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self esteem

LaJune lost 29 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – We featured LaJune’s story back in Oct 2014 and she’s maintained her weight loss plus 5 pounds for a total of 34 pounds gone.

I’ve dropped 5 to 6 pounds since my last feature. I’ve maintained my weight loss by working out, using portion control and eating healthy. I enjoy two cheat meals out of the week, drink plenty of water and I’m never giving up. I also workout 4 days out of the week, doing cardio 3 days and strength training for 1 day. I’m working towards sculpting my body by adding more muscle and developing my abs.  One important thing I’ve learned this year is that falling down is a part of life, but getting back up is living… And I’m living!

lajune before and after

Oct 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: LaJune has lost 29 pounds since February.  She decided that the way she felt about her body and her self needed to change. Losing weight and getting healthy has transformed her body and she has a happier, healthier lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her journey.

lajune weight loss

Had my daughter 8 years ago and never lost the pregnancy weight. I have weighed 191 pounds for the last 8 years, that’s until 7 months ago. I that’s when I decided to change my way of living. No trainer, shakes, wraps or pills. I trained my mind and my body followed. I look in the mirror everyday and compliment myself because it is me who is working hard for my health and body. Body and self confidence feels great!

My motivation was Life. Actually, I just woke up one day and decided I didn’t want to feel like that anymore or ever again, so I had to change. The feeling of being overweight, unhealthy, having no energy, lacking of body confidence and shopping was just way too depressing. I started working out 6 days a week on 2/09/2014 starting at 191.8 lbs, to be exact. I also started drinking plenty of water, making healthier choices, eating in moderation and eating smaller portion sizes. The app “Lose it” help me out a lot. I cut out snacks, chips, candy and cake… all my guilty pleasures… and replaced them fruits. I didn’t go on a diet and never will because a diet has a start and end date. I changed my lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy some of my guilty pleasures and favorite foods but only in moderation. As of today I’m 162.2 (my height is 5’5″). I’m not where I want to be but I’m more than grateful that I’m not where I use to be.  My Advice is train your mind and your body will follow. Don’t compare yourself to anybody because you are rebuilding a better version of YOU!

Instagram: @junie_getsfit

lajune success story

Akili lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Akili lost 70 pounds.  She has dealt with numerous issues associated with emotional eating, negative self-esteem and self-neglect before embracing healthy eating and exercise.  She has claimed victory and is now helping other to do the same.  Find out more about how she lost the weight.

Akili weight loss success story

What was your motivation?
I knew I had issues with food but had no idea that my impulsiveness, indecisiveness and self neglect were all issues associated with not understanding my Purpose. I was so sick of being confused. I had no direction and was constantly jumping from one idea/business/school, to the next. Though I have been fighting this battle for 19 years, I didn’t get serious until 2011 when I really began trying to figure out who I was. Once I realized I had value and worth, things began to change!

How did you change your eating habits?
This has been the hardest part. Food has always been an ally, so to begin looking at it as a potential enemy seemed counterintuitive. I was diagnosed with diabetes 7 years ago and that didn’t motivate me to change, so I saw no real way to break the addiction. However, once i began understanding my purpose I wanted to do better with food. I believed that I deserved to live the life God envisioned for me and I knew I couldn’t get there if I was sick. I began making better choices here and there. In 2013, I was finally ready to change, so I went through a doctor supervised weight loss program. The support and accountability were awesome. I had tried to do it on my own, and each time I failed. I didn’t have room for anymore failure so I made drastic changes, quickly.  Processed sugar and refined carbs are triggers for my emotional over eating. Now, I eat protein, veggies and fruit. I follow the 90/10 rule. 90 percent of my food choices are from my healthy list, so the remaining 10 percent can be something less healthy.

Akili
She can now fit in one leg of her old pants.

What did your workout routines look like?
I hated exercise until Zumba came on the scene. In the comfort of my own home. I worked up a sweat and had fun in the process. I did Zumba daily for 30-45 mins and even became an instructor.  I also added weight training for 30 mins a day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
7 years ago, I was 225 pounds. Today, I am 155 pounds.  Height: 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
It took about a year, once I was committed.

What advice do you have to offer to others on this weight loss journey?
Don’t sweep your emotions under the rug. Black women are notorious for “getting it done, no matter what.” While it seems strong it just creates issues. When we medicate ourselves with food we are running from our needs and emotions. We need to be present in our own lives and gain a clear understanding of what we’ve been Purposed to do! Today, I stay true to my purpose by helping other women on their path to become free from food. Serving others keeps me feeling whole, which is very important in the recovery from food addiction.
Website: curvesandweigh.com

BWLW Morning Affirmation 6/18/2014

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This morning I commit to start pushing myself toward the life I deserve as much as a push others. I will encourage myself to pursue my greatest good just as much as I do that for friends and family. I will give myself the self care, time and attention I need to make my dreams come true. I’m important. My needs and desires count. It is not selfish or wrong for me to act like…to live like I know this is true.” – Ebony Ajima (Repeat this mantra 3 times to yourself this morning, Ladies and BELIEVE)

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bernadette lost 73 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bernadette lost 73 pounds.  She decided that enough was enough and that she wanted to like what she saw in the mirror.  She changed her eating habits and started exercising regularly to reach her goals.  Read more about her weight loss journey:

Bernadette weight loss story

“I’m Bernadette Robinson and I wanted to share my story. I started my weight loss journey in November 2012. I hated my overall look and decided to change it. My starting weight was 267 pounds. After dieting and exercising 3-4 times out the week, I ended dropping down to 194 pounds by March 2013. That’s a total weight loss of 73 pounds and I’ve maintained my weight loss. I knew how hard it was to begin my journey, but that’s the thing. I began and I conquered!

I was looking at myself one day and I was tired if what I was seeing. Fat, rolls, tummy lol. I started eating more vegetables (because lord knows I wasn’t eating nearly as enough as I should have been). I drank lots of water and cut out sodas completely. I also ate smaller portions instead really big meals. For exercise, I worked out at the gym 3 times a week. I workout on the treadmill, elliptical machine and stationary bike.  I do squats, pull-ups and 150 crunches a day. The advice that I would give to others is: If you want to change the way you look, do something about it! I know it is not easy to make that first step, but it does get easier in the long run! Most importantly, do it for YOU.”

Bernadette before and after Bernadette before and after

Kendra lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Kendra lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She was inspired by her love for her son, her career goals and wanting greater health.  Check out her story and photos:

Kendra before and after

“My name is Kendra Durham and I am 27 years old. My motivation to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery was my son, my career goals, and wanting to maintain good health. On October 25, 2012, I had weight lost surgery and my life has changed forever. As of today, I am 135 lbs lighter. The day of surgery I was 402 pounds. Today, I weight 267 pounds. Before surgery I was tired a lot, less active with my son, and had low self-esteem around other people. Now, I am able to enjoy life with my son and I am confident when around others. My drive to pursue my career in Law Enforcement has increased and I working on my career interests.

Before the weight loss surgery, I stopped eating junk food and drinking soda. After the surgery, I continued to not eat junk food or no soda, and began working out in the gym three times a week. I continue to watch my portion size especially with bread and rice. My family and I ony eat fried food once a week. The journey to loss 135 pounds took 2 years, but I know this will a lifetime commitment to health eating in order to keep the weight off. My advice is to love yourself and know that weight loss is a journey. It takes time and dedication, but it is well worth it.”

Kendra weight loss surgery

SkinneePix: Should you take 15 pounds off your selfies?

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What is SkinneePix?

When two women in Arizona got together and talked about taking selfies, the end result was a company called “PrettySmartWomen” and an app called “SkinneePix“. This app promises to reduce the appearance of weight in your face up to 15 pounds. Users can customize their virtual “weight loss” and post the picture they think looks best. The founders claim that the purpose behind the app is to provide inspiration to those trying to reach a target weight loss goal by showing them what they can look like.

Understandably, critics jumped up as soon as the app hit iTunes saying that there is little good about promoting a way to “Photoshop” real life. The trend of selfies is coming under a lot of fire lately, but how much of the worry about what it can do to a person’s mental health is really true?  Is there any harm in using apps like SkinneePix or filters of make yourself look better or more ideal in your photos?  Is it a matter of choice and self expression or self hate?  Who gets to make that determination?

selfie quoteWhat are the pros of taking selfies?

Before you jump on the wagon and say there are no benefits to taking selfies, there are some very real ones to it. The art of taking a self-portrait has been something used for centuries as a way of documenting where you are in life, showing growth, or depicting yourself as you want to be. Those founders of this app were pretty smart in thinking that an app like SkinneePix could serve as a motivator for weight loss.  It can be very motivating to see what your hard work can bring before you start your weight loss journey.

In today’s age, the selfie has become much more for people than just a photo. You could blame that on this being the “age of the celebrity,” but it is a reaction to living a life where more and more people feel like they don’t count. Selfies can be a way of proving you are significant and unique in a world that views you mostly as a number or a consumer. While there are lots of global issues involved in that last statement, the bottom-line is that for some a selfie can simply help you feel better in terms of personal self expression.

What are the cons of selfies?

Before we get into the potential problems that selfies can cause, or the disorders they may be symptomatic off; there is one con of taking and posting selfies that must be identified first. People who take and post selfies are sometimes seen as either narcissist or lacking self-esteem. The occasional selfie is socially acceptable, but more than one a day is typically not. Rightly or wrongly, you can’t fault a whole nation raised on criminal and psychological dramas as entertainment for trying to read “self-absorbed” behavior as a sign of something amiss compared to just fun way to pass the time. That is just how many people’s brains work.  We are trained to hate before we celebrate.  Many psychologists are starting to wonder if too many selfies can then turn into actual self-esteem or mental health problems. Sometimes, obsessive selfies can be a symptom of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

How to have fun with selfies

None of this means that you should stop taking or posting selfies, but that you should be aware that they are only meant to be taken and shared for fun. An image of you that is posted isn’t going to really project the sum of who you are. In fact, it won’t even look like you in real life if you are using a lot of filters or things to alter your image. Selfies should be snapshots of your life that you chose to share with the world, not a lifestyle or hobby unless you want to make it your art (or you are a journalist or blogger).

The Verdict on SkinneePix

I don’t think this app is harmful, however your health goals should be reflected in your health, not your appearance.  Photographs do add the appearance of more weight to a person.  That is a fact. It is just a function of the lens and the reproduction. An app like SkinneePix can be useful as a tool to inspire you to weight loss, but it is just as effective to use goal statements, journaling and positive affirmations.  You can also find a healthy hero you want to be like, not just look like, and use their example for inspiration. Focus on building a healthy lifestyle and you can’t go wrong.

Adia lost 40 pounds

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Featured Before and After of the Day: Poetic Diva Adia lost 40 pounds.  She expressed her feelings about her weight loss victory in poetic voice for us and I love it.  Powerful message in her words! Here is what she shared:

Adia before and after

“To others it was always “Adia you look so good” , “You were never fat” , or “Don’t get too skinny”. However, I never meant to please any of them or become what some may say “mini” . I only wanted to love myself because I always looked in the mirror & dreaded what I saw. I just wanted to discover a part of me that was lost through each & every flaw. 40 pounds lighter, yet 40 times brighter and on this path I was able to see…I was never fat, big, or ugly.

Despite these 40 pounds, I’ve discovered the true meaning of beauty. It does not lie in those guys that I let break me or those girls that I envied. It’s truly only skin deep despite the thoughts of many. I’d be a hypocrite to say I’m not happy I lost the weight because I am…because I constantly think of those depressed nights spent crying or those “Are you okay?” questions that extended my lying. See I am happier now then I ever could be because beneath the weight loss I discovered another part of ME. I am no longer succumbed to hiding behind girls because I secretly wanted to be pretty or being someones side-piece to fulfill some sort of love pity. I am no longer captive to not saying what’s on my mind or lowering my respect to let someone grab my behind.

I AM A WOMAN and that’s what my weight has shown me. I’ve seen changes I never thought I’d see. That 200lb. 10 year old who struggled to fit an extra large shirt is now flaunting her curves in high heels & mini club skirts. That girl who was out of breath on every flight of stairs can now take on 5 miles without any cares. I am no longer stressed and secretly in despair….I HONOR MY CURVES & SWING MY SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR. I NOW VOW TO LOVE MY BODY AND NEVER AGAIN LET MY SIZE DICTATE MY SELF-WORTH. I VOW TO BE AT “BODILY PEACE” HERE ON THIS EARTH. I RESPECT ALL OF MY CELLULITE & EACH & EVERY DIMPLE….I LOVE MY BODY FOR IT IS A TEMPLE  I only ask for everyone’s continuous support as I enter 2014…40 pounds down and people tell me I’ve already won but little does everyone know…IM STILL NOT DONE! (2014 Goal: lose 30 more pounds!)”

How did you change your eating habits and embrace exercise?

“To change my eating habits, I started using a journal and My Fitness Pal to record what I’m eating everyday. I aim for 1,940 calories a day. I also aim to eat a serving of fruit and veggies with EVERY meal and to drink a gallon of water each day at the most or at LEAST 35 oz. in terms of supporting exercise. I try to do 3 days a week of cardio activity (jogging, walking, & swimming) and 1-2 times a week of strength training (squats, lunges, wall sits, sit ups, etc).”

Pamela lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Instagram Diva Pamela lost 55 pounds.  She not only changed her body, but also the way she felt about herself.  She took 2 years to transform her lifestyle and got great results.  Check out what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Pamela before and after weight loss

“My motivation to lose weight was when my husband and I went through a separation. Once we decided to work things out, I realized I really didn’t love myself anymore. I didn’t like a lot of things about myself and I began working on each of them one by one, starting with weight.

I changed my eating habits by cutting down my portions, and eliminating sweet drinks. I began to eat my meals on salad plates and after every bite, I’d put the fork down. I ate a lot less this way.  My workout routine was walking 3 miles 5 days a week. I did this for a year. Then, I began running 15 miles a week. When I started lifting, that’s when I really noticed my body change and tone.

My starting weight was 220 pounds and my current weight is 165 pounds.  My complete transformation took 2 years. I have maintained the weight loss, built lean muscle and keep a very active lifestyle.

My advice for anyone looking to lose weight is to start with one thing you are ready change. Eating less, walking, drinking water…whichever you chose, stick with it until it is habit. Then, pick something else to start working on. Don’t overwhelm yourself with doing it all at once.  All of this is how those habits have stayed with me and are a part of my everyday life.”

Instagram: @Runswithhips

T’Ericka lost 50 pounds

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Featured before and after story: T’Ericka lost 50 pounds and found her true self.  After struggling with weight loss and low self esteem since childhood, she was able to make lifestyle changes that are about more than just losing pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey: T'Ericka weight loss photos “Many people have been asking and inboxing me about my weight loss and the question that stood out to me most was ‘Why I did it and what motivated me to stay on track?’. So, here is my story: Growing up I’ve always been the chunky girl. I LOVED to eat (I still do lol) but then I didnt know how bad it was until I started started getting teased EVERYDAY for my weight. Tt bothered me but I always kept it in.  I turned 12 and I was into modeling so my mom took me to a nearby agency, only to hear from the lady that I was very pretty but too big to be a model for her. That crushed me and from that point on I had the lowest self esteem. I ate myself into being unhealthy. I used to ask God to make me skinny (lol) so that people could like me (smh). In school I always wanted to do different things but instead I put myself in the background because I thought everyone would be judging me on my weight. I really disliked who I was!! I always thought the world only welcomed skinny people!! Then I got older and wanted to make changes so I lost weight the fast way. Then I started dating my guy and gained it all back, which put me in my lowest self esteem EVER!! (I tried not to show it but I truly gave up on myself) I didn’t go out much. I didn’t take some opportunities because I was really in a BATTLE with myself! I was unhealthy physically and mentally! However, last year I had enough. I wanted to be at my full potential. I wanted to start a journey that would be a lifestyle change for me. It wasn’t just about losing weight, it was also about gaining who I knew God wanted me to be! I ate better and really started getting my business together. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week for an hour. I do cardio (40 mins) and weight training(20 mins)! I’ve added lots of fruits and green vegetables to my plate and cut out a lot of red meat (I eat red meat occasionally). I rarely go to fast food restaurants because that once was my weakness! Im just really enjoying this lifestyle change. I feel great! I wanted to be the best T’Ericka Tifany-Joy Mullen There was!! I WANTED THIS FOR ME!!! That’s why this 50 pound weight loss means so much to me! It makes me feel accomplished! I feel like I graduated from who I was and walked across the stage to who I always knew I had the potential of being!! I not only burned away some pounds but I burned my past hurts, my low self esteem, etc. I am still a work in progress but I refuse to go back to who I was physically and MENTALLY. This Journey wasn’t just about weight loss it was about gaining me back!! God Bless!

Weight Loss Inspiration: Self Esteem is how you feel about Yourself

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Weight Loss Inspiration – Eleanor Roosevelt said “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Do not internalize the negative things that people say about those who are overweight. Do not accept the words of those who are critical about your weight as if those words are the gospel truth. You are “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” (Psalms)!!! Your weight is just a state of your being. You choose what is healthy and right for you. You define what wellness means to YOU. Self esteem is how you feel about yourself.

quote roosevelt eleanor