Black Weight Loss Success

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strength training

Vikki lost 38 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Vikki lost 38 pounds in 5 months with exercise and healthy changes to her eating habits. Here is what she shared with us:

I just wanted to share my story with the page. I have a VERY long way to go, but you never know who it may help motivate if they’re having trouble getting started.  The picture on the left was taken on January 19th, and the one on the right was taken 2 weeks agao…5 months and 38 pounds later. My goal is to lose a total of 125 pounds.

I workout 5 days a week for a minimum of 20 minutes of cardio, and a maximum of 1 hour during the day. After work, I strength train for 1/2 hours, 3 days a week. I’m doing it all on my own, without a personal trainer or classes.

I don’t diet. I merely changed my eating habits by eliminating soda completely, sweets, and I incorporate whole wheat whenever I can. I also drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, and eat oatmeal for breakfast 5 days a week.  I’m a HUGE snacker, so I always make sure to have fresh fruit, pistachios, and trail mix on hand.

Thank you for your time, and as I said before I just hope it helps someone by getting the idea of “fast” out of their head.

Vikki weight loss before and after

Demetris lost over 70 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Demetris.  She lost over 70 pounds in 2 1/2 years and she hasn’t had in soda in over 2 years.

I would love to be featured on your page. Your page has always been such an inspiration to motivate me to hit the gym even when I didn’t think I had the drive to do so.

It took me a total of 2 1/2 years to lose over 70 lbs and keep it off. The secret to my success was to exercise at least 4 days a week, doing cardio and strength training.  I watched my meal portions and I drank LOTS of water. I completely cut out any type of sugary drinks. I haven’t had a soda in well over 2 years. All it takes for anyone to be motivated to lose weight is for them to have that “ah ha” moment when they realize they have to do something.  My moment mine came when I was told I was pre-diabetic. That was when I knew I had no other option but to lose weight and to live a healthier lifestyle.

Demetris weight loss before and after

Laura lost 70 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Laura lost 70 pounds by switching to low carb eating (with fruit and veggies) and regular exercise.  

What a differences a year makes! I reached my goal in March 2013. I really exceeded my expectations when I started this weight loss journey on April 17, 2012. It was on that day last year that I made up my mind to lose, to live with motivation, dedication and determination and last but not lest, make a commitment to accomplish my goal even if it took a whole year!  Now, I look back and say Wow.  I never could have made with out God, Team Fit, Team Chisel, BWLW -and my biggest fan/supporter my husband. My workout consisted of 1hr 30min cardio workout, mon thru fri.  Some mornings, I did a 5:45 am boot camp.  Evenings I did Zumba class and strength class.  I took 2 mile uphill walks on my break at work.  My diet consists of water, meats, veggies, fruit. Today my goal is to move forward and maintain with my same routine. Loving the new ME!

My diet is low carbs.   I knew that sweets and sugary beverages were my weakness so i reduced them from my diet and eliminated the beverages.  I drink water and on occasions crystal light was my treat.  I renewed my LA Fitness membership and begin to exercise everyday. My motivation was my own Team Fit Facebook page members and BWLW Facebook page members. I was experiencing an underlying medical issue and felt if I could get this weight off my medical condition would improve which is what has happened.   My doctors are so proud of my accomplishments. I’m proud to be a member of Black Women Losing Weight.

Laura before after weight loss

Tamika lost 147 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Tamika who lost 147 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She wrote us saying…

“I’m Tamika I lost 147.8 pounds after having vertical sleeve gastrectomy. My surgery was Dec. 2011 and I was 348 pounds at the time.  I am currently 200.2 pounds. I have found a new love for Zumba.  I go five to six times a week.  I also have a personal trainer that I see twice a week.  I take exercise classes including kettle bell, kickboxing, aqua Zumba and spin.   I use the elliptical machine and do strength training as well. My goal for 2013 is to lose my last 27 pounds.”

Tamika weight loss

Twyla lost 42 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Twyla lost 42 pounds.

twyla weight loss

Here is what she had to say about losing the weight:

“I’m 42 lbs. down at this point with more to go. I’ve had good days and bad days but by the grace of God I’m reaching my goal of health!!  I always looked at everyone else’s before & after pictures in amazement praying that one day I would have one of my own. After battling health issues for the last 6 years and I’m only 30 something had to give. I want to be here for my kids for a long time and not dead in my grave because of my own self negligence. Gluten free eating, minimal meats, water only, intense cardio, and strength training has helped me thus far. I’m going to keep praying and keep pushing for a healthier ME :)”

SaLisa released 45 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: SaLisa released 45 pounds and was motivated by seeing how diabetes ravaged her family.

SaLisa before and after photos

She says,
“In my journey to become a healthier me, I lost 45 lbs. I watched the disease named Diabetes murder members of my family and this became an eye opener for me. I want to be natural and healthy for the rest of my days.  My starting weight was 189. When I first began the process I changed up my eating habits. All things white went to all things brown, like rice and pasta. I cut out soda completely, as well as fruit juice. All sweets were eliminated. Once I noticed my weight dropping, I decided to do more and I began doing cardio 3 days a week and strength training 2 times a week”

Gewanda lost 45 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Gewanda lost 45 pounds.  She attributes her weight loss to “daily cardio, strength training combined with a low carb diet.”  I would add hard work and researching what would work for her.

Gewanda's weight loss journey

My weight loss journey was one of trial and error. I failed plenty of times but in the end, it was all worth it because I succeeded and still continue to do so once I got enlightened on health and weight loss.. After many failed attempts including starvation, reducing calories, fat burners, liquid diets and too many others to name, I finally decided “I” was ready to do this the right way. I researched and read every possible article i could find on weight loss and I then began my journey. I started with 30 minutes cardio on a treadmill everyday and I also followed a low carb diet which consisted of 50-70 carbs a day! As time went on, I began performing HIIT on the treadmill 3x weekly, Strength Training with High weight and low reps 4-5x wkly while still following a low carb diet and the pounds really began to shed. I no longer follow a strict low carb diet but I still excercise faithfully and eat healthy at least 70% of the time but I attribute my 45lb weight loss to daily cardio, strength training combined with a low carb diet.

Toi has gone from 235 to 190!

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Much Love to BWLW online community member Toi T. She has gone from 235 to 190 with eating and exercise!

She says, “I started my weight loss journey feb 3, 2012 @ that time I weighed in at 235 pounds ! I am now at the current weight of 190 pounds and my goal weight is 150 or less by the summer of next year !!! My motivation for losing the weight is I got tired of other people talking about me and killing my self esteem in my face , asking me if I was pregnant and I haven’t had a baby in almost eight years and that was just the beginning !!! I take up to nine classes a week cardio combined with strength training, try to eat as heathy as possible , drink lots of water and snack on health treats !!! If I can do it anyone can do it and I am trying motivate everyone that reads this to try it and keep going until you succeed !!!! love you all” Much love to you too, Toi.