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weight loss before and after

Taniqua lost 28 pounds

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Taniqua wrote in to share her weight loss story.  She is down 28 pounds with My Fitness Pal, clean eating, working out regularly and using the Weight Watchers weight loss plan.  Here is what she had to say:

Taniqua weight loss photos

“Hey y’all! I’m Taniqua but all my family and friends call me NeNe.  This is me at my heaviest (photo)!!! I was 214 pounds and I am now 186 pounds. I’m sooo proud of my progess over the last year. I have lost a total of 28 lbs so far and I vow that I will never get this big again because I had never been that big before!!! I looked at myself in this picture and was like “Ohh noo girl, you have gotten too big!!!!” It still took me another year to get motivated to lose the weight. Everybody would tell me that I didnt look like I was over 200 lbs but I was! Myfitnesspal.com, clean eating and Weight Watchers helped in addition to working out 3 times a week!!! I still have a ways to go because I still need to get rid of the rest of this belly fat!!!! I hope this story can help motivate somebody to just do it and you have to believe that you can. If all you can do is take a short walk everyday do it because she did it and she’s doin it and I’m proud of myself.
Yayyy Me!!! Lol

I started by eating fish, chicken and ground turkey. I would make protein shakes in the morning and have a nice lunch with veggies and chicken. I also would eat sandwiches with red and yellow peppers, instead of potato chips.  For dinner, I would have more veggies and a starch and chicken or fish. I stopped frying food and baked everything. As for exercise, I joined Planet Fitness for 10.00 a month I would work on legs shoulders and arms and then do like 45-60 minutes worth of cardio (depending on how I was feeling lol). I would rotate my days and on the that days I didn’t lift I would do just a straight hour of cardio on this machine called the Ark.  I love that machine. I’m a work in progress and I’m still trying to lose the rest of my belly fat, so im getting ready to start this challenge for flat abs for 30 days.  We will see how it goes!!! :)”

Naledi lost 89 pounds

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Nov 2016 – Naledi has kept off over 80 pounds for over 3 years and is now focused on toning, weight training and HIIT. She’s also sharing her nutrition knowledge online to inspire others. Check out her update and what she has shared with us over the years about her transformation.

Just reaching out to give you my update and the joys of living healthy. I have manage to keep of my weight for 3 years now and it’s been a living testimony. I’m focused on toning now and doing a lot of Les Mills weight training and HIIT. I’ve created a Facebook group were I post my daily meals, from breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and meal replacement alternatives. No short cuts or fad diets. Just authentic home cooked meals that I create daily to share my passion and help the community as a whole. – Naledi (aka. Ledi Tangs) 

naledi before and after

Feb 2016 – It’s been 3 years since we featured Naledi’s weight loss journey. She’s kept off the 89.9 pounds and is working on toning and definition with weight training and Les Mills classes.

Hello, I’m back with an update. You featured my weight loss journey in 2013 and I want to share what I have been up to. I started weight lifting with the goal of developing more shape and definition. I’ve been doing Les Mills classes 2-3 times a week now. It’s been such a rewarding journey and so pleased to share with friends here on the BWLW group to motivate someone. I do Body Pump, which involves weight lifting and attacking every part of your body. I also do Body Attack, which is a cardio class of 1 hour of intense exercise (similar to Insanity). You literally burn 400-500 calories if you give it your best. My pecs are progressing massively. It’s been 7 months since I started the classes. I have maintained my weight but my dress size has dropped from an 8 to a 6. I am living a dream and I’m more confident. I hope this inspires a sister out there.

naledi before and after

Nov 2103 – Today’s weight loss success story: Our sista from the United Kingdom Naledi lost 39kg and went from a size 22 to a size 8.  That’s 89.9 pounds!  She did it by eating right and exercising to avoid the risk of diabetes.  Here is what she shared with us:

Naledi weight loss story uk

“My story begins like this… I gained weight via not eating properly and not exercising. Started feeling unwell and went to see my doctor. My family has a history of diabetes and have lost all my beloved ones from my father’s side including my Dad who passed away in 2004 due to the disease. I was affected by the death of my father and when I went for the check up to see if I was prone to the disease fortunately the result was negative. I weighed 102 kg (224.8 pounds) by that time in 2011 and was told by my doctor that I was overweight, obese and prone to having a heart attack if I did not reduce my weight (regardless of being diabetes free). My dress size was 22. I now weigh 63kg (138.8 pounds) and wear a size 8.  I started my weight loss journey from March 2011 to October 2012. Since then never looked back and have maintained my weight till today.

Motivation: I was shaken and started feeling tired when I was at work.  I could hardly use the stairs and dependant on the lift (elevator) all the time. I was referred to a dietitian to discuss healthy eating options before any medication was given to me to see if I was willing and determined to lose the weight. I valued my life and wanted to live and not die young. I was upset that food made me like this and that sooner or later my whole life will come to a close due to food and not looking after myself. I went home depressed and just the thought of it all.  I knew that I would have to develop self control and change the way I look at food because what it was doing to me had such a terrible effect. I waited for the appointment date and went to my first visit to start putting a plan in place in terms of what to eat, what not to eat,  exercise, etc. Upon living the hospital, I just told myself that I will conquer and defeat the food battle. I started by doing my own research into what has helped other people in a similar situation as I was. It was not an easy journey in the beginning to cut down on bread, cakes, portion sizes… let alone the bad habits in general that lead to weight gain. I Started my own diet of consuming not more than 1,500 calories a day. I was drinking 2 litres of water and no more drinks with acid. Fortunately, I had no issues with alcohol because I never drake at all.

Naledi weight loss
Update Apr: 2014 – Naledi sent in this photo to let us know she is still maintaining her weight loss!

I joined the gym and started with the treadmill just to get my heart rate up and my body used to exercising slow but sure. I ate alot of vegetables, salad,fruit and cut down all starch foods completely. I also became very creative and made my own made home smoothies of which I had most of the time for lunch. My favourite was the green smoothie that consisted of kale, spinach, melon, apple, pear, few leaves of spinach, 2 x tablespoon natural yoghurt and 1/4 cup water just to give my smoothies flavour. I detoxed using lemon and fresh pepper mint leaves soaked in water. I also ate small portions of food, stopped snacking and started eating at the right times. I was also getting enough sleep and snacking a lot on nuts. I ate white meat more than I did with red meat. I replaced red meat with a lot of roasted peanuts without salt. No milk or sugar in my tea. I started drinking herbal teas and hot water with lemon before and after every meal. I stopped eating heavy meals if i got home after 7pm. Will power and determination made my life so easy. I started feeling more lighter each day and introduced other exercises; bicycle ride, spinning classes twice a week, swimming, power walking and started out door jogging.

I made this a lifestyle more than a punishment and my results were so positive that within 6 months of healthy eating, exercising and commitment, I lost 30kg. I was so pleased and kept pushing. My weight was lost in 3 stages as per the pictures. My dress size dropped to 14 and lastly size 8 which took me 1 year and 7 months to get to my target weight. I am now into horse riding, which is one of my favourite hobbies almost every weekend. I do a lot of outdoor jogging, zumba class once a week and presently lift weights to build my six pack. With the right attitude no gimmicks, no eating behind closed doors, not quitting and perseverance, you can do it and achieve whatever you want in life. Whenever you feel like giving up, ask yourself the reason that you started the journey and why you want to add more years to your life. I did it and am very positive that you can do it without surgery but willpower and become a conqueror. They say “No pain, no gain.” Once you are on top of the game nothing will beat that spirit of being a goal getter. Never, never give up. The harder you work, the better the results are. A key fact is to keep up with healthy eating and exercise. Make it a lifestyle rather than a diet. By so doing you are looking at it in a more positive way rather than feeling deprived of certain foods. Moderation is the key.  All the best in your journey.  I’m more than happy to motivate others in any way possible with regards to sharing meal ideas, what other shakes I made or ways that could make one change their life.”

Naledi weight loss photos

Daesha lost 62 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Daesha lost 62 pounds over the course of the last year.  This bright college student gained the pounds while at school as many women in college do.  After a medical wakeup call, she made the commitment to change her lifestyle and get healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Daesha weight loss story

“Started my journey on November 27, 2012. I’ve always been overweight, however, when I got to college at Mississippi State it escalated even more due to family problems. Being in college made it that much harder to eat healthier. By sophomore year, my weight topped a big 245 pounds and that still wasn’t enough. By the middle of sophomore year, I could no longer breathe at night laying down and I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux disease at the age of 20. That did it for me. I begin to drink up to at least 8 bottles of water a day and stayed away from sweets and greasy foods. I no longer eat at fast food restaurants. I did Zumba every day in the beginning of my journey.  Now that I know my body better i incorporate jogging about a mile and fast walking the the other mile totaling 2 miles a day, 3 when I push myself. I do strength training at least two times out the week. I workout 5 days a week and I have a “cheat meal” every weekend of my choice (no fast food). I’m currently a junior in college.  While I’ve lost 62 pounds so far with this transformation still in place. Starting weight was 245 pounds and my current weight is 183 pounds. My advice to people is to never give up and make sure that you’re losing weight for yourself and no one else. I advise taking lots of pictures and measuring yourself also because the scale doesn’t always show all of your hard work. Good blessings to everyone making a change for the better and moving yourself unconditionally.”

Shawnda lost 178 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Shawnda.  She had weight loss surgery and has lost 178 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

“Just wanted to share my weight loss story . I had the gastric bypass weight loss surgery four years ago and I’ve lost 178 lbs. I am still working on it because the doctor says that I am still overweight. I am taking it one day at a time!!   My motivation was my children. I needed to live for them. I had the gastric bypass, so my eating habits have to be limited. No sugars, breads or sodas. I walked for about 30 minutes a day and went to the gym 3 times a week. My starting weight was 476 pounds and I am now 320 pound. I am still working on getting below 300 pounds. This transformation has taken place for the last 4 years and still going on. I would say to others, stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize which is your healthy lifestyle and long life.”

shawnda weight loss surgery

Nika lost 79 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Nika lost 79 pounds.  She focused on counting calories and regular exercise to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us”

Nika weight loss photos

“My starting weight was 247 pounds. I’m down to 168 pounds. It was a long road that has required me to finally address the issue at hand! I moved to another city to make more money, so of course I because comfortable with eating out 3-4 nights a week. I had no exercise in my daily routine what so ever. I would eat early or late, it didn’t matter. I didn’t even have to be hungry to eat, I ate just because. One day I decided to weigh myself and the number on the scale really surprised me. I knew I gained weight but I didn’t know how much because I stayed away from the scale for this very reason. I went into a major depression. The first week I lost 7 pounds because I barely ate. From then on I vowed to myself never to see that number again if I could help It. It took over two years for me to reach this point. I now workout At least 5 times a week. I try not to eat after 7 pm. I really don’t diet, I’m just conscious of the calories I eat. I do cheat at times, but I have to work harder when I do.”

How did you change your eating habits?

“I changed my eating habits by counting calories and being conscious of what I was consuming. I stopped the late night snacking. Now I consume more vegetables (trying to get full off of them). Salad and fruit has become my best friend.”

What do you do in terms of exercise?

“I go to zumba/hip hop fitness class or work out about 5 days a week, doing 20 minutes of cardio then hitting some weights.  Last but not least, I Do squats and lunges for the lower body. Even when I can’t make it to the gym or class, I go in my basement.  I pump up the music and work up a sweat by jumping rope, squats, weights for arms, lunges and planking for about 45 minutes.”

Janelle lost nearly 100 pounds

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Let’s show some love to proud mom Janelle.  She has lost approximately 100 pounds since June 2012 with calorie counting and by eating low carb.  She wrote in to share her photos and story with us:

Janelle weight loss photos

” I Wanted to share my progress with the group. I’ve released nearly 100 pounds, going from 315 pounds and now I weight 220 pounds. I cut out carbs & became more active with my children! They are the best lil calorie burners I know of. Lol!

I started my weight loss journey in June 2012. I originally started by counting calories on a mobile app called FatSecret and then graduated to the omission of carbs. The common name for the plan I follow is the 12 day diet. I eat 3 meals per day until I am full and have a cup of ruby red grapefruit juice with each meal. If I am feeling hungry between meals, I eat 2 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter or cinnamon toasted almonds.  I also consume a gallon of water each day. I have lost 100 pounds and gone from a size 26/28 to a thick size 16. My exercise regime includes playing with my children, walking, and swimming. I keep active because of my little ones. I have 3 children, ages 10 and under. They are my motivation, I plan on living to see them grow, create families of their own and then some!”

 

Keita lost 96 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Keita.  She lost 96 pounds by committing to working out and adopting a Raw Food Vegan lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Keita weight loss raw food

“Photos: Me at 286 pounds and now at 190 pounds. I began my journey at nearly 300 pounds. I was sick all the time and decided that enough was enough. My doctor suggested that I have weight loss surgery and I agreed, but my insurance said they needed documented proof that diet and exercise didn’t work before they would approve it.  I searched and got a gym.  I was ok with any gym because I knew it wouldn’t work.  However, I stumbled across Jungle Gym and it changed my life. They helped me find the right diet.  For me that was the Raw Food [Vegan] Diet.  They also helped me with figuring out what exercise worked for me. I have gained confidence, not only to meet my weight loss goals or to compete, but most importantly to face any challenge in life. I look forward to finally losing another 25 pounds and sharing those pictures with you too.”

Check out her video for more info on her transformation (from June 2013):

Mia lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Mia lost 58 pounds. She created a Facebook page to keep herself accountable  by publicly documenting her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

Mia weight loss photos

Hello, my name is Mia. My motivation for losing weight came in 2011 after I had fallen up concrete steps while walking to my car on campus. I was at my highest weight of 239lbs (first picture), and it was a struggle for me to get up off the ground. Needless to say, I was completely embarrassed because of the fall and because of my size. It was that day that I decided to do something about my weight. That evening, I walked for 30 minutes on the track at our local YMCA while my son was taking swimming lessons. I gradually incorporated other exercise workouts (Leslie Sansone, Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser workouts) into my at-home regimen and changed the way I was eating by watching my portions. The weight slow came off. The majority of my weight loss took place this year when I made a commitment to hold myself accountable by creating a Facebook page documenting my journey and my efforts to eat clean the majority of the time. Along with clean eating, I challenged myself to train for a 5K and completely it successfully in June of 2013 while weighing over 200lbs. I was determined to prove to myself that even though I was overweight, I could still run. To avoid getting bored with my routine, I began doing P90X and swimming 5 days a week. Along with clean eating, the weight began to fall off at a steady pace.

I went from a size 20 to a size 10 and am down to 181lbs and still working hard to achieve a healthier weight. I document my progress by taking before/after pictures on a regular basis. I have been successful on my journey because of my strong faith in God, supportive family and friends, and determination! My advice to others who want to lose weight is to start small by setting realistic goals, change your eating habits, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, join a weight loss support group (either in your community or online), and track your progress so that you can visualize what works and what needs improvement. The main thing is to realize that you can do it! I have never felt this level of happiness and peace in my life!  On my Facebook page, I share recipes that I try weekly! Here’s the link: facebook.com/miasfitnessjourney

Mia weight loss story

Inspirational Weight Loss Story: Diona lost 67 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Diona lost 67 pounds.  This amazing cancer survivor lost weight in the past but had to adopt high calorie eating to deal with the effects of cancer treatment.  Thus, she gained weight again after treatment.  She took charge of the circumstances she was dealing with and made lifestyle changes to reach the level of wellness she shines with today.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

Diona weight loss success story

“It’s funny that my first memory of knowing how much I weighed was in the 6th grade when my brother came home from basic training. He said “I can look at you and tell you weigh 200 pounds.” It wasn’t in a mean way. He was more so trying to show that he could lift me, while proving that he was strong after his military training. Throughout the years, I knew that I was overweight. But, it didn’t really bother me. I’d always been that way. It didn’t stop me from being popular, accomplishing personal goals, joining a sorority, etc. By the time I finished my MBA, I weighed 368 pounds. I tried a variety of diets, both physician supervised and alone, and finally got to 220 pounds. I was comfortable there – for a while.

4 years ago, I got diagnosed with non-Hodgin’s Lymphoma. Immediately, I went from 220 to 206. My oncologist told me to “ignore all food rules”. She said that it was imperative that I eat what I can, when I can. A year of chemotherapy and radiation was not the time to lose weight. I was very sick for a year and even the thought or smell of food would make me sick. So, I lived off of popsicles, ice cream, and other foods high in carbs/calories.

I survived and continued to eat the same way. Slowly, I crept back up to 289 pounds. I was so happy to be alive, I was LIVING, eating, and drinking. I knew I’d gained weight. But, I felt it was like 20 pounds or so. It wasn’t until an occluded artery, resultant from my cancer treatment, sent me to the ER that I got on a scale and I was devastated. How did I let myself get back to almost 300 pounds? More importantly, how was I going to get it off?

I tried all of my old tricks, no carbs, no soda, no this, no that. I’d lose a pound or two. But, nothing significant. I started going to the gym to sit in the sauna. One of the side effects of my occluded artery is that my face and arms retained water. So, that was the easiest way I knew to sweat. Then, my dog was hit by a car. At that point, I didn’t want to go home because there was no one there. So, I started actually doing some cardio at the gym and trying to stay there until it closed. Frustrated, because I didn’t really know what to do, I cut off my cable, made some other financial adjustments, and signed up with a personal trainer.

When we began to work out, he asked “What is your goal?” My response “To get back into my black dress.” If you would have told me in June that I’d be back in my black dress TODAY I wouldn’t have believed you. The weight I gained is off and I am well on my way to being smaller than I’ve ever been – including in the 6th grade.

This time around, there were no tricks, no supplements, no doctors. Just me, my trainer, the gym, and my favorite – the gold old outdoors. He told me my body would respond well to working out outside and I didn’t believe him. Now, I crave it. We do old fashioned stuff; jumping jacks, leg lifts, jogging, knee-ups, etc. I eat regular food but find myself watching what I put in my mouth because I know how hard my workouts are. It’s funny that people always ask “What are you doing?” then they seem upset when I say “Working out and eating less.” But, it’s the truth. I work out with my trainer 4 to 5 times per week. I do cardio at least twice a week. I try to rest on Sundays. But, I have so much energy now and I’m so happy that I always find myself doing something, even if it’s walking the mall to shop for my new body.

The last thing that I will say is I can definitely tell a difference between diet and diet AND exercise. Although my weight is 2 pounds more than before, I am a full dress size smaller.”

Diona before and after

Cawaynna lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Cawaynna wrote to us to share her weight loss journey.  She’s lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery and has provided a lot of details and a video gallery of her progress (below).

Cawaynna weight loss surgery

“I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery on October 24, 2012. On the day of the surgery, I was 277 pounds, but at my highest weight I was 293 pounds. I now weigh around 204 pounds. I was borderline diabetic and having problems keeping up with my toddler son.  I was also constantly getting depressed because of my weight and depressed about my overall appearance. I chose to have surgery after countless tries with other weight loss options, such as; Weight Watchers twice, Slim Fast multiple times, weight-loss pills, diet shakes and etc. The weight loss surgery is only a tool and it isn’t a permanent fix! It doesn’t work for some people because they believe it is a permanent fix and they don’t use it as a tool like they should. I still have to work out and there are foods that I’m unable to eat, but it’s all worth it because of the way I now feel and look. I went from a size 26 to now in between sizes 12 & 14.

Cawaynna weight loss storyThe picture where I’m in the green tank top with a pink head rap, was taken the October 23, 2012, a day before surgery.  The one where I’m in the flower printed dress is from June 8, 2013 (my birthday) and the one where I’m in a tube grey skirt are from September 26, 2013. The one where I’m in a white dress and jean jacket is from June 2, 2012.”

What was your motivation?

“My motivation for losing weight is and always have been my son. If your not going to change for yourself, at least try to change for the ones you love. I try to work out three to four times a week when I have the time. If I can’t get in a run outside for an hour or a walk, I do cross-training videos inside the house. You can find some on YouTube. I also use 5 lb weights for my arms and stomach exercises. I no longer eat red meat and have cut back on the pork products. I don’t eat bread unless it’s wheat and toasted. I have about 2 protein shakes a day, I use EAS. I don’t drink sodas and most high sugar drinks. This is all according to my surgery diet that I must follow.”

What is your advice to others trying to lose weight?

Cawaynna weight loss surgery“The advice that I want to give to those who are trying to lose weight is, do what you think you have to do to lose the weight. As long as it’s safe, do it. If I would have listened to those who didn’t want me to get the surgery, I still would be unhappy and struggling to lose the weight. I’m certain of that. And…you have to want to lose the weight for your health and not for others or how others may see you. Meaning, don’t lose weight because a man or woman might find you more attractive.  Those are extras that come with losing weight for yourself and for your own happiness. In the end, make sure your praying also, keeping yourself in the word and use God as your guide through your journey, because your going to need him.  My YouTube channel is Divadiordoll and Instagram @Divadiordoll”

Check out this video of her progress!