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Brandis lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Brandis lost 45 pounds in 6 months.  She shared with us about the things she did to hide her weight and the process of learning to love herself more and take control of her weight.  She gives God the glory for her weight loss transformation.  Here is what she shared with us…

Brandis before and after

I wanted to share my story! I’ve struggled with weight my entire adult life. I know what it feels like to tuck and to try and hide fat. I’m very familiar with cropping love handles out of pictures or taking group pictures standing in the back, so my weight would go unnoticed. When I was 203 pounds, I was the most unhealthiest I’d ever been in my life. I are fast food just about everyday. Starbucks, McDonald’s, Wendy’s…you name it! I felt as long as my weight could be hidden, I was okay. Then I’d gotten to the point to where I’d delete pictures of myself whenever I was tagged on social media because my weight was so embarrassing. I have this chair in my house that I refused to sit in because it was beside a mirror that magnified my stomach, thighs and love handles. I was living in bondage! I was singing “Break Every Chain” yet I was building more and more chains as I was declaring chains to be broken off my life. What would it take for me to gain control over my life?

I had to realize I was holding myself back. I needed a renewed mind. I was hating the way I looked because of what I did to myself daily. So, I had to make a change. That gym membership that I’d been paying for and never used, I started using it 3 days a week. One day, as I was working out, I began to look at myself in the mirror and still despised what I saw. So, that motivated me to increase my time from 3 days to 6 gym days. In the gym, I’m jogging 2-2.5 miles on the treadmill, and consistently doing the Planet Fitness 30 minute express circuit.

I watch what I eat now. I don’t deprive myself of what I do like, I just eat in moderation. I stay away from fried foods and breads! Now, fried food makes me feel sick!!! My starting weight was 203 pounds and I’m currently at 158 pounds. I’m only 5’2″ tall. This transformation only took 6 months. Praise God! I hope this helped and encouraged someone else. Know that you can do it!

Instagram: @brandis_marshelle

Natasha lost 85 pounds

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Update Nov 2018: Natasha lost 16 more pounds for a total of 101 pounds gone. She credits therapy, healthy eating habits and exercise as the tools that have allowed her to maintain her success.

Natasha before and after

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I eat mostly steak and salad. I don’t eat out at all. The key is that I don’t deprive myself of anything. I love ice cream. I cook everything I eat, and I drink a lot of water. However, I like to have ginger ale from time to time, lol.

For me, maintaining also means going to therapy, walking, and hiking. I’ve learned why I got to heaviest, and I use pictures to show myself how far I have come.  My current weight ranges between 167 – 170 pounds now.

What lesson you’ve learned on this journey stands out the most?
The lessons I’ve learned on this journey are never-ending. Finally, I learned to like what I saw in the mirror. I don’t run past the mirror like I use to. I keep all my clothes the same size and will not go over that size. Many ignore or brush off signs like changes in clothing while trying to maintain.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to other people who want to lose weight?
The advice I have to share (the same advice I was told): You didn’t gain the weight or get this way overnight. It will take some time to obtain any goal, big or small. Don’t give up. It is hard, trust me, I know.

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. This is your story, and you get to write the ending however you want it. Know the reason why you got to your heaviest point. Therapy can help. Also, go to doctors who care and are cheering you on.

Surround yourself with a good support system, and do it for you, not for anyone else. Do what works for you and be patient.

Instagram: @ignatashafryethevet

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Natasha lost 85 pounds.  This military veteran had to lose the weight in order to qualify for surgery. She changed her eating habits, started exercising and got results in 9 months.  Here is what she shared with us…

natasha before and after

I am 36 years old and a military veteran. I gained almost 70lbs. The weight gain was recent. I  packed those pounds on in the last 3 years due to depression. When I moved to the DC area, I noticed I didn’t fit the mold. I was either too big to hang out with or date or I felt used. The wakeup call is when I had a doctors appointment for plastic surgery to get my breast reduction in April 2014. My doctor told me my BMI was over the limit and told me to come back when I’s lost the weight. I was determined. Needless to say I dropped 85 lbs and got my reduction on January 12, 2015.

I stopped eating out as much and cut all sodas from my diet and drank more water. I added more protein to my diet, such as lean beef and fish. I chewed my food more as well instead of just a bite and swallow. I didn’t deprive myself of having chips here and there, so I wouldn’t crave junk food. I started to walk everywhere (due to car issues). I walked to the grocery store and started taking public transportation as well.

My starting weight was 271 lbs at 5’8″ tall and I currently weigh 186 lbs. I started my transformation in April 2014. My advice to others trying to lose weight is to never give up. I’ve tried every diet under the sun since 2006. However, I was determined in April 2014 when my doctor told me I had to get to a certain weight to get breast reduction surgery. Believe in yourself. People will pressure you, but when you’re ready you can do anything.

Update May 2015: “Just an update: I am excited to say that I have lost 20 more pounds since my Feb 4th article.”

natasha before and after

Roxanne lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Roxanne lost 47 pounds with clean eating and regular exercise. She knew that cleaning up her eating habits would be key to success with releasing the pounds.  Here is what she shared about her journey…

Roxanne before and after

Well, My story begins with someone on a New York City train telling me that I was fat. This hurt my feelings really bad. I went home, cried and looked at myself in the mirror nude. I decided that day that I was making a change. This was in September 2014. I got rid of all junk food in my house. Then I went food shopping and loaded up on fruits, veggies and everything healthy. I knew that the change needed to start in my kitchen. After shopping I walked three blocks to the local gym and paid for a membership. I’ve been eating clean and working out 6 days a week for 1 hour and 45 minutes a day ever since and I feel great. As of today (January 2015), I have loss a total of 47 pounds with 20 more to go. I would have never thought this would be me. I started my journey 3 months ago and who would have thought I would achieve this much progress in so little time?  I’m at my happiest.

Instagram: @Bosschicsummers718

Wendy lost 42 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Wendy lost 42 pounds.  Encouragement, faith, the example of a good friend and commitment to her goals has lead this healthy lady to weight loss success.  Here is what she shared about her journey…

Wendy before and after

My name is Wendy Blackwell. I was not comfortable with my weight. A friend of mine who lost weight inspired me with encouraging words from her weight loss story. I cut out junk food, soda, rice and sweets. I started using Ms. Dash instead of salt and baked or broiled foods instead of frying them. I also only drank water.

I exercise at least 5 times a week, sometimes 2 times a day. I didn’t use not having a membership to a gym as an excuse to not get started. When I started my journey, I walked outside in my neighborhood for at least 30 minutes at a time.

I was 231.1 pounds now I’m 189 pounds. I lost 42.1lbs (I’m 5’3″ tall). It took me just about 5 months to lose the weight. I’ve been struggling with this weight loss journey for some time now. I’m grateful that I am finally focused and determined like never before.

The advice I would give to others is to track your food using my fitness pal. I love it. Get up every morning knowing you have a mission to accomplish and do it. Pray and ask God for strength. Workout with some uplifting up to beat music. Also, my husband and a friend of mine encouraged me just about daily. It is good to have a great support team. I’m still not where I want to be, but I haven’t given up. I’m still on this journey.

Instagram: @nadiadeeme

Sakeithia lost 44 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sakeithia lost 44 pounds. Getting to her highest weight of almost 300 pounds and being diagnosed with PCOS were two of the major factors that motivated her to change her lifestyle and life healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Sakeithia before and after

HI! My name is Sakeithia and I lost 44 pounds in 6 months. As of January 2014, I was at my highest weight EVER, weighing in at 293 pounds (I’m 5’9″ tall). I was noticing that my face was getting fatter and my pant size was consistently increasing. My doctor diagnosed me with PCOS as well. I was motivated to do and be better.

Now, I drink only water and mainly lost my weight by ending my long term relationship with fast food. I’m use to eating lean meat and green veggies so that was fine. I changed my eating habits by meal prepping as well. Every Sunday, I prepare and organize my meals and snacks for the entire week. I incorporate various fruits, tilapia, chicken breast, green vegetables and salads into my diet. I found that not only did I eliminate unnecessary calories, but cooking at home and meal prepping helped me to save money. For workouts, I save money and avoid gym memberships by simply walking in my neighborhood and doing Julian Michaels’ Fat Burning DVDs at home.

My advice to anyone attempting to lose weight is to keep going! So many times will come where you want to quit but keep going! After wearing a size 18/20 for as long as I can remember, at 25 years old, I’m now down to a size 14/16. If anything, this lifestyle change is well rewarding!

Instagram: @lovesoulkeke

Regina lost 111 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Regina lost 111 pounds with weight loss surgery after years of yo-yo dieting.  She decided that Gastric Bypass was the best option for her and too control of her weight.  Here is what she shared with us…

Regina before and after

Hi, My name is Regina Willis and here is my story. My entire adult life I have been overweight. I have tried time and time again and used every fad diet out there. At my heaviest, I weighed 330 pounds and it was a struggle to workout but I did. I walked, bought a Treadmill and joined Medical Weight Loss. I lost 30-40 lbs and gained it back.

ReginaI lost My mother and 24 year old sister to diabetes and I refused to end up sick or dead, so in 2012 I decided to have Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery. I had the hardest time getting approved because I was in perfect health. “Wow”, you say. No, I didn’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart issues, After a long fight, I finally got the approval and almost 2 years later and over 100 pounds lighter I’m still maintaining my weight loss. I would like to lose 60 more lbs and I will keep you all updated on my progress.

I changed my eating habits by eliminating fast foods, less sugars and white breads. I also cook more chicken turkey. I work out 3-4 times a week and recently started using weights. My starting weight was 330 and my current weight is 219 pounds (I’m 5’8″).

My advice for anyone trying to lose weight is to do research on all diets or surgeries. I struggled for years with yo-yo diet fads  and one day I just made the choice that was best for me and you should do the same. It’s your life and you only get one.

 

Ebony lost 33 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Ebony lost 33.5 pounds.  She saw herself healthy and happy, but needed her vision of herself to match up with what she saw in her mind. She did the work and the results are clear.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight…

Ebony before and after

I always knew that I needed to get under 200 pounds again. I am 5’ 8” tall so I felt that I could hold my weight well. This is just not true. It is a myth that I believed and I lie I told myself. The fact is, what I saw in the mirror was not the reflection of the self that I see in my mind. I wanted the two to match. I looked at myself on my 36th birthday back in May 2014 and decided to throw myself a 15 minute pity party. I sat in my dining room and cried my eyes out because for the first time in a long time.  Then I got serious with myself and I knew I had to do something. I also have a history of diabetes, hypertension, and congestive heart failure on both sides of my family. I want to ensure that I prevent all of these ailments.

I immediately stopped eating fast food with the exception of subway turkey subs. I stopped frying foods and began baking everything. I also added green smoothies back into my diet. I began walking in May. I decided to try to get 10,000 steps in a day. I then joined the gym in June 2014. I now have a Fitbit that I wear daily to help me keep track of my steps and to stay motivated.  I workout at least 4 days a week, either at home or at the gym. I do an hour of cardio on the treadmill or arc trainer machine. I then do a strength circuit. Strength training has really helped change the shape of my body.

My starting weight was 252.5 pounds on May 21, 2014. I am currently 219 on December 30, 2014. I have lost 33.5lbs and I feel fantastic. My goal is to get under 200 pounds in 2015 and reach my goal weight of 175 pounds. 

My advice for others is to just get started. Take it slow and do not get discouraged if you fall off. I also suggest getting others involved as a way of establishing some sort of accountability measure. I post on my Facebook page and I also have friends with Fitbits and we challenge each other. If everyone knows what you are doing, you will likely want to continue because you know others are watching and in most cases wishing you well and even being inspired by you! My whole office has made healthy changes because they were motivated by my weight loss. I love this page and the site. It also helps keep me motivated when I see so many sisters taking the same journey and succeeding! Thank you BWLW!

Ebony weight loss story

Quon lost 101 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Quon lost 101 pounds in 9 months.  After having a wakeup call via a workplace video, she decided that it was time to change her lifestyle with healthy eating and exercise.  Learn more about her weight loss journey…

Quon before and after

Hello, my name is Quon Cason. I am a 39 year old mother of two and my motivation for losing weight was to become healthy and to prevent obesity related illnesses. Even more importantly, I wanted to feel good about my myself. What initially jumpstarted my journey was when a co-worker filmed me at a company event. I watched the video and I was flabbergasted when I saw how out of control my weight had gotten. Yes, I knew I was overweight. However, to see myself in the video and not recognize that woman and realize how out of control I had gotten FLOORED ME!

From that day forward, I went cold turkey on eating junk food like processed foods, soda, fast food and all the other crap I loved and was clearly addicted to. I started juicing, eating clean and working out at least 4 days a week. My workouts consist of cardio, strength training and HIIT (high intensity interval training). My starting weight was 297 pounds and my current weight is 196 pounds. I would like to lose 10 to 15 more pounds.

I have so much more energy, and when people see me their reaction is priceless. The best response is when I am not recognized at all. I must admit that I am proud of myself for sticking to my plan and accomplishing my initial goal of 100 lbs gone in 9 months!! I hope to inspire others. I am the walking billboard for “If I can do it, so can you”, because Lord knows I have failed so many times before.

Quon weight loss story

Nicole lost 59 pounds

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Update Nov 2015 – We shared her story back in January and now Nicole has written in to share that she’s lost 39 more pounds. “I have currently lost 98 lbs and when I submitted my story earlier this year, I’d lost 59 lbs. I still have a ways to go, but I’m happy of what I’ve accomplished thus far! I just wanted to share my story and tell you thank you. Looking at your daily posts really keeps me motivated. I have my challenging days, but I don’t get stuck there like I use to. I hope to reach the 100 lbs gone mark by my birthday at the end of this month! I continue to pray all the time that I can put forth an effort and be consistent! I’ve been incorporating more weight lifting and switching up my cardio, including more classes (as oppose to using machines). I still have my cheat day once a week. I love sweets! I have also used My Fitness Pal throughout my journey. Prayer has truly worked for me and for that I am grateful! Thank you so much for your daily motivational posts & for sharing my story!

nicole before and after

Jan 2015 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nicole lost 59 pounds.  She decided that it was worth it to invest in her lifestyle change and win the battle against being overweight that she’d been fighting since childhood.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Nicole before and after

My name is Nicole and I’m 36 yrs old. I’ve been struggling with my weight all of my life. I was always the biggest sibling out of 7 kids! I didn’t have an “ah-ha” moment like most people or woke up one day and decided that this was the day, I prayed and asked for the ability to put forth the effort and at least try. Today, I’ve lost a total of 59 pounds.

I stopped eating late at night. I would get home from work at 8:30 pm, eat a huge bowl of cereal every night and feel so sluggish in the morning!  Now I drink more water  and I incorporate more veggies and protein into my meals. I could probably do a little better with my veggies though.  I also have a cheat day once a week (I have the biggest sweet tooth ever), but I know how to stop now, so I don’t continue those cheat meals for days and months. I also use the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of every little morsel that I put in my mouth.

I workout 4 days/week and meet with a trainer every 2 weeks, so that I can switch things up and not get stuck doing the same routine over and over again.  I figured that if I can buy concert tickets and expensive gym shoes, then I can invest in my health also. I usually do 1 hour of cardio and 30 mins of strength training. My cardio is comprised of the arc trainer, jumping rope intervals, stairs, elliptical machine or walking/jogging on the treadmill on an incline!!! Strength training is usually lifting weights or using my bodyweight.

Started my weight loss journey in May 2014. My starting weight was 317 pounds and I’m now 258 pounds. I know I have a long journey ahead of me, but I’m very proud of myself and how far I came along. It’s a challenge everyday, but I keep telling myself that I’ve been doing it, so why not keep trying!

Instagram: @coleynmw (inactive)

Nikiel lost 102 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nikiel lost 102 pounds.  As a nurse she’s witnessed how being overweight can affect your health and she wanted to be there to see her kids grow and thrive for years to come, so she made a change.  Read all about her journey…

Nikiel before and after

My journey started over 9 years ago. Now I’m down 102 pounds!!!!! I’m 5’7″ tall and my current weight is 178 pounds. I can remember getting up to at least 280 pounds. I had always been overweight and dealt with low self-esteem. My career in the medical field as a nurse exposed me to the realities of physical difficulties and illnesses that come as a result of being overweight. Many patients were suffering from conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Even my family members were suffering from heart disease and I saw myself potentially becoming a statistic, so I decided to make a change. That’s what motivated me and wanting to see my children grow up is what inspired me.

My eating habits changed little by little. I mainly cut calories by keeping those cookies and chips to a minimum and eating baked chicken and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables. I was following a plan cutting calories Monday thru Friday leaving the weekend to have a cheat meal or two because that is what worked best for me at the time. I initially lost about 70 pounds following that routine as well as doing TAE BO and the The Firm DVDs for women. However, the biggest obstacle was gaining about 50+ pounds back when I got pregnant with my last child over 6 years ago.

It seems like it took forever to loose the weight but I went back to my roots where I started from and added some new things I had learned on the way. Over a year ago I introduced running into my routine by joining a local running group. This move helped me to lose an additional 30 pounds and that has been great. After losing the weight there is definitely a sense of accomplishment that I felt and looked better but my real accomplishment comes from the fact that I have encouraged others. My goal is to lose about 20 more pounds, tone up more and become a personal health coach.

My advice to those who want to lose weight would be to just start small and work your way up.  Do not beat yourself up when you have a bad day because the next day is the first day of the rest of your life. Keep positive people around you and remain positive yourself.  Find out what works for you and have fun. Always remember that it is a lifestyle change and not simply a “diet”.

Instagram: @purplelady_curvyslim

Nikiel weight loss story