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weight loss before and after

Brandy lost 131 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Brandy lost 131 pounds.  Exercise was key to her transformation and now she is able to be more active with her children.  Find out how she did it:

“Hello my name is Brandy Francis. I’m 34 years young and a single mother of a 2 going on 24 year old. MY Battle with weight has always been just that, a battle, but in 17 months I have lost 119 pounds. My highest tipping weight was 292 pounds and I now weigh 161 pounds.  That is a total of 131 pounds.

I have done every weight loss program and supplement, but to my surprise neither one would help me loose the weight I have currently. My employment with a warehouse is where the shedding of pounds started, it is equivalent to going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week working out and 4 to 5 hours on every part of my body. My eating habits changed because of my recent “singlehood”. I could no longer enjoy the luxury of fast foods 3 to 4 times a day. So, being in this warehouse they would only allow water on the floor which was a battle because I was addicted to Pepsi.  At first I said, “Noooo Water.” but NOW water is my best friend. I’m no longer on blood pressure meds and I’m so much more active with my 29 month old. I’m so blessed and grateful that at one of the worst times of stress in my life I didn’t revert to old habits of binge eating or feeling sorry for myself. The biggest size I put on was a 24/26 at Lane Bryant and I’m now wearing a size 10/8. I will always battle with weight, but right now I’m winning!!”

Brandy before and after Brandy weight loss

Marshea lost 81 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Marshea lost 81 pounds.  In the wake of a terrible relationship, she found inner strength and changed her health for the better.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Marshea weight loss

August 2013 is when I started my weight loss journey. I was in a relationship for 5 years with “Lovely”. When we started dating I was a great size (10). It wasn’t until the end of our relationship when I became massively overweight. I was so depressed and devastated I ate myself to fatness. “Lovely” told me I was fat, ugly and that no man would ever want to be with me. “Lovely” moved back to his hometown, (charlotte, NC) and I stayed in my hometown, (L as Vegas, NV). I was so heart broken and my self-esteem was totally diminished. I began to pray and ask God to heal my heart, help me regain myself esteem, and gain motivation for the challenge I knew I would face during this time.

Let me tell you, “God is amazing!!!!”. One day I woke up and had this sudden urge to go workout. Every day I worked out. When I began I struggled. I’m actually laughing at myself now because I hated working out but, busting the pavement made me stronger and gave me so much confidence. One of the things I enjoyed most was the various people on the street who were telling me to keep up the good work. I also changed my eating habits. I did that by not eating fast food, eating fresh produce, using portion control, and eating only when I was hungry to shirk my stomach.

One thing that also assisted the weight loss was not to weigh myself. I felt it was a waste of time and my hard work would show. I knew before I started working out I was 290 lbs. I weighed myself February 11, 2014 and I’ve lost 81lbs. I’m not finished I have more to lose. “I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m truly not where I was”.

Thank you for creating this page as it has encouraged me to keep up the good work. I hope my story is an inspiration to another women struggling with the issue of obesity and low self-esteem.
Sincerely,
Marshea
Instagram name: divadazzle05

Update: Nakia lost 54 pounds

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We featured Nakia in 2013 to share her weight loss story and how she lost 43 pounds.  This month, she sent in an update with photos to let us know that she’s lost MORE weight.

“Hi, my name is Nakia Davis and I wanted to update you on my progress. I submitted my original transformation July 3, 2013. As of today, I’m down 54 pounds total. I lost another 11 pounds since July. I’ve added running at least 3-4 times a week to my routine as well as Taebo and Focus T25 DVDs. I’ve now started clean eating and eliminated bread. I continue to drink only water and green tea. My goal now is not so much as weight loss (started at 220 and now at 166) but toning up my body. I would have never thought I could accomplish this in 1.5 years.  I encourage you to believe that when you make up in your mind that this is what you really want, transformation will take place!! Peace and blessings…….and it can be done!!”

Read the original post to find out more about how she lost the weight.

Nakia before and after

Brittany lost 82 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Brittany lost 82 pounds and she has kept the weight off for 2 years.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“Hi There! My friend introduced me to this page and I’ve really liked the tips and the shared stories. I have a story of my own.  I’ve been struggling with my weight since I was in 2nd grade but with motivation from my mom, eating healthier and by exercising everyday (sometimes twice), I was able to lose 60 pounds in about 3 months. Unfortunately, I gained 30 lbs back, but since then I have lost a whopping 82 pounds total and have been able to keep it off for two years now.

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

I started by going to the gym every day, sometimes twice a day with my mother.  She’s always been my biggest motivator. I stopped eating fast food, cut out pork and cut out beef.  I also added vegetables, that I never knew were so good, to my diet. I started drinking protein shakes and juicing fresh fruits and veggies.  I was also walking 5 miles, 5 times a week.  I’m not finished yet but I would like to be able to help motivate others in their journey to get fit and become healthier happier individuals. Here is a before and after pic.”

Instagram: @its_alwayssunny  @andshebakes13

Brittany weight loss

 

Eddra lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Eddra lost 50 pounds. She says that she started a lifestyle change and not a diet to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared about how she did it:

Eddra weight loss

“My name is Eddra Davis. I am 29 years old and married with three boys, ages 8, 7, and 2 years old. My family is what motivated me to lose weight. I am only getting older, not younger and if I continued to go down the path I was going, I may not have been healthy enough to do the things I want to do with my children. Also, the fact that diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family motivated me to get healthy too. I want to give myself a fighting chance not to go through health issues like that and to teach my children how avoid them also. Who doesn’t want to look good and feel good,not only for yourself but for your spouse.

I looked at my eating habits and started a lifestyle change not a diet. I simply made better choices. I would choose yogurt instead of ice cream, eat turkey, fish, or chicken instead of beef. I had water with lemon instead of soda or juice. It is the little things that we choose to eat that makes a difference. If we would stop and think before we eat that cake and ask “What can I choose that I like that would be a healthier choice with less fat, calories, and sugar that was still satisfy my craving?”.  I exercised at the gym and did workout dvds at home, like Black Girls Workout Too.

My starting weight was 245 pounds current weight is 195 pounds. No matter how long it takes keep going and never give up. It dosen’t matter if it takes you longer as long as you get there everyone journey is different. Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to be active. Start out slow if you have to, as long as you start you will be surprised how much that little time will change you body, along with your water intake and changes in eating habits. Get people around you that motivate you even if you don’t know them. Make friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter because you will have your hard times. If you fall off its ok forgive yourself and start again. Follow me on instagram: revivingthebeautygame“

Ebony lost 130 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Ebony lost 130 pounds from starting at more than 400 pounds.  She found a weight loss plan that worked for her and she embraced exercise, like Zumba and water aerobics. She is celebrating her weight loss victory!  Here is her story:

Ebony before and after

“So, I wasn’t going to post my story so far because I am in the middle of my weight loss journey, but every one has a story to tell, and here is mine. I have been overweight all my life. Childhood, adolescence, adulthood. I made attempts to lose weight before but always gained it back. It’s a funny place to be hating the state your body is in but being so scared to change because you don’t know where the hell you will start, and if you succeed, can you keep it off. The tipping point for me came in 2012. Despite being overweight all my life, it was the first time that I can honestly recall my size causing me difficulties in mobility. I had a hard time fitting in restaurant booths. I didn’t go to movies because of fear of fitting in the seats. I broke the shampoo chair at my local salon. I saw a picture of myself holding my baby niece and I took up half the couch. I knew then I couldn’t go the way I was going. From this would come canes, walkers, oxygen masks, and obesity related diseases and death. I was looking into weight loss surgery but the state revoked the coverage, so I decided in June 2012 to try Weight Watchers.

My starting weight was 410.8 pounds. I also went back to the gym which I hadn’t entered in a year. I started slowly, doing water aerobics and 25 minutes on the elliptical. Then after I lost 25 pounds, I took the plunge and went to my first Zumba class. That was where I found my love for activity. Weight Watchers helped me learn portion control, minor indulgences in moderation, and healthy eating. Now here I am, 19 months later and 130 pounds lighter. I go to the gym 4 days a week. I am down 6 sizes, and have gained self confidence, healthy habits and a new life. I am about 100 pounds from my ultimate goal, but I am blessed and thankful for the journey and success I have had so far. To anyone reading this, know that as long as you have a breath, it’s never too late.”

Kecia lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Kecia lost 72 pounds.  She joined found a weight loss plan that worked for her and committed herself to working out.  She did it for her KIDS and I love that.  Here is what she shared about her victory:

“My name is Kecia and I started this journey at 322 lbs. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Fat frustrated and wanting to change, I joined Weight Watchers. My biggest motivation is wanting to live longer to be here for my two children. I want to be able to go to a amusement park and ride the rides with my kids. I also don’t want my son following in my unhealthy footsteps. Joining Weight Watchers was the best thing I did for myself. Now I weigh 250.  That’s 72 lbs down!!!!!

I cut out all fried foods, sweets and soda. I drink 8 bottles of water daily and I eat a lot of lean protein and veggies. My snacks are fresh fruits and vegetables. I am just more aware of what I put into my body now.

All I could do was walk at first, for exercise. It took me at least an hour to do a mile.  Now I’m doing a 13 minute mile. I also go to the gym 5 days a week now. This is a new lifestyle for me and I don’t look at it as a quick fix, it should be a lifestyle change. There is no quick fix to a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight has held me back in the past, not anymore!!!!!!”

Instagram: klm_losing100lbs

Kecia before and after Kecia weight watchers

Tonia lost 106 pounds

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Tonia
212 pounds in this photo

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tonia lost 106 pounds, down from 318 to 212 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

“Hi, my name is Tonia Dailey, and I finally decided to take my own life back into my hands. I drink between 1 1/2 gallons of water and lemon per day, pushing for 2 gallons a day as my goal. I workout 5-6 days a week on my own for 45-60 minutes.  For exercise, walking is very big on my list!! Consistency is everything!! I do everything around my exercise. Remember, 70% of weight loss is what you eat and 30% is exercise. I listen to music and I let nothing get in the way of my goal!

I’m 99% vegan, 1% vegetarian.  I eat no meat whatsoever. I have 2 meals a day and homemade fruit smoothies with flaxseed.  I don’t drink soft drinks, and have juice about once every 5 weeks or so. I also drink almond milk and herbal teas with no sugar added.”

Tonia before and after weight loss

Tempest lost 75 pounds

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Update May 2015: Tempest wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 5 more pounds and is still going strong – “Two years ago I had a baby and I knew I didn’t want to drag alone the “baby fat” that came alone with giving birth, the moment I had my son I started on a health quest to get off the pounds I have now lost 80 pounds and counting and I am still going.  I was in a size 16 and I am in a size 9 now. My motivation is living life! I wanna live! I don’t wanna be hindered to what I can wear. I have two kids I have to keep up with. My eating habits have changed to eating every 2-3 hours small portions. I meal prep every week so that I don’t fail. I strength train twice a week and do cardio 3 days a week. Sometimes, I even workout twice a day. My highest weight was 245 pounds, I am now 165 pounds. My goal weight is 145 lbs. My advice is to never give up, never stop working out, if you have s bad day keep going. My transformation has taken 2 years.”

tempest weight loss storyOriginal Post – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom of 2 Tempest lost 75 pounds.  After finding weight loss success (35 pounds down), she gained 75 pounds during pregnancy.  She was able to shed that weight with what she had already knew about weight loss and her previous actions.  Read about what she did to shed the weight:

Tempest Sheambitious29

“My name is Tempest and I am 29 years old. I have two children, 14 and 10 months old. When I turned 21 my weight went from 140lbs to 210lbs. I was getting out of control and didn’t realize it. I had no idea Where to start. I didn’t know how to read a food label or what a calorie or a carb was. I was very unhappy with myself. I cried a lot, I wanted help but I knew I didn’t have the money for Weight Watchers or a personal trainer. When I turned 26, I was ready to do whatever it took to loose the weight. I no longer wanted to be a prisoner in my own body. My motivation was when I looked in the mirror I wanted to be happy with the person looking back at me. I wanted to feel good about myself again. The first thing I did was googled a grocery list that was healthy. I asked trainers if they knew of any good meal plans.  Last but not least, I let a trainer train me for free and everything he taught me I then did on my own. I worked out every day for 2 hours, sometimes I would go to the gym twice a day. I did lots of cardio and lifted weights maybe once a week. Four months later I lost over 35 pounds with exercise, eating every 2-3 hours and focusing on me (with no negative people around me).

I meal prepped, which is a great way to ensure I had good foods readily available. I transformed myself inside out. Eight months later I got pregnant and gained 75 pounds. Nine months after giving birth, I lost all of that weight. I had transformed twice in two years. The second time I lost weight it was the hardest. I cried and I prayed. I knew that I could do it because I had done it before. I was heavier than I had ever been after my pregnancy. I realize that everyone has a busy life and many don’t really have the time to workout. One thing I want to say is that in order to care for youself you have to make time for yourself. Self care is a very important componant. Its very important that you have supporters and positive surroundings. I hope to help you reach your weight loss goals.”

Instagram: @Sheambitious29
She now creates meal plans and shopping lists for others. http://ambitioushealthyandfree.bigcartel.com

Tempest weight loss

Tempest before and after

Nicole lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Nicole lost 75 pounds.  She found inner peace, thrived with the support of her husband and kids and changed her life. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Nicole weight loss

My name is Nicole Rice. I am 36 years old and recently lost a total of 75 pounds! My journey began when I mentally made a decision for change. I began to “Mentally” ask myself questions that I had to be honest about, such as; “Why is my confidence low?”, “Am I comfy at this weight?”, “Do I honestly love me?”, etc.  By answering these questions HONESTLY, I was led to a Yoga center June of 2012. This center was not the traditional “posing” Yoga. It was called “Dahn Yoga” and out of my 6 month membership I learned to forgive myself, acceptance, meditation and to LOVE. So much more was given to me but these are the ones sticking out at the moment. I noticed my healing started in meditation because it gave me a chance to quiet my mind and really dig deep.

Then in April of 2013, I had Thyroid surgery due to a benign growth restricting the function of the left side of the gland. They decided to remove the entire left side. I still have my right side and NO MEDICATION NEEDED!!! Let me say this, my Thyroid had nothing to do with my weight gain when it was all said and done after several test! For me that was a relief! A few days after surgery my husband video taped me & made me promise that I would live a healthier lifestyle for myself and our children and their babies etc. In my head, I was saying I already am..LOL, but I had not consistently started the physical part. However, what I was doing was weaning myself slowly from things that were not healthy. One week…only water, then maybe no chips for a week, no soda and so on until I created better habits and replaced those unhealthy items. I began to feel like I had more energy but still had breathing problems due to weight. So, I started walking to increase my endurance.

During this time I was 250 pounds. I was realistic and respected my condition and my body so I would push myself but I was taking baby steps. Next thing I knew, a block turned into a half mile, then one and now I can easily walk 7/8 & have biked/walked combo 16 miles!! There were times I cried walking because I felt like the cars were maybe laughing at me. I walked alone or with my kids a lot because my husband was holding it down with working. However, he would walk with me every chance he got!! He knew my pain and how bad I wanted and knew I could have it! Days I felt lazy, he would say, “So are ya gonna do anything today??”. I would be so pissed, like no this fool didn’t!! Then I started to notice that even in my attitude and I still got up to walk!! LOL

Then, I noticed I stopped eating to get full! Smaller portions, lots of water!! I never went to a gym. JUST WALKING & to be honest as I slimmed down I started to feel sexy again! I had people to me that I was pretty but I DIDNT BELIEVE OR KNOW IT FOR MYSELF! This journey has liberated me in such a way I cant explain. I found my passion thru my pain and transformation. Today I weigh 175!! In my process, I only weighed myself once a month so the numbers would not distract me & I focused on me from the inside out!! I am now biking to tone my legs and just started crunches. I didn’t do a full workout plan because I knew I would not complete it. So I choose what worked for me! Meditation changed my life and I have a larger appreciation for myself and life itself. Sorry for the novel and I hope I answered your questions! #Namaste #Meditation #HealingEnergy #Reiki #LoveIsLove

Instagram: coley007

Nicole before and after