Black Weight Loss Success

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Terri lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Terri lost 58 pounds.  This petite 5’2″ sista was able to improve her health after being diagnosed with kidney disease with the help of a supportive Facebook community.  She committed herself to wellness and weight loss!  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Terri weight loss photos

“Hello, I’m Terri Little, I am 48 years old. I am married with 2 grown sons and 1 daughter-in-law. I was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 32. At that time my Renal doctor told me that I would most likely have kidney failure in 10 years because both kidneys were affected. He also told me if I lose weight that it would help my kidneys. I tried every fad diet out there, I lost a few pounds here and there but always gained it back. My doctor prescribed steroids that I took for about 6 months. The weight gain and side effects were unbelievable! I gained 15 pounds. I gave up trying to lose weight.

In 2011, I made my usual New Years Resolution to lose weight. Surprisingly I lost 20 pounds. I was at my largest at that time, 190 pounds and I stand at 5’2. In April 2012, (weight 172 size 10), a friend of mine added me to a lifestyle weight loss group on Facebook, that was founded by a personal trainer on the east coast. At that same time my labs for my kidney test were not good, so I said to myself, I’m going to try the group out and see if I could really lose the weight naturally and really stick with it to improve my health. As being part of the group we were to post our meals and workouts and he would give us advice on eating healthy and different kinds of exercises. That is when my journey began. The group was so motivating! I would see others overweight/obese like myself working out, posting their healthy meals, pictures and videos. He would also give us challenges. One challenge in particular I enjoyed was July 2012 was to purchase in the dress size we wanted to be. I purchased a size 4. By the end of the challenge I was able to fit that dress!

How I lost the weight: First, I stopped eating processed foods, white flour, white sugar, white rice, no fried foods of any kind. I use agave nectar as my sweetener, I bake, grill, boiling, broiled and steam my meat and veggies. I gave up all red meat. I drink half my body weight in spring water daily and cups of organic green tea. I make all sort of smoothies. I love to cook and have been told I’m a great cook  I enjoy making over my dishes so they can be healthy. I workout at the gym and at home 5-6 times a week. I love my 3 pound hula hoop, it’s really helped trim my waistline. I do strength training, free weights, cables and band. Interval cardio training on elliptical and stationary bike (something I learned from personal training in lifestyle group).

By November 2012, I reached my goal of 132 lbs. I now weight 135-138 and I have lost over 50 lbs since 2011. I wear a 4 size, sml and extra sml. I am within normal weight range for my age and height. I’m happy to say my Renal doctor was right! I lost the weight my kidney function is normal! I no longer take any medications. I now see my Renal doctor once a year. For years, I saw him every 3 months. I am overjoyed for what I accomplished! With A LOT of Prayer, Self determination and motivations from others I reached my goal! I get emotional just thinking about it. Thankful!! I’m eating for Life literally! I always say it possible.”

Terri weight loss journey Terri weight loss story

 

Erika lost 42 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Erika lost 42 pounds.  This 5’2″ diva went from 180 to 138 after years of trying diet pills and fads.  A friend’s success with just eating right and calorie counting inspired her and now her story can inspire others to do the same. Here is what she shared with us:

Erika weight loss before and after

October 17, 2012 for the third time I decided I was going to give losing weight a try. The first time I tried taking phentermine diet pills and after losing my first 7 pounds in 3 days I couldn’t lose anymore, I gave up. The second time I tried the HCG diet and lost 12 pounds, but after a month I gave up because I was still hungry. After waiting a whole year I had gained all that weight back. At the age of 23 I was 5’2″ tall and weighing 180 pounds. I was overweight, uncomfortable, unhappy, and had low self-esteem. That wasn’t the person I knew for 22 years of my life. After 3 years, I was finally fed up with being that person.

On October 17, 2012 I woke up and looked in the mirror and said to myself “I’m about to lose this weight once and for all”. This time I was serious because after seeing one of my close friends lose 14 pounds in one month by just eating healthy and counting calories, it gave me hope. That very same day that’s what I did. I downloaded a app on my phone called “Lose it”, which by the way is one of the best things to happen to me. That app helped me tremendously. My very first month I lost 12 pounds. By Christmas I was down 21 pounds. Finally I had found something that worked for me. I was so happy. After 3 months of losing weight just by eating healthy I decided to add some exercise in. I took Zumba classes once a week and I stayed in the gym. I weigh 138 pounds (42 pounds lighter) and I’m feeling like the person I used to be. My goal was to be able to wear a belly shirt, but most importantly to be healthy and fit. Best decision I’ve ever made. Im still eating healthy and exercising to stay in shape and this is now a lifestyle.

Could you tell us more about how you changed your eating habits?

VEGETABLES & FRUITS
I love salad so I eat salad a lot. I try eating different meats in my salad such as low sodium bacon, turkey and chicken lunch meat, or tilapia. I make sure I eat vegetables especially green vegetables with every meal (broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas, etc. I also eat lots of fruit (apples, bananas, watermelon, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, mango, blueberries, and especially pineapples because they help with digestion.

MEATS
I eat fish (tilapia or salmon), turkey (bacon, ground, burger, etc… and chicken, mainly breast (baked, grilled, or broiled). I try eating 6 times a day, 3 small meals and three snacks.

DRINKS
I started off drinking crystal light but now I only drink lemon water and smoothies. Sometimes, I may drink a smoothie in place of a meal. In my smoothies I use frozen and fresh fruit, almond milk, and sometimes frozen yogurt.

SNACKS
I am a big snacker so when I’m craving sweets I buy and eat 100 calorie snacks such as (cookies, brownies, chocolate candy, pastries, chips, etc, or I may have some fruit. I eat a lot of Special K and weight watchers products (frozen dinners, cereals, ice creams, cheese, etc.

Anissa lost 76 pounds

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The amazing 5’2″ Fitness Diva Anissa Mcunu stopped by our Facebook page and shared her before and after photos and her story with us.  She lost 76 pounds. This mom of 3 is truly an inspiration and started competing at 42 years old.  I first learned of her on BWLW member Wiltrina‘s Facebook page (Wiltrina is one of my fav success stories).  Here is what she shared:

“I am a 44 year old wife and mother of three that has battled being overweight most of my life. One day, while trying on a size 18 suit in a store’s dressing room, I looked in the mirror and cried. I was so tired of eating myself to death. I decided right then and there that I was just to pretty to be a size 18 at 5’2 and 180 pounds. I had to save ME!!

Right after, I took baby steps. I changed my diet by not eating any fried foods. I lost my first 50 pounds by myself. Later, I hired a trainer and I weight trained.  I also did cardio with him 5-6 days a week. He taught me the importance of eating clean and I lost another 25 pounds.

My starting weight was 180 pounds and my lowest weight was 104 pounds. It took me about 5 months to lose the first 50 pounds, but once I started to eat clean and weight train the last 25 fell off very quickly and I toned up nicely. Once I toned up and gained lean muscle mass, I decided to compete at the age of 42 where I came in 2nd place in figure.
I just competed in my final show where I placed 1st & 2nd place in women’s physique. I love to encourage and inspire others to know that it’s never too late and that they TOO ARE WORTH IT!  KEEP PUSHING,Y’ALL!”

Anissa mcunu

Angelique lost 50 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Angelique who lost 50 pounds.  This 5’1″ wife and mom was able to improve her health and weight by changing her eating habits, using MyFitnessPal and exercising with workout DVDs.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

My name is Angelique and I am a mother and a wife. Back in February 2011, I looked at myself in the mirror and had an “ah ha” moment. I cried so long and so hard. I decided at the weight of 215 pounds, my heightest ever, that it was time for a change. I am only 5’1 tall and that much weight on my frame was not flattering. I went to see my doctor and she advised me that I was prediabetic, had high cholesterol, and was at risk for other chronic illnesses. I decided enough was enough! I did my research and on July 27,2011, I decided to embark on my journey to wellness. I cut out all sweets, fried foods, minimized my pork and beef intake.  I also stopped eating processed foods, got rid of the sodas, started eating more fruit, increased my water and got moving! I started juicing and drinking smoothies. I am happy to say, as of now, I am down 50 pounds and I have a goal to lose 30 more. My children and my husband are my big motivators. They push me when I feel like I want to stop. I use My fitness pal, C25K, Insanity, Hip Hop Abs, and I love Jillian Michaels DVD’s. I try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio everyday. I eat as clean as possible. You can do it, I have, never give up! My dream is to be a runner and it’s going to happen!

Angelique weight loss story

Andrea lost 32 pounds

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Check out Andrea’s weight loss story.  She lost weight with Weight Watchers and regular exercise.  I think her story is a good example that it’s hard to keep the weight off after you’ve lost it.  Sometimes, you have to revisit and recommit to your overall health goals for the long haul to maintain weight loss for good.  Here is what she shared with us:

Most of my life the journey to a healthier lifestyle has always been a challenge. I am a petite 4’11 inch At at this point I realize that this is a real journey. This battle is more mental than physical. I didn’t do surgery. Everything is self discipline. Now that I have gained back almost half of the weight that I lost, I want to catch my self before I go all the way back. So please be encouraged ladies we are in this together.

Most of my life I have been a plump girl. I always maintain a size 12 to 14 for most of my life. After having two children and the stress of owning a business in the recession of 2009 I went up to a size 20. I am a petite (4’11”) woman, so obviously that is too much weight. Because of the stress I was under, I turned to food for comfort. However, I really want to be an example to my children. I want to be a healthy mom.

I decided to join Weight Watchers online. I like the fact that it teaches you healthier options and portion control. My parents are from Alabama, so I love my soul food one and a while. I have tried diet pills in the past and other fad diets but Weight Watchers works for me. It’s truly a lifestyle.

I exercise 3-5 says a week by doing Taebo, Turbo Jam, Jillian Michaels, Zumba, and moderate weight lifting. Let’s just say I love to dance and kick!

In December 2009, I was 205 pounds.  By December 2011, I was 137 pounds. Today, I weigh 173 pounds do to lack of dicipline and exercise. I am determined to conquer this battle with my weight once and for all so that I can motivate some other women to do the same.

Andrea weight loss before and after

Simone lost 110 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before & after story:  Simone lost 110 pounds.  This 5’3″ diva embraced eating right, monitoring her calorie intake and exercising 6 days a week.  Here is what she shared with us:

I would love to share my before and after pictures.  I lost  110lbs and I’m truly loving my life and my sleep since.   My doctor never told me that it could be my weight that was the issue causing me not to get any sleep.  I just want the world to know that it’s never to let to take your life back. My journey started with a picture that I took and posted to Facebook.  When I went back to my folder of pictures I could not believe what I saw.  That person was not me…but sad to say it was.  After wiping the tears away and putting the “beat myself up bat” away, I started a new way of life.  It was hard, I won’t lie.  My life with this weight had me in a situation where I could not sleep.  My knees and back would hurt nonstop.  I couldn’t even walk around the block without being out of breath.  Trying to do what I love to do, which was dancing, was hopeless.  I could not even get through a 4 minute song.

Each day, I got up and looked at that picture.  I started eating right.  I was eating food that would only last seven days and when I did not want to cook I ate lean cuisine, which was the next best thing.  I stopped drinking sweet tea and opted for water.  My fitness pal and calories counters are my best friend.  I have them on my phone, my laptop and my iPad so I have no excuse.  When I go out to eat, I ask for the calorie sheets because it is important to know what I am putting in my body.

Also, I work out six days a week.  No excuse!  I walk my dogs  for a 1/2 a mile and started dancing again.  I now can dance to not just a song, but a whole album.  Lol.  My top weight, when I went to by doctor in the beginning, was 232 pounds (my height is 5’3).   Yes, I was carrying around another person, so no wonder my knees and back were hurting.  Today I am proud to say I have been maintaing my weight at 125lbs for over a year now.  Guess what!  My doctor is even jealous of the weight I have lost and he calls me his roll model.   Also, I must give a shout out to Black Women Losing Weight.  Your stories keep me inspired to be the best I can be.  I am proud to say that I am 47 years old and in better shape know than I was in my twenties.   It’s never to late to take your life back.  I did and I’m loving it.

Simone weight loss before and after