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Update: Keiasha maintained her weight loss

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Update: Keiasha 30 pounds and has kept the weight off.  She went from 185 lbs to 155 lbs. We featured her story back in September 2013 before she left for college. She dealt with college weight gain, like a lot of women do, and was still able to maintain her weight loss.  Check out her updated story below: (Click here for the original post about her journey for more info)

Keiasha weight loss

Hello, my name is Keiasha Lumpkins. I was featured on the BWLW site before, but I have continued my journey.  I want to let you know that you can keep going and that I’ve got goals that will be met. After the last time I was featured I went through a depressed stage and I end up gaining weight when I went to college.  That’s when I realized that I shouldn’t bury myself in food. I’ve included some updated photos.

Previously when I was featured I was 17 years old.  Now, I am 19 and in college. It is a struggle to maintain my progress in college and make sure that I am healthy in the process. I have maintained my weight by eating right and exercising consistently. My weight was 160 pounds and now I am 155 pounds. My goal weight is 145 pounds.

I have done somethings differently. I do weight training now and have a lean diet. I want to start having more definition since I lost the weight. I eventually want to run in the Philadelphia Broad Street run and finish!

What I have learned is that you have to be ready mentally before anything. I have made many changes this year. The first one was going natural with my hair and embracing who I am as a young girl. I realized that sometimes your goal is going to be different then someone else’s. I eventually want to start my own workout program and become an athletic trainer. I want to help others because I had help down this road and want to continue. I just went to remind other young people, and older ones as well, that you can do anything you put your mind to. No matter who puts you down, to every set back there is a comeback and God’s plans are working in your favor.

Keiasha weight loss success story

Robin lost 25 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Robin lost 25 pounds. Here story is a classic example of losing weight, gaining it back and then recommitting to find victory over the pounds.  Read what she shared with us about how she got back on track with her weight loss goals.

Robin weight loss success story
After and Before

Hi my name is Robin! I started my weight release journey August 2011. I was motivated to lose weight after discovering that I had a few health issues. That’s when I received a reality check. I first started out by cutting out beef, pork, pop and juice. During that first year, I lost 20 pounds. However, by 2012 I was miserable. I gave up because I felt like I was on a strict diet and it was too much for me. I gained back 10 pounds. In August 2013, I decided to take a workout class with my friends and I couldn’t keep up with everyone. Deep down inside, I felt embarrassed and sad. I knew it was time to get back to my weight loss journey. I started out by measuring my food (I wasn’t measuring my food at first). I also included more fiber in my diet. Now, I eat 3-4 small meals a day, drink lots of water each day and I have 2 cheat days every month. The only time I drink pop or juice is if I have a craving for it (every blue moon). My workouts consist of jogging/walking, workout dvds and going to the gym. My starting weight was 221 pounds and my current weight is 196 pounds (height: 5’8″). I still want to lose 51 more pounds to reach my goal weight of 145. My advice to others who want to lose weight is take your time, go at your own pace and listen to your body. Continue to stay positive and happy. God bless!

Jeanette lost 138 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jeanette lost 138 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Although weight loss was the cause of her divorce, Jeanette refused to give up.  The proud grandmother is committed to losing the weight.  Check out what she shared with us:Jeanette weight loss surgery

Hi my name is Jeanette Taylor I had RNY weight loss surgery on 11/5/12 at 440 pounds at my highest and now I weigh 302 pounds. I wanted to be here to see, play with, and just enjoy my grandchildren. After surgery, I started looking at YouTube videos of other people before and after having gastric bypass surgery. That helped a lot with my eating habits and motivated me. I rode my elliptical bike through out the day for the first year. 11 months later I had shoulder replacement surgery. After that, I started going to work out with a personal trainer, then to the gym on my own. I’ve been doing water aerobics as well. I’ve been at this for a month and I’m loving it. My advice is never give up on yourself. You can do it.

I was happily married, or so I thought. When I started to go on diet and change my eating habits, my husband would complain and ask why do I want to get smaller. So, I would get off the diet trying to please my husband. My health was going down and I couldn’t even walk in a store anymore. I decided that I was not going to let myself die looking like this. I started doing research on weight loss and started loosing weight. My husband said to me that when he came home Friday from work (he worked out of town) I better not have lost another pound or he was leaving. So, when he came in town on Friday I had changed the locks and his clothes were packed outside with a note that said “I’ve lost 4 pounds. Good bye and have a nice life.”. I’ve never looked back and I love me some Jeanette.

Sherie lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Zeta Phi Beta Soror Sherie lost 50 pounds. Through hearing some harsh words from her doctor, Sherie got a wake up call.  She changed her lifestyle and took her health into her own hands.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Sherie weight loss

 

My motivation was having high blood pressure and being called overweight by my doctor. My doctors comments hurt me and helped me at the same time, because those words motivated me to get healthy.  I’ve learned that I am a self motivator. I didn’t have a personal trainer so I had to take this journey into my own hands.

To change my eating habits, I gave up sodas, sweets, chips, fried food, and fast food. I also started drinking more water, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and reduced my calorie intake to 1200 calories a day. My exercise routine consisted of cardio (running, treadmill, elliptical), core exercises, Zumba class and cycling.  I exercise 4 times a week.

My starting weight was 220 pounds. (I am 5″4″.) My current weight is 170 pounds. It took about 14 months for this weight loss transformation. The advice I have for others who want to lose weight: you can do it once you’ve made up in your mind that you want to be healthy.

 

More than Weight Loss: Zhivi Tranformed Her Body

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Today’s Weight Loss Story of the Day is a little different. Zhivi didn’t just lose weight, she transformed her body.  She lost 22 pounds and then put on muscle to sculpt her body the way she wanted it. Now, she is inspiring others to get healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about what she did to change her life.

zhivi body transformation

When I decided to started to come back to fitness, in December of 2012, I weighed 149 pounds and everyone told me I didn’t need to lose weight. That was nice of them to say, but my journey was really never about losing weight. It was about getting my stomach to look like it did when I was 27 years old. I had a photograph of myself when I was 27 and I told Tiffany Rothe [amazing Black fitness expert] when I joined the Inner Circle FitClub that this is what I want my stomach to look like. She told me that it would look better than what was in the picture. I believed her. So, I started my journey by following the workouts and eating plan to a T. I was determined to put in the time and commitment to get the results I wanted.

I started taking pictures of myself every four weeks so I could see my progress. This was the first time in my life I wore a bikini and let other people see me in it. I trusted the ladies in the Inner Circle, so I posted the pictures and shared them with the members. I would wear the same bikini for months. One day, Tiffany and one of the other ladies of the Inner Circle told me it was time for a new bikini because the one had been taking pictures in was too big. I did not notice bathing suit had gotten too big. I purchased more swimming suits to take picture in. The summer of 2013 was the first time I wore a bikini in public. The experience was a little awkward, but I did it.

ZhiviThis journey for me was filled with ups and down. My husband, co-workers, friends told me I was losing too much weight and wanted me to stop. I kept going because I have to live with this body and I wanted it to look a certain way. I kept working out and following the food plan that was given to me and no matter what anyone said I was going to keep going until I thought I was too small. The food plan given to me consisted of, eating a lot of raw and steamed vegetables. My carbs consisted of oatmeal, brown rice and sometimes red skinned potatoes. I love black beans now and eat them also. The only drinks I have are water, almond milk and lemon water. All of my meat (turkey, chicken breast and fish) is baked. I also eat 5 times a day. I eat three meals and two snacks.

Once I hit 127 lbs. (57.60 kilos) that was too small for me. I began the process of gaining weight back, but not by eating unhealthy foods. I planned to build muscle instead. Now, I am up to 136-138 pounds. I am fine with this weight. I don’t mind going up in weight as long as it is not from fat. Not only do I track my weight, but more important is that I track my body fat percentage. I am at 20.2 % body fat. It took me 3 months to transform my body. I have accomplished much more than I have ever thought I would on this healthy lifestyle journey. Although this journey started out about getting my stomach down, I now have a women’s fitness specialist and fitness nutrition specialist certificate. I learned that I love to motivate individuals on their healthy lifestyle journey. At some points on this journey, we all need someone to motivate and encourage us to keep going.

I ran my first half marathon in November 2013. This is something I have never thought I would do, nor had I ever planned on running a half marathon, but I decided to challenge myself. I ran the half marathon in 2:18 with minimal training. I could have done much better if I trained for the race. I have done personal training and radio interviews. I’ve learned the importance of living this lifestyle in front of others. We never know who is watching us and who will decide to change their lifestyle because of us. One of the best feelings in the world is when someone tells you, “Because of you, I have decided to eat healthy and lose some weight.” You never know where this journey is going to take you, but as long as you continue on it through the ups and downs, good and bad times, you will accomplish what you have set out to do. Remember, living a healthy lifestyle is something you do for the rest of your life; it is not a diet. You don’t start living a healthy lifestyle today and complete it once you reach your goals. Once you reach your goals, you have to continue to do what you are doing to maintain your goal weight. If you don’t, the weight will begin to creep back on and usually you gain more than what you started with. Encouraging others is what keep me motivated and keeps me working out and eating healthy.

Check her our online: leadingbyexample.us and Facebook Group

Tamilla lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamilla lost 68 pounds.  She shared her transformation photos with us and a few words about her weight loss journey so far. Losing weight helped her deal with pre-diabetes and high blood pressure.

Tamilla weight loss story

“Hi, my name is Tamilla. I started my weight loss journey because of health issues. I had high blood pressure and was taking medication daily. I was also borderline diabetic. I changed my eating habits by cutting out fried foods and junk food. I try to keep my overall calories and carbs down. I stay away from red meat and choose healthy snacks like fruit. I’ve learned that it takes a lot of discipline and everything doesn’t work for everybody. Now, I only eat poultry and seafood with plenty of fruits and veggies.

I exercise 3 to 4 times a week. I do a variety of exercises, mainly cardio. Soon, I will start strength training. My starting weight in January 2013 was 238 pounds and I am currently 170 pounds (My height is 5’2″). My blood pressure has improved and I’m no longer on medication. I’m no longer borderline diabetic either. My advice to others who want to lose weight is that you have to want it for yourself.”

Instagram: @MZ_TSWHITLEY

Akili lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Akili lost 70 pounds.  She has dealt with numerous issues associated with emotional eating, negative self-esteem and self-neglect before embracing healthy eating and exercise.  She has claimed victory and is now helping other to do the same.  Find out more about how she lost the weight.

Akili weight loss success story

What was your motivation?
I knew I had issues with food but had no idea that my impulsiveness, indecisiveness and self neglect were all issues associated with not understanding my Purpose. I was so sick of being confused. I had no direction and was constantly jumping from one idea/business/school, to the next. Though I have been fighting this battle for 19 years, I didn’t get serious until 2011 when I really began trying to figure out who I was. Once I realized I had value and worth, things began to change!

How did you change your eating habits?
This has been the hardest part. Food has always been an ally, so to begin looking at it as a potential enemy seemed counterintuitive. I was diagnosed with diabetes 7 years ago and that didn’t motivate me to change, so I saw no real way to break the addiction. However, once i began understanding my purpose I wanted to do better with food. I believed that I deserved to live the life God envisioned for me and I knew I couldn’t get there if I was sick. I began making better choices here and there. In 2013, I was finally ready to change, so I went through a doctor supervised weight loss program. The support and accountability were awesome. I had tried to do it on my own, and each time I failed. I didn’t have room for anymore failure so I made drastic changes, quickly.  Processed sugar and refined carbs are triggers for my emotional over eating. Now, I eat protein, veggies and fruit. I follow the 90/10 rule. 90 percent of my food choices are from my healthy list, so the remaining 10 percent can be something less healthy.

Akili
She can now fit in one leg of her old pants.

What did your workout routines look like?
I hated exercise until Zumba came on the scene. In the comfort of my own home. I worked up a sweat and had fun in the process. I did Zumba daily for 30-45 mins and even became an instructor.  I also added weight training for 30 mins a day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
7 years ago, I was 225 pounds. Today, I am 155 pounds.  Height: 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
It took about a year, once I was committed.

What advice do you have to offer to others on this weight loss journey?
Don’t sweep your emotions under the rug. Black women are notorious for “getting it done, no matter what.” While it seems strong it just creates issues. When we medicate ourselves with food we are running from our needs and emotions. We need to be present in our own lives and gain a clear understanding of what we’ve been Purposed to do! Today, I stay true to my purpose by helping other women on their path to become free from food. Serving others keeps me feeling whole, which is very important in the recovery from food addiction.
Website: curvesandweigh.com

Britney lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Britney lost 70 pounds. After having 3 children, she experienced the weight gain that plagues many moms.  She found a way of eating that has allowed her to lose the weight, a low carb, high fat lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about how she dropped the pounds over the last year and a half.

Britney weight loss success story

After having 3 children, all by Caesarean section, the weight kept piling on and after the last baby. It was no question that things had to change. I’ve been through different changes of healthy eating habits however, I’ve settled on a low carb, high fat lifestyle and I’m happy. So far I’ve lost 70 lbs. with a goal of 100 lbs lost.

I’ve struggled with weight issues most of my life, but a bulb clicked on after having 3 babies in three years (in 2010, 2011 and 2012). I was basically preggo for 3 years! I not only wanted my body back but I wanted to be better, stronger and comfortable in my skin, which I’m learning is psychological as well as physical.

When I first began, I simply cut my meal portions and sugary drinks and snacks. Currently I live a ketogenic/ lchf (low carb/high fat) eating lifestyle which requires giving up carbs that are sugar. However, because I eat no (starchy) carbs, I lose weight.  I also consume lots of healthy fats, thus I’m never hungry. I workout 5-6 days a week doing cardio and weight training. I started my journey At 240 pounds. I currently weigh 170 lbs! (Yay! Lol) I’m 5′ 1.34″ tall. I’ve been at it for a year and a half now. The advicd I can pass on to others is to Visualize your goals and never lose sight of them. Mentally look at them every single day.

Instagram: @iamfitbrit

Crystal lost 72 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Author Crystal lost 72 pounds. In the process of writing her new book she was able to confront  past issues that led her to emotional eating and depression.  She was able to embrace healthy eating and regular exercise to lose the pounds, but the emotional work she did was key to her victory.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Crystal overcomer author

I have successfully lost 72 pounds and counting!!!! My weight loss motivation came from writing the book Memoirs of an Overcomer which pushed me to the point of finding myself. The book began when I enrolled in a prophetic class that goes in depth into your purpose in life, etc (at Ruwach Church).  Memoirs of an Overcomer has a lot to do with finding who you are.  Through the writing of this book I was able to find out who I really was and confront past issues that had me bound to eating and being depressed. This included childhood issues that were still hindering me as an adult. The more I wrote and let go of all the negative things, the more motivation I had.  Now, I’m a true overcomer of obesity!

I already was known as the Zumba Queen at my local gym, so I took it up a notch with more cardio and weight training. I cut out all fast food and prepared my meals the day before which consist of plenty vegetables. I stopped eating junk food like candy, chips, cookies, etc. I began to eat a lot of cucumber, tomatoes and spinach (fresh cut). Also, I stopped drinking fruit drinks or Coke, just water or the crystal light flavor additives with 5 calories. Rice was my weakness at one time. Now, I can go a week without it.  I think that it is better to eat six small meals a day because that keeps me more active.

My weight loss journey was over a course of 10 months. I am 5’4″ in height and at my last weigh in was 182 pounds. That was about 5 weeks ago. I stay away from the scale as much as possible.  My advice: build a very strong support system of people who will motivate you. Always, yes surround yourself with positive people. Sometimes we cling to people and lose focus on who we are so I encourage you to get rid of negativity. Drink plenty of water, stay positive, and MOST OF ALL LOVE YOURSELF. It’s not about the size you have on its about your health and being comfortable in your own skin. Follow me on instagram: @mrs_overcomer_

Crystal after weight loss

Tanisha lost 91 pounds with surgery, healthy eating and exercise

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Update March 2015: Congrats to Tanisha for reaching her goal weight.  Here’s her update:

Tanisha before and after

I’m down 103 lbs and I’m at my goal weight. I’ve discovered that after reaching goal weight, a whole new journey of discovering what combinations of foods to eat to maintain goal weight begins. Losing weight requires us to focus on eating protein and veggies, while maintaining weight requires us to focus on protein and healthy fats. I still continue to journal my food and exercise daily. I’ve started a wellness coaching business, Fit For Life By Tanisha (www.fitforlifebytanisha.com). I help clients find the motivation, inspiration and tools needed to achieve their lifestyle goals through fitness and nutrition. I often remind my coaching clients that living a healthy lifestyle requires you to do things that don’t have an expiration date. What you do to lose the weight, you still have to do to keep it off.

Check out more photos from her journey on Instagram: @fitforlifebytanisha

Original post from 7/2014: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tanisha lost 91 pounds with weight loss surgery, healthy eating and exercise.  She says, “I love the person I’ve become,, because I fought hard to become her.”  Read her story and find out what it took for her to change her lifestyle and lose the pounds.

Tanisha gastric sleeve weight loss

Hello, my name is Tanisha Burke. I am a wife, mother, and business owner (also working a full-time job) residing in Rockledge, Florida. I vividly remember waking up one day and deciding enough was enough! I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. My mind and my heart wished to do so many things, but my body just didn’t have the energy to allow me to accomplish those activities. I felt like I was sitting on the bench of life watching everyone else play the game. I had tried every diet and program known to man from pills to injections to drinks and processed food deliveries. Oh sure, I lost the weight, but then I also gained it back plus more.

Everyone talks about living a healthy lifestyle but I never truly understood what it meant. I now know that a “healthy lifestyle” means proper nutrition AND daily fitness. You can’t do one without the other and expect to be successful, for I’ve tried it all my life and it never worked. So, I decided to start living a healthy lifestyle in May 2013. I journaled my food using My Fitness Pal, exercised at the gym 3 times a week (30 minutes cardio & 30 minutes strength training), and walked at least 10,000 steps a day using a Fitbit activity tracker. Performing these lifestyle changes helped me lose 41 pounds in 6 months (height: 5’8″).

There are thousands of tools available to help people live a healthy lifestyle. There are gyms, classes, DVDs, activity trackers, surgeries, weights, injections, bands, programs, bikes, shakes, bars and more. In November 2013, my tool of choice was to have gastric sleeve surgery to help me with portion control. It was by no means the simple and easy way out, which many people tend to believe. Since my surgery, I still continue to journal my food AND exercise everyday. My day starts at 4:45 am, and when my alarm goes off I either walk four miles before work or I go to the gym for strength training. Since Nov. 2013 I have lost an additional 50 lbs for a total of 91 pounds! We all have plenty of excuses for why we don’t eat right and exercise, but at the end of the day excuses don’t burn calories. If we stay in the habit of doing what we’ve always done, we will always keep looking the way we’ve always looked. My goal is to help as many people as I can fight obesity and live a healthy lifestyle. We all know what we should be doing to live a healthy lifestyle, but more often than not we lack motivation, inspiration and accountability. That is what my health and fitness page www.facebook.com/TanishaFitForLife is all about. We are changing lives one pound at a time. I love the person I’ve become, because I fought hard to become her.

Tanisha weight loss surgery