strength training

Tanisha lost 193 pounds with weight loss surgery

November 13, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tanisha lost 193 pounds, down from 430 pounds, with weight loss surgery and by changing her lifestyle. After years of using food to battle depression and dealing with a host of medical issues , she decided to have surgery to live a better life. Here is what she shared with us…

Tanisha before and after

All throughout my teenage years, I was obese and being 5’2″ it was a disadvantage. Ever since I was in college, I’ve always had a bad habit of eating everything I could because it always made me feel better. It was comfort for my depression and satisfaction for my needs. My obesity was worse when I went to CSUSB in 2006. I got fatter and bigger every year. I would try to lose the weight, but my mind would tell me “no!” so, I just felt that if I would eat, I would feel better and I was on the right track for a while. However, since I graduated CSUSB in 2011 my health gotten much worse. I had Obstructive Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, Pre-Diabetes, etc… I knew then I had to get weight loss surgery. It was my saving grace.

Since then, I had the surgery in June 3, 2013. I had the Gastric Sleeve Surgery and I was scared at first. However, I knew that if I did not changed my ways, I might have died. My highest weight was an astounding 430 pounds. Now, I weigh an incredible 237 pounds. I’ve lost 193 pounds total since 2012 and I’m still losing weight now. I was given a second chance to start my weight loss journey.

I have to eat three meals a day with only two snacks meals, and I’ve stopped eating so many sweets and junk food. Now, I’m eating fruits and some veggies. I hated to exercise when I was obese, but now, I really love it! I love to use my Nintendo Wii and play my Dancing video games. I incorporate some strength training two times a week into my workout schedule. Walking everyday helps me to feel free from the negativity in my life. Also, Belly dancing is new for me, but I really love it.

My family and my friends have always helped me because they knew I would not survive if I went the wrong path. They have really become my providers. Being a musician as well, my music friends always gave me the confidence I needed to be strong. Being a huge wrestling fan also helped me become stronger as well.

For everyone that wants to lose weight: You have to take it one step at a time. Stay strong, stay positive, and live a healthy life. Never look back, because if I can do it, you can do it as well! You all are so worth it, just believe in your heart and yourself. You can follow me on twitter: @henrytanisha or on Facebook.

Angela lost 70 pounds

November 12, 2014 by Ajima Jackson Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Angela lost 70 pounds. She started eating clean and working out to get more energy and see her body transform. She says, “The best advice I have for anyone trying to lose weight is to educate yourself and learn to listen to your body.” Read her story…

Angela before and after

My name is Angela and I have been on my journey for about one year so far. I have lost a total of 70 Lbs. I went from a size 24-26 to a size 18. I decided to start losing weight after my mother took a hideous picture of me. I decided right then I did not like the extra weight and decided to go on my journey. I started exercising five times a week and embraced clean eating. I love the extra energy and seeing my body transform. I am very excited to see what the next phase of my weight loss journey has in store for me. I started at 307 pounds and I’m 5’7″.

Change in Eating habits – I became Pescatarian (seafood only) about three years ago. This aided big time in my weight loss. My eating habits have not changed since I started my transformation. I only bake and sautée my food. I eat plenty of leafy greens, lots of vegetables and drink lots of water too. I do not eat out often and prepare a majority of my meals at home as well doing meal prep for the week.

Workout routine – I did a majority of cardio(usually jogging & wii active) and weightlifting four to five times a week. I wanted to make sure that I was focusing on building and toning my muscles as well as weight loss. For my next weightless goal, I am trying to lose another thirty pounds. To achieve this, I workout five days a week. I do thirty minutes to a hour of Zumba and about a hour of resistance training.

The best advice I have for anyone trying to lose weight is to educate yourself and learn to listen to your body. It took me a while to figure out my routine. Now I have a good rhythm and I’m seeing the results of my hard work. This takes time so don’t expect instant results. Set realistic goals to achieve. You have to do this journey for yourself not anyone else. I wanted this and focused my efforts towards it to achieve my results. It’s hard and bad days will come, but the good days outweigh the bad.

KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

October 16, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 5 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery. Post-surgery this proud mom is very happy with her choice and has lots of energy to be active with her son. Read more about her journey…

Katarra weight loss

I’m KaTarra and my motivation to become healthy came in 2011 when I gave birth to my son. I knew at that point that being overweight was not am option anymore. I was 5’5″ and topping the scales at 335 pounds!! My last option for losing the weight turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in my life besides having my son. I chose to have the Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery to help me, not to do it for me.

My eating habits had to change dramatically because of my surgery, and I just keep that post-surgery frame of mind when it comes to my eating now. I only do small portions and I do a lot of protein with my meals because that’s what helps me. My cardio workouts are 45 minutes to an hour on the treadmill. My strength training is doing squats with a 45 lb bar with one 45 lb plate on each side for 10 reps per set. I do crunches as well.

I now have the energy I never had before to workout & be active with my son! 160lbs down & still going! I continue to watch what I eat, I work out at least 3 times a week and I actively use the MyFitnessPal app. I wore my very 1st 2pc swimsuit ever (though it was a tankini, mind you) for the 1st time in my life in September on my 1st vacation out of the country!! I’m making major accomplishments & it feels great!

Instagram: @tiniki80

Katarra before and after

Mel lost 185 pounds

September 28, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 7 Comments

Success Story of the Day: Mel lost 185 pounds over the last few years. This beautifully handsome sista got several wakeup calls that brought her to this place and wanted to avoid the illnesses that her loved ones were suffering from. Slow and steady indeed wins the race!

Mel weight loss story

I can’t really pinpoint one specific experience as the catalyst for my journey. It was more so a combination of several embarrassing moments. One was getting on a scale at a department store and it giving an error message because the capacity was 350 pounds. Another was a doctor’s encouragement that I look into weight loss surgeries. However, I think maybe ultimately what really inspired and motivated me to make the change was that I saw too many people around me dying from heart attacks or having to take so many different prescriptions for diseases that are almost completely or preventable by making lifestyle changes. I knew I could never be one of those people who had to take multiple pills a day just to survive. I can barely remember to take a multi vitamin daily.

The biggest change to my eating habits was removing a lot of the highly processed foods and fast foods. I replaced them with fruits, vegetables, eggs, chicken, turkey and fish. In the beginning, I started out just walking every morning for an hour and a half and strength training three times a week in the evenings. A co-worker introduced me to Cross Fit and I did that for quite some time and then started going to spin classes. Now, I do a lot of walking in general and strength train several times a week.

Oh man…my starting weight was 372 lbs. My current weight is 187 lbs. I’m 6’3″ on my best days. My transformation is ongoing. I lost the first 100 lbs really quickly though, within the first 8 months. The rest has been trickling away for the past 5 years. My best advice for anyone who wants to lose weight is to find what works for them and their lifestyle. There’s no one approach that is effective for everyone…not with diet and not with exercise. Beyond that, always love and appreciate yourself and your body no matter how far along you are in your journey. I recently rejoined instagram @im.just.mel. and I have a blog is in the works so I’ll be sure to pass that along as soon as it’s available.

Nataka lost 44 pounds

September 16, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 4 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Nataka has lost 44.5 pounds since the beginning of the year. She was inspired by fitness and weight loss instagramers. Counting macros and lifting heavy helped her to lose the weight. Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, my name is Nataka. I am 36 years old and I’ve lost 44.5 pounds since the start of 2014. My motivation came from following fitness pages on Instagram (@skipfitness, @taifitness, @anowaadjah, and @easybeingfat). Also, at our annual Christmas party last year I looked at a picture of myself and realized how much weight I had gained. Holding my stomach made absolutely no difference in the picture.

My initial goal was to lose 20 lbs. I accomplished that goal. Then, I set another goal to get into a size 12 pants and I accomplished this one as well. I started following @skipfitness on Instagram last year around Thanksgiving. I ordered his nutritional and workout videos. The nutritional video really explained why I wasn’t losing weight no matter what I’d tried. He easily breaks down how to read food labels and how to count macros. The workout videos encouraged me to get my first gym membership. I had every excuse not to join a gym. His video told me exactly which machines to use.

I stopped eating fast food for lunch at work. I used to eat out everyday. I ordered Skip’s wife’s (BeBe) meal plan. It was a four week plan that showed me how to count macros (carbs, fats, and proteins). Now, I measure all of my meals out. I eat 5 meals a day instead of two like I was doing before starting this journey. I eat more vegetables (mostly as a snack). The biggest change is I stopped drinking sodas (sometimes 4-5 a day), juice, and alcohol. I now drink at least a gallon of water a day.

My workout routine focuses mainly on lower body because I wanted to shape and tone my legs and thighs. I started lifting weights at the gym. In Skip’s workout video he says don’t be afraid to lift heavy. I love the leg press, leg curls, squats, and leg lifts. I just started doing cardio. For the first six months, I lifted only. No cardio. Upper body workouts are my weak point. I have been working on that as well, but just not nearly as much as lower body. For days when I can not make it to the gym I have several workout videos that I complete at home. My favorite at home video is Anowa’s full body curve down and powerhouse physiques.

My starting weight was 233 lbs. My current weight is 188.5 lbs (5’9″). I really do not have a goal weight right now. I just want to be healthy. My advice to others wanting to lose weight is not to give up. Even if you have a bad day, the key is consistency. You didn’t gain it in a day, you won’t lose it all in a day.

Instagram: @Na_ta_ka

nataka before and after

In the picture, the first and third are my before pics. I was so embarrassed by the way I looked. The 2nd and 4th pictures were taken in July 2014. I am no longer embarrassed and I’m proud to post those pics. My birthday was last month and I fell off track but I have quickly picked myself up and I’ve gotten back on track. It has not been easy but I keep on pushing.

Deborah lost 80 pounds

September 14, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 7 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Delta Sigma Theta soror Deborah lost 80 pounds since January. Her weight loss coach, Wiltrina Jones (who has lost over 205 pounds), encouraged her to send in her story. This single mom of 3 went from a size 3XL shirt to a small and from size 24 pants down to size 10. Here is what she shared about her journey:

Deb weight loss story single mom

My name is Deborah Harvin. I’ve lost 80.9 pounds and I’m on my way to my goal of 100 lbs, GONE. I began my journey 1/24/14, weighing 280, wearing a 3XXL SHIRT, 24 tight pants. Today, I am wearing a juniors small shirt and size 10 pants. I reached half my original size in 7 months. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Not physically sick but tired, run down and lethargic. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, I attended our Centennial Celebration in D.C, and I was uncomfortable at many of the events because of my size and limited choices in fashionable clothes. I’ve carried this extra weight over 25+ years and it got worse after each child, life event, etc. However, I have no illnesses associated with being obese and I realized that was my blessing, but I needed to keep it that way for me and my children. I’ve been a single mother of three for nine years, I operate my own business, and have tried over the years EVERYTHING to lose weight. I’ve seemingly been on a perpetual diet.

I stumbled across Wiltrina Jones: I Use To Be U on FB and watched her and her clients for about a year. My thinking was, “Wow, she looks like me, is shaped like me, she did it. It’s possible.”. Well, on January 24, 2014, I finally decided to try her plans. In July 2014, I won $1000 in her 12 week body transformation contest. Having customized meal plans has given me my life back. I eat real food that I buy, cook and enjoy. No shakes, pills, etc. I have learned how to meal prep, use portion control, understanding my body’s signals. I changed my eating habits by eating clean, measuring my food, no processed food, such as chips, fast food, ice cream, deserts. I eat fish, chicken, ground turkey, fresh veggies, brown rice, all baked, no fried foods.

I work out 4-5 days a week and began going to the gym about a month into my journey. Once there, I immediately began lifting weights as I was fearful of having loose skin and my Coach always says, ‘Keep the weights in your hands’. My exercise routines also include walking, boot camps, jump roping, weighted ropes and the treadmill. No matter what method you use, discipline, prayer, hard work, sweat, a few tears, and focus have to be part of the journey. If I can do it, I believe anyone can, but you have to get out of your own way!

Instagram: @debduncanharvin

Deb before and after

Kim lost 52 pounds

September 6, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kim lost 52 pounds and knows that slow and stead wins the race. This proud mom has made changes to her lifestyle over the course of 3 years to reach her weight loss and health goals. Find out how she did it…

Kimberly before and after

I am proud to announce that I’ve lost 52 lbs over the last couple of years! I reached my goal in the month of August 2014 and I feel great! It’s been a battle with staying on the healthy regime but I made it! Black Women Losing Weight, Thank you for all of the great tips and support!

The beginning of having health issues was my biggest motivation to change my lifestyle. I was also motivated to make a change to continue to take care of my 8 year old son! Several people in my community, in the gym, my physician and groups like Black Women Work Losing Weight helped inspired me to want to lose weight.

I stopped eating at fast food places all the time, I also stopped eating at my Mother’s house on a daily basis because that good ole soul food put some weight on me (lol)! I cut back on the junk food that I enjoyed all the time! I began to have smoothies once or twice a day, and I began eating more fruit, nuts and veggies. I began to walk daily, participate in the different workout challenges on Facebook.

In terms of exercise, I became more consistent in the gym, taking the following classes Mon-Thurs: Core Strength Training, Zumba, Stepped-Up Cardio, Total Body X-Train, Fitness Kick-Boxing and BOKWA. My starting weight and the most I’ve ever weighed other than pregnancy, was 222 lbs. My current weight is 170 lbs, my health has improved drastically and I feel great! The transformation began 3 years ago in 2011, and it wasn’t easy but I was determined to make a lifestyle change. I encourage anyone trying to make a lifestyle change to make up in their mind that they want to change and just do it!

Love, Kimberly White-Footman

Tiffany lost 35 pounds

September 3, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 5 Comments

Tiffany has lost 35 pounds since March and she it today’s featured weight loss success story. This proud mom and student embraced running, got the help of a trainer and learned how to change her eating habits to avoid a family history of diabetes and heart problems. She is getting healthy for her and her children as well as inspiring others. Here is what she told us about her weight loss journey:

tiffany weight loss photos

Hello Everyone, I’m Tiffany and I am beyond thrilled and honored to be chosen to share my story!! This site has helped me believe that weight loss is possible and I hope to inspire others with my journey as well. I began my weight loss journey with real determination and a will to change in March 2014. At the time, I had moved to another state and was having curve balls thrown at me from different directions. I was told that I may become pre-diabetic which is not a shock to me as my father and grandparents have diabetes and heart problems. I wanted to break that chain and become healthy for myself and my children.

I am 5’3″ and started this journey weighing 219 pounds with a BMI of 38.8. I now weigh in at 184 and have lost a total of 35 pounds so far and now have a BMI of 32.6. With weight training, I have gained lean muscle and lost pounds of fat. I have also lost a total of 7 inches from my waist and plan to waist train soon. I am hoping to lose an additional 24 pounds to weigh in at 160 pounds. I love having curves so at that point would only like to continue weight training to tighten and tone my body.

What did I do to change my eating habits? I began to eat less carbs that are like rice and breads, and more whole carbs like fruits and vegetables. I love salads, so I started to incorporate more of them into my meals daily. I also began drinking a protein shake every day after my lunch workout at the gym. I had issues with my eating habits initially because I am one of the people that did not eat enough. I would eat only lunch and snacks and neglect breakfast and dinner at times. To cure this, I began to meal prep to make sure I had my breakfast, snacks, and lunch. I still have an occasional Twix or Snickers, which are my favorites, but I do this only as a treat and try my best not to overindulge.

What did I do in terms of exercise? I began running 1-2 miles every morning prior to work and saw a little weight dropping but was impatient and ready for real results. So, I hired a personal trainer in April 2014 and have noticed great results thus far. I work with my trainer weekly doing resistance training and heavy weight lifting. I recommend weight training along with cardio as you will see great results!! I love working my legs and glutes and the feel that doing so spurs on the weight loss in other areas. Currently, I run 1.7 miles to the gym, workout for about 30 to 45 minutes then run back to work. I do this during the weekdays and rest on the weekend or may jog on Saturday with my children. I also do P90X, synergistics, planks, mountain climbers, stair stepper, body weight exercises, and array of abdominal exercises to strengthen my core. I even use my kids as weights when working out at home! One of the best exercise moves I know is SQUATS!! I love doing squats, lunges, and step-ups as they are helping to tone my legs, thighs, and behind.

My advice to others: The best advice I can offer is to try not to get discouraged during this process. I have noticed that I have my ups and downs when it comes to my perception of my body and how I feel about doing better with my diet and/or exercise. I am learning not to take things so personal and go with the flow. I sometimes feel as though I am slacking when I need a rest day and start to feel down as if I am quitting on myself. I must realize that as much as I wear an “S on my chest” daily with being a mom, having a significant other, being an employee and a student; that I must chill out from time to time. I also must warn you bout something I call “fat girl syndrome.”

Now, this is a self proclaimed issue I have diagnosed myself with. There are days when I do not see what is actually present when I look at myself in the mirror. This was not a problem I had prior to starting this weight loss journey, if anything I was more comfortable than I am now. Now, I find myself finding problems that I want to be resolved immediately or in the very near future. Please know that patience is the key and a virtue that times I or you may not wish to exhibit. It is necessary to enjoy the process and the rewards of losing the weight the right way. Just know that no fad or crazy diet is going to give you long term results. Stay motivated and ask God to help you along the way. I know this works as I have just come out of a depressing period where I prayed for help because no one saw what I saw in the mirror nor understood where I was coming from.The only thing I could do is pray during this time. I wanted to be honest in this respect because many will only write about the joys of the results and none of the negative emotions you may encounter. Just keep your head up and know that this journey will be one of your best! Please follow me on Instagram @TreasuredTiffany for more information and photos during my journey. Thank you and God bless!

Tiffany before and after

Sabrina lost 60 pounds and embraced Raw Veganism

August 19, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Update June 2015: Sabrina sent in an update. She’s lost 100 pounds. “I have consistently maintained my vegan and vegetarian regimen. I love to juice as well and/or make smoothies. I have learned to eat smarter and make it a sustainable lifestyle. I also do a mix of strength training, cardio, martial arts and recently incorporated belly dance. I just find every reason to stay active whether in the gym two to three times a day or even yard work. My mantra is: NO EXCUSES!”

sabrina before and after

Sabrina wrote in to share her 3 year+ weight loss journey. She’s lost 60 pounds and found that a vegetarian/raw vegan lifestyle works for her, along with strength training. Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Sabrina weight loss story

I love my results and you all are an inspiration. I am still on my journey. I have been a vegetarian for over 3 years and now eat 80% raw.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was the sickness I saw in my family. I saw myself going down that very same path. People are not dying of old age anymore but of disease.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started dealing with my relationship with food in 2010. I focused on the emotional aspect of it all. It was like a full blown divorce. I cried when I deprived my emotions and didn’t eat. I was going cray – cray. Really! I said to myself, “Sabrina, Food ain’t that good. You can’t eat to the point of unhealthiness.” Then at that moment, I knew once I believed that, I would be fine. Here is a quick glimpse of my journey with food;
1.) No red meat
2.) Turkey, Chicken, Fish Only
3.) Chicken & Fish Only
4.) Fish Only
5.) Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw

I am comfortable with these changes. I challenge myself with straight juicing on occasion and going full vegan or raw vegan. This is my journey. Yours maybe different, but we may have the same goal in mind. Do what works for you. That is the true secret to long term weight loss! If you can’t do it short term what makes you think you will be able to do it long term.

What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT weights! Women do not want to lift weights because they think it will make them look like a man. Not so. Lifting builds muscle and burns fat while you sleep.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I do not focus on weight loss per say but overall transformation deduction in BMI (fat loss) and build muscle. The scale lies especially when you lift weights you lean out. That being said, I have lost a total of 60 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I am still on my journey but started this lifestyle change in 2010.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be consistent, have intensity and integrity! Stay off that scale it will discourage you. Keep making improvements daily for it is a lifestyle change not a short term one. I would say eat and exercise according to your lifestyle. (i.e … you cannot have a lot of carbs if all you do is sit all day … turns to fat)

Mia went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat

August 18, 2014 by Ajima Jackson 8 Comments

Mia’s story is our Success Story of the Day. She went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat and she’s no longer using the scale to judge her progress. This chef has transformed her body with bodybuilding and clean eating. Read all about her journey below. MiaBlz weight loss Starting out on November 26,2012 when I woke up and joined Lifetime Fitness my life has not been the same since. I walked into Lifetime weighing a hefty 260 pounds, the largest I had ever been in my life. I started off going to the gyms twice a day as well as training with a personal trainer so that I could get my technique right on how to lift. They also told me what I needed to do to get this weight off of body. I had just gotten out of a abusive relationship and over the past two years. I had gained over a hundred plus pounds and something had to change. I came to Lifetime once before and I knew I wanted to come back but I was in a financial bind and that was not in my budget. Once my financial situation turned around I knew I had no more excuses. I love to dance and so I did every chance I got. Every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon I took all Dance Jams and Zumba classes I could do. I am a chef so food was not the problem but proper eating was. We often think to lose weight we must starve ourselves but contrary to popular beliefs you must eat a clean proper diet in order to lose weight. By Feb of 2013, I could see my hard work paying off. I was almost out of the 200’s and those around me could see me melting away as well. When the seasons changed, I joined Bootcamp and lost more. I did a 90 day challenge in spring/summer of 2013 and I believe I placed in the transformation section of the competition. I tried my hardest but I never gave up. In December of 2013, I have decided to get into bodybuilding. I lost over half my bodyweight and I knew that from a lifetime of my weight being up and down that this was now a lifestyle change, It has been the best change I have ever made. I am now at 16% body fat and I don’t care about what the scale says. It’s about how I look and feel. My ultimate goal is to train others and utilize my cooking skills as well as my found knowledge of body transformation and lifestyle changes to help others being out there inner healthy person. I am now known as Mia Blaze of Blaze Athletics – “Blazing a trail to a new beginning”. Follow me of Instagram at Miablz1 or my Facebook fan page of inspiration MiaBlz.