Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for weight loss success story

weight loss success story

Destiny lost 65 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story: Destiny lost 65 pounds. After a wake up call from her doctor, she was very motivated to avoid diabetes and potentially having to take insulin shots. She wrote to us to share her journey and let us know what actions she took to release the pounds.

destiny before and after

The moment that I decided to take control over my life was when my doctor told me in March of this year that I was at risk for diabetes. I was scared and all I knew was that I did not want to give myself shots, nor did I want to take medicine.

Now, I’m 5’2″ tall and weigh 257 pounds. I started out weighing 322 pounds. It took a total of 7 months for me to lose 65 pounds. Eventually, I want to lose 100 more. Then I will be at my goal of 157 pounds.

What did I do?: I made major changes with regard to what I eat. Now, I only eat fish, chicken, seafood and lots of veggies. I cut out a lot of sweets, pasta, rice, bread, and red meat. I work out 5 days a week for one hour.  In terms of exercises, I mainly do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training.

My best advice to anyone wanting to lose weight is to take baby steps and set realistic goals that can actually be accomplished.

destiny weight loss

Audrey lost 70 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Audrey lost 70 pounds.  This proud mom of three saw her health declining and was afraid of not being able to see her daughters thrive in the future.  She saw her cousin lose weight with an online coach and decided to try the program.  Now, she’s won a recent transformation contest held by her coach. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

audrey weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
I have three amazing daughters. As my weight continued to increase, my health continued to decline (high blood pressure, arthritis, bad knees, bad back). My daughter Jada joked that she would soon be pushing me in a wheelchair. I was terrified that I would not be around to see what wonderful things they would do very far into the future. Not to mention, I felt that I had so much more to offer in this world, yet was squandering my blessings. Also, I was inspired by seeing the outstanding progress my cousin Deborah Harvin had made in her own health journey (Deborah lost 113 pounds). That roused me from my self-induced coma.

How did you change your eating habits? What did you stop or start eating?
Thanks to my coach Wiltrina Jones, owner of I Use to Be U, I started eating six clean meals a day. I stopped eating a lot of fast food, restaurant food, processed food, and junk. I started eating a variety of easily accessible healthy and fresh foods.

What did your workout routines look like?
I did weight training and cardio. I attended boot camp for comradery and variety. I lifted free weights, worked out with a weight vest. I also did body weight exercises, like burpees, pushups, squats and lunges.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
When I first started losing weight in February 2014, I weighed 255 pounds. In September, that’s when I started with IUTBU and I weighed 239 pounds. Now I weigh at 185 pounds. My height is 5’ 8”.

How long did your transformation take?
I started trying to lose weight in February 2014. However, I didn’t get serious until September 2014. So, about 15 months, all together.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Take the time to value yourself. It is so easy to get caught up with work, home, family and everything else. I know that I focused on everything else to avoid dealing with me, my issues and my problems. Do it for you.

Farah lost 39 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Farah lost 39 pounds and lowered her body fat by 13%. Stress, eating on the job and post pregnancy weight gain led this mom of 3 to the point where she had to make a change.  She connected with the right coach and found a program that works for her.  Check out this interview about her weight loss journey…

farah before and after

NEARLY 40lbs DOWN and I FEEL FREE!
“How I feel now vs when I was my biggest……. “I feel free :)”. I feel much more confident and at peace with myself although not at MY ideal weight I feel comfortable in any given situation which would have previously left me insecure or uncomfortable.”

In just a few months she has…

– Reduced her Weight by 39lbs
– Cut 51 inches from various parts of her body
– Lowered her Body Fat by 13%
– Dropped her dress size from 16 to 10

THE INTERVIEW

What was your light bulb moment that made you decide to get your health in order and/or lose some weight? Did you think you were overweight?

None of my family members are overweight or obese and I have always been curvy, but never ever as large as I had gotten. Following the birth of my 3rd child, I gradually began to gain weight back that I had dropped after having him. That was 5 to 6 years ago. My position changed at work 4 years ago and that REALLY escalated my weight gain. The transiency in my job encouraged frequent stops at restaurants and fast food establishments and I saw the impact immediately.

Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight?

I knew I was overweight, and I HATED it, but I had very little success reducing my weight independently since my 3rd child. It took a few years for me to really get serious and become committed to losing the weight. My 35th birthday was a turning point. Although my goal was not to be “X” weight by my birthday I wanted to feel as though I was addressing my weight by that point so I began to look for options to help me in my journey.

How did you end up working w/ Body Refined? 

A college friend, Bonita (Featured on Black Women Losing Weight), referred me Body Refined and the experience has been excellent!

Most people are reluctant to get online coaching because they think it’s all about having a “trainer” to push them hard in the gym. Were you at all skeptical about getting help remotely (online coaching)?

Since Bonita had worked with the program and been successful, I felt fairly confident that if I followed the plan I would meet success. I was fearful/reluctant about what “following the program” meant. I did not want to eat something unrealistic or unsustainable. I was pleased that most of the foods were foods that I could eat and the foods I either never ate before or didn’t like, I eventually acquired a taste for. So, I basically “followed the program” and it worked.

How are your eating habits now versus before? Do you still eat out?
Well, now I am eating more frequently whereas before I would go an entire day without eating. At least without eating a meal. I would snack throughout the day or sometimes not at all. I would get something on the way home as I picked up the kids from after school activities. Working with Kurt, I learned how to prepare my meals for the day. I make sure to eat my breakfast before I leave the house and I try not to leave the house without ALL my meals for the day to include dinner, even on the weekends. I do this just so that I can be sure to eat on time. I never realized how much of a difference that could make on my body in terms of how I feel and of course how I look.
I don’t eat out as often as I did before. I never realized how “unhealthy” restaurant food is until Kurt explained it to me and I started to pay more attention to my body after I did eat out. It was not a good feeling. Especially after eating clean all week on the plan. If I do eat out, I am very conscious of what I order and it is real easy to see how much I should or shouldn’t be eating because with everything I have learned, I can just about visually determine the portion sizes that work for me.

Thus far in your journey, has it been difficult… challenging… or what would you call it?

This entire journey working with Kurt has been both enlightening and encouraging. Not difficult but just shocking the impact of what the foods you eat can have on your body’s digestion. I never really ate crazy but I wasn’t aware of any healthy alternatives so the journey has been enlightening.

During this process, what have you learned thus far?

Prioritizing and consumption has stood out to me throughout the process. Neither of which I would have previously felt had a huge impact on my weight loss. I thought I ate ok and I had the appropriate amount of calories to lose so why wasn’t the weight coming off.

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs other plans or programs you tried before?

I’ve found that any program can be successful if you stick to it. The difference with this program is that it’s sustainable. It truly is an adjustment in your lifestyle and as far as food. It’s just regular food that I buy at the grocery store. Kurt taught me more about how to eat for ME and how to shop vs. eating one specific thing.

What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

My family was supportive throughout the process although they continue to eat crazy. They are encouraged by my choices and at times experiment with my meal selections.

How would you describe and/or rate your experience vs what you have done in the past?

I think the largest difference for me is that I feel this is much more sustainable as long as I continue to execute the same philosophy and eat foods encouraged while on the program.

The difference in working with Kurt (Health Coach/Consultant) vs a trainer or even a nutritionist is that a traditional “trainer” is much more focused on the physical exercise aspect. Although Kurt stressed the importance of exercise, this experience focused more on what I was putting into my body and how I functioned throughout the day, sleep, water, etc… My whole lifestyle.

Would you recommend anyone to Body Refined? If so, what would be the deciding factor on your decision to refer someone to Body Refined?

My experience was excellent but I wouldn’t just refer just anyone. As long as they were serious about changing their lifestyle because it is not just about eating clean and exercising.

What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight/improve their health?

The advice is would give someone who wants lose weight/improve their health. It is not just as simple as 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. There is more to it than that – Call Kurt!

Farah’s trainer: Kurt Dixon, CPT HFS
facebook.com/bodyrefinedinc
Instagram: @bodyrefinedinc

Star lost 136 pounds with surgery

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of Day: Star lost 136 pounds with surgery.  After seeing her family ravaged by the effects of diabetes and dealing with the loss of her father, she decided that she had to change.  She opted for weight loss surgery.  Now she’s changed her lifestyle, her eating habits and is an avid runner.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

star before and after

My name is Star T. and I would like to share my story. Diabetes has plagued my family. I lost my grandmother, grandfather, and my father (who raised me as a single dad) to complications related to diabetes. All three family members had renal failure and had to attend dialysis. In 2012 is when I lost my father and I knew I had to make a change otherwise I was looking at the same fate. I used to be against weight loss surgery but decided to check out my options. After getting educated about the options and doing my own research I opted for the gastric sleeve surgery. I had the procedure done on May 24th, 2013. It was the best decision I had ever made. My highest weight was 320 pounds and I currently weigh 184 pounds so I’ve lost 136 pounds. I’m 5 feet, 6 inches tall. I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary of having weight loss surgery on May 23rd.

star runningPrior to surgery, I would exercise but not nearly enough to be considered active. Now I work out 7 to 8 times a week doing “boot camp” style exercises. I also belong to the local Black Girls Run! chapter here in Sacramento which promotes healthier lifestyles and being active. Since losing weight, I have completed several 5k races (running them, not walking). I have set a goal of completing my first half marathon in October. I’ve also inspired my family to get healthier and make better choices when it comes to food. Weight loss surgery isn’t cheating. It’s a tool and it’s up to you to use it properly.

With weight loss surgery, eating is very restricted and that forces you to have to change your eating habits. I mostly consume protein, vegetables, and fruit. I’ve cut out a lot of carbs such as rice, potatoes, pastas, and bread. I do consume them but not as frequently as I used to prior to surgery. I never was a big soda drinker so that wasn’t hard for me to cut out. I’ve incorporated meal prepping, so on Sundays I will meal prep for the week and that usually consists of some type of protein like chicken breasts or ground turkey meat, a vegetable like sautéed spinach or broccoli, and usually a baked yam or quinoa. I find that meal prepping saves me from making bad choices. It’s an everyday struggle choosing the right foods to eat especially working in an office setting where there are lots of temptations.

Instagram: @starzee78

Mashea lost 65 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Mashea lost 65 pounds in approx. 5 months with healthy eating and lots of exercise.  She was motivated by a diagnosis of diabetes to totally change her eating and exercise habits.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

mashes weight loss

I started my journey in February 2015. I began by changing my eating habits. I also started working out 3 to 4 times a week. My motivation was that I was diagnosed Diabetes. I didn’t take it seriously until I lost a family member that was my age.

I changed my eating by cutting out fast food, junk foods, fried food and I stopped drinking everything but water. Also, I started in taking more fruits and veggies and eating 6 small meals a day. I drink a gallon on water if not more each day.

I use to make up every excuse you could thing of for why I couldn’t work out. Then I found a track with a park right next to it. My kids and I would go there and they would play as I walked or ran 3-4 miles, 3-4 times a week.

My starting weight was 325 pounds I am now down to 260 pounds. I’m still working to get an additional 60 lbs off of me. I’m 5’9″ tall. I’ve started my journey this year so it’s been less than 6 months.

My advice to others is you can do anything that you put your heart and mind too. Yes, it gets hard at times but I keep pushing myself not only for me but for my children and my family. My Instagram is @weewee_31

mashes before and after mashea before and after

Keisha lost 95 pounds

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Keisha lost 95 pounds.  This young lady decided that enough was enough and that it was time to stop digging her own grave with a fork.  She shared with us about how she took action to lose the weight…

keisha before and after

 

My name is Keisha and I began my weight loss journey on March 1st 2013 at 291.6 pounds. I am currently at 195 pounds. My motivation to get started was that I was 290 lbs at 19 years old with a 2 year old daughter to live for. I saw that I was digging my own grave with my knife and fork, so I decided that enough was enough! I began my journey with a 7 day detox and then made small changes to my diet. I do not eat red meat anymore (strictly for weight loss purposes) and I also cut back on fried food. After weighing myself in the first week of my journey and realizing that I had lost 12 pounds, I knew I could do it. For exercise, I began doing TaeBo videos from YouTube at home 6-7 days a week. I also began eating much healthier. In 18 months, I lost 95 pounds (I am 5’8” tall). The first step to real weight loss is to lose all of your excuses. Sometimes it is tough. Trust me, this is the HARDEST thing that I have ever done in my life, but the rewarding feeling of being comfortable in my own skin is a feeling I would never trade for the world.

Instagram: @sofabulouzkeisha
Facebook page: so’fabulouz keisha

Gertrude lost 94 pounds

by 4 Comments

Update 2017: Gertrude is still going strong. It’s been more than 2 years since we featured her and she’s kept the weight off.

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Gertrude lost 94 pounds.  This UK author and mother of 2 got a wake up call in the form of a friend’s brutal honesty and decided that it was time to lose the weight and change her lifestyle for good.  Now she is helping others to do the same. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

gertrude before and after

Hello, my name is Gertrude Nyirenda and I’m 36 years old. I am married and I am mother to two wonderful boys. My weight loss journey started on June 8, 2013. I had been invited to a barbecue where a friend’s brutal honesty made me realise just how unhappy I had been. She merely pointed out what I had known all along. I was obese weighing in at 17 stone (238 pounds) and I needed to lose the weight.

For seventeen years, I had battled with trying to lose weight, only to put it on again. I embarked on a journey involving lifestyle change. I came up with what I call the ABCs of weight loss. By committing to my new lifestyle change, I managed to lose 91 pounds. My start weight was 238 lbs and my current weight is now 144 lbs, it took me 1 year to lose the weight and have managed to maintain my weight for 9 months now. My height is 5’4″.

My ABC plan is very good and helpful to anyone who would like to embark on a weight loss Journey. Every battle we encounter starts in the mind and if you can win it in your mind you are half way there. No one can change a made up mind. I have written a book entitled ‘Weight Loss Wars’. It chronicles my journey, or rather (my weight loss wars), I suffered from anorexia and bulimia in my late teens, and then being obese most of my adult life. Finally to experience a sweet and total victory of reaching a healthy goal weight the healthy way. My website is www.weightlosswars.co.uk and my book is also available on Amazon.

My eating habits before I started my Weight Loss Wars journey consisted of: I would often skip breakfast as this would justify my reasons for eating more throughout the day. My excuse being that since I skipped breakfast, I can have an extra slice of cake. I ate out most of the time as I found cooking my own meals too strenuous, so I would often eat things like pizza, fish & chips and steak bake. I never really cared about what I ate. I had a bottle of coke every day and never drank water at all. Looking back now, I never even gave myself a chance to feel hungry because I was always eating or snacking on crisps and cakes. M&M chocolate peanuts were my favorite.

How I changed my eating habits: Now my meals are structured and I never miss breakfast. I usually have a bowl of bran flakes with a banana slices and 150mls of semi skimmed milk, with a cup of tea (no sugar) with 50mls of semi skimmed milk. I only snack on fruit. Lunch is usually a salad or a sandwich and a pot of muller light yoghurt. For dinner I have vegetables and whatever meat the rest of my family are having. For example, I will have a home cooked curry but with vegetables or steak with vegetables Throughout the day, I drink water. I drink 4 bottles of the 500mls small bottles taking sips thought the day. In a nut shell, I eat healthy 6 days a week and I have one day when I treat myself sensibly.

For exercise: when I started my journey I was 17 stone, I had a very bad back (sciatica) so I could only walk, I used to walk for four miles, 5 days a week, then when I hit a plateau, I increased my walking distance to 5 miles, 5 days a week. It used to take me 2 hours to walk that distance but now it only takes me 1 hour 15 mins. I absolutely love going out for my daily walks.

FB page: Weightlosswars

gertrude weight loss

Teresa lost 44 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Teresa lost 44 pounds.  She experienced weight gain from depression and was never able to lose it for good.  After dealing with some health issues, she reached out to a nutritionist and the folks at Success Athletic Training in Florida for help.  She encouraged some of her SAT sisters to send in their stories a few month ago and now we are celebrating her success. Here is what she shared about her journey…

teresa before and after

Finally, I get to tell my story. Another successful transformation from Success Athletic Training. SUCCESS is our first name.

I moved to Florida over 20 years ago. The first year I was depressed, sad and gained 70 lbs, up from from 165 lbs, and never lost it. Since that time I’ve bounced around back and forth between 237 pounds and 286 pounds, never losing the weight for good

In October of 2014, I ended up in the hospital with serious health issues. I decided then and there that I would totally change my current lifestyle or I could end up dead. I went to a nutritionist at New Genesis Center in Thomasville, GA, started a healthy eating plan. I also used protein shakes. I am currently down since November from 249 lbs to 205 lbs.

I drink a gallon of water and eat 5 small meals each day. Also, I let go of processed foods, white flour, processed sugar, and heavy carbs. It has worked for me so far and healed my illness. After another 12 lbs, I will be off of all medications, and I will have healed myself with food and exercise.

Lots of prayer and the help of SAT Owner Mark Liles and the Success Athletic Training family has saved my life.

Instagram: @teresalberger

PS: This is why SAT is special. Our owner is 53 and works out like this.

Lean and Strong: Gayna lost over 50 pounds

by 12 Comments

When I began my journey it was NEVER about physical weight initially. It was about the emotional weight that I’d been carrying for so many years, which was the primary cause of the physical weight. Far too often in my life I’ve begged for relationships (all kinds) that were not for me. I was looking to fill a void that no one could give me except for me. I had to learn to 💜 and care for myself. I had to learn that it wasn’t another persons responsibility. . The process for me has been HEALING in every since of the word. The healing isn’t always easy because the past was hurtful….tears, anger, blame, and low self-esteem. I cried, screamed, cursed, threw objects, and even walked away from the process…..returned after I calmed down. . The moral of this post is, you must get extremely uncomfortable, vulnerable, honest with yourself, and transparent. Then and only then will the #HealingFromTheInsideOut truly begin. . There’s NO room for; •FEAR •EXCUSES •LAZINESS •PROCRASTINATION When it comes to Living a Healthy Lifestyle! . #TransparentTuesday #TransformationTuesday #TestimonialTuesday #TrustTheProcessToProgress

A post shared by FITnatic LIFEstyle (Gayna) (@fitnatic_lifestyle) on

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Gayna lost over 50 pounds and gained lots of muscle.  I’m excited to share her story because she’s one of the people I love to follow on Instagram.  She is a fit mom who has transformed her body and is preparing for her first figure competition this summer.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

gayna before and after

About Me: I’m a 39 year old mother who began her journey in August of 2012 on her own. Fast forward, May of 2014, I hired a trainer to help me pursue my goal of becoming a bodybuilder and looking forward to my first competition in 2015.

gayna weight lossSay hello to the woman on the left, County Thick (aka) Home Grown. Here’s what you don’t know, I had 2 layers of tights on up underneath these white leggings sucking AND holding it in. Oh, and I dare eat a bite of food in fear of EXPANDING (EXPOSING) what I really had going on. In a nutshell, I was FALSE ADVERTISEMENT and an excellent chameleon of hiding my FAT. Not to mention, I would take laxatives regularly thinking it would help me lose fat and make my stomach smaller…I was all messed up.

Now meet the woman on the right, FIT SEXY SHAPESHIFTER. A happier and healthier woman who is dedicated to herself like never before. I no longer have to hide from myself (mentally, physically, and emotionally). Sure, my breasts and hips have gotten smaller, but the reality is it was all body FAT and I’ve gotten rid of it. What you should pay attention to is the fact that I’m LEANER (getting leaner) and more youthful looking. You have to give up something in order to gain something. I’ve gained a new GAYNA that is continuously surprising herself daily. It’s not just about food. This is about the MENTAL part of living a healthier lifestyle.

When I began my journey in 2012 I was 200+ pounds. Currently, I weigh 148 pounds (height: 5’7″).

How did you change your eating habits?

I changed my eating habits by changing my relationship with food. I realized that food is for living and not living to eat. I had to do this in baby steps which is what worked for me. I began by cutting back unhealthy food options. Example; instead of drinking 2 sodas per day, I drank one. Instead of 2 cups of rice I ate one. I created a free account on www.myfitnesspal.com (web/mobile availability), which you enter your personal information and it calculates what your nutritional intake should be. I also incorporated using a food scale and measuring cups to ensure that I stay on track with my personal nutritional goals.

I pretty much cut out all processed foods but I do eat them every once in a while, like crackers and potato chips a few of my favorites. (Processed foods: They often come in a box or a jar, are can be high in added sugars, low in fiber and whole grains, processed with sodium, high in fat or include trans fat and lots of saturated fat.) I began eating more whole foods (foods that are as close to their natural form as possible.) I now eat:

Lean protein (skinless chicken breasts, fish, turkey, sirloin steak
Complex carbohydrate (Ezekiel bread, quinoa, brown rice, sweet or red potato)
Healthy fat (avocado, coconut oil, almonds)
Fibrous dark green leafy vegetables (romaine, kale, spinach)

What do your workout routines look like?

I am currently in preparation for my first bodybuilding show this summer as a figure competitor. I have a personal trainer whom I meet with 3 times per week and who always has his eye on me the other 3-4 days when I am in the gym to do my “homework” when I am not with him.

My current training schedule is 6-7 days per week. There are some mornings that I perform fasted cardio (working out before having first meal) at 4am, followed by strength training in the evening after I get off work. If I do not perform fasted cardio I will complete my cardio in the evening before or after strength training by using one of the following machines: Arc Trainer, Elliptical, Stairmaster, Treadmill.

When it comes to strength training I work no more than 2 body parts at a time. I don’t necessarily have a set day on what body part I work as it depends on how I am feeling and what my trainer wants me to do. What I can tell you is that no workout is ever the same. It is intense and I am always left sore for about a week (lol), but I no pain no gain 🙂

Typical Schedule:

Sunday – Cardio & Legs (sometimes cardio only)
Monday – Cardio & Upper Body
Tuesday – Training Session (Back, Shoulders, Biceps/Triceps or Legs)
Wednesday – Cardio & Upper Body
Thursday – Training Session (Legs)
Friday – Cardio & Upper Body (sometimes a rest day)

Facebook: Fitnatic Lifestyle
Instagram: @Fitnatic_Lifestyle

Gayna Gains

gayna

Michaela lost 80 pounds

by 1 Comment

Update: I was featured in May (about 3 months ago) and I just wanted to send in an update to let you know that I have lost an additional 21 pounds for a total of 101 pounds gone.

michaela weight loss update

 

May 2015: Weight Loss Story: Michaela lost 80 pounds in 8 months. After gaining a significant amount of baby weight and not having lost it year later, she decided that it was time to change for her own happiness.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Michaela before and after

Hi, my name is Michaela. I gained 120 pounds during my pregnancy 5 years ago and I could never get the weight off.  That was until one day i looked in the mirror and realized that I had to look from within and be happy with what I saw before I could be happy with my body. My motivation and inspiration has been my son. I wanted to be able to keep up with him easily. He is very active. I’ve lost 80 pounds in 8 months and never felt better (height: 5’11”).

On my weight loss journey, I continued to eat all of my favorite foods, including fried chicken and pasta, but I learned that moderation is key. I cut my portion sizes in half and started filling up on veggies first at meal time.  In terms of exercise, I did a lot of cardio. I work security on a night shift, so I often ran while conducting tours, so I worked out for about 1 hour, 5 days a week. My advice to other people is to be realistic and follow an eating plan that you can stick to for more than a week. Don’t focus so much on a number, but focus on how you feel

Facebook: michaelakinard