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Update: Erica lost 56 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Erica is down 56 pounds. “I just wanted to share my new update with you in a video! It has been a struggle, but I’m hanging in there! I have gained 7 pounds since my last update, going from 112 pounds to 118 pounds! Trying to maintain my current weight and not lose sight of why I started my journey, because going back is not an option! My journey is far from over. I’m just getting started!”

Update November 2015 – 62 pounds gone (see Erica‘s full story below): “Hi! I just wanted to give you guys one more update on my weight loss! Since my second update in June, I have gone from 124 pounds to 112 pounds! I can’t tell you enough about how good I feel and look! I’m not trying to lose anymore weight, just trying to maintain my weight and stay healthy. Here are some new pictures of my progress!!”

erica before and after

Update June 2015: Erica has lost 12 more pounds. “Hi! I just wanted to share with you that I have hit my weight loss goal and lost 50 pounds. I feel so awesome!! Here are some of my recent pictures of me, down from 174 pounds to 124 pounds.”

erica before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Erica lost 38 pounds in 3 1/2 months. By following the advice of a nutritionist, exercising regularly and committing to her goals, she has been able to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

erica before and after

My starting weight was 174 pounds and today I weigh 136 pounds. I’m still going to get to my goal weight! I’m 4’8″ tall in height. What motivated me to lose weight was my health. I also did it for my 5 year old daughter! She needs me to be here for her and I knew that losing the weight would help my health.

I stated losing the weight on my own in December of last year. In late January of this year, I was having a little trouble losing weight, so my doctor sent me to see a nutritionist. We talked about my goals and where I wanted to be as far as weight loss. She put me on a 1500 calorie diet. I stopped eating out and only ate what I cooked at home. I also stopped eat candy, cookies, sweets, fried foods and starches. I ate only chicken, fish, veggies, fruits, low fat foods and low calorie foods. I also started drinking water and green tea instead of sodas.

I worked out at home doing Hip Hop Ab’s Monday – Friday for 45 minutes each day! If it was warm outside, I’d walk 2 miles. The weight started to come off!

In 3 1/2 months, I have gone from 174 pounds to 136 pounds and I’m almost to my goal weight of 122 pounds. My advice to anyone who wants to start or who’s been trying to lose weight is to set your goals and never let anyone tell you that it’s not possible, because it is and you can do it! Weight loss is not easy but you CAN do it. Once you start seeing results it is Awesome! You look better and you feel better. It’s just the most rewarding feeling ever to know that I weighed 174 plus pounds, but look at me now. Yes, I did this and I’m never going back!

Instagram: @chocolatdrop83

erica weight loss

Melinda lost 26 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Melinda lost 26 pounds, going from a size 12 to a size 4. She has reshaped her body with weight lifting and healthy eating.  Read what she shared with us about her journey…

melinda before and after

Hello, I just wanted the share my journey with you. My name is Melinda Cecil and I started my weight loss journey on January 18, 2013. I’m 5’4″ tall and I weighed 178 pounds wearing a size 12/large. I woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and simply wanted to look better naked..lol!! My goal was to just get my weight down to 145 pounds and I did that in 6 months by eating healthier and working out everyday. I would walk for 3 miles in 45 minutes until I was able to run. I started weight lifting and fell in love with the weights. I stopped eat so much junk food and I don’t drink pop, juice or Kool-aid anymore, just water. I’ve stopped eating red meat for about a year now. Now, I work out 6 days a week.

I’m still in the process of building a better me. Over 2 years later, I now weigh 152 pounds and wear a size 4/small. I feel fabulous and healthy! The advice I’d give to anyone who wants to lose weight is; eat healthy, workout, and stay focused! It gets hard sometimes, but don’t give up! My Instagram is @Mrsrome1

melinda weight loss

Donna lost 95 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Donna is celebrating her 10 year weight loss anniversary and she’s written a book about healing from food addiction and transforming her life.

“It’s been 10 years since I started my journey to lose 100 pounds. In 2016, I ran my first marathon at Disney, continued to teach boot camp classes that motivate women like me, and was recently nominated for Chattanooga Tennessee’s Best of the Best Trainers. In 2011, I shared my story in Ebony Magazine and since then I have written a book about my battle with food addiction! We all have addictions and mine were Chocolate chip cookies. My book is called Smoking Cookies: A Real-Life Guide to Conquering Food Addictions and Transforming Your Life. My goal is for God to use me to empower women to move for a lifetime and feel their best! I’m a former fat girl who understands the struggles of being teased and being able to find that “starting point”. I love who I am ten years later! God is good.”

donna before and after

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Donna lost 95 pounds, going from a size 24 to a size 12. This dynamic Radio/TV personality has taken her personal triumph and turned it into a movement to help women lose weight and get healthy. Read all about how she lost the weight.

donna before and after

I’ll never forget Labor Day 2004. It was a day with family, food, and lots of laughter. I’ll never forget that day. Kids in the family were playing outside and I was STUCK inside. Why??? Because I was still eating my second plate, too tired, and too lazy to get outside and enjoy life with the rest of my family. I knew right then that I had to change my mindset because I had an addiction. Yes, food is an addiction. Sone people drink alcohol, some people smoke cigarettes. I used to SMOKE A PACK OF COOKIES every night! LOL…Labor Day was the day that changed my life forever. I knew that I had a wonderful personality inside ready to come out. I wanted people to see something besides the girl with the “pretty face” wearing a
size 22.

I was the kid that was teased in school and the overweight Radio/TV personality in the public eye. I wanted to LIVE and that’s when the journey began. I spoke with my mother and my then eight-year-old son. I told them that I needed their support! I wanted to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF! My mother and I joined a weight loss program and began working out together. She has lost 100lbs also! My son would be at the gym working out and cheering us on. I had then lost 50 pounds! Yes!! Then another life changing event happened in my family. A close relative was battling cancer for years. We would have talks about my weight loss, because she also struggled with obesity for years. I told her I was thinking of being a fitness instructor for plus size women. She then gave me words that changed my life. ”Donna, when you teach, take the time to talk to women about how they can change their lives and why they over eat!” I listened and I began teaching thru healthy lifestyle coaching! My relative passed from Colon cancer and I remembered her words and was reminded that God called me to do more! I realized I had a platform in media, that I could use to encourage other women like me!

donna Ebony articleI began working out at D1 Sports Training. My son Brandon, 14 at the time, suggested I teach there. My response, “No Brandon, those people are too athletic there…But do you think I can do it? “ He said, “Yes Mama, I know you can!” I began my own program in 2010 at D1 Sports Training in Chattanooga; Donna’s D.I.V.A.s (determined individuals valuing activities) workout classes. I had several people that told me it wouldn’t work. “Black women won’t workout! Women don’t have time, they have families!” However, that was untrue. My first class had 65 women from all walks of life; mothers, wives, daughters, career women, blue collar. We all had one goal….to LIVE, to lose weight, and invest time for us. Through my mom’s encouragement, the trainers at D1, my son’s motivation, Donna’s D.I.V.A.s and realizing I’m worth it, I’ve lost almost 100lbs. I was a size 24 and now I’m a size 12! (height 5’11″). In April 2011, I WAS FEATURED IN EBONY MAGAZINE!!  People ask me how long has it taken? I have decided to take things slow! There’s no rush because I don’t want to gain it back like before. I have lost 25lbs per year and have practiced maintaining it and then I go on to the next loss.

I started working out 10 years ago and I began with Weight Watchers and now I use My fitness pal. Now, I make better choices. I focus on eating in moderation instead of elimination and I give myself treat days! I workout 5-6 times a week and I have ran 2 half marathons. I am really into Cross Training at D1 Sports Training. We flip tires, push buggies, sprint, etc. I am now an athlete and I’m doing all of the things I couldn’t do when I was overweight! Occasionally I do other classes but I love the hardcore fun stuff! God has been good!

I know I can only continue this journey if I help others. I have motivated over 2,000 women to move so far in Chattanooga, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Nashville and my goal is to get 100,000 women nationwide to move for a lifetime. My advice is to be patient, have a support team, forgive yourself if you fall off, push away from the table and get your POWER back by hitting the gym (learn to love it) because you are WORTH IT!

www.donnaellewellness.com
FB: Donna’s D.I.V.A.s workout classes
Instagram: @donnaelleonline

donna weight loss

Aleya lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story: Aleya lost 100 pounds.  This proud mom of two went looking for answers on how to feel better and healthier, which led to her weight loss journey.  She had support of her husband, loved ones and friends, as well as her faith to inspire her.  Here is what she shared with us.

aleya before and after

I’m a thirty something, married, mom of 2. I began my weight loss journey in June 2013. I had been feeling bad for a while and didn’t know why. Going to various doctors and really not getting any answers was the inspiration for me to change. I made up in my mind that I needed to change and then maybe I could feel better.

I just started small, by walking during my morning and afternoon breaks. I cut out sugary drinks and just drank water, along with adding in more fruits and vegetables for my snacks. I cut down on the junk food and a lot of the fast food. As I got more energy, I started doing more exercise, like Zumba, and still walked during my breaks and lunch hour.

It took a year and a half, but I lost 100 pounds (height: 5’5″). This is been the hardest thing I have done in my life. Some days are good, some days were not so good, but I continued to encourage myself. The support from my family, friends, coworkers and church members was a great motivation for me.

To those who want to lose weight, I would say focus on being healthy. Give yourself small goals to reach. That way it helps to keep you motivated and encouraged. You have to be determined and truly want to make a change. Also, find things that are fun to you as ways to work out. I love dancing. My husband says that I have literally danced the pounds off! I’m thanking God every day for being the center of my strength! Sending love and encouragement to all the ladies out there!

Latavia lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Latavia lost 47 pounds.  This proud mom of 4 was inspired to change her life after losing two loved ones to complications with diabetes and other health issues.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

latavia weight loss

My name is Latavia. I am a single mother of 4 children. After I lost both of my grandmothers to complications with diabetes and other hereditary health problems in their early 60’s, I knew I had to make a change. Since July of 2014, I have changed my diet. I drink 160 oz of water a day and I’ve cut down my portions of food. I don’t eat any fast food and I watch my portions very closely. I have limited my eating of meat, especially pork and beef. Now, I eat a lot of veggies and fruits and started eating more beans too. I walk 3-5 miles, 3 times a week and work out for 30 minutes a day.

Since I started my journey, I have lost 47 lbs (height: 5’7″). My starting weight was 272 lbs.My goal is to get to 200 pounds by July of 2015. My advice to others is not give up. It was definite a challenge to find the time to fit in a workout. However, I made time. I go on YouTube and find 30 min workouts that aren’t too strenuous on my back or knees. I have also have been using the workout calendar that BWLW provided for the month of March.

latavia before and after

Eutonya lost 25 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Eutonya lost 25 pounds.  She knows that even though she’s had some ups and downs on her journey, slow and steady wins the race.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

eutonya before and after

I started my journey back in September 2014 to lose weight and try to eat better. Since I started, I have lost weight and gained it back so many times, but I never gave up. I’m not just doing this because it’s about to be summertime. A lot of people lose weight to have that summer body but I did it due to health problems. I have high blood pressure and I’m tired of taking medicine.  I also wanted to have more confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I love the skin I’m in, but I know it can be much better. I’m not getting any younger. I will be 39 years old this year and I want to be like a fine wine (better with time).

I started eating more healthy. I stopped eating ALL fast food druing the first 3 months of my journey. I only ate baked chicken and fish and more vegetables and fruit. The first 3 months, I walked around the lake 5 days the week. My starting weight was 242 pounds. Now, I weight 217 pounds and my goal is to lose 15 more pounds (height: 5’6″).

My advice is to never give up, even if people say you can’t do it. Trust me, it’s been hard. My weight was going up and down but I never gave up. So, to the people that said I couldn’t do it I say, “Y’ALL KNOW WHAT Y’ALL CAN DO FOR ME”. To the ones who have been helping me I say thank you because y’all push me! “WORK HARD or GO HOME!”

Instagram: @wine_fine76

Morgan lost 53 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation: Morgan lost 53 pounds. She was inspired by her mother’s weight loss success and wanting to walk across the stage at her graduation more fit and healthier. Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

morgan before and after

My name is Morgan Donathan. I am s 26 year old from Nassau, Bahamas. The motivation for my weight loss came from my mother’s weight loss, along with my college graduation. I wanted to truly love and care for myself as I deserved to. I saw my mother lose and keep her weight off and it truly motivated me to want to do the same for myself.  This came along with the fact that, after longer than I expected, I would be walking across the graduation stage with my B.Sc. Psychology. In the beginning, I didn’t change anything with my eating, but I was working out 4 days a week doing Cardio Kick and Pilates. I then cut out a lot of carbs and sugars. I ate protein, mainly chicken breasts, vegetables/salads and I drank only water. I took  my sugars from the fruits I ate, which were strawberries, blueberries and grapefruits.

My starting weight was 224  pounds and I am currently 171 pounds at 5’6″ tall. This process took about a year and a half. If I can do it, so can you. It’s not easy and many, many days you’ll feel like giving up, not working out or eating comfort food.  However, the pay off for doing the things you need to do is so worth it. You will feel so much better and healthier. My Instagram is @morgiethemermaid.

Audra lost 140 pounds

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Update July 2016 – Audra is still going strong and has lost 30 more pounds for a total of 170 pounds released. Instagram: @livingvictorious1

audra weight loss

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Audra lost 140 pounds and she’s kept the weight off for 8 years.  She was kind enough to tell with us how she released the weight and share a sample meal plan. Check out her journey.

audra weight loss

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my family and my desire to avoid the illnesses that can come with being overweight, like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and back pain. I wanted to live the best quality of life. What inspired me was moving into a apartment complex that had a gym.

How did you change your eating habits?
What did you stop or start eating? See my original meal plan below:
BREAKFAST (Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
Quaker Oatmeal or Special K Protein Plus Cereal (Cereal Box is Light Blue in the front)
1/4 or 1/2 Grapefruit or 1/2 of an Orange

SNACK (Between 10:00 & 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 & 3:00 p.m.)
(Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
1/4 or 1/2 can of Fruit Cocktail or Sliced Peaches w/Splenda (No Sugar Added)
or other 1/2 of the Orange or Grapefruit
Cottage Cheese w/fruit
Quaker Reduced Sugar Granola Bar (90 Calories)
Sugar Free Jell-O

LUNCH (Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
Salad with or without Grilled Chicken (with Reduced Fat Dressing)
Campbells “Healthy Request” Soups (Savory Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Pasta or Mexican Tortilla) – These soups have 40% to 50% less sodium than the regular soups & can range from 110 to 190 calories per can.
Ritz Reduced Fat Crackers

DINNER (Drink at least 1 small bottle 16.9 oz of water before eating)
I basically alternate from the Lunch Menu most of the time (e.g. Soup for Lunch, Salad for Dinner or vice versa). However, I do sometimes eat the following to give myself a break:
Chicken Breast or Ground Turkey Patty grilled on the George Foreman Grill
Frozen Peas or Corn or Broccoli (Frozen or Fresh) – Frozen veggies carry less Sodium than canned ones
1/2 baked Potato

DESSERT OR SNACK AFTER DINNER
100 Calorie Pack Chips a’ Hoy or
Sugar Free Jello & Fruit Cocktail w/Fat Free or Sugar Free Cool Whip

BEVERAGES OTHER THAN WATER
Fuse Non-Carbonated Beverages (Look for the Low Carb varieties) – These drinks are very low calorie and are infused with vitamins & minerals.
Arizona Diet Green Tea
Crystal Light Beverages

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out 6 days a week. 45 minutes to an hour of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. .

What was your starting weight? 300 lbs.

What is your current weight? 160 lbs.

What is your height? 5’2″

How long did your transformation take? 14 months and have kept it off for 8 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
“SLOW GRADUAL CHANGES ARE THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS”.

I have a Facebook women’s Fitness group named Sisters Getting Fit for the Kingdom.

audra before and after

Sequoqah lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sequoqah lost 62 pounds. After dealing with being overweight for most of her life, she decided that it was time for a lifestyle change.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight…

sequoqah weight loss

Hi, my name is Sequoqah Brown and I am 31 years old. Last year on June 24, 2014 I set out to start my journey to weigh loss. I’ve been overweight my whole life. I was tired of dealing with the pounds and ready for a change. It was not a good feeling to be unhealthy. I talked to myself and prayed to God that by my 31st birthday on 02/04/2014 I would be under 200lbs. I worked out 2 to 3 times a day. Changed my unhealthy eating habits and completely drank nothing but water the whole time. I stopped eating fried foods and starches. I stopped drinking sodas, added more fruits and stared eating clean. I worked out daily. Exercise wise, I did a lot of upper body exercises, squats, jumping jacks, plank and used the treadmill. I also ran at football stadiums.

By Thanksgiving 2014, I was down from 240 pounds to 182 pounds. I shocked myself. I kept working out and reached my goal. To this day, I still drink only water, I’m still working out and I don’t eat after 7:00 pm. Now, I weigh 178 pounds (height: 5’4″). I love the skin I am in. I feel so much healthier and still have more to go on my journey.

My advice to others who want to lose weight is to stay focused on this journey once you start, because you are always one step closer than you were the day before. Also, drink lots of water.

sequoqah before and after

Jul lost 47 pounds

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Update Oct 2019: Jul lost 60 pounds. She initially shared her story with us back in 2015 and she is still going strong.

Jul before and after

God is good! I have maintained my weight since the last update. My greatest tip is water intake. I can not overemphasize drinking water. Also, I like slices of cucumbers mixed with pineapples.

Don’t ever forget to use portion control. I eat a small meal every 3 hours and drink water in-between. Sometimes, I snack on almonds, pears, or green apples.

The advice I can give to my sisters who are struggling with their weight is that losing weight must start with your mind and spirit. It took me years to realize this. You must change your habits and always remember that when your body is hungry, it wants nutrients, NOT calories. – @officialjulzebulon

April 2015  – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jul Zebulon lost 47 pounds.  She experienced weight gain from emotional eating after the loss of her father, followed by pregnancy weight gain.  Her story should serve as inspiration for women facing weight loss after pregnancy.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

jul before and after

Life is a blessing, but sometimes situations hit us very hard and the only option we have is junk food. During my pregnancy, I was eating everything my eyes saw. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, pink chocolate, whatever chocolates…lol. A day without McDonald felt like I was in prison. Then I lost my Dad and everything went from bad to worst. Junk food became my best friend. I went from 165 pounds to 235 pounds very fast. Adding weight can happen very fast but losing it is a bitch. After that, I gave birth to my baby C-section on 12.26.14. I was resting in my hospital bed, still in a horrible pain, I looked at myself and didn’t like what I saw. I made a promise to myself that now the baby is out I had to take care of myself. I didn’t know how it was going to happen but I had to start somewhere.

Few days later I was discharged. I came back home, changed my eating habits and controlled my cravings. I stopped eating bread, white rice, fried plantain, chips,…etc and I eat 3 hours before bedtime. I made healthy food choices like beans, avocados, greens, more fruits, grapefruit, almonds, and more water intake. I don’t have any specific YouTube videos, I just watch any workout video and do some dancing. I also purchased a treadmill, so I normally workout at home like 30-45mins. My favorite form of exercise is dancing, because I sweat and I don’t feel bored. I also joined some groups on Facebook for motivation.

I’m still a work in progress but so far I’m 47 lbs lighter 3 1/2months (height: 5’5″). My goal weight is 160 lbs and I must achieve it before my baby turns 6 months old. 47 pounds in 3 months might sound wired but yes, I did it and it’s true. I’m working my butt off everyday lol.

My advice for those that wants to lose weight: stop procrastinating. If you truly want to lose weight, focus on it. Cut off sodas, bags of chips, pizza etc, and learn how to say NO to junk foods. Don’t say you want to lose weight yet everyday you’re chilling on the couch snacking on the wrong foods. Make a healthy grocery list and always stick to it. When you feel like giving up, always reach out to people that understand your struggle. Being a SEXY mom isn’t only for celebrities. With dedication, commitment, and discipline, you can achieve anything.

jul weight loss

jul zebulon before and after
April 2018: Jul is still going strong.

Update 2017 – We shared Jul’s story a year ago and she’s sent in a great update.  She’s had some ups and downs, but she hasn’t given up. Now, she’s down a total of 60 pounds.

jul before and after

Since the last time you shared my story, I have struggled back and forth with my weight, but I finally regained my confidence and self esteem. I figured out that my biggest enemy was my eating habits. So, I stayed away from fast food and starchy food (Pizza, McDonald’s, rice, etc). I increased my protein shakes. I bought a protein shake powder, B12, Zinc and Biotin from GNC store. These things has helped me significantly with achieving my weight loss. The B12 supplement is my No. 1 because it’s gives me energy. I see myself getting skinnier and skinnier every day. I am still dealing with my Dad’s death, but it’s a process that only time will heal.

jul weight loss storyMy goal weight is still 160 pounds. I don’t want to be too skinny, my body is not meant to be tiny. I want to be moderate, elegant, and beautiful. I’m concentrating on losing fat, not lean muscle. I receive so many compliments and everyone wants to know the secret to my success. My advice for other people is to stay away from that “quick fix” stuff. (I.E. slimming tea, herbal medicine, pills, etc.) If you can control what you eat, you will lose weight fast, safe and effectively.

I have lost 60 lbs in total. I am still a work in progress. Sometimes I lose, when I think of my Dad’s death, I end up gaining but so far it’s been steady. I can’t complain because I know that God is great! People can follow me on Instagram: @JUL_ZEBULON or Facebook: LadyJul Zebulon for more weight loss info.