Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jasmaine lost 51 pounds. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, she decided it was time to kick the soda habit, eat healthy and work out regularly. Check out her story below: 
“A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I weighed 240lbs. At that time, I lived on Pepsi cola. I had to change my lifestyle and eating habits. My family made accommodations for me that year at Thanksgiving by making my Sweet Potato Pie with Splenda (gross). At that moment, I wanted to get off the medication that my doctor prescribed for me. I gave up drinking 2-liters of Pepsi a day and changed my eating habits some…LOL. Got my membership to Planet Fitness and worked out 2 hours a day for 3 months. Then I stopped and at the time I weighed 245 lbs. That was this past Spring. Then I took ill and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. As I recovered I took eating healthy more serious. I began walking 5 days a week for 1.5 miles. This helped me out tremendously. Today I weigh 194 pounds. I haven’t weighed anything under 200 lbs in over 10 years. This weight loss journey took me 13 months including the breaks. If you are looking to be successful with weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, you have to stick with it and keep supportive people around you. Do it the healthy way. Make sure you go to the doctor on a regular basis and encourage yourself.” Instagram: @jasmaineshort
weight loss story
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Marquita lost 110 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Marquita lost 110 pounds. She lost the weight with simple, straight forward lifestyle changes. Read her story to learn more:
“Hi Everyone, My name is Marquita I’m new to this page. I just wanted to share my weight loss story with the world. It was a hard journey for me. It has been over a year that I’ve been at this, but I had a lot of motivation through out this transition. Now, I’m working on toning it up. These are some of the things I did;
- I did lots of cardio and other exercises
- drank lots of water
- changed my eating habits by eating smaller portions of food
- I don’t eat after 8pm,
- I detoxed with fresh lemons, limes & mint leaf
All this happen over the course of a year. My starting weight was 335 pounds and I’m now weighting in at 225 pounds. I wanna shout out a few people that motivated me; Jerry Newman, Bryant Notree, Iesha Smith, Steve Robe, Tiffany Mcgerw and Mz. Moody Johnson. There is one more person (she never knew I followed her threw her sister’s page)… Quianka Johnson. Thank u guys”
Updated Photo – June 2014 – “Just wanted to let u guys know my toning is coming alone great & don’t give up on whatever it is your trying to do keep going.”
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lauren lost 78 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Lauren lost 78 pounds. I was very inspired by her story of battling obesity since childhood and finding victory over the last 5 years. Her journey shows that you can overcome years of yo-yo dieting and bad eating habits. Read her story below to find out how she did it:
“My battle really started 20 years ago when I was nine. The growth plate in my hip started slipping due to my weight. I had to have three different surgeries involving pins in my hip so I could support the weight. For every surgery, I spent three months in traction. This led to me being 200 lbs by the time I was 12 years old. I went through my teen years and the first part of college steadily gaining weight. I also didn’t help matters by constantly eating out and then NOT working out. Yes, I was the girl who “didn’t want to sweat her hair out.” (Yuck. So glad I’ve changed my thinking on that!) I finally got tired of being the girl who sat by and watched her friends try on dress after dress while I was stuck to either Lane Bryant, Torrid, or men’s clothing. I dabbled in “quick fix” diets and struggled with my eating (from either binge eating or not eating). I would lose 20 lbs in three months just to be smacked with 40 lbs later because I wasn’t consistent with my habits.
At my biggest, I was a size 22 and weighed 242 pounds. I began a lifestyle change at 26 years old after marathon watching “The Biggest Loser.” After quickly telling myself not to expect the results the contestants got by working out with trainers like Jillian Michaels because I had a full time job as a High School Teacher. I couldn’t commit to the level of workouts they did on the show. However, I phased out beef, replaced chicken with Morningstar Farms entrees, and learned how to cook different types of fish. I made it a point to eat at least three meals a day, because before my change, I was a habitual breakfast-skipper. I replaced soda with water with fruit slices. I also learned how to control the size of my portions. In Texas, “portion control” is a foreign phrase to us, lol. I worked out with Jillian Michaels DVDs and took up boxing. My favorite workout was when I found bikram yoga. Not only did it challenge my body, but it helped manage my stress. When I met my current boyfriend, he taught me how to ride a bicycle. That’s helped the most. I started walking a little each day and eventually worked my way up to jogging. I’ve done three 5Ks, but I don’t consider myself a true runner.
Currently, I weigh 164 pounds. I’m around a size 8/10 in clothing today. My transformation has taken five years, but that’s because I wasn’t consistent. That’s the biggest piece of advice I can give to any woman who’s starting (or continuing) her journey: BE CONSISTENT. Also, don’t beat yourself if you fall off. My ultimate goal is to be 100 lbs. lighter–142 lbs. by January 20, 2015. I can’t think of a better 30th birthday gift to myself.”
Instagram: @aRHOnamedLo
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shaun lost 35 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shaun lost 35 pounds. This petite diva got a wake up call at the doctor’s office and decided to start making slow changes to lose the pounds. Read her story and find out how she did it.
“I knew I had gained weight, but I was in such denial. I avoided the scale so I had no clue as to how much I had gained. I had a doctor’s appointment one day and when I got on the scale, it read 188 pounds. I knew that was too much for my 5’2″ frame. I immediately stopped drinking soda and began to power walk regularly. I started slow with my diet changes, picking one day out of the week to have a small treat and the rest of the week being very careful about what I ate. I would choose baked food over fried and I worked out in the gym at least 3 times a week. After about 10 months, I began strength training. When I work out I do 30 minutes of cardio (treadmill), and then I muscle train on my arms, I’m lifting 3 reps of ten with 15-20 lb free weights on alternate days. I do my legs, 4 sets of 10 squats either using body weight or free weights & lunges. I also do dead lifts, but not very often. I mainly try to get my cardio in even if I don’t have for much more to give.
My current weight is 153 pounds and I’ve been maintaining it for about 2 years now. Losing 35 pounds was a huge accomplishment. When you gain weight, everybody notices, when you lose weight, they say you’re too skinny. Do what works best for you and don’t let people discourage you!”
May is Lupus Awareness Month: Athar’s Journey
May is Lupus Awareness month. We want to promote awareness of the disease because is affects the African-American community disproportionately. “African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. African-American women tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms than white women. [source]” Athar was diagnosed with Lupus and still lost 150 pounds and fought for her health. She sent in an update this month (updated photos below):
“Hi, You featured my journey back in February. I was hoping you could feature it again in May being that it is Lupus Awareness Month. I’d like to give a personal message to anyone battling this debilitating disease.
God doesn’t give us anything that we cannot handle. We are strong and through faith we can accomplish anything. My advice to anyone fighting lupus who want to loose weight is to get healthy first. Physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy. Learn that maybe you CAN walk to the corner today, but maybe not tomorrow. It’s ok. Because if you don’t give up, that short walk will turn into 5 miles in six months or maybe even a year.
May is about Lupus Awareness. Talk to your doctor’s and challenge them to help you get to a place in your treatment which will allow for low to moderate exercise. I’m still showing that it can be done.”
Read Athar’s weight loss story.
Check out this article: What is Lupus: The Basics
Success Story: Valerie lost 20 pounds
Let’s show some BWLW love to Valerie. She lost 20 pounds. She was inspired to change her lifestyle after back surgery. During a doctor’s visit she was moved by what she saw on the scale (so many of us can relate to that wake up call). She shared her before and after photos and her story with us:
“My journey to healthy eating and weight loss occurred when I had to go for a minor surgery on my back. When I stepped on the scale during a related visit, I realized that I was out of control with my eating habits. My motivation was to, in the long run, be in control of my eating and still be fit enough to enjoy with my children. I began to change my eating habits by eliminating junk food, eating salads for lunch and dinner and having cereal for breakfast. I also ate more fruits & vegetables. My workout routine consisted of walking for an hour each day in the park. On days when I did not walk, I worked out in the park with a personal trainer, and it was intense! I also worked out in the mornings on my Ab Lounge. My starting weight was 172 lbs. My current weight is now 152 lbs! My transformation took 4 to 5 months. My advice for others is to think long range when it comes to your health. Think about how you want to be in your latter years, and take baby steps to eating right and working out. It can be done! Just start it and try your best to stick to reaching healthy eating and weight loss goals.”
Nosayaba lost more than 110 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Blogger Nosayaba lost more than 110 pounds. At 360 pounds she decided that it was time for a lifestyle change. She embraced exercise and found low carb eating works for her. Read her story below:
Hi my name is Nosayaba, and I would love to share my weight loss journey with you and the world. I have lost over 110 pounds through diet and exercise. I tried so many diets, pills and weight loss regimes which were always temporary. Running from one quick fix to another and always ending up right where I started. I decided in May 2013 to take absolute charge of my life and health as a whole.
I went on the Cambridge Weight Plan weight loss program to kick start my new lifestyle. At over 360 pounds, movement was very limited for me. I started slowly by walking on the threadmill for 30 minutess a day and taking aerobic classes.
By October, I had lost over 66 pounds and decided to dedicate myself to living a totally healthy lifestyle because I realized that this journey is not short term. It is a total overhaul and absolute lifestyle change. As of today, I have lost a total of over 110 pounds and still have another 70 to loose to get to my goal. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments and I won’t stop.
I workout 5-6 times a week and I cut out most carbs (Rice Bread,Pasta) from my diet. I eat mainly protein meals (Fish, Chicken and Mats all types) with loads and loads of fruits and vegetables.
My advice to anyone who is trying to loose weight, is “Never give up.” It is very possible as long as you believe that you can do it. It is gonna be a long ride, but with consistency, dedication, discipline and hard work you will get there.
I have a blog where you can follow my journey: www.diaryofafoodiee.blogspot.com
My instagram is @nossybelle
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dawn lost 40 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dawn lost 40 pounds. She was inspired to lose weight and get health by the passing of her dear father. This 5’3″ petite diva embraced the low carb lifestyle and exercise. Read her story below to learn more:
“I started the Atkins Diet many times before, but never had this much success. I have lost 40 pounds…this diet works for me. My motivation was that my father died of cancer last April and I was on a mission to become healthy. I was 38 years old never did drugs a day in my life! My drug of choice was food. No smoking, no drinking. I could not understand why God would take the only person who ever loved me my whole life! My mother never raised me. She too had died years earlier from AIDS. She was a heroin addict.
I was on a mission. I started at my highest weight ever, 347 pounds at 5’3″ tall. I started working out every day. The first day was hell. I kept telling myself you can make it! I started out walking one mile a day for three days a week. My husband would walk with me every morning. Later, I started going to the gym and doing the treadmill.
Eating wise, I followed the Atkins plan. I just had meat, eggs, salad and vegetables. Every morning. I take omega fish oil 3,000 mg. I have 3 pills every morning and 1 multi vitamin. I also drink lots of water. I’ve been on this weight loss journey for 1 year as of this April 2014. I started gaining weight back to the tune of 15 pounds. It’s been two weeks to this date, 4/9/14, that started again with the plan and I’ve I lost 11 pounds. My goal is to lose 100 pounds. Thank you for reading!”
Brittany lost 42 pounds
Weight Loss Story: Brittany lost 42 pounds. This college student started and stopped her weight loss journey over the years, but she re-committed to losing the pounds in 2013. She created her own weight loss plan and was consistent. Read her story and find out what she did to achieve her goals:
Hello, my name is Brittany and I am 22 years old. When I started college in 2010, I floated between accepting my body but wanting to lose weight. I started going to the gym and tried to eat healthy, but instead I decided to sleep in and eat junk food. In 2011, I went to Macy’s to buy some jeans and I couldn’t fit anything. Without paying my jeans size any mind, I had gotten up to a size 17/19 but I barely could fit those size jeans. All I could do is cry. I brought a scale that day and weighed myself. The number I got shocked me, I was 228 pounds. I never thought I would see a number that high on the scale. I started working out again, eating right and got down to 211 pounds, but fell right back into the same stage of sleeping all the time and eating junk food all day. I ended up gaining all the weight back. So, in January 2012, I decided to restart again and convinced myself this would be the last time. I ended up quitting in November 2012 after I had reached 198 pounds.
I realized it was time to stop blaming others and accept that I was the reason that I kept failing. I restarted back at 228 pounds in September 2013 and now I’m down to 186 pounds. I have so much more energy in me. I went from a size 17/19 to where I am at now, which is a size 13/14. I’m so proud of myself and I feel that accepting my faults and keeping myself on track has helped me out so much. I track my food and exercises with My Fitness Pal and I plan eating better and exercising into my school and work schedule. I typically workout 3 to 5 days a week and that involves cardio and weight training. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy but this is my life. I was tired of living with excuses.
I’m not perfect and I have some bad days but one thing I will not do is deprive and restrict myself from the things I want to eat. Consistency is my key and I believe that moderation is my best friend and it keeps me sane. When you are ready to change, you will. You have to find what works for you! Stop looking at others for motivation and motivate yourself to do better.
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jamila lost 42 pounds
Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jamila lost 42 pounds. This mother of 3 from Oakland, CA realized that after 2 years she still hadn’t lost the baby weight from her last pregnancy. She got serious about exercise and changed her daily eating habits to reach her goals. Read her story below to find out what steps she took to transform her body:
“Greetings! My name is Jamila and I am a 32 year old mother of three from Oakland, CA. I would like to submit my weight loss story to the page because there is a huge problem with obesity here in Oakland. I am so happy so see more and more Black women out here making changes for a healthier lifestyle. I was motivated to lose weight after giving birth to my last baby, whom weighed 11 pounds! After 2 years, I still could not lose the weight and finally I decided that enough was enough. Due to finances. I could only work out with a trainer two days a week. I recorded these workouts on my phone to help me remember the techniques and exercises. I also supplemented with kickboxing and yoga. I recently began with another trainer who introduced me to heavier lifting as well as interval sprints, which help so much. I alternate between heavy and light arm leg and core days. I also do lots of jumping rope, which has helped my endurance for the sprints.
My diet changed in many ways. I cut out all breads and processed foods and stuck to only oatmeal, fruit, egg whites, turkey patties, brown and black rice, wild fish, and any vegetables I wanted. If I had to have a ‘cheat’ ,meal, I made sure it only was a serving size of my daughters toddler bowls. I also drank my weight in ounces of water daily and green tea, which helped with my stubborn belly fat. My starting weight was 220 pounds and my current weight is 178 pounds. Each picture was taken 3 months apart over a nine month period.
My advice to others is to take charge today! Don’t wait another moment to get healthy. There are so many sistas battling food addictions and weight struggles and it is killing so many of us. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and as long as you have the support and are willing, Anything is possible! If you can think it, you can do it. Hopefully my story can be used as a testimony to show that Black women are strong and resilient and can overcome and achieve anything. I see it everyday with the women featured on this page.”
