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Update: Shanta lost 112 pounds

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We featured Shanta’s weight loss story back in October 2012 when she was down 60 pounds.  She has now lost an additional 52 pounds for a total of 112 pounds GONE!  We are so proud of her.  Check out her update:

ShantaMar14blog

“Hello, I have an update for you. I have officially lost 112 pounds since my last update. My non-scale victory is that I got in a size 10 dress and I’m so happy. Here are a few updated pictures. I have been doing the same thing I was doing before, working out and eating healthy. With God’s help, I’m working on becoming a boot camp instructor, and a personal trainer.” – Instagram: @naturalgirl32

Check out the original post from 2012 for more info on how Shanta lost the weight.

ShantaMar14size

Before and After Photos from 2012ShantaOct2012

Venisa lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Venisa lost 100 pounds after the wakeup call of being diagnosed with many serious medical issues.  She decided to take her health back and change her life.  Now she is helping and inspiring others…like us.  Here is her story:

Venisa weight loss

I am writing to tell my story of how I lost my 100lbs in about a year and a half.  I didn’t realize that  I was obese especially after suffering a pulmonary embolism in 2009. I was at the 305 lb mark but had no idea as I didn’t get on scales. I was at the my ob/gyn in May/June 2012.  I was told that I had miscarried, had HPV, endometriosis and was a bit heavy for my height of 5’7 and that I should try Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. (She was trying to be nice and put things politely.) I then find a new physician (due to new medical insurance) that tells me I also need to lose weight and that the blood work showed that I had high cholesterol, was borderline diabetic and that I also suffer from Thalessemia Minor. It was a bit of a wake up call.

I started walking only a couple blocks at first (as I was winded from walking too far, and then it became that I was walking miles without realizing it. I would walk during my lunch hour and then when I got home after work. I had also stopped eating many processed excluding certain salad dressings, spaghetti sauces, brown rice and whole grain pastas. I cut back on the junk food. I would allow myself treats twice a week, like frozen yogurt or a piece of dark chocolate or skittles. My doctor taught me that if I deprive my body of what it wants, it will think it’s starving and the weight won’t go anywhere. Within the first 2 months, I had lost 35 pounds. I stayed on track and had 1 cheat meal a week which consisted of eating out and having mexican food or bbq. Within the first year, I was down about 75-80lbs just from watching what I was eating and walking.

It is now March 2014 and I weigh in around 200-205 depending on my weight lifting or cardio. I now go by my measurements as I lose inches faster than weight now that I lift heavier weights. I have run 3-5ks, 1-10k and will do A.M. training for a 1/2 marathon this August/September. I have a membership at 24hr fitness and take their body pump classes, as well as turbo kick to switch up my routine. Our bodies get used to the workouts after 6 weeks so if we stick to the same regime, we’ll plateau with our weight loss. I have done a weight loss challenge with my friends and family to help motivate them to lose the weight and exercise and give them my knowledge. I’m even helping my mom who has a bad back and shoulder to lose her weight and control her diabetes. I’m even contemplating going back to school to become a certified personal trainer.

Our health is the one thing we have. Just because our history didn’t know what the future would bring, we can still educate ourselves. Read labels, do research, and do your best. I didn’t lose my weight overnight and I’m still pushing forward to lose this remaining weight. Believe in yourself and you can do anything. Mind over matter is how I’ll always see it. I also have a great support system, my doctors, my mom, and my friends.

Venisa

Venisa before and after

Nakeshia lost 118 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Nakeshia lost 118 pounds.  After losing and gaining and losing weight through pregnancies, divorce and emotional eating, she was able to find a way of eating and exercising for lasting weight loss.

Keshia weight loss

“Hi, my name is Nakeshia. All my life I have been a bigger girl. I was always very confident though. My self image was never an issue until I had kids. I am a mother of two. After my first child, I lost 100 lbs. I was so ecstatic! The problem was that I lost the weight the wrong way and I gradually gained the weight back. Then, I got pregnant with me second child. After I had my daughter, I was the biggest I had ever been. My self image was destroyed. When my daughter turned one, I went on a weight loss journey. I ended up losing 50 pounds. Yay, right! Nope, because then I ended up going through a very harsh divorce. I had never been an emotional eater, but I became one. I ended up gaining 35 of the 50 pounds back.

After the divorce, I had severe self esteem issues. I started talking to God and through that journey, I realized it was time for me to lose the weight. I had to be better for my children. I wanted to be able to buy my mother of the bride dress from the same store my daughter bought her wedding dress from when she gets married. I started using myfitnesspal.com and exercising. Myfitness pal is awesome!!! I changed my eating habits completely!! I gave myself the 80/20 rule for my diet. I had a goal to eat healthy 80% of the time. That way I didn’t feel deprived. I normally ate healthy more than 80%, but having that option does wonders. I worked out five days a week. I started just walking at a trail. As my endurance gained, so did my workouts. I did an exercise program called Supreme 90 day, and it did the most changes to my body. I do a lot of interval training. It really helped to reshape my body. Strength training is also very important. I lost 118 pounds in a year and 4 months. My advice to others is to make small changes. Those small changes will end up being big results in the end.”

KeshiaMar14

Chanel lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Chanel lost 62 pounds by changing her habits and committing to a new lifestyle.   Read her story to find out what she did to lose the pounds:

Chanel weight loss

“Hello, my name is Chanel. When I first started working out I was 262 lbs. I have now lost 62 lbs . Over the last 5 months, I have worked out 4-5 days a week. I do squats, 45mins on the elliptical, leg lifts, kickboxing and weights. I eat in correct portion sizes. I only drink water and the different health juices that I make. I no longer eat sweets. I have made this a lifestyle. My goal weight loss is 80-90 lbs, so I’m almost there.

My motivation to lose the weight was so I could be healthy and feel better. I was having knee issues and I have always been told if you lose some weight the pain will probably go away. I just was never motivated to do so until I prayed about it and set goals. Then I just started doing it. My cousin who it’s a trainer started working with me and I did that for about two months then I just took what he taught me and started on my own. I want to live long and not die due to being overweight when that’s something can choose to do that may help me live a long happy life. My body is a temple for the Lord and I need to take care of it. For me this is a lifestyle change. I will continue to workout and stay fit. No more excuse. I love the skin I’m in.

Thanks for letting me share my story. To everyone you can do it as long as you put your mind to it and pray. Determination and will power is the key. Stop making excuses and join us in our weight loss. Become a healthier and fitter you.”

Chanel weight loss

Merisha lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Merisha lost 55 pounds.  That’s 25kg, because this is one of our UK BWLW Sistas!  She is inspiring us from across the pond by telling us how she lost the pounds:

Merisha weight loss

“Up until the age of 18, I took part in every type of sport going – especially Athletics – 100M Sprints were my thing. I trained five times a week, represented my local borough and was extremely fit. Then I started university, and like most young adults, I worked long, late and tedious retail hours alongside this. Soon, my training became history, and eating processed sugary foods on the go, NO physical exercise whatsoever plus poor lifestyle choices took it’s place.

Over a five year period I piled on 35KG or more simply by having a poor diet, poor ‘typical’ young adult lifestyle choices and no exercise. I began experiencing pain in joints, loss of breath extremely easily, terrible skin, I wouldn’t wear clothes without wearing spanx/control pants EVER and other physical problems.

I knew I had to make that all important change and in the summer of 2013 I did. I replaced beverages with water, green tea and natural detox drinks (water + lemon, lime and mint etc). I got back to my training which is based on high intensity interval training. I also started weight training, ate 5-6 clean healthy meals/snacks a day and re-taught myself discipline.

This is not the result of fad quick diets, pills, shakes, medical surgery, wraps or otherwise – just getting back to basics and changing my lifestyle for the better.

In less than 6 months I dropped 25KG by being consistent and determined. For the past 2-3 months I’ve been in comfort/maintenance mode so haven’t made any drastic changes with regards to weight loss or sculpting. However I’ve set myself new goals to become ‘thick and shredded’, new meal plans in place and new training regimens being implemented into my weekly schedule.

I’m fit, healthier, happier and continually striving to be better than the person I was was yesterday – I hope this inspires someone. God Bless”

Instagram: @Chocolate_Fit

before and after weight loss

Every Pound Counts: Tianna shares her weight loss progress

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Ladies, Every pound counts!  I love it that Tianna has shared her progress as she begins her weight loss journey. She is down 9.6 pounds, but she knows that it’s not just about numbers on a scale.  Non-scale victories are important. Check out what she shared with us:

TiannaMar14

Hello!  This page has been such an inspiration to me. It has helped to keep me motivated and inspired to keep going!  I love reading the stories daily & although I haven’t lost as much as I want yet, I was inspired to submit my small victory so far!

I started this weight loss journey on 1/20/14 after an ‘impromptu’ session of cleaning my closet & realizing I had 40 pairs of pants that I could no longer wear! That was IT for me!

I started eating clean, I cut out fast food, fried foods, anything processed & sweets! I do have my one day where I ‘cheat’, but I’m mostly eating lean meats, fruits & veggies!  I work out 5-6 days a week; sometimes twice daily & I rest on Sundays! So far, I have lost 9.6lbs, HOWEVER, I have lost 8inches in my waist, 2inches in my bust line & 1inch in my arms & legs! 

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that the scale does not always predict progress! I’m obsessed with the numbers and failed to see my body was actually physically changing–ALOT!  I look leaner, my clothes are way more loose and I’ve dropped a couple shirt sizes (still waiting to drop a pants size but the hips don’t lie lol). My pants ARE way more loose, so it’s coming, I’m sure!

I receive most of my encouragement from my husband who is my biggest support! Also, through my Instagram page where there have been countless strangers & some close friends and family rooting me on! 

I don’t plan on stopping until I reach my goal! Right now I have no idea what that goal is, I just know for now my goal is to just keep going…..

Thanks for letting me share!
Instagram: FitsicalTherapy

Tianna weight loss

 

Misha’ lost 48 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Misha’ lost 48 pounds.  At 300 + pounds and diagnosed with high blood pressure, she made the decision to get healthy.  Her children have been her motivation and her workout partners.   Here is what she shared about losing the weight:

weight loss story

“My name is Misha’ and I’m a single parent of two beautiful little girls.  At the age of 33, I hit rock bottom while weighing in at over 300 lbs. Last year, I learned that I had high blood pressure which is known as the ” silent killer”. I was put on medication, was not happy about it and took action. I started doing water aerobics at home for an hour and then I did laps. I eliminated sugar, started drinking lemon water, eating veggies, grilled chicken, turkey, fish and plenty of fruit . For morning meals, I would drink a cup of water and have a protein shake. When I wanted something to snack on, I would eat raw almonds . In place of chips, I did Special K cracker chips. When I wanted something sweet, I ate Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries. As the summer was ending I started walking, working out with my bootcamp workout tape, riding an exercise bike and being more actively involved outside with my kids. My kids work out with me. Their faces keep me motivated because I’m all they have and I want to be around for them and watch them grow. As of today I’m down 48 pounds and I’m far from my goal but I’m not stopping . Every year I walk in Revlon’s walk for breast cancer and my goal is to one day run it!”

weight loss success story

Kindra lost 61 pounds

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Update Aug 2015: Kindra wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 13 more pounds for a total of 74 pounds gone. “I was featured a while ago and I just wanted to give a quick update. I’ve lost another 13 pounds and more inches off my waist and arms and legs. This journey is far from over, but I’m loving every moment of it, working hard and seeing results. I have enclosed another picture that shows where I started from to where I am now. Thank you again for the motivation. Your website keeps me motivated daily, with the women you feature and the women who are active on your page.”

kindra before and after

March 2014 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Kindra lost 61 pounds.  At 300+ pounds, she was motivated to change the way she felt about herself and her weight while competing in a workplace weight loss program.  She provided a lot of detail about her weight loss journey:

KindraMar14

What was your motivation?
My Motivation was that I was tired of dealing with back problems and having headaches all the time. I was tired of going to stores and shopping and having to get a bigger size each and every time I went to the store. My motivation was not liking how I looked in the mirror. My motivation was not liking who I was becoming, a depressed overeater and a  young woman with no self esteem. My final pity party came when I joined The Biggest Loser contest they were doing for Health and Fitness at work. We had to weigh-in and when I got on the scale and saw my weight was 300+ pounds. I knew it was time for a change. I remember I cried all night long when I went home. I said to myself no more pity and feeling sorry for myself. It was time for me to make a change and take a stand for my life. The Biggest Loser contest was my stepping stone. I went on to not only complete the program I also won the contest. That is how I knew anything was possible I just had to believe in me. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by cutting out fried foods. I took out white bread and I also gave up sodas. I used the app My Fitness Pal to keep track of the calories that I was in taking. I made sure to eat clean. I ate a lot of fruit and veggies. Ton’s of salads , fish and chicken. Water became my best friend. 

What did your workout routine look like ?
I started out with a personal trainer and would go to the gym 4  days a week but eventually a personal trainer became very expensive. I then asked him for advice and I was able to workout on my own . I still continued to go to the gym 4 days a week. I did a lot of cardio which helped me loose the majority of my weight. The treadmill as well as the elliptical became my best friends. I would do one or the other for an hour then I would go and do some weight lifting as well as stomach crunches. 

What was your starting weight? 346 pounds

What is your current weight? 285 pounds

How long did your transformation take?  It took me 1 year and a half.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Just believe in yourself and anything is possible as long as you believe. Also, be patient. We did not gain this weight overnight so it is not going to disappear overnight. Just know all of those sweat and tears are going to pay off in the end.

Megan lost 33 pounds

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Zeta Phi Beta Soror Megan lost 33 pounds.  She is still working on her weight loss goals, but she wanted to share her progress with us.  She has worked hard and it shows.

Megan weight loss

“Greetings!!! I’d like to share my weight loss. I haven’t lost much, but I’m really proud of the weight I’ve lost. I ballooned up to 330+ pounds. I had zero energy and and I avoided people because I gained so much weight. Now, I’ve lost 33lbs.

I went to my doctor to discuss my options. Actually I wanted surgery, but she wasn’t for that. She did however suggest an appetite suppressant. This medication combined with a low carb/low calorie/ and very little alcohol lifestyle has helped me to lose the weight. I gave up fast food and I now limit my carbs. (Bread, potatoes and pasta). My meals consist mostly of fruits, veggies and lean protein. I walk at lunchtime, just 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Some days, I’ll work out 2 times a day. I still have a ways to go, but I feel a lot better.”

Instagram: @simplymegg1920

Elizabeth lost 78 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tall Diva Elizabeth lost 78 pounds by getting active and changing her eating habits.  She was motivated by realizing that her health and mobility was being impacted by weighing 300+ pounds.  Here is her weight loss story:

“My Name is Elizabeth Izukananneji Chukwudebe and I have been following your page for a while now. I am very inspired by the pictures, stories and tips that I have seen.

I have always been an above average girl, both in size and height. I’m 6′ and now 233 pounds. My weight lifestyle change started in 2011 after my co-workers did a hemoglobin A1C on me at work, just out of curiosity. Result? 6.5%, which is above normal and within the diabetic range. At that time, I weighed 311 pounds and could feel it!!! My knees hurt and my hips hurt, especially going up the stairs and I would have to go up at an angle to elevate some of the pressure on my hips. That was my eye opener. I was only in my 20s!

I got in contact with my other co-worker who is a dietician and she sat me down and told me what needed to be done! I counted my calories, increased my water intake and became active again! Now 3 years, later I’ve lost 78 pounds (so far because I’m not finished yet!).  I run in multiple 5K events and I’m aiming towards a 10K in the fall. Also, I picked up playing tennis, I roller skate, play basketball, run, weight lift…just about anything to get my body moving, I’ll do it. If I don’t know how, I’ll learn it!!! I am currently 233 pounds and I feel great! I thank all of the success stories and pictures because they have truly been inspirations as well as my family and friends with their support!”

Elizabeth weight loss story

Elizabeth before and after weight loss