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weight loss story

Sunshine Joi lost 102 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Video Blogger Sunshine Joi lost 102 pounds.

“102 pounds down and still losing!  ONE DAY AT A TIME, ONE POUND AT A TIME!  I first started drinking more water, and cutting out sugary drinks like juice and soda. Then I added healthier alternatives to my meals slowly.  Salad for french fries, turkey instead of beef or pork, and finally became a pesco-vegetarian October of last year. When it came to exercise, I approached it slowly as well. 10 minute walks lead to a membership at Curves gym.  Once my membership ended, I grew on to home workout systems, starting with The Walk Away the Pounds Series, 30 day Shred, and have done 1.5 rounds of P90x. I am currently doing the Couch to 5k running program, and video blogging my journey . I have changed my life slowly, one day at a time, and will continue to lose one pound at a time until I hit my goal weight. I believe a lifestyle change, is what I have gained, and it has far surpassed my weight loss dreams.”

sunshine's weight loss story

April lost 92 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to April who has lost 92 pounds while fighting diabetes and low self esteem.  She began her journey with the simple step or going walking.

“HEY!! My name is April. MY JOURNEY started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I have always been overweight as long as I can remember. I never really took my weight seriously.  Even after I was told that I was diabetic i still didn’t take it seriously. I DIDNT FEEL SICK!! So, I continued to eat like I wanted and i just popped a pill everyday. It went from 500mg a day, to 1000 mg a day, to 2000 mg a day.  I still didn’t take it seriously, even though my doctor was begging me to lose weight. I pretended everything was ok and I was happy despite my hurting back, aching legs, and fatigue. I could barely walk through Walmart without giving out of breath.

Every time I looked in a mirror I hated what I saw and I was slipping into a depression. I would cry, pray and ask God to please help me cause I hated myself. My turning point was when one of my girlfriends asked me to go to a all you can eat pizza buffet. After we left I felt so full and disgusting. I had this burning desire though to go walking, something I never wanted to do. So I turned to her and said “Let’s go walking!” Did I mention she was overweight too?  She immediately turned me down. She dropped me off at my house and as I sat there the desire to walk grew stronger and stronger. I looked over at a treadmill I had sitting in the corner of the room; which had been decoration in my house for years, and decided “I didnt need anyone to walk with me. I WILL DO IT MYSELF!!” That’s exactly what I did. At first I couldn’t do but 10 mins a day and I thought I was dying. For some reason I kept going. I workout everyday and I changed my eating habits.  Although I have fell off from time to time I am still happy with my progress! Today I am 92 lbs slimmer and I am happy about it. Although I still have about 60 more pounds to go, I thank God for my progress cause I know he is the one that put me on that treadmill to save my life, cause I was dying. Some people jump off buildings, some people put a gun to their heads, and we consider those people crazy for harming themselves, but through food I was playing rushing roulette with my life.”

April weight loss

Tameka lost 95 pounds

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Tameka lost 95 pounds going from 339 pounds to 224 pounds.  She has the help of a dedicated personal trainer, changed her eating habits and as a result of her efforts she has run 5 races.

“Hello my name is Tameka. I started my weight loss journey in November 2010. I participate in a very intense workout 5-6 times a week, plus running and eating healthy. I have been with my personal trainer Meoshia Smith-Bogins for 2 years. Since then, I’ve started my weight loss journey and I have lost a total of 95 pounds. My trainer runs a hardcore class that guarantees the results in the end. My highest weight was 339 pounds and I am now 244 pounds. Since starting I have also participated in 5 races with the Detroit Free Press Marathon being my biggest race. I completed the half marathon. I have 45 pounds to go and I am not stopping because I am determined and motivated. Stayed tuned as my goal weight is to be 199 pounds.

I increased my meals. I eat 5-6 times a day for example. I bake all of my meat and I don’t eat pork.  Breakfast: banana, turkey bacon, 2 boiled eggs & 16oz water. Snack: fruit salad. Lunch: baked chicken, veggies & 240z water. Snack: banana. Snack: fruit salad. Dinner: grilled ground chicken patties, grilled red and green peppers and 16oz soy light chocolate milk. I prepare my meals at home and only eat something fried once a month. I only eat sweets once a month if that. I eat like this everyday.”

tameka weight loss

 

Alexis lost 70 pounds

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Alexis lost 70 pounds by working out regularly and changing her eating habits.  She is a Turbo Fire fan and has a YouTube channel dedicated to her weight loss journey.  She is also getting fit for her wedding in May.  Congrats!!

“I started September 9th 2012 at 262 pounds and have lost 70lbs.  I cleared my mind on all knowledge about working out and dieting. I gave myself time to research other individual’s success on their journey. At that time I found DivaSlimsDown’s channel on Youtube. She inspired me to begin my journey and document every moment as well.  I thought to myself, if she can do it so can I. Im not going to lie, it was hard but I said a prayer before I started my weight loss journey for GOD to give me strength, wisdom, and determination….HE has never failed me.

I stopped eating fast food, sodas, candy, basically anything that you are conscious about. I eat more greens, like salads, fruits, etc. Juicing is also great. I prepare my meals before 6 pm and I drink a lot of water. If you want energy try vitamin b6 and vitamin b12 complex. Those work great.  As far as exercising goes, I am very athletic now. I hike, I do Turbo Fire and workout with ibox. With hiking alone, I burn 1500 calories in 1 hour. Turbo Fire burns 1200 calories on a average.  Workout and boxing is pretty good for you as well. I like workouts that work the entire body. I will be uploading new videos about my hiking and results as well on my youtube channel: Alexis GetsRight.

I feel so blessed, energized, and beautiful. I can run and jump and do things I was never able to because I was bigger. I can shop in regular stores now and run after my kids without running out breath and most of all burn over 1800 cal in a day! I am working hard to complete my goal of 100 lbs lost…40 lbs to go and I know I can do this! Oh yea I’m getting married May 26th! Gotta get in a dress and look beautiful like im supposed to. I thank GOD, because without HIM, i wouldn’t have it this far. I have so many supporters and that is what truly motivates me. I want to give back to them so I am doing a weight loss challenge with prizes and giveaways with my own money because I truly am grateful for all of the support.”

weight loss alexis

Candace lost 103 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Candace lost 103 pounds over the course of a year with the help of a personal trainer.  She was preparing to enter the U.S Army.  We applaud her and wish her health and safety.

“I lost 103 pounds to get accepted into the U.S. army. I’ve been eating right and exercising with the help of  my personal trainer, Vito Steel. I started in March of 2012. I leave for the army in 10 days (April 15).  I exercise at least 5 days a week. I lift weights with my personal trainer. I stay away from fried foods and take the skin of of meats.  I also avoid starch, sugars and bread. My diet consists of low carbs and high protein. I eat several small meals a day (every 3 hrs). Drink only water or crystal light.”

candace weight loss story army

Charin lost 48 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Charin lost 48 pounds.  She says, “It has been a TRUE STRUGGLE but I lost 48lbs thus far. Still working but I want to loose another 30 pounds. It is a Life Style Change.”

What is your weight loss motivation?

My knees buckled when I was walking from the weight. I started December 2011. I’m STILL motivated and I want to loose 30 pounds more.

What did you do in terms of eating habits and exercise?

I gave up soda, fried food and fattening snacks.I eat wheat bread instead of white and I try not to eat that too much bread in general. I drink water.  For exercise, I go to Zumba class two times per week. I brought a treadmill and I lift weights. I do 30 – 40 minutes on treadmill at a time. I found a “Stomach Crunching” exercise video on You Tube. My workouts at home are like 45 minutes per session, 3 times a week. I eat snacks but they are the 100 calorie snacks. I eat anything that is low in calories and I splurge once a week.

Charin's weight loss story

I hope this helps somebody. If I can do it, anybody can.

Update: Marsainah lost 64 pounds

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Two Years Later – 2016 Update – Marsainah lost 10 more pounds for a total lost of 64 pounds.

 At 22, I was told that I was pre-diabetic and that my weight was a big contributor. The doctor gave me two options; lose the weight or get on medication. Since diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer ran heavily in my family, I decided to take control of my life. The whole process took about 5 months of heavy dieting, discipline, exercising, and having the determination to “win” my life over. I’ve lost a total of 64 pounds. I worked out 7 days a week mainly, focusing on weightlifting! Weights are our friends! Now, I maintain my weight by working out 6 days a week, not eating pork and detoxing my body regularly. Currently, I’m weighing in at 160 pounds (height: 5’4″).

Marsainah before and after

Update Sept 2014: Marsainah sent in updated photos and she has been truly dedicated to her lifestyle change.  She’s lost another 10 lbs. All I can say is ABS!  She says, “Since last year I’ve lost 15% body fat by adding weight lifting to my workout routine. I’ve also lost 10 more pounds with a steady diet and a balance of my body’s needs.”

Marsainah before and after

Updated photo
Updated photo

April 2013: Marsainah lost 54 pounds with calorie restriction and exercise.  She was motivated to take action after being diagnosed pre-diabetic .  I asked her, “How did you lose the weight in terms of eating and exercise?” “Well, for the first month I went on a VERY STRICT reduced calorie diet (1000 calories).  I ate a lot of healthy salads, water, and yogurt. At 22, I was told that I was pre-diabetic and that my weight was a big contributor. Since diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer ran heavily in my family, I decided to take control of my life. The whole process took about 5 months of heavy dieting, discipline, and exercising. I lost a total of 54 pounds. I worked out 7 days a week mainly focusing on cardio. Now, I maintain my weight by working out 6 days a week, not eating red meat, and getting regular colonic cleanses.”

weight loss story

Nijah lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Nijah lost 50 pounds over 15 months, and says she did it without “dieting”.  She focused on creating a healthy lifestyle.  Here is what she has to say about her transformation.

“If anyone thinks that losing weight CAN’T be done without dieting, then look at ME!!!

On the left is me at my highest of 294.6 pounds. I was tired of carrying around all that baggage so I decided to give healthy eating a try AND stick with it. 15 months later, I am down 50 pounds and I intend to keep going. I eat real food and I am NOT on a diet. I am mindful though of what and how I eat. I have dessert but only once a week, and when it’s time to workout, I give it my all!!!

I’m very proud of my progress so far, and don’t intend to stop!!! (The right picture is me currently down 50lbs, weighing 244.6) Is it easy? NO, but anything worth having is worth fighting for!! I strive each day and I know that with each workout and healthy choice in eating, I am getting closer to my goal!!

I hope I have encouraged someone, as your page does!!! I’m thankful for this page and YES, I AM A BLACK WOMAN IS WHO IS LOSING WEIGHT! *POW*”

Nijah weight loss story

Update Nov 2013: Nijah wrote to us to let us know that she has maintained her weight loss.

“The left picture (below) was taken in June 2012. I remember looking in the mirror and feeling so disappointed at the fact that I had “let myself go”. I was almost 300 lbs and hated taking pictures!! I’m so thankful though that I took this one and didn’t delete because it’s a reminder of a place where I was and one in which I never want to return. I was overweight, young and depressed.

In doing some soul searching, I found out that my weight loss stemmed from low self-esteem and negative body image. From that day on, I made a vow to myself to love me and show it by taking control and holding myself accountable. I started cooking my own food (mostly baking) and limiting my salt and sugar intake. I still get to indulge but not as much or as often. I walk and also work out using the Just Dance games for the Wii, The Biggest Loser DVDs, and my ultimate favorite which is Hip Hop Abs with Shaun T!

I haven’t reached my goal weight yet, but I am proud to say that I have maintained my 50 pound weight loss! I am also empowered to say that I kicked that monster of low self-esteem in the BUTT!!!  So, my story is to be continued. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the journey and also encouraging people everywhere I go!”

Nijah weight loss photos

 

 

Keisha lost 90 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Keisha lost 90 pounds by changing her eating habits, following the Daniel Fast with her church, exercising regularly and going Vegan.  She gives God ALL the glory for her transformation.

From 1/11 to  3/29/13, I lost my 90 pounds by fasting, praying and hanging what I ate.  I also exercised. God is good!  My motivation was turning 40 years old! You hear all the time about how much harder it is to lose weight after that age and my father passed away at 40. He wasn’t very healthy. I made a commitment to myself that by the age of 40 I wanted to be under 200 pounds and I reached that goal 3 months after turning 40. I didn’t give up. It really is about Choices. Eat this not that.  Drink this not that. I started my own program 1/1/11 when my job did a biggest loser contest. I dropped 26 lbs in 3 months and WON! In January of 2012 my church did a Daniel Fast and I adopted that lifestyle for nearly a year.  I became vegan. I started exercising more, walking mostly. I drink about a gallon on water everyday. I count calories and I eat lots of fruits and veggies. No sodas, no alcohol, no processed white food – sugar, rice, bread, etc. I pray a lot and I fast often. To God Be The Glory!!

Keisha weight loss

Nia lost 106 pounds and kept it off for 7 years

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Nia who lost 106 pounds and has kept it off for seven years.

Starting weight: 237
Currently: 131

“I started off with about 20 minutes a day on the treadmill, walking. I could hardly breathe after 20 minutes, so that was my limit. After a while, I was able to do a “brisk walk” for 30 minutes.  After I got my “wind”, I was able to run for an hour (who knew)!!!

I drank A LOT of water, which not only hydrated me, but killed cravings during the day. I have to honestly say that I didn’t change much of what I ate, just the AMOUNT (portion control)! I still ate burgers and fried foods (and I still do), because I knew I would crave them eventually, and I didn’t want to shock my system.  It keeps me from overindulging when I do have these foods.

Thankfully, I now have better portion control, and by drinking water, and exercise, I’ve been able to keep it off for 7 years!”

nia weight loss