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Faren lost 80 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Faren lost 80 pounds by exercising (sometimes with Zumba for her Wii) and low carb eating.  Here is more information about her weight loss journey:

Hello, my name is Faren and I started my weight loss journey July 1, 2012. I  reached the highest weight I had ever been at 312 pounds. I tried to fool myself daily saying my weight was not out of control but it definitely was.  I needed that aha moment. One night, I was having dinner with my sister who, at the time, weighted half of what I did. I asked her if she wanted to share a calorie filled appetizer to which she declined, saying she was watching what she was eating because she wanted to lose weight. Sitting there twice her size, was the moment that I knew it was time to make a change. I credit that night and my sister’s positive example and motivation to the success I have had this time with weight loss.

The next day, I went to the store and purchased a Wii and Zumba game and began to work out consistently. I did Zumba at least 4 times a week in the beginning months. I tried to switch up my exercises when I began to plateau by joining Planet Fitness and working twice a week with a personal trainer. I also began a low carb lifestyle and limited my carb intake to 50 grams per day.  I also limited the amount of red meat I would eat. Using MyFitnessPal also helped me a lot in tracking my food intake and showing the nutritional information of the food I planned to eat.  I have lost 81 pounds thus far and currently weigh 231. My goal is to be in “One-derland”, aka in the 100’s. I haven’t been under 200 pounds since middle school. I still have a ways to go but this site has really inspired me and I hope my story can do so to others as well.

Faren weight loss before and after

Tawanda lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Tawanda lost 60 pounds.  Her story reflects that she was really willing to do what it took to lose the weight, going so far as to cut off her hair so that her hair would not be an excuse.  Now, she’s a personal trainer and has transformed her lifestyle.

I just love it when someone sends in their photos that I actually know.  I worked with Tawanda back in my Gospel Singing days. 🙂  I’m so proud of her!  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, I started my weight loss journey 4 years ago after seeing a before picture of myself.  That is when I knew that something had to change! So, I cut off all my hair to take that away that excuse, i.e “I can’t workout because of my hair!”. My motivation was to get healthy and fit in my 40’s.  Also, I wanted to be a better example to my family! I started by eating 5 to 6 small meals a day and working out at home! A friend of mine asked me to go on a bike ride with her and I was mad because she wanted to go so far…lol! Now years later, I am down 60 pounds, down from 207 to 147. Working out 4 to 5 times a week taking spin classes, weight training and riding my bike about 50 plus miles a week! My goal was to ride in two 100 mile bike rides…DONE! SMILE! This is now a lifestyle for me and my family. Eating clean, cutting out sugar, cheese! I’m also juicing and detoxing my body. I want to let others know that you can do anything you put you mind too! I have started my own business at a personal trainer! Thanks for allowing me to share!

Tawanda weight loss before and after

Jada lost 135 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Jada lost 135 pounds with hard work and determination after a major health crisis.  This proud mom of 4 credits her weight loss to her trainer, working out consistently and clean eating.  Here is what she shared with us:

I stare into my 1 year old daughter’s eyes and recall how I almost had a total breakdown when she was just 7 days old.  At 324 pounds, I was hospitalized for three days.  I was suffering with hypertension, an enlarged and weakened heart, palpitations, sleep apnea and fluid in my lungs. I was told that I’d be able to do no more than a 15 minute brisk walk because of my conditions, and when I asked would I get better if I lost weight I was told “not really.” My OB/Gyn told me he hadn’t seen that much fat in one person before and suggested I have weight loss surgery. They had a hard time getting my baby out (I had a C-Section) and an even harder time closing me up. I knew my life depended on my losing weight, but I wanted to do it naturally. So, I walked into Body By Denise when my baby girl was eight weeks and a day.  I was convinced that if I just got my weight down, things would get better despite what the doctors said. With a whole lot of hard work (working out five days each week), an equal amount of dedication, and a constant size 9 foot up my backside (my awesome trainer Denise Warren), I dropped the weight.  I no longer suffer with ANY of the aforementioned ailments. Exactly 1 year later, I am now 189 pounds.  I’m enjoying being a mom and have all the energy I need to run behind my tribe of energizer bunnies (I have 4 children, three boys ages 11, 8 and 5 and my 1 year old baby girl). I love Body By Denise (BBD) something serious. Eat Clean + Train Dirty = Great Results!!

To be more specific about eating clean, I do not eat processed foods at all and no white starches whatsoever. I drink only water and unsweetened tea. I have no more than 2 servings of fresh fruit daily and 2 to 3 servings of green leafy vegetables. I eat only lean protein like tilapia, salmon fillet or chicken breast. My protein is either steamed, baked or grilled. I consume about a gallon of water daily and I do not eat after 8pm, 5pm on days that I work out. I snack on unsalted almonds and pistachios and limit my sodium intake to no more than 1500mg daily. My sugar intake is 25g or less per day. I add lemon to my water whenever I can and make sure that warm lemon water is the first thing I consume in the morning…Then I have  fruit.

Jada weight loss before and after

Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months

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Update Jan 2014: Michele sent in an updated photo.  She is now down at total of 82 pounds. Check out her video about her struggles with excess skin.

Michele weight loss before and after

Today’s weight loss before and after:  Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months with a great personal trainer.  She has shared an interview with us that she did about her weight loss and her trainer.

“WHEN I FOUND MYSELF LITERALLY ROLLING TO THE FLOOR ON MY KNEES IN THE MORNINGS JUST TO GET OUT OF THE BED I KNEW IT WAS TIME” – Michele’s “OMG” moment was when she was made aware that she was pre-diabetic. Prior to that, she says “My doctor has been telling me for years that I needed to lose weight. I had been having all sorts of health issues (acid reflux, hiatal hernia, obstructed bowels, swollen feet, ankles) you name it, I had it. But, when I found myself literally rolling to the floor on my knees in the mornings just to get out of bed I knew it was time.”

Michele weight loss interview

MICHELE’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, THUS FAR….

– Reduced her Weight by 70lbs!
– A Total of 60” Gone from various parts of her body!
– Lowered her Body Fat percentage by 20.1%
– Nearly 13pt reduction in her BMI
– Dropped her dress size from a 14/16 to 4/6

THE INTERVIEW…..

Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight?

“No. I have been overweight for about 13 years. I knew I was FAT but I just never used the term overweight or obese.”

Does overweight or obesity run in the family… meaning immediate members or grandparents?

“Knowing what I know now, yes my family is overweight.”
How do you feel now versus how you felt when you were overweight?

“While being overweight I was tired, sore and insecure about myself. I was embarrassed not just for myself but also my kids. I didn’t want to be around people and would tend to avoid going to certain functions. NOW, I feel more energetic and a lot younger. I feel like my old teenage self. I’m not tired and I like to walk. I am a lot more confident especially since I can fit into my children’s clothes.”

What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

“I have a lot of support from my daughters, sister and my mom. Tomi Nelson who is like a mom to me has been rooting me on every step of the way. I have many friends who have supported my journey by telling me to keep it up or just by staying silent and letting me do my thing. Some family and friends were a little concerned about me losing too much weight but I realize they don’t understand the body and what we are supposed to look like. (Watch old episodes of Soul Train) We have been conditioned to think that plump, thick, chunky is ok BUT it’s not. (Check Monique out now!)”

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs. other plans or programs you tried to follow?

“I have tried to lose weight several times on my own. I had DVD’s, I tried walking, I even had one of those silver space looking suits (the ones that make you sweat. lol) If you noticed everything I tried was related to the physical part of losing weight. Body Refined Inc. taught me that exercise is only 20% of the process; the other 80% is nutrition. This time around, I got the right HELP! Kurt guided me with nutrition tips and how to do the exercises properly.”

Was it a difficult journey? Are you satisfied with where you are now?

“Some aspects of the journey were challenging but not difficult, like disciplining myself to eat right when those around me aren’t but with Kurt’s help, I learned what to do when those around me aren’t eating healthy. My exercise was at a slow pace and gradually became more intense when my body became stronger.”

“Yes and No, I am satisfied with the progress thus far but I want more than just the weight loss. After realizing what I could look like plays a key factor in why I want more. I want my body to look a lot more toned and defined, you know like in the magazines. “

What have you learned about being healthy?

“I learned that my body functions so much better by eating the right foods and at the right times. I understand my body is not a dumping ground for all these foods that are so easily accessible. Just because it’s there and may seem convenient doesn’t mean I have to eat it. I now understand what my body needs to fuel itself. If I may say so myself, I feel and look younger, and I feel more confident about the way I look. “

How did you end up working w/ Body Refined Inc? What has your experience been like working w/ Body Refined Inc?

“I was referred to Body Refined by Nova Payton. Working with Body Refined has made my journey so much easier and stress free. I trust what Kurt has told, taught and showed me. Everything we do I understand is to teach me to be able to live a healthier life on my own. “

What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight?

“My advice to someone who wants to lose weight the right way is to seek help. Many times we try on our own and we MAY succeed but only for a short time. Getting the proper help to ensure you don’t do further damage to your body is key. “

Final words….

“Working with Kurt, I gained a wealth of information which included research and statistics about obesity in women, ailments associated with poor health/nutrition and lack of physical activity. Kurt has been patient, understanding and stern during this journey. His approach is more teaching rather than just telling. I have watched other “trainers” in the gym and I never hear them tell their clients why they are doing a particular exercise. Kurt explains each exercise and what it will do to my body. He has provided me with one-on-one nutrition and fitness training with an emphasis on NUTRITION. I eat better therefore I feel better.

Each individual must find their inner motivation for weight loss. With the help of Body Refined Inc., I am achieving goals that I never thought I could or would do on my own. I now have the DISCIPLINE and EDUCATION to maintain and continue a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.”

Myya lost 100 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Myya Mixon lost 100+ pounds and now competes in fitness competitions. Her weight loss story is a true transformation story. Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

8 years ago, I weighed 216 pounds. My fitness journey began when I saw a picture of myself and I hardly recognized who I was. After seeing this picture, I purchased a gym membership at Gold’s Gym and began attending group fitness classes. I worked out 6 days a week, 2 hours per day. My exercise regimen focused on both cardio and strength training. I also placed myself on a strict 1200-1500 calories a day diet. In 8 weeks, I lost 22lbs and then I was hooked. After about a year and a half, I had lost 75 pounds. I kept the 75 pounds off for 6 years and then I decided that I wanted to compete in fitness competitions. I met with Adele Amore Travis of Amor Fitness and Nutrition and she became my competition coach. She monitored my nutrition and revamped my workout routine. In 5 months, I lost an additional 27lbs and placed 6th in my first fitness competition.  I placed 2nd in my second fitness competition. I am living proof that if you are determined and persistent, you CAN do whatever your heart desires. Changing your body is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical.

Myya weight loss transformation

Check her out online at www.myyamixon.com

People Magazine contacted us about Myya’s story and chose her for a weight loss themed issue.

Myya Mixon People Magazine

Dawn’s Journey to Health and Helping Others

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Today I want to share the story of personal trainer Dawn Zaczkiewicz. Her story isn’t about loosing weight but it is about becoming a healthier woman and now helping others.  She is the owner and lead trainer at Achieve Fitness San Diego, a military wife and proud mother of 4.  I’m posting this story because no matter how happy you may be with your current size, you may not be as healthy or fit as you would like to be.  So many of us aren’t interested in being any smaller, but most of the time we want greater wellness.  I also think she story could inspire a few of us, especially those who are moms and/or business owners.

Here is what she shared with us:

Before I became a trainer, I worked out simply because I wanted to look good. I didn’t really care about what I ate or my fitness level. I only made sure I worked out enough not to be considered fat. One day, around my 30th birthday, I went to the track with my husband and 4 children. I tried to run and couldn’t even finish a full lap. I chalked it up to the fact that I  smoked in the past, so decided I’d try again the following week. The next week, I went back to the track with my husband and this time I was actually able to run a whole mile without stopping. It was a really slow mile but I was so happy that I did it. The following weekend I went to the track by myself and ran 3 miles without stopping. This was something I hadn’t done since I was in the 6th grade. I was so excited I called my mom from the track and told her what I had just done. She totally busted my bubble when she told me, she was running 5 miles everyday when she was my age. I took that as a challenge and said to myself, if she could do it, I can do it.

The next week, I went out and ran 5 miles without stopping. I was so excited I could do it, I started running 5 miles 3 days/week. At the time, I didn’t know anything about running and two weeks later ended up with “Runner’s Knee” because I started doing too much running too fast. Once my knee healed, I eased back into my running. I did my first 10K four months after I started running and I did it in under a 9min/mile pace. Six months within starting to run, I ran my first half marathon and finished in just under 2 hours( pic to left). To date, I’ve run 12 half marathons, and serval other running events. Besides being the first in my division a couple of times in small events, I usually rank within the top 3-10% of my division in really large events. I started off really small, stayed consistent and turned my running into something big in my life. Running made me start to pay attention to my diet and other things such as my heart rate.. I learned the better I ate the better I felt during a run. I also learned something as small as paying attention to my heart rate would help me keep track of my fitness level.

I am a military wife and the mother of four, soI know how hard it can be to workout and pay attention to your own health. In the beginning I didn’t care so much about my health. I only cared about how I looked. Then I found something I liked to do that helped me improve my health. I realized I had to maintain my health to keep doing what I liked to do.
What I like best about my success story is, not only do I love the way I look and feel, now I help others achieve their health and fitness goals too.

Dawn personal trainer

Stacey lost over 180 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Stacey lost over 180 pounds by exercising and calorie counting.  She started her weight loss journey at 384 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Stacey Yvonne and I started my journey back in 2005. I was working at Flowers Bakery and we were video taping each other and acting silly at work. I saw myself on that tape and had no idea I had gotten so large. No one ever warned me or said anything and I truly didn’t know! My highest weight to chart was 384 pounds. I have tried any and everything to lose weight. People are very judgmental, so some things I share and some I do not. The healthiest thing I ever did and the only thing that has helped me to keep the weight off is exercising and calorie counting. I got down to 187 but I currently weigh 202. I have a degree in fitness and exercise and I almost done with my personal training certification. I plan to get my degree in nutrition and business. Also, I hope to open a wellness center in the next seven years. I want to help everyone I can. If you need my help or motivation or if you just to follow me on my journey, I am Stacey Yvonne on Facebook.  You can like my fan page “KWU’s Health and Wellness” on Facebook. Instagram and Twitter: @ kwus_creator and YouTube: kwuscreator.

Stacey weight loss before and after

Anita lost over 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Anita lost 53 pounds by working out with a boot camp workout group and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello BWLW, my name is Anita. I have lost over 50 pounds in the last ten months. My biggest motivation was one of my 3 year old students calling me fat. So, I called a trainer that I used in the past and we talked. She invited me to join her Boot Camp that meets 3 days a week, for an hour. Then she began to teach me how to eat clean. I did everything she said and worked really hard. It has helped me a lot too. I now eat a lot of vegetables, whole grains, smoothies, lean meats and drink lots of water. I gave up white foods (white sugar, white flour, etc), sweets, sodas and wine. My start weight was 240 pounds and now I weight 187 pounds. I have God, my trainer and my loving husband (who drinks smoothies now) to thank for encouraging me along for the last ten months.

Anita weight loss before and after

25 Ways That the Stars Keep the Pounds Off

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Celeb stars fat lossCelebrities face the same human dilemmas as the rest of us. Weight loss and fat loss are no exceptions.  We see their struggles played out in magazines and on television all the time.  While there seem to be a lot of fad diets that stars are connected to, there is some thing to be learned from their stories, even if it’s just a cautionary tale.  Following are 25 ways stars keep the pounds off:

  1. Fad Diets – As unhealthy as they are, fad diets and celebrities often go hand in hand. Unfortunately, whenever a celebrity endorses a fad diet, weight-loss hopefuls jump on board, resulting in health issues and very little to brag about. Don’t do it.
  2. Vegetarianism – Cutting out meat and/or all animal byproducts have helped many stars stay slim.  Consider trying it.
  3. Personal Trainers – While expensive, many stars employ personal trainers. Most health clubs offer this option for the less wealthy among us.
  4. Support – Support from family and friends is just as important to the rich and famous as it is to the rest of us.
  5. Low-Carb Diets – Saying no to or limiting carbs is a sure fire way to keep the pounds away.  Works for most people.
  6. Lifestyle Changes – Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight require major lifestyle changes, which include eating healthy and exercising regularly.
  7. Gastric Bypass – Yes, a few stars have used invasive surgery as a means to shed unwanted pounds.  The deal with the same bias and health issues that many non-celebs deal with and many try to hide it.
  8. Pilates – This form of exercise, which uses the body’s own natural resistance is a favorite among celebrities.  Give it a try.
  9. Weight Watchers – Weight Watchers and other similar programs have snagged a few stars, many of whom have become spokespeople for their particular weight-loss program.  It is a time tested program.
  10. Cutting Out Junk – Yes, they are tempted by junk too. Saying no to sugary and processed foods is vital for weight loss.
  11. Nutritionist – Many stars consult with nutritionists and dieticians before choosing a meal plan.
  12. Personal Chef – While we all can’t afford one of these, personal chefs create and prepare recipes that help stars maintain their weight.
  13. Learning to Love Exercise – We all tend to find time for the things we love. Learning to love exercise is a great way to ensure that you always find time to do it.
  14. Write it Down – Writing down everything you eat in a food journal keeps you accountable and helps you spot patterns that might be sabotaging your diet.
  15. Set Goals – Even celebrities have to set goals and work toward them little by little.
  16. Online Coaching – As busy as they are, many stars have to go online to update their food journals and receive diet advice and coaching.
  17. Cleansing – Cleansing diets and products that remove toxins from the body are also popular.
  18. Eat More Often – Instead of eating a few large meals per day, stars often eat several smaller meals – ideally six smaller meals per day.
  19. Interval Training – Interval training combines short, intense bursts of specified training with longer, moderately-paced activities.
  20. Don’t Skip Meals – Skipping meals slows down your metabolism. Never skip meals and always eat breakfast.
  21. Work Out in the Morning – As the day progresses, it gets harder to find time to exercise and easier to find excuses to get out of it. Stars get up early and exercise before doing anything else.
  22. Sleep – People who get too much sleep and those who don’t get enough often weigh more than people who sleep an average of 7 to 9 hours per night.
  23. Manage Stress – Stars manage stress with relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and grounding.
  24. Drink Water – Your body often identifies thirst as hunger. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and curb cravings.
  25. Snacking – Celebrities keep healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and raw vegetables handy in case hunger strikes.

Demetria lost 45 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Demetria lost 45 pounds by cutting out highly processed food, fatty foods, salt and sugar.  She also worked with a personal trainer and began to exercise regularly.   Here is what she shared with us:

I am getting healthy by cutting back on the high fatty foods, by avoiding foods in cans, foods that have salt and sugar in the first 4 ingredients and by eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I say “getting healthy”, because I didn’t have a number of pounds in my head that I wanted to lose, I just wanted to be healthy and get to a healthy weight! I started going to fitness classes last year and hired a personal trainer at the University in our town (less expensive than a professional in a gym and the students really work hard). I now workout with 4-5 times per week and run 3-4 times per week.  I ran my first 5K this past December. The advice I would give others is “DO NOT GIVE UP!”  It took me years to get to this point! The point to where I feel like something is missing if I don’t work out. It really is a stress reliever. I have lost 45lbs and over 2ft from my body and still going! The picture I attached is called “I got this” because my trainer would always say “You got this!” It was like she knew just when to say it! So now that is my motto, I GOT THIS!!

Demetria weight loss before and after