Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for single mom

single mom

Elisha lost 119 pounds

by 2 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Elisha lost 119 pounds. This single mom of two is determined to live long enough to see her children’s college graduations and weddings. After finding out she was pre-diabetic, she took action by transforming her eating habits and working out five days a week.

Elisha before and after

Social Media:
Instagram: @my300poundlife_2019

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you want to give up?
My two children have always been my motivation to lose weight and keep going. As a single mother, I wanted to ensure I would live long enough to witness their college graduations and weddings. During a routine PCP appointment, I received news that I was pre-diabetic and would need to take medications if I didn’t change my lifestyle. Refusing to rely on medications, I asked for time to prove I was on the right path. At my next appointment, I had lost 15 pounds and gained a new perspective on life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I’ve always turned to food for comfort in various emotional states, such as stress, happiness, sadness, and boredom. However, I found that I couldn’t stick to any popular diets for an extended period of time. Seeking a new challenge, I made the switch to a pescatarian diet on April 2, 2020. I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle on January 2, 2022, as I noticed positive changes in my weight.

What is your workout routine?
Starting my weight loss journey at 327 pounds, I began by walking 10,000 steps several days a week. After an Achilles injury, I switched to the elliptical, bike, and weight training. Unexpectedly, I discovered how much I enjoyed lifting weights. Although working out alone was tough, I found motivation by attending group exercise classes, practicing yoga on the beach, and joining a run club.

Elisha face to face after weight loss

How often did you work out?
I consistently aimed for 3-5 days of workouts per week. Some weeks were more successful than others. During those times, I would even push to exercise twice a day. On average, I dedicated five days per week (an hour each day) to my workouts. Lately, I have been maintaining a rigorous routine of five days per week, with 2 hours of intense training each day. Despite hitting a plateau, I am determined to break through this barrier.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
At my heaviest, I was 327 pounds. I am currently 208 pounds. 

What is your height?
5’6″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
In 2019, I started a journey filled with ups and downs, including weight gain and loss. Despite putting on 30 lbs by March 2024, I remained determined and focused. Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve successfully shed the weight and am only 3 lbs away from where I left off 2 years ago.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

Elisha before and after weight loss

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
This journey belongs to you and only you. Move at your own speed and take pride in your progress.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Keep in mind that fad diets are temporary. It’s essential to stay committed to making sustainable changes. Being truthful with yourself about calorie intake is crucial. Regardless of how much you work out, if you’re consuming more calories than you’re burning, you won’t achieve your desired results. Have a cheat day, but still count those calories.

Felicia lost 97 pounds

by 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Felicia lost 97 pounds. To lose weight during the pandemic, this single mom worked out at home, addressed her emotional eating, and refused to give up on herself. She is committed to doing what it takes to maintain her success.

Felicia before and after weight loss

My name is Felicia, and I have been on my weight loss journey for about a year and some months. I’m a small business owner x 2, the first being Bullock Enterprise and Transportation, of which I am the Chief Operations Officer and Co-owner. The second is my brainchild and passion, my career as a Motivational Speaker under the True Story Imprint.

Through my own discovery and enlightenment, I’ve lost over 90 lbs through diet, exercise, persistence, and discipline. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been well worth it. I tell my peers, “DON’T GIVE UP!”

What motivated you to get started? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What motivated me to start my weight loss journey last year was me. I suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, as well as other things that were not good for me. 

My True story, my children, and helping others inspired me to keep pushing because I had others looking up to me and asking for help and guidance on their start to their weight loss journey. I failed twice, but one thing I NEVER did was completely give up on myself. 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by True Story brand 💜🧡 💜 (@speechlessgemini)

How did you change your eating habits?
When I began my journey, I made changes to my lifestyle, especially my eating habits. I was an emotional eater but changing my eating habits allowed me to feel different in the most amazing way. 

There were no more sandwiches at 3 in the morning with chips. No more eating after 8 pm and going straight to bed. I also incorporated more fruits and vegetables into my routine. 

I don’t have a playbook on what to eat, but I’ve learned that it’s not only what you eat but how much you eat. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How many days a week did you work out?
I used to work out three times a day for about 40 minutes with a cooldown of mediation at the end of my days. My routine consists of working out at home. Being a single mom and losing weight during the pandemic, I had to make it work for me. So I did a lot of cardio and stretching. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 260 pounds, and I currently weigh 163 pounds.

What’s your height?
I’m 5’2″. 

Felicia before and after weight loss

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey early last March after I caught Covid. This journey I’m on doesn’t have a timeline. Even though it took me a year to get where I am today, I’m still working to maintain my weight. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned through all this is that no matter how difficult it may be or look, keep pushing because there is a light at the end of everyone’s tunnel. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Here is my advice to other women, anyone who wants to start, or anyone who’s having difficulties with the process: Take a minute to give yourself gratitude. Know that what makes you stronger won’t kill you. Also, I would tell them to change their mindset and focus on the fact that they are destined for greatness.

Instagram: @speechlessgemini
Tiktok @speechlessgem

Jamila lost 69 pounds

by 2 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Jamila lost 69 pounds. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she was determined to lower her A1C. She has transformed by walking for exercise, working with a dietitian, and being consistent. She is grateful for the love and support she received from her family.

Jamila before and after weight loss

I have lost 69 pounds through diet and exercise. I was diagnosed with diabetes and needed my A1C to drop. I have been dedicated to this process since September 2021. Over the past five months, I have made significant changes. My A1C is excellent now.

That picture in the yellow was probably in June/July 2021, and the photo in pink was taken in February 2022. 

What was your motivation?
My motivation is my son, who is 19 years old. I am a single mom, and I want to make sure I am here for him!

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What inspires me is my son because he is my biggest cheerleader. Also, my ENTIRE family, especially my sister, have been a huge support system throughout my journey!

How did you change your eating habits? What is your workout routine?
I met with a diabetic Dietitian who taught me how to eat. Most importantly, they taught me about PORTION sizes! This has helped me tremendously! I also cut out alcohol and began walking 3-4 days a week! Just walking makes all the difference! I also added yoga once a week for stress relief.

Starting Weight/Current Weight
Starting weight: 247 pounds
Current weight: 178 pounds
69-pound weight loss

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

Jamila before and after weight loss

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had absolutely no weight loss surgery. I have lost the weight naturally.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned this time around that choosing consistency over fast weight loss is key! Also, I learned investing in myself is THE BEST feeling ever!!

What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose weight?
You have to believe in yourself. It sounds simple, but it’s so true. It doesn’t matter what you start off weighing. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. If you are determined, you will succeed!

Instagram: @jstewtherapy

Jamila before and after weight loss

Yollie lost 74 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Yollie lost 74 pounds. As a single parent, she gave all her time and energy to her kids and career, ignoring her own needs. She decided to change her lifestyle to live a long and healthy life for her family and herself. Over the course of eight years, she figured out what works for her. 

Yollie before and after weight loss

My name is Yolanda, but I go by Yollie. I stepped on the scale in November of 2012 to find out I weighed 306 pounds! I was shocked. As a single parent, I had spent most of my time focused on my kids and career and ignored my own needs.

What was your motivation? My motivation was a desire to live a longer and healthier life for my kids and myself. 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? I started my weight loss journey in Spring 2013 by drinking more water, prepping meals, and reading trying to find a solution. I saw results, even though they were slow. By summer, I was down to 289 pounds. 

In the Summer of 2013, I used the C25K app to start running. By August, I weighed 275 pounds.

How did you change your eating habits? I joined Weight Watchers to log my food and started using the Fat Flush Plan as my diet plan (which eliminates bad cards and sugar).

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? I started running with the C25K app three times a week and worked my way up to swimming 60 laps three times a week (I regained my love as a competitive swimmer from the 80s). 

I dropped down to 261 lbs by December 2013 and signed up to run the Houston Shell 5K Jan 2014. The 5K run shed light on bone spurs in my heels, and I was scheduled for surgery in February 2014… a big blow to my exercise regimen. I regained some but not all the weight during recovery. I was back to about 278 lbs.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? My starting weight was 306 pounds, and my current weight is 232 pounds.

What is your height? I’m 5 feet, 10 inches tall.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? I spent eight years learning to eat right and exercise before seeking Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery to help me reach my goal of a healthier weight of 232 pounds.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? My journey began in November 2012. It took eight years to finally reach a practical weight. Changing my eating habits, exercising, and finally getting the Gastric Sleeve in February 2020 was the catalyst for finally reaching my goal.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? Never give up. Each day is a reminder of my struggle to remain healthy. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? Find out what works for you. Each journey is different.

Instagram: @ladyjaye713

Yollie before and after weight loss

Evon lost 64+ pounds

by 2 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Evon lost 64+ pounds. She spoke with us about how she adopted a SOFAS Free (Salt, Oil, Flour, Alcohol, Sugar-Free) and Whole Food Plant Exclusive eating style. As a result, not only has her physical health improved, but her mental health has also significantly improved.

Evon before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? How did you change your eating habits?
Before I started learning to sustainably eat SOFAS Free (Salt, Oil, Flour, Alcohol, Sugar-Free and Whole Food Plant Exclusive), life was not nearly as liberating. My thinking was cloudy. I had very low energy, experienced poor sleep, overate, and was clinically obese. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Bi-Polar Disorder. However, I had been experiencing symptoms of these mental illnesses for well over 20 years.

I battled frequent depression brought on by shame centered around overeating and subsequent weight gain. Although I’d been a Pescatarian (only consuming seafood and dairy and cutting out all other forms of meat) since 2006, my diet consisted of processed foods and very few whole plant foods. 

In 2015, I decided to eliminate seafood. In 2016, I joined Overeaters Anonymous. For the first time, I was relieved to hear that overeating is a disease and a disorder and that it was not my fault. 

For my 2017 New Years Resolution, I challenged myself to eliminate dairy completely. To alleviate the stress I was feeling around the approaching 1st day of this challenge, I also decided only to consume meals that I made from scratch (No Processed Foods). I only made it 11 days before consuming processed food again.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by EatingForMyL1fe (@eatingformyl1fe)

As someone who doesn’t like feeling “Addicted,” I was now faced with a question I needed answers to, “Why, during those 11 days, could I NOT stop thinking about processed foods?!” So I decided to dig in and start researching what was behind these “compulsions” and discovered Refined Food Addiction, SOFAS Free Whole Food Plant Exclusive eating, satiety index, the Pleasure Trap, and the concept of Low-Calorie Density.

During my research, starting in January 2017, I started applying my findings to my eating. The challenges I faced included even being in the kitchen in the first place. In the past, I had convinced myself I couldn’t cook, didn’t know how to, and wasn’t capable of learning. 

As I applied the knowledge I was gaining to my way of eating, I noticed changes, some immediate and some gradual. My energy started increasing, my clarity of thinking improved, and my skin complexion cleared up. My inflammation was beginning to disappear, my nails stopped splitting, and the weight was dropping off of me at an amazing speed. I also became an excellent chef. However, the biggest pleasant surprise was no longer being driven by an addiction to processed foods. The longer I abstained from salt, oil, flour products, alcohol, and refined sugar, the less my brain called out for them and the more Freedom I gained in life.

Though I eventually allowed myself to get distracted by some heavy life trauma that came my way in 2017, I couldn’t forget the Freedom I had experienced. After a few failed starts, I recommitted to eating this way again on January 6th, 2020. I created F.R.E.E.D.O.M., a 7-step process that has assisted me with successfully and sustainably continuing to eat SOFAS Free, Whole Food Plant Exclusive, Low-Calorie Density for the past 22 months. 

Starting at 5’6″ and 174 pounds at the beginning of last year, eating this way (without an exercise routine) has also directly contributed to me dropping 64 pounds in less than eight months and successfully and sustainably keeping the weight off over a year later. Over 20 yrs ago, I weighed as much as 250lbs, so with the last 64 pounds dropped, I’ve now dropped 140lbs. To assist others and to stay accountable to myself, I have been transparently sharing my journey since I started last year via my EatingForMyL1fe blog and social media accounts.

Learning to sustainably eat SOFAS Free Whole Food Plant Exclusive has changed my life in such extraordinary ways. In the past few years, my 18-year-old daughter (I’m a Single Mom to 2 daughters, and my oldest is 25.) has had a front-row seat to this part of my journey and has been inspired to see what’s possible for her own health. 

As a result of improved clarity of thinking, I’m now better able to recognize signs and symptoms of the various mental illnesses I’ve been diagnosed with. During the Summer of 2020, I battled exhausting depression symptoms for about five weeks. Not new to the experience at all, this time, I was elated to be able to recognize what was happening and actually have the presence of mind to dramatically increase my Divine Self-Care. 

Another change is no longer having “favorite” foods. Abstaining from salt, oil, flour, alcohol, and sugar, just eating Whole Food Plants, staying well hydrated, and making leafy greens/veggies my first meal, had gone a long way in cutting cravings. Now, I just eat whenever my body calls for fuel. These days I K.I.S.S. (Keep It SOSF Free Simple) or keep it salt, oil, sugar, flour-free simple. Generally, I consume simple whole foods like fruit (apples, bananas, grapes, pineapples), veggies (like spinach, collard greens), whole grains (like oatmeal), legumes (like sweet peas), starch (like baked potatoes(regular and sweet) and mushrooms (normally sauteed in their own juice and mixed in my veggies or on top of my baked potato). 

Evon before and after weight loss

In the early months of my transition, I explored a lot of different recipes to deal with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. I have been documenting and sharing my journey since I started a year ago. In the interim, I created F.R.E.E.D.O.M., a 7-step process that successfully got me started eating this way again and sustainably continuing to do so. I share about it in my Ebook “Eating For My L1fe (Salt, Oil, Flour, Alcohol, Sugar) Free Whole Food Plant Exclusive: A Liberating Journey” and MasterClass, F.R.E. E.D.O.M. Looks Good On You!: Coaching Immersion as well as 1:1 Private Coaching. As a result, I continue to encourage and coach countless people across the world. Many share with me how motivating and inspirational it’s been to watch and continue joining me on my journey. 

What inspired you to keep going?
The biggest Why (or reason) I keep in the forefront of my mind, that keeps me going when I feel like giving up is that I’m tired of the kind of quality of life I had before making these changes and the poor relationships I had with myself and my children. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, weight loss surgery is not part of my journey. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve been learning is how important it is to be honest with myself about being a Refined Food Addict and Overeater in Recovery and what that entails. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
The most important advice I have for others is to be easy with themselves, make their journey their own, and take this one bite at a time.

Instagram: @eatingformyl1fe 
Facebook: @EatingForMyL1fe 
Twitter: EatingL1fe 
Youtube: EatingFor MyL1fe
Web: eatingformyl1fe.com

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

Christine lost 60 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Christine lost 60 pounds. She was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and it overcame her mentally. To reclaim her health and turn her life around, she began to seek out answers. She told us that God told her to stop running and go Vegan. That decision was a major game-changer for her.

Christine lost 60 pounds

My highest weight was 305 pounds in 2016. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) due to a prior stillborn. I eventually let it take over me mentally, and I had let myself go. I tried to figure out how to turn it around. 

I qualified for gastric sleeve surgery. However, I changed jobs between the appointments right before surgery and could not proceed because my new job’s insurance didn’t cover the surgery. I had the money for cosmetic surgery but couldn’t get my BMI down enough in time to proceed. 

Then, God told me to stop running and try going VEGAN. When I did that, the weight didn’t just come off in pounds! I also lost toxic relationships, friendships, a negative mindset, and bad eating habits along the way!  

How did you change your eating habits? No pills, no laxatives, no meat! Just begin VEGAN and making it a lifestyle! I discovered that I love smoothies! Currently, I’m not 100% Vegan. I’m still fluctuating between vegetarian and having my chicken/pescatarian cheats once a month.

Christine lost 60 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My son and my family.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workouts mainly consisted of lifting weights. I worked out 2-3 times a week or whenever I could because I’m a single mom. 

What is your current weight?
245 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
2017 to present day

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’m not perfect, but I know the best thing is to stay consistent! Consistency is key!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I would tell them not to worry or weigh themselves too often. Also, be patient with yourself.

Instagram: @christinekerr_

Christine lost 60 pounds

Alicia lost 75 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Transformation of the Day: Alicia lost 75 pounds. She is a busy entrepreneur and single mom who just wanted to get healthy for her children and herself. With the help of her trainer, she figured out the right mix of food and exercise to reach her wellness goals.

Alicia lost 75 pounds

What was your motivation? When did you start your journey?
I started my weight loss journey back in May 2020. I wanted to get healthy for my kids and me. That was the motivation I used to keep going! I’m an entrepreneur and a single mom, so my schedule can be hectic.

I signed up for an online training program by Zavis @zavis1. He helped me lose 75 pounds and 47 inches total! 

How did you change your eating habits? 
My trainer Zavis put me on a gluten-free, soy-free, and high protein plan. I also stopped eating so much processed food and fast food, and stopped eating late at night. 

What does your workout routine consist of? 
I do cardio and weight resistance exercises. 

Alicia lost 75 pounds

How often did you work out?
I work out every day. It was hard at first, but now it’s a habit. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’ve gone from 266 pounds to 191 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’1″.

How long did your transformation take?
My journey took 15 months. I took a month off when I had Covid. 

Is weight loss surgery or skin removal surgery part of your journey?
I didn’t have any kind of weight loss surgery or use any weight loss pills. I have not had any skin removal surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that you can do anything you put your mind to with commitment, dedication, and hard work. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to women would be, “Keep Going!!!” Just continue to be consistent, and the results will come! 

Instagram: @msnatural83

Alicia lost 75 pounds

Mignon lost 82 pounds

by 2 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Mignon lost 82 pounds. She is a 39 year old mom from Chicago. After being diagnosed with blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and sleep apnea, she decided to make a serious lifestyle change by having VSG surgery in 2017. Since then, she has been committed to healthy eating habits, exercise, and self-love.

Mignon lost 82 poundsMignon lost 82 pounds

My name is Mignon, I’m 39 years old, and I’m from Chicago. 

When did you start your weight loss journey?
I decided in March 2017 to have VSG, aka. the Sleeve. [vertical sleeve gastrectomy] I lost a total of about 80-85 pounds.

What was your motivation?
I had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and sleep apnea. I’m a single mother and knew I had to make a real lifestyle change for my child!

How did you change your eating habits?
My diet consists of small low carbs meals. My diet is also high in protein (mostly via shakes) and plant-based products. My digestive system is much more sensitive since the surgery. I rarely consume alcohol, and I drink plenty of water.

Mignon lost 82 pounds
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I work out three times a week to maintain weight and tone. I mostly do Crossfit. I also love roller skating when I can get it in. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was 274 pounds in 2005. I weighed 247 pounds at the time of my weight loss surgery in 2017, and I currently weigh 165 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’8″.  

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I have learned to love ME more. I’ve learned to accept that I’m not perfect and stop beating myself up! 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice is to DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD AND HEALTHY.

Instagram: @msming30

Mignon before and after

Mignon lost 82 pounds

Keasha lost 157 pounds

by 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Keasha lost 157 pounds. She just wants to be a healthy and fit mom for her five children and keep up with the demands of being a single mom. In 2017, she chose to have gastric bypass surgery and transform her habits to release the weight.

Keasha before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My biggest motivation was my kids. When I first started my journey, I was a mother of three beautiful kids, and I wanted to get healthy for them. After losing over 100 lbs, I got pregnant with my fourth. After he was born, I was more motivated to get and stay healthy. Then, my fifth child came. Today, I just want to be healthy for them and keep up with the demands of being a single mother of five.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had gastric bypass surgery in November 2017.

How long did your transformation take?  I had to lose 30 pounds before my surgery, so I started in August 2017. The first time I weighed under 200lbs was September 2018. Of course, with each pregnancy, I gained some weight back, but I quickly lost it. 

How did you change your eating habits?
The first change I made was I stopped drinking soda before my surgery. To this day, soda doesn’t agree with me and don’t enjoy the taste. I also have an app on my phone that reminds me to drink water, which I sometimes forget to do daily. 

In the beginning, the hardest change was cutting out bread. I love all bread and pasta, but today I don’t even miss it. 

Keasha before and after

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
As soon as I wake up, I get on my elliptical for 30-45 minutes. At night, I usually lift weights and do squats and jumping jacks. I work out five days a week. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 333 pounds, and my current weight is 176 pounds.

What is your height?
5’5″

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
This isn’t a simple change. It takes time to develop new habits and get into a routine. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Find your motivation, and every time you get discouraged and want to quit, remember what made you want to change your life for the better. There were many times I wanted to give up, but I thought about my kids and how I wanted to run with them and teach them to play different sports. I couldn’t really do that in the shape I was in. 

Instagram: @losing_halfof_kee

Keasha before and after

Tanisha lost over 100 pounds

by 4 Comments

Updated Sept 2020: Shout out to Tanisha. She lost 100+ pounds and has kept the weight off for six years. Today, she’s down 101 pounds. We asked her to share how she has maintained her results by adopting healthy eating habits and working out.

Tanisha before and after

How have you maintained your success?
My current weight is 175 pounds. (Starting weight was 276 pounds – 101 lbs weight loss). I’ve maintained my results for six years by committing from the start to make my journey a lifestyle instead of a diet. I do this by making sustainable changes to my nutrition and eating more whole foods/macronutrients. I stick to lean proteins (chicken, turkey, and fish), complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, etc.), and healthy fats (avocados, nuts/seeds, etc.). I enjoy food and cook the things I love, just in a healthier way. (Example: healthy chicken tacos on corn tortillas, whole-grain crust pizza, etc.). 

I used HIIT workouts (high-intensity interval training) for regular exercise to lose body fat. I also did strength training in the gym to change the composition of my body. 

Of all the lessons you’ve learned thus far, what stands out the most?
Of all the lessons I’ve learned on my journey, it would be that motivation is something that comes and goes. Some days you wake up with zero motivation, which makes sticking to your healthier lifestyle a little harder. However, when you become fully committed via finding your bigger “why,” it makes pushing through the low motivation days a lot easier. (For me, it was the birth of my son. I wanted to get healthy for him.) @nishafitness_

June 5 2017: Transformation of the Day: Tanisha lost over 100 pounds. As a college senior with a newborn, she faced significant challenges. She didn’t let anything stop her from graduating with honors and losing the weight. You may have seen this Alpha Kappa Alpha soror’s inspirational story in People Magazine’s recent “We Lost 100 Pounds” article. Check out her journey.

tanisha before and after

My name is Tanisha Washington and I am a single mother living in Austin, TX. I was always the big girl growing up in the south, due to poor eating habits and lack of nutritional education. I endured a significant amount of bullying and depression at a very young age. I knew I didn’t want to be the fat girl anymore, but I didn’t know how to lose the weight. During my senior year of high school, I obtained my first job and adopted improved eating habits. Once I lost 10 pounds, I became even more active in the evenings and on weekends.

Through these efforts, I was able to drop 45 pounds! I gained the confidence to be the person I had always dreamed of while I was in college. I was a beauty pageant queen, a cheerleader, and was initiated into the most illustrious organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. However, my life took an unexpected and unplanned turn three years into my degree program.

At the age 21, I found myself pregnant and abandoned. I was a first generation college senior with no plan for where I would be living or working to support my unborn child. I did not have a family who could support me or my child, so I knew I would to have to pull on every piece of strength that I could find within me to conquer the tribulations I faced.

I worked full time while taking 15 hours at school to graduate during the following spring semester. I attended all my doctor’s appointments alone, with no physical, emotional, or financial support from long distance family or my child’s absent father. My son, Liam, was due on December 4, 2013, during the week of finals. With the help of my college professors, I was able to take my exams early. I aced the semester with a 3.5 GPA and a week later, on December 10, 2013, I had my beautiful son.

As a new single mom with a newborn, it was difficult to adjust to the demands of a new life. God provided for me in ways I could never imagine! My sorority sisters would watch Liam for me while I attended class, and help me out when I needed time to study. With their love and support, I graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors in May of 2014! I was filled with joy and excitement knowing that I was making steps in the right direction to give Liam a better life.

Although, I was thrilled with the excitement of graduating and receiving my first job offer, I still couldn’t look at my body in the mirror. Through the stress I endured while I was pregnant, I gained 50 pounds and was extremely out of shape. When looked in my infant’s big brown eyes and knew I had to get healthy for him.

I cleaned up my eating habits and remained consistent and determined. No matter how hard things got, I never gave up. I cut out junk food and sugar. I stuck to a clean diet with lean proteins (chicken, turkey, and fish), healthy fats (avocados, nuts), leafy vegetables, and high fiber carbs (whole grain breads, brown rice, red/sweet potatoes). I would substitute a lot of my carbs for healthier options. (Examples: spaghetti squash instead of pasta noodles, cauliflower mashed potatoes instead of traditional mashed potatoes etc.) I found that when I consumed large amounts of veggies and protein, I had a lot more energy throughout the day.

When I first began my weight loss journey, I did not work out besides walking everyday. I lost my first 45 pounds by just focusing on my eating habits, because nutrition is key when it comes to weight loss. As the weight began falling off, I started going to gym and began working harder than ever to tone and shape my body. I focused on strength training and high intensity interval training for cardio. I would workout 3-5 times a week for about 45 minutes to an hour.

After a year, I had dropped over 100 pounds! I was a whole new Tanisha, with a refreshing outlook on life. In May of 2015, I began a MBA program that allowed me to continue to work full-time to support my son. In December of 2016, I graduated with my Masters of Business Administration with a 3.5 GPA!

Recently, my testimony was featured in the “We Lost 100 Pounds” issue of PEOPLE Magazine. I am living to proof to women all over the world that you can rise above any situation life throws at you. With faith and determination, anything is possible. I now mentor girls and women in situations similar to mine and provide motivation to those in need of strength. I’ve documented my journey and the habits that have helped me change my life so that I can provide it as a resource for anyone in need.

My starting weight was 276 pounds. I’m 5’8″ and I currently weigh 173 pounds with about 15.5% body fat. The biggest piece of advice I have for anyone beginning a new fitness journey would be to remain consistent. Weight loss is a mind game, but anyone can achieve their goals with motivation and consistency. Remember, you did not gain the weight overnight so you’re not going to lose it overnight. Just stay focused and motivated. Put away the scale. It’s not the best measure of progress and can become an obsession. Take pictures and compare them instead to gauge your progress. I maintained my motivation by watching success stories on YouTube. I have since created my own channel, sharing tips and helpful weight loss information. It’s your turn to get happy & healthy!

Instagram: @nishafitness_

View this post on Instagram

✨ I’m not one of the thousands of personal trainers who were skinny/fit majority of their lives. Everyone’s journey is different and that’s the beauty of it. I’m so very grateful for my journey..all the tears, doubt, pain, happiness, sadness.. all of it! I was almost 300 pounds at my heaviest and I used my weight as an excuse not to do the things I loved.. like play volleyball (because of the fear of spandex) , wear spaghetti straps in the summer (I’d literally be in a jacket sweating bullets to avoid showing my arms), or anything else that exposed my size. I couldn’t be the person I was created to be due to anxiety & fear. Well let me tell you something, fear is a liar! I told myself in the second picture that I was done being fear’s consistent victim. I made up my mind about the life & body I wanted then I kept my eyes forward. . I learned the one simple equation to not only weight loss but to life! If you’ve attended any one of my lifestyle transformation seminars then you know this— . Habits + Time = Results … Good Habits + Time = Good Results! Bad Habits + Time = Bad Results You can’t take time out of the equation, in fact, it’s MOST important! That’s why I can’t stress it enough to set REALISTIC goals for yourself. Think long term.. it’s a marathon, not a sprint. A lifestyle change , not a diet. Once you understand this, you’ve got the keys to success. . I love helping amazing people discover their keys to success & I’m so very excited to help soo many more! . . .. #weightlosssecrets #tbt #transformations #obesetobeast #fitjourney #myjourneytofit #austinpersonaltrainer #fattofit #300pounds #summerbodychallenge #getfittoday #fearisaliar #keepaustinfit #fitspiration #fitinspo #bodycheck #fitgirls #personaltrainers #overweight #transformacion #100poundsdown #fitmom #momslosingweight #texasfitness #melaninqueen #droppingpounds #throwitback #myhealthjourney

A post shared by 🌟Nisha Washington (@nishafitness_) on