Black Weight Loss Success

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weight loss journey

Tasia lost 58 pounds

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Featured Success Story: Tasia lost 58 pounds.  This petite sista decided that enough was enough when she stopped liking what she saw in the mirror.  Over the last 9+ months she has worked to drop the pounds.  Check out her before and after photos. Tasia before and after Hi, my name is Tasia and I started my healthy journey in November 2013. I started at 242 pounds. I currently weigh 184 pounds and I’m still going. I did this to be healthier and to get in shape. I’ve been eating clean and working out 5 days a week. I also have a personal trainer Mart Brewer III. I walked past the mirror one day and wasn’t pleased at all with what I saw. I had been through a lot which is why I became lazy and gained weight. I just up and started, I didn’t give myself a date to start I just did it. I’ve always loved baked foods, vegetables and fruit so it wasn’t really hard for me to change the eating part. It was the pasta and sweets that were hard to give up. I drink nothing but water, even with my cheat meals. I am too short for my weight still, but to be 242 pounds and standing 5’1″ tall wasn’t cute at all. Now that I am 58 pounds down it looks a little better but I’m not quite where I’d like to be. Losing weight isn’t easy by far. It takes a lot of will power, dedication and determination. I’ve inspired quite a few people including my trainer and the owner of the gym. I remember that in the beginning when I was starting my workouts and I couldn’t do 2 jumps without getting tired. I couldn’t do a pushup to save my life but now I can. I have definitely come a long way and Im still going. 

Instagram: @Mz_TayTayLena

Trainer: Mart Brewer III Instagram: @Mart_fitness Tasia weight loss Tasia before and after photos Tasia before and after photos

Theodora lost 52 pounds

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Theodora lost 52 pounds and is our featured weight loss success story of the day!  After years of yo-yo dieting she has worked for the last 4+ months to shed the pounds and learn how to eat healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Theodora weight loss story

I’ve been dieting on and off pretty much all of my life. Each time, I would lose a large amount of weight just to turn around and gain the weight back and then some, a true yo-yo dieter. My motivation this time around was not only to lose weight but also to learn to eat correctly. The diets I did in the past were fad diets that promised fast weight loss, but as soon as I stopped the plan the weight was back on in months. I decided to join Xsport Fitness and I hired a personal trainer. She made a meal plan for me that consisted of egg whites, oatmeal, fruits, lots of veggies, protein, brown rice and sweet potatoes. I work out every day on my own and twice a week with my trainer. I usually do more cardio on my own and a lot of weight training with the trainer. I started out at 318.5 pounds at 5’7″ (the heaviest I’ve ever been) and today I am 266.5 pounds, down 52 lbs! I still have a long way to go but I’m so happy to be doing it the healthy way this time. I started this journey on April 22 2014, and I’m praying that in April 2015 I will have a hot new body! LOL My advice for anyone trying to lose weight is to take it one day at a time. Don’t think about how much weight u have to lose or how slow it’s going just stay focused and u will get there.

Theodora weight loss

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!

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

Stephanie lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Stephanie lost 80 pounds. After a major health scare where the doctors told her husband to prepare to lose her, she knew that it was time for a change.  After some starting and stopping she committed to investing in herself and wants to inspire other ladies to do the same.  Here is more info on her weight loss journey:

stephanie weight loss story

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I’m 26 years old. I wanted to share with you not because I have completed my weight loss journey, because I’m still going. I want to help keep black women encouraged and to let them know that it’s never too late to get started. In 2010 and at 22 years old, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and type 2 diabetes. I spent 4 months in the hospital. The doctors where telling my husband to prepare to start living without me. After that experience, I knew something had to change. So, I changed my eating habits, but then got bored and went back to my old habits. Even knowing my family history of high blood pressure and diabetes, I continued on this path of destruction. I blew up to 330 pounds.

In 2013, I started my new group #NoMoreExcuses because if I can spend money on other things, I can invest in my health. I knew I had to change over time through research and by trying new things I slowly transitioned to cleaner eating, eating more fresh veggies and fruits, eating very low carb and low fat. My eating habits before included fried, high fat foods and sweets. I love chocolate and pizza!!  I’m very strict on portion control now. I no longer crave greasy fatty fried foods anymore. Today, I eat cleaner, drink lots of water and I hit the gym 5 times a week with cardio 3 of the 5 days. IT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED LADIES!! I am currently 250 pounds and still going.

My advice to others is to keep going. It is never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle. Be consistent and know that you have to be patient with seeing results. You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so don’t expect to lose it overnight.

Instagram: @mzz_marie2u

 

Tamara lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost 55 pounds. She worked out at home and gave up sweets to lose the pounds.  I love that she is sharing her journey with the world on Instagram to inspire others.  Here is her story:

tamara weight loss

August 2013, I started my weight loss journey. I’ve struggled with my weight for basically my entire life. Sure, I’ve lost weight then gained it back, but that was before I discovered Beachbody. I had been watching the ShaunT’s Hip Hop Abs infomercial for 4 months. Finally, in August, I decided to buy it. On August 13th, 2013, I started with Hip hop Abs. Two weeks later I had ordered and started doing the RockinBody program as well. On Oct 17th, I started Hip Hop Abs ‘Extreme’, After that I STILL needed more, so October 23rd I started T25 Alpha, Beta, and 5 weeks of Gamma. On February 4th, I started Insanity and April 14th I started Round 2 of Insanity. Later, on June 30th I started another Round 2 of T25. Recently, July 2nd, I joined Gold’s Gym because I felt the need to build more muscle to loose more fat.

Two months after starting to workout daily, I started eating healthy 85-90% of the time. I gave up donuts, which was pretty much my favorite thing to eat for breakfast (I had them 3 times a week). I cut down significantly on sweets because I had one of the biggest sweet tooth problems out there.

I have lost a total of 55 lbs totally by working out daily and eating healthy.  I’m now 200 pounds at 5’2″. You see, it IS very possible with hard work and dedication. I feel so empowered now because I’m getting stronger and healthier every day. My advice to others is to not be scared about starting your journey but to just Do It. If I can do after being overweight basically ALL my life (and I’m 44 years old), then Anybody CAN DO IT. Trust me!

Instagram: @tamaras_360_fitness

tamara before and after

Nikki lost 103 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nikki lost 103 pounds. Tired of feeling invisible and dealing with low self esteem, she decided that enough was enough.  She embraced healthy eating habits and worked out with DVDs at home to transform her body.  Here is her story:

Nikki weight loss story

When I started my weight loss journey, I was 266 pounds at 5’6″. I was uncomfortable in my skin, had low self esteem, and avoided mirrors as much as I could. I prided myself on my intelligence and accomplishments since I felt that was all I was good at. One day. I woke up and realized I had enough. No more making excuses and being treated like I was invisible. After finally making up my mind to change my life, on January 2012 I started to change my diet. I cut out sodas and all the fattening foods I was eating. Since at the time we didn’t have a grocery store close by, I was mainly ordering out every day. When I first began working out, I was doing Zumba, then moved on to Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, and I am currently doing Piyo. I would work out at home 6 days a week. I would also have one rest day and one treat meal a week. My current weight (and maintenance weight) is 163 pounds and I have been maintaining it since March 29, 2013. My transformation took 14 months, and I am currently working on toning and building lean muscle. I am now a beachbody coach, returned to school for nutrition science, and will be receiving my bachelors degree in 2016. If I could give someone advice on losing weight, I would say to take it a day at a time. Don’t focus on how much you have to lose because you will feel overwhelmed or like it is impossible. Set small goes for yourself, and cross them off your list as you go! I am documenting my weight loss journey on instagram so please follow me at nikki_c85! Stay blessed!

Nikki before and after

Michele lost 120 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Michele lost 120 pounds.  Starting at over 300 pounds and taking meds for health issuers from sleep apnea to diabetes, Michele knew that it was time for a true lifestyle change.  She has transformed her body, her health and her life.  Read her success story:

Michele before and after

My name is Michele Legette. I am 5 feet 9 inches tall and I weighed 306 lbs when I started on this weight loss journey in May 2012. I wanted to live a quality life as well as a quantity life. I had been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, hyper cholesterol and sleep apnea. I was not able to play with my grandchildren without getting out of breath. I knew I needed to lose weight but it seemed like it was impossible because I did not know where to begin. When I would see people that I knew from my past they would not identify me by name. They would say “God, you got fat”. That sent me in reverse.

Well, in May 2012 I began exercising. At first I worked with a personal trainer for seven months, twice a week and my workouts consisted of mostly Cross fit activities. On my own, I did cardio exercises for an hour, seven days a week. I knew that I did not want surgery, diet pills, etc. MY question was if I stopped eating certain foods, what would happen when I started eating them again? I wondered what would happen if I took pills and then stopped taking them? Therefore, I opted for lifestyle change instead. I ate baked and broiled lean protein, vegetables and nuts. If I wanted something fried, I ate it in moderation but it was not all the time. I ate enough to get the taste of the food, so I was eating 1 piece of some foods to get rid of the cravings.

My transformation took 17 months and I lost 120 pounds.  I am no longer on medication with the help of God. Now, I do strength training, cardiovascular exercises, Cross fit routines and a lot of bodyweight exercises. I’m also running intervals.  I am now a personal trainer as well as a motivational speaker. It is my endeavor to inspire and encourage as many people as possible to take their life back and live life more abundantly. My advice to others is to take it one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time. It is not impossible and you can do it. Failure is when you fall down and choose not to get up. Success is when you fall down but choose to get up and try again. It has been 25 months since I stared my weight loss journey. I am a work in progress and enjoying my new lease on life. We Got This!

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Angela lost 35 pounds.  Motivated by the loss of her father and wanting to live a long life for her young children, Angela committed to being consistent with her weight loss efforts.  Consistency is KEY. Here is what she shared with us:

Angela2July14blog

“HELLO!!! My name is Angela Greer and I am one year into my healthy life journey. I’ve lost 35lbs since July 2013. I started my healthy life journey last July (left pic) after a trip to Essence Festival with my husband. The pic on the right is one year later!!! Honestly I can’t believe that was me!!! (I thought I was doing it down there! Lol!) I am inspired daily by so many, but none more than losing my Dad to health issues. (Love you Daddy). I was determined to honor his memory by changing my lifestyle, being a healthy example for my two babies (4 & 2 years old), and ending our family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

My transformation happened with consistently working out – doing Cardio and Weight Training. Ladies, don’t be afraid of weights. It leans, trims, and tightens…not bulks! Look at my pics! I also tried to eat clean. NO secret diet, magic pill or drink. Just consistently working hard!

No I’m NOT perfect and I have many things to work on, but I just wanted to show you that a “normal” person that has a super busy life can make a change and live a healthier life. I’m a busy Mommy so I don’t have “time, I make it! You can do it!  Thank you for your encouragement and positive vibes sent through your posts! It continuously keeps me motivated! I appreciate you!
Xoxoxo~ Ang #transformation #FitLifeForever #Whosthatgirl #SexyAngela #twokidswho #stillworkingonmyawesome”

Instagram: @mzangiebaby