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Shounda lost 150+ pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Shounda lost 150+ pounds by adopting healthy eating habits and working out. She shares with us what motivated her to change and the steps she took to create her best life.

Shounda before and after

My name is Shounda. I’m 42 years old and 5’2″. Basically, I’ve been big my entire life. Born to an overweight mother, my siblings all were overweight. I am a twin and 1 of 4 children. 

I became an extremely overweight adult. After having two beautiful boys, by the time I turned 38 years old, I knew it was time for a change.

It’s June 1, 2018, and I weigh 305 pounds. So I said to myself, “I’m not going to weigh this much at 40. I want to start living my best life.” And so I did.

I stopped eating sweets and heavy starch and stopped drinking soda. Instead, I started eating more vegetables, lean meats, and fruits. I also started doing intermittent fasting and drinking only water. 

This was great for the first few months. I lost a good amount of weight, but I needed to start moving. So I started walking. 

I walked to the places close to home. I walked on my lunch break at work, and I walked the path in the park. After one year, I’d lost 100 pounds and was so proud. Another five months and a gym membership later, I was down another 45 pounds. 

When I turned 40, I was at 163 lbs. I eventually reached my goal weight of 135 lbs in less than two years. No surgeries. I lost a total of 170 pounds. 

Today I weigh 155lbs. I don’t want to be 135 lbs, but working on getting to a steady 145 lbs. I still fast and walk and try to watch my calories. I’m much happier than I’ve ever been.

Tope lost 73 pounds/33.2 kg

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Transformation of the Day: Tope lost 73 pounds/33.2 kg with healthy eating habits and exercise. Her family and her faith are her motivation. She was tired of knee pain, breathlessness, and feeling unhealthy. She prayed for the renewal of her mind and the ability to win her battle with bodyweight.

Tope lost 73 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation is my family and my faith. After battling with my bodyweight for many years, my unfitness level (knee pain and breathlessness) in recent years became very alarming. 

When the pandemic struck last year, my situation became worse due to minimal activity/movement. I had to be honest and tell myself if I don’t do something about my health, I could die. I didn’t want to leave my loved ones behind and become a statistic of this pandemic because of my carelessness regarding my weight.

How did you change your eating habits?
I joined a group of ladies to complete a 90-Day Weight Loss Challenge. Before this and when I joined the group, I prayed for help with my body weight battle. Then, things shifted in my mind (renewal of mind) that I cannot explain in words. Literally, everything that seemed impossible for me to do before (e.g., healthier eating habits) was achievable. I cut out high-carb foods, ate more proteins, and drank more water.

Tope lost 73 pounds

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout is mainly walking and squats. Sometimes I use my local outdoor fitness center. I aim to do at least 30 minutes of walking daily. This is something I have built up gradually over time.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 166.60kg/367 pounds, and my current weight is 133.40kg/294 pounds.

What is your height?
Height: 170cm/5’7″

When did you initially begin your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started on March 1, 2021. I am still on my weight loss journey hence my progressive transformation. I lost 50 pounds in 11 weeks. By the end of my 90-day weight loss challenge, I lost 58.2 pounds in 3 months. To date, I have lost a total of 33.2kg/73.2 pounds, and I am still on my weight loss journey.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My faith plays a huge role. I knew that by doing something every day that counts towards achieving my weight loss goal, I would build up to my desired results. I also learned to be patient. My motto on this journey is ‘Better to do something than nothing at all.”

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight? 

  • Pray about your bodyweight battles. 
  • Be honest with yourself and set SMART goals. 
  • Accountability and consistency are very important.

As I already mentioned, every little step helps, so start by just doing something. Every day is a battle of the mind, but those little things will develop into big things. 

I haven’t reached my goal yet, but the health benefits I’m experiencing on my healthier lifestyle journey make it all worthwhile. I decided to join Instagram last month to share my journey with others. Going public with my story is stepping out of my comfort zone, and I definitely feel vulnerable. However, I believe my journey can bring hope, inspiration, and empowerment to others. It has been life-transforming for me already, and I still have a long way to go on this journey. 

Instagram: @healthierlifestylewithtope

Rhonda lost 90 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Rhonda lost 90 pounds. She began her weight release journey as a pre-teen and over the years her weight went up and down. Eventually, this Delta Sigma Theta soror figured out that by putting God first, eating healthy food and focusing on fitness she could break the cycle of losing and regaining the weight. Check out her journey.

rhonda before and after

My weight loss journey has been up and down since I was about 12 years old. I was a “chubby” girl growing up. I did little to no physical activity. My daily routine was playing with dolls and eating. I eventually lost interest in playing with dolls. I wanted to play jump rope with the teenaged girls. I ventured outside and learned to jump Double Dutch like a PRO. Then, I started riding bikes, running, playing dodge ball and dancing. The weight fell off.

I did not realize it, but I was not eating as much as I normally would. Without my knowledge I was changing my lifestyle. I lost so much weight that people thought I had been ill or hospitalized. Soon I was in High School, and again I was doing little to no physical activity. I gained weight. I went to college where I gained the Freshman 15 and then some. I lost about 40 pounds during my second to last year in college by exercising and giving up beef and pork. Although I lost weight, I did not have the knowledge to truly make a lifestyle change.

Later, I started my career and I developed some horrible eating habits. I ate only about 1 to 2 times a day, but my meals were HUGE. I also ate a lot of sweets. By the time I was 28 years old, I weighed 250 pounds. I gained over 100 lbs from the time I graduated college up to this point. I really thought there was no hope for me, but I found a personal trainer who worked me physically and spiritually. It took over a year, but I lost 100 pounds. Well, about 10 years later, dealing with a marriage and falling in my spiritual growth, I found myself at 230 pounds.

I noticed a vicious pattern in my life. Whenever I put GOD on the back burner, I would fail in all the other areas in my life. I had to work at being serious about placing GOD in 1st place. I had to learn that whatever I seek to do, it has to be done with the sole purpose of honoring and Glorifying HIM. I had to learn what my priority should be.

My most recent weight loss journey began in May 2011. Today, I weigh 140 pounds. I’m getting involved with a ministry at church and investing in my spiritual growth.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating junk food (chips, sweets, etc). I stopped eating fried food and started baking my food instead. I do not eat beef or pork, and I’m allergic to seafood. I only eat poultry (chicken or turkey). I eat ALL the vegetables. I absolutely love cauliflower, zucchini, cabbage and broccoli. I’m pretty simple with my cooking. I don’t use a lot of different recipes, but I’m working on adding more of them to my routine for variety. There are times when I do get bored with what I eat, and that is usually when I slip up and over indulge with rice cakes and hummus.

What does your workout routine look like?
My workouts consist of cardio. I run at least 5 to 6 days a week for 4 to 5 miles. I also workout on the stair master, treadmill or elliptical for at least 50 minutes 1 day of the week. I incorporate strength training into my routine 4 days a week. I’m working on adding stretching in the form of Yoga or Pilates. I never thought I would say this, but I love running. I think I love it because I never thought I could be a runner. It feels good to be able to clear my mind and body when I’m running.

What advice would you share with other people who want to release the weight?
I would advise others who want to lose weight to put GOD first. Be patient and trust the process. Do not become disappointed when you don’t see the weight loss you want to see. It really takes about 3 to 4 months of consistently being committed to lifestyle change to see results. Do not compare yourself to others. That will only cause frustration and possible setbacks. Stay informed and keep yourself motivated.

Weight loss is a very small part of my being. As long as I make glorifying GOD my main focus, he will supply according to his will. Eventually, I want to work with others who struggle with obesity and being overweight. I especially want to help young girls who struggle with low self-esteem. I want to use what I have learned to glorify God and help others.

Instagram: @Kayinherprime

Bee lost 140 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Brittany aka “Bee” lost 140 pounds. After her first attempt was not successful, she had weight loss surgery again and vowed to God that she would work hard to change her lifestyle and live a heatlhy life. Joining a great personal training program gave her the guidance she needed, and challenged her to push herself harder than she ever had. Check out her journey.

Bee's weight loss journey

Highest weight: 290 pounds 
Current weight: 150 pounds
Height: 5’4″

My journey started back in 2016 when I noticed that I’d gained the majority of my weight back after a failed weight loss surgery. Weighing in at 290 pounds, I decided to go out on faith alone. I asked God, “Lord, if you allow me to have another procedure, this time I will change my lifestyle and dedicate my time to becoming a healthier and better Brittany.” After having Gastric Sleeve surgery in June 2016, I changed my diet and started to look at food differently. I could no longer just “live to eat”. I had to “eat to live”.

Learning from my mistakes from the past, I knew I had to workout to achieve the body I wanted. My friend @star_steph introduced me to @reggiecfitness and the entire RC Fitness team. I started training in August 2016, merely 3 months after my 2nd surgery. Let me tell you now, THIS SH*T was NOT EASY! I’d never done any physical activity like this before, besides band workouts with the Ocean of Soul (PS: I thank the band because if I didn’t have that “Finish the Job” mindset, I wouldn’t be here).

Reggie, along with his team, encouraged and gave me that extra push (or two or three pushes…lol) that I needed to accomplish the goals I set for myself. After my first 90 day challenge in 2017, I finally saw that I could do this thing called fitness. I made it my mission for RC Fitness’s next 90 Day Challenge to do better than I did last time. I kept working out, eating right, and even did some 30 Day Challenges while preparing for the 90 Day Challenge.

In order to achieve my goals, I had to keep a fixed mindset. I lost some people along the way, but when God has a plan for your life, sometimes you have to do it alone. Fast forward to 2018, I am THE MOST FIT I HAVE EVER BEEN IN MY LIFE! After losing 140 lbs and 50% of my body fat, I can see all of the hard work that I put in to myself. I was able to join the Competition Prep and Xxxtreme Abs Classes. Those classes are only for those who are at 23% body fat or below. I hung upside down using my own strength for the first time in my LIFE and I can actually do pull ups now!

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was honestly my faith. I knew that I could do the impossible if I just believed in myself. When things got hard and I wanted to give up, I just remembered my faith and I pushed through it!

How did you change your eating habits?
Due to Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery, my eating habits completely changed. I had to cut out all carbs and sugar in my diet. I follow a low carb, high fat and high protein diet. I also try to eat 3-5 small meals a day.

My portion sizes completely changed as well. My body only allows me to eat only 8oz of food at a time. This helped me tremendously because I was an extreme overeater in the past.

What did your workout routine look like?
Even at my heaviest, I was somewhat active. As I noted before, I was in a marching band and we did moderate workouts. It wasn’t until I joined Reggie C Fitness in August 2016 that I started to develop a specific workout routine. When I heard that Reggie specializes in women’s fitness, I knew I was in the right place. I started to train 3 days a week for an hour and let me tell you, those trainings were a beast! High intensity cardio mixed with weight training. We would work out 7 days a week when Reggie hosted a fitness challenge. These monthly fitness challenges are design to push your endurance, force you to get into a routine, and encourage healthy eating. Doing these things helped me develop the workout routine that I maintain to this day.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson that I learned from my transformation is that you have to trust the process. At times, I would want to give up and quit. I wanted to go back to how I use to be before I started my journey. But, I realized that I asked for this change. I had to remember that change takes time and if I wanted it, I had to do what was necessary to achieve my goals.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
The advice I would give anyone who wants to lose weight is trust the process and don’t give up! It’s going to be hard and you might make mistakes, but just keep going! It will be worth it!

Instagram: @yeaaahbee
Youtube: The Broke Fit Girl

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Cara lost 33 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Cara lost 33 pounds. As a Pharmacist, it is her job to teach people how to take their meds and take care of themselves, but she wasn’t making her health a priority. When she found out she was at risk for heart disease, she turned fear into action. By adpoting healthy eating habits and working out at home, she has gotten results and become an inspiration.

Cara's weight loss journey

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I battled with my weight for many years. (I can remember back to middle school when I started dieting.) For a long time, my motivation was to be accepted by others. I struggled with thinking I wasn’t pretty enough and thinking, “If only I could be skinny…” I finally stopped trying to make a change for other people, and started the process of loving myself. Once I did that, everything changed.

After college, I was at my largest. I’m in the healthcare profession, and my job is to teach others how to take their medications on time and take care of themselves. I was counseling people daily who were battling diseases that started because they were not eating properly and being active. These people were losing their limbs and eye sight because they could not control their blood sugar. I never thought that I could be that person battling a condition that was brought along due to diet, until I went to have some blood work done. I was told that if I did not get my triglycerides under control, I would have to be placed on medication in order to protect my heart. How can I tell people to live healthier, if I’m not doing it myself? I started working out, but stopped because my mind was not in the right space. That constant battle of not being worthy or not being enough stopped me in my tracks. After years of yo-yoing, fad diets, shots and weight loss pills, I finally found what worked for me: Staying consistent with proper nutrition and exercise. Crazy right!?

The more I shared my story, the more people told me that they were in the same boat. This pushed me to do this for not only myself, but to inspire the people around me. My motivation is the people who’s lives could change, just by me showing them that it is possible. I am driven by the fact that people need to know that you can take control of your health.

My fear of potentially developing heart disease is something I have recently opened up and shared with others. With proper nutrition and consistent exercise, I have been able to change my status. My triglyceride levels have dropped from almost 200 to 32. My cholesterol overall is at the best it has ever been. I am stopping the cycle of diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure run in my family. I refuse to believe that disease has to affect me and my children. This is now my motivation and what keeps me going.

How did you change your eating habits?
The main thing I changed was just being more conscious of what I was putting in my mouth. Life is a hustle. I was working 14 and 10 hour shifts and putting in over 120 hours every 2 weeks. If I wasn’t working, I was asleep. I had to get into the mindset of creating my time;

  • Wake up early.
  • Make myself a priority.
  • Plan out my meals.
  • Pack my lunch.
  • Always have food readily available so I don’t run to the drive thru.

I love my carbs. I love my protein. I love my veggies… I just love food. I did not cut anything out. Instead, I had everything in moderation. I still go out to eat. I still have a burger, but instead of having foods like that a couple times a week, I may hit up a drive thru once or twice a month.

I have recently started following meal tips from a registered dietician who has really explained to me the purpose of carbs, proteins and veggies. I hit a plateau recently, so I have focused on nutrition to get over this hump. Recently, I started cutting carbs at night and the change has really started to show.

What did your workout routine look like?
I love HIIT training. High Intensity workouts are everything to me. Recently, I’ve started doing a lot more heavy weight lifting as well, and that is proving to be amazing. For a while, I was always doing cardio. Incorporating weight lifting into my routine has shaped my body in ways I did not know were possible. I workout from home, so I have no excuses at all. My workouts range from 30 minutes to an hour. Depending on what program I am following, I may workout 4 to 6 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
At my heaviest, I weighed 190 pounds. Currently I weigh 157 pounds. I am 5’4”.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey has been off and on for as long as I can remember. My heaviest point was in 2012. I completely allowed myself to be overcome by the real world after college. My most recent transformation was from honest, hard work over the course of the past year. 180lbs in 2017 to 157lbs in 2018.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned that my body can do so much more than I thought it could. I have also learned that this journey has to be important to me before it can work. I know that I am worthy, and I can do the things necessary for my life. I have learned that I have control over my health.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Make sure that you remind yourself daily that you are a priority. Your health is a priority. We tend to run ourselves ragged for other people, but if we don’t take care of ourselves we won’t be able to be here for our families.

Weight loss is not an overnight quick fix. Put in the work, and your transformation will be even greater than just some numbers on scale. Your entire mind can transform when you put in the work and believe in yourself. You can do all things! You are already equipped to do it, just believe in yourself!

Instagram: @mrscurrypush

Cara before and after

Cara before and after

DeAsa lost 123 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: DeAsa lost 123 pounds. Emotional eating due to a bad marriage and family issues, led to weight gain, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. At 309 pounds, she started taking steps to change her lifestyle. Check out her transformation story.

Deasa before and after weight loss surgery

My name is DeAsa and I’ve lost 123 pounds. I was always an emotional eater, and I’ve struggled with my weight since my teenage years. Being in a bad marriage and dealing with family issues caused me to be depressed and turn to food like never before. I gained 100 pounds in a year and a half.

The extra weight was really hard on my body. I started having really bad migraines, high blood pressure and had sleep apnea, I was only 29 years old at the time. I weighed 309 pounds at 5’2″.

I started working out and trying the different diets, like the green smoothie cleanse, Paleo
diet, etc. However, I never seemed to lose more than 10 pounds. When I went to see a neurologist, they recommended weight loss surgery.

In 2015, I decided that it was time for me to take control of my life. I was motivated by my children. I was able to get out of the toxic marriage and my family issues had been resolved. I knew that God had given me so many chances that I needed to live for myself.

I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery on June 3rd, 2016. Within a few weeks, I saw drastic changes. I lost 26 pounds in 3 weeks. I felt better and was not using my CPap machine anymore. Eventually, I lost 100 pounds in 6 months. I was so happy when I hit Onderland, which I haven’t been in since I was young girl.

I had to shift my mindset when it came to how I looked at food. I started meal prepping, which helped me not to go to drive-thru’s because of convenience. I had to learn what my new stomach liked and did not like. It was an adjustment because I was used to eating whatever I wanted, but the gastric sleeve changes what you can and cannot eat. Now, I eat a high protein, low carb and low sugar diet. I drink protein shakes most of the time. I exercise 2-3 times a week. I even got a personal trainer to help with toning.

One thing that is a constant struggle for me is getting enough water each day. I have good and
bad days with my intake of fluids. Soda or any carbonated drinks are not recommended with the surgery I had. So, I haven’t had a pop in 2 years.

The advice I would give to others who want to lose weight is to choose your hard. Do you want to struggle with being overweight and be a ticking time bomb (never knowing when something may happen due to your weight) or do you want to give yourself more time by putting in hard work and creating a better, healthier life. Pick a hard! Surgery was not easy and it’s a life long journey, but it’s been the best decision for me.

Instagram: @deasa_taylor

Deasa before and after

Deasa before and after weight loss surgery

LaTasha lost 44 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: LaTasha lost 44 pounds. Her motivation was the emotional and physical toll of being overweight. She was simply tired of it all and wanted to be a healthy example for her daughter. By finding a program that works for her and putting in the work, she created a healthier lifestyle. Check out her story.

latasha before and after

What was your motivation?
My weight was taking a toll on me, not just physically but mentally too. I was just simply tired from both ends and wanted a change. Plus, I wanted to be a better role model for my daughter. During the process, I definitely had my moments, but I would remember on what got me there in the first place and that just pushed me not to give up so easily.

How did you change your eating habits?
I joined a program called Body by Obona in September 2017 and it has changed my life. Obona is a great teacher and through his program I am learning how to eat and keep the weight off. He personally designed a regimen specially made for me, and I basically had to cut off everything I loved; dairy, bread, processed food etc. You know, the fun stuff. It was kind of hard at first, but my body has now become use to me eating better. If I try to eat something unhealthy, I don’t feel good. I love to eat all sorts of healthy stuff. I’ll basically try anything once, so if it is part of my healthy meal plan then why not go for it?

latasha before and after

What did your workout routine look like?
Along with my meal plan, my coach/trainer designed a regimen made specifically for me, which work all parts of my body. 5 to 6 days out of the week I would workout. I have been overweight since I had my daughter 18 years ago and Body by Obona is the only thing that has helped me conquer my goals thus far.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I weighed 285 pounds. Now, I weigh 241 pounds. My height is 5’5″. The lowest I’ve weighed during this journey was 239.

My back doesn’t hurt anymore, I have plenty of energy… I mean the list goes on and on in terms of the things I don’t suffer from anymore. My goal is to lose 70lbs, but I’m striving for 100 pounds gone because I know I can do it.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from this exeperience is not to give up, no matter how life gives you curve balls, don’t give up!

What advice would you share with people who want to lose weight?
I would tell people who are on the same journey as I am is to trust the process. There will be bad days but stay focus and remember what brought you to this point.

latasha before and after

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

Ana lost 80 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ana lost 80 pounds. After being diagnosed with Diabetes and experiencing a rough pregnancy, she decided that it was time for a change. Along with going low carb and working out regularly, she had to change her mindset and regularly remind herself that her hard work would pay off in the end. Check out her story.

ana before and after

What was your motivation?
I’d always been a heavy weight girl, for as long as I could remember. I’ve tried everything to lose weight and tried every workout program out here. After being diagnosed with Diabetes in 2015 and going through a horrific pregnancy in 2016, I just told myself that enough was enough. It was time to take action. I changed my mindset and made changes to my diet.

How did you change your eating habits?
Changing my eating habits was not as bad as I thought it would be. Anytime I wanted to “cheat” I would ask myself “Is this one slice of cake and 500 calories truly worth it”? I went cold turkey and put myself on a no carb diet. I only ate chicken, fish or turkey with some type of vegetable. Meal prepping was my best friend.

What did your workout routine look like?
In the beginning of my journey, I would go for walks/jogs or workout with a Zumba DVD at home. I work out 2-3 times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’m proud to say I’ve lost a total of 80 pounds! I’ve gone from my highest weight of 250 pounds to 170 pounds. My height is 5’2″.

When did you start your journey?
May 2016

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to remain consistent and be ready to change your entire mindset. When I wanted to give up, I had to keep reminding myself of where I would be in 6 months if I just stayed consistent.

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
There is no special or specific formula to losing weight. Being someone who has been overweight as long as I can remember, I just knew I would never be able to accomplish this goal I’d been longing for. However, I’m a living witness that IT IS POSSIBLE! With the support of my family and my closest friends, I was able to get through it and fight through whatever insecurities I was dealing with. Always remember: You are strong, you are beautiful and you are built for this. You got this. Never Quit!

Instagram: @carters_mommie_
Snapchat: mrs_foster2013

Wesi lost 50 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Wesi lost 50 pounds. A varicose vein served as her wakeup call and made her realize she was carrying too much weight on her 5’1′ frame.  With the help of her wellness coach, she made lasting changes to her daily habits to create a new lifestyle that would support her weight release goals. Check out her journey.

wesi before and after

Height: 5’1”
Starting Weight: 193 pounds
Current Weight: 143 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I had been trying on and off to be healthy for a long time. In mid-2016, I developed a varicose vein in my right leg, which I realized was due to me being too heavy for my own body. That made me want to do something to lose weight and get healthier.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started working with Kurt at Body Refined in late 2016 and started changing my daily habits. I changed how and what I eat. I drink at least 3 liters of water daily and I’ve significantly cut down the amount of alcohol I drink. I eat 5-6 small nutritious meals a day and I eat every 3 hours.

Initially, I cut out red meat and only ate turkey, chicken and fish, along with a lot of vegetables and healthy carbs. Since several months ago, I largely reduced any meat intake. Now I mostly have healthy carbs, plant-based protein, fruits and vegetables.

What did your workout routine look like?
I try to consistently do some kind of physical activity at least 5 days a week, even if it’s just a 30-minute walk.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in July 2016. It took a little over a year to lose 50lbs. Overall, I’ve lost a total of 114 pounds and it took me more than 2 years to do that. I’ve been maintaining but still have the goal of getting down into the 130’s or 120’s range.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Change your mindset. Make a commitment to yourself and your well-being. Be ready to change your daily habits. More importantly, don’t get frustrated and give up when things don’t seem to be going the way you
expect… and call Body Refined for sure.

wesi before and after

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

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