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Lisa lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lisa lost 100 pounds.  This proud mom started at over 300 pounds and has changed her eating habits to battle emotional eating and improve her health significantly.  Not only has her life changed, but she was also a positive, motivating influence on her family.  Here is what she shared with us…

lisa before and after

Hi, I’m Lisa Cole. In 2012, after being tired of being sick as well as life kicking me in the behind, I decided to live a healthy lifestyle.  I wanted a lifestyle that was not just physically healthy, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy. At 45 years old, it was time to make sure that I was still here for my kids in 10 years, especially since my own mom passed at 45.

Weighing in at 318 lbs, I began watching what I allowed in my body, in my space, and my life. Although years before I feed my emotions with drugs, my addiction to food and feeding emotions had to change. So, the healing began with giving it all to God. It has been a long journey.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out fast foods the first month. No sugar, sodas, fried foods. I increased water to 1-2 gallons a day. During my first 2 months I ate 1 cup of any green veggies, 1/2-1 cup of rice and baked or grilled chicken or fish the size of a deck of cards. I had 3 meals a day and all the fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese I wanted. After 1 month I allowed myself one cheat day a week. I found by two months I could no longer eat anything bad because I would get physically sick. I prep my meals in advance for the week. I grabbed one when I left house in order to resist buying fast foods. I also find that pre-making meals keeps you from going in starvation mode because you just toss them in microwave. With processed foods out and lots of fresh veggies and fruit, I realized my grocery bill cut was in half by preparing fresh foods. Try price comparing and find sales in stores. When eating out, I ask for to go box with half the meal and I eat the other half. My trick now is eating from a bowl or plate the size of my hand span. If the food portion doesn’t fit, I can’t have it.

I had medical issues, including arthritis and chronic back painso I couldn’t workout but I would park the car far from my destinations and get some walking in when my body permitted. When I started in 2012, I was on 20 different medications and today I am on 3 meds. Making me first and learning my health comes first helps me get through stress. I keep busy and my mind is occupied. This week I have started working out and even taking a yoga class. My body still tries to dictate limitations but I push past that. I am in control and I plan.to stay that way

 

I lost 100 pounds with just eating healthier and portion control. I still battle feeding my emotions with food in tough times but it’s one I won’t give up. It is not an option. Also, in changing the entire household food dynamics my two young adult children lost a significant amount of weight too.  They now have adopted this way of living and are now living on their own. In my case, losing the weight became easier when my old pains were feed with healing.

Lisa weight loss transformation

Deseree lost 40 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Deseree lost 40 pounds and transformed herself. This proud mom decided that enough was enough after her doctor told her that she was obese.  She shared with us about her reasons for losing the weight…

Deseree before and after

My motivation was that I was tired of being tired, physically and emotionally. I was tired of saying to myself “This ain’t me.” and beings as though I’m an actress, my self esteem was really low when trying on clothes that didn’t fit. I’m a mother or three, ages 22, 19 and 6. I also have a 2 year old grandchild. Grandmother sounds too old so I’m a “Mema”. I have to keep up with them. When my doctor told me that I was obese I couldn’t believe it because I thought you really have to be extremely overweight to be obese.

I use to eat junk food, fast food and fried food. I had to take citrate, a liquid laxative, and I took it so much that it made me sick. Now, I don’t have too take anything to be regular. I eat fruits and vegetables a lot now. When my older kids we’re younger junk food was the thing, but now me and my youngest daughter eat healthier and love all natural products. She prefers to eat all brown foods, no white, processed foods.

I stared walking in the mornings, putting my youngest in her 3 wheel stroller and we were out. My son had 8 pound weights so I started using them. My youngest and I still walk for exercise today. We usually walk a mile but when I’m alone I walk or run 5 to 6 miles a day. I feel great an if I don’t workout or have my walk/run I feel guilty.

My body has changed a lot and it is use to all the changes now. I was 193 pounds and now I’m 153 pounds. My goal weight is 140 pounds. I’m so relieved to be out of those 90s (height: 5’7″). I came a long way and I still have a ways to go. I still want some thickness and curves, but to be honest I haven’t seen my curves yet but I’m craving them. I want to have a nice backside and a healthy outer/inner glow. My advice is that you should do it first for health reasons and no matter what you have to deal with,  love yourself first and foremost. You could be feeling great instead of looking at someone else looking good and feeling bad. That’s motivation right there. Start each new day knowing that anyone can do it. Time waits for no-one, but you can work with that very same time to change your life.

Deseree weight loss

Ebony lost 30 pounds

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ebonejuly15updateUpdate July 2015: I have been on my fitness journey for two years now. I’ve been maintaining my weight loss by continuing to eating clean and by working out at least five times a week. I have been so blown away by my progress that I decided to start Naturalqueenfitness! A movement based out of long beach and los angeles. I get women together to get fit the fun and natural way!  I want for them to represent as the fitness queens that they are! Together we inspire, motivate, and empower! We do different meetups from zumba to twerk class. This lifestyle is for life! I have lost 30 pounds and feel fitness has changed me overall. Mentally and physically. I am so grateful to have found fitness and im loving my journey!!!
For schedule: www.meetup.com/natural-queen-fitness

ebony lost 31 poundsUpdate Feb 2015 – Ebony’s lost a few more pounds since Nov 2014: “I’ve been on my journey for a year and a half now. Starting weight: 201lbs, current weight: 170lbs. I owe it to consistency, clean eating, working out 5-6 days a week and lots of water! Thank u for sharing my story!!”

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Ebony lost 27 pounds and learned the most important rule of weight loss: You can’t expect to lose weight without changing your eating habits.  Her motivation was that she wanted to avoid a family history of illness and be here to see generations to come.  She is still on her journey, but wanted to share her success…

Ebony before and after

Hello my name is Ebony and I started my fitness journey in August of 2012. My motivation for wanting to workout and get healthy was my family history of diseases. Everything from diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. I did not want that to be my story. I plan on being here for a long time to see my daughter grow and to maybe one day see my granchildren and great grandchildren grow. On top of the fact that I was over 200 lbs. It was then that I said I’m going to make a change.

In the beginning, it wasn’t the exercise I had a problem with, it was eating clean. I would workout and still eat anything that I wanted. I lost the first ten pounds fast but then noticed a plateau. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t losing weight anymore and then I looked at the way I ate. You cannot expect to lose weight and still eat any way you want. So, I had to switch up my eating habits. I cut out all junk foods and processed foods. I stopped eating out and cooked more. I started eating more fruits and vegetables, incorporated green smoothies into my diet and cut out all sodas and juices. I drink strictly water with all meals as well.

I workout 5-6 days a week for at least an hour or more depending on what I’m doing. I like to switch up my workouts so I don’t get bored with the same thing. I hike, bike, walk, run, stairs, as well as workout in the gym with weights and fitness classes. Anything to get my workout in!

My starting weight was 201 lbs and my current weight is 174 lbs. I am 5’7″. I still not where I wanna be but I’m getting there! The advice I would give to others who are trying to lose weight would be to do it naturally! No supplements, no waist trainers, etc. Just clean eating and exercise really works!! Also, drink lots of water!! Water is so important and one of the keys to losng weight. Drink at least half of your body weight. Lastly…dont give up!! You can do it!! Thanks for sharing my story!! 
Please follow my fitness page and see my journey! @Naturalqueenfitness

Ebony weight loss journey

Tiffani lost 54 pounds

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Update Oct 2016 – Tiffani has maintained her love of fitness and her weight loss for 2 years.

tiffani before and after“Since my last submission a few things have changed. I’m so excited to share them with you! I am now a certified personal trainer and healthy living coach. I’ve competed in 5 Bikini Competitions. In my most recent competition, I placed 2nd overall. I’ve also managed to get my body fat % down to 14%. The thing that changed the most is that I am now vegan/pescatarian. I say “pescatarian” because I only eat seafood and “vegan” because I don’t consume any eggs or dairy products. I love the difference my new lifestyle change has made in my life! And I can’t want to share my next progress picture with you all.”

tiffani

September 2014 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tiffani lost 54 pounds.  This strong petite diva gained 60 pounds during pregnancy and shared with us what she had to do to get rid of the pounds.  She recently competed in her first bikini competition in Aug and  wants to now be in the fitness business.

Tiffani before and after

In June 2012, I had my son. I gained 60lbs during my pregnancy. After having my 9 lbs 1 oz son via c-section, my body was stretched everywhere and I was still carrying a lot of fat. I am 5´4 and I weighed 170 lbs after delivery. I participated in my first 5k race the month after I had my son and I loved it! From there, I started training for my first full marathon. I started walking a lot more and running a little. I lost a little weight but I was still far from where I wanted to be. In February 2013, I ran/walked the full marathon (26 miles). After completing the marathon I felt like I could do anything and so I decided to change my lifestyle completely.

I started eating more often and smaller portions. I downloaded the my fitness pal app and started watching my daily calories. I began doing Zumba class and running much more. I got down to 148 pounds. In June 2013, I lost my grandmother and all discipline went out the window. I began eating and drinking everything in sight. I got back up to 156 lbs. On August 28, 2013, I decided enough is enough! I was ready to change my life and health for good! I started prepping my meals for the week so that I never got hungry enough to eat badly. I went back to using my fitness pal to track my caloric intake versus how many calories I burn exercising. I met lots of people who were on the same path as I am who could keep me accountable and I could do the same for them. This helped a lot!!

I stopped eating red meat and almost all processed foods (no white anything i.e. bread, pasta, rice, etc). I also cut high calorie drinks from my diet. No Starbucks, no soda, no sugary juices. I started drinking at least a gallon of water a day, 100% fruit juices, or black coffee with almond milk instead of cream and no sugar. I began working out between 5-7 days a week. I would do at least an hour of cardio before weight training. After every workout, I would consume a high protein meal or shake to help feed my muscles. I got a workout partner who wouldn’t allow me to show weakness or give up. In May 2014, I started training for my first bikini competition. My diet became much more strict, I had to train much harder, and I had to use much more discipline when it came to how often I ate and the portion size. The day of my competition on August 23, 2014 I weighed 116lbs and I took 4th place! I’ve never been more proud of my determination and drive to complete such a hard task! In the process of just trying to “lose some weight” I fell madly in love with fitness! I’ve changed my major from nursing to physical therapy, I have started the process to starting my own health, fitness, and nutrition company. I’m also training to become a personal trainer!

Instagram: @MISSTNT_FLYYNFITT

Tiffani weight loss story

Lajuana lost 30 pounds

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Lajuana lost 30 pounds. She realized that she was not just curvy, but overweight.  After facing major health issues and surgery, she decided it was time to change her life.  Here is what she shared with us:

Lajuana before and after

“My name is Lajuana Wood and I am so happy to be able to tell my story today! Throughout my life I was told that I was “thick” or “big boned” as individuals like to say in the black community. I didn’t realize that I was really overweight with a curvy shape, leaving me to buy into the coke bottle hoax. I grew up in a single parent home with 4 brothers and most of our meals were soul food and any other easy processed thing we could get our hands on. All our plates looked the same and there was no difference in portion sizes; therefore I never knew any different until I got older.

It wasn’t until I found out I had Hypothyroid that things changed. I knew I’d been gaining weight at an alarming rate but didn’t know what was wrong. Once diagnosed, I had to have my thyroid removed leaving me with a very large scar that scales my chest. This was devastating to me. I was now overweight with this hideous scar and a disorder that keeps my weight on a constant fluctuation. I was so down and I knew I needed a change. I embraced my scar and then embraced needing to live a healthier life. I struggled with the idea of living healthy. “What does that mean?” is the question I kept asking myself each and every time a new diet failed or I had to switch medications.

I never knew the benefit and power of eating fruits and vegetables and how satisfying and light they make me feel. Today I workout 5 days a week, eat regularly health conscious meals, support my healthy life style with supplements like Herballife, and a great support team. As of July 3rd I am down 30 lbs. and counting. I feel amazing and happier than ever because I did this for me, not him or her but for me and I thank God he allowed me to live this long so that I could see myself accomplish this victory. Now that I am on this journey I asked others join it as well. I send out weekly weight loss progress reports; I post motivational quotes and invite others to join me each and every day. I want everyone to experience the joy I have found.”

Lajuana weight loss story

What are the best carbs to eat when you are slimming down?

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best carbs slimmingWhen you are trying to slim down one of the most difficult things to manage is your carb intake. Some weight loss plans promote “no carbs at all” or very little carbs.  For many people, that is not a good idea, especially if you are looking to lose the weight and to keep the weight off long term because you have to commit to eating that way for life to keep the pounds off. Healthy carbs, like healthy fats, are necessary to the healthy functioning of your body and the metabolic process of burning fat.

What is the difference between a “good” carb and a “bad” carb?

While carbs are necessary for fat loss, some carbs are not the best for it. The main difference between a “good” carb and a “bad” carb comes down to whether or not they are simple or complex. A simple carb is one that the body can convert to glucose quickly. A complex carbohydrate is metabolized more slowly. A simple carb can provide you with a quick blast of energy and fuel, often followed by a crash similar to a sugar crash. The complex carb provides a longer lasting source of energy. FIBER is a major factor of whether a carb is complex or not.  For example, an orange is complex and table sugar is not. This becomes important as the process of burning fat is something that takes hours, not minutes. You may feel tighter and lighter after you work out, but the truth is that it simply starts a process of burning fat that takes hours for the body to complete. The body needs a complex fuel source during that process to burn fat most efficiently that will not be loaded with unneeded processed sugar, fats or chemicals.

Here are some of the best carbs to eat when you are slimming down.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a grain that provides you with an excellent source of complex carbs. One of the best things about quinoa is that it can be used as a replacement for rice or pasta. The grain expands and softens when cooked and holds flavor well. White bleached rice is one of the hidden bugaboos of dieting as one cup of cooked rice (the typical dinner serving) can have more calories than the rest of the meal. Quinoa provides you with a replacement that is low calorie, has good fiber and still delivers on taste.

Popcorn

Surprise! Corn has made the list. Popcorn is a starchy food that can provide you with an excellent source of the right carbohydrates. The trick is not to ruin the goodness of popcorn with what you choose to top it with. A little butter is fine, but not butter flavored popcorns or a highly salted one. If you want a topping, add it yourself so you know how many calories are added.  Try herbs and salt-less seasonings.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great way to start the day because it gives you a solid store of energy to work with. You won’t find that you get the mid-morning hunger pangs if you eat this first. Breakfast is exceedingly important when you are slimming down because your body is coming off of a fast period between dinner and sleep. If you don’t eat, your body may slow your metabolism to conserve energy.  Imagine doing that every morning…you can see where the problem would come in. Making sure you take in the right, long-lasting fuel in the morning will prevent you from eating the wrong things during the morning.  Try fresh fruit, cinnamon and nuts as a topping.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread has more nutrients in it than most and unlike the white breads; it does not use processed flours. Processed and bleached flours take the complex carbohydrates of wheat and make them into simple carbs.  Tip: Everyone gets tempted in the bread aisle to reach beyond the whole wheat and grab some multi-grain bread. Don’t do it. With rare exception, many multi-grain breads are nothing but white breads with a rolled topping. Stay with the whole, unbleached wheat brands and reach your goals.

Whole Wheat Pasta

The same goes for pasta as it does with bread. Whole wheat is better for you because it remains complex. Also, there is a surprising amount of riboflavin and fiber in whole wheat choices. Both of those are essential for weight loss.

Peas

Peas by themselves are a good source of complex carbs because of their starchy content and the shell provides the fiber you need. Its putting them with corn that makes it too much of a good thing and something that should be provided.

Beans

Another great carb is any bean or legume. Not only are these complex carbs but the protein and fiber content in beans make them more filling with less calories and promotes the fat loss process too.

Fruit

Fruit is your friend.  Sure, there is sugar in it but it’s not bleached white sugar or corn syrup.  This sugar also comes with vitamins, nutrients and fiber.  Fruit is great for those of us with sugar cravings who want to eat something healthy and natural.  As long as you don’t have blood sugar issues, digestive issues related to fruit or specific fruit allergies, eat it up!

Veggies

As long as you are not frying them, slathering them in tons of butter or overwhelming them with oil, have all the veggies you want.  This goes double for uncooked raw veggies.  Vegetables are an amazing source of fiber, nutrients and vitamins!

Terkeisa lost 60 pounds

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Terkeisa lost 60 pounds by cutting out junk food and soda.  She embraced healthy eating and consistent exercise. Here is her weight loss story:

Terkeisa before and after weight loss

“My name is Terkeisa Brown and I’m 32 years of age. I have battled with my weight for my entire life. I’m 4’11” and at my highest weight I was 230 pounds. I decided to start losing weight in September of 2012 by cutting out sodas and McDonald’s. I started walking at least a mile a day and drinking plenty water. By November of 2012, I had dropped 25 pounds. In December of 2012, I found out I was pregnant. During my pregnancy, I wanted everything I ate to be healthy. I didn’t want to get back on the wrong track.  I had my third son on August 4,2013 and a week later I was back to walking two to three miles a day and making sure not to eat any processed foods or soda. I also ate plenty of fish and chicken.  I love the George Foreman grill so I grill everything. By my 6 week check up, I was down to 187 pounds and after that I started going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week. I started off doing nothing but cardio at the gym. Now I go 3 to 4 days a week and I still do a lot of cardio but I’m also lifting weights now, trying to tone my arms, thighs and legs. My current weight is 170 pounds.  Before and After photo: In the first pic I was 230 pounds.  In the second I was 205 pounds and the last is at my current weight of 170 pounds.

My advice to all my beautiful black women that are trying to lose weight is to start off slow and make sure that you’re mentally ready. You may fall off the wagon but you can get right back on. Make lifestyle changes! Start by taking things out of your diet that are bad for you, like fried foods, sweets and soda. Try challenging yourself to see how long you can stay on the treadmill or how many miles you can walk. Most importantly do it for you and love yourself ladies. I’m on Facebook: Terkeisa Brown and Instagram: @hellonheels81 if anyone wants to contact me!”

January 2014 Green Smoothie Cleanse

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greeen smoothie cleanse 2014It’s monthly challenge time! We will start off 2014 with a 14 day Green Smoothie Cleanse. 

What are green smoothies? A green smoothie is a smoothie that has fresh leafy greens in it, such as collard greens, kale, swiss chard or spinach. This is in addition to the most common smoothie ingredient: fruit of all kinds!  You can also use various vegetables, fresh green herbs, nut milks, unsweetened protein powder, yogurt, raw nuts, coconut oil, seeds (chia, flax), and more!

OUR GOAL FOR JANUARY:  We will use green smoothies for meal replacement and to give our bodies a rest from processed, chemical filled foods.  We will take this time to replace the foods we should not be eating with healthy green smoothies. Give your digestion a rest, detoxify, experience more energy, and get control of your eating habits.

Option 1:  If you really need to let go of some foods that you are addicted to, I suggest this plan.

  • Week 1 – Green smoothies, water and herbal tea only.  Smoothies should be 24 to 32 oz to replace a meal.  It is fine to add natural, unsweetened protein powder to your smoothies.  Drink as many smoothies as you want.  The goal is for you to be full.  I’d suggest 3-4 smoothies per day.  If you feel hungry…have a smoothie.
  • Week 2 – 2 green smoothies and 1-2 healthy, clean meals a day.  You can also have healthy snacks.*
 *Snacks: If you feel very hungry between meals you can have these snacks

  • Uncooked veggies
  • Fresh fruit
  • Raw almonds
  • Raw walnuts
  • Water with lemon
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Plain Greek Yogurt with some fresh fruit on top
  • Whole grain cereal with no sugar added
  • Plain Oatmeal with fruit or honey

Option 2:

  • 2 Weeks of replacing 1-2 meals with a 24 – 32 oz green smoothie.  For example, you could replace breakfast with a smoothie and then eat a healthy lunch and dinner.   The goal is for you to be as full as you would be with your regular meals so you will likely drink more than the minimum 24 oz.  You can extend this option for the whole month of January if you like.

Try going GREEN: Green smoothies are powerhouses of nutrients and enzymes. The key ingredient that makes these smoothies so powerful: leafy greens!  Leafy greens in our smoothies give us:

  • lots of chlorophyll. This helps to purify our blood, enhance our immune system, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and rejuvenate the body.
  • lots of fiber, which helps improve digestion & keep you regular. Being regular is KEY to detoxing the body.  Fiber also helps the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder.
  • Buy organic fruits and veggies, if you can, to cut down on contact with chemical pesticides.
Suggested Greens

  • Lettuce, all kinds
  • Swiss chard
  • Mixed baby greens
  • Spinach
  • Sunflower sprouts
  • Dandelion greens
  • Kale
  • Parsley and other herbs
  • Celery
  • Arugula

Medical Disclaimer: If you have a chronic health issue, diabetes, are pregnant, breast feeding or have blood sugar issues, this is not the challenge for you to try without talking with a doctor first.  Speak with your doctor before engaging in ANY eating plan where you drastically change your eating habits.  Also,  If you are on a low carb diet, you may not be able to work smoothies into your daily food goals in terms of carb load.

STAY ACCOUNTABLE EACH WEEK – Check in each weekend in January to tell the BWLW sisterhood how you are doing and to get support.  Visit blackwomenlosingweight.com to check in via your blog there or post a status message on our Facebook wall.

Example: Daily Diet of Just Smoothies

Meal #1 — Green smoothie composed of 2 bananas, 1 cup of blueberries, 100 grams of greens.

Meal #2 — Green smoothie composed of 2 mangoes, 1 banana, 100 grams of greens.

Meal #3 — Green smoothie composed of 4 cups of frozen fruit and 150 grams of greens.

Meal #4 — Green smoothie composed of 2 bananas, 1 apple, 1 cup of blueberries and 100 grams of greens.

Total: Approx. 1200 calories, and 1 pound of greens.

Recipes:

Green Smoothies Book

I will also be posting a new green smoothie recipe each day of January on Facebook so that you have a lot of options to try.  I’ll post some here on the blog as well.  There are tons of websites where you can find great recipes that include the ingredients you like.  Here are a few links:

Check out my Green Smoothie Book for more info and recipe ideas! I’ve personally bought a lot of smoothie books over the years and I can tell you that this book is packed with not only 80 great recipes, but tons of information on how green smoothies can boost your health and wellness and well as your weight loss efforts.  Click here for more information on what you’ll learn in this book.  It’s available as a PDF download and Amazon Kindle.

Questions:

  • Do I have to buy the book above to participate in the challenge?  No.  There is a lot of information out there on green smoothies.  I’ve just created an all in one guide and done the research for you.
  • Do I need a blender? You will need a blender for this challenge.  There is no need to get a new blender if you have a working one.  If you want to invest in a good blender, I personally like NutriBullet or Vitamix.  Both will really grinds down the greens and heavy ingredients you’re using in your green smoothies.  If you are looking for a good cheap blender, go with those that do a good job with ice.  Also, do some research online before purchasing a blender if you have questions about your potential purchase.  I cover blenders more in depth in my book.
  • I have concerns about sugar and eating fruit. If you have diabetes or blood sugar issues, you should not do this cleanse with out clearing it with your doctor.  Everyone’s situation is different, but it’s best to error on the side of safety.  If you are just worried about fruit sugars, I suggest you try low Glycemic Index fruits – green apples, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, or cucumbers.
  • Can I use protein powder?  – Yes, but you need to know what is in it, how many calories it has and how much nutrition you are getting.  There are some great plant-based powders out there that you could consider.  Utimately, you won’t need them because greens have a lot of protein.  Also, most of the recipes I recommend will not have protein powder in them.
  • What if I’m on a plan where I’m eating 5-6 small meals per day?  – You can still substitute meals for smoothies.  However, you have to know how much food/nutrition you are replacing.  For example:  You want to determine if 2 of your small meals could equal 1 smoothie in terms of calories, fiber, vitamins, etc.  You will need to do some research to determine what will work with your current plan.  Use a calorie counting website to help you figure all this out, like myfitnesspal.com
  • Instead of water can you use 100% fruit juice or soy milk? – I suggest that you use filtered or purified water in your smoothies. Bottled juice, even 100% pure is lacking in enzymes and can be very high in fruit sugar.  Many times it also has preservatives added.  Also most commercial juice lacks fiber, causing the body to absorb it quickly.  This can create unwanted blood sugar spikes.  Nut milks like soy milk can be used.  Look for ones that are unsweetened and all natural.
  • What detox symptoms should I expect? – While participating in the challenge some of you may experience a cleansing reaction.  This will be more common if most of your diet is vegetarian or vegan, but when ever you dramatically clean up your diet…detox can happen.  When you introduce large amounts of high quality, living food into your diet, your body may  take the opportunity to “clean house” by dumping accumulated toxins into your bloodstream. This can cause flu like symptoms, headaches, fevers, runny nose, rashes, nausea etc. Don’t be put off by this.  Your body is cleaning house and fat is on that list as well.  These detox symptoms may last 1-5days.  The best thing to do is to drink a lot of pure water and get extra rest. Also, you may constipation or have loose stools as part of detox symptoms.  If you feel sick, stop and go back to regular healthy eating.

Meka lost 59 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Meka lost 59 pounds and has shared her journey on Instagram.  She lost weight to improve her health and be there for her family.  Here is what she shared about losing the pounds:

Meka weight loss photos

“My motivation to lose weight was for my health and my family. I started at at 209 pounds.  My weight held me down and had me in a slump for awhile.  I changed my eating habits by giving up processed foods and focusing on eating protein and veggies. My workout routine: I go hard on my cardio days and I walk or run 3-4 miles. I also lift weights.

My current weight is 150 pounds. My before photo is about 4 months into my weight loss journey.  It has taken me over a year to get where I am today, and I’m not done yet.  Toning and tightening up my body is my main priority right now.  My advice to others is to take baby steps and set up realistic goals. Many times we set up goals that are not attainable in one month.  We have to be real when it comes to weight loss.  It’s a slow and steady process, not something that happens over night! I will be 40 years old next year, and I WILL be in the BEST shape of my LIFE!  Follow me on Instagram: mekagetfit LETS get fit together!”

Follow BWLW on Instagram: blackwomenlosingweight

3 Reasons to Go Gluten-Free

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gluten freeMany people today are starting realize that they have gluten intolerance and that their bodies do better without wheat and grain products that contain gluten.  Some have even be diagnosed with a disorder known as celiac disease, which involves an inability to digest gluten.  In addition, many people have adapted the “gluten free” diet and are using it’s principles to improve their weight loss plan.

Even though going gluten-free is not a “miracle diet,” it can actually help you a lot in your weight loss efforts. Here are some of the ways that going gluten free can help.

By eliminating gluten, you automatically reduce your carbohydrate intake, especially highly processed, simple carbs.

One thing that many people don’t realize is that, by going gluten free, you end up going low-carbohydrate as well. Why is this? Well, because the most common source of gluten is wheat, and wheat is at the core of many starchy or highly processed products, which make up the typical American diet. That means you will be eliminating breads, pastas, baked sweets, cereals, and a number of other foods that are processed with wheat.

Why does going low-carb help? A low-carb diet encourages your body to burn fat as you exercise, because it will want to store what little carbohydrates that you have for energy use later on. You need to have some carbohydrates, because they help with vital bodily functions, but reducing them can really help to jump-start your weight loss plan. You don’t want to totally eliminate carbohydrates, like some people do, but instead go low-carbohydrate and have some of an energy store to work with.

Of course, you have to do this intelligently; there are plenty of options out there for people who are gluten-free that have the same amount of carbohydrates (rice bread, for example), so it won’t really make much of a difference. Eat foods like veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean meats instead. Make sure that, however you go gluten-free, that the options that you are eating are not processed foods. They won’t help your weight loss efforts either.

By going gluten-free, you help to reduce inflammation in your body.

This is an interesting fact that many people don’t realize. Gluten itself (not carbohydrates, but the actual compound gluten) actually sets an immune response in some people, which may cause you to have issues with inflammation in different parts of the body, including your digestive system. As mentioned above, Celiac disease is one of the things that can happen as a result of this gluten inflammation, but there is a growing number of people in the population who are merely gluten sensitive, but are completely unaware of the sensitivity.

The inflammation usually occurs in the digestive system, as previously mentioned. This can cause a number of issues, including a lack of an ability to absorb nutrients and irritation of the bowels. It can also cause constipation in extreme cases. Even if you are not sensitive to gluten, eliminating gluten from your diet may help encourage this nutrient absorption, which will encourage overall weight loss. Overall, eliminating (or, at least, reducing) gluten from the diet could actually be a good thing, even if you are not sensitive to it at all. There is still research to be done on this topic, but there is speculation and information that you may want to research for yourself to find out if it may improve your health.

By going gluten-free, you may find that you have more energy. This is currently only speculation, based on some things that researchers have seen in studies. If you are eliminating gluten, which means that you are eliminating carbohydrates, why would it help you to have more energy? There are a few reasons that this may be the case. First, because you won’t feel “bloated” or “ill” due to the digestive system issues we just talked about. Another reason that this may be the case is because many foods that have gluten are processed and full of sugar, and it has been shown that the amount of processed food that you eat may affect how much energy you have overall.  If your blood sugar levels and not constantly in flux, you will have a more consistent energy level thus feeling less tired.

As with any diet and exercise program, make sure that you talk to your doctor before you go gluten free. They can give you suggestions on diet, exercise, and other factors that may be related to your weight loss goals, and he or she can help you in case something goes awry in the process.