Black Weight Loss Success

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weight loss journey

April lost 91 pounds

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Daily Weight Loss Success Story: April lost 91 pounds.  She created her own weight loss plan by making practical changes when it came to eating clean and exercise.  Find out more about her weight loss journey:

April weight loss

“Hello, My name is April and I would like to share my weight loss story.  The motivation behind my weight loss was seeing several family members, including my mother, diagnosed with diabetes. The feared that I too was in line right behind these family members, so I began my fitness journey. I started eating clean and cutting out all processed food.  I also started working out 5 days a week, mixing cardio and weightlifting. When I began my fitness journey, my weight was 260 lbs.  My current weight is 169 lbs and still counting. This process took 10 months. My goal is to become a personal trainer/fitness expert (I’m not a Certified Personal Trainer now). My advice to anyone struggling with a weight problem and looking to lose weight: Stay focused and don’t give up even when the scale isn’t moving. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself and have faith in yourself. Don’t focus on how far you have to go, focus on the fact that you are doing this. Tale each day one step at a time. Trust me, if I can do this so can you. Thank you for allowing me to share my story.”

Connect with April on Instagram: @Apryl.Alexander

Chelsea lost 45 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Story: Chelsea lost 45 pounds.  This petite college Junior started her weight loss journey in 2012 and is now 10 pounds away from her goal.  Slow and steady wins the race!!  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Chelsea's weight loss story

“Hello, my name is Chelsea Watson. I am 21 years old and a Junior at Berea College. I started my weight lost journey on September 24, 2012. On that faithful day, I weighed-in at 198 pounds at 5’2″. Now, I weight 155 pounds! When I started I wore a size XL shirt and a size 13 to 15 pants. Now, I wear a size Small shirt and a size 7 to 9 pants.

I started my weight loss journey because I was tired of being unhealthy and feeling terrible. My journey started with Shaun T’s Insanity workout video and that really inspired me to continue. Now, I go to the gym 4-6 times a week doing various activities ranging from running on the treadmill for 3 to 12 miles or weight-lifting. It is currently training season for my 5th half marathon.

My eating and drinking habits changed over time too. I started drinking water (yes, I said it I STARTED DRINKING WATER) to the point now that’s all I drink. I incorporated vegetables in my diet.  For example, for every lunch I like to eat a huge spinach salad with turkey. Also, I’m a huge fan of egg whites!

Losing weight is tough so it’s important to have a strong mindset. Before I started, it took me a long time just to accomplish this step. Due to my mental strength, I able to push through the tough workout and achieve my plan to lose weight!”

Instagram: @chelw327

Nicole lost 27 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Nicole lost 27 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size 10.  This petite diva says, “One pound is equal to 3500 calories – so remember whether you have lost 10 or 100 you’re still a success story!”…and we agree. Every pound should be celebrated and Nicole is doing just that.  She’s not waiting to shout victory at the finish line.  She is enjoying her journey, every step of the way.  Check out what she did to lose the weight:

Nicole weight loss

Name: Nicole Slater-Yarbrough
Age: 37
Height: 5’2″
Starting Weight: 199
Current Weight: 172
Starting Size: 16
Current Size: 10
Biggest Motivation: Wanting my “outside” to reflect the woman “inside”

Summary: “I was not always overweight. I was very athletic and conscious about my size and weight growing up. Time went on, I had a child, got married, went thru a divorce, got married again and then got “comfortable”. The weight just started to add up right before my eyes – but I never really wanted to “see” how I looked. Last year I finally started looking at current pictures and knew I had to do something.

I began drinking more water, working out on my treadmill, then adding Zumba videos, Jillian Michael, Billy Blanks videos and Circuit Workouts along with tracking my calorie intake. I also decided from the very beginning of my journey to begin a Facebook page support group for women over 30 years old looking to support, motivate and inspire each other. The bond and chemistry all the ladies in my group share is awesome. We keep each other on track and motivated as well. I had done some dieting in the past – very quickly and successfully lost weight – then gained it all back because I was refusing to make it a LIFESTYLE. This time around the weight is coming off slowly and steady – I sometimes get frustrated at the slow pace and then I realize this is the ONLY way I will keep it off for life – slow and steady will win the race. This time around I incorporate nothing in my plan that I cannot do for life. This means no “fad” diets, no shakes, no pills, no “theme” diets. Eating better and eating clean most of the time, water, regular workouts and plenty of rest are the only things I will incorporate into my plan now.

I do all of my workouts at home or outside. I will not purchase a gym membership until I prove to myself I can do this. My goal weight is 135 and I know I will make it because my whole mentality has changed when it comes to health and fitness. I used to think it was a race…there was a finish line…there’s no finish line. This is my life. The ladies I lead in my support group know this as well. I have currently hit a plateau with almost 40 more pounds to lose, so I felt submitting my story to Black Women Lose Weight would help reignite the passion and reason I started in the first place. BWLW and the stories featured always give me and the ladies in my FB group an extra “push” to keep going. Maybe my story will do the same for someone else. I’m almost half way to my goal weight and I look forward to coming back to post a follow up story on BWLW after I get there. I wasn’t going to submit my story because I haven’t MADE IT to my goal – but this is what it’s all about – our JOURNEY to get there – I always tell my ladies to ENJOY the weight loss journey – because then comes MAINTENANCE…lol…we’re in this for LIFE! Every success we share becomes the success of every woman trying to get to their goals! One pound is equal to 3500 calories – so remember whether you have lost 10 or 100 you’re still a success story!”

Nicole weight loss

Courtney lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Courtney lost 65 pounds.  After going through a divorce and a toxic relationship, she was able to reclaim her life and losing weight was a part of that victory.  She wrote in to tell us how she changed her life and lost the weight:

“Hi, My name is Courtney. About a two years ago, some very dramatic events happen in my life. I left my husband, was basically homeless and was forced into a relationship I really shouldn’t have been in. I had lost 80 pounds in the previous year and was about 225 lbs. I had become a vegetarian and was working out regularly. However, in this new relationship, I was in a new environment and eventually back slid.  I started eating fried foods, didn’t working out and over the course of a year gained over 60 pounds! My pants started ripping, shirts were too little. It was embarrassing but not enough to where I did anything about it. 

In July of 2013, I ended that toxic relationship and took my life back. I started walking every day, changing the foods I ate and how I prepared them.  I also changed the times when I ate. A month into my new lifestyle, I started using Herbalife. Since then, my life hasn’t been the same. I went from walking to using the Nike Training Club, going to the gym and lifting weights, and even making up my own routines! 

Over the last 7 months, with hard work, good nutrition, faith and support, I have lost 65 lbs but I have also gained confidence, self worth, self love and so much more. I have influenced loved ones, friends, coworkers and women I don’t even know! That really touches me because I now have a dream to help others. I feel like this is my purpose. I am currently transitioning into becoming vegetarian again! I am still building the body I deserve. I’m not done, By no means! I hope this reaches someone who doesn’t think they can do it, because I want them to know that they CAN!”

Instagram: @Yentruoctsuj

CourtneyMar14

Janet lost 90 pounds

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Today’s Weight Loss Success Story: Janet lost 90 pounds.  She gives God all the glory.  She wants us to know that getting healthy is a “process” and that she makes a conscious decision each day to stay on track with her goals.  She shared with us the details of her journey.  Check it out:

Janet before and after

“I’am a firm believer that with God ALL things are possible to him that believes! In 2003, I was at my highest weight ever! I was 250 plus pounds. I stopped weighing myself because I did not want to know my exact weight. I was to embarrassed to know.

You ask what was my motivation? Life and my health was motivation. I wanted to live I did not want to die because of hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes. Those two diseases runs in my family. I was married and at the time I had two small children. I wanted to live and be here for my family! My excuses were running thin. I kept telling myself I will start a diet tomorrow, I will start tomorrow etc. My tomorrow never came until I was ready to face my today! I had to get real with my self. I was at my lowest.  My clothing was a size 22/24. I was experiencing mild heart palpitations, shortness of breathing walking up the stairs, and my body ached! Weight hurts and it’s heavy!!

I began to pray and ask The Lord to help me. I did not want to stay the way I was. I needed to change. My help came immediately. I changed my food portion sizes. I stopped eating out on a large dinner plates. I changed to dessert plate and ate at home. You can not pile as much food on a dessert plate like a dinner plate. Changing my plate size assisted me in controlling my portion size.

Next, my eating habits had to change even more! I went from unhealthy eating to healthy eating. Cut out fried foods, and I no longer eat beef, or pork. I only eat fish, turkey and chicken. Veggies became a large portion on my plate. Also, I no longer eat bread, which was contributing to my weight gain. For making sandwiches, I got creative and would use lattice, tomatoes, or Spinach as my bread.  It’s very healthy too!

All I drink is water I can’t stress enough that water was critical and has helped my skin to become healthier. By drinking more water, my inside was being flushed out which enabled me to continue this process. Now, I may have a soda during family events but to be totally honest I drink so much water that drinking a soda is like drinking plain sugar. Also, smoothies are the best (fruit and veggie smoothies).

Currently I weigh 160 pounds and I’m a size 10. I have NEVER wore a size 10 before.  BWLW Ladies, this is truly a lifestyle change! I did not loose this weight overnight, nor did I gain it overnight. It is continual process. It took me a year to really start eating right, cutting out all that junk food and start putting action into plan.

After I started to eat right the weight started to come off. I did a little at a time I did not want to become overwhelm myself or get discouraged. So, for example, I started walking.  From walking, I went to running and from running to swimming. All along the way, I kept saying to myself “It’s a process.”.

Then I stared exercising during commercial breaks, doing 50 jumping jacks every commercial break. Then, I’d add in 20 push ups then crunches. The cycles continues to add another exercise. This got my family moving as well.  It’s a process that I have to continue. I have not arrived. I make a conscious decision daily to stay fit and healthy.

The advice I would love to give to my sisters who are struggling with their weight:  I have been there, where they are, and I know what it feels like to be overweight and not feel good about yourself. I know the silent frustrations they are experiencing especially wanting to wear the stylish clothes that don’t come in their size. Feeling like a failure because their weight is so out of control.

I want them to know that it starts with the decision to change and get healthy and fit. I will tell my sisters that all things are possible to him that believes! Believe in yourself, believe you are worthy to face your weight and believe that it can change and it will change! I would take them step by step through the process to prevent them from becoming overwhelm and discourage. Also it is critical for my sisters to know and to remember weight loss is different for everyone. If I can help one it was worth sharing my story!”

My motto Is “If I Can YOU Can”
I’m on social media
Jpharrison@hotmail.com
FB: Janet Harrison
Twitter: pd2md
Instagram: pd2md

Toi lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Toi.  She lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Read all about her weight loss journey and her decision to have surgery:

“Hi, I just wanted to share my journey. My name is Toi Phillips and my weight has always been a issue. I decided to take a big step on August 22,2013 and have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. My starting weight was 332 pounds.

Toi gastric sleeve surgeryLike a lot of people, I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy.  I gained almost 85 pounds. When I had my daughter, I only lost 20 pounds so the rest was body weight. I had been taking phentermine or adipex for almost a year and my weight fluctuated 30 pounds to 35 pounds lost.  As soon as I would stop taking them, I would gain back all the weight and then some. I became immune to the drugs and dependent, meaning I would take them for energy or just to do a daily task.  I went to the doctor at my heaviest weight of 332 and found out I was what you call morbidly obese.  Now I had a one year old and no spunk to play with her. I felt I had to do something,

I worked out 4 days a week for about 4 months and lost about 3 pounds. I was so fed up. I did some research on the gastric sleeve procedure. I called around and did more research. My insurance would not cover the cost so I opted to go to Tijuana, Mexico where I paid a total of $4500.00 for the surgery. It was the best money spent and best experience. The staff was awesome. I’m down 107 pounds. I’m amazed at my self and I wish I would have known about the sleeve sooner. I will be happy to share to anyone who is interested in going to Mexico to get sleeved. I have more energy than ever and no complications. Also, I have a few YouTube videos about my weight loss under My Journey Toi Phillips“:

Toi before and after

Transformation: Jessica-Marie lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jessica-Marie lost 50 pounds and has transformed her body.  She is now training for her first bodybuilding competition.  I’m so glad she shared her story and we also want to thank her for her service in the military! Read about what she did:

Jessica-Marie weight loss transformation

“I’m from an athletic family. I started running track at an early age, thus I’ve always had a passion for fitness. After joining the military, I had such a severe build up of calluses on the soles of my feet that they caused pain when I walked. I eventually had foot surgery and could not work out for months! Oh the agony! The scale started tipping at 200 lbs (which is my heaviest). So, I just stopped stepping on it. It was depressing to gain 60+ pounds. However, I’ve been determined to loose the weight and keep the weight off and now I am training for my first bodybuilding competition.

Jessica-Marie weight loss

Everyone needs to know that starving yourself is not the answer. I eat 4-6 meals a day of specific portioned sizes. I added more vegetables, fruits and other nutritional foods to what regularly eat to fuel my body. I limited the amount of carbs, fried foods, and desserts that I eat. My secret to fat loss is High intensity interval training (HIIT). Short, sweet and intense.

I would like to motivate and encourage other people on their fitness journey and let them know that Anything is possible!  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)”

Jessica-Marie weight loss transformation

 

Kelsey lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Kelsey lost 71 pounds.  She changed her habits to become a healthier person and to avoid a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes. She wants to encourage you and let you know that losing weight is possible for YOU.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Kelsey before and after weight loss

“Hi, my name is Kelsey. On March 5th, 2013, I decided that I was going to do something to better myself & acquired a YMCA membership with the hopes of becoming a healthier me. On March 6th, 2013, I completed my first workout which began this journey. I distinctly remember how tough it was.  Weighing in at 275 pounds, the treadmill was not my friend. So much so that the amount of weight I had on me gave me joint issues when using the treadmill. I would jump around to elliptical machines to lessen the joint impacts…that is until I could tolerate the treadmill again. My workout routine as I lost weight eventually moved to 45 minutes to an hour of cardio, which was usually a run/walk interval along with 15 minutes of strengthening (abs/arms) afterwards.

I changed my eating habits, cutting out fast foods COMPLETELY for the first 3 months (I now eat at them OCCASIONALLY, very rarely still), cut back on fried foods, snacked on veggies, & cut back on breads/sweets. I ate a lot more fish, salads with grilled chicken or steak, snacked on baby carrots, and just cooked more of my food overall.

My starting weight on March 6, 2013 was 275 pounds…today March 5, 2014, I’m down to 204 pounds. I feel soooo much better, mentally & physically/. I can move around easier & have tons more confidence. I didn’t know until now how much my weight was holding me back from trying new things & meeting new people. I was like a turtle who stayed in their shell before. My motivation to change stemmed from not wanting to rely of blood pressure medications and diabetic medications like my elders. I knew these health issues ran in my family and I KNEW I was heading towards the same route with the way my eating habits were. I mean I was very close to 300 lbs at my heaviest, being 283 at one point.

I want to tell all of those who are struggling or playing with the idea of losing weight and becoming a healthier person…YOU CAN DO IT!! This coming from a 24 year old woman who had failed COUNTLESS times with losing weight. You just have to WANT IT!! You have to tell yourself “it’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it”. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to know its a work in process even when u aren’t seeing the results u want. There will be days that you fall off the wagon, but don’t let that keep u down, GET BACK ON!!  I know this is so cliche…but seriously, IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN! I’m still working towards my goal weight of 175-180pounds. God bless!”

Instagram: @Kelsey_89

Erica lost 60 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Erica lost 60 pounds and is now Super Fit.  After a terrible ankle injury, she was told by a doctor that her ability to exercise would be hindered and that motivated her to get fit and healthy.  She is now inspiring others to do the same.  Here is what she share about how she lost the weight:

Erica Beachbody Before and After

My name is Erica Stepteau,  I’ve been married almost 11 years with no children. I currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I recently completed Masters Degree in Business Management & Leadership.

I was 150lbs for a very long time until I had a terrible ankle injury. This injury resulted in 5 screws and 1 plate. During recovery time I gained approximately 25lbs. I was in physical therapy for 6 months and it took me almost 8 months to walk again without any assistance. My Orthopedic Surgeon explained to me that I may not be able to participate in any strenuous activities for the rest of my life because how bad I the bones were broken in the ankle. That was my wakeup call! I don’t know what came over me, I went crazy and started to eat healthier and worked out like a mad woman!

My weight loss journey began June 2010 at 174 pounds. I returned for my 2 year checkup appointment 45 pounds lighter, ran a half marathon (13.1 miles), and completed multiple Beachbody fitness programs. I successfully achieved final weight goal of 114lbs in May 2012!

I have always been pretty active, but I had a lot of work to do to improve my eating habits. MyFitnessPal was a great tool for me at the beginning of my journey in tracking food I was consuming throughout the day. The first month of logging foods really shocked me. I didn’t know I consumed so much carbs and sugar. I started researching ideas on how to eat better without completely omitting things I love: cake/pizza/breads. For example, I make homemade pizzas loaded with veggies instead of meats, soda cakes topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. I had to tweak recipes and minimize portion sizes, but overall I didn’t take away too many items. In addition, planning was a key factor in my success; Every meal for the week was planned, documented and stored. I left no room for error or excuses to consume something that I knew wasn’t accounted for.

As I learned portion control and nutrition balance, I began to be less scrutinizing on planning meals. The biggest nutrition trick which help me turn my body into a fat-burning furnace was eating every 2hours totaling to 6 small meals a day. My body is still trained like this even while maintaining current weight; I never let my body get hungry.

Erica Fit4LifeThree tips I have for a person who is trying to reach the same goal:

1.Write down your goal and why you want to achieve it (Copy this and place on mirror, refrigerator, and desk at work)
2.Plan, Plan, Plan. Nutrition and Fitness-Leave very little room for error and excuses.
3.Find a support group or like-mined people to help inspire one another.

My weight loss journey allowed me to find my passion in helping others. Two years ago I created a Facebook Group page, Fit4Life, to help others achieve their health and fitness goals using some of the very same principles I’ve used in my journey. This group started off with 39 people and as of today there are 171 members apart of this group. I share daily tips, recipes, create workout videos, and facilitate monthly challenges. In addition, I am working towards being a certified Health Coach and Fitness Professional so that I can began a new career path in the Health and Wellness industry. I live, breathe, and think about nutrition and fitness. I am so glad I experienced that ankle injury because It allowed me to find myself in many ways. I didn’t know how ambitious I was until I lost the weight and also this path has allowed me to meet so many people so that I can help them achieve their goals as well!!!”

Instagram: @Fit4Life_Coaching

Temica lost 58 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Story: Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Temica lost 58 pounds and helped her husband to lose 120 pounds as well.  She found a weight loss plan that worked for her, embraced healthy eating and worked out!  I see you, Soror!  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Temica

“My name is Temica Gross and 15 months ago I weighed 248lbs. I now weigh 190lbs for a preset weigh loss of 58lbs. I’m 32 years old, wife and mother of 1 and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.”

What was my motivation?
“I have been heavy my entire life. I can’t ever remember being under 200lbs for longer than a few months. In Oct 2012 I ordered fast food for lunch while at work and as I was eating, the grease from my sandwich was dripping down my arm. It was a disgusting wake up call. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and instantly became embarrassed at my weight. I signed up for Weight Watchers within minutes and that was the beginning of my weight loss journey.’

How did you change your eating habits?
“My eating habits changed drastically. I began to prep my meals for the week ahead of time and incorporated “clean eating” for my entire family. I was now eating more fruits and vegetables with every meal and every snack instead of unhealthy options such as chips and chocolate. I also removed meat from my diet and consumed mostly fish and vegan protein. As a result, my husband also lost 120 pounds and our 2 year old son chooses dried cranberries and almonds over cookies!”

sgrhomeekWhat did your workout routine look like?
“Each morning I would workout for 30 minutes a day with a DVD (Insanity, Walk away the pounds, Zumba) and again for an additional 30 minutes when I came home from work. I was too shy to sign up for a gym membership so working at home was all I did in the beginning. After 6 months,I had lost close to 30 lbs and I thought I needed a new challenge and signed up for my first 5K! My only goal at the time was to NOT stop running and to NOT come in last place…. I crushed both!  I was so excited when I finished that I signed up for another the very next month!!”

What advice do I have for others?
“There is a plan out there for everyone. Do not get discouraged if one doesn’t work for you. Find what’s best for you and stick with it. But please remember, this is a lifetime commitment. Strive for long term goals and not a short/fast turnaround and you will succeed.  Best of luck to you all!!!”

Instagram: @BeatbyMeek

Temica before and after