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weight loss success story

Isis lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Isis lost 80 pounds.  This young lady decided to stop living an unhealthy life and is now inspiring others to loss the weight.  She has transformed her body and is still working toward her goals. Here is what she shared with us:

Isis weight loss success story

My name is Isis Shannon. I have ALWAYS had a problem with my weight. When my grandmother died, I gained 50 pounds! When I was 12, I had gotten up to 290 pounds. I was depressed about it, but instead of taking care of the issue I still continued to eat ! When I turned 16, I was 352 pounds which was in October 2013. When I started my fitness page, I was 356 pounds and I was tired of living a unhealthy lifestyle! I am now 80 pounds down with healthy eating and exercise. I turned my can’ts into CANS. Now I’m on my way to being a healthy teenager. With the help from God, my family and friends I know I can continue my journey!

My highest weight was 364 pounds. My starting weight was 356 pounds. My current weight is 276 pounds (I’m 5’11”).  I count my calories every single day. I don’t go over 1800 and I don’t go under 1400 calories. I cut out all fried foods, no fast foods, no pork and no junk food. I also drink a gallon of water a day. I workout 5~6 times a week for 45 minutes or more! I started my journey in March and I’m still going. I have learned I can do this if I put my mine to it!

Instagram: @_100poundsjourney

Isis before and after

Tamara lost over 230 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost over 230 pounds.  She found a weight loss program, online tools and mobile apps to help her stay on track with her goals and see results. She has extensively documented her journey on Instagram and is inspiring others (20,000+ followers). Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Tamara before and after

I’ve been overweight/dealt with food addiction my whole life. One day in 2011, while being depressed and deciding to give up on life, I realized that I no longer wanted to die. I then signed up with Weight Watchers, weighing over 430 pounds. I counted points, completed 3 months of the program and lost approx. 35 lbs. I really didn’t like at the quality of food, just the point system. I cut out soda and white bread and added more fruits and veggies. After three months, I signed up for My Fitness Pal and logged my calories. At that time, I slowly cut back on fried foods and my favorite cookies. I decided that this was for life and I wasn’t going to rush this time. I slowly changed my diet, my lifestyle, along with doing whatever exercises I could at the gym or outside. I must say that the road to living has not been easy, but it has been worth it!! I no longer have high blood pressure, diabetes and joint pains. Above all, I’m taking my life back, and I want you to know that it is possible. YES, there are days, perhaps weeks, where we find ourselves off track; but I encourage you to keep fighting and stay positive. I realized along the way that I AM worthy of living a healthy life. And, guess what? You are worthy, too, so let’s live a positive and healthy lifestyle together!!! Instagram: @gettingmylifebacknow 

This journey was not a diet but a lifestyle change so that I understood how I got the weight off. I knew I had to continue to do it for life. Lean meats, complex carbs and green veggies were my go to foods for the most part. My favorite snacks were Greek yogurt or almonds.  I had treats here and there. I even tried cheat days/meals but that method didn’t work for me because I’m a recovering food addict. Moderation was/is key for me, so if I wanted a treat here and there I made sure it fit within my calorie range and that I worked out that day. I slowly cleaned up my diet and eliminated most processed foods. Ultimately in 2013, I eliminated meat all together and now eat a plant based diet. I do not label myself vegan or vegetarian I just choose to eat foods that my body loves. I now consume a gallon of water a day.  I must say I didn’t use to drink water at all and when I added water into my regimen the scale started to change drastically. I had treats within moderation and in 2013 I literally cut out my weekend alcoholic beverages because it was stalling my weight loss..

When I was 400+ lbs I rarely worked out. I would maybe walk 2 times a week and slowly added more time and days. For the most of journey I was what you would call a cardio queen. I would do 60 min cardio on treadmill or elliptical, five days a week.  In 2012, I became real serious in the gym with the weights which transformed my body. I highly recommend women to lift weights if they want to sculpt their bodies because weights do the body good. I would do 30 min cardio and 30 min weights. I highly recommend the app JEFIT for the people rant can’t afford a trainer but would like to figure out a weight lifting plan. When working out at home, I would use Fitness Blender or Tiffany Rothe videos on YouTube. I currently workout 5-6 days a week and do mostly weights with 30-45 min cardio most days.  My weight fluctuates a lot ranging from 197 – 203 pounds give or take (height is 5’11”. (weight lifting does that)  My goal is continue to decrease my Body fat percentage.
Tamara weight loss

Madelyn lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Madelyn lost 47 pounds.  This determined young lady decided to stop putting of the long term goal of losing weight.  In 7 months, she has been able to transform her body with healthy eating and lots of exercise.  Check out her story and before and after photos.

Madelyn weight loss

Hello, My name is Madelyn J. I started my weight loss journey back in November of 2013. My motivation came from my decision to join Peace Corps and also it was a goal of mine I kept putting off. I knew if I was moving to a new country to serve as a peace corps volunteer I would need to be at a healthy weight and my recruiter also stressed that to me. Obesity is a disease and my BMI considered me right at the Obese range. I started at 190 lbs. I am 5’6 and 23 years old, there is no reason I should not have been living a healthy lifestyle. My eating habits changed drastically. I ate out all the time and never cared what I was putting into my body. I started drinking at least a gallon of water a day and cutting white carbs. I upped my fruits and veggie intake and cut out pork and beef. I started eating breakfast everyday and taking multi vitamins. I began to meal prep my meals for the week and cut my eating out to one day a week.

My workouts were tough at first, but I had family and friends by my side supporting me with my journey. I joined Planet Fitness and began working out 5 days a week for 2 hours. I would do an hour of cardio (running/jogging outside, elliptical, treadmill) and an hour of weight training (this included arms, legs, and ab workouts). I didn’t see results quick, but I realized it didn’t take me a month to put on the weight so I wouldn’t lose it that quickly either.

My starting weight was 190lbs and I am currently 143 lbs today. My goal weight is 137 then I will just be focusing on toning. My current transformation has taken me 7 months, but i’m not completely finished. I feel better now than I have in years. Remember it is a lifestyle change and not just some fad diet. You have to commit and stay consistent and you WILL see result. I did it my way without any pills, shakes, or waist trainer. Nothing against people who use these methods, but I get asked that question a lot. It wasn’t easy, but it surely was worth it. My advice is no one can make the change but you. Stop putting off what you can do today.. Simple changes can make a difference! Join a gym, get a workout partner, watch what you eat and you will see those pounds start disappearing in no time!

Madelyn weight loss
Madelyn before and after photos

Marquita lost over 60 pounds

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Marquita lost 61.8 pounds over the course of the past year.  This proud teacher found a weight loss plan that worked for her and her busy schedule. Check out what she had to say about losing the weight.

Marquita weight loss

What was your motivation?
My motivation was wanting to the lose the weight for me.  I was tired of being overweight and once I decided that I was going to do it for me it all clicked. I wanted to avoid any medical issues that are associated with being overweight.  I also did not enjoy the fact that I was lacking the energy to simple things. I have lost a total of 61.8 pounds and I’m still working to lose at least 50 more.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I changed my habits by joining Weight Watchers and watching what I eat. I also used portion control and stayed away from a lot of sweets and sodas. I was never a big eater, but just enjoyed sodas and sweets. I did not want to do the surgery thing and find it very rewarding not having to use that option to lose weight.

What did your workout routines look like?
I’m a teacher and have a extremely busy schedule but I try to do a lot of walking and drink lots of water. These things have helped. Working out at 3 times a week helps to keep me from gaining the weight back. I have even tried some weight lifting classes and Zumba.

How long did your transformation take?
I have struggled with my weight most of my life but I started this weight loss journey over the past year. It was easy in the beginning but then I was unable to lose weight for a while. I continued the plan and eventually started losing the weight again. Weight watchers really helped me stay motivated, gave me tips and the constant encouragement from others. I love showing off the before and after pictures…they motivate me!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Just keep trying because the best is yet to come with Gods help! You have to accept the challenge of doing it for you and it will become easy. Always celebrate the small victories because they lead to bigger ones.

Instagram: @love2smile06

Marquita before and after photos

Lakeisha lost 64 pounds

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Update September 2017: Check out this update from Lakeisha. She’s kept the weight off for more than 2 years.

lakeisha before and after

What has worked in terms of eating habits?
Before I knew anything about nutrition, I gave up fried foods, sodas and watched my portions. When I’m hungry, I drink black coffee or eat a slice of pickle. I also drink plenty of water. I love alkaline water (I encourage people to do their research on alkaline water).

I gained some of the weight back while dealing a death and stress. Meal prepping helped me out a lot this time. Now, I’m back stronger than ever.

What have you been doing to maintain your success in terms of exercise? 
I started doing 2 hours of cardio. After two weeks of this, I’ll stop and go back into my normal routine… leg day, arms etc. I workout 6 to 7 days a week.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I don’t care how much you workout, you cannot eat whatever you want… lol.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
Stay focused and don’t compare your success to others. Also, sometimes you have to switch up your routine when you don’t see results. Never give up on your journey. We all get off track but that’s what makes us fight harder.

lakeisha before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lakeisha lost 64 pounds and went from a size 24 to a size 14. This proud mom of 2 is now a fitness fanatic.  Here is what she shared with us about losing the pounds: KeishaJuly3blog My name is Lakeisha Thomas and I’m from Mississippi.  I’m a 34 year old mother of 2 (Tia 14 yrs old and CJ 6 years old). I’m also a nurse aid and a production tech at Nissan. When I first started my weight lost journey I weighted 254 pounds. I was shocked. I never cared about my weight until one day when my doctor told me I was obese. So, I started working out at home in my bedroom. I went from a size 24 to a size 14. I want to enjoy my kids and see them grow up.  Now, fitness is my life, my passion, my everything. This is why I love what I do, why I’m so passionate and why I share with others everything I do to stay fitt. I’m a #fitmom and I love my 2 children with all my heart.  Instagram: @KeishaaBeast

How did you change your eating habits? Chewing gum and drinking coffee has helped me out a lot on my journey. I started drinking plenty of water and cut out the sodas. I continue to eat what I always ate but in smaller portions. I work the night shift so that was a struggle as well. I’m not gonna lie, I fail daily but I never gave up. If I ate chips, ice cream, etc, I didn’t quit. I just went harder in the gym.

What did your workout routines look like? I started doing the Black Girls Workout Too & Billy Blank Exercise DVDs. I did a thousand sit up a day and started going to the gym 6 or 7 days a week. I also did HIIT workout that I found online (just do a Google search…there are tons of workouts). I did like a thousand ab exercises every night and every morning. Now, I’m doing like 500 abs exercises, 3 days out of a week.

What is your height? What is your current weight? I’m 5’7 and I weight 190 pounds. My goal weight is 175 pounds.

How long did your transformation take? I started in 2003 when I weighted 254.  I dropped down 54 pounds in one month (no lie). I just worked out that whole month. However, it was very unhealthy because I stopped eating as well. I was drinking one soda a day and eating cabbage greens. Since then, I have been on and off my journey.  So in 2012, I decided that I wanted to tone so I went harder and changed my lifestyle.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight? If you mess up along the way, don’t quit. Just keep going.  I’ve basically been tsame size since 2003 I just drop inches phuck yo scale…it didn’t take you 5 days to gain the weight so it’s not gonna take you 14 days to lose it. Keisha weight loss story

Update: April lost 105 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – April wrote in to let us know that she has maintained her 100+ pound weight loss for more than a year and is now a certified personal trainer. “Since losing 100lbs I’ve managed to maintain my weight loss by consistently eating the proper food and working out regularly. I do allow myself to have 1-2 cheat meals throughout the week. I’ve continued working out 5-6 days a week. I only do cardio 2 times a week. I lift weights, heavy weights. for the most part.

Many people have been inspired by my story, so I became a NASM certified personal trainer. The reason I decided to become a trainer is that my love for fitness has grown. I’m also motivated by knowing that I’ve been blessed to be so successful with losing weight. That’s why I want to help others who have weight issues and those struggling to believe they can do it. I do provide online training and in person training. I’m located in Northern Virginia about 45 minutes outside of Washington DC. Any questions: email me at aprilalexanderpr@gmail.com.” Read our original post on April from 2014 to learn more about her weight loss journey.
april before and after update
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We featured April’s story back in April 2014 and now, 3 months later, she’s lost 14 more pounds for a total of 105 lbs gone. Check out her update and new after photo below:

7/14/14 – “I wanted to give an update on my weight loss. I have lost 105 pounds to date. I’ve changed up my routine a bit by incorporating heavier weights, TRX, and plyometrics workout. I’ve managed to keep a clean diet with eating 6 times day, every 3 hours. Many people ask me what’s my ideal goal weight. I don’t have a goal weight, because when you begin to lift weights the scale fluctuates because it can’t determine muscle verses fat.  As you build muscle you will lose inches and maybe not as many pounds. My tips for those that are struggling with their weight loss journey be consistent even when the scale isn’t moving or you can’t see the change in your body. Eventually you will see the results. Remember success doesn’t happen overnight it’s a process.” Instagram: @iamaprilstyles  Updated: @Apryl.Alexander

April lost 100 pounds
Updated Photo –  105 pounds gone
April Apr 14
April at 91 pounds down

Zoleka lost 125 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Zoleka lost 125 pounds. This 6 foot tall beauty decided at 35 years old and 350 pounds that she wanted to get to greater health and deal with her chronic health issues before reaching 40 years old.  Here is what she she shared about her weight loss journey:

zoleka weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My Motivation was to be 40 and fabulous, and at 35 I was extremely overweight, borderline diabetic, and had high blood pressure. I refuse to go into my 40’s on meds with breathing problems so I adopted a healthy lifestyle.

How did you change your eating habits?
Per my doctor’s instructions I eliminated bread, sugar, and sodas. I am currently doing 3 to 4 days a week meatless along with juicing, which replaces either one or two meals a day.  For my non-meatless days, I eat either fish or chicken.  My salads consists of spinach or a spinach and arugula mix with array of vegetables (no iceberg or romaine). For dessert I have granola,  fresh fruit and almonds with Greek yogurt. My Beverages? WATER!!!

What did your workout routines look like?
Just cardio at first then gradually moving to working out 5 days a week. Now, my workouts consist of 5 days of a mix of cardio/weight training/squats.

What was your starting weight? 350 pounds. My height is 6 feet.

What is your current weight? 225 pounds

How long did your transformation take? 3 years

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Adopt a healthy lifestyle! You will be able to be more consistent with it and your changes will last a lifetime!  I am a business owner and community activist. I am currently on a 60 day challenge in a group I started with business women to spread the word on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to lose another 20 lbs.

Instagram: @brownsugaenterprisesllc

Zoleka weight loss success story

Update: Besha lost 74 pounds

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Update 12/15 – Besha just celebrated her 2 year weight loss journey anniversary. She’s lost 74 pounds, down from 267 pounds. (read the original post below for more information on how she lost the weight)

 74lbs lost! I’ve been maintaining the weight for a year. I do weight training 4 days a week and cardio once a week. I’ve also been meal prepping, eating mostly grilled chicken and veggies. I’ve stayed motivated by the comments I hear and inspiration that others get by watching my journey. My 2 year anniversary is January 2nd.

besha weight loss story

10/14 – Besha is now down a total of 61 pounds. That’s 24 more pounds since July! Amazing!

besha before and after

July 2014 – Proud mom Besha lost 37 pounds since the beginning of the year. She was motivated by her daughter and by wanting to avoid chronic health issues. She shared with us how she lost the weight:

Besha before and after

I have lost 37 pounds since January 2nd. I am giving myself until January 2, 2015 to see what my complete transformation will look like. I work out with a personal trainer 3 times a week, doing weights, cardio and I’m eating health.

Motivation: I just kept looking at myself saying that I don’t want to end up with health problems like people in my family.  They are dealing with high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Also my daughter was my motivation.  I wanted to be able to run with her and play basketball with her.

Eating habits: I changed them cold turkey.  I went 40 days without eating any meats. I was hard on myself. Once I started back eating meat, it was chicken and seafood only. I’m a Pesco-pollo vegetarian (a vegetarian who eats chicken and fish only).

Starting weight was 267 pounds and my current weight is 230 pounds. My height is 5’6″ tall.

My advice: Your body will not go where your mind doesn’t let it. Discipline yourself. Be hard on yourself and put your mind to it

Thank you! I been looking for a group like this.

Instagram: @Besha_TheBoss

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jazz lost 217 pounds

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Update: We shared Jazz’s story of losing 217 pounds back in 2014. She sent us an update to say that she’s kept the weight off and lost 7 more pounds. Check out her story below.

Hello! I currently weigh 243 and my goal is to be 200 pounds. My height is 6’3″. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea few years back and I decided to take action. I’m still a work in progress.”
Instagram: @kiss_of_death90

jazz before and after

July 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jazz lost 217 pounds.  This 6’3″ beauty decided that she would work to avoid diabetes and high blood pressure that run in her family’s health history.  At 467 pounds, she knew to she had to make changes to her lifestyle to improve her health.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

jazz weight loss success story

I’ve lost over 200 pounds and counting. How did I do it? Hard work motivation and dedication. I drink half of my body weight in ounces of water each day. I stopped eating junk and processed food. My goal for each week is to lose 2-5 pounds. I workout every other day and sometimes twice a day. I’m not where I want to be but I’m determined enough to not throw in the towel and give up that’s easy to easy. Diabetes and high blood pressure runs in my family and I’ve motivated myself to not join the team. I was on the edge of having diabetes if I didn’t do anything about my health.

I changed my eating habits by cutting down on the junk, fried and process foods by having smaller portions.  Then I gradually worked my way over to not craving it at all. Everything is a process. Always remember that a slow process is better than no process. My workout routines went from 10 of everything i.e. (jumping jacks, lunges, sit ups, push ups and even long walks) to doing 200 of everything every other day. My starting weight was 467 pounds and my current weight is 250 pounds.  Im 6’2″ tall. My transformation took 2 years. My advise to others goes back to what I said in the beginning: a slow process is better than no process. Nothing happens overnight. You must have willpower. Before eating those donuts or fried foods think about how many calories and fats are in those choices. Think about how hard you would have to work to get it off.

Jazz before and after

Markita lost 25 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – Markita wrote in to tell us about how she’s maintained her weight loss of 25 pounds for more than a year despite weight gain due to medication.

“You featured my story last July, and I just wanted to send in an update of my maintenance since! After being featured, I was put on medication which caused me to gain 7 pounds, which I could not lose until recently coming off the medication. However, I was able to get back down to 165, the goal weight my doctor gave given me for my height. I was also able to release the weight by continuing to watch my carb and sugar intake. Thank you for what you do, your site has kept me motivated, even when I wanted to throw in the towel!”

markita before and after

July 2014 – Proud mom of 4 Markita lost 25 pounds and gives all the glory to God.  Making healthy smoothies, drinking Apple Cider Vinegar and avoiding high fructose corn syrup were just parts of her lifestyle change. Here is what she shared with us:

Markita weight loss mom

Markita after weight lossToday’s Encouragement!!!! I am a busy wife and mother of 4 minor children. I was sick & tired of being sick & tired, and feeling unattractive! In October 2013, after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I made the necessary changes in my lifestyle & diet that I can & will follow for the rest of my life with God’s help, love, & guidance!!! You can do it too. It’s never too late!!! Seek Him. After all, God designed you, and knows what it will take! I lost all this weight in a matter of 6 months. Majority was lost in the first 3 months. I found the NutriBullet fruit and veggie smoothies in the morning helped a lot. I’ve cut back on sugar and sweets big time and I only eat red meat occasionally (Mostly chicken & Turkey). I only drink sugary drinks like pop, juice, lemonade occasionally. I avoid high fructose corn syrup & artificial sweeteners like the plague, lol! If I need sweetness, I will use a little raw organic honey or a little raw sugar. I drink decaf green tea every night before I go to bed. I drink lemon water throughout the day. I drink Braggs organic Apple cider vinegar with water in the morning and before dinner. I still eat pasta and bread, but only in moderation. I only cook with olive oil and use real butter, no spreads. I love almonds and almond butter. These are most of the things I have done and still do to maintain. Everyone is different, but this is what works for me and I can do these things for the rest of my life. I had to make it more of a lifestyle change instead of diet! Hope this helps someone, God bless you!!!! Starting Weight 188 poundss/Ending Weight 163 pounds= 25 pounds.

MarkitaJuly14blog