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weight loss before and after

Connie lost 36 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Connie.  She lost 36 pounds.  Her story is very moving and shows that you can rise up after tragedy and change your life.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Connie weight loss

“Hi, My name is Connie Moore. I’m 44 years old. I started my weight loss regimen on Sept, 8 2013. I’ve lost 36 pounds, with 50 pounds to go. It’s a lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating.   I started at 236lbs.  I’ve decided I want to body build. Weight training and working out keeps my mind clear and away from all the hurt out there. The gym is my sanctuary, my peace. I wish it could be my home.”

What was your motivation?

I suffered a horrible breakup and sunk into a deep depression. I attempted to commit suicide and ended up in a psychiatric hospital. The truth is, I began working out to forget! However, as I keep going I quickly became a spiritual walk.

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

I got a personal trainer and he began explaining to me the importance of healthy eating and it’s affect on our emotional health also. Weight gain and obesity can weigh so heavy on our self esteem and emotions. My advice would be take time to love you the way your GOD sees you! I’m still a work in progress. Prayer, meditation, worship.  Work,work,work, believe and love yourself. Drink plenty of water. Eat plenty of fiber. Remove starches and white foods (breads,potatoes,etc.) from your eating habits. Bake and broil, no frying. Remove sugar unless it’s natural and above all… be happy!! THANK YOU for seeing me.”

Connie before and after

Tinisha lost 140 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: Tinisha lost 140 pounds and is now diabetes free.  She went from 283 pounds to 143 pounds with exercise and changing her eating habits.  Read her story:

“Hello Everybody!! My name is Tinisha!!! I wanted to share my story!!! In 2004, I was struggling with diabetes. My weight use go up and down and I couldn’t lose the weight. Between 2004 and 2010, I weighed 260-283 pounds and was in the size 22 clothes. Iwas always sad and depressed because I wanted to lose weight but couldnt lose the weight.  In 2008, I started to have problems with my diabetes and was in and out the hospital. I couldnt control my sugar.  Again, I tried everything to lose weight and it wouldnt come off. In 2009, I got pregnant and I was high risk case, going to the doctor appointments 3 times a week.  So, after I had my baby in 2010 I decided I wanted to make a change. I started to lose weight, eating right, working out and also gave up a lot of stuff I was eating and stuck to my diet.

I changed my eating habits by changing my portion sizes. No pop, no juice, just water. I ate more vegetables, fruit and lean food. Meat wise, I eat chicken, fish, turkey. I don’t eat red meat I also cut out a lot of other foods. I don’t eat candy, sweets or fast foods!! My exercise was I did a lot of walking and also joined a gym.  I walk outside 3 times a week and do workouts at home with workout DVDs. My blessing was to have a healthy lifestyle and to be diabetes free since March 2013.  That’s my blessing.  As of today, I weigh 143 pounds and I’m in a size 6 or 7 in clothes.  I’m very proud of my self!!!”

Tinisha weight loss

Alaina lost 105 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Alaina lost 105 pounds.  This Instagram diva and mom was motivated by being simply tired of of how she felt and what she was seeing in terms of her weight and healthy.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

Alaina weight loss

“First, let me just say that I love the positivity and message you are sending to all women but especially our women, that we don’t have to be a part of the untrue stereotype. This past year for me has been all about proving that to myself and others like myself we don’t have to settle.

I started my journey in November 2012. What motivated me may sound cliché, but the truth was I was sick and tired of how I felt and what I saw. I vowed and look forward and until this day I have not looked backed. I am 105 pounds down with 15 pounds to go.

I was simply tired of being lethargic at 24 and unable to keep up with my 3 year old son at the time. After weighing myself and being in total shock at how much I weighed I vowed to change my habits immediately. On November 19th, 2012 weighing in at 249.8 pounds I began my journey by first downloading an app and monitoring my calorie intake, staying away from soda, juice, and all high calorie snacks.  All of my meats became lean and I weighed and portioned out each and every meal. I also purchased a gym membership and began working out 5 days weekly for at least an hour. A year later, I weigh in at 145.6 pounds. My goal weight is 130-132lbs. I have realized that this is not a journey, but a lifestyle! And life is a marathon not a sprint! So, we can’t get discouraged at how long it will take us as long as we are giving our absolute best. I’ve also realized that it is best to set smaller weight loss goals and reach them and keep setting them and reaching them  until your at your final weight, that your comfortable with that’s what helped keep me the most focused.

Follow me on my Imstagram which is dedicated to fitness posts and inspiration: @SimpleeUniique1

Thank you for your page it truly recognize and inspires everyday people.”

Alaina weight loss Alaina before and after

Amber lost 44 pounds

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Let’s show Amber some love.  She lost 44 pounds down from 418 pounds and she is just 25 years old.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:
Amber weight loss
“My name is Amber and I am 25. I have struggled with my weight since I could remember. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family but I continued to pick up and put on weight as my doctor’s dismay. I have tried almost every fad diet, weight watchers, Jenny Craig, cabbage soup and nothing seemed to keep my attention for very long. The doctor seemed to be constantly concerned about my weight and one doctor seemed to have given up hope that I was going to do anything about it at all. I had continued to make excuses about why I haven’t done anything before now but I know that excuses are tools of incompetence :).  So, after seeing myself in pictures and feeling the most uncomfortable that I have ever felt at my highest weight of 418 pounds, I decided that April that I needed to make that change for MYSELF. Not because anyone told me, not by force but because I did it on my own terms. I changed the way that I was eating, drinking, and exercising for the first time in a long time. Shortly into this journey, I experienced a herniated disc and it forced me to curb the exercise for a few months. It was heartbreaking, especially because I was in the groove and I was just about to finish graduate school. When I moved back to CA, through medical assistance, my back has never felt better. Since then, I have joined the local gym with a majority of my family members. I try to go 3-4 times a week (I do Zumba, body sculpting, water aerobics and I am currently training for a 5k), drink as much water as I can and just try to stay positive about the fact that this is NOT A DIET, BUT A LIFESTYLE CHANGE! This page has also been an encouragement to me as well as MyFitnessPal! It has kept me honest and I utilize the support of other women to get through this journey. I have seen results but I am hungry for more…pun intended  but I just wanted to be able to encourage other women who have had similar struggles that you are beautiful and that this journey is not easy but we are doing it to be healthier! You are absolutely not alone and I hope that my 44 pounds inspires the next woman as I work toward the next 44. Instagram:@ _adeebee. I just recently started a blog on wordpress: http://selfgrowththejourney.wordpress.com/.
Have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!
Amber D. Boyd, M.A., MFT
Syracuse University
adboyd@syr.edu

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. -Harriet Tubman”

Felicia lost over 60 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: AKA soror Felicia lost over 60 pounds and was able to improve a pain issue that had her walking with a cane in her thirties.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“I’ve loss a little over 60 pounds and it took a complete lifestyle change. I count carbs and calories. I put down the sodas and brownies! Lol I also hit the gym 4 times a week doing at least 30 minutes of cardio and some light weights to tone because you become quite flabby with extreme weight loss. I feel so much better. At the age of 35, I found myself having to walk with a cane because I had severe back and hip pain. Some of my problem was inevitable because of my body structure but it became worse as the weight packed on. Thought I was going to have to have a hip replacement until the doctor mentioned getting at least 50 pounds off would ease my pain, and he was right.”

Felicia weight loss photos

Deborah lost 89 pounds

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Weight loss success story of the day: Dr. Deborah D. Grison lost 89 pounds after being diagnosed with a serious illness. She went from a size 18/16 to a size 4/6.  Here story shows the power of eating healthy, unprocessed foods that are full of life and nutrients. Here is what she shared about her journey:

“My name is Deborah D. Grison. I am writing to share my weight loss and healing success story. In January of 2012, I made a decision due to health the physical challenges of a pre-diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (being unable to walk) to change my eating behavior. I began to prepare all of my own meals, eliminating processed foods, sugars and all things bad. I have been doing this for two years come January 2014. My physical activity consisted of walking everywhere as I live in New York City. In August of 2012, I did begin strength training at a local NY gym that added to my weight loss success. All in all, I have lost 83-89 pounds within a year just by changing my food behavior. Going from a size 18-16 to now a size 4-6. My health challenges have subsided and I am now walking again unassisted. I am continuing with what my program and health initiative I started call EAT LIFE! Its a Movement Not A Moment. www.eatlifeonline.com It will be 2 years in January 2014, that I have lost and maintained my health and wellness success. See photos of my transformation below.”

Dr. Deborah weight loss Deborah before and after photos

Jessica lost 64 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day:  Jessica lost 64 pounds. This proud mom gained weight after suffering the loss of her fiancé.  She wanted to get healthy to to make sure that her children didn’t lose both parents.  Here is what she shared with us:

In July of 2012, I lost my fiancé unexpectedly! By December 2012 I was 317 pounds. By the time April 2013 arrived I was 331 pounds! My blood pressure was out of control and I knew I had to get healthy! My 2 children were my inspiration, I didn’t want them to grow up without a mother and father. In May of 2013, with the encouragement and motivation of my co-worker, I started my diet! I would walk 1-2 miles a day, 4 days a week and I used an app called My Fitness Pal to track my calories! I changed my eating habits by eating smaller portions and drinking more water. As far as exercise, walking and Zumba were my only forms of exercise.

Once the weight started to drop, my blood pressure got better and eventually I was taken off all blood pressure meds! By October 2013 I had lost 64 pounds! I went from a size 32 to 20, and I was 267 pounds! In the new year I plan to start fresh (the holidays got me)! I plan to lose another 67 pounds and become 200 pounds! My co-worker has stuck by me the entire time and I thank Kristi Tyson Reeves for the motivation and encouragement!

Jessica weight loss story Jessica before and after

Take Back the Temple: Sarah lost 27 pounds

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Sarah shared with us how she has lost 27 pounds on journey to take back and take care of her temple by embracing a healthy lifestyle.  She is on a mission and feeling the difference already. Here is what she shared:

“From before in May 2010 weighing in at 304 lbs to now at 277 lbs and well on my way! Rather than looking at it as a “diet” or even to say “healthier lifestyle”. I am calling it a journey of taking back to take care of GOD’S temple. At first I was a little apprenhensive to submit my story because I thought my pounds loss thus far were so small compared to others. And to still look at photos of me, I really don’t see a physical difference just yet in these photos, but I definitely do FEEL a difference. However, I decided to submit it anyway to show that I am on my way! And because I am very proud of how far I’ve come. I am taking back with lots of prayer for wisdom as to what I put into my mouth and my eating habits are changing just by that. I am drinking lots and lots of water (once a day I will add a couple of tablespoons of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar in my water). I have a library of Leslie Sansone’s walking DVD’s that I use 4 times a week and they are between 30 to 45 minutes depending on if I do 2 or 3 mile walks. I also do a series of upper and lower body exercise with weights for strength training twice a week. My focus and motivation is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”.

I have a more to go to get to where I need to be physically, but…I am certainly not where I use to be. And I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me strength. I am glad to be a part of Black Women Losing Weight and to see all who are on this journey. I am encouraged to see all of the success stories coming from our black women who are taking back. I plan to submit again in a few months with an update on my progress. GOD bless you all! And keep taking back to take care of GOD’S temple.”

Sarah before and after photos

Chana lost 62 pounds

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Weight loss story of the day: Chana lost 62 pounds.  She says that eating right plus working out plus consistency = results and we agree.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Chana before and after photo

“My motivation was Nakeisha James who started a group called Fit4life sisters after seeing different women losing weight and seeing there progress it motivated me to get going, also looking in the mirror seeing this person I no longer wanted to be.

How did I change my eating habits? I started by taking away the sodas, processed  foods, fried food, junk food, bread, pasta, etc. I added veggies, fruits, plenty water, salads, and baked food such as chicken, salmon, fish.  I also controlled my portions and food intake, and cut all starchy foods out.

My starting weight was 215 pounds.  My current weight is 153 pounds.  I started my journey December 2012. It took 11months for my transformation and I’m still going.

Workout routine wise, I started off doing Zumba 3-4 times a week and walking 5-6 times a week.  I did this  along with workouts from YouTube, working out on the treadmill, elliptical, doing strength training, lots of cardio. Workout DVDs such as Billy Blanks, Jillian Michaels, Shaun T, BGWT.  I’m currently doing Iron Core Kettlebell for toning by Sarah Lurie.

My advice to others is to have the right mindset, be determined and stay consistent. Eat right+Workout+Consistency=RESULTS”

Andrea lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Andrea lost 68 pounds in 7 months by changing her habits to create a healthier lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about how she lost the weight:

Andrea before and after weight loss

“My motivation to lose weight was a better ME. Once I became a mother (9 years ago), I just let myself go and put myself last in everything. I knew I had gained a lot of weight (number wise) but I never saw myself as being as overweight as I really was (reality hit looking at pictures of myself before and after my weight loss). I am blessed to not suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol issues, or any other disease associated with being overweight and I wanted to ensure that remained the case as I approached the “dirty 30’s”. The ultimate motivation/goal was that I wanted to lose at least 50 pounds by my 30th birthday.

I changed my eating habits mainly with using the “myfitnesspal” app in counting calories. I cut back on sweets as this is my biggest struggle (I cut them out completely in the beginning), no sodas, rarely eat fast food and when I do I eat healthier choices. I hardly eat fried foods and I make moderations to what I eat.  For example, if I eat a sandwich, I use one slice of wheat bread and I use mustard instead of mayo. I am more conscious of what I eat and how much I eat and counting calories is the biggest help of all.

My workout routines consist of walking/running on the treadmill 3-4 miles 5-6 days a week. I did Hip Hop Abs for 3 months along with monthly challenges on Black Women Losing Weight page. I have only exercised at home; no gym membership!

My starting weight was 249 pounds (my heaviest) when I went to the doctor in April 2013 and that is when I started making small changes with foods and slowly walking at least 1 mile a day on the treadmill every day. I went back to the doctor May 2013 and weighed 246 pounds and that is when I kicked into high gear on this weight loss journey. As of December 12, 2013, I weighed in at 181 pounds. My goal weight (after losing the first 50 pounds) was 175 pounds by my birthday (December 15). Although I missed that goal, I am still so very proud of myself and how far I have come. I am now aiming to get down to 165 pounds (hopefully by May 2014).

My advice to others is to never give up! Gaining weight is easy and losing it will be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. It is hard, takes commitment, strength, determination, will power, and faith. There are good days and bad days but when you have a bad day, pray about it and start over tomorrow-don’t beat yourself up. I have been on this journey for 7 months strong and I have days when I fall off the bandwagon but I just get back up and keep going. Every step and effort you make makes a difference and equals a step closer to a better and healthier you! I encourage others to lose weight for themselves and no one else because when you do it for the wrong reasons, it probably won’t last as a weight loss journey is about a lifestyle change for the rest of your life. No two stories and experiences are alike so you have to do what works best for you and your life. The Black Women Losing Weight page is an excellent source for women on a weight loss journey as it gives women hope and motivation that if “she” can do it, so can IJ

***Picture on the left is from December 2012 and picture on the right is from November 2013***”