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Black Friday Fitness Deals on Amazon

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black friday fitness dealsSo many people are looking for great Black Friday Deals to save some cash, but you can also find deals that will help you with your fitness and weight release goals.  Fitness equipment, workout clothes, blenders, fitness trackers and more are on sale for great prices. Here are some examples from Amazon.com: (Some of these deals are just for a limited time or have limited quantities so keep that in mind.)

Amazon

In the Kitchen

NutriBullet 12-Piece High-Speed Blender $69.99 (reg. $89 to $119)

Ninja Mega Kitchen System 1500 Food Processor Blender BL773CO $174.99 (reg. $249.99)

CHEFS Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set with Non-Skid Silicone Bottom, 5 piece $29.95 (reg. $59.95)

Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband, Black, Large $119 (reg. $149)

UP3 by Jawbone Heart Rate, Activity + Sleep Tracker, Black Twist (This is one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” for 2015) $99 (reg. $179)

Workout DVDs

50% Off Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Save Up to 50% on Select Beachbody Workout DVDs

Fitness Equipment

Up to 30% Off Select SKLZ Training Products

Save 25% or More on Select CAP Barbell Kettlebells

Up to 25% Off Select Reebok Exercise Decks

Workout Clothing

25% Off Select Under Armour Performance Gear

Up to 40% Off Select Compression Clothing

Up to 50% Off New Balance Women’s Clothing

Save Up to 45% On Yoga & Athletic Lifestyle Apparel

(Amazon Affiliate: We receive compensation when you purchase via our affiliate links. All prices correct as of Nov 26 2015, 3pm.)

The Main Reason Why Smoothies Can Help With Weight Loss

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smoothie reasonsThe number one reason you should drink smoothies: They are an easy way to add more nutrients to your daily diet; Vitamins, Antioxidants, Potassium, Fiber, etc. By and large, Americans eat too much processed food that has very little nutritional value.  When we talk about weight loss, we always stress balanced, healthy eating and eating food with lots of nutritional value is key for a balanced diet.

“Upwards of 30 percent of American diets fall short of such common plant-derived nutrients as magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A.(2) More than 80 percent of Americans are running low on vitamin D.(3)  And 9 out of 10 people are deficient in omega-3 fats, which are critical for staving off inflammation and controlling blood sugar levels (for more information, plus a quiz on where your nutritional imbalances lie, see The Blood Sugar Solution). So, what happened? Why are we so undernourished? Food is less nutritious. Processed foods, stuffed with high fructose corn syrup, refined flours, and trans fats–are a modern phenomenon. These foods crowd out more nutrient-dense foods because they are inexpensive and convenient.” – drhyman.com

One way to help your body to receive plenty of amazing nutrients is to introduce regular, homemade smoothies into your diet. Smoothies are becoming more and more popular as may high-tech blenders, like the Nurtibullet, have come into the market at affordable prices. Just think about how many healthy things you can throw into a blender and drink: Fresh or frozen fruit, greek yogurt, chia seeds, flax seeds, natural protein powder, vegetables, greens, stevia, nuts, honey and so much more! There’s really not many restrictions when it comes to blending natural, wholesome ingredients and smoothies certainly satisfy your body with a balanced amount of nutrients.

Digestion and smoothies

When you eat more fiber-rich food that your body recognizes as food, your body will reap the benefits. Smoothies can be prepared easily and your digestive system can digest them easily. We all see commercials about eating more fiber and being “regular” but you don’t have to buy the supplements in these ads. You can help your digestive system by eating more whole foods.

Meal Replacement

It might take you five or ten minutes to prepare a smoothie from start to finish and that smoothie can pack as many nutrients as a regular meal! You can get your much-needed fruits, vegetables, protein, and good types of fat all in one delicious drink at less calories than you might think! Make sure that you include protein and fats in your meal replacement smoothies for balance. Natural protein powder, nuts, avocados and coconut oil are my favorite sources.  (More on meal replacement smoothies)

Avoid bottled smoothies in stores

It’s best to avoid shop purchased smoothies, as these often contain added sugars and condensed fruit juices (read the label). By making your own smoothies you will have complete control over what foods you eat and therefore you can have your meals with the confidence that you are eating in accordance with your goals.

Water, almond milk, coconut milk or freshly made juice can be a great base. Greek yogurt or natural protein powder can be added for protein. To your base, add fruits like bananas, berries, grapes, mango, strawberries, and lemon juice. Don’t forget to include vegetables like kale, spinach, avocado, carrots, cucumber and shredded cabbage. Many people add oats, nuts and seeds into their smoothies for added fiber.

All you need is a blender

The best way to start making smoothies is to get a blender and start experimenting. You don’t need a special, expensive blender. As long as it can crush ice, you are all set. The Nutribullet has had wonderful success in the past few years. It is small, easy to manage, and you can simply whip up your smoothie and drink it from the container you made it in. You can make up your smoothies in the morning and save one or two to drink during the day. It’s best to drink them just after making them, but if you cannot, it’s alright to put them in the refrigerator until later, up to 24 hours.  For long, I suggest you freeze your smoothie and eat it as a frozen treat.

A highly nutritious breakfast smoothie is a wonderful way to start your morning. Once you get into the habit of making these, you’ll be set every morning nutrition-wise if you choose. This is great when you are pressed for time in the morning. Here is a great morning smoothie recipe that is power-packed with essential vitamins and minerals to give you a great boost and help with any weight reduction plan you have.

Simple Breakfast Smoothie

  • 1 banana (freeze the other half in a sandwich bag)
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 large handful of spinach
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 TBS flax seeds or chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cups ice cubes

Simply mix these together and enjoy! Regarding the consistency, you’ll get a feel for how much ice you need or don’t need as you go along. If your fruit is frozen, you may not need as much ice.  You can also add other things like kale, oats, cocoa powder, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and more to the recipes you find to fit your taste.

It can also be quite fun to try out different types of smoothies and decide which ones you like the best. Consider a green smoothie in the morning and perhaps a small fruity smoothie after dinner for snack. For recipes, check out sites like Pinterest or purchase a smoothie recipe book that is geared for those wanting to shed a few pounds.

Note: If you have any digestive issues that would hinder you from eating certain fruits and veggies, smoothies may not be for you. If you have blood sugar related ailments, like diabetes, fruit smoothies are likely not the best choice. Check with your doctor for options in terms of food combinations and low glycemic index fruits.

Green smoothie book Check out our Ebook
Drink Green Smoothies
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Chimere lost 151 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Chimere lost 151 pounds. Over the course of 2 years, she worked hard to change her eating habits and embrace regular exercise.  Now, she is sharing her story to be an inspiration to others.  Here is what she had to share about her weight loss journey…

chimera weight loss

To post this is taking some huge guts right now. I’ve never shown anyone the pic of me on the right (unless you follow me on Instagram). That is me at my biggest and I promise I’m never going back. I don’t even know who she is anymore because I’m a whole new me. I weighed 380 pounds and I now weigh 229 pounds.

The crazy thing is, I didn’t even think I was that big. I’ve got a long way to go but I’ve also come a long way. I hope that I can be an inspiration to someone, and let them know that it just takes time. Nothing comes easy, but if you keep at it you’ll start seeing results. I always say “slowly but surely.” I’m learning to be patient with myself and that patience has gotten me where I am now.

I used to hate running and now I love jogging down Cowles Mountain. Instead of eating out so much I started cooking meals at home. I cut out all sugary drinks; soda, juices, etc. and started drinking nothing but water. I did a lot of lemon infused water so that it wasn’t so “boring” all the time. I made smoothies and juice a lot with my Nutribullet. I’m not a huge vegetable eater so I got most of my nutrients from juicing. I started working out and now I love it. From working out in the gym to working out outside, which I found out I love the most. Working out in a gym isn’t for everybody.

My weightloss journey started in June 2013. In 2 years, I lost 151 pounds. It just takes time. There’s no easy way out. Determination and motivation is what I stand by. I learned that I only get one life and one body and I had to start treating myself better. I deserve to live and be happy and that’s exactly what I’m doing, Living happily. I love myself. To anyone struggling with their weight, I want you to love yourself too. Love yourself enough to treat your body right. You deserve it. So, if you thought you knew me at that time, how about you try getting to know me all over again, because that was the unhappy Chimere. That’s no longer me. Feel free to show this pic to anyone struggling with weightloss. I want to inspire.

Instagram: @_californiadoll

Janel lost almost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Janel lost almost 80 pounds. After facing pulmonary embolism and osteoarthritis, she decided to change her lifestyle. She’s been inspired by the success stories of others and now she is sharing her own with us.

janel before and after

From 2011 to 2015, I’ve lost about 80 lbs! I got sick with two blood clots in my lungs (notice the medical necklace) and decided to change my ways. The best part? My husband and I were dating when I was at my biggest! We’ve lost weight together! I’m so thankful for all the people who shared their stories with Black Women Losing Weight! Reading them helped me start my journey!

How I did it: I used to be a major candy eater, mainly of chocolate. I would eat it multiple times a day, so I stopped. I also quit drinking soda. I began eating more green vegetables, drinking more water, and started drinking smoothies from the Nutribullet. For exercise, I started doing Jillian Michaels’ kick box for weight loss on YouTube five times a week, and I did Zumba for an hour on Saturdays. I also walked up to 3 miles on Sundays, depending on how I was feeling (I have Osteoarthritis).

My current weight is 190 pounds. I’m 5’7″tall. It took about 8 months to lose the weight. My advice to others is to keep going. Every step, Every sweat session…it’s all worth it. Don’t give up. My husband has also started working out and eating better. It’s not just about weight loss tools – this is our new lifestyle. My Instagram is @sun.kissed_.

janel weight loss story

Latania lost 66 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Latania lost 66 pounds. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she didn’t let the wake up call go to waste.  She made up in her mind that it was time to change her lifestyle and be a healthy mom.

Latania before and after

I never thought that my weight was an issue. I went to the doctor for a regular appointment and was told that my blood sugar level was 200 plus. The doctor told me that I needed to be put on insulin. I begged the doctor to give me pills to control my blood sugar and promised that in three months I would drop some of my weight to improve my health. The thought of medicine makes me afraid and I want to be healthy for my children, so on that day in November of 2013 I decided to change my life.

I stopped eating junk foods and drinking soda pops. I bought a Nutribullet and used it daily. I also got a gym membership and worked out EVERYDAY!!!  I did cardio for an hour and then a thirty minute workout on the weights. I had Nutribullet nutriblast smoothies for breakfast.  Eventually, I started to see a change in me and I’m very proud of myself. I have inspired so many people and that is what helps me to keep it up, because I know someone out there is depending on my example!!! I was 297 pounds (almost 300 lbs) and now I’m 231 pounds at 5’7″. My advice to others is that every diet is not for everyone.

Update: Degra lost 160 pounds

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Update Oct 2016 – Degra wrote in to retell her story and update us on her progress. She’s lost over 160 pounds and she keeps going strong.

degree before and after

I started this journey in April 19, 2012. What has inspired me to lose weight? I adopted a baby from Nigeria! I said, “If I’m out of breath now, how am I gonna keep up with the baby?” From that day forward I never looked back! I went to the gym. I started working out doing only cardio, working on the treadmill and elliptical machines for an hour. I did that for 2 years and saw little to no changes, because I was still eating whatever I wanted. I was still eating foot-long subway sandwiches, rice, bread, but I did feel good after working out! That’s what kept me coming back!

I made a promise that I would stay off the scale! Well, it took me 4 years to step back on the scale! That’s when I joined classes at the gym that included lots of toning with weights. I also did lots of cardio! One day I said to myself let me see what happens if I cut back on unhealthy things I put in my mouth! Omg, it was magic! I saw a big difference in my face and the weight was melting off.

Today, I drink at least 10 bottles of water a day (16oz). I have my green tea with coconut oil in the morning. I eat a big breakfast at least 30 minutes after I rise; Oatmeal, with blueberries one turkey sausage, boiled eggs, etc. I’m eating every 3 hours! I love avocados, tuna, salmon, turkey, brown rice, sweets potatoes, beans, etc. I just want to let people know that change is is possible if you stay focused! At 40 years old, I’m blessed to say that I’m not on any kind of medication! My doctor says keep on exercising! Instagram: @aworkinprogress01

Feb 2016 – Degra is down 160 pounds. Check out her update.

degra weight loss

I started this journey on 4/19/12 and I haven’t looked back. The left picture is when I thought I was happy but I was miserable inside! I was always tired and out of breath! My highest weight was 385 pounds. In the picture on the right, I’m happy, sexy and confident! When I lost all my excuses, that’s when the weight dropped off! I workout 6-7 days a week, doing lots of strength training and cardio. After 2 years of working hard and seeing little change, I sat down and said to myself, “What is the problem?” In December of 2014, I changed the way I ate! That’s when I noticed a big difference. It took me 4 years to get on a scale, because they are a huge distraction to me. Instead, I’m focused on good lab test results and feeling good. I was just curious just to see what my current weight was, because everyone kept asking me, “Well, how much do you weight?” I’M SAYING THIS… Before you decide to give up, just look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I HAVE COME A LONG WAY!!!”

 

degrafeb16blog

Sept 2014 Update – Degra is still going strong and losing pounds.

I was a treadmill and elliptical queen for over 2 years but noticed that my results were at a stand still. So, I decided to change up my workouts by adding ZUMBA upper and lower body workouts classes with weights. Every morning I make nutriblast Nutribullet smoothies that contain kale, spinach, half an avocado and a scoop of protein…no fruit. I also eat 5 small meals a day and drink plenty of water. Everyday no matter how tired I am, working out is my number one priority. I came to far to turn around now. This challenge of losing weight and getting healthier is not an overnight process. My advice to others that are struggling is please don’t get discouraged when you don’t see results overnight. The numbers on the scale doesn’t mean anything, just pay attention on how your clothes fit you. If I can do it so can you!

Here is the photo from when we featured her back in June.  Read more about how she lost the weight in the original post.

DeeupdateSeptblog

deeJune

Robyn lost 78 pounds

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Success Story of the Day: Robyn lost 78 pounds.  This proud mother and grandmother was motivated by a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.  She also suffered a tragedy that contributed to her weight gain.  She was able to turn her habits and her health around.   Read her success story.

Robyn success story

I am 52 years old, a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 6. I was wearing a size 16 jeans and size 2XL in dresses. I’ve lost about 80 lbs and want to lose 10 more and concentrate on toning. It has been a year of eating healthy, using my  NUTRIBULLET and exercising 5 days a week!!! If I can do it, anyone can.

My Motivation: My father has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is diabetic.  My mother has arthritis. I started exercising and losing weight and was in pretty good shape. Then in 2011, my 2nd oldest son was in a horrific car accident, he was on life support for a week. GOD brought him through although he is still unable to walk. In the process of that and nursing him back to health I lost sight of myself. Gained weight, getting up to around 260 pounds. After seeing pictures of myself, feeling the pull of the weight AND for my son who was a health fanatic, I decided to get healthy for him as well. One year ago this month I joined the gym, started 3 days a week then started going 5, plus doing ZUMBA. Instead of driving to the gym, I started walking there. I also started counting calories. My son bought me a NUTRIBULLET for Christmas and I’ve used it everyday since. I was using the weekends as so called “cheat days” and then decided to use them as “treat days” where I would buy myself an exercise outfit, gym shoes, etc. I’m addicted to cardio and have started weight training as well. I’m also walking the track at a local High School and walking up and down the bleachers. Next month, I’m starting training with a football coach to use the tires and ropes. I didn’t start weighing myself until 5 months after I started working out. I currently weigh 182 pounds.

Robyn black woman success story

August 2014 Challenge Giveaway

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Update: It is time to announce the winner of our August Giveaway! Who is getting the Nutribullet?
Congratulations Rosalind Manson – red235ga

We also decided that we wanted to give 20 BWLW sistas digital copies of my Green Smoothie Guide instead of just giving away 10 copies! These ladies should look out for an email from me:
mstevenson917
Christinad
linda.perry24
thetesa.lloyd
alexiselgin
montego.o.summers
sbrenda686
sparklewaters
pendolangu
ttjennings88
littleshamekia19
keenya73
magass08
diamonique.simone
darrellah24
claudette.wilson55
sssmith9
lucianawright
AUnicornFan
madelyn.jackson

August Giveaway

That’s right! We are giving away a NutriBullet this month to celebrate the fact that over 5000 people have downloaded our Free 14 Day Smoothie Detox Guide and joined this month’s weight loss challenge.  We are also giving away 10 download copies of my ebook, “Drink Green Smoothies“.  That’s a total of 11 winners.  The winner will be announced on Aug 26th after the winner is notified on Aug 24th.

How can I enter the giveaway? This winner will be selected from those who have entered their email addresses to download the Free Smoothie Detox guide.  If you’ve already done that, you are entered.  If not…

Please click here to download the guide

———————————

Black Women Losing Weight’s August Challenge Giveaway OFFICIAL RULES – Click here for the Full Contest Rules.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.

2. SPONSOR. The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Craft and Soul, a Maryland business with its principal place of business. Contact address: PO Box 77282, Washington DC

3. ENTRY & ELIGIBILITY. To enter the Sweepstakes, download out free 14 day smoothie detox guide before Aug 24, 2014 at 12 noon (link: www.blackweightlosssuccess.com/14-day-smoothie-detox) (“Entry”). One Entry per person. Entries that are lost, late, incomplete, misdirected or altered for any reason, including hardware, software, browser or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility will be ineligible. Only legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older may enter and participate in the Sweepstakes, except employees, agents, or representatives of the Sponsor or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or members of their immediate family.

4. PRIZES. Eleven (11) winners will win a prize: ten (10) winners will win a PDF copy of “Drink Green Smoothies: A Beginner’s Guide with 80 Great Recipes” by Ebony “Ajima” Jackson. The approximate retail value of this prize is Eight Dollars ($8). One (1) other winner will win a “NutriBullet: The Superfood Nutrition Extractor®”. Limit one (1) Prize per Winner. All results and decisions of the random drawing are final and binding in all respects. The odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible Entries received during the applicable entry period. The Prize is not transferable or redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded. Taxes related to the Prize, if any, are the sole responsibility of the Winner.

5. SWEEPSTAKES. The Sweepstakes begins at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time (“PT”) on August 8, 2014 and ends on 11:59 P.M. EST on August 24, 2014. The Winner will be notified by email by August 26, 2014. If the winning Entry is discovered to be invalid for any reason prior to delivery of the Prize, or if the Winner cannot be reached and does not respond within ten (10) business days, an alternate winner may be selected, at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. If there is no winner by the 30th day after end of contest, no further winners will be chosen. Winners of the PDF copy of the book will receive the file via email. The winner of the Nutribullet is required to provide a valid address for shipping within 10 days of being contacted. The name of the Winners will be posted on the Black Women Losing Weight Blog located at www.blackweightlosssuccess.com on or around Aug 26, 2014.

Black Women Losing Weight’s August Giveaway CONTEST OFFICIAL RULES

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1. OFFICIAL RULES. The following are the official rules (“Rules”) for the Black Women Losing Weight Giveaway Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”). In order to enter the Sweepstakes, you must agree to these Rules. You agree that submission of an entry form and/or participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes your agreement to these Rules. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.

2. SPONSOR. The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Craft and Soul, a Maryland business with its principal place of business. Contact address: PO Box 77282, Washington DC

3. ENTRY & ELIGIBILITY. To enter the Sweepstakes, download out free 14 day smoothie detox guide before Aug 24, 2014 at 12 noon (link: www.blackweightlosssuccess.com/14-day-smoothie-detox) (“Entry”). One Entry per person. Submitting your email address is your entry. Entries that are lost, late, incomplete, misdirected or altered for any reason, including hardware, software, browser or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility will be ineligible. Only legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older may enter and participate in the Sweepstakes, except employees, agents, or representatives of the Sponsor or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or members of their immediate family.

4. PRIZES. Eleven (11) winners will win a prize: ten (10) winners will win a PDF copy of “Drink Green Smoothies: A Beginner’s Guide with 80 Great Recipes” by Ebony “Ajima” Jackson. The approximate retail value of this prize is Eight Dollars ($8). One (1) other winner will win a “NutriBullet: The Superfood Nutrition Extractor®”. Limit one (1) Prize per Winner. All results and decisions of the random drawing are final and binding in all respects. The odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible Entries received during the applicable entry period. The Prize is not transferable or redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded. Taxes related to the Prize, if any, are the sole responsibility of the Winner.

5. SWEEPSTAKES. The Sweepstakes begins at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time (“PT”) on August 8, 2014 and ends on 11:59 P.M. EST on August 24, 2014. The Winner will be notified by email by August 26, 2014. If the winning Entry is discovered to be invalid for any reason prior to delivery of the Prize, or if the Winner cannot be reached and does not respond within ten (10) business days, an alternate winner may be selected, at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. If there is no winner by the 30th day after end of contest, no further winners will be chosen. Winners of the PDF copy of the book will receive the file via email. The winner of the Nutribullet is required to provide a valid address for shipping within 10 days of being contacted. The name of the Winners will be posted on the Black Women Losing Weight Blog located at http://www.blackweightlosssuccess.com on or around Aug 26, 2014.

6. GENERAL. This Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, United States. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. By entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Rules and by Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Entrants are required to provide accurate, valid and truthful information at all times. Sponsor will reject and delete any Entry that it discovers to be false, fraudulent, illegal or deceptive and will disqualify any entrant who tampers with the Entry process, the operation of the Sweepstakes, or is otherwise in violation of the Rules. Sponsor is not responsible for electronic transmission errors which result in the omission, interruption, deletion, defect, destruction, alteration, and/or delay of any Entry. Sponsor is not responsible for any technical, network, electronic, computer, hardware and/or software malfunction, problem, incompatibility, congestion or failure of any kind. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes at any time, in its sole discretion, if the Sweepstakes is not capable of completion as planned, including without limitation, the lack of Entry submissions, incomplete Entries, computer viruses, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort, without notice.

Upon cancellation or termination of the Sweepstakes for any reason, Sponsor shall have no obligation to award prizes or compensation of any kind. By submitting an Entry and participating in the Sweepstakes, you represent and warrant that (i) your Entry is original and that you are the sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submitted Entry, or you have obtained the necessary permission to include the Entry in the Sweepstakes, and that you have the right and authority to submit the Entry in the Sweepstakes; (ii) your Entry does not violate any third party intellectual property or proprietary rights; and (iii) you are otherwise not in violation of any applicable laws, rules and/or regulations. By submitting an Entry and participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree and hereby grant Sponsor and its affiliates permission to use, copy, modify, publish, and/or reproduce your Entry, including but not limited to your name, likeness, image, story and photos, for any purpose, including but not limited to marketing, media, editorial, commercial, advertising, promotional and/or publicity purposes, in any form of media anywhere in the world, without further compensation to you. You also agree to participate in any marketing, media, editorial, commercial, advertising, promotional and/or publicity activity related to the Sweepstakes.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU HEREBY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS SPONSOR AND ITS AFFILIATES, AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, LICENSEES, SUCCESSORS, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS AT ALL TIMES FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, ACTIONS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, PROCEEDINGS, COSTS (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES) AND EXPENSES FOR ANY INJURY, DAMAGE OR LOSS CAUSED OR CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED, BASED UPON, OR ARISING FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF THE PRIZE OR ANY PART OF THE PRIZE, ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, PARTICIPATION IN THE SWEEPSTAKES, OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY PRIZE RELATED ACTIVITY OR EVENT.

In no event shall Sponsor be liable to a winner or entrant for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special or punitive damages of any kind, whether in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, statutory or any other theory of liability arising from or related to the Sweepstakes, or any aspect of winner’s or entrant’s participation in or termination from the Sweepstakes as provided herein, even if Sponsor has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall Sponsor be liable to a winner or entrant for any amount with respect to winner’s or entrant’s participation in or disqualification from the Sweepstakes, or from the termination or cancellation of the Sweepstakes. To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, seek injunctive relief or to any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or related to the Sweepstakes are hereby excluded, and you expressly waive any and all such rights. If any section, provision, term or clause shall be held or found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect and such provision may be modified or severed from these Rules to the extent necessary to make such provision enforceable and consistent with the remainder of these Rules.

Markita lost 25 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – Markita wrote in to tell us about how she’s maintained her weight loss of 25 pounds for more than a year despite weight gain due to medication.

“You featured my story last July, and I just wanted to send in an update of my maintenance since! After being featured, I was put on medication which caused me to gain 7 pounds, which I could not lose until recently coming off the medication. However, I was able to get back down to 165, the goal weight my doctor gave given me for my height. I was also able to release the weight by continuing to watch my carb and sugar intake. Thank you for what you do, your site has kept me motivated, even when I wanted to throw in the towel!”

markita before and after

July 2014 – Proud mom of 4 Markita lost 25 pounds and gives all the glory to God.  Making healthy smoothies, drinking Apple Cider Vinegar and avoiding high fructose corn syrup were just parts of her lifestyle change. Here is what she shared with us:

Markita weight loss mom

Markita after weight lossToday’s Encouragement!!!! I am a busy wife and mother of 4 minor children. I was sick & tired of being sick & tired, and feeling unattractive! In October 2013, after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I made the necessary changes in my lifestyle & diet that I can & will follow for the rest of my life with God’s help, love, & guidance!!! You can do it too. It’s never too late!!! Seek Him. After all, God designed you, and knows what it will take! I lost all this weight in a matter of 6 months. Majority was lost in the first 3 months. I found the NutriBullet fruit and veggie smoothies in the morning helped a lot. I’ve cut back on sugar and sweets big time and I only eat red meat occasionally (Mostly chicken & Turkey). I only drink sugary drinks like pop, juice, lemonade occasionally. I avoid high fructose corn syrup & artificial sweeteners like the plague, lol! If I need sweetness, I will use a little raw organic honey or a little raw sugar. I drink decaf green tea every night before I go to bed. I drink lemon water throughout the day. I drink Braggs organic Apple cider vinegar with water in the morning and before dinner. I still eat pasta and bread, but only in moderation. I only cook with olive oil and use real butter, no spreads. I love almonds and almond butter. These are most of the things I have done and still do to maintain. Everyone is different, but this is what works for me and I can do these things for the rest of my life. I had to make it more of a lifestyle change instead of diet! Hope this helps someone, God bless you!!!! Starting Weight 188 poundss/Ending Weight 163 pounds= 25 pounds.

MarkitaJuly14blog