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Kesha lost 110 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kesha lost 110 pounds. Her health-focused journey began after a challenging episode during a summer vacation showed her it was time to make a change. She shares how working out four days a week and transforming her eating habits have produced awesome results. 

Kesha before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @nmtillman

What was your motivation?
My motivation was myself because I knew it was time for a change. I started this journey in June 2018 after summer vacation with my family. We were leaving the beach, and I had to walk up an incline. I could feel my heart beating out of my chest. I could hardly breathe and needed to sit down immediately. I knew at that time it was time for a change. 

Also, I have thyroid issues, and my weight has always fluctuated, but before I started this journey, I was at the heaviest weight I have ever been. 

What inspired you to keep going?
One of my inspirations was my health. Giving up was not an option because I wanted to live. My other inspiration was women my age going after the same goal. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by cutting my calories in half and staying in a calorie deficit. I am incorporating more protein and vegetables into my meals. I still eat all my favorite foods, but I cut the intake in half and do intermittent fasting twice a month. 

Kesha lost 110 pounds

Tell us about your workout routine.
I work out four days a week. I start each workout with cardio and finish with strength training. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started my journey weighing 345 pounds, and my current weight is 235 pounds. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is that even though every day is a struggle mentally, physically, and emotionally, I have to stay focused. After all, I am doing this because I want to live better. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice for other women is not to let society dictate their health journey. Always remember that no two people are the same, so don’t compare yourself to others. And do it for YOURSELF, not other people.  

Whitney lost 131 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Whitney lost 131 pounds with cardio and Keto. Photos taken during a family vacation in Hawaii served as her wake-up call. During this journey, she learned to be gentle with herself and practice self-love.

Whitney before and after weight loss

May 2021 to May 2022 – Cardio and Keto

Updated Photo

I went shopping yesterday for an upcoming vacation, and I tried on the outfit on the right. I didn’t get it because I felt like it didn’t look good on me because my thighs are too “thicc.” 

This morning the pic on the left popped up in my iPhone memories. I remember taking pictures of my children in Hawaii and a stranger walking up and asking, “Do you want one of all of you?” 

I usually would always reply, “No, we are good. Thank you.” However, I hesitantly said yes this time because how could I not capture this priceless moment with my kids? Little did I know the pictures this stranger took would be a major catalyst for me that changed my life. 

I remember thanking the lady, taking my phone, looking at the pictures she took, and thinking, “Who is that woman standing with my children?” I knew I had gained weight but seeing myself in the photos was shocking. 

Whitney before and after weight loss

These two photos below are 366 days apart. So although I might not be where I want to be, I’m thankful for the reminder today that I am not where I started! 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My kids inspired me.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I cut carbs and sugar.

What did your workout routine consist of? How many days a week did you work out? 
I do cardio for one hour, 3-4 times a week.

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

Whitney before and after weight loss

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned to be gentle with myself and practice self-love.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
You can do it! Take it one day at a time. One bad day won’t undo all your hard work. Just keep pushing and look forward.

Instagram: @1lockedblackbeauty

Karen lost 42 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Karen lost 42 pounds, going from a size 18 to a size 14. Her wakeup call came when she saw some unflattering vacation photos. After losing and regaining the weight in the past, she decided to do her research and find a plan that she could commit to for life. Read her story.

karen before and after

Age: 50
Height: 5’8″
Starting Weight: 251 pounds
Current Weight: 209 pounds
Starting Dress Size: 18
Current Dress Size: 14
Representing: Texas

What was your motivation?
My motivation for doing this program was to get healthy and look good. A few days before my birthday, I woke up and realized I didn’t like the way I looked in the mirror and I didn’t like the way I felt. I knew within a year that I will be an empty-nester. I wanted to be an example to my child and show her what it meant to be strong and to be dedicated to a goal.

What inspired me to start this weight loss journey was my daughter. We went on vacation to the beach where we had to wear swimsuits and do a lot of activities, including climbing stairs and hiking. I was tired and I couldn’t keep up with her. She had no desire to exercise and neither did I. When I saw myself in the pictures from our vacation, I didn’t like the way I looked. So, I started doing some research by searching for a program that would work for me. In the past, I’ve tried different things and I would lose weight, but I eventually gained it back. I wanted to try something that was natural and something I can continue to do for life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I joined Fitness On Fire and was provided with guidelines with regard to health and nutrition. I started eating better. Basically, I cut out the fried foods, alcohol, and all the sweets that I enjoyed too much. I started eating whole grain foods, lots of fruit, lots of vegetables and more protein, such as fish, chicken and turkey. I also cut out red meat and pork.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout consisted of resistance training. I would go to the gym 5 to 6 days a week. In the beginning, I only completed 60 minutes per workout, doing the resistance training routine designed by my trainer, King of the Fire, but progressed to 90 minutes per workout.

How long did your transformation take?
I have been on this journey for approximately 7 months. I started noticing my results after three months. I lost over 20 pounds in that time frame and was ecstatic. That’s the first time in a very long time that I stuck with a routine and I was determined to keep it going.

The Fitness On Fire program worked for me because there was someone there who literally offered the help and support that I needed. Also, there was the accountability factor on my part. I checked in with Fitness On Fire and let them know my process along the way and whether I had any struggles. They truly guided me through this journey.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
My advice for those who want to lose weight is to put it in your mind that you can do this. There are going to be a lot of struggles and challenges along the way. There will be days when you want to give up, but don’t. Just press on. When you fall down (and there will be days when you will fall down), don’t punish yourself. Just get back up and start again. Keep going!

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

Ebony lost 116 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ebony lost 116 pounds. During a vacation in Aruba, she lost 7 pounds and decided to lose even more. She challenged herself each month to try new exercises and to eat a variety of healthy recipes. Since 2011, she’s worked hard to release the weight and her results are awesome. Check out her story.

ebony before and after
My name is Ebony and I lost 116 pounds over the course of the last six years. I challenge myself every month with a new exercise and finding healthy recipes.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was seeing that I lost 7 pounds while I was on vacation in Aruba for just one week. I figured that if I could lose weight while on vacation, I should continue to try to lose more weight. When I got home, I joined Weight Watchers at my job and lost another 25 pounds.

What inspired me when I wanted to give up was other people. I would hear the comments they made about me losing weight and the good results that I was achieving.

What did you do in terms of eating and exercise?
Every month, I would challenge myself to do a new exercise. I would also challenge myself to eat a variety of healthy meals. Sometimes I would have a protein shake for breakfast, and then have a healthy lunch and dinner. I would switch my exercise routine and meals up every month. I always worked out with a friend who would hold me accountable.

In the beginning of my weight loss journey, I worked 5 -6 days per week. I started with water aerobics and Zumba . Then, I challenged myself to take on spinning. Now, I have a personal trainer and I only work out 3 days per week. I do 30 minutes of cardio and weight training.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 270 pounds. My current weight is 154 pounds. I am 5ft, 2in tall.

When did you start your journey?
I started this journey in May of 2011.

What advice would you give to other people who want to lose weight?
I would advise others to meal prep and be consistent when it comes to exercise.

Instagram: @ebonytaylor1

ebony before and after

Tiffanie lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tiffanie lost 68 pounds. She made the decision to change, found a supportive group, changed her eating habits and worked out regularly.  Her results are awesome.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss transformation…

Tiffanie before and after

My name is Tiffanie and I would like to share my weight loss journey. I was on vacation in July of 2014 and not liking the way my clothes were fitting. I was determined to do something about it when I got back home and I did just that. I joined a local weight loss support group, similar to Weight Watchers and got started. I was determined to stay focused and take it one day at a time. I realized that there would be setbacks along the way.

With regard to food that I enjoyed eating but was not the best for me, I looked at it as though “it would be there later.” I’ve turned down many opportunities to eat the things that were not healthy for my body because I was determined to be a success story. I try to make good food choices, exercise regularly and do Fitbit challenges. I find the challenges show me what I am really capable of and that I can push myself. My eating habits consists of missing NO meals and minimizing my portions. I also sugars and carbs and eat high protein foods. I started eating more protein, more vegetables and less bread. I really didn’t drink soda or alcohol in the past, so that wasn’t an issue. I started out walking slow on the treadmill and then worked my way up to some running. I now work out five to six times per week. That consists of a lot of cardio and some weight training.

I am 4’11” tall, 40 years old and it has taken me about 9 months to now be down 68 lbs. In July of 2014, my starting weight was 227.5 pounds. My measurements were 44 in the chest, 40 in the waist and 51 in the hips. Today (April 4, 2015), I am weighing in at 159. 8 pounds. My current chest measurements are 35.5, waist 33 and hips 41.

I knew that I was more than a conqueror in Jesus Christ and I could do all things through Christ which strengthens me. My faith in God really got me through from day to day. While I feel very good about my results, my final goal is to encourage others that are in the struggle and let them know that they can do this also. My advice to others is to first know that you can do anything you put your mind to, stay focused and once you start your journey take it one day at a time. Things won’t be perfect but you will see progress.

5 Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight on Vacation

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5 Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight on VacationOh, the summer. Many of us spend all winter either working out or fretting about how to get ready for the warm weather.  We want to get fit before it’s time to expose more of our bodies than can be covered up with a winter parka. Hopefully everyone was successful with their cold weather weight loss goals and feels that it’s important to avoid reversing that progress on vacation.  Even if you haven’t reached your goals yet, you don’t want to be side tracked by a few days out of town. There’s nothing better than enjoying the time away from home with some relaxation but a vacation can also be a weight-gain trap. Follow these 5 tips to avoid gaining weight while on your sabbatical. These suggestions will help you preserve all of your progress and hard work.

Avoid High-Calorie Drinks and Cocktails

Typically, traveling on a vacation often involves plenty of stops at convenience stores to fuel up and drive-thru fast food, especially when traveling with children.  This is something you have to avoid. It’s hard to watch your fellow travelers quench their thirst or have junk food without doing so yourself but joining in could really put a strain on your waistline. Suppose you assume you’re drinking healthy and grab an Arizona Kiwi Strawberry (345 calories) or want to get a little kick with a Rockstar Energy Drink (280 calories) you might as well have a few doughnuts or or 3 ice cream sandwiches for the same amount of empty calories. Then there’s the stresses of traveling that can drive you to have a cocktails, but too many margaritas (full of sugar) and you’ll have to upgrade to a bigger car for the ride home.

Eat Fresh If Possible

Vacations are supposed to be fun and allow you to have no cares in the world, which could constitute a lot of eating out at restaurants for almost every meal. It’s hard to underestimate on a vacation just how much of an impact eating all fresh foods for one meal a day can have. Eating a light menu of fresh food like veggies, fruit and fresh fish can give you energy and reduce the risk of feeling bloated or bogged down so you can see more sights and dance the night away.

Get Some Sort of Workout Daily

If you’re staying in a hotel or resort for your getaway, try and take advantage of the on site workout room if possible. Even just 20 minutes on the treadmill or exercise bike can keep you on your routine of working out.  It can also help to clear your mind for the sometimes stressful family vacations. If workout equipment isn’t supplied get your heart pumping, exercise in another way such as taking a hike, walking around an amusement park, swimming or walking on the beach.

Plan For Your High-Calorie Meals

A vacation might include a trip to visit your family and keeping up with the tradition of eating at your favorite local restaurant while enjoying 2 to 3 cocktails or super fattening mac and cheese. You should by all means enjoy the time with family and nostalgia but make plans for the 3,000+ extra calories you’re going to have to deal with. Make sure to eat in moderation and schedule light meals the next day to make up for jumping off the wagon. Plan physical activities for your family and friends to  burn some calories with you as well.

Get Info About Local Restaurants and Grocery Stores In the Area

In this online information and GPS age there’s no excuse not to have a good roadmap and blueprint of all the healthy dining establishments in the area you’re about to visit. If you’re a super-organizer you can even map out your meals for each day of your trip at local restaurants or plan to visit a grocery store to have a good mix of home-prepared, healthy dining out, and high-calorie splurges.  Online nutrition guides on restaurant websites are your friend.

One important thing to remember is that your top priority while on vacation is to enjoy it. This means you should have a few fancy dinners and lounge around when the schedule permits. Eating high calorie foods in moderation and using portion control is key.  Looking back on your trip you’ll find the vacation was even more stimulating when you step on the scale back home to a limited catastrophe.