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weight loss before and after

Latese lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Latese lost 60 pounds with Zumba, protein shakes for meal replacement and portion control.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, My name is Latese. When I graduated from high school, I weighed 145 pounds and even at that weight I thought I was fat. After high school, I never worked out.  I also ate what I wanted, mainly fast food, and enjoyed mango margaritas at least four times a week. My clothes got bigger, but I remained in denial about how much weight I had actually gained. January 28, 2012, I weighed in at 225 pounds. It was shocking and depressing. At that moment, I made a vow to lose 50-60 pounds.

I joined a gym and started taking Zumba classes at least five times a week.  When I wasn’t doing Zumba, I was in boot camp classes. I also stopped drinking those mango margaritas and replaced many of my meals with protein shakes. I pretty much ate what I wanted, just in portions. I cut back on fast foods as well. I still drink protein shakes as a meal replacement now.  I am proud to say I have reached my goal of losing 60 pounds. I weigh 165 pounds.  I’m only 20 pounds away from what I was at 18 years old. I have more energy, and can fit into the clothes I never would have been able to a year ago 🙂

Latese weight loss success

Demetria lost 45 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Demetria lost 45 pounds by cutting out highly processed food, fatty foods, salt and sugar.  She also worked with a personal trainer and began to exercise regularly.   Here is what she shared with us:

I am getting healthy by cutting back on the high fatty foods, by avoiding foods in cans, foods that have salt and sugar in the first 4 ingredients and by eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I say “getting healthy”, because I didn’t have a number of pounds in my head that I wanted to lose, I just wanted to be healthy and get to a healthy weight! I started going to fitness classes last year and hired a personal trainer at the University in our town (less expensive than a professional in a gym and the students really work hard). I now workout with 4-5 times per week and run 3-4 times per week.  I ran my first 5K this past December. The advice I would give others is “DO NOT GIVE UP!”  It took me years to get to this point! The point to where I feel like something is missing if I don’t work out. It really is a stress reliever. I have lost 45lbs and over 2ft from my body and still going! The picture I attached is called “I got this” because my trainer would always say “You got this!” It was like she knew just when to say it! So now that is my motto, I GOT THIS!!

Demetria weight loss before and after

Pam lost 49 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Pam lost 49 pounds with clean eating, juicing and exercise.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I’ve battled with my weight for a few years. I finally decided to take charge.  I changed my eating to clean eating and I also incorporated juicing.  Then, I decided to start training intensely. My starting weight was 186 pounds and my current is weight 137 pounds (which is shown in the pic on bottom right). Pictures on the left are my before photos.   The one with blue top was my heaviest. I now feel very good and inspired to continue with a healthy lifestyle. I hope my progress will inspire others.”

Check her out on Facebook: Wellness Concepts

pam weight loss story

Candace lost 103 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Candace lost 103 pounds over the course of a year with the help of a personal trainer.  She was preparing to enter the U.S Army.  We applaud her and wish her health and safety.

“I lost 103 pounds to get accepted into the U.S. army. I’ve been eating right and exercising with the help of  my personal trainer, Vito Steel. I started in March of 2012. I leave for the army in 10 days (April 15).  I exercise at least 5 days a week. I lift weights with my personal trainer. I stay away from fried foods and take the skin of of meats.  I also avoid starch, sugars and bread. My diet consists of low carbs and high protein. I eat several small meals a day (every 3 hrs). Drink only water or crystal light.”

candace weight loss story army

Nijah lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Nijah lost 50 pounds over 15 months, and says she did it without “dieting”.  She focused on creating a healthy lifestyle.  Here is what she has to say about her transformation.

“If anyone thinks that losing weight CAN’T be done without dieting, then look at ME!!!

On the left is me at my highest of 294.6 pounds. I was tired of carrying around all that baggage so I decided to give healthy eating a try AND stick with it. 15 months later, I am down 50 pounds and I intend to keep going. I eat real food and I am NOT on a diet. I am mindful though of what and how I eat. I have dessert but only once a week, and when it’s time to workout, I give it my all!!!

I’m very proud of my progress so far, and don’t intend to stop!!! (The right picture is me currently down 50lbs, weighing 244.6) Is it easy? NO, but anything worth having is worth fighting for!! I strive each day and I know that with each workout and healthy choice in eating, I am getting closer to my goal!!

I hope I have encouraged someone, as your page does!!! I’m thankful for this page and YES, I AM A BLACK WOMAN IS WHO IS LOSING WEIGHT! *POW*”

Nijah weight loss story

Update Nov 2013: Nijah wrote to us to let us know that she has maintained her weight loss.

“The left picture (below) was taken in June 2012. I remember looking in the mirror and feeling so disappointed at the fact that I had “let myself go”. I was almost 300 lbs and hated taking pictures!! I’m so thankful though that I took this one and didn’t delete because it’s a reminder of a place where I was and one in which I never want to return. I was overweight, young and depressed.

In doing some soul searching, I found out that my weight loss stemmed from low self-esteem and negative body image. From that day on, I made a vow to myself to love me and show it by taking control and holding myself accountable. I started cooking my own food (mostly baking) and limiting my salt and sugar intake. I still get to indulge but not as much or as often. I walk and also work out using the Just Dance games for the Wii, The Biggest Loser DVDs, and my ultimate favorite which is Hip Hop Abs with Shaun T!

I haven’t reached my goal weight yet, but I am proud to say that I have maintained my 50 pound weight loss! I am also empowered to say that I kicked that monster of low self-esteem in the BUTT!!!  So, my story is to be continued. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the journey and also encouraging people everywhere I go!”

Nijah weight loss photos

 

 

Updated: Sherlonda lost 139 pounds

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Update December 2013 – Sherlonda wrote in to share that her total weight loss is now 139 pounds.  Her abs are SHOWING and she has muscles! YESSSSS, Diva!  She did that!  Here is what she shared with us about her body and lifestyle transformation:

“Hi my name is Sherlonda Tyrus and you featured me back in April 2013. I wanted to send an update to my journey. I started my journey November, 2011, the day before Thanksgiving. I was 325 pounds and I was tired. My daughter who was a senior in high school, was my motivation when I started my journey. She wanted to lose weight for prom. So we started attending jcjonesbootcamp.com, my 4 daughters and I, at 5:30 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I was finally tired of being unhealthy and out of shape. I had to do it for myself this time. Determination, commitment to self, and no looking back has brought me this far. Although my daughters don’t get up in the mornings with me anymore, I still go 5 days a week. I’m almost at my goal but still have lots of work to do. It’s not easy but can be done one change at a time. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet or fad. This is my new life. You won’t find time…you have to make it. I lost the weight by changing my diet. I stopped eating fast food and started cooking at home. I eat meals every 3-4 hours. No pop or other drinks, just water, water, and water.”

Sherlonda weight loss transformation Sherlonda weight loss photos

Original Post – April 2013

Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Sherlonda lost 98 pounds. “I started my journey November, 2011. I am 227 now but I was 325 lbs. and I was tired. My daughter who was a senior in high school, was my motivation when I started my journey. She wanted to lose weight for prom. So we started Bootcamp, my 4 daughters and I. 530am in the mornings Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I was finally tired of being unhealthy and out of shape. I had to do it for myself this time. Determination, commitment to self, and no looking back has brought me this far. Although my daughters don’t get up in the mornings with me anymore I still go 5 days a week. I’m almost at my goal but still have lots of work to do. It’s not easy but can be done one change at a time. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet or fad this is my new life. You won’t find time you have to make it. And I lost the weight by changing my diet. I stop eating fast food and started cooking at home. Eating every 3-4 hours. No pop or other drinks water, water, and water.” Sherlonda weight loss

Lana lost 62 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Proud Alpha Kappa Alpha soror Lana lost 62 pounds with SmartLipo, Weight Watchers, exercise and changing her diet. Here is her story:

“I have struggled with losing weight for about 8 years. I tried waking, working out and even Jenny Craig, Nutri- System, Atkins Diet to name a few. I had SmartLipo on my stomach in June 2012. I was 210 and was depressed because I had hit that 200 mark. I had to do something so I decided to do this. The results were phenomenal. Most of my weight was in my stomach and when I had that done I saw significant results.”

What did you do in terms of changing your eating habits and exercise to lose weight?

“I used portion control such as measuring my food. I also followed the Weight Watchers plan. My exercise regime was walking at least 3 times a week at the park or on my treadmill when I couldn’t make it to the park. I would fast pace walk 4-5 times. On the treadmill, I would do 30 min.  I don’ t diet now, I watch my calories and portion control. I also walk to help keep the weight off. I now weigh 148 and I love it. I have lost 62 pounds. I feel so good about my health and weight now!!”

Lana before and after photos

Updated: Avonna lost 115 pounds

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Updated Dec 2013: Avonna has lost a total of 115 pounds.  She wrote in to update blog post we did on her back in April.

“As of today I am 115 lbs down! I jog almost everyday, a strength train and I challenge myself to new challenges.! It’s been a thought year but I have come along way and I still have a long way to go. Follow my journey on IG @FabulousVonnie. This year shall be greater than last. My eating habits have changed drastically!  How I look and feel about food is completely different! It’s a mental process more than anything. Fruits and veggies are my bestfriend!  But it’s more so the feeling of knowing that I don’t want to be fat any more.”

Avonna before and after

Let’s show some life transformation love to Avonna who has released 60 pounds and transformed the way she feels about herself and her body.  She has given us a lot of detail from her weight loss journey.  She put together her own exercise plan through research and putting it to the test.   She also ate clean.

“Growing up being FAT was a struggle! I wasn’t popular, barely had friends and didn’t like myself. Everyone around me was skinny, petite and then there was me. I was always referred to as “Big Von” I was that sister figure to guys, not the attractive, “be my girlfriend” type. That was miserable.

I come from a fit strict family! For the longest time I was the biggest one and it became uncomfortable and it didn’t help me knowing that I was a disgrace! It caused me to fall into a depression and that caused me to eat, ultimately getting even heavier. Due to my weight and what I was going through, I had low self esteem! Practically no respect for myself, I didn’t care. I didn’t care to get dressed or anything! I was plain Jane.

Up until recently, I was in a 5 year relationship and was comfortable! I knew this was forever and was once again neglecting my body! My relationship ended in the beginning of the year and I decided I need to make changes. I wasn’t happy with my body, my personality or anything. I felt he continuously cheated because I wasn’t attractive. I was never approached by men! I felt disgusting. So in Feb 2012 I walked into a gym, LA Fitness. And decided to take control of my life. I have lost 60 pounds and I got into fashion more and I feel much better about myself. My head is held high and I feel beautiful. There are no more nights were I feel like I am in another body. I am a work in progress and I know it’s ultimately up to me to decide where I want my fate with my body and happiness. The my lack of confidence prevented me from shinning to my brightest potential! I had to realize that I can only be the person that God wants and made me to be. I am in LOVE with the woman I am today! My weight no longer defines me!!

324 was my starting weight. So embarrassing. I never really admitted that to any one before.  I created my exercise plan by doing research and putting my research to the test. I would create my own circuit workouts and rub drills. I would walk on the treadmill and gradually increase my speed and incline. As far as eating I clean eat. No fast food, processed foods, fried foods and eating in moderation was definitely important. I had to realize when I was hungry or when I was bored. I am an emotion eater. I eat when I’m happy, sad, mad, angry…whatever the emotion was I ate to it.  That’s sad to say.  Now, I eat more leafy veggies to keep me full longer. I cut out all sugary drinks and focused straight on water. Strictly water.”

Check out her blog: confessionsofafatchick.com

avonna weight loss story

Nekita lost 145 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Proud Delta Sigma Theta soror, Nekita lost 145 pounds with the help of Weight Watchers and by working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

“On September 8, 2008, I joined Weight Watchers weighing in at 288 pounds. In September 2009, I had lost 110 pounds and was weighing 178 pounds.  In the midst of that, I had my second daughter causing me to gain 85 pounds back but then have a major come back with diet and exercise.   I hit my goal weight in March of 2012 weighing in at 143 pounds for a total of 145 total lost, which I am still maintaining.

I decided to start my journey to a healthier me for a number of reasons. At 24 years of age, I had high blood pressure and had reached a weight of 288 pounds. I’ve always loved to eat, but my love for food was making it physically impossible to enjoy playing and riding roller coasters with my daughter, traveling by plane due to seating size restriction, or even just walking a flight of stairs without taking a break. After suffering much of the humiliation of not being physically able to enjoy life and being at risk for so many diseases mentioned by the doctor, I decided to make the commitment to change my life.

Living a healthy lifestyle has been no walk in the park.  There are good days and most definitely there are the challenging days. Working out and changing the way I eat is no longer a chore just to lose weight, but it has now become a part of my life which motivates me to carry out this habit throughout my daily life.  My advice to others would be if you fall try to pick yourself back up again and start fresh; every day is a new day. Take it one day at a time, and set small goals along the way instead of looking at the ultimate goal. Try not to look at being healthy as a diet which is temporary, but as a lifestyle change that will take time.  Always have the “I can attitude” and be willing to try new things.

nekita weight loss story

Sherry lost 30 pounds in 28 days by juicing

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Today’s featured success story: Black Women Losing Weight Online Community Member Sherry lost 30 pounds in 28 days by juicing.

“I started juicing February 6, 2013.  I’m now 30lbs lighter and feeling awesome. Checkout my picture.  I feel so great!  I’m going to continue juicing to lose an additional 20lbs. My goal in the beginning was to lose 50lbs. I never expected to lose 30lbs in 28 days, but i did and I’m so happy.  The battle is almost done! Yaeeeee!”

Sherry weight loss storyI’ve always recommended juicing as a way to cleanse the body, detox and lose weight.  I think it’s an excellent way to transition to a plant-based diet, as well (Vegetarianism or being vegan).  The key to this kind of weight loss is that you have to have a plan for what you do after you stop juicing or you may gain the weight back.  You can’t go back to your old eating habits and expect the weight to say off.  However, think of juicing as a body reset.  By juicing you can allow your body to drop weight and toxins.  You may also see that you don’t crave the same bad, processed foods you once desired.  Therefore, you can move forward to eat a much healthier diet of fresh foods, lean meats (if you chose), etc.  Juicing is not a quick fix for weight loss.  It is a tool for greater health.

If you would like to know more about how juicing can help you lose weight and have greater wellness, I suggest that you check out these 2 resources.

www.fatsickandnearlydead.com – The official site of the FREE documentary Fat Sick & Nearly Dead. Watch Joe Cross, 100 lbs overweight, regain his health by juicing and inspire others along the way.

101 Juice Fast Recipes – Just $1.01 – Great book by African American Juicing Diva, Carla Douglin.  Carla not only gives you 100 great juice recipes, she tells the benefits of juice fasting, what to expect really guides you through the process.