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Janelle lost nearly 100 pounds

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Let’s show some love to proud mom Janelle.  She has lost approximately 100 pounds since June 2012 with calorie counting and by eating low carb.  She wrote in to share her photos and story with us:

Janelle weight loss photos

” I Wanted to share my progress with the group. I’ve released nearly 100 pounds, going from 315 pounds and now I weight 220 pounds. I cut out carbs & became more active with my children! They are the best lil calorie burners I know of. Lol!

I started my weight loss journey in June 2012. I originally started by counting calories on a mobile app called FatSecret and then graduated to the omission of carbs. The common name for the plan I follow is the 12 day diet. I eat 3 meals per day until I am full and have a cup of ruby red grapefruit juice with each meal. If I am feeling hungry between meals, I eat 2 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter or cinnamon toasted almonds.  I also consume a gallon of water each day. I have lost 100 pounds and gone from a size 26/28 to a thick size 16. My exercise regime includes playing with my children, walking, and swimming. I keep active because of my little ones. I have 3 children, ages 10 and under. They are my motivation, I plan on living to see them grow, create families of their own and then some!”

 

Beatrice lost 84 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Beatrice lost 84 pounds by working out and eating right.  She was inspired by her brother’s weight loss and decided to lose the weight after a wakeup call from her doctor.  Here is what she shared with us:

Beatrice weight loss story

“Hi, I would like to share my story. My name is Beatrice.  Exactly one year ago I started my weight loss journey. I went from 268 pounds to 184 pounds and from a size 24 to a size 10.  I did it by working out and eating right. I would love to be an inspiration to others.

My motivation was hearing the doctor tell me that I gained 40 pounds in five months. I couldn’t believe how that happened and was ashamed at myself. Also, my brother lost about 130 pounds and he motivated me.  I was also motived by being able to button a size 22 pants.

I stopped eating salt, fast food and processed sugar.  For exercise, I began walking around the park and playing tennis 4-5 times a week for the first 3 months. I lost 36 pounds.  Then, I joined a workout group at church where we do intense cardio classes 4 days a week.  The people there are so motivating.  Also, I lift weights at home and still play tennis during the day.

My advice to others is to have encouraging, motivating people around you. Keep a food journal so that you can monitor what you eat and how much you eat.  Also, drink lots of water and eat lots of protein. It’s hard work but at least you can say that you did it the right way and you will learn how to keep the weight off for good. It’s not just for the moment but it’s a lifestyle change.”

Keita lost 96 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Keita.  She lost 96 pounds by committing to working out and adopting a Raw Food Vegan lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Keita weight loss raw food

“Photos: Me at 286 pounds and now at 190 pounds. I began my journey at nearly 300 pounds. I was sick all the time and decided that enough was enough. My doctor suggested that I have weight loss surgery and I agreed, but my insurance said they needed documented proof that diet and exercise didn’t work before they would approve it.  I searched and got a gym.  I was ok with any gym because I knew it wouldn’t work.  However, I stumbled across Jungle Gym and it changed my life. They helped me find the right diet.  For me that was the Raw Food [Vegan] Diet.  They also helped me with figuring out what exercise worked for me. I have gained confidence, not only to meet my weight loss goals or to compete, but most importantly to face any challenge in life. I look forward to finally losing another 25 pounds and sharing those pictures with you too.”

Check out her video for more info on her transformation (from June 2013):

5 Things Diabetics Should Consider When Dieting

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diabetesThere are things concerning your health that you have to consider if you are a diabetic who is trying to lose weight.  There are a lot of complications that can occur if you have diabetes and you don’t follow the medical protocols you’ve been given, whether type 1 or type 2 (type 1 often has more dietary complications, but you do have to keep an eye on these for type 2 as well).  Changing your eating habits and exercising can have a negative or positive impact on your health so it’s important that you discuss what you are doing to lose weight with a medical professional so that you don’t put yourself at risk.  Here are a few things you should consider:

1.  Diet is a big part of your blood sugar control, and if you reduce your calories too much, you can start to have issues. This is probably the biggest thing that you have to keep in mind when you are dieting as a diabetic. You have probably been told that you have to eat certain things in a certain way in order to maintain your blood sugar levels throughout your day. It is not a good ideal to dramatically change what you’ve been told to do simply because you’re trying to lose weight. For example, small portions have always been thought to be helpful with weight loss, but diabetics have to make sure that they are still getting the appropriate amount  and type of food to regulate blood sugar.

2. Keep an eye on your carbs and eat them throughout the day. Many diets tell you to cut out most of the carbohydrates you eat, but as a diabetic, that can really be detrimental. So don’t totally cut them out; it’s okay to lower the number of carbohydrates that you have in your diet as long as the amount that you keep in is sufficient enough for you to stay healthy as you are trying to lose weight. Your doctor can help you determine which carbohydrates to keep, which ones to drop, and how low you can (or should) go.

3. Exercise is something that you really have to watch, because if you push too hard, you can kill what you’re working toward. Some diabetics will try to develop their exercise regimen on their own, but that doesn’t always work in their favor. You may push yourself too hard, or you may throw your blood sugar way out of whack. Because of these risks, many diabetics will actually opt to work with a personal trainer or seek professional help. Why? Because trainers usually have be taught how to work with people with special medical needs (including diabetes) and they will be able to develop a safe exercise regimen that will encourage weight loss but won’t put other areas of your overall health at risk.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4. You cannot make too many changes too quickly or you may throw your body into shock. This is a good rule whether you are diabetic or not. If you try to change everything about your diet and exercise all at once, your body may not be too happy about what you are doing to it. As a diabetic, the risk is higher because your blood sugar will likely go all over the place, which will force you to change the amount of insulin that you are using throughout the day. It may be better for you to make gradual changes and keep a very close eye on your blood sugar. Then, you can make a particular change, wait for your blood sugar to adjust to the change, and then make a new change after your blood sugar has corrected itself.  Slow and steady wins the race.

5. Eating slowly is still important, diabetic or not.  In our culture, we have a tendency to “scarf down” our food, and even though that’s a side effect of how quick our current world moves, it’s not good for our digestive systems. The nutrients that we need don’t absorb as well, we don’t enjoy the taste of our food as much, and our digestive system isn’t very happy with that sort of result. So, make sure that you sit down and enjoy your meals, instead of just eating everything as quickly as you can. It will help with the overall process of weight loss and make you feel more satisfied.

If you have diabetes and you want to make sure that you lose weight safely and effectively, make sure that you talk to your doctor early on in the process. Then, they can help you make the appropriate changes in a timeframe that is safe and sufficient for the weight loss that you are seeking. Contact your doctor as soon as possible for guidance and advice on the topic.

Mia lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Mia lost 58 pounds. She created a Facebook page to keep herself accountable  by publicly documenting her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

Mia weight loss photos

Hello, my name is Mia. My motivation for losing weight came in 2011 after I had fallen up concrete steps while walking to my car on campus. I was at my highest weight of 239lbs (first picture), and it was a struggle for me to get up off the ground. Needless to say, I was completely embarrassed because of the fall and because of my size. It was that day that I decided to do something about my weight. That evening, I walked for 30 minutes on the track at our local YMCA while my son was taking swimming lessons. I gradually incorporated other exercise workouts (Leslie Sansone, Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser workouts) into my at-home regimen and changed the way I was eating by watching my portions. The weight slow came off. The majority of my weight loss took place this year when I made a commitment to hold myself accountable by creating a Facebook page documenting my journey and my efforts to eat clean the majority of the time. Along with clean eating, I challenged myself to train for a 5K and completely it successfully in June of 2013 while weighing over 200lbs. I was determined to prove to myself that even though I was overweight, I could still run. To avoid getting bored with my routine, I began doing P90X and swimming 5 days a week. Along with clean eating, the weight began to fall off at a steady pace.

I went from a size 20 to a size 10 and am down to 181lbs and still working hard to achieve a healthier weight. I document my progress by taking before/after pictures on a regular basis. I have been successful on my journey because of my strong faith in God, supportive family and friends, and determination! My advice to others who want to lose weight is to start small by setting realistic goals, change your eating habits, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, join a weight loss support group (either in your community or online), and track your progress so that you can visualize what works and what needs improvement. The main thing is to realize that you can do it! I have never felt this level of happiness and peace in my life!  On my Facebook page, I share recipes that I try weekly! Here’s the link: facebook.com/miasfitnessjourney

Mia weight loss story

Weight Loss on a Budget Tip #31: Commit to Your Weight Loss Goals!

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This is the last tip in our Weight Loss on a Budget series – Tip #31: Commit to Your Weight Loss Goals!

commit goals weight lossYo-Yo dieting is expensive.  Buying into weight loss plans over and over again is expensive.  Gym memberships and personal trainers cost money.  Buying pills and supplements for fad diets is expensive. Time is money, and you will spend a lot of it on your weight loss efforts in terms of workouts, preparing meals, etc.  Knowing all of this, means that it is important to commit to your weight loss goals and do the work so that all of your effort doesn’t go to waste.

  • Prepare your meals in advance and plan what you will eat daily.
  • Commit to regular exercise – 3-6 days per week.
  • Focus on lifestyle change, not dieting or short term goals. Your goal should be to never have to go through the same, long process of weight loss ever again.
  • Consider your health and how it is important.  Use your health and your desire for greater wellness as a primary motivating factor, even more than looking good.
  • Know that you will stumble and that you might have set backs, but you don’t have to stay in the place of being hindered or stalled by your actions.  One or two bad days doesn’t have to be the reason you got off the weight loss wagon for weeks and months.  RECOMMIT and get back on track if you have a bad day.
  • Write down/Record your goals, your meals and your habits.
  • Be accountable and don’t lie to yourself.  We must be honest in order to be free from our bad habits and food addictions.

When you commit to losing the weight for good and not having to repeat your efforts over and over again, you will ensure that you will save money and time in the long run.

Inspirational Weight Loss Story: Diona lost 67 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Diona lost 67 pounds.  This amazing cancer survivor lost weight in the past but had to adopt high calorie eating to deal with the effects of cancer treatment.  Thus, she gained weight again after treatment.  She took charge of the circumstances she was dealing with and made lifestyle changes to reach the level of wellness she shines with today.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

Diona weight loss success story

“It’s funny that my first memory of knowing how much I weighed was in the 6th grade when my brother came home from basic training. He said “I can look at you and tell you weigh 200 pounds.” It wasn’t in a mean way. He was more so trying to show that he could lift me, while proving that he was strong after his military training. Throughout the years, I knew that I was overweight. But, it didn’t really bother me. I’d always been that way. It didn’t stop me from being popular, accomplishing personal goals, joining a sorority, etc. By the time I finished my MBA, I weighed 368 pounds. I tried a variety of diets, both physician supervised and alone, and finally got to 220 pounds. I was comfortable there – for a while.

4 years ago, I got diagnosed with non-Hodgin’s Lymphoma. Immediately, I went from 220 to 206. My oncologist told me to “ignore all food rules”. She said that it was imperative that I eat what I can, when I can. A year of chemotherapy and radiation was not the time to lose weight. I was very sick for a year and even the thought or smell of food would make me sick. So, I lived off of popsicles, ice cream, and other foods high in carbs/calories.

I survived and continued to eat the same way. Slowly, I crept back up to 289 pounds. I was so happy to be alive, I was LIVING, eating, and drinking. I knew I’d gained weight. But, I felt it was like 20 pounds or so. It wasn’t until an occluded artery, resultant from my cancer treatment, sent me to the ER that I got on a scale and I was devastated. How did I let myself get back to almost 300 pounds? More importantly, how was I going to get it off?

I tried all of my old tricks, no carbs, no soda, no this, no that. I’d lose a pound or two. But, nothing significant. I started going to the gym to sit in the sauna. One of the side effects of my occluded artery is that my face and arms retained water. So, that was the easiest way I knew to sweat. Then, my dog was hit by a car. At that point, I didn’t want to go home because there was no one there. So, I started actually doing some cardio at the gym and trying to stay there until it closed. Frustrated, because I didn’t really know what to do, I cut off my cable, made some other financial adjustments, and signed up with a personal trainer.

When we began to work out, he asked “What is your goal?” My response “To get back into my black dress.” If you would have told me in June that I’d be back in my black dress TODAY I wouldn’t have believed you. The weight I gained is off and I am well on my way to being smaller than I’ve ever been – including in the 6th grade.

This time around, there were no tricks, no supplements, no doctors. Just me, my trainer, the gym, and my favorite – the gold old outdoors. He told me my body would respond well to working out outside and I didn’t believe him. Now, I crave it. We do old fashioned stuff; jumping jacks, leg lifts, jogging, knee-ups, etc. I eat regular food but find myself watching what I put in my mouth because I know how hard my workouts are. It’s funny that people always ask “What are you doing?” then they seem upset when I say “Working out and eating less.” But, it’s the truth. I work out with my trainer 4 to 5 times per week. I do cardio at least twice a week. I try to rest on Sundays. But, I have so much energy now and I’m so happy that I always find myself doing something, even if it’s walking the mall to shop for my new body.

The last thing that I will say is I can definitely tell a difference between diet and diet AND exercise. Although my weight is 2 pounds more than before, I am a full dress size smaller.”

Diona before and after

Cawaynna lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Cawaynna wrote to us to share her weight loss journey.  She’s lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery and has provided a lot of details and a video gallery of her progress (below).

Cawaynna weight loss surgery

“I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery on October 24, 2012. On the day of the surgery, I was 277 pounds, but at my highest weight I was 293 pounds. I now weigh around 204 pounds. I was borderline diabetic and having problems keeping up with my toddler son.  I was also constantly getting depressed because of my weight and depressed about my overall appearance. I chose to have surgery after countless tries with other weight loss options, such as; Weight Watchers twice, Slim Fast multiple times, weight-loss pills, diet shakes and etc. The weight loss surgery is only a tool and it isn’t a permanent fix! It doesn’t work for some people because they believe it is a permanent fix and they don’t use it as a tool like they should. I still have to work out and there are foods that I’m unable to eat, but it’s all worth it because of the way I now feel and look. I went from a size 26 to now in between sizes 12 & 14.

Cawaynna weight loss storyThe picture where I’m in the green tank top with a pink head rap, was taken the October 23, 2012, a day before surgery.  The one where I’m in the flower printed dress is from June 8, 2013 (my birthday) and the one where I’m in a tube grey skirt are from September 26, 2013. The one where I’m in a white dress and jean jacket is from June 2, 2012.”

What was your motivation?

“My motivation for losing weight is and always have been my son. If your not going to change for yourself, at least try to change for the ones you love. I try to work out three to four times a week when I have the time. If I can’t get in a run outside for an hour or a walk, I do cross-training videos inside the house. You can find some on YouTube. I also use 5 lb weights for my arms and stomach exercises. I no longer eat red meat and have cut back on the pork products. I don’t eat bread unless it’s wheat and toasted. I have about 2 protein shakes a day, I use EAS. I don’t drink sodas and most high sugar drinks. This is all according to my surgery diet that I must follow.”

What is your advice to others trying to lose weight?

Cawaynna weight loss surgery“The advice that I want to give to those who are trying to lose weight is, do what you think you have to do to lose the weight. As long as it’s safe, do it. If I would have listened to those who didn’t want me to get the surgery, I still would be unhappy and struggling to lose the weight. I’m certain of that. And…you have to want to lose the weight for your health and not for others or how others may see you. Meaning, don’t lose weight because a man or woman might find you more attractive.  Those are extras that come with losing weight for yourself and for your own happiness. In the end, make sure your praying also, keeping yourself in the word and use God as your guide through your journey, because your going to need him.  My YouTube channel is Divadiordoll and Instagram @Divadiordoll”

Check out this video of her progress!

Weight Loss on a Budget Tip #29: Don’t Follow The Fads

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fad dietsToday’s Weight Loss on a Budget Tip – #29: Don’t Follow The Fads!  This tip is really easy to understand and follow.  The bottom-line is that weight loss is an Industry!  Any industry needs products, diverse products.  If you’re in business, you also have to create new products to keep your marketshare and keep your customers interested.  The way this works in the diet industry is that there are new fads, books and workout styles that become popular each year and those that die out.  Sometimes the old diet and exercise fads will come back, and sometimes they are exposed as fads and abandoned by their followers.  Buying into all of these plans and equipment can be very expensive, especially if you don’t lose weight with these plans.

So, so how does knowing this save you money?

  • Don’t spend money on fad diet products – You don’t have to buy the latest diet book, workout aid or pill to lose weight.  You can change your eating and exercise and see results without special supplements or an online personal trainer.  I’m not saying that there aren’t great books, workouts and programs out there for you to buy.  There definitely are, but if you can’t afford them, avoid them.
  • Get as Much Information as Possible on Diet Books Before You Buy – Read the reviews online on sites like Amazon.  Research the science behind the diet books.  Borrow the book from a public library or on Kindle and Nook’s borrowing system.  Know what you are committing to and whether you truly believe it will work for you by doing your research.  You’ll save money on books that aren’t good or good for you.
  • Don’t Buy Equipment that You Don’t Need – I know that the infomercial on Saturday afternoon promised quick weight loss results, but you may not need it.  You may really believe that you will use that elliptical machine if you buy it, but don’t if it’s just going to become a high priced clothes hanger.  You have to be realistic and frugal because there will be a large variety of diet products to choose from.  It’s easy to spend a lot of money on trial and error.  Focus on affordable items like an ab wheel, free weights, yoga mat, lifting gloves, weight bench and workout DVDs.

LaShunda lost 102 pounds

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Let’s show some love to LaShunda. She lost 102 pounds with weight reduction surgery, exercise and eating right.  I’m happy to share her weight loss story with you:

“Hello, this my story. I lost my Mom and without me knowing I gained over 95 lbs that took me over the 300 mark. Depression had sat in without me knowing it. I tried everything in the world and it did not work. My daughter  graduated in 2011 and after taking all the lovely pictures, I saw a different person. I went to True Results and got the Lap-Band® surgery . It is the best thing that I have done for myself in a long time.

Hit the gym 5 to 6 times a week along with zumba and eating right. Along with the assistance of the Lap-Band, I choose to cut soda’s, sugar drinks, bread, and most red meats. These items are the worst for me to digest. I also eat very small portions many times a day. Water is a very important part of my day. I try to drink half my body weight in just water. I now drink the cucumber, lime, lemon and mint detox, which is really good. My starting weight was 319 pounds and I am currently 217 pounds. I went from a size 28 to a size 12 . I have been serious for the last 2 years. I did not realize that I was that heavy. I went into a depression and did not know that I was there mourning the death of my mother. My advice to those that struggle is eat clean, move, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.”

LaShunda weight loss story