Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

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Evony lost 60 pounds

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Let’s show Evony some love.  She lost 60 pounds.  At 25 years old, she was on high blood pressure meds, now she has lost the weight by changing her eating habits and exercising.  Here is what she shared with us:

I would like to share my weight loss story. I was only 25 years old when I started taking high blood pressure pills while pregnant with my 2nd child. I made no time to exercise or at all. I was very unhappy with my health. Finally at age 27, I did something about it. In January of 2013, I was 286 pounds and currently I am 226 pounds. I was a size 24.  Now, I’m down to a size 18!  I’m glad to say that I lost the weight and I’m off my blood pressure pills by making healthier food choices and exercise.  For exercise, I walked on the track for 3 to 5 miles, 4 times out the week. I also don’t eat fried foods or sweets.  I eat mostly chicken and turkey.

Evony weight loss before and after

Angelique lost 50 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Angelique who lost 50 pounds.  This 5’1″ wife and mom was able to improve her health and weight by changing her eating habits, using MyFitnessPal and exercising with workout DVDs.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

My name is Angelique and I am a mother and a wife. Back in February 2011, I looked at myself in the mirror and had an “ah ha” moment. I cried so long and so hard. I decided at the weight of 215 pounds, my heightest ever, that it was time for a change. I am only 5’1 tall and that much weight on my frame was not flattering. I went to see my doctor and she advised me that I was prediabetic, had high cholesterol, and was at risk for other chronic illnesses. I decided enough was enough! I did my research and on July 27,2011, I decided to embark on my journey to wellness. I cut out all sweets, fried foods, minimized my pork and beef intake.  I also stopped eating processed foods, got rid of the sodas, started eating more fruit, increased my water and got moving! I started juicing and drinking smoothies. I am happy to say, as of now, I am down 50 pounds and I have a goal to lose 30 more. My children and my husband are my big motivators. They push me when I feel like I want to stop. I use My fitness pal, C25K, Insanity, Hip Hop Abs, and I love Jillian Michaels DVD’s. I try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio everyday. I eat as clean as possible. You can do it, I have, never give up! My dream is to be a runner and it’s going to happen!

Angelique weight loss story

Extreme Weight Loss: Congrats to Chantell Johnson for Dropping 159 pounds

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Last night, the BWLW Sisterhood chatted on Facebook while watching Chantell Johnson lose 159 pounds on Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  Her starting weight was 327.  We cried.  We got mad at her relatives.  We cheered.  We were so happy for her.

chantell extreme weight loss
Image: www.facebook.com/chantell.johnson

On her blog, she says…

Your lifestyle must change. You can never “go back to” the life you are living now. That series of actions and decisions led you to unhappiness: Why would you ever return? Sure,  I still love pizza, cookies and Chinese. That will NEVER go away. The difference between the Chantell 12 months ago and the Chantell today is moderation and planning. I’m far from being the epitome of health. There is a lot of room for growth. I take steps to achieve a lifestyle that I envision for myself in the future. I also acknowledge that I am MUCH closer to that goal then I was 1 year ago.

I was so glad to see some of the body image issues that we deal with in the Black Community dealt with on the show.  Chantell’s relatives felt that she was going to get “too skinny” and that she didn’t need to lose weight.  I hear all the time from ladies that are told by relatives, friends and lovers that they better not “lose their curves” or lose the booty.  While I agree that our unique and wonderful curves are to be celebrated, I believe that we have to encourage one another to be healthy because it’s not about looking voluptuous.  There are a lot of curvy, healthy people.  However, carrying too much weight can be bad for your health as well.  We all have to make that determination for ourselves and when we do, we need the support of our loved ones.  In the end, Chantell inspired her mother, who had been critical of her weight loss efforts, to lose 24 pounds.  I was so happy for both of them.  OH…I just have to mention that she is my Sigma Gamma Rho soRhor!  Love you sista!

www.facebook.com/chantell.johnson
twitter.com/chantelljohnson

Want to know how she did it?  Watch the whole episode for free on Hulu.

Here is the video (from TheDailyMail):

Felice lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Felice lost 60 pounds after dealing with divorce, finding new love and having her first child.  I think her story is one that a lot of ladies will relate to.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Felice and my journey started in 2007. To make a long story short, I was trapped inside a marriage surrounded in jealousy and gaining the weight was my way of warding off some of that jealousy and making it better. So, 5 years into the marriage and I was no closer to any happiness than when I started out. I looked into the mirror at the woman who could go to a mall and shop in any more than 3 stores because my back hurt.  A woman who ordered all take-out thru the drive-thru and played like the 2nd meal was for someone else when in fact it was for me. I didn’t like the woman I had become. Where was the woman who smiled and laughed and loved life? I asked myself if I could go through another 5 years like the last 5 I had gone through. Answer…no.

I bought an elliptical with my Christmas bonus December of 2007. That helped a bit, but I fell off again. February of 2008, I joined a gym. I went 5 days a week without fail. I counted calories and ate 1200-1500 calories a day depending on if it was a gym day or not. I counted fat and sodium as well. It took me until July of 2008 to lose 67 pounds. I was 3 pounds away from the 300 pound mark. I wanted a new life, a new beginning, a new everything. The marriage was over as of Feb. of 2008 when I started working out.  I moved to a new state in July 2008. I lost those 67 pounds and must have kicked my fertility into high gear because November of 2008 – I got pregnant with my first child. My newly found relationship provided me with everything I didn’t get from my marriage and this time I knew my net and total worth. Now my son is almost 4 years old (born in August of 2009). I gained 40 plus of the weight back when I was pregnant and from “happy weight.”

In January of this year (2013) my department at my job decided to do a Fitness Challenge. Since January I have lost those 40 plus pounds again and I’m now almost 7 pounds within that original loss of 67 pounds. I’m going to surpass that and keep going so that I am under 200 pounds. The middle and right photos are my before pics and the one on the left is my now pic. I like to say…”I am not where I want to be, but I’m a long ways from where I’ve been.” Starting weight: 297 pounds, Current weight: 237 pounds, 1st Goal Weight: 199 pounds, Ultimate Goal Weight: 170-175 pounds, Height: 5”3 and ½ – I will definitely be doing an update come December of 2013 to let you all know how much more I have accomplished. BWLW has inspired me to reach for those goals. The women who share their story are inspirational so I wanted to be what they have inspired me to be.

Felice weight loss before and after

Bri lost 73 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Bri lost 73 pounds.  She was able to lose weight in a healthy way, eat right during pregnancy and deal with a diagnosis of Lupus.  Here is what she shared with us:

My weight loss story! I went from 216 pounds to now 143 pounds in less than a year, after giving birth to 3 children!  After getting pregnant with my second child and giving birth in 2010, I found myself weighing 216 pounds and wearing a size 14/16 in clothes. I struggled with my self esteem and my weight for the next 3 years. Was never quite able to lose it, no matter what I tried! Pills, shakes, bars they wouldnt work! Finally in 2012, I said enough is enough!  I changed my diet and started avidly exercising. I went from eating EVERYTHING I wanted and snacks galore to eating smaller meals and less carbs. I did 75 crunches a night and 110 squats. I walked 2 miles a day and drank A LOT of Water and 100% juice.  I also cut down my sugar intake and No snacks! Fruits! After losing 20 lbs in February, I found out that I was 5 months pregnant with my now 1 year old daughter. I still ate right, exercised and everything throughout my pregnancy. Then, I became very ill and bed ridden around May 2012. I still perservered through my eating. I was then diagnosed with Lupus and told that I could no longer exercise. However, I prayed and asked God to get me through it and he did. I gave birth to my daughter July 3rd 2012 and was 180 pounds. I got a personal trainer and kept on my diet.  Here I stand a year later at 143 pounds and healthy! I battle my Lupus like a good soldier and continue to eat right and exercise!

Bri weight loss story

Nikki lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Nikki lost 50 pounds, down from 250+.  She lost weight by eating clean, running and she will be doing her first 5k in Sept. 2013.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi my name is Nikki. I wanted to share my weight loss journey and hopefully encourage someone else deciding to change their life. I started my journey in Dec. 2011. However, before I get to the event that was the last straw, lets back up one month to Nov. 2011. A friend innocently tagged me in a picture on Facebook (picture in purple sweater) and when I saw it I was mortified at what I looked like. Dec. 2011, I took a beach trip with my husband and son and we decided to take a helicopter ride that required I sit in the front because I was to large for the back because I may hinder take off. (last straw). Who was this fat chick I kept seeing and hearing about? I couldn’t believe I’d allowed myself to get out of control to the tune of 250+ pounds. I started exercising and dieting in March of 2012 after I lost my job. After almost a year of exercising and dieting, I lost a disappointing 14lbs (oh yeah, I was on diet pills as well). In January of 2013, I stepped it up, I began to ramp up my exercising to jogging and training for a Black Girls Run 5k event. I began to eat clean; only lean meats, no dairy, no sugar, no carbs, only leafy veggies and protein shakes. I began to eat 4-5 small meals daily. I couldn’t believe this 40 year old body could do what it has done in a course of 5 months. I feel great, look great and I’m not even done yet. I replaced my obsession with fatty foods with jogging and eating well! This girl who could hinder take off will be doing her first 5k in Sept. 2013.  I’m 50 pounds lighter and healthier than ever. Thank God for perfect peace! Follow my progress on Facebook (nikmac).

Nikki weight loss success story

Shaniqua lost 102 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Shaniqua!  She has lost 102 pounds going from 285 pounds down to 183 pounds.  Check out her before and after photos. Here is what she shared with us:

“This has been the longest journey of my life. Depression had me at my heaviest weight in 2006.  I weighed 285 pounds. By the grace of God, I woke up, got up and started moving. I cut out fried foods and fast food.  I also started taking a step class once a week for exercise. I went from 285 pounds to 206 pounds within two years and I stayed at 206 lbs. from 2008-2011. Then, I had my second child and went back up to 225 lbs. Before depression could sink back in, I joined Weight Watchers.  I went from 225 pounds to my current weight of 183 pounds with the Weight Watchers weight loss plan.”

Shaniqua weight loss story

Courtney lost 186 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Courtney!  She is a long time member of BWLW and was one of the first people featured on our Facebook page (before we had a blog).  She lost 186 pounds after having vertical sleeve weight reduction surgery about 7 years ago.  She wrote to us to update her story:

“My name is Courtney and I have been big all my life.  At 21 years old, I changed my life by having weight loss surgery! I had the vertical sleeve procedure in 2007.  Then, I was wearing a size 28-30.  Now, I’m in a size 6-8 and I weigh 140 pounds, down from 326 pounds!!! I had a baby in December 2011 and I still maintained my weight.  I’m over joyed with the healthy me.  I had the surgery because that was my last hope after trying everything under sun and spending lots of money! So, if it works for you great!! Thanks so much for your time!”

courtney weight loss surgery

 

Jennifer lost 51 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Jennifer.  She has lost 51 pounds since April 2nd of this year and is striving to lose 49 pounds more!!  Here is what she shared with us: “I’d like to share my story.  I’ve lost 51 pounds since April 2, 2013.  How did I do it?  Just by stopping drinking soda, cutting out sweets and with an intense exercise regiment.  I also eat clean. I went from 386 pounds to 335 pounds.  My goal is to lose another 49 pounds and maintain my new lifestyle. My motivation was when my doctor told me that I could not have another child due to my weight.”

Jennifer weight loss before and after

Samentha lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show Samentha some love for achieving a loss of 40 pounds by changing her eating habits with Weight Watchers and working out regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

My decision to lose weight was the best thing I could’ve made for myself. I gained self confidence, self respect, and learned to love and embrace myself all over again.

I have 2 children with Autism.  Accommodating my life and dedicating all of my time to them caused me to neglect myself. What I finally came to realize was, neglecting myself was just as bad as neglecting the kids. My son and daughter needed me at my best. So, I joined Weight Watchers in July 2012. I lost 30 pounds in the first 3 months. In July 2012, I was 204 lbs. Today, I am proud to say that I am 164 pounds and still losing!

I workout outdoors at least 4 times a week. My routine is mostly running and using weighted jump ropes. I also use free weights at home to tone my arms and squats to work my lower body; especially my buns

It was hard sometimes sticking to my regimen and sometimes I’ve lacked motivation and became discouraged. My friends and family are my backbone. I told EVERYONE I could about my goal. They all helped keep me accountable for my choices and actions concerning my health and lifestyle. I have learned that it does take a village.

I finally feel beautiful and liberated. Hopefully my story can help liberate others. Be happy and be healthy.

Samentha weight loss story