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weight loss story

Kylie lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Kylie lost 75 pounds. Her wake up call was seeing photos of herself and realizing that it was time to make a change.  How many of us have that same story, especially in the days of friends posting our photos from events to Facebook and Instagram.  When the truth stares back at you, it can make you wake up.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Kylie weight loss success story

“I started in 2012. It’s now 2014! It was not easy. However, every step was worth it. My highest weight was 265 pounds. I was the hostess at my best friend’s mom’s birthday party. A girlfriend of mine took a photo of me (1st picture, white sweater). All I could say was OMG! Who is that? Why didn’t anyone tell me how big I was? When did this happen to ME? So many questions with limited solutions. I looked at that photo at least 50 times, if not more. I was in shock! Before that party….I went to another party (2nd picture, black dress). Again, I looked at that picture and was upset with ME! TIME for a CHANGE! I cut out my sugar and bread intake (My weaknesses). I don’t eat fried food. I replaced all drinks with WATER. I invest in a treadmill and elliptical. I enjoyed and still do work out at home. No gym, Never-Ever.

My first 3 months I used phentermine (prescription diet medication) to assist with my uncontrollable appetite. I worked out at least 4 times a week. Which consist of walking/jogging/running/bicycling/Workout video and lots of veggies. Hand portions size meals. I also changed my bed time. REST is important and needed! Each month, I enroll in a challenge. The best thing I did for myself was getting active with my boys. They pushed me along the way as well. They are my biggest SUPPORTERS! Each day I am at it and I still have at least 20 to 30 more pounds to go. I pray that this helps someone alone the way. I currently wear 190 pounds. I’ve manage to lose 75 pounds.”

Sierra lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Sierra lost 68 pounds in one year and today is her weight loss anniversary!  She used the tried and true methods of healthy eating and exercise to lose the weight.  Here is her weight loss story:

sierra after photoSent in 2/3/14 – “My name is Sierra and I am 23 years old.  On Feb 4th 2013, I joined a local fitness boot camp in Cleveland, OH called Nulife Fitness Camp. I walked through those doors weighing 255.8 pounds. I had gotten to a point in my life that I was literally tired of being overweight. My back would hurt from just doing simple tasks, so I decided I will finally do something about it! I worked out three times a week at the fitness boot camp and then an additional three times outside the boot camp!  In terms of what kinds of exercise I was doing, I did cardio and weight training, in the beginning. I did cardio 4x week and weights two times a week.  Now, I do both cardio and weight training 4x a week

I kept a healthy meal plan.  I gave up white carbs, beef, pork and alcohol. Tomorrow will mark one year since I started my fitness journey.  I now weigh 187.8 pounds. I have lost a total of 68 pounds in year! This is only the beginning I refuse to ever let myself be overweight again. I hope my weight loss journey can inspire someone else just like others have inspired me.”
Instagram: @I_am_si

 

Sierra Weight Loss Story

Angela lost 98 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Angela lost 98.6 pounds.  After being told she was morbidly obese, this proud nurse made the decision to reach 40 years old as healthy and happy as possible.  Read her story and find out how she lost the weight:

Angela weight loss

Name: Angel
Age: 41
Starting weight: 280
Current weight: 181.4
Transformation time: 20 months and still Under Construction!

My journey started in April 2012. I was at my doctor’s office, tipped the scale at 280 pounds and was told that I was morbidly obese! I was 39 years old and did not want to go into my 40’s overweight. I decided right then that I needed to do something. My doctor offered weight loss pills and injections for me but as a Registered Nurse, I knew some of the negative side effects and preferred more natural means. The next thing I did was PRAY.  I sincerely asked God to help me.  He gave me the scripture 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that though may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.”  I asked Him to show me the plan that would work best for me.  The following week I joined Weight Watchers.  I committed to following the plan for 3 months (whether I lost a pound or not).  The plan helped me change my bad eating habits (fried foods, sweet tea and breads) into a balanced diet of fruit, veggies, whole grains, baked meats and WATER!  In those 3 months, I lost almost 20 lbs.  This inspired me to keep going.  In July 2012, I joined the local gym and began to walk just 30minutes, 3-5 days per week.  By the end of 2012, I had lost 50 lbs.  During 2013, I continued to follow the Weight Watchers plan on my own (I stopped going to regular meetings) and increased my walking to 60 minutes.  My weight on 12/31/13 was 181.4! And still losing…

This journey has been one of much prayer and perseverance. Although my journey is slower in pace, this pace has caused me to adopt a totally new lifestyle.  I no longer have emotional binges.  Under stress, I don’t eat pizza; I put in overtime at the gym.  I don’t just celebrate with cakes, pies and ice cream, I celebrate by purchasing a new, smaller outfit or jewelry.

When people ask me how my life is different after losing almost 100 lbs, I think of several things.  (1) I feel so much better!  It feels so good to do things like walking upstairs without getting winded. (2) Sometimes my patients ask if I am a new nurse (some don’t recognize me). (3) Sitting in a chair and not having to pray that it doesn’t break. (4) NO LONGER SHOPPING IN THE PLUS SIZE!  (5) One thing that I have not done in years is enjoying an amusement park and being able to fit on various rides…I plan to this summer.

My advice:  NEVER GIVE UP!  It’s a journey not a destination.  My journey so far has taken 20 months.  Yours might be shorter or longer, you may have ups & downs, losses & gains but if you fall down, get back up.  It’s not always easy but it sure is worth it!

Angela before and after Angela before photo Angela before after

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.”

Danna lost 83 pounds

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Danna shared with us some of the details of how she’s been able to lose 83 pounds.  Check it out.

Danna weight loss before after

What was your motivation?
“My 2 daughters are my motivation. I’m 35 years old and I want to be there for them.”

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
“I stopped drinking sodas.  I started eating healthy foods.  I don’t eat anything after 8pm!  It wasn’t easy but I started eating the most important meal of the day, breakfast! I also began choosing healthy snacks like fresh fruits and drinking plenty of water! I exercise twice a day, sometimes three times a day.”

What was your starting weight and what is your current weight?
“My starting weight was 254 pounds. I’m now 171 pounds. My goal is 165 pounds by Aug 2014.  Anyone can do this. Just stay focused and want the change! “

Melody lost 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Melody lost 55 pounds.  Her dressing room epiphany about her weight is something that SO many women are motivated by.  Sometimes it’s just the number on a scale or dress size that makes you wake up to where you really want to be health and weight wise.  All sizes are beautiful, but we also know when we need to make a change for US. Here is what she shared about how she lost the pounds:

“First, I feel so honored sharing my story with other women, especially Black Women who are losing weight. In January 2013, I was asked to be Matron of Honor for a wedding. The bride was bigger than me. Trying on dresses at David’s Bridal as a size 22 wasn’t that bad but watching someone at a size 32 struggle was my serious wakeup call. The next day, January 29th 2013, was the day I stopped drinking soda and sugary drinks.  I did research on the internet about eating healthy, how to exercise and realized water and walking were the 2 major ingredients to losing weight that would work for me. I made no excuses for myself.  No matter what situation I was in, my health came first. Don’t get me wrong, I was far from perfect but 55 pounds lost in one year is my best accomplishment. I still workout and it’s been one year of no soda. Here are my pics.”

melody before and after

Tameka lost 105 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tameka lost 105 pounds.  She was inspired by the memory of her mom and her brother who both passed after dealing with the affects of diabetes.  Here is what she share with us about how she was able to lose the pounds and get healthy:

Tameka weight loss storyHello! I want to thank you for bringing us together on one accord. I began my lifestyle change after losing my brother to kidney failure (after years of dialysis). A year ago today, I said goodbye to him on this side of Heaven. I also said goodbye to the stronghold of unhealthy living. He asked me to “be happy”, and I’m overjoyed after losing 105 pounds. I’ve done so by healthy eating, alone. I am on this journey, for as long as my forever shall be!  By faith, with determination!!

What was your motivation?
My motivation is to be healthy, happy and fit! My mother passed away at 49 years old (10 years ago), and my brother at 38 years old(7/2012). My mother and brother were on dialysis, and many of my family members have diabetes. I am just trying to live healthier. I promised my brother and myself that I will be healthier and happier.

How did you change your eating habits?
I had to cut it all out, in the beginning, no moderation. I knew this was the only way that I could get control over my eating. I cut out all fried foods, unhealthy snack foods (gummy candy, chips, cookies, ice cream), sodas and sugary drinks. I ate smaller portions and had  3 meals, 2 snacks (healthy) daily. I eat plenty vegetables and fruit, lean meats and whole grains.

What did your workout routines look like?
Okay, this is where I struggle. I didn’t workout in the beginning. My weight loss was through healthier eating. I began working out on my Wii Fit Plus, after about 6 months. I’m still trying to focus on fitness more. I wish that I would’ve done so, from the start.

What was your starting weight? 
My heaviest was 330 pounds in January 2012.
What is your current weight?
I am 225 pounds. It fluctuates between, 222-225 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
It took about 1 1/2 years.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
I advise you to choose JOY! It is essential that you recognize that this is a lifestyle change. You should set small goals, and educate yourself on what works for you. No two journeys will ever be the same. Please don’t measure your success by that of others. Eat clean and exercise. Just keep moving, and find what exercise is best to help you succeed. Keep this thought, JUST FOR TODAY! My best to you all! 

Tameka before and after

 

Tamsyn lost 26 pounds

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Show some BWLW love to Tamsyn.  This proud mom lost 26 pounds.  She has embraced running and is now a CrossFit lover. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey: 

“After having 2 kids and I had surgery on both knees when I was younger.  My knees gradually started hurting and I stopped working out. After seeing myself in a picture and having to shop for bigger clothes, I decided it was time to lose weight. I lost 26 pounds by eating right and starting CrossFit. I work in education, so I was able to start going to the gym twice a day. Not only did I lose weight but I was able to gain muscle and confidence. I ran in a 5k and recently I competed in a CrossFit competition. Through my 8 month journey, I continued to remind myself that I did not gain my weight in a day, week or month, so it was going to take time and determination to get it off. I am now in love with my CrossFit gym and hate missing a day working out there.

Before, my eating habits were overeating to the point that I was completely uncomfortable after I ate a meal. Now, I have learned to control my portions. Even if I want a burger, I will get a kids plate. I now leave satisfied instead of full. I now go to produce markets to get fresh vegetables and fruits for snacks instead of chips and juice. I have tried a number of foods that I disliked in the past and now enjoy them, such as kale and avocado. I can eat a sweet potato without all the sugar and marshmallows and use pure raw honey and cinnamon instead. However, as stated before the first step was controlling my portions.  I feel so much better about myself and refuse to go back to the old unhealthy me.”

Tamsyn weight loss

Tanieka lost 80 pounds

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smtanieka

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tanieka lost 80 pounds going from a size 24 to a size 8.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“I started my weight loss journey a year ago and have lost 80 pounds. I started realizing that my weight was just going to keep going up if I don’t do something soon about it. I was a single mom with three kids slowly going down hill and takin care of everybody else but myself. I logged on to a weight loss site called My fitness pal and figured I would give it a try. I met friends along the way who gave me wonderful advice.

I workout 5 days a week, and eat around 1500 to 1600 calories a day. A lot of my meals consist of chicken, fish, turkey and veggie meats, along with lots of fruits and vegetables.  I don’t eat a lot of carbs, pasta or breads. I do have a cheat day during the week which keeps my cravings at ease when I want something not so healthy to eat. Weight loss is not a race, is a Journey.  Slow and steady will get you there, it will give you the willpower to keep at it.

P.S..This photo was a year ago at my brothers wedding. I was a size 24 and now I am a size 8.  The dress looks like a trash bag on me now..LOL!!!”

Tanieka weight loss

 

Fonda lost 62 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Fonda lost 62 pounds.  Her daughter Jasmine sent in her weight loss journey to celebrate her mom’s victory.  I think it is awesome when family members send in the stories of their loved ones.

Jasmine before and after story

“Hello BWLW, my name is Jasmine and I’m a proud daughter of this wonderful woman pictured above, Fonda Sparkman. My mother started her journey in March 2013 & has lost a total of 62 pounds as of Jan 2014. I’ve watched this woman struggle up her apartment stairs and when getting out of cars to now  seeing her working out 7 days a week doing intense cardio and strength training. In the beginning she had considered weight loss surgery since she’s a diabetic and had some heart problems.  However, during the course of the prep stages for a possible surgery, she had lost so much weight on her own that the doctor didn’t even recommend her as a candidate. With a combination of Weight Watchers and exercise I’ve seen my mother transform. Some of her diabetic medicine has been reduced and her doctor has even referred her to a cardiologist with hopes of reducing her heart medication. She is a true inspiration for me to get my own health intact. I just wanted to share her story as a testament to the fact that with portion control, exercise and dedication, one’s health can truly be transformed!”

Fonda weight loss story