The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.
Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Maxine. She lost 205 pounds with LapBand weight loss surgery.
Today’s weight loss before and after story: JoAnn lost 126 pounds. She used My Fitness Pal to count calories and gained a love for running on her journey. Here is what she shared with us:
Hello, my name JoAnn. I am a wife and mother of four. I have had three C-sections, a set of twins, and two gastric bypass surgeries (includes reversal). I have been overweight all of my life my heaviest 398 pounds. In my early twenties I had the Gastric Bypass surgery unfortunately I had to have the surgery reversed, for over a year I was what they called the walking dead my body wasn’t absorbing protein and I almost died. I lost 210 pounds however, after the reversal; I gained most of the weight back. March of 2010, I weighed in at 298 pounds.
I decided to get healthy after the premature deaths of my parents. My mother past away at 55 in 2009 from ALS and my father at 56 in Jan 2010 from high blood pressure and being on dialysis. Losing both parents so soon in life really took its toll on me. Having four kids of my own, I knew that I still needed my parents and there was no way I was going let something like my weight take me out sooner than necessary. Being here for my children and growing old with my husband is what sparked me to change my life.
My Philosophy is TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. I am not perfect and do not claim to be. If I have a bad moment, I do not see myself as a failure, I just know that I will see the consequences of my decision on the scale and I keep going. People do not get that YOU are in control of what goes into your body. Therefore, if you make a conscience choice to eat junk, just know that you are going to have to put in the extra work to get it off with that said, you then have to decide if it is worth it or not, if so then eat it and keep it moving. However, always in moderation. I am a firm believer in counting and watching your calories I have been on My Fitness Pal for over 815 days.
I strength train 3 times a week and do cardio, but my true love is running. I learned to run using the Couch to Run program back in November 2011. I ran my first race a 10k in March 2012 in 1hr 10 minutes. So far, I have competed in 13 races including a two half marathons and will run in three more before the year is over.
My Motto is NO EXCUSES I truly believe that if you want something bad enough you can do it. I find that people want to know so badly how I did it, when I tell them that I would get up at 4 am and workout 5 times a week run 15 miles over the weekend, they lose interest. Lol! Everyone wants a QUICK FIX but when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, SORRY but there’s no such thing. I do not compare myself to others everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you. Changing the way you think is key to losing weight and keeping it off.
I had the infamous Ah Ha moment! For me, I refuse to turn 40 still dealing with my weight. Sll my life I’ve had to deal with it and I am tired! Life is too short and enough is enough. If you want it, make up your mind and JUST DO IT!
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Jasmen lost 40 pounds by working out 4-5 days per week and eating 1200 calories per day. Here is what she shared with us:
Hi, my name is Jasmen and these are my before and after pictures and weight loss story. Before I changed my eating habits and started exercising, I weighed in at 191 pounds in January 2013. As of today, I have lost 40 pounds and can finally wear a bikini proudly. I have always been body conscious even at my lowest weight, which was 130 pounds, but not anymore. I feel better than ever! I now weigh 151 pounds and have about 10 more pounds to lose. I eat around 1200 calories per day and do lots of cardio and strength training, at least 4-5 days per week. Getting back to my high school size/weight was my motivation. I hope I can be someone else’s motivation!
June 2014 Update: “I was featured last year however I’ve made progress since then. I am down 40 lbs total, which is a 7 pound difference from before. This is after adding running to my routine and incorporating weights a little bit more. I’ve noticed that I’m losing inches, especially through my midsection. After my story was featured on your blog and holidays rolling around I did gain about 10 lbs back. However, when the new year came in I got back on track. I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained because there’s definitely ups and downs with this weight loss journey. I always say it’s a journey with no destination because this is for life, even after the goal weight is reached. You still have to continue maintaining the lifestyle change. I love the BWLW page for constantly motivating and inspiring. My journey continues!” – Jimella @ear_candy_couture
Original Post – July 2013 – Let’s show some BWLW love to Jimella! She lost 33 pounds and fought off high blood pressure with Weight Watchers and working out. Here is what she shared with us:
I began my weight loss transformation Feb. 20, 2013 although I’ve been overweight since June 18, 1980 (the day I was born). Last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was 185/110. I would have slight headaches periodically I’m sure due to increased pressure and my love of salty foods. I refused to get on any type of medication. I just couldn’t see myself taking medication everyday at (then) 32 years old. I felt too young to be doing all that especially when I knew this could be fixed with weight loss. Of course this runs in my family and I’ve seen it take such a great toll on close family from strokes to kidney failure and I just can’t find myself 20+ years down the road in that same cycle.
I began by changing my eating habits drastically. I started eating more vegetables and/or juicing, whereas before I would go days if not weeks at a time without eating any type of vegetation. I threw out ALL junk food and salty foods, which was hard at first because my weakness is juice and chips (which I still struggle with). Eventually I joined Weight Watchers which I love because it teaches you about portion control and how to make healthier eating choices. If I couldn’t calculate the points on it then I just wouldn’t eat it. I became active by working out 4-5 times/week in the gym. I started making my workouts more fun by doing outdoor activities like going bike riding on the beach and hiking and now I’m down 33lbs but the journey continues. My goal is to be in a comfortable size 14 jeans (currently size 18, previously size 22). I’m still in awe when I look at my pics. I love it! Once I start to see my collar bones pertrude a little more then I’ll really know I’m making extreme progress, LOL.
When I found pages such as this one and all the fitness and eat clean pages on Instagram, I became that much more motivated and encouraged. I love seeing all of the success stories from everyone but primarily from other black women because we have such a bad stigma on us when it comes to health and fitness (or should I say the lack thereof). It feels so good to see us conquering that stereotype and I’m even more proud of the discipline, strength, and dedication that God has blessed me with to join that fight.
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Monique lost 78 pounds with clean eating and the help of a dedicated personal trainer. Here is what she shared with us:
I was focused and dedicated to my journey. I lost 78 pounds and competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition on 6/29/13…What an experience!
My struggle with my weight begun with my first pregnancy 20 years ago. The weight packed on quick. I gained over 70 pounds. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and gave birth to a Premie. I continued to gain after delivering my son, as a result of the birth control I chose. I tried every diet out on the market in my attempts to gain control. Not understanding that word (Diet) was the problem. Fast forward, 10 years later, we finally were pregnant with our 2nd child (a baby girl that was also a Premie). I also developed Gestational Diabetes with the second pregnancy and additional weight gain added to my overall weight. I never loss the pounds from 10 years earlier with our first child. Shortly after the birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 30’s. This is where I had to seriously make some serious changes to my health.
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I couldn’t lose the weight for vanity, but once it effected my health, I knew it had gotten out of control. I had to educate myself and make the needed changes in order to save my life. I was directed to the Diet Doctor A.K.A. Terry Starks on Facebook. He introduced me to the clean eating lifestyle. I quickly adopted to the lifestyle and applied it as a way of life from 2012 to present. My weight was at my highest was 220lbs after the delivery of our 2nd child. Can you imagine that on a 5″2″ frame? I loss a total of 78 pounds to date. I’m proud to say I took it to another level and challenged myself with the help of Terry Starks and entered my 1st of many bikini bodybuilding competition at 44 years young on 6/29. I took 4th place. I hope to inspire and motivate others just like myself. . You can do it! In order to CHANGE your BODY… YOU must first CHANGE your MIND. ..REAL LIFE!!!
Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Bridgette who lost 40 pounds by eating clean, food journaling, and working out regularly. Here is what she shared with us:
My primary motivation to lose weight was because my children!!! I wanted to be around for them. I lost my parents due to heart disease and I was determined not to leave that legacy for my children. My starting weight was 200 pounds in 2011 and over the next year, I managed to lose a few pounds. My real weight loss journey didn’t begin until December 2012! Over the last 6 months, I have lost a total of 40 pounds through walking/running, logging everything I eat and eating less carbs. I eat clean (vegetables, fruit, turkey, and chicken, No white carbs) 85% of the time. On the weekends, I may have brown rice or pasta in a dish. I drink at least 6 glasses of water daily. I plan to lose an additional 5-10 and I will have reached my goal of 150 pounds. This is a lifestyle change!!!
Update 2016: “I am in competition with no-one. I run my own race. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone, in any way, shape or form. I just aim to improve, to be better than I was before. That’s me and I am free.” Facebook: Miss Curvy and Fit
Update – March 2015: Kennetra lost 55 pounds and then experienced weight gain during pregnancy. She recently sent in an update to let us know how she lost the baby weight to get back to her pre-pregnancy size. Check out her before and afters…
Hi, You featured me after losing 55 pounds. I went from 230 pounds to 175 pounds. Shortly after, I became pregnant and gained 50+ lbs! I’m 5 month postpartum and I’m back down to 180 lbs! I’ve been breastfeeding, eating clean, and working out!
Instagram: @misscurvyandfit
Original Post – July 2013
Today’s featured weight loss success story: Kennetra lost 55 pounds with calorie counting and exercise. Here is what she shared with us:
What was your motivation?
I’ve been on many diets and I always failed. I wanted to prove to myself that I could lose the weight. I also wanted to get fit for the summer.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started counting calories with Myfitnesspal. This helped me learn portion control. Next, I incorporated more healthy choices in my diet. I slowly cut out soda, sugar, and carbs.
What did your workout routines look like?
I started with only 1 hour of cardio. I began with walking and the elliptical. Now, I’m running, using the elliptical, and lifting weights.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
230 pounds to 175 pounds
How long did your transformation take? 5 months
I recently posted an article all about how the liver is related to weight loss and a healthy metabolism. Knowing whether you have a healthy liver is important to your weight loss efforts because of it’s role in breaking down fats and processing toxins. One of the things I’ve always heard was good for liver health is Milk Thistle. I wanted to do some research and give you more info on the benefits of this herb.
An alternative herbal supplement, milk thistle is a plant found in the Mediterranean region. When the leaves of this plant are crushed, a milky white liquid oozes out, hence the name milk thistle. Most of the benefits derived from this plant come from a chemical called silymarin which is extracted from the seeds. This active ingredient found in milk thistle herbal supplements is believed to combat a number of conditions affecting the liver including cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and liver poisoning.
Liver Benefits of Milk Thistle
Silymarin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are thought to help the liver repair itself and grow new cells. The following are some benefits associated with this supplement:
Milk thistle has been shown to offer other benefits not related to the liver including menopause, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In most cases, however, the effectiveness of milk thistle has not been studied and researched effectively, resulting in mixed results. While medical trials and laboratory testing show a great deal of promise, more research is needed.
While the effectiveness of milk thistle might be debatable at this point, the safety of this alternative supplement is not. Salymarin has been found to be safe when taken as a daily supplement over a long period of time. Consult with your doctor or health professional of choice before starting any regular use of an herb supplement like milk thistle. You never know when you may have an allergic or adverse reaction to an herb or natural supplement or if it will react to other medications. Better safe than sorry.
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Lorraine lost 204 pounds. She has transformed her life and her health by eating clean, learning how to make the right food choices, walking and doing Zumba on her Wii. Here is what she shared with us:
What was your motivation? My father died at 39 of a diabetic heart attack. I was in my late 20’s and 400+ pounds. I was completely uneducated about food. I thought I was eating well and because I am tall (6’0) I felt like I could carry ” a few extra pounds” Knowing that my little girl is learning how to care for her body and feed herself and one day her family keeps me going
How did you change your eating habits? I eat very clean. High protein low carb, low processed diet. I no longer eat dairy, red meat or pork. I learned that the western diet doesn’t give us what we need to be healthy. We eat more calories yet our bodies starve. So with a mix of healthy plant based eating and supplements my body is a fat burning machine. I learned to recook all of my favorite southern dishes in healthy ways. I LOVE the farmers market and I have worked hard to retrain my body that food is fuel and not my friend. This has been a revamping of everything I thought I knew about nutrition and cooking. Outside of seafood..Im a Florida girl I don’t eat anything that had parents. We will spend years learning our hair and have no clue how to feed our bodies.
What did your workout routines look like? As a single mom I don’t always have time for the gym. I walk an hour a day with our dog and I LOVE MY WII Zumba
What was your starting weight? 410.6lbs
What is your current weight? 206.2
How long did your transformation take?
I lost the first 130 in about 8-9 months. I then became pregnant and started back about a year ago. So total just under two years. I was told I could never have children. However, because of the the initial loss of 130 pounds, I was able to conceive.
Photos: Black hat 410 pounds, Black dress 260 pounds and white dress 206 pounds….
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Proud mom Constance is sharing her weight loss journey with us this morning. Over the course of 6 years and having 2 children, she has brought her weight from 280 pounds down to 142 pounds, losing a total of 138 pounds.
I think her story is realistic, because many moms who have had more than one child face gaining more weight with each child. Constance was able to lose weight over time and not retain a lot of baby weight while losing weight between pregnancies. Here is what she shared with us:
I would love to share my story. Over the past 6 years, I’ve lost a total of 138 pounds. I’m 5’4 and now weight 142! My motivation was my child and being able to play with her at the park. My eating habits were transformed when I noticed that I was eating 3 snickers bars in one sitting, then McDonalds at night and still never felt full. I started out by walking a mile everyday before work, 5 days a week. Then a friend got mw a membership to 24 hr fitness and I went everyday for a year. In total, in 2006 I delivered my 7 year old at 280 pounds. I had another baby in 2011 maxed out at 190 pounds. Now, a total of 7 years later, I am 142 pounds and a size 6 when I was a size 26 in the past. It has been a complete lifestyle change.
