Black Weight Loss Success

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weight loss story

Kimberly lost 137 with weight loss surgery

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Kimberly lost 137 pounds with Gastric Sleeve weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared with us about losing the pounds:

“I lost 137 pounds (126 of those pounds in 8 months).  I started out at 299 pounds.  My current weight is 162. At a height of  5’8”,  my goal weight was only 185 pounds.  I hope that my pics can be posted to inspire someone.

My motivation was to get healthy for my family, especially my four boys who are ages 11, 9, 7, 6 years old.  I had gastric sleeve surgery.  Now, I don’t drink any calories.  I also don’t eat rice, pasta, or bread.  For exercise, I work out three times a week and lift a little weights.  My advice to others is never give up on your goals.  Be positive and remember that it is a journey.  Some journeys takes time but as long as you are headed in the right direction that is what is important.”

Kimberly before and after Kimberly weight loss success story

Andrea lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Andrea lost 65 pounds.  This proud mom and nurse designed her own weight loss plan after doing her research and finding out what would work for her.  She hopes that her story encourages someone as many of the BWLW success stories have given her inspiration.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight:

Andrea weight loss success story

“I just want to be an inspiration to someone else, just like those who’s stories you have posted before! I will never forget scrolling on my Facebook timeline and seeing success stories from full figured women like myself.

After having two babies one year apart and coping with the stress of finishing nursing school, I decided I make a change in December of 2012 after graduation. I didn’t opt to follow a planned diet or workout by the book. I simply sat down and re-evaluated my habits.

I made a list of all the foods that were obviously bad for me. I was consuming 3 times the sugar recommended daily! I knew there was time for a change. To start my journey, I did a 10 day detox to flush my system from all parasites that slowed down digestion and my metabolism. After the flush, I began a “self made” diet that consisted of 64-90 oz of water a day, lots of fruits and vegetables, white meat only, baked everything and no sweets or soda. I didn’t have bread unless it was whole wheat, and ate nothing after 7pm. The key to weight loss is not starving yourself. So many of us think that not eating is what helps when it’s actually the eating the speeds the metabolism to burn more fat! So, I definitely took heed to consuming small frequent meals a day.

I didn’t begin working out right away, because I wanted to make sure my body was in good condition to handle the change. I hadn’t worked out for over 10 years since I played basketball in high school! However, when I did began to work out I started out with 2 miles a day at a local track and slowly progressed to adding a mile a week. After I reached my goal of 5 miles a day, I started spacing my day and doing walk/jogging every other day. I am not at my goal yet but working toward it daily but I am proud to say I am 65 pounds lighter then when I first began. It feels great!!

The key to losing weight is becoming familiar with your body and what works for you. Do your research and stay committed to working towards a better you! I came up with a phrase to remind myself daily that I’m 3D – I Don’t Diet, I Discipline. Hope my story can help someone else!!”

Instagram: @gr08one
Twitter: @thegr08one

Latrisce shares how she lost 24 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Latrisce.  She dropped 24 pounds in 5 months with simple, practical changes, like portion control!  This is more proof that practical changes work (fads don’t). Here is what she shared with us:

Latrisce before and after weight loss

“My name is Latrisce. I’ve lost 24 pounds since August 1, 2013. I achieved this by mealtime portion control. I have a small plate that’s about 7 inches and if the food doesn’t fit on it, then I don’t eat it. I also have cut back significantly on sweets which is a real weakness of mine. I also drink more water than Latrisce before and afterI use to but still not as much as I should (I’m working on that). It’s mental for me. If I am not hungry, I do not eat. I use to eat out of boredom or when I was offered food whether I was hungry or not. I refuse to do that now and I respectfully decline any offers of food if I am not hungry.

For exercise, I try to walk about a mile and a half 3 times a week . I also take the stairs when possible and park my car in a distant parking space when going to stores. I am very excited about my accomplishment and want to encourage others that they can do it as well. HAPPY NEW YEAR BWLW!!!!”

Tia lost 107 pounds

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Update Jan 2017: Three years later, Tia wrote in to share an update on losing 107 pounds. She has had some set backs, but she continues to stay focused and practice healthy habits.

Despite having minor set backs, I have still managed to keep my weight under 200 pounds. I’m determined to get back to where I was in 2013. Get motivated, stay focused and be inspired. I continue to limit heavy starches and fried foods. I make sure to drink at least 64oz of water per day. As for my meat options, I still only eat seafood. I also continue with 30 day cleanses, one to three times through out the year. Moderate exercise for 30 minutes to an hour, five days per week works for me.

I’ve learned that healthy living and weight loss is a mental process first. I believe you have be mentally prepared and positive in order to reach your goals.  I’m human and I know setbacks may happen. I’ve learned to be my own motivation. My dedication to health living and not giving up, inspiring others is what stands out. When entering into this journey, I would tell others to go in with a positive mindset.

Instagram @MsTia___

Tia update

Jan 2014 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tia lost 107 pounds.  She found a weight loss plan that worked for her and made the decision to totally clean up her eating habits.  She also embraced juicing and smoothies.  Here is her weight loss story:

“My weight loss journey began February 2012. I was carrying 249 pounds on a 5’1”, medium build body frame. I was uncomfortable and tired of not being able to wear what I wanted. I was also tired of heading to the plus size section and not finding anything I liked. I didn’t want to develop any diseases or health issues as a result of me being overweight. I had enough! I was determined to lose weight and get healthy.

I signed up for Weight Watchers. I did the program for a for about five months. I got off track here and there. When July came, I had a talk with myself. I had to tell myself, “If you want a change to happen, you have to make it happen. You have to stay focused on meeting the goals you desire. You have to stop playing around.” That’s exactly what I did!

My first decision was to stop eating junk food. My almighty down fall is snacks and candy. The next was to stop drinking alcohol, which I stopped for about two months. I was never a huge water drinker, but I made it my business to drink more each day. Now that’s all I drink when I get thirsty. I also cut back on pasta, potatoes, rice and breads. I also started doing moderate exercise 30-45 minutes a day five days a week at home with various workout DVDs and Wii games.

I stayed consistent and the results made me smile. I started to challenge myself month after month to meets certain goals. As the time went by, the journey became much easier for me. I now call it my lifestyle.

I was introduced to juicing/smoothies in the Winter of 2012. Juicing is a winner! I started to see the pounds come off even more. I stopped eating poultry and dairy products at the end of summer 2013. I opt for all of the healthy alternatives that are out there. I try to avoid frying foods, but when I do I use healthier cooking oils. I do still eat fish, so you would call myself a pescatarian.

I fell in love with healthy living. By doing all of this, I’ve lost a total if 107 pounds to date. Now, I just want to inspire everyone. I want to show them that staying consistent can get you results. My motto is get motivated, stay focused and be inspired! Follow me on Instagram for more before and after, inspiration, tips! #Beinspired

I was at my heaviest in this photo on the left at 255 pounds in December 2010.

Tia weight loss story

Candice lost 51 pounds

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Candice over came a lifetime of fighting obesity.  This proud mom and business woman is down 51 pounds from 307 pounds with clean eating and exercise.  Read her story and get inspired!

Candice before and after weight loss

“My name is Candice Edmund and I am a 40 year old female living in Houston, TX. Wow! Where do I start? First of all let me say thank you. You facebook page has been one of the main motivators for me to start this journey. You and the women on your page have impacted my life for the better and for that I say thank you. My weight has always been an issue. Through out my childhood and my adult life I have always been obese. Obesity is truly a demon that many of us deal with. It instilled a fear in me that prevented me from being the person that God has called me to be. Many nights I have gone to sleep with thoughts of what will happen to my children if I die of a heart attack in my sleep. Obesity paralyzes you and you live with a fear that only you and others that suffer from the same disease will only know. This summer, I went on a trip overseas. I had to ask for a seat belt extender and the flight was the most difficult and uncomfortable six hours of my life. I told myself on that plane when I got back home I would change…for good…for life. In July, I started working out at the gym 4 to 5 days a week and I started eating about 80% clean. This is amazing for me because I was a slave to food. I no longer am addicted to the sweets and pastries that once held me captive. Life can throw some curve balls your way and food has always been my way of dealing with those curve balls as they came…and believe me, many have come.

Thus far, my total weight loss is 51 pounds. My starting weight was 307 pounds. I have gained lots of muscle mass. Currently, I train 4 days a week with my trainer and I do cardio as well. Since July, I have completed in several 5K’s. Last week my trainer told me that a year from now he wants me to compete. He did not realize that when he said it I really took his statement to heart. This is now my long term goal. One day, I would indeed like to compete in lifting.

I still have a long ways to go in this journey. It is a daily battle and it is far from over. My short term weight loss goal is another 50 or so pounds and then I’ll set another goal, and then another goal to become the athletic person that I envision myself being. One day I will compete in weight lifting and one day I will accomplish my goal of zip lining over a waterfall in Brazil.

I thank God for you, your Facebook page, and the courageous women on your site.”

Check her out online: www.tealightfulparties.com

Candice before and after weight loss

 

Jessie lost 69 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Instagram Diva Jessie lost 69 pounds.  She posts her progress, workouts and photos of what she is eating on Instagram.  I love that because it can help keep you accountable and inspire others to do what you do.  Here is what she had to say about her weight loss transformation:

Jessie weight loss before and after

“I am a mother of three beautiful children, student and a newfound gym lover. I’d gotten to the point where I felt I could not lose weight because I had children. I ate whatever I wanted and didn’t work out at all after I had my kids. However, the reason I didn’t lose weight was because I found excuse after excuse not to do so. In May 2013, I was tired of being unhappy with myself so I began working out and eating clean. Since then, I’ve lost 69 pounds by just working out and eating clean.

I work out 5-6 times a week doing weightlifting and cardio. I never knew how much this would change my life. This has become a passion for me to help others find happiness through self love and taking care of their health. Obesity runs in my family, as well as diabetes. Now that I understand how important eating right and exercising is I have began to help my family and others by informing them of things to help them on a journey to better health. I started my journey at 244 pounds and I am currently 175 pounds! I’m not done yet!

This is not a quick fix it has become a lifestyle for me. To me its about so much more thank being skinny. It’s about being physically strong? Mental strong, lean and in overall good health. If I can do it with 3 kids, you can too! Just believe in yourself and keep in your mind that “Failure is not an option!”
Feel free to follow my journey on Instagram @creolebabii_fitness where I show you videos of some of my workouts, my meal preps, and pictures of my journey from start. Let’s motivate and support each other! We’ve got this!”

Jessie weight loss photos

 

Fabian lost 86 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Fabian.  She lost 86 pounds after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  She is an overcomer!! [MS is an issue that is dear to my heart because my father had it.]

“My name is Fabian B. Crawford and back in 2011 I was over 256 pounds at 5’3. I decided to lose weight when I received life changing news.  I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It was a dark time in my life where I was depressed and sick. I woke up early one morning and I decided it was time for a change.  I was overcomer with a firm belief in God, so this could not possibly be my life. I worked out three times a week by just walking at first and I even had to battle my own body in order to begin jogging. I replaced carbs with whole wheat products, fatty meats with lean meats, and sweets with natural sugars. I used Calorie Counter in order to keep track of my eating habits. Today I enjoy an 86 pound weight loss and I weigh currently 170 lbs and I’m continuing to lose weight.  It took a total of two years in order to lose the weight. I have continued to maintain my weight loss without gaining even one pound back. I never considered my changes a diet, but a lifestyle change. I started a blog in order to help others and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Just make small changes slowly until you make it to your goal weight.”

Check out Fabian’s blog urbanmschick.com

Fabian weight loss photos

Check out a day of meals from Mekagetfit

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Meka of Mekagetfit on Instagram prepared this great example of a day of meals. She says, “My sample of eating healthy.  All these foods were prepared and cooked by me. I just used my common sense and took off with it.”

sample day of meals diet

Meal1⃣ is breakfast oatmeal with strawberries.

Meal2⃣ is a snack of orange slices, rice cake, peanut butter and bananas.

Meal3⃣ is chicken avocado wrap. I used Josephs Oat bran lavish bread, mixed in some veggies.

Meal4⃣ Strawberry/Mango smoothie.

Meal5⃣ Grilled salmon with sweet potatoes (NO sugar added). I had a side salad too (not pictured).

Meal6⃣ My last snack of the day strawberries, vanilla granola and Greek yogurt!

Read Meka’s weight loss story.  She lost 59 pounds!

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

Terkeisa lost 60 pounds

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Terkeisa lost 60 pounds by cutting out junk food and soda.  She embraced healthy eating and consistent exercise. Here is her weight loss story:

Terkeisa before and after weight loss

“My name is Terkeisa Brown and I’m 32 years of age. I have battled with my weight for my entire life. I’m 4’11” and at my highest weight I was 230 pounds. I decided to start losing weight in September of 2012 by cutting out sodas and McDonald’s. I started walking at least a mile a day and drinking plenty water. By November of 2012, I had dropped 25 pounds. In December of 2012, I found out I was pregnant. During my pregnancy, I wanted everything I ate to be healthy. I didn’t want to get back on the wrong track.  I had my third son on August 4,2013 and a week later I was back to walking two to three miles a day and making sure not to eat any processed foods or soda. I also ate plenty of fish and chicken.  I love the George Foreman grill so I grill everything. By my 6 week check up, I was down to 187 pounds and after that I started going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week. I started off doing nothing but cardio at the gym. Now I go 3 to 4 days a week and I still do a lot of cardio but I’m also lifting weights now, trying to tone my arms, thighs and legs. My current weight is 170 pounds.  Before and After photo: In the first pic I was 230 pounds.  In the second I was 205 pounds and the last is at my current weight of 170 pounds.

My advice to all my beautiful black women that are trying to lose weight is to start off slow and make sure that you’re mentally ready. You may fall off the wagon but you can get right back on. Make lifestyle changes! Start by taking things out of your diet that are bad for you, like fried foods, sweets and soda. Try challenging yourself to see how long you can stay on the treadmill or how many miles you can walk. Most importantly do it for you and love yourself ladies. I’m on Facebook: Terkeisa Brown and Instagram: @hellonheels81 if anyone wants to contact me!”