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weight loss motivation

Juanitta lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Juanitta lost 45 pounds.  She used on of my favorite web and mobile app tools to track her eating and calorie intake and it made the difference.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss victory:

Juanitta weight loss success story

“At the start of my journey, I weighed in at 205 pounds.  Currently, I am 160 pounds. I lost a total of 45 pounds using My Fitness Pal (it’s a website and app that helps you stay on track with your eating and goals) and watching my calorie intake.

What was my motivation? I always struggled with my weight. One day, I saw my picture and realized how much weight I’d gained.  I started using fitness pal in May of 2013.  It took me 7 months to loose the first 40 pounds.  I also dropped down 4 pants sizes.  I did this by watching my calorie intake and not exceeding 2000 calories a day.  For exercise, I  did a little bit of walking here and there.  The other thing that helped was that I stopped drinking regular pop and tried diet.  I had to cut down on restaurant food too.  My biggest support during this process was My Fitness Pal.  It works wonders and I was amazed how many calories I was exceeding in a day once I started tracking my food with it. My advice to others is to be patient and stay motivated.”

Candince lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Candince lost 75 pounds.  She was at risk of being obese and suffering health problems related to weight so she made the decision to invest in her health.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I just wanted to share my story. My journey started back in 2012. After being told by my physician that I was obese, as well as in danger of diabetes and high blood pressure, I knew I needed to stop wishing for a healthier me and start working for it. It was a wakeup call at 238 pounds (size 18). I couldn’t fit anything in my closet and was in the worst shape.

I lost 75 pounds in less than a year by exercising 6 times a week.  I also hired a personal training for strength training 2 times a week. I used working out as a way to combat stress and made it a priority. Not even work prevented me from exercising because jobs come and go but I only have ONE ME!! I threw out all processed foods and learned to eat clean! Once I quit making excuses for myself the change happened. Best decision I could have ever made. At 163 pounds my body thanks me everyday!

My advice would be to throw away the scale, surround yourself with positive people who help keep you encouraged and understand that losing even one pound is a HUGE milestone!!”

Candince weight loss photos

Tyler lost 72 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Sigma Gamma Rho soror and Media Diva Tyler lost 72 pounds.  Her story shows that you can lose weight gradually over time and change your relationship with food. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Name: Tyler
Age: 25
City: Charlotte
Occupation: Writer / News Producer
Starting Weight: 250 pounds
Current Weight: 178 pounds
Method: Low cal diet combined with different workout routines.

Motivation: “I’ve always struggled with weight and self-esteem issues. I guess you can say that food and I have a tumultuous relationship. Anytime I was unhappy or in a celebratory mood, eating would be the supplement to the occasion. By college, I used unhealthy methods of losing weight such as starving myself which led to binge eating. Overtime, this caught up with me. I found myself sweating while trying on clothes in the dressing room and getting out of breath when walking short distances. On New Year’s Eve of 2010, I weighed myself and became disgusted at the fact that I tipped the scales at 250 pounds. My goal was to lose 50 in the following year. I cut out carbs, sweets and late night binge eating. Fast food drive-ins were also a thing of the past. Eating healthier along with Zumba, Pole Fitness and Boot Camp classes led to the weight falling off. The key message here, was that I did it gradually over time while gaining a smarter outlook on food. Take your time. By the time I got down to 200 pounds in 2012, I turned the weight loss journey into a lifestyle change. I am now more conscious of what I eat but I can also enjoy food, guilt free. Instead of rewarding myself with junk, I now purchase new, slim fitting clothes. Shopping is a whole different issue. “

Tyler weight loss journey

Ari lost 37 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Ari lost 37 pounds.  I love her story because she talks about how weight loss is more than eating and exercise.  It’s about looking within, reflecting on the past, dealing with your emotions and deciding who you want to be & why you want to change.

Ari
22
New Orleans
Artist (Poet/Singer/Photographer)/Student
Starting weight: 235 pounds
Current Weight: 198 pounds
Height: 4’11”
Started:Mid October
Method: Atkins (Low Carb) at first, then portion control and working out.

“Motivation: I have struggled with weight my entire life. Since I was a child, I was always considered the “fat one”. Verbal abuse by ex-boyfriends and others close to me was so common I accepted it as normal. 235 pounds was my peak weight. At 4’11”, I couldn’t walk up stairs or across campus without feeling like I’d just ran a quick mile. Although I pretended to be jovial around my peers, I was depressed beyond measure. One day on Facebook, I noticed a family member of mine had lost a tremendous amount of weight. I asked her how she did it. She said, and I quote ” I started with soul searching. Who I was, how I got here, unresolved issues, etc…then eating habits, then exercise. Everything begins within.” That began a year long journey to confront my fears, insecurities, and let go of everything negative I was holding on to. I essentially had to learn to really love myself. That led to me making a return to my passions; spoken word and music. After I learned to love myself with the weight on, I decided to take it off. I tried in the past, but it never stuck because I was doing it for everyone but me. I knew when I began this time would be different. Since starting my journey, I’ve changed completely! Confidence is through the roof, my art has gotten more personal, and I now love myself enough to not take ANY bullshit off a man (excuse my french). My advice to anyone who wants to lose FOR REAL: Love yourself. Everything begins within. Confront your demons and find out the real reason behind your weight. ”

Ari weight loss story

Vee lost 58 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Vee.  She lost 58 pounds and created a weight loss plan that works for her which includes clean eating and food prep.  Here is what she shared about her lifestyle change:

Vee before and after

“Hi My Name is Vee and this is MY Life Change!”

What was your motivation? “I completely was tired of being fat. I couldn’t walk stairs and I wanted to be able to everyday things that my weight was hindering me from doing.”

How did you change your eating habits? “I started by fasting for 3 weeks (I ate only RAW fruit and veggies), now I eat extremely clean. No processed foods and small portions. I pack my food for when I’m away from the house and now I go by this motto called “Eat Inside The bag” So, I don’t eat anything outside of my lunch bag to make sure I stay on track. No Sugars, Carbs, or Late night snacking. I also do a weekly food prep to help me throughout the week.”

What did your workout routines look like? “I started by walking. Then, I joined a local boot camp class, and I also have a personal trainer. However, to help me reach my ultimate goals, I work out on my own at 5am in the morning and I then train in the evenings. I try to not take more than 2 days off from my exercise regimen.”

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? “I started at 315 pounds and I’m currently at 257 pounds.”

How long did your transformation take? “It took me 1 year. (I’m not finished)”

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight? “You are doing well no matter where you are on your journey. Don’t count the pounds, count your progress. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else Standards. And there is NO SUCH THING as you are not doing something hard enough. You will see progress at your own rate! And yes you will “Show” them, just like I did.”

Updated: Dee Dee lost 100 pounds

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dee dee muscle gainUpdate from Dee Dee – May 2015: “I want to first thank you for the motivation in doing an article on me in 2013. As of 2015, I have gone even further!! I am now in training for body building and I’ve lost a total weight of 100 lbs [and gained muscle]. I am 146 pounds of lean muscle. I have done a radio appearance on Love 860 here in Atlanta. I was invited by DJ Rollem Townsend to talk about my journey and clean eating. I also have formed two groups with over 180 people in both groups on Facebook called Get Fit and Fine and Supreme Living Nutritional Consulting. In Get Fit and Fine, I have free, two week clean eating and fitness challenges. I give a gift to the winner that posts the most of their daily food intake. I have given away healthy books, gift cards, and weight training equipment. I also have been asked by my trainer, Curtis Hayes of Supreme Fitness, to assist with his Fitness Challenges at Phoenix 2 Park where we workout with the people of the city of Atlanta. I cannot thank you enough for supporting me. Thank you again!!”  Instagram: @denitrice2

DeeDee weight loss

12/17/13 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Dee Dee lost 78 pounds.  She was inspired my her loved ones and changed her lifestyle after dealing with divorce and high blood pressure.  She is now into running, is studying to be a personal trainer and wants to help others. Here is what she shared with us:

“As of May 2011, I decided to change my life into a healthier lifestyle. At the time, my weight was 210 pounds. As of December 2013, I weigh 132 pounds (mostly muscle) which means a total weight loss of 78 pounds. I knew with a background of dance for 15 years and marching in the historic collegiate band at Alabama A&M University, there was no excuse for being overweight. My mother who was diagnosed in 2007 with Breast Cancer and my uncle was diagnosed with brain damage (has seizures at any time) and their doctors challenge them to workout at least 3-4 days a week. They have surely kept their end of the deal and workout faithfully. They have continued to be a motivation to me since I moved in with them for six months after my divorce and when I was struggling with high blood pressure (192/98).

I changed my eating habits by taking out sugar, fried foods and whites (rice, bread, etc.) I now love juicing veggies and fruits every day and only eat meals on a small salad size plate. My workout routines started off aggressive with walking and step aerobics 5 days a week and sometimes twice a day. Now, I have narrowed it down to 4-5 days a week once a day. I have included running, weight lifting, and working on completing my Personal Trainer Certification. I also teach Dance Cardio just like my favorite Fitness motivator Shaun T. (absolutely love him and his energy). I have also completed four 5ks. a 10k, and The Atlanta Peachtree Road Race. This year my goal is to run the Georgia Half Marathon in March of 2014 and complete more fitness certifications in Youth Fitness and Nutrition. My advice to others is you first have to want it and then you apply yourself. The weight will come off in no time and you will feel so much better.”

deedeemay15blog

Dee Dee before and after

Shykia lost 44 pounds

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Snovia sent in her twin sister Shykia’s weight loss story of losing 44 pounds this year.  I think it’s so wonderful to see this sisterly support and that they are in this together.  Here is what she shared:

“This is my twin sister Shykia. She has recent lost 45 pounds. I am so proud of her. On and off there’s been a struggle with her weight and she is finally kicking ass!

Her motivation was our mom. She is very sick with diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Shykia wanted to live healthier life. She changed her habits by eating clean. We both purchased a NutriBullet and she has cut out sugar and fried foods.

Her workout routines consisted of going to the gym daily since May of 2013  She’s been working out diligently since May. weight training and using the elliptical machine. Her starting weight was 293 pounds and she now weighs 249 pounds…and is still losing.

I think her advice to others would be that  weight loss isn’t a physical challenge. It’s more mental. Stay motivated and positive!”

Twin weight loss story

Tyneisha lost 41 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Instagram diva Tyneisha lost 41 pounds off of her 5 foot frame with Weight Watchers and by embracing regular exercise after years of yo-y0 dieting and trying different plans. Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Tyneisha weight loss

“Hello, my name is Tyneisha (Ty) and my instagram name is @tantalizing_ty. I am 24 years old and I’ve lost 41 pounds since Feb of this year. My motivation to lose weight for good this time came from seeing my family members struggle with their health because of their weight. All of my grandparents and several aunts and uncles had or have diabetes and take blood pressure medication. Both of my parents have also had weight loss surgery within the past few years and have been trying to change their lifestyle for the better.

I changed my eating habits by joining Weight Watchers. I track my points, drink my 90 to 120 ozs of water a day and try to limit my carbs. I typically workout 4 to 5 days a week taking classes like Step Abs, Zumba and Kickboxing. My starting weight was 238 pounds and currently I am 197 pounds. My transformation has taken about 11 months and I am hardly finished yet.

My advice for others is to never give up, take a deep breath and keep pushing love. This is my third time on Weight Watchers and have yoyo dieted for the last 6 years. This time however I was determined that nothing was going to stop me and that this would be a lifestyle change. I also would advise others to be patient. Everyone’s body is different and therefore so will their weight loss journey.”

 

Don’t Eat That! – Motivational Wristband

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Currently out of stock

Don’t Eat That! Wristband – Wear it as a constant reminder to stay on track with your healthy eating and wellness goals!  Just $3.50 each (includes shipping and handling).  The band is embossed with the words “Don’t Eat That!”. ~Get Yours Today~

don't eat that wrist

Betty lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss journey: Betty lost 54 pounds.  This proud mom was inspired by ladies she followed on Instagram and she wanted to set a good example for her daughters.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss transformation:

Betty weight loss photos

“January 7th, 2013 was the birth of “A New Bee Jay!” Following three ladies on Instagram originally because of my love for Natural Hair is honestly what motivated me to start my journey. I’m down 54 pounds with NO: crack, wraps, shakes, pills, or shots…and I’ve never joined a gym!  Clean eating is how I lost the weight. I’ve never had a gym membership. I started with walking, TurboJam, TurboFire, and I’m currently completing TapOut Xt. This life is an obsession. I’m setting a good example for my two daughters. I feel healthier. I’m loving the extra confidence it has given me. And I’m not even done yet. I’m so excited to see what the Fit Future holds for me!”

Instagram: @pearlilacbear

Betty weight loss story