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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

Update: Erica lost 37 pounds

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Here is an update of a previous post on Erica’s weight loss journey.  She is down a total of 37 pounds and her boyfriend Bishop is her personal trainer.  I love that!! Here is what she shared with us:

You featured my progress on Valentine’s Day this year and I had mentioned that I wasn’t done yet. Well my official one-year weight loss journey came to an end on June 3. My boyfriend/trainer and I celebrated with a professional photo shoot while vacationing in Vegas during the week of June 3. I have also attached a public note detailing my stats and what they all mean and what this journey has taught me. The stats are important because they show where I started on June 3, 2012 to May 28, 2013.

Stats: June 3, 2012, Sept 1, 2012, May 28, 2013 

Weight: 175.0 157.6 138.0
Waist: 34.0 29.8 27.0
Hips: 44.0 40.0 36.8
Thighs: 26.0 23.0 21.5
Arms (both): 13.0 11.5 (stopped measuring)
Body Fat: 42.4% 35.0% 19.0%!!!! 
(Final goal: 16%)		 Starting pants/dress/shirt size: 13, x-large, large/x-large 
Ending pants size: 4/5
Starting dress size: 13/14, large, x-large 
Ending dress size: SMALL
Starting shirt size: large/x-large 
Ending shirt size: SMALL

Erica weight loss story

I began my fitness journey weighing 175 lbs. with 73 lbs. of my body’s weight being FAT! I lost 47 POUNDS OF THAT FAT.  Now, I GAINED 10 POUNDS OF MUSCLE! The addition of muscle fibers helped to burn some of that fat. ***UPDATE: current weight is 133!!*** My ultimate goal is to achieve my racing weight (I run 5ks, 10ks, and hope to run my first 1/2 marathon in March 2014) of 125 pounds with maintenance between 125 to 135.

What I have learned from this one-year journey:

I was in denial about how big I was. Even at my heaviest of 175 pounds, and wearing a size 13, I was still in denial. I carried the extra pounds well, so I guess it didn’t really bother me as much.  That was until I saw myself in pictures from our cruise in April 2012. Everything changed from that moment. I saw rolls and muffin tops I had never seen that on me before. That was my dose of reality… wake-up call… lightening bulb flashing. I knew something had to give. All I wanted, at that point, was to simply lose 20 pounds. Little did I know what was in store for me for a whole year later!

It is very important to know what I am eating,what I subject my body to. I truly cherish my body and want to live a long and healthy life. I developed a whole lot of discipline from day one. I gave up a lot of favorite foods and went cold turkey on 85% processed foods, frozen meals, boxed meals, fast food, sodas, juices/sugary drinks, Starbucks, cold cuts, hot dogs, chips, cookies, cakes, pies, red meat, pork, most ground beef (on the rare occasion I will do 93/7 extra lean), non-organic chicken, white sugar, white pasta, breads, ALL FRIED FOODS, etc. For me, I learned what I had to do to make this journey successful and went in full force with no excuses. Portion sizes can make or break you, too. I weigh, count and measure EVERYTHING according to the serving size on the package!!!!

Yes, there were many failures just as there were many successes. There were many injuries that caused me to slow it up big time: knees (from the Insanity and P90x programs), right shoulder blade/rotator cuff (from lifting weights), left elbow (from lifting weights), etc. That’s part of the process of learning to create and maintain a healthy & fit lifestyle. This is something I can carry with me forever and not just for 8 weeks or so. Yes, I treat myself. Bishop (my boyfriend) and I go out once a week… and sometimes twice in a week. But we plan ahead 99% of the time. Other times, we just let it ride because the rest of the time we do eat healthy.

Erica and boyfriend personal trainerMy boyfriend finished out the last 6 months of this journey with me. He was working behind the scenes for the first 6 months because he wanted the focus on me.

I also must note that, although he could have set me up on a plan to lose the weight in 3 months, that was not the goal of this journey. The goal was to create a healthy lifestyle that I could maintain for the rest of my life. There was no rush to lose the weight as there was (and still is) so much to learn and do the right way.  It is also VERY important to note that this is a lifestyle, not a fad. There is so much to learn (I am STILL learning) and it is impossible to learn everything in just 3 months.

We work out 4-6 days a week and take rest days AT LEAST 1-2 days a week. People think they HAVE to work out every single day but, in all honesty, they are causing more harm than good by NOT allowing their body to rest and recover. We run 1-2 times a week, hit the elliptical twice a week, do HIIT programs several days a week, and strength training several days a week.

Latavia lost 150 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Latavia lost 150 pounds.  She went from a size 22 to a size 8/10 with Weight Watchers, seeing a nutritionist and working out 5 days a week or more.  Here is what she shared with us.

5 years ago, right before I graduated from college, Is when I began working out. I started by working out 3 days a week for a hour a day.  Gradually, I worked myself up to exercising 5 or more days a week for an hour a day. I joined Weight Watchers and started tracking everything I ate. Within a month I lost 10 pounds.  By the end of the first year I lost 100 pounds and I went from a size 22 to a size 14. In December 2012, I started seeing a nutritionist who helped me make better choices in terms of my eating habits. Since December, I have lost 50 pounds and currently wear a size 10 or 8. I have so much more energy, I feel healthier and I can shop anywhere I want!

Latavia weight loss story

Nikia lost over 115 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Nikia lost over 115 pounds and avoided high blood pressure medication by adopting healthy eating habits and working out daily.   Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, I’m Nikia. As I was doing a before and after picture collage, I decided to share my weight loss experience with you. My motivation started when my doctor told me that I would have to take blood pressure medicine due to high blood pressure. I asked if he could give me one month to make an effort to do something about it. I went back & lost 12 pounds just from changing my diet.  I also drank lots of water & worked out daily with Cardio & light weights. In 3 years, I lost over 100 pounds.  I went from 300+ to 185 pounds. I ate lots of greens, vegetables, fish, salmon, yogurt & fruit. Portion control is a must. Sometimes, I even made protein shakes.  I ate three meals a day with 3 small snacks in between.  I’m very proud of myself. Believe in yourself & you can do anything.

Nikia weight loss before and after

La’Shonda lost 65 pounds

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Update 2016: We shared La’Shonda’s story back in 2013. Now, she is updating us about her ups and downs, as well as her success. She’s lost a total of 102 pounds.

LaShonda

My name is La’Shonda, and I am emailing you to share my blessed testimony. I was featured about 3 years ago when I lost 65 pounds. I have been constantly trying to lose more weight, and at one small period, I regained about 22 pounds. Graciously, I managed to lose those 22 pounds, plus an additional 35 pounds. That’s a grand total of 100 pounds. I am extremely grateful for this testimony. I have 50 more pounds to go before I reach my weight goal.

I did not lose weight with any fad diets, diet pills, programs or surgeries. I just practiced clean eating and exercised regularly. At my largest, 318 lbs/size 24, I became miserably aware that I needed to alter my lifestyle if I wanted to live. I started slow just changing what and how much I ate and I did not exercise. Before I knew it, I had lost over 50 lbs. Eventually, I reached a plateau. After that, I suffered major life changes and then I began to regain some of my lost weight. I was determined not to succumb to the pressures of being obese again, so I made a conscious effort to persevere and push forward.

I begin to increase my fresh vegetable and fruit intake, as well as my lean meat intake. I also minimized my starch intake. I eliminated processed, “fatty” foods, and anything with high fructose corn syrup and/or carbonation in it; thereby, increasing my water intake (approximately approx. gallon a day).

Once I re-lost my original 65 lbs., I incorporated exercise into my weight loss regimen. My exercise regimen commenced with just walking, and today I run too. Eventually, I incorporated strength training and rigorous cardio activities such as Zumba (which is fun, fun, and more fun). Now, I take Boot Camp classes, HIIT classes, and Body Sculpt classes. I’m also walking/running the bridges, taking Zumba classes and doing strength training. It’s a constant struggle, but if I can do it anyone can. I just weighed myself today and I currently weigh 216 pounds. (total of 102 lbs. lost). Thank God for giving me the fortitude to accomplish this. I am still a work in progress, but at least I can see and celebrate the progress.

La'Shonda

2013 – La’Shonda lost 65 pounds by changing her eating habits, doing exercises like water aerobics and weights.  Let’s show her some love!

Hello members of BWLW! My name is Shon, and I would like to share my story even though I am a work in progress. I’ve lost approximately 65 pounds. Initially, I began losing weight due to illness. Once I realized that I was losing weight, I seized the opportunity to capitalize on the loss. I changed my eating habits. I incorporated more fruit, veggies, and protein into my diet thus minimizing my sweet and starch intake, but my secret weapon was water. I eliminated carbonated drinks, and I limited my consumption of sweet tea/lemonade and fruit juice (100% only). I didn’t really exercise until I had lost the first 50 pounds. Now, I do some form of exercise daily. I’ve also recently begun taking water aerobics classes, and while I’m at the gym, I indulge in other forms of exercise by utilizing the weight equipment. I’ve noticed that certain body parts are beginning to tighten where it was otherwise very flabby. I still have a long way to go, but now I can see the change.  That’s all the motivation I need.  Thank you for encouraging black women to lose weight.

LaShonda weight loss before and after

Caroline Jhingory lost 150 pounds and Kept if OFF

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Shout out to the amazing Caroline Jhingory! This woman released 150+ pounds and has kept it off for almost 20 years. Her story inspires us and lets us know that long term success is possible.

caroline before and after
Update Sept 2018: “The best compliment that I ever received was from a doctor here in my hometown Washington, DC. “You are an African-American woman that has lost and maintained a 150+lb weight without weight loss surgery and kept it up for over 15+ years. I’ve been a physician for double that 30 years, and I have rarely seen that.”

I will say that now in life maintaining my 150+lb weight loss is just as hard if not harder as it was too lose it. Metabolism and hormone changes, and it just seems food especially chocolate taste better and better in your 30’s. Still a positive support system of people and positive self-talk keep me in line.

Power-walking everyday is a regimented part of my life just as taking a shower. And I don’t bring any unhealthy foods into my home. I save indulges for dining out or family gatherings.”
– @CarolineJhingory

Author and weight loss expert Caroline Jhingory is definitely a weight loss success story that you need to know about.  She has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show, TODAY Show, the Huffington Post, and in PEOPLE, ESSENCE and SHAPE magazines.  You may have checked out her book, Half My Size: How I Ate To Lose 150lbs.  I had the chance to ask her the questions we ask all of our featured ladies.  Check out what she shared with us:

Caroline Jhingory weight loss interview

What was your motivation?
Ten years ago weighing over 307 pounds on a 5’2 frame a dermatologist told me that the dark blotches on my skin were an indication that I was pre-diabetic. That moment was what I call my rock bottom. I decided right then and there that I was going to make the rest of my life, the best of my life.

What did you do in terms of eating to lose the weight?
Being that I was pre-diabetic, my family doctor’s recommendation was to eliminate, not moderate all white foods from diet. Although these foods are not technically white, this meant all sugar, products made with flour, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and corn. My new way of eating involved lean proteins (all seafood, chicken breasts and egg whites) and non-starchy vegetables only. (All vegetables, excluding corn, potatoes, peas, plantains, squash and carrots.)

What did you do in terms of exercise to lose the weight? 
I could not afford fancy personal trainers or a gym membership. So, I began to walk everywhere instead of catching the bus and subway here in my hometown of Washington, DC. Over the years, my body needed more of a challenge and strength gym. Eventually ,I was able to afford a gym membership and swore by machines like the elliptical fitness trainer and circuit machines. Now my primary workout is running on my treadmill at home while watching a ratchet reality TV show. It makes the time fly right on by!

Caroline also shared with us about having skin removal surgery.

Caroline Jhingory on the Dr. Oz Show – www.doctoroz.com/videos/secrets-skinny-pt-3

Jimella lost 33 pounds

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June 2014 Update: “I was featured last year however I’ve made progress since then. I am down 40 lbs total, which is a 7 pound difference from before.  This is after adding running to my routine and incorporating weights a little bit more. I’ve noticed that I’m losing inches, especially through my midsection. After my story was featured on your blog and holidays rolling around I did gain about 10 lbs back. However, when the new year came in I got back on track. I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained because there’s definitely ups and downs with this weight loss journey. I always say it’s a journey with no destination because this is for life, even after the goal weight is reached. You still have to continue maintaining the lifestyle change. I love the BWLW page for constantly motivating and inspiring. My journey continues!” – Jimella @ear_candy_couture

Jimella before and after

Original Post – July 2013  – Let’s show some BWLW love to Jimella!  She lost 33 pounds and fought off high blood pressure with Weight Watchers and working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

I began my weight loss transformation Feb. 20, 2013 although I’ve been overweight since June 18, 1980 (the day I was born). Last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was 185/110. I would have slight headaches periodically I’m sure due to increased pressure and my love of salty foods. I refused to get on any type of medication. I just couldn’t see myself taking medication everyday at (then) 32 years old. I felt too young to be doing all that especially when I knew this could be fixed with weight loss. Of course this runs in my family and I’ve seen it take such a great toll on close family from strokes to kidney failure and I just can’t find myself 20+ years down the road in that same cycle.

I began by changing my eating habits drastically. I started eating more vegetables and/or juicing, whereas before I would go days if not weeks at a time without eating any type of vegetation. I threw out ALL junk food and salty foods, which was hard at first because my weakness is juice and chips (which I still struggle with). Eventually I joined Weight Watchers which I love because it teaches you about portion control and how to make healthier eating choices. If I couldn’t calculate the points on it then I just wouldn’t eat it. I became active by working out 4-5 times/week in the gym. I started making my workouts more fun by doing outdoor activities like going bike riding on the beach and hiking and now I’m down 33lbs but the journey continues. My goal is to be in a comfortable size 14 jeans (currently size 18, previously size 22). I’m still in awe when I look at my pics. I love it! Once I start to see my collar bones pertrude a little more then I’ll really know I’m making extreme progress, LOL.

When I found pages such as this one and all the fitness and eat clean pages on Instagram, I became that much more motivated and encouraged. I love seeing all of the success stories from everyone but primarily from other black women because we have such a bad stigma on us when it comes to health and fitness (or should I say the lack thereof). It feels so good to see us conquering that stereotype and I’m even more proud of the discipline, strength, and dedication that God has blessed me with to join that fight.

Jimella weight loss before and after

Monique lost 78 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Monique lost 78 pounds with clean eating and the help of a dedicated personal trainer.  Here is what she shared with us:

I was focused and dedicated to my journey. I lost 78 pounds and competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition on 6/29/13…What an experience!

My struggle with my weight begun with my first pregnancy 20 years ago. The weight packed on quick. I gained over 70 pounds. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and gave birth to a Premie. I continued to gain after delivering my son, as a result of the birth control I chose. I tried every diet out on the market in my attempts to gain control.  Not understanding that word (Diet) was the problem. Fast forward, 10 years later, we finally were pregnant with our 2nd child (a baby girl that was also a Premie). I also developed Gestational Diabetes with the second pregnancy and additional weight gain added to my overall weight.  I never loss the pounds from 10 years earlier with our first child. Shortly after the birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 30’s. This is where I had to seriously make some serious changes to my health.

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I couldn’t lose the weight for vanity, but once it effected my health, I knew it had gotten out of control. I had to educate myself and make the needed changes in order to save my life. I was directed to the Diet Doctor A.K.A. Terry Starks on Facebook. He introduced me to the clean eating lifestyle. I quickly adopted to the lifestyle and applied it as a way of life from 2012 to present. My weight was at my highest was 220lbs after the delivery of our 2nd child. Can you imagine that on a 5″2″ frame? I loss a total of 78 pounds to date. I’m proud to say I took it to another level and challenged myself with the help of Terry Starks and entered my 1st of many bikini bodybuilding competition at 44 years young on 6/29. I took 4th place. I hope to inspire and motivate others just like myself. . You can do it! In order to CHANGE your BODY… YOU must first CHANGE your MIND. ..REAL LIFE!!!

Monique weight loss before and after

Edisha Transformed Her Body

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Personal Trainer Edisha shows us how losing 20 pounds with a lot of hard work can make a major difference in the way your body looks.  Here is what she shared with us:

I lost 20 pounds this past 3 months with a before /after. I’m a personal trainer who dedicated her life to helping others lose weight. My mother was an inspiration to me from a young age. As a single parent 4 children, she battled with clinical depression after being raped in our home when I was about 4 years old; as a result, she then went from an active lifestyle to sedentary with food in her side as comfort. Her words always ring in my ears saying, “Desha, you better eat right and exercise. You don’t want to grow up and be fat and depressed like me.” I took those words unknowingly to the extent of my degree in Exercise Science and Wellness, with a minor in Psychology, to use in my every day life as an athlete then to helping others as a certified personal trainer, so much to where I forgot about ME. I gained a lot of weight working hard at helping others reach their goals, picturing my mom sitting in front of me. A fitness show inspired me to find balance and take my life back so, I could continue to set the example for those whom I help. Three months ago in the midst of surviving a 3-car collision, I started working towards a fitness show helping combat childhood obesity and on turn got my life back. Having lost 20 pounds of body fat in just 3-months by eating 5-6 times a day, exercising 5-6 days per week, and taking vitamins regularly with 8-10 glasses of water a day. I can truly say that I am a winner with just that. Now, I’m more confident and can continue to lead by example.

Edisha personal trainer

Margaret lost 80 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Margaret lost 80 pounds and is now training for her first physique competition.  Here is what she shared with us:

I started my fitness journey after my doctor told me I was morbidly obese. I never had body image issues but I was mortified by the statement that I was ‘deathly’ obese. I started walking in May 2012 & hired a personal trainer Clarence Walton [Strength Factory] in July 2012. I changed my eating habits and as a result I’ve lost 80 lbs. My starting weight was 304. I am preparing to compete in my first physique competition later this year.

I stopped eating fried foods and processed foods. I cut out soft drinks and drink water, green tea and coffee. I eat fish, chicken breast, green veggies and brown rice. I do cardio 5-6 days a week and do weight training 4 days a week.  As a single mother to 3 young adults, I hope my story encourages other women to just start. Thank You for your time.

Margaret weight loss before and after