Black Weight Loss Success

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April lost 92 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to April who has lost 92 pounds while fighting diabetes and low self esteem.  She began her journey with the simple step or going walking.

“HEY!! My name is April. MY JOURNEY started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I have always been overweight as long as I can remember. I never really took my weight seriously.  Even after I was told that I was diabetic i still didn’t take it seriously. I DIDNT FEEL SICK!! So, I continued to eat like I wanted and i just popped a pill everyday. It went from 500mg a day, to 1000 mg a day, to 2000 mg a day.  I still didn’t take it seriously, even though my doctor was begging me to lose weight. I pretended everything was ok and I was happy despite my hurting back, aching legs, and fatigue. I could barely walk through Walmart without giving out of breath.

Every time I looked in a mirror I hated what I saw and I was slipping into a depression. I would cry, pray and ask God to please help me cause I hated myself. My turning point was when one of my girlfriends asked me to go to a all you can eat pizza buffet. After we left I felt so full and disgusting. I had this burning desire though to go walking, something I never wanted to do. So I turned to her and said “Let’s go walking!” Did I mention she was overweight too?  She immediately turned me down. She dropped me off at my house and as I sat there the desire to walk grew stronger and stronger. I looked over at a treadmill I had sitting in the corner of the room; which had been decoration in my house for years, and decided “I didnt need anyone to walk with me. I WILL DO IT MYSELF!!” That’s exactly what I did. At first I couldn’t do but 10 mins a day and I thought I was dying. For some reason I kept going. I workout everyday and I changed my eating habits.  Although I have fell off from time to time I am still happy with my progress! Today I am 92 lbs slimmer and I am happy about it. Although I still have about 60 more pounds to go, I thank God for my progress cause I know he is the one that put me on that treadmill to save my life, cause I was dying. Some people jump off buildings, some people put a gun to their heads, and we consider those people crazy for harming themselves, but through food I was playing rushing roulette with my life.”

April weight loss

Nia lost 106 pounds and kept it off for 7 years

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Nia who lost 106 pounds and has kept it off for seven years.

Starting weight: 237
Currently: 131

“I started off with about 20 minutes a day on the treadmill, walking. I could hardly breathe after 20 minutes, so that was my limit. After a while, I was able to do a “brisk walk” for 30 minutes.  After I got my “wind”, I was able to run for an hour (who knew)!!!

I drank A LOT of water, which not only hydrated me, but killed cravings during the day. I have to honestly say that I didn’t change much of what I ate, just the AMOUNT (portion control)! I still ate burgers and fried foods (and I still do), because I knew I would crave them eventually, and I didn’t want to shock my system.  It keeps me from overindulging when I do have these foods.

Thankfully, I now have better portion control, and by drinking water, and exercise, I’ve been able to keep it off for 7 years!”

nia weight loss

Sajata lost 99 pounds

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Sajata lost 99 pounds by changing her eating habits, walking and drinking lots of water.  She went from 269 pounds to 170 pounds.

“I cut back a lot on bread, pasta, rice, chips, and soda. I started drinking lots of water and eating my favorite veggies.  I also baked my meats. Walking was my main goal. I was motivated by putting my “fat pic” on the fridge.  The other motivation was that my health was at stake because diabetes runs in my family. It took me about a year and a half to get to my goal. I was 269 pounds. Now I’m 170 pounds :)”

sajata weight loss

Ramona lost 84 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Ramona lost 84 pounds and is working to let other women know that “Movement is Medicine”.

Ramona M. Gaines 41 of Philadelphia PA

Height 4’11”

Beginning weight: 323 pounds
Present weight: 239 pounds

Dress size before losing weight: 26
Current dress size: 16-18

“It took me 11 months to reach my current weight.  Factors that caused my weight gain were; emotional eating, lack of exercise, an injury, poor diet and timing of eating due to work schedule

My turning point came when my daughter paid for my gym membership with her money from her 16th birthday. That is what really did it for me. Other deciding factors were hypertension, shortness of breath and chest pains.

I loss the weight doing a variety of things; seeing a Psychologist, physical therapy, Dr. Fisher’s medical weight loss program, changing my eating habits, going to the gym and joined the running group, Black Girls Run.

I got rid of sugars, white flour, white rice and cooking oil. I began to cook with olive oil, brown rice, and brown pastas. I brought in more multi-grains, fish, chicken, turkey, and more fresh vegetables and fruit. I also increased my water intake up to a gallon of water a day.

I began walking and jogging, lifting weights at gym and using step machine and stationary bike at gym. I was so grateful for the new lease on life that God had given me that I founded a weight loss support group for women called Movement IS Medicine, and even wrote an anthology with sixteen women entitled Movement IS Medicine. I believe in wholeness and wellness, which includes mind, body, soul and spirit. Weight loss does not just include how and what you eat but also why you are eating what you eat. If you really examine it you will then begin to see what is really eating you and deal with the root of the matter.  Movement IS Medicine!”

ramona weight loss story

6 Tips to Help You Get Exercise During the Workday

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Work days can sometimes be a challenge and often we don’t feel like exercising after a long day.  However, there are some fun ways to get in some exercise while at work.  Getting in some physical exercise can help you to feel energized throughout the day.  Here are 6 tips:

workout at the office#1 Find the longest way to your desk or other places in the office that you frequent and take those routes.

#2 Instead of using the elevator to get you to our destination, take the stairs. You will feel energized and more motivated once you return to your desk.  You may be intimidated by the thought of going up flights of stairs, so start by taking the stairs DOWN.  Walking down stairs is still more exercise than the elevator.  You can then work your way up from there.

#3 How about taking a pedometer with you? They are a great way to see how many steps you take during the day. Seeing how many miles you walk each day will motivate you to walk even more. It can be attached to your skirt, pants or work ID.

#4  Walk to lunch. Eating lunch and then not getting any exercise afterwards can just contribute to unwanted calories that can add weight to your body. If your work is close to a restaurant, ask a co-worker to walk with you to the restaurant. Walking up and back to a restaurant instead of driving, is a great way to stay fit and well.

#5  Take some healthy snacks with you to work.  You will have more resistance to unhealthy snacks in vending machines at work.  You will consume fewer calories and feel a lot better than when you eat snacks that are heavy in calories. Processed food that is found in most vending machines will not only add calories to your daily diet, but they also can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

#6–Another fun way to exercise is to exercise in your office, at your desk. Look up chair exercises online.  Try doing some sit-ups, crunches, yoga, leg lifts, jumping jacks or pushups 3 times per day for a very quick workout.  Pick a number (50 sit ups, 25 push ups…), close your door and workout. Also, try some stretching exercises before you do sit-ups or jumping jacks. Stretching exercises not only make you feel good but they also take away some of the pain that comes from sitting or standing too long.  You can bring a yoga mat to work so that you are not right on the floor in your good clothes.  There are even workplace workout videos on YouTube.

One more note: Many hospitals have an area where employees workout or take exercise classes.   Some facilities allow the public to work out too, for no cost or at minimal cost. Check out your local hospital.  If you work at a hospital or near one, this would be a great way to exercise during your lunch break.

Joanna lost 67 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Joanna.  She has lost 67 pounds and credits Water, Walking and Willpower as the keys to her success!

“Hi, I am a 35 year old mother of 3 teenagers. 10 months ago I decided to reclaim my life, literally one step at a time. My 3 W’s are what have gotten me here: Water, Walking and Willpower.  No diets, no surgery, no pills, just me learning to love me.  One pound at a time!  I’m down 67 pounds.  Still not at my goal but I’m not where I was, and to me that’s all that matters.

I stopped drinking soda and stopped over eating. I’ve struggled my entire life with being an emotional eater so when I decided to take my life back I exchanged my emotional eating with walking. When I’m upset or sad, I put my music on and walk until I feel better. Its been a struggle but its worth every pound lost and the self esteem I’ve gained. Walking is the only exercise I’ve done. No gym membership, no trainer.  Just me and a pair of Air Max, which I walked the tread off them in 5 months. Be blessed, Ladies!”

Updated  7/2013: Joanna is now down 75 pounds!  She wrote us to say, “Just a little update…75lbs down.  Got a little stuck lately, BUT I’M still pressing on….the finish line is so close I can taste it!”

Joanna weight loss before and after

Original photo:

joanna weight loss before and after

Tamberlyn lost 68 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Tamberlyn lost 68 pounds by making simple diet changes and walking.

She says: “I lost weight by not eating anything after 8 pm and I cut out a lot of bread and starches. I cut out all sodas and I drink more water.  Also, I walk for exercise three times a week.  My starting weight was 343 pounds and now I weigh 262 pounds. I wore a size 28w and now I wear a size 18w.”

tamberlyn weight loss

Towanna lost 68 pounds

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Success Story Update: Towanna gave us an update on her weight loss and she is still going strong. This 53 year old grandma of 2 went from a size 24 to a size 10 in the past.  She’s faced a medical setback but is encouraged about losing more weight and staying healthy.  Everyone has ups and downs, but it’s how you deal with them that will determine your ultimate success.  Here is what she had to say about her journey…

Towanna before and after

I was featured in 2013, but I’m still on this amazing journey. I eat healthy and walk everyday. I’m off of all medications. My goal is to loose 25 more pounds.

I had a set back due to arthritis in both knees and I’m at a size 14, but I don’t let that stop me. I’ve learned with weight loss that you have to focus on healthy eating and exercise. I also have learned not to put a time limit on when to lose weight.

The adjustment I’ve made since 2013 is riding the stationary bike instead of using the treadmill, because of the arthritis. I walk everyday. I start each morning with a green smoothie, followed by a healthy lunch and dinner. I would tell everyone to take little steps in the beginning, then do more each day.

~Original Post ~

Today’s weight loss success story: Towanna lost 68 pounds.  She is in it for the long haul and has been losing weight by making small changes over time.

My name is Towanna. I’m a 51. I’m a grandmother of 2. I’m still on this amazing journey. I am not giving up!! My heaviest was 245 pounds.  In the 2nd pic  I’m 190 pounds and in the last pic I’m 177 pounds.   I have 20 more pounds to go.  Started my journey Aug 2009.  I went from a size 24 to a 10. I walked and used the treadmill for exercise. I gave up sugar and soda. I recently gained 17 pounds back, but I’m not giving up. Prayer, meditation and journaling keeps me Focused.

Towanna weight loss

Alicia lost 72 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Alicia lost 72 pounds by walking and watching her portions.

Before (in the dress) and After in the Jeans (photo below).  I lost the weight by watching my portions.  I love my sweets,.  Istill eat them, only in moderation now.  Exercise?  just walking mainly.  I actually started walking as a stress reliever, and the end result was the weight started coming off.   The more I walked as I saw results.  I went from a size 24 to a size 12.  It took a year and a half..for the weight loss…best side effect I ever experienced in my life. Every now and then i did do Zumba. I drank water, water,water!! 72 lbs lighter.

I do include more veggies and I now eat a lot of baked chicken and fish.  I watch my portions and if need be (if I am having something I know I have no will power) I will reach for a salad plate or saucer.

Alicia weight loss

 

Sabrina lost 60 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Sabrina lost 60 pounds!  She is another Zumba lover who changed her eating habits and got it Moving!  She says:

I love your page and I wanted to share my story as well. The picture of me in the pink is about a year after I had my 3 year old, and around the same time my marriage started falling apart. Two years later @ 30, I am down almost 60lbs, single and I feel better then ever. I am a Zumba Queen and I watch and count every piece of food that goes in my body.

I begin by changing the way I ate. Cut back on fried foods and fast foods. I am a sucker for chocolate so I only eat it in moderation. Or instead of grabbing a Reece’s I go for the special dark chocolate with fewer calories. I also downloaded the myfitnesspal app and logged in everything I ate.  During lunch breaks instead of going to fast food restaurants me and a couple of co workers would take that hour and do Zumba. We had a projector set up in the warehouse and we would gather people and work out. Now, I work somewhere else but during lunch I go to the nearest park and walk for at least 30 mins grab a salad or sandwich and head back to work. The mapmywalk app is great. It lets me know the pace and how many calories I burn when walking. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays me and my sons go to a rec center and I do Zumba there. It’s hard, but luckily I have great people around to keep me motivated and on the right track.  Love your page, keep up the motivation.”

Sabrina weight loss