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Shana lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shana lost 75 pounds.  After gaining weight during her second pregnancy she decided to take steps to exercise more and change her eating habits.  She advises us to connect with others who are trying to get healthy in order to stay on track. Check out what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Shana weight loss

Before: 215lbs
After: 140 lbs
“While pregnant with my second child, I gained over 60 pounds. That was the heaviest I had been my entire life. To help fight the weight loss battle, I hired a personal trainer 6 weeks after giving birth. My personal trainer gave me a nutritional plan, made me keep a daily eating journal, and gave me a workout plan. Along with that, I joined a running club. My changing my portion sizes, exercising, and drinking more water, I was able to lose over 70 pounds. I am now smaller than my high school weight, and healthier!

I ate smaller portions of food and more often. The combination of meals that works for me is breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, treat. I kept my daily caloric intake at 1200 calories or less. I also limited my carb intake and increased my protein. I did some form of cardio exercise everyday: walking, jogging, elliptical machines and I do kickboxing once a week. I would advise others to join a group to encourage you to stay on track. Also, I use Spark people for healthy recipe alternatives and to track my calories.”

 

Veronica lost 110 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Veronica.  After giving birth, she is now down 110 pounds.  This mom of 3 wanted to be an inspiration to her 7 year old who was being teased in school for being bigger than the other kids.  Her story shows that you CAN lose the baby weight.

Veronica post baby weight loss

“I just wanted to share my story with you guys!!! I went from 280 pounds to 170 pounds. That’s 110 lbs lost. I did this by eating cleaner and becoming more active. I hit the gym 6 days a week and enjoy different activities when I’m there, like spin class, weight training and cardio.

My motivation was my babies. I have 3 boys and my 7 year old is being teased at school for being heavier then the rest of the kids. I started my journey to let him know that he doesn’t have to stay “chunky”, as they call him. I started drinking water and cut out all sweets and sugars. I eat a clean, lean diet. I also hit the gym almost everyday if possible. I do cardio 3 days a week and strength training with a group. We do the group thing to stay motivated and focused on our goals. Constructive criticism is given when needed and it only makes us push harder. It took me a year to get most of my weight off. My advice to other is that you can do it. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE with God on your side and the will power to do so.”

Veronica before and after

Tempest lost 75 pounds

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Update May 2015: Tempest wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 5 more pounds and is still going strong – “Two years ago I had a baby and I knew I didn’t want to drag alone the “baby fat” that came alone with giving birth, the moment I had my son I started on a health quest to get off the pounds I have now lost 80 pounds and counting and I am still going.  I was in a size 16 and I am in a size 9 now. My motivation is living life! I wanna live! I don’t wanna be hindered to what I can wear. I have two kids I have to keep up with. My eating habits have changed to eating every 2-3 hours small portions. I meal prep every week so that I don’t fail. I strength train twice a week and do cardio 3 days a week. Sometimes, I even workout twice a day. My highest weight was 245 pounds, I am now 165 pounds. My goal weight is 145 lbs. My advice is to never give up, never stop working out, if you have s bad day keep going. My transformation has taken 2 years.”

tempest weight loss storyOriginal Post – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom of 2 Tempest lost 75 pounds.  After finding weight loss success (35 pounds down), she gained 75 pounds during pregnancy.  She was able to shed that weight with what she had already knew about weight loss and her previous actions.  Read about what she did to shed the weight:

Tempest Sheambitious29

“My name is Tempest and I am 29 years old. I have two children, 14 and 10 months old. When I turned 21 my weight went from 140lbs to 210lbs. I was getting out of control and didn’t realize it. I had no idea Where to start. I didn’t know how to read a food label or what a calorie or a carb was. I was very unhappy with myself. I cried a lot, I wanted help but I knew I didn’t have the money for Weight Watchers or a personal trainer. When I turned 26, I was ready to do whatever it took to loose the weight. I no longer wanted to be a prisoner in my own body. My motivation was when I looked in the mirror I wanted to be happy with the person looking back at me. I wanted to feel good about myself again. The first thing I did was googled a grocery list that was healthy. I asked trainers if they knew of any good meal plans.  Last but not least, I let a trainer train me for free and everything he taught me I then did on my own. I worked out every day for 2 hours, sometimes I would go to the gym twice a day. I did lots of cardio and lifted weights maybe once a week. Four months later I lost over 35 pounds with exercise, eating every 2-3 hours and focusing on me (with no negative people around me).

I meal prepped, which is a great way to ensure I had good foods readily available. I transformed myself inside out. Eight months later I got pregnant and gained 75 pounds. Nine months after giving birth, I lost all of that weight. I had transformed twice in two years. The second time I lost weight it was the hardest. I cried and I prayed. I knew that I could do it because I had done it before. I was heavier than I had ever been after my pregnancy. I realize that everyone has a busy life and many don’t really have the time to workout. One thing I want to say is that in order to care for youself you have to make time for yourself. Self care is a very important componant. Its very important that you have supporters and positive surroundings. I hope to help you reach your weight loss goals.”

Instagram: @Sheambitious29
She now creates meal plans and shopping lists for others. http://ambitioushealthyandfree.bigcartel.com

Tempest weight loss

Tempest before and after

Ashly lost 33 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Ashly who lost 33 pounds.  This proud mom lost the weight with her son as her motivation.  I think that this story should be motivational for anyone who is carrying baby weight years after giving birth.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Due to a heart condition I was born with, when I became pregnant it was 8 months of bed rest. Needless to say, I GAINED 67 POUNDS!! I quickly realized my weight was not going anywhere. I tried all types of diets: shakes, drink pour-ins, drops… You name it, I’ve tried it twice. When my son hit two years old, I came to the realization that I needed to get it together. I couldn’t play with my son AND THAT WAS A PROBLEM! I had my ups and downs and my friends, but from Easter 2013 to November 25 2013 I worked my butt off. Every morning,  I went to the gym for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. On my off days, I did stretching exercises. I drank at least a half a gallon of water a day but tried to shoot for a gallon. No fast food (to the best of my ability), cut down on my portions, no fried food, and when I did want something bad to eat, I would try and substitute things that wouldn’t be that bad on me (for example wheat pasta instead of regular pasta). My starting weight was 250 pounds & my current weight is 217 pounds. It wasn’t easy but I stuck through it, not only for me but for my son. I kept thinking, if i die from being overweight who will take care of my son?! My son is my motivation and being the mom other moms look up to isn’t so bad either. My motto for the gym is, ‘IF IT’S NOT HURTING, IT IS SIMPLY NOT WORKING'”

Ashley weight loss blog

The HCG Diet: What Is It and How Does It Work?

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HCG diet planHave you ever heard of HCG or the HCG diet?  It’s been one of the top diet crazes around in the last few years and some people swear by it.  Others think it could cause health issues or that it’s just a fad.  I thought that I’d give you some background info so that you can make your own choice.

What is HCG?  HCG, the abbreviation for human chorionic gonadotropin, is actually found in a woman’s urine during pregnancy. When this was discovered in 1927, it started the journey to the first modern pregnancy tests. To this day, pregnancy tests still use HCG as a determining factor for pregnancy.

But there was something else really interesting about HCG that was discovered as well. Apparently, the substance makes sure that developing fetuses get exactly what they need to grow, no matter what mom has been eating or how much mom eats. The HCG is produced early in the cycle. The fact that women gain weight in areas like the thighs, buttocks, and stomach is impacted by HCG. Once pregnant, these fatty areas make HCG and get it to the baby; that way, if a woman doesn’t get the food she needs during pregnancy, the fat in her body makes sure that the baby is fed properly. HCG levels peak at 14 weeks of pregnancy. It also helps with genital development within the womb as well.

So how in the world does this even relate to a diet and losing weight? About a decade later, a doctor was doing research on the use of HCG in boys who were having issues with hormone imbalance in adolescence. This doctor, A.T.W Simeons, noticed that these boys were losing weight by eating much less and without struggling with hunger. This made him have an interest in using HCG as a diet aid, and in the 1950’s he published a paper talking about its uses; he even developed a regimen to use alongside HCG injections.

Here’s what a typical 26 day cycle of the HCG diet looks like.

  • 23 of the days require daily HCG doses, either with drops or injections.
  • Calories are reduced to 500 calories per day after the third day of HCG doses.
  • Your diet needs to be high in protein, low in starches, carbohydrates, and high fat foods.
  • Diary, sugar, and alcohol are not permitted while on the HCG diet; if you “cheat” on the diet, you need to fast for 24 hours by drinking water and eating six apples, nothing more.

Sometimes, the HCG diet lasts up to 43 days (with 40 daily injections or drop doses), but the treatment will cease after a patient has lost 40 pounds before the agreed on time has passed. The last three days of the cycle are without injections so that the HCG is totally extracted from the body before a normal diet is started again. The diet can last no longer than 40 days, because there seems to be some sort of immunity to the drug that develops after that period of time.  So, basically, your body is able to deal with the super low calories because of the affects of the HCG.  Super low calories for 30-40 days…you lose weight (That’s in most cases.  Not a given or fact because each person is unique).

As you could imagine, there are a number of people who are opposed to the HCG diet for a number of different reasons. First off, the hormone can cause a number of different issues, including headaches, blood clots, constipation, depression, and breast enlargement. Women on the HCG diet have complained about feeling like they are pregnant (which seems like an obvious side effect, since it only occurs naturally during pregnancy). There are a number of issues that can come from that as well.

Another, obviously, dangerous part of the HCG diet is that ridiculously low calorie intake. 500 calories does almost nothing for your body. Even if you are trying to lose weight, it is recommended that you eat somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 calories a day minimum and 1,500 to 1800 minimum if your are exercising. 500 calories doesn’t even touch that. So obviously, you really don’t have the ability to do anything strenuous in terms of working out because you’ll have no energy to do it with. Another issue is that, after restricting your calories that much, you’re likely to gain weight back more quickly when you resume normal eating. Recently, I’ve seen more Homeopathic HCG plans with 1000 calories as the suggested calories per day, which is much better but still very low if you are exercising.

Ultimately, you have to weigh the pros and cons and make your own decision.

Note: The FDA has banned over the counter Real HCG products marketed as weight loss aids and they are illegal.  You shouldn’t be able to find much on the market with real HCG in it right now, therefore the herbs, ingredients, etc in these products varies.  You have to be very careful because you could be allergic to the ingredients or they could be harmful to you. The bottom-line is that the “HCG” drops or shots could be harmless for you but harmful for someone else and vice versa…like any diet pill or aid.  BE CAREFUL! If you decide to try a plan like this, talk with your doctor first.

Dr. Oz Show – Weight-Loss Controversy: HCG Diet, Pt 1.

Does the HCG diet work — and is it safe?

 

Evony lost 60 pounds

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Let’s show Evony some love.  She lost 60 pounds.  At 25 years old, she was on high blood pressure meds, now she has lost the weight by changing her eating habits and exercising.  Here is what she shared with us:

I would like to share my weight loss story. I was only 25 years old when I started taking high blood pressure pills while pregnant with my 2nd child. I made no time to exercise or at all. I was very unhappy with my health. Finally at age 27, I did something about it. In January of 2013, I was 286 pounds and currently I am 226 pounds. I was a size 24.  Now, I’m down to a size 18!  I’m glad to say that I lost the weight and I’m off my blood pressure pills by making healthier food choices and exercise.  For exercise, I walked on the track for 3 to 5 miles, 4 times out the week. I also don’t eat fried foods or sweets.  I eat mostly chicken and turkey.

Evony weight loss before and after

Bri lost 73 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Bri lost 73 pounds.  She was able to lose weight in a healthy way, eat right during pregnancy and deal with a diagnosis of Lupus.  Here is what she shared with us:

My weight loss story! I went from 216 pounds to now 143 pounds in less than a year, after giving birth to 3 children!  After getting pregnant with my second child and giving birth in 2010, I found myself weighing 216 pounds and wearing a size 14/16 in clothes. I struggled with my self esteem and my weight for the next 3 years. Was never quite able to lose it, no matter what I tried! Pills, shakes, bars they wouldnt work! Finally in 2012, I said enough is enough!  I changed my diet and started avidly exercising. I went from eating EVERYTHING I wanted and snacks galore to eating smaller meals and less carbs. I did 75 crunches a night and 110 squats. I walked 2 miles a day and drank A LOT of Water and 100% juice.  I also cut down my sugar intake and No snacks! Fruits! After losing 20 lbs in February, I found out that I was 5 months pregnant with my now 1 year old daughter. I still ate right, exercised and everything throughout my pregnancy. Then, I became very ill and bed ridden around May 2012. I still perservered through my eating. I was then diagnosed with Lupus and told that I could no longer exercise. However, I prayed and asked God to get me through it and he did. I gave birth to my daughter July 3rd 2012 and was 180 pounds. I got a personal trainer and kept on my diet.  Here I stand a year later at 143 pounds and healthy! I battle my Lupus like a good soldier and continue to eat right and exercise!

Bri weight loss story

Monique lost 78 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Monique lost 78 pounds with clean eating and the help of a dedicated personal trainer.  Here is what she shared with us:

I was focused and dedicated to my journey. I lost 78 pounds and competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition on 6/29/13…What an experience!

My struggle with my weight begun with my first pregnancy 20 years ago. The weight packed on quick. I gained over 70 pounds. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and gave birth to a Premie. I continued to gain after delivering my son, as a result of the birth control I chose. I tried every diet out on the market in my attempts to gain control.  Not understanding that word (Diet) was the problem. Fast forward, 10 years later, we finally were pregnant with our 2nd child (a baby girl that was also a Premie). I also developed Gestational Diabetes with the second pregnancy and additional weight gain added to my overall weight.  I never loss the pounds from 10 years earlier with our first child. Shortly after the birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 30’s. This is where I had to seriously make some serious changes to my health.

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I couldn’t lose the weight for vanity, but once it effected my health, I knew it had gotten out of control. I had to educate myself and make the needed changes in order to save my life. I was directed to the Diet Doctor A.K.A. Terry Starks on Facebook. He introduced me to the clean eating lifestyle. I quickly adopted to the lifestyle and applied it as a way of life from 2012 to present. My weight was at my highest was 220lbs after the delivery of our 2nd child. Can you imagine that on a 5″2″ frame? I loss a total of 78 pounds to date. I’m proud to say I took it to another level and challenged myself with the help of Terry Starks and entered my 1st of many bikini bodybuilding competition at 44 years young on 6/29. I took 4th place. I hope to inspire and motivate others just like myself. . You can do it! In order to CHANGE your BODY… YOU must first CHANGE your MIND. ..REAL LIFE!!!

Monique weight loss before and after

Nikia lost 150 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Nikia lost 150 pounds.  She started at 389 pounds and lost the weight by working out religiously and changing her eating habits.  After being told she had a 10% chance of having a child, she is a proud mom.  Here is what she shared with us:

nikia weight loss storyHello! My name is Nikia Dejoie and I wanted to share my journey with you all. In 2003, at only 22 I finally got on a scale…and to my surprise it read 389 pounds. I was blown away. Already boarderline diabetic, I was taking high blood pressure medicine and was in the worst physical shape possible. I was also informed that due to my weight, I had a hormone malfunction which put me in the 90% chance of never conceiving a child category. I took control of my life and decided that I wanted better. I then began to workout religiously, I completely changed my eating habits, and in about 1 year and a half I was down to 178 pounds in 2005. Over the years I celebrated this new found person i had become, I lived life like I had never lived before, met the man of my dreams, I fell in love, I got married, i started a new career, and in 2011 (shortly after I got married)…I became PREGNANT. (Yippee) With everything happening so fast and life being so good, of course I gained about 80 pounds back. After celebrating a good friend’s birthday in January 2013 she posted pictures on Facebook. I almost screamed when I saw myself. I was becoming that person AGAIN that I had buried in 2003. I started my change immediately. I worked out 5 days a week for 1 and 1/2 hours, I eliminated all fried foods, soda, pork, starch, and beef. On June 2 2013, I was down 52 pounds! I am still on this new lifestyle change and I still have a long road ahead of me to maintain this. I plan to stick with it and provide support to any and everyone on this road to a healthier life… Here are a few photos. Anyone can follow my journey on Nikki’s Makeup Lounge on Facebook or missmakeup_artist on instagram.

Nikia weight loss before and after

Tecoye lost 69 pounds

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Today’s amazing weight loss before and after story:  Tecoye lost 69 pounds.  At 4’11” this mom went from 185 to 116 and developed some amazing abs as well. She lost the weight with portion control, changing her diet, and exercise. Her weight loss motivation is very moving. Here is what she shared with us:tecoye weight loss before and after

I have been overweight most of my life, and because I am only 4’11, any extra weight I have makes it even harder to carry at my size. I was 185 pounds and I was so uncomfortable in my skin and could not do the things I wanted to do with my kids. My husband is my biggest motivation. We were both overweight and tried many times to lose weight and be healthy.

During my first pregnancy, I developed high blood pressure and knew I definitely needed to make a change. My husband and I starting working out until I got pregnant for a second time. During that time, I converted back to some of my old habits. After that pregnancy, I weighed 165 pounds. During both pregnancies, medical issues contributed to early deliveries. My blood pressure was so high when I was pregnant with my son that they had to induce me at 34 weeks. The doctors were afraid that I might slip into a coma. With my daughter, I went into labor and delivered her at 28 weeks. She was only 2.6lbs and spent 2 months in the hospital. Even though it was undetermined why I had went into labor with her so early, it was my personal belief that I could have done more to prevent it.

From that point, I promised myself I would never be like that again. The biggest thing for me is preparation. I prepare my meals ahead of time so I always know what I am going to eat and take to work. My rule of thumb is if I didn’t bring it, I don’t eat it. I incorporated more protein in my diet and pride myself in eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. I don’t eat fried foods and strictly limit myself on carbs and sugars. I also drink at least 80 ounces of water throughout the day. I got up every morning before work at 4:30 and worked out in my basement. I also changed what I was eating. I started off walking on the treadmill and using the elliptical for at least 30 minutes. As I got better I continually increased the intensity of my workouts. I did a lot of jumping exercises like box jumps, jumping jacks and burpees. The first month I lost 15lbs and was excited to continue. As I got smaller the weight became harder to lose, so I started doing yoga. Doing that really sculpted my body. I started in December of 2012 and reached my current weight of 116 pounds in June of 2013.  I am in the best shape of my life. I now have just as much energy as my kids to be able to run and keep up with them.

tecoye weight loss before and after