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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kimberly lost 90 pounds

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kimberly before and afterUpdate – Shout out to Kim. We have followed her for a few years and she has maintained her 90 lbs weight loss. (read more about how Kim lost the weight below): I wanted to give you an update as to my journey! By the grace of God, I am still down 90 pounds. Oct 10th was my fitness anniversary, marking 4 years that I have been able to keep the weight off. My best advice for others is to love yourself where you are. Getting healthier is the goal, weight-loss is the bonus. To maintain my weight loss I have kept a consistent cardio plan, but I now have added strength training into my workout routine. My toning results are amazing. I still go vegetarian twice a year for a system cleansing and of course I limit my intake any foods that weren’t cooked in a healthy way.

During my weight loss journey, I have had so many women reach out to me to help them start their journey. I always ran from it because I am not a trainer and I don’t have the stereotypical gym body that people associate with health and fitness. Finally, one day I accepted the vision that God gave me and I created “Team Curvy and Healthy”. Team Curvy and Healthy is a empowerment movement for women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their body. So many of us work out 4-7 days a week and eat clean, but we are not stick thin or completely chiseled. Many people are body shamed at the gym that they don’t even want to go. Team Curvy and Healthy is empowering for everyone to love themselves! It’s a movement!


Update May 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day:  We featured Kimberly’s story back in 2012 and she has not only maintained her weight loss for 2 years, she’s lost 6 more pounds.  Read more about her journey and check out her weight loss video below:

Check out our original post from 2012 for more info on how she did it.

Kimberly Rainey Weight Loss Story

“You posted my story back in 2012 and I wanted to give you an update. I am now 90 pounds down. Through diet and exercise, I have been able to maintain my weight and even lose more. I still believe in no diet pills, surgery or anything unnatural for weight loss. I try to eat a clean diet.  Every 6 months or so, I go completely vegan for 9 days. I am so excited to see so many women on the path to healthier living. Giving God all the glory, I have had several people thank me as their weight loss inspiration as they have started and STUCK to their plans. I have a updated photo for you. My original YouTube video of Kim Rainey’s weight loss journey is still up and because of your Facebook feature it had over 5,000 views! I am so appreciative of you spreading the word of health and fitness with our sisters!”

kimraineybeforeafter2014

Inspirational Weight Loss: Roxanne lost 111 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Roxanne lost 111 pounds in 11 months.  She is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse that is deeply connected to her weight gain.  She was able to not just lose weight but do the emotional and spiritual work that she needed to do to reclaim her self worth.  Read her inspirational story and check out her before and after photos below:

roxanne weight loss story

“Starting at the age of seven I was sexually abused by my step father. As I looked at childhood pictures that’s when I noticed that the weight began to pile on. You see, whenever these horrific acts would take place, my step father would give me food as a ‘reward’ and for any young child cakes, fast food and snacks are some of the best rewards to have. I had developed a technique in my mind that would allow me to leave my physical body and to think on all the ‘junk’ I was going to purchase and or receive once the act was over. This is where my relationship towards food began. I made food my comfort and over years I gained more and more weight.

On May 25, 2013 I started my weight loss journey at 388 pounds. I was having a daily devotion time and God began to speak to me.  I made the decision to journal my weight loss on Facebook (the good, the bad and the ugly) because it held me accountable for my outcome and I knew that others were watching and I refused to let them down. I began walking 1 mile, five to six times a week. I started drinking protein shakes and limited my food intake by counting calories. I began eating six small meals a day every three hours to avoid being hungry. I gave up red meat, fast food, fried foods, and drank only water. I would plan my meals in advance and I always kept healthy snacks in my car and purse for ’emergencies’. I also drank lots and lots of water.Eventually, I added water aerobics, Zumba, kickboxing, weight lifting and jogging to my routine and I continued working out at least six times per week.  Two things that really worked for me was making exercise a hobby as opposed to making it a task and reminding myself that this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Diets are temporary but a lifestyle change is forever.

In addition to me losing physical weight, I began a healing process which started from the inside out. I had to learn how to put myself first and I had to learn how to forgive myself and those that hurt me. My journey and my transformation was more spiritual than anything else. There was a ‘deconstruction’ process that had to take place before I could ‘reconstruct’ my thinking process. I was always told how pretty I was so I had good self-esteem but NO self-worth which onset SO MANY other issues in my life. My life was not an easy life by far but I am living proof that with faith, determination, consistency and hard work- ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

As of today I have lost 111 pounds (in 11 months) and gained my life back!!!! I have learned to love ME-flaws and all.  I’ve learned to take hold of the inner-strength that already existed on the inside of me.  You see, when your mind is in bondage, it prevents you from doing even the simplest tasks. This has been eleven months of the most sweat, tears, transparency, commitment, dedication, perseverance and consistency that I EVER endured in my life!! God holds my hand and I have allowed Him to lead the way after 37 years!!!!! God changed me. He changed my way of thinking. Made me believe in myself. He gave me hope and I finally believed in myself enough to recognize where my pain originated from and to know that I, Roxanne, was worth finally living my best life. I was successful only because I chose to give God all my pain, hurt, despair & weariness.  God gave me beauty for my ashes. Peace for my depression and hope for my pain. I had to be a role model for my three beautiful children so they could understand the power of believing in yourself. My journey isn’t solely about weight loss.That’s just the manifestation of it. It is about literally being healed from the inside out and allowing God the opportunity to do something great and different ONLY for His glory. I am living proof that God has the power to change your life COMPLETELY if you allow Him to do so. I’m not done yet (39 more pounds to go) but I can see the light & it’s shining brighter than I could have ever imagine. If I can do it YOU CAN TOO!!! Thanks for allowing me to share.
Love, Roxanne”

Roxanne before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Mikita lost 60 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lifestyle expert and Blogger Mikita lost 60 pounds.  This proud mom and crafty diva lost the weight by taking part in a magazine challenge focused on heart health.  Read more about her weight loss journey and check out her before and after photo collage below.

Side Note: Mikita as been the lifestyle expert for WDAF Fox 4 in Kansas City (my hometown) for 10 years.

Mikita before and after photos

“My name is Mikita Burton and I recently lost 60 pounds. I took part of the Woman’s Day magazine heart health challenge, “The Live Longer and Stronger Challenge“. I am featured in their February issue 2014. I followed the “inner skinny” plan from Joy Bauer. I added water, cut out my favorite sweet tea. My tea alone was 360 calories!! After having 3 kids, I thought I was just going to stay the same size. When my doctor told me that the fat around my stomach could affect my organs and put me at risk for heart disease, I had to act. It takes time and I had to do one small thing at a time. After stopping my sweet tea, I stopped eating after 9pm and started walking 10,000 steps a day. I’m making healthier food choices, eating clean but I’m not always perfect.  However, I always get back on track the next meal (or day).  I worked with a personal trainer and started boxing and lifting weights. I could go on and on! My Facebook page is facebook.com/neverhomesahm it’s more of a craft, kids, lifestyle page, but it includes my weight loss journey. I am not “skinny” and have all my curves, but I am healthy!”

Check her out at mikitaburton.com and Instagram: @neverhomestayathomemom.

292 lbs Gone: Vote for Veronica in the BeachBody Challenge

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Update: We got an awesome update from BWLW Sista Veronica S. about her weight loss journey:

“Hi! I’m excited to announce that I’m a finalist in the Beachbody Challenge. As a finalist I have the chance to win $100,000! I’ve lost more weight since my story was first published by BWLW and have lost in total now 292 lbs. I would be honored, thrilled and grateful beyond words if you would vote for me in the challenge.This is the most amazing opportunity of my life!”

Let’s support our sista!  Click here to Vote for her today.

Want to know how she did it?  Read her weight loss story.

Veronica beachbody challenge
Updated photo: Down 292 pounds

 

Veronica lost 274 pounds
Veronica lost 274 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tammia lost 115 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tammia lost 115 pounds.  Dealing with being overweight since childhood, she knew it was time to change her life and start to truly feel healthy.  She started her journey at 450+ pounds and is committed to reach her goal weight.  Read her story below:

TammiaMay2

“I have always been overweight since childhood. I was tortured as a child with numerous medical tests and diets. I would lose a few pounds, then gain it back and then some. My last relationship caused me to become the biggest I’ve ever been. I was always talked to by friends about eating right and exercise.  Friends and family always stressed that they are worried for my health, and I was told you will do it when you are ready.  Well, 2 years and 3 months ago I didn’t like what I saw anymore.  My motivation was not being able to wear clothes that I wanted to wear. I was only able to wear whatever could fit me and basically couldn’t find anything to fit me. My clothing options were very limited.  I was also tired of being out of breath when walking only a few steps. I just didn’t feel good anymore. So, I decided it was time to do something about it.

I totally changed my eating habits. Started to eat healthy with 6 small meals a day.  I gave up soda, bread and fast food. Now I eat clean.  Water is all I allow myself to drink and I love it.  My workouts are a lot of cardio and some weight training. I work out 4-5 days a week now and I’m walking on the treadmill 2-3 miles a day.

 In a little over two years I have lost a total of 115 pounds. My starting weight was 450+ pounds. My weight now is 335 pounds. I hope to be down to 250 pounds by the end of this year. I just want to be healthier.  I can only speak for myself, but when you are ready to lose the weight you will know. It took me years to finally be sick of looking and feeling like I did.  I will never go back or look back. I am pushing forward.  I have not finished my journey, but I am feeling great and so much more active.”

 

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jasmaine lost 51 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jasmaine lost 51 pounds.  Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, she decided it was time to kick the soda habit, eat healthy and work out regularly.  Check out her story below: Jasmaine weight loss “A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I weighed 240lbs. At that time, I lived on Pepsi cola. I had to change my lifestyle and eating habits. My family made accommodations for me that year at Thanksgiving by making my Sweet Potato Pie with Splenda (gross). At that moment, I wanted to get off the medication that my doctor prescribed for me. I gave up drinking 2-liters of Pepsi a day and changed my eating habits some…LOL. Got my membership to Planet Fitness and worked out 2 hours a day for 3 months. Then I stopped and at the time I weighed 245 lbs.  That was this past Spring. Then I took ill and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. As I recovered I took eating healthy more serious. I began walking 5 days a week for 1.5 miles. This helped me out tremendously. Today I weigh 194 pounds. I haven’t weighed anything under 200 lbs in over 10 years. This weight loss journey took me 13 months including the breaks. If you are looking to be successful with weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, you have to stick with it and keep supportive people around you. Do it the healthy way. Make sure you go to the doctor on a regular basis and encourage yourself.” Instagram: @jasmaineshort

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Yolanda lost 76 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Yolanda lost 76 pounds.  This proud mom of 2 is working to break the chains of obesity in her family.  Read her story to find out how she did it.

“Hello, my name is Yolanda McGee. I wanted to submit my information to motivate others and let them know that if I can do it, they can too. My motivation was and still is that I am breaking the chain of obesity in my family! I was at a family reunion and looked around and decided from that moment…NO MORE! At first, my eating habits did not change but after I worked out, not too much was changing.  I knew I had to incorporate better eating habits. I started eating chicken breasts, ground turkey, fish, fruits, veggies and nuts. I will have an occasional treat but not all the time. My current workout routine is 3 days a week of weight training and 3 days a week of cardio. On the 7th day…I REST! My starting weight was 230 pounds! My current weight is 154 pounds! I has taken me about 7 years to lose the weight! I got married, had 2 babies and I’m still a work in progress. I have developed muscle, stamina and strength. My advise for others is to push and work even when you don’t feel like it; even when you are not seeing change; even if you are tired! You never know who you are inspiring!  All of this would not be possible if the Lord had not given me the strength!”

Instagram: @yomcgee

Yolanda weight loss

 

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lauren lost 78 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Lauren lost 78 pounds. I was very inspired by her story of battling obesity since childhood and finding victory over the last 5 years.  Her journey shows that you can overcome years of yo-yo dieting and bad eating habits.  Read her story below to find out how she did it:

Lauren weight loss story

“My battle really started 20 years ago when I was nine. The growth plate in my hip started slipping due to my weight. I had to have three different surgeries involving pins in my hip so I could support the weight. For every surgery, I spent three months in traction. This led to me being 200 lbs by the time I was 12 years old. I went through my teen years and the first part of college steadily gaining weight. I also didn’t help matters by constantly eating out and then NOT working out. Yes, I was the girl who “didn’t want to sweat her hair out.” (Yuck. So glad I’ve changed my thinking on that!) I finally got tired of being the girl who sat by and watched her friends try on dress after dress while I was stuck to either Lane Bryant, Torrid, or men’s clothing. I dabbled in “quick fix” diets and struggled with my eating (from either binge eating or not eating). I would lose 20 lbs in three months just to be smacked with 40 lbs later because I wasn’t consistent with my habits.

At my biggest, I was a size 22 and weighed 242 pounds. I began a lifestyle change at 26 years old after marathon watching “The Biggest Loser.” After quickly telling myself not to expect the results the contestants got by working out with trainers like Jillian Michaels because I had a full time job as a High School Teacher.  I couldn’t commit to the level of workouts they did on the show. However, I phased out beef, replaced chicken with Morningstar Farms entrees, and learned how to cook different types of fish. I made it a point to eat at least three meals a day, because before my change, I was a habitual breakfast-skipper. I replaced soda with water with fruit slices. I also learned how to control the size of my portions. In Texas, “portion control” is a foreign phrase to us, lol. I worked out with Jillian Michaels DVDs and took up boxing. My favorite workout was when I found bikram yoga. Not only did it challenge my body, but it helped manage my stress. When I met my current boyfriend, he taught me how to ride a bicycle. That’s helped the most. I started walking a little each day and eventually worked my way up to jogging. I’ve done three 5Ks, but I don’t consider myself a true runner.

Currently, I weigh 164 pounds. I’m around a size 8/10 in clothing today. My transformation has taken five years, but that’s because I wasn’t consistent. That’s the biggest piece of advice I can give to any woman who’s starting (or continuing) her journey: BE CONSISTENT. Also, don’t beat yourself if you fall off. My ultimate goal is to be 100 lbs. lighter–142 lbs. by January 20, 2015. I can’t think of a better 30th birthday gift to myself.”

Instagram: @aRHOnamedLo

Lauren before and after

Diedre lost 57 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Diedre lost 57 pounds.  This 5″5″ mother of 3 embraced healthy eating and committed to regular exercise to change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

DiedreMay14

“My name is Diedre Wiggins. I’m a 41 year old mother of three. My weight loss journey started in October of 2010. My starting weight was 267 pounds and I am only 5 foot, 5 inches tall. When I begin my journey, I was only walking and counting calories. Later, I started working out with weights and going to exercise classes. I began clean eating and changing a lot of my eating habits. Now, I’m gluten free and dairy free.

It has been a long journey and I’m still going. My lowest weight was 185 pounds and my current weight is 210 pounds. My goal weight is 150 pounds.

I have lost and gained this weight several times in the past 4 years, but I finally think I found the right eating plan. I believe that I can stick to clean eating along with doing DVD workouts from Shaun T and Fitness Blender (on YouTube).  I work out on a regular basis, at least five to six times a week. I think I finally figured it out and hopefully this weight to stay off. I still have a ways to go and I will keep you updated.

You can find me on Instagram @diedre_goddess
YouTube: Diedregoddess
Facebook @diedre.reline.

DiedreMay142

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sonya lost 28 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sonya lost 28 pounds. This mother of two created her own weight loss plan to lose the weight.  She worked out, embraced eating in moderation and used a mobile app to lose the pounds.  Find out more about her journey below:

Sonya before and after

“My name is Sonya Brown. I’m 27 years old and the mother of two children. My motivation to change came simply from not liking what I saw in the mirror. Before, my eating habits consisted of pretty much whatever I wanted without limits and absolutely no exercise. In 2011, I weighed 185 lbs. I started to become more aware of what I ate. I cut out fruit drinks and sodas. From 2012-mid-2013, I weighed 178lbs. It was then that I decided to start working out. I failed after trying to do at home workouts and follow diet plans. In November 2013, I began walking in the park. I wouldn’t join a gym until I stuck to this workout for at least a month. After a month I joined a gym; doing mostly cardio (30 minutes a day) and some strength training. I still ate what I wanted within moderation. I cut out sodas and fruit juices. I started eating more fruits, more vegetables and used the My Fitness Pal app to track calories. It took me 6 months to lose 28 lbs. I’m still in the process of losing. My goal is to reach a healthy BMI and maintain my weight loss. My advice to others is to find what works for you. I had to create my own weight loss plan.”

Sonya before and afterSonya before and after