No workout should be boring or dull.

Instagram: @jpretty1226

Jennifer weight loss story

Sharon lost 100 pounds

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Update Sept 2017: Sharon has gone from a size 22 to a size 8. She’s lost 27 more pounds for a total of 127 pounds gone.

I lost 27 more pounds and I’ve gone from a size 22 to an 8. My starting weight was 304 pounds and my current weight is 177 pounds. I hit a plateau at 204 pounds, but I broke past it this year by increasing the number of days that I exercise and even further restricting my carb intake.

sharon before and after

Transformation of the Day: Sharon lost 100 pounds and went from a size 22 to a size 10. She saw a video and didn’t recognize herself in it. Severe knee pain was also a motivating factor. Putting in the work and figuring out what eating and exercise habits work for her has paid off big time. She says, “If you mess up, don’t give up.” Check out what she shared with us about how she achieved this awesome transformation.

sharon before and after

What was your motivation?
In May of 2014, I saw myself on video and didn’t recognize myself. I also had severe knee pain and my doctors were telling me that I needed to lose weight. I strongly considered getting gastric bypass surgery. Instead, I opted to join a gym just to see how much weight I could lose on my own. I became more and more motivated every week when I stepped on the scale and saw my weight steadily going down. I was dropping a dress size a month. When I wanted to give up, I would look at old pictures and remember where I came from. I would buy a new dress one size too small and envision myself in that dress as I ran on the treadmill. I never believed that I could lose 100 pounds with no help, but I’ve done just that.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I changed my diet to low carb but high fruits and veggies. I drink plenty of water each day (6-8 glasses) and have one cheat meal per week. I began tracking my food on the MyFitnessPal app. I cut out sodas, juice, bread, red meat and white rice. A typical meal of mine consists of a lean protein like a turkey burger, chicken breast, or salmon, paired with vegetables and fruit. I started eating more vegetables than I ever had before and eating several salads a week.

What did your workout routines look like?
I joined a gym and began to workout 4-5 days a week. Initially, I started by walking on the treadmill slowly for 45 minutes. The first time I tried the elliptical machine I only lasted 5 minutes. Over time, I built up my endurance and speed. I began to do high intensity interval training where I would walk a few minutes, then run a few minutes, then repeat. I would add the elliptical and exercise bike on top of that. After a few months, I started weight training, starting with 5 lb. dumbbells, and that’s when I really started to see my body change. The weight loss accelerated and I was losing 5-7 pounds a week. Two years later, I now work out four days a week doing weight training and cardio. My total workout lasts about 2 hours.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 304 pounds. My current weight is 204 pounds. I went from a size 22 to a 10 and I have maintained a 100 pound weight loss for over a year. I’m 5’6″ tall.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in May of 2014. I was able to lose 110 pounds in 14 months. I have gained back 10 pounds since then, so I plan to lose 20 more pounds.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I would recommend that anyone looking to lose weight just take it one day at a time. If you mess up one day, tomorrow is a new day. Celebrate small successes. I would buy a new dress every 10 lbs. and do a mini photo shoot. The biggest lesson I learned is to not try to set huge goals. Take it one day at a time. I never set out to lose 110 pounds. It happened because my goal was just to change my unhealthy lifestyle. If you mess up, don’t give up.

Instagram: @kizzedbythesun

sharon weight loss

Kim lost 91 pounds

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Updated Dec 2016: Kim has lost 11 more pounds since we featured her in December.

You posted my weight loss story a little over a month ago. I’d lost 91 lbs. and I wanted to give an update. I’ve lost 102 pounds as of TODAY! I have stayed with my same routine! The biggest lesson I have learned is that determination is vital on this journey. I had to want it for MYSELF and not do it to please others! – @kimmykim_0812

Kim

Transformation of the Day: Kim lost 91 pounds in 8 months by changing her eating habits and working out regularly at home. Weighing 350 pounds at 5’2″, she wanted to change her lifestyle to heal her mind, body and emotions. Check out how she did it.

Kim

My name is Kim and I am 26 years old! My motivation to lose weight came from me wanting a healthier lifestyle. I’m 5’2″ and stepping on the scale to that my weight had reached 350 pounds made I realize I had to make a change! Now, my weight is 259 pounds. I started my journey in February 2016 and it took me 8 months to lose 91 pounds. Also, I lost this weight without having weight loss surgery or using any specific weight loss program.

I wanted to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally! There have been times during this journey that I wanted to throw in the towel. When I look at old pictures of myself and see how far I came or when I receive compliments from people that just pushes me even harder. It shows that I am doing everything right!

My eating habits changed TREMENDOUSLY, I stopped eating fast foods completely because that was my downfall! I stopped eating fried foods and drink sugary drinks. I also started eating more vegetables, more fresh fruit and drinking A LOT more water. I only eat baked meats and I stay away from pork all together!

Before starting this journey, I will admit that I never exercised at all! Now my exercise routine consists of me doing Zumba videos I found on YouTube, every other day. I also walk every other day! I never went to a gym during my journey, but I am about to start adding workouts at the gym to my list soon.

My advice to others is to know that this journey is NOT easy and that you will have to push yourself to do it. It takes DEDICATION and DETERMINATION! The changes will not come overnight, so please DO NOT rush the process! Most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP!

Instagram: @kimmykim_0812

Samantha lost 76 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Samantha lost 76 pounds. She considered having weight loss surgery in the past, but instead decided that she could release the weight on her own. More than a year later, her hard work has paid off with great results. Check out what she did.

samantha before and after

I decided that I wanted to have weight loss surgery. I even went to the doctor for the consultation. I sat there listening to everything that I needed to know. All the do’s and the don’t”s. I realized that it was going to be a complete lifestyle change for me.

So, after listening to the doctor and doing my own research, I decided to try to lose the weight on my own instead. I started my journey in June of 2015.

I stopped eating out 3 meals a day. I also stopped drinking sodas and gave up sweets, breads, fried foods, and pork. The healthy foods that I started eating included more baked chicken, fish, more salad and a lot of spinach. That’s big for me because I’m not really a veggie person. I did the 10 green smoothie cleanse (one time) as well.

For exercise, I started walking three times a week. Along with my walking, I worked out on the treadmill and exercise bike.

My motivation to lose the weight was my grandson. I wanted to be healthy for him. My husband of twenty-six years is my biggest supporter on this journey.

I am 5’6 “. My heaviest weight was 341 pounds. I currently weigh 265 pounds.  I want to drop another 75 pounds by this time next year.

My advice for others is take it one day at a time. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a bad day. Make it a lifestyle change not a diet.

Instagram: @sbrand1990

Bri lost over 230 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Bri lost over 230 pounds. In her youth, she’d gotten use to being the “fat, funny kid” and was bullied in school due to her size. As she grew up and the stress in her life grew as well, emotional eating took over and she reached 450+ lbs. At the local health department, she met a woman who would help open her eyes to the damage she was doing to her body at just 24 years old. Now, she has truly committed to a brand new lifestyle. Check out her inspiring journey.

bri before and after

I have always been the very funny, fat kid. I had gotten use to being overweight and out of shape my entire life. I was picked on in high school, but still remained a B student. Throughout my life, I definitely had my fair share of disappointments. I was the product of a divorced family and was an extreme emotional eater! I use to tell myself that food would never leave me.

I eventually graduated high school, entered the college and then the working world, which added to my stress load. I allowed myself to reach 450+ pounds. After visiting several different doctors, I ended up meeting a wonderful lady through my local health department that helped save my life! Laura Schmidt is her name! I remember briefly talking to her, after refusing to weigh in the doctors office that day, and explaining to her that my knees and back hurt all the time. I also told her that I felt weak and out of breath. She told me, as nice as can be and in so many words, that I was self inflicting all of this pain on myself, and that at 24 years old and I should not have back and knee pain! She helped me see that when I would overeat, day after day, I was just adding stress to my body over and over again!

I thought to myself that every time I pick up a fork and stuffed unhealthy food in my mouth, I am cutting my life shorter and shorter! That’s what clicked for me! On October 6, 2014, I decided to change my life and change what I put at the end of my fork. It was easy at first, because I was more determined than ever. The more I lose weight, the more comfortable I get! My current goal is to never become complacent on my weight loss journey! I want the world to be inspired!

Starting weight: 450+ pounds. Current weigh: 218 pounds. Current goal: 169 pounds. My height is 5’5″. No weight loss surgery.

Eating Habits: I changed my eating habits by changing my mindset! I started looking up healthy ways to make my favorite meals. I got on Pinterest and other websites to find healthy alternatives! After some thorough researching, I found that some of my favorite foods could be made healthy and eventually it became second nature to prefer an apple over the bag of chips! I started slowly but surely eating more fruits and vegetables instead of junk food. I also started drinking more water and less soda. For the first 6 months of my weight loss journey, I removed all types of bread out of my diet! I slowly introduced wheat bread back in my diet after I lost my first 100 pounds. I only did this because bread was my downfall in the past.

Exercise: In the beginning, I did not exercise much because I was morbidly obese and I was ashamed. Eventually, I went to my local gym and tried a class called UJAM. UJAM made me feel comfortable working out. Everyone was united like a family. My workout routine eventually became exercising six times a week and doing a weekly rotation of UJAM, Taebo, Zumba, and Hip Hop classes!

The advice I have to pass on to others wanting to lose weight is first and foremost, you have to make the decision to change your life for you. No one can make that choice for you! Once you have decided to fully commit, never give up! If at some point you lose sight of your goal, remember why you started!

Instagram: @healthy_livingnow1006

Karen lost 200 pounds

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Weight Loss Journey: Karen lost 200 pounds over the course of 2 years. She was turned down for weight loss surgery several times so she lost the weight with healthy eating and exercise.
karen before and after

My name is Karen and I was morbidly obese for over 16 yrs. 520 pounds was my highest weight and 485 pounds was my average weight. I really wanted to have weight loss surgery done, but was turned down 3 times.

After the third time that I was turned down, I said to myself, “They are not going to tell me when I can be beautiful. I’m going to do it myself .” That is when I changed my eating habits to focus on lean meats, fruit and veggies Only. I joined a bike club called GMOB/GROWN MEN ON BIKES and GLOW/GROWN LADIES ON WHEELS. During this weight loss journey, I rode my bike 10 miles, every other day.

Today, I have lost 200 pounds in 2 years. My height is 5’6″. My advice motive for others who want lose the pounds: You must want it for yourself, because no one else can keep you focused.

karen weight loss story

Nicole lost 84 pounds

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Weight Loss Journey: Nicole lost 84 pounds. At over 400 pounds, she suffered a cardiac arrest and that was a major wakeup call. She didn’t take her second chance for granted. With faith and hard work, she’s made a true lifestyle change. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

nicole weight loss journey

On August 23, 2015, I suffered a cardiac arrest. My heart stopped beating for 9 minutes. I went into the hospital tipping the scale at 420 pounds. Now, I’m down to 336 pounds at 5’11” tall. I still have more work to do, but I’m a work in progress. I thank God everyday for giving me a second chance at life. This time I won’t take it for granted. This transformation took me 6 months and I’m still a work in progress. I have 100 more pounds to go.

I changed my eating habits by eating more veggies and cutting out soda andjunk food. I also cut down on starchy foods and started drinking lots of water. I go to the gym three times week. On the days that I don’t go to the gym, I do a lot of walking. Don’t get me wrong, I have some days when I do cheat but I get on with my life and get back on track after that.

If you want to make a lifestyle change, do it now while you can. I was blessed to be given another chance. God is Good! If you have tried dieting and it does not work for you then surgery could be an option. However, if you are willing and able to make a lifestyle change without surgery, I’m proof that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Instagram: @ROBERTS_MOMMY_9376