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Monica lost 60 pounds

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Monica lost 60 pounds. At over 400 pounds, she had a serious wake up call at her doctor’s office. She couldn’t be weighed on the office scale and learned that she was pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol. That very day, she started her journey and has not looked back. Check out how she lost the pounds.

monica before and after

My Name is Monica and I’m 30 years old. I’ve been struggling with my weight all of my life. Depression played a big part in my life and I would eat to cope with the pain. However, in January of this year I went to the doctor’s office and was ashamed that I couldn’t be weighed on their scale. It only went up to 350 pounds. In addition to this, the doctor came in and told me that I was pre-diabetic and that I had high cholesterol. I was also told that if I didn’t do anything about my health I would not live long.

That day, I started to change my life and I’ve been on my weight lost journey for 145 days. I stared eating only 1200 calories a day and worked out for an hour each day. I also took time to pray! I’ve lost 60 pound without any surgery. My starting weight was 432 pounds and now I weigh 352 pounds! (5’4″ tall). I’m excited about my success and I feel great.

I changed my eating habits by cutting back. I also started counting calories to reach my daily calorie goal. I cut out sweets and ate healthy foods, like salads, grilled chicken, etc. I cut out soda and drank lost of water.

For exercise, I started walking 30 minutes on the treadmill, did 15 minutes on elliptical, 5 minutes on stair master and the rest of the hour was ab work.

The best advice that I can give someone is that you have to believe in yourself. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Just take the necessary steps. IT STARTS WITH YOU! Good luck.

Instagram: @lorijodisney

Carol lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Carol lost 35 pounds. She shared with us about her journey and how the support of others was so key to her success. Check out her great advice.

carol before and after

My starting weight in January 2016 was 224 pounds. I now weigh 189 pounds. I’m 6 feet tall. I eat 5-6 times a day now. Before, I ate 3 big meals a day. I also workout 4-5 days a week. Before, I trained off and on, and if I was in a crazy relationship I never worked out. I drink a gallon of water or more a day and eat less carbs and sugars. I pay close attention to my carb intake. Also, everyone needs a detox every now and then, and I have been using a great TLC detox that has great herbs and natural ingredients to get rid of any toxins that need to exit the body.

First, people we must be willing to sacrifice any and everything to be at their healthiest and reach higher levels of fitness! First, I had to sacrifice and have and put my whole life into my health and fitness goals. You can’t get this type of results without spending money so if you have any questions or concerns about how expensive this lifestyle is, you are already going in the wrong direction. Let’s stop asking how expensive gym memberships and trainers are and how expensive healthier food decisions will be. Let’s just make the changes that need to be made. That is what I’ve done and what I will do forever!!

Secondly, I suggest joining a gym. I personally recommend Max Fitness Desoto which has 2 locations, one in Hornlike, MS and 1 in Hernando, MS. This is the gym where I have become  the beast that I am. They have the best owners, the best staff, the best classes and the best members! There is so much progress made at this gym and it has alot to do with the leadership in charge. These 2 wonderful people are Laura Anne Kauffman and John Kauffman! With great leadership comes greatness for those that follow!

Thirdly, everyone needs someone to guide them every now and then. I’m talking about a motivator and a pusher. That is where a personal trainer/fitness coach comes into play with great importance. I am a fitness coach and I still needed and trainer/fitness coach to help me get to this level. I recommend that you try having a trainer/ fitness coach in your life this year. I personally recommend Drew Morgan because he coached me and helped me in so many ways (nutrition, mental enhancement, and training = bestrode), so I trust him with my life and I trust him with yours! I also recommend the other great trainers I know and love, like Tanya Blevins Jim Simmons and Mary Magdalena.

We all need a great support system, from family to loved ones to fitness experts. I have the best support system ever because all my family and loved ones are very supportive about what I’ve been working to accomplish through this journey. Nataline Parker-Pegues, James Pegues James Pegues, Arean Alston and Jerome Martin, I love and thank you all for being my major support system. Again, the keys to my results, having healthier lifestyle and a physically fit body: Be willing to sacrifice it all for this lifestyle. Join a great gym. Get a personal trainer/ fitness coach. Have a great support system and detox your body at least once a month.

Instagram: @carolfitnessislife

Amanda lost 68 pounds

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Celebrating Amazing Progress: Amanda lost 68 pounds.  Like so many other women, she was still faced with pregnancy weight gain years and months after having her two children.  Low carb/High protein eating and running helped her to melt the pounds away. Check out what she shared with us about releasing the weight…

amanda weight loss

My name is Amanda and I CAN.  I had my second child in 2012 taking me from 135 pounds to 174 pounds. I never did get the weight off. I was constantly cooking heavy meals for me and hubby. I was also eating sweets on a regular basis to keep myself energized to get through school and take care of my son. In 2014, I had finally got 5 lbs off, bringing me down to an okay weight of 169 pounds.

amandaAs soon as my confidence started to return, I got pregnant with our second son who was born in September of 2014. A month after I had him, my weight was 207 pounds (181 lbs in the before photo above). I was experiencing heart palpitations, joint aches, and depression about the way I had allowed myself to be. I decided to take charge of my life, my choices and my health. I specifically wanted to be better for myself, but that would also mean I could be better for my family.

What really jump started me was being told that because of my age 30 it was going to be hard and I may never lose the weight. I was told this by a much younger female who challenged me to a weight loss competition. I thought to myself, “Don’t you dare tell me what I CAN do.” I decided on a high protein, low carb diet. I stopped eating sweets 6 days out of the week. I started eating more lean proteins, more veggies and a TON of water. I also stopped eating for fun and relaxation. I scheduled my favorite TV shows on my cheat days because I knew I wanted to enjoy some chocolate while I watched the shows.

For my workouts, I ran 6 days out of the week. Of course, I had to begin with a routine of walking for one minute and running for one minute until I hit an hour.  As the days went on I increased my running time. Each time I would not get off the treadmill until I hit 800 calories, no matter how long it may have taken me. I didn’t pay attention to the time or speed as much as I paid attention to calories burnt. After 3 weeks of my walk/run routine, I was running 13 min miles. Now, I am running 45 minutes per session, up hill and flat. I am 5’5″ tall and I went from 207 pounds to 139 pounds in 6 months. I am now focused on toning.

I never got my money from that girl for winning our competition, but what I received is much more valuable. What I received is knowing that I CAN. I CAN because GOD told me that I could and I believed him. I use that I CAN attitude in EVERYTHING that I do now.

For more info my YouTube Channel is Mamaslaundrymat Fitnessrants.

 

5 Tips For Staying Motivated To Achieve Your Fitness Goals

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fitness goals tipsSure, we all want to be healthy and fit, but the desire is not the difficult part. It’s keeping the motivation to actually do so that can be very hard! Most of us want to live healthier and more active lives, so we tend to set goals in these areas, but oftentimes we lose motivation or simply give up and don’t reach those goals. Life may get busy, we may get sick or frustrated, or laziness sets in and we decide that achieving our fitness goals is too much of a hassle. It sounds easy enough in theory and in the beginning, but the practical application is not always so easy.

If you’ve struggled in the area of motivation when it comes to workouts, please say amen [here].

Exercising regularly sounds simple enough, but the truth is that it takes a firm commitment and plenty of self-discipline to achieve this part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to make some sort of resolution to get into shape and lose a few pounds, but too often within a couple of weeks we are right back into our bad habits. Then we beat ourselves up for not sticking with it. I’m sure you are aware that plenty of people make New Year’s resolutions or Monday Morning resolutions to get and stay into shape and within a couple of weeks they fall back into their old routines. It’s a dreaded cycle, but the good news is that it CAN be broken!

So, moving forward and assuming that YOU want to get (and stay) in shape, Here is the question: How can you stay motivated to achieve your fitness goals?

  • Make a list of your fitness goals.

It is important to write down your fitness goals and put them somewhere that you can view them on a daily basis. It’s easy to forget your goals, so be sure that you take a look at them often. You can even write down the reasons why you have these goals to serve as a reminder for the days when you don’t really feel like working out. Ideas;

  • Download motivational images and post them in your office and on your social media profiles.
  • Write your goals down on an index card and carry it around with you.  Read it 3-4 times a day, especially before workouts.
  • Post sticky notes on your fridge, at the office, or in the bathroom to serve as reminders of your goal to become healthy.
  • Become educated on the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

Knowledge is a wonderful tool that can act as a change agent in our lives. Learn about healthy habits and how exercise benefits physical and mental health. Read encouraging and motivational books that will keep you motivated to keep up the good work. Listen to positive audios and watch inspirational videos on how you can live your best life NOW! Don’t wait around and hope that you’ll get motivated; take action! When you are proactive in your life, things happen. You attract what you think about, so revamp your thought life when it comes to living an abundant, healthy life.

  • Make small changes over time.

Don’t expect to become a health and fitness guru in a week or two. Don’t expect your body to transform in a week or two. Introduce bits and pieces of lifestyle change and various exercises into your life over time. One week you may try to burpees instead of pushups and the next week you may want to add 20 more minutes of exercise to your routine. Maybe one week you can walk four days a week instead of three and the next week incorporate a group activity like yoga or tennis with a friend. Think of your healthy lifestyle as progress; not perfection. It’s those who take small steps consistently that cover more ground than those that take large steps once in a while. Remember that.

  • Visualize success.

See yourself healthy and fit, even if you aren’t feeling like it. Close your eyes and envision eating healthy foods and moving forward in your fitness goals. Daydream about you standing straight, shoulders back, chin up, healthy and fit. (Like a superhero) Visualizing success helps cause your thought patterns to change from negative or neutral to positive, and helps keep one motivated to achieve goals. Yes, utilize creative visualization to see yourself living a kick butt, healthy, fit life!

  • Create a vision board.
  • Find some fitness experts/success stories who inspire you and learn about their journey.
  • Find positive affirmations, prayers and meditations online that inspire you.
  • Get a fitness buddy.

Sometimes all it takes is getting a family member, friend, or acquaintance to commit to getting and staying in shape with you. Call it an accountability partner, because you can be accountable to each other and keep each other motivated. You can work out together or separate, but be sure to check in with one another often (daily or at least weekly). Don’t be afraid to extend tough love, as you both are making a firm commitment to doing what you say you’re going to do.  If you can’t find someone who you know to commit to, you may find a partner online with social media or on sites like MyFitnessPal.com or Sparkpeople.com

Listen, you CAN stay motivated on a daily basis to work toward attaining your fitness goals. As you progress on your fitness journey, you’ll most likely realize that the lessons about commitment and pushing yourself you are learning flow over into other areas of your life too! Qualities like discipline, perseverance, accountability, etc. are quite helpful in other areas, such as your career, parenting children, relationships, and more. Pretty amazing, huh?

You’ve got this! I totally believe in you.

Angel lost 53 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angel lost 53 pounds. 30 years old and headed for Type 2 Diabetes, this mom decided that is was time for true lifestyle change.  She started walking for miles a day and decided to go Paleo.  Check out what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

angel before and after

I started my weight loss journey in September 2014, after being told by my doctor that my health was becoming a issue. I was 30 years old and headed for Type 2 Diabetes. He was even insisting on putting me on medicine. My doctor looked me right in the eyes and stated “Angel, your son is almost 2 years old, so you can’t keep blaming having a child on your weight. Push away from the table or go pick out a casket”. Of course, that was a hard pill to swallow, but I knew everything we discussed was all to TRUE. I have done the dieting thing so many times, with little success, but I promised myself that in order to be in this world for my son A CHANGE MUST BE MADE.

I got some vitamins to help as well. I changed my eating and drinking habits, by first drinking water with lemons everyday, instead of tea, along with having 2 salads a day. Then, I started following the Paleo Diet and I still follow it today. I suggest going Paleo to anyone who wants to start losing weight and eating right. For exercise, I walked everyday starting at 5 miles and now I’m almost at 10 miles.

My starting weight was 278.3 pounds and my current weight is 225.8 pounds. Being 6 fee tall, a lot of people want consider my starting weight a lot, and yes it was. I have dealt with a lot of negative things along with many negative people who have tried to destroy my weight loss success (I almost let it happen). Along, with the negatively, there is always something or someone who will come along and be positive.

I was once told, “What God has for me, it will be for me”. I’m still working everyday to reach my weight loss goal of 180 pounds, and will be glad to celebrate my upcoming weight loss anniversary. I wish everyone who is starting their journey nothing but success. Every journey is hard, that’s why we have to push hardier every single day. Just DO IT and STOP putting it off until tomorrow or the next day. Once you start eatting correctly, you will start feeling better about yourself, which is the BEST FEELING I have found. Also, do it for yourself, cause “YOU” are important.

Instagram: @blackchyna911

angel weight loss

Updated: Charlena lost more than 60 pounds

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Update Sept 2018: We’ve been following Charlena‘s journey since 2015. She has released more than 60 pounds.

charlena before and after

Starting weight: 250 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Height: 5’3”

I had three kids back to back, and it showed. I’m only 5’3, so that means I was wide. I had to clean up my eating. I’m a snacker, so this was not easy. I had to work out, even when I didn’t feel like it.

After years of going up and down with my weight, I have finally learned that this is a lifestyle change and not something I can do for the moment. Today, I know that I am healthier than I ever was, and I’m so grateful for that. My children are my motivation. I get to look a lot better too… that’s a plus.

Jan 2016: Charlena has added weight lifting to her routine. She’s lost a total of 75 pounds since June 2015.

charlena before and after

June 2015: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Charlena lost 59 pounds. Her story parallels millions of women who have lost weight, gained it back… only to repeat that classic yo-yo dieting cycle. In 2014, she broke the cycle and found a way of living that allowed her to release the weight. Check out her story.

charlena before and after

My height: 5’2″
Starting weight: 240 pounds
Current weight: 181 pounds

I first decided to lose weight in November 2012. I finally decided to step on the scale, and I weighed about 240 pounds. I was so hurt that I had let myself go. I wondered if my family and friends loved me because no one told me that I was that big. …and Yes, my first attempt to lose weight was not successful.

Then I decided to do some research on exercise and things that I could eat to try to motivate myself to get the weight off finally. The second time around, I was more successful, but my weight loss did not last. The biggest problem for me was trying to figure out how to eat better. If it was full of sugar, calories, and carbs, I loved it.

After having 3 kids, like stair steps, I needed to change. In 2014 I started my weight loss journey again, and for the first time, I was very successful. The one thing that I completely cut out of my diet was soda. I started to eat more fruit, more vegetables, more salads and I drank a lot more water.

Walking became my best friend. Later, I went from walking to jogging lightly. Now I do different exercises that I never thought that I would see myself do.

Not only did I want to lose weight but I also wanted body definition and a lean, toned look. I walk,  jog, do squats and lift weights. I do crunches and jumping jacks too. I rarely go to the gym. I do the majority of these exercises right at home using furniture in my apartment.

My advice for other: The one thing you have to understand about losing weight is that it is never easy and it’s always going to be a struggle, but it can be done. Never give up!

charlena weight loss

Oct 2015 Update –  Charlena lost 8 more pounds for a total of 67 pounds gone: “Still working hard! 8 more pounds down! I know you can’t see my face, but lifting weights changed my life. I thought that cardio alone would do the trick. It really helped but when I started to lift, that’s when I saw the transformation. My body was a mess. I felt hopeless but now I’m more motivated then ever.”

charlena before and after

Andreshia lost 20 pounds

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Andreshia wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 20 pounds with healthy eating and by stepping up the intensity of her workouts.  Here is what she shared with us…

andreshia before and after

I found my motivation in simply saying one day, ” I will not keep starting over”. I always worked out but my diet was the worst. I was on Instagram and saw grandmothers who looked better than me in a bikini. I told myself that I had no excuse to be this way since I had no children.

So, I started eating clean, watching my macros (counting macronutrients) and watching what time I ate. Again, I use to going to the gym, so I started to make my workouts count. I began HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), CARDIO and incline walks on the treadmill. I hit the gym 4-5 times a week.

I’m 5’4″ tall and started at 176 pounds. Now, I weigh 155 pounds.  I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I’m on my way to my goal weight of abs. 🙂 My advice for people who want to lose weigh is to stay consistent and plan ahead with your meals and gym schedule.

Instagram: @sheroinme

6 Tips for Creating Your 2015 Weight Loss Goals

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2015 weight loss goals tipsIf one of your resolutions for 2015 is to lose weight, you aren’t alone. The number one New Year’s resolution is weight loss. Sadly, according to a study done by University of Scranton, only 8% of people achieve their goals. If you are someone that does create New Year’s resolutions every year it’s safe to assume there have been goals you haven’t achieved.  There is hope! You can make 2015 a true success by keeping the following tips in mind when you create your weight loss goals.

  1. Stop the Self Hate. Change out of Love for your Body/Self.

It is absolutely no surprise that when it comes to body image women are quite often more affected by it than men. In an article by Glamour magazine it was revealed that a shocking 97% of women express some act of cruelty to their own bodies every day. It is sadly very common for women to hate their bodies. This is terrible in many aspects but when it comes to goal-setting it can severely set you back.

Think about it this way. When you hate something, how do you treat it? Do you have passion towards the subject? Do you feel excited about it? Of course not. When you hate something you generally will eventually give up all together. When you hate your body the motivation is negative and often completely based on physical appearance. Instead, if you accept your body and wish to lose weight for health reasons you will maintain your motivation and drastically increase your success.

  1. Break Down Goals So They Are Small and Specific

This second tip is one of the most important when it comes to goal-setting for success. One major error people make with weight loss resolutions is they choose one very large goal and leave it at that. For example, they wish to lose 20lbs but don’t break down that main goal into smaller goals. Instead of striving to lose 20lbs, create small goals to lose 1-2 pounds a week.  Instead of going cold turkey with processed foods you could eliminate one type of food you know you need to avoid each week until you reach your ultimate goal.

There are a few reasons why breaking down goals into small ones increases your chances of completing them. One simply has to do with human nature. Generally people are more likely to achieve a goal when it is small and easy to reach. Secondly, after achieving this small goal in a relatively short time, the person feels motivated to move up to the next goal. This process creates a pattern of success that pushes the person to finally achieve all of their small goals in order to fulfill their original large goal.

  1. Set Up a System of Accountability

It is no surprise that when we are held accountable for something we are more likely to follow through. Setting up a system of accountability when it comes to goals is very powerful and vastly increases your chance of success. There are a few different ways you can create an accountability system. DietBet and My Fitness Pal are just 2 examples of online tools that can help you with this.

One of the easiest ways is to make your weight loss goal well known amongst friends and family. Ask them to inquire about your progress regularly and remind you to keep up the good work if you slip up a bit. Another great way to create accountability has to do with social media. Once you have figured out your goal, post is up on Facebook, Twitter or whatever platform you use. Take a step further and post up a “before” picture.  (Don’t forget to include our hashtag #bwlw)

  1. Make a Realistic Timeline for Each Goal

Have you noticed how many people set a New Year’s resolution but don’t have a scheduled end date for it? Not having some sort of deadline for your weight loss will leave you knowingly frustrated and more apt to give up. Without a deadline how will you know if you are progressing as you should?

Each goal you create needs to have a timeline that is realistic and attainable. It should push you to work but not be so difficult you have to struggle. When it comes to weight loss a timeline can be a little tricky. You might plan to lose a pound a week but find you can’t or you’re losing fat but gaining muscle so the scale isn’t dropping. Don’t be afraid to tweak your timeline a bit to fit your body.  You will learn what is reasonable for you.  Also, don’t go by someone else’s timeline, because we all lose weight differently.  Figure out what works for you with trial and error.

  1. Use Tools to Track Specific Details of Your Weight Loss

With how many tools and apps are available online and on our phones, there is no excuse to not have some way of tracking your progress towards your resolution. Tracking progress goes hand-in-hand with the last tip of creating a realistic timeline. You can’t very well stick to a timeline if you have no idea how you are doing.

Tracking weight loss should go further than a scale. If your goal is to lose weight you should track the loss of weight but also the drop in your body fat percentage. Another option that is strongly recommended is to use a cloth tape measure and keep track of inches lost on your body. You can take your weight loss tracking a step further by also keeping a log of exercise and diet.  You may also want to track how you feel health wise (any improvement in illnesses or chronic issues) and how eating right may have impacted your emotions.

  1. Have a Physically Tangible Way of Knowing When Your Goals Have Been Reached

This final tip will vary based on what type of weight loss you are striving for. However, even if you are just trying to drop a certain amount of weight it is strongly recommended that instead of relying on a scale, focus on something else. Scales and just going by number of pounds lost can be deceptive and disheartening. Just as an example, if you adopt a strict workout with strength training and are trying to lose 10lbs, you may feel like you aren’t dropping weight when in reality you are just putting on muscle while dropping fat.

Rather than focusing on just a number on your scale, figure out a different method. Take a photo every 2 weeks to track changes and have a record later that you can celebrate and share with others. One great way to see progress is to purchase calipers to track body fat percentage. Another option that is incredibly powerful is to purchase an outfit in your goal dress size before you begin working on your resolution. As you work towards your goal you can try on the outfit and really see how your body is changing.

If you’ve been wanting to lose those extra pounds, 2015 is the time to finally do it. Remember that the only thing holding you back from achieving your goals is yourself. With dedication and a smart goal-setting technique you can truly beat the obstacles in your path and get the body you want.

Update: Joelle’ has lost 90 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Joelle‘! She we featured her back when she was down 79 pounds and she wrote in to let us know her weight loss total is now 90 pounds. Click here to read her original post to find out the details of how she lost the weight.

Joelle weight loss story

“Since the last time I was featured, I’ve continued on the straight path of a healthy and active lifestyle. Now weighing in at 180 pounds. I’ve lost an overall of 90 pounds. Staring at 270 pounds, I had had no idea where to start.  Now, with clean eating, using Herbalife and exercising I’ve been able to accomplish so much. I want both men and women to know that achieving the results you want is totally possible. All it takes is consistency and determination. No excuses is my new motto! At first this started as just losing a couple pounds… Now it’s a lifestyle filled with positive vibes! My motivation and passion to help others reach their goals is what’s pushes me. I’m so in love with my healthy lifestyle!”
Instagram: @JoJoeyJoe

Joelle weight loss

Michelle lost 112 pounds in 13 months with weight loss surgery

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Michelle lost 112 pounds 13 months with the help of gastric bypass weight loss surgery. She says:

“When i had surgery i weighed 331 lbs & today i weigh 219 lbs. After surgery i started eating right, exercising, more importantly my health improved 100%. I went from taking 9 different medications to taking none. I am able to do things with my family i couldnt do before. I am 19 lbs from my goal of 200 lbs.”

Michelle weight loss surgery