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

weight loss

Deborah lost 50 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Deborah lost 50 pounds. Having faced abuse as a child and domestic violence, she had to cleanse herself spiritually and emotionally as the first steps on her weight release journey. Releasing the emotional weight led to a “physical transformation” for this busy mom and advocate for victims and survivors of abuse. Check out what she shared with us…

deborah before and after

At my heaviest, I was 228lbs (height: 5’4″). I was super depressed and my weight constantly fluctuated. I just couldn’t keep the weight off no matter how hard I tried. I finally decided at the beginning of this year that enough is enough. I had to cleanse my life spiritually and emotionally first! I began to love myself more and understold what it truly meant to treat my body like a temple. I started exercising regularly, eating clean and would you believe that I lost 50 lbs in just 4 months! The weight is still coming off! No diet pills, no surgeries… ALL NATURAL! I hope that my story motivates someone.

Spiritual and Emotional Cleansing: Being abused as a child and enduring domestic violence, had a profound impact on me. I had to work through that hurt. Also, any extra weight that impacted me negatively emotionally and spiritually had to go! I finally chose to LIVE FOR ME! Living for other people and constantly trying to please them led to more stress and more eating as comfort.

Once, I got rid of most of the emotional weight, I began to love and value myself more. This led to the PHYSICAL transformation. I didn’t need someone to hold my hand to lose weight, I could do it all on my own! I always thought that I needed a gym buddy, but all I needed was my inner strength!

Eating Habits: I cut all soda and processed foods. My diet mainly consisted of;

  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (watermelon, bananas, blueberries, spinach, kale, squash, zucchini, broccoli etc.)
  • PROTEIN (Chicken, Fish & Eggs)
  • Water, 100 % Juice & Herbal Tea
  • Whole Wheat Wraps
  • NO SALT (Ms. Dash has been a LIFE SAVER)
  • *I DO TREAT MYSELF WHEN EVERY NOW AND THEN*

Exercise: My workouts consist of;

  • Running (I recommend going running at least 3 to 5 days out of the week)
  • Burpees
  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Sit-Ups & Crunches
  • Push-Ups
  • Planks
  • Yoga (On Occasion)
  • DANCING and lots of it!

My Advice : If you want to lost weight then GREAT! Do it for you. Do it so you live a long and healthy life—Long enough to watch your kids and grandkids grow. Do it to feel great. Don’t do it to “even the score” with someone or if you feel like you have something to prove to the world. PROVE IT TO YOURSELF because then, you will CHERISH the journey and never allow yourself to go back down the path of dead weight ever again!

Website: www.deborahj.com (more info about her weight loss journey)
Deborah is the founder of “Be The Voice“, an organization with a mission to give victims and survivors of abuse a VOICE.
Instagram: @iamdeborahj
Facebook: IamDeborahJ
Twitter: @iamdeborahj

deborah weight loss story

Konnie lost 70 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Great Transformation: Konnie lost 70 pounds. I think that many people out there will relate to her story. Over the years, she read the books, got trainers and went to the gym, but what was missing was accountably and being able to truly believe she could achieve her goals. With the help of an online training program she’s found the accountably and help she needed and more. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Konnie before and after

Weight: 70 lbs Lost
Total Inches: 51 inches Reduced
Height – 4’11”
Starting Weight – 200.4, Current Weight – 130.5
Body Fat: Started at 54.4% and it’s now 28.5%.

I realized that I had to take control of my health issue when I realized that I’d reached an all-time weight high. I felt terribly sluggish and experienced back and knee pain. I was disoriented and felt a loss of control at work and at home. I’d always been the person that read all of the books, hired trainers left and right, and recognized my weight problem superficially. However, I really struggled with holding myself accountable and truly believing that I had the capacity to ignite the necessary changes in my eating and moving behaviors. I felt overwhelmed with the task at hand, and after seeing that the scale was utterly ridiculous, I didn’t know where to begin – even in light of all of the books, gyms, and trainer knowledge I acquired over the years.

Whether or not I always considered myself overweight is truly relative – obviously, self-image plays a huge role in how I perceived myself. Most of my immediate family is small-framed and petite – a profile I never fit into. I always considered myself as a person who had to work to keep my weight down. I was physically active throughout high school and somewhat in college, and I tended to enjoy physical activity. I cheered throughout high school, and during my freshman year in college. I began to notice differences in managing my weight in my early twenties. I was no longer a part of groups or teams of people that remained physically active, and my eating habits (which I never gave attention) became even more erratic. That’s when I officially began the yo-yoing: joining weight loss programs, gym memberships, etc. Most of the plans I encountered focused on strenuous workouts, starvation, or “cutting back” on the amount of food I was feeding myself with no regard to the types of food I was feeding myself. I was making conscious efforts to try to lose weight, but my efforts were mostly short-lived lasting anywhere from a week to several months. The birth of my son gave me additional excuses, even 6-10 years after he was born! LOL!

I was introduced to Body Refined through a family member. Historically, we shared our newest attempts at losing weight, so obviously I was skeptical at first. Also, this opportunity presented another nuance: I would work with a coach virtually? I reside three states away from this person that I wouldn’t recognize if he stood right next to me. Additionally, I’ve heard all kinds of horror stories of online disasters, which usually starts with some desperate individual giving way too much power to someone they don’t even know. And yet, I was that desperate individual, needing help with my weight problem. I found some comfort in the fact that I was personally connected to family and friends who had experienced the system. However, after my consultation with Kurt, I immediately felt even more comfortable with giving it a try because he was welcoming and ABOUT THE BUSINESS! Plus, I had completely run out of options. The online approach worked well for my work schedule, and the check-ins for accountability (food log, activity monitor, weekly reflections, messaging system) proved to support my efforts just as much as (if not better than) any face-to-face interactions could.

I changed my eating habits by better understanding food and its purpose in association with my body and how it functions. As a result, I took steps to control cravings for processed and what was going into my body. Before BR, I would eat when I determined I was hungry which was oftentimes well after I should have been fueling my body. There were times I would skip meals and allow myself to overcompensate for the missed food at the next meal. My focus has not been on what I’ve stopped eating or had to “give up.” Instead, I’ve taken the opportunity to introduce myself to healthier options including lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables prepared without frying or adding salt.

Before I started this journey, I was a member at a gym that held these weekly bootcamps which I never attended after the first couple weeks because of my schedule. When I started working with Kurt, he just had me walking a couple times a week for about 30 minutes to an hour. Later on in my journey, I incorporated some light body weight exercises. Today, I’ve re-joined the gym and I am excited to prepare for the Turkey Day Trot on Thanksgiving day. I’m looking forward to running this time versus walking the last few times I did it.

My experience with Body Refined has been trans-formative. I mean that with sincerity. Unlike the other programs I’ve used, BR has required intensive self-reflection alongside the ultimate accountability partner, which has led to better decision-making and a clearer understanding of what it means to be/feel healthy. Furthermore, I understand that this process is one that waxes and wanes: there are life circumstances and physical impediments that are all a part of the reality of this process. For me, that made all the difference! The nutritional expertise and guidance Kurt offers, in addition to his tight processes for accountability builds a more sustainable plan that arms me with understanding HOW to be healthier. Most importantly, I didn’t have to worry about getting lost amidst all of the overwhelming weight loss “research” and diet fads. I had one point of contact that filtered all of that info for me. All I had to do was trust the process!

Now, I feel better than I can ever remember, and for me, that “better” feeling is addictive. I never want to revisit feelings of sluggishness, pain or uneasiness. My weight loss journey has not been nor is it currently easy by any means! It is one of the most challenging undertakings I’ve ever engaged in primarily because of the mental shifts I continue to have to make. I am not at all satisfied with where I currently sit, as I always strive to improve my performance WITH the understanding that there really isn’t an endpoint – improvement is cyclical! I would absolutely refer individuals to Body Refined, but ONLY if they are serious about prioritizing their own improvements with weight management. For the person looking for a quick-fix or a plan that will conveniently fit into current practices that are not working, BR is not for you. If you’re seriously ready to relentlessly take steps toward

www.facebook.com/bodyrefinedinc
http://bodyrefinedinc.tumblr.com
Instagram: @bodyrefinedinc

Tips for Weight Loss Over 40

by Leave a Comment

weight loss over 40Weight loss can be one of the most challenging endeavors for women, no matter what their age. However, there is something about surpassing the age of 40 that makes what would normally feel like a challenge seem downright impossible. There are a number of factors at play after 40 – a slower metabolism, busier daily schedules and less mobility and flexibility. While it might seem hard to achieve, the fact is that weight loss is possible at any age. It comes down to knowing what works best for your body and how hard you are willing to work to achieve your fitness goals. It’s also about having reasonable goals and keeping health issues in mind.


The first — and most important – thing to do when trying to lose weight at any age is to make an appointment for a physical. Rule out any potential medical issues that may be contributing to weight gain. For example, hypothyroidism is common issue for women over the age of 40 who find they cannot lose weight by traditional means. This condition slows the thyroid down significantly, creating dysfunction in the body that can result in weight gain and/or an inability to lose weight. Diabetes, high blood pressure, PCOS and high cholesterol are other weight/nutrition-related conditions that many people are diagnosed with by their 40s. A physical will rule out any health-related problems that may be causing weight gain or hindering your weight loss. You also want to ensure that there are no physical limitations of which you should be aware before embarking on an exercise program. If you have back, joint or knee issues, for example, you’ll want to discuss that with your doctor before starting a workout routine.

The next step is a overhauling your eating habits. Choose foods that promote good health and weight loss, period. Your body will reflect the affects of a terrible diet. This means less processed foods and more whole food options. After 40, it is also important to get plenty of fiber in your diet, which can be accomplished through the inclusion of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products, such as whole grain braid and steel cut oats. Foods high in fiber also digest slowly, which makes you feel fuller longer. Trade in your red meat for fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Add cinnamon to your Greek yogurt for a sweet treat can help the body to metabolize sugar and reduce blood sugar levels. Drink as much water as possible and when you think that you’ve had enough water each day – drink at least another glass. Not only does this help with the feeling of fullness to prevent overeating, but staying hydrated is key to optimal health while on a weight loss regimen.

If you eat a great deal of fast food and junk food, now is the time eliminate it from your diet completely. Not only does it makes weight loss after 40 more challenging, but it is bad for your cardiovascular health, which is a serious consideration as you age. Here are a few unsettling stats from GoRedforWomen.org:

  • Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African-American women annually.

  • Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 49 percent have heart diseases.

  • Only 1 in 5 African-American women believes she is personally at risk.

  • Only 52 percent of African-American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Only 36 percent of African-American women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk.

The healthier you are overall, the more likely it is that your body will more easily shed the pounds.

Incorporate exercise into the mix to slow down the loss of muscle and bone density that happens after 40. The best favor you can do for your body – for weight loss and general health – is exercise at least four to five days a week. Cardio is important – walking, running and high intensity movement – but strength training is as well. In fact, strength training is essential to build up muscle mass that burns fat and increases metabolism. At least 30 minutes of exercise is also conducive to good heart health and mobility, important factors at age 40 and beyond.

It is important to realize that as you lose weight, you may contend with looser skin than you had when you were younger. As you age, particularly once you pass the age of 40, your skin doesn’t always retain the elasticity that it once did. For this reason, strength training and toning exercises are key and can help to firm it up a bit. However, this may be something with which you have to come to terms as you lose weight, particularly if you are losing in higher numbers. Don’t let a fear of loose skin stop you. The health benefits are far more important.

Finally, there are tenets of general good health that will aid in weight loss. Plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet and reduced stress are factors that will affect the ability to lose weight after 40 but also health in general. Patience is also key. It may take longer for your body to shed the pounds after the age of 40, but with diligence and persistence it can and will happen. The goal should be greater wellness in general.

Shana lost 80 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Shana lost 80 pounds. After dealing with the negative affects of obesity for years, she wanted to lose the pounds once and for all. Seeing the success of two friends who lost 270 lbs combined gave her the inspiration she needed to start her weight loss journey. She shared with us what she did to change her life…

shana before and after

My name is Shana Batts. My motivation for losing weight was that I was tired of being overweight and constantly struggling with the pain and issues that obesity brought on. I’m referring to knee and joint pain, having no energy, low self esteem, and a lack of confidence. I struggled with my weight for years, about 20 plus years to be exact. I tried in the past to lose weight, but I always regained the weight and then some. My heaviest recorded weight was 272 pounds and I’m 5’2″ (short).

So, what inspired me? I have 2 friends who have lost lots of weight. Between the two of them, they’ve lost 270 pounds and seeing what they have accomplished inspired me and made me want start my journey and conquer the pounds once and for all. I started my transformation on August 2013 and it has been a fantastic journey with ups and downs. I lost 80 pounds, going from 250 pounds to 170 pounds. I went from a size 26 to a size 12 and I accomplished this in about 11 months.

I started going to a nutritionist/diet coach who implemented an eating plan for me that was Low Carb/ High Protein. My meals consisted of lean meats, fish, and vegetables. No sugar, no fried food and no fast food. I drank plenty of water, about 100 ounces a day. I also implemented an exercise plan that included walking, cardio and strength training, 4-5 times a week.

I’ve had setbacks along the way but I’ve never given up and I’m still fighting hard everyday. It is a lifestyle change that requires dedication and consistency. My advice to anyone on this journey is to believe in yourself and your abilities. Stay dedicated and consistent, because it’s possible to conquer, get the victory and achieve your goals. Always remember, you can do anything you set your mind to.

Instagram: @Elissa210

shana weight loss story

Don’t Wait for 2016 December Challenge

by 76 Comments

2015 december challenge

Updates: More Resources for Week 1 – Don’t Drink Your Calories
More Resources for Week 2 – Emotional/Stress Eating

Are you ready for 2016? December can be a very very busy month. You may have to deal with lots of demands on your time and on your emotions, but you also have to deal with lots of temptation from holiday parties, social drinking and family meals. With that in mind, I’m going to give you some very straight forward goals to focus on as you get ready for 2016. Below, you’ll see that there is a new goal each week to keep you motivated. It’s time to do the work and do some planning! Grab a notebook and a pen!

Just getting started? This challenge will help you to get started with the basics. Already got a winning plan? It’s time to evaluate what you’ve been doing so far to reach your weight loss goals. Plan out how you will stay on course or take your efforts to the next level. You don’t have to wait until Jan 1 to commit to how you want to shape your fitness and change your weight over the next 3-dietbet12 months. Begin your journey today.

Lose to Win! – We will also continue with our series of DietBets for those who want to commit to losing 4% of their weight and split the pot $!  Our December Dietbet starts on Dec 7th. Bet: $30

How do you join?: Comment below and let us know why you want to commit to weight loss NOW and what challenges you are dealing with in terms of weight loss and wellness. This will help us tailor the information we send out for the rest of the month.

Also, let us know if you already have an eating and exercise plan that is working for you that you plan to use in 2016.

Weekly Goals

Week 1 (Dec 1-5) – Stop drinking your calories.

Week 1, you will commit to drinking water, freshly brewed tea, freshly made juice and homemade smoothies you make at home. Cut out all soda, diet drinks, store bought, sweetened tea and store bought juice from concentrate. How much water should you drink each day? Start with 7-9 glasses of water per day (56-72 oz). Add fruit, tea and natural sweeteners (Stevia, agave, etc) to your water for more flavor. Haven’t been drinking much water? Start by adding a few more glasses a day to your normal routine and work your way up. You don’t have to drink a gallon of water a day to be hydrated. (If you have health issues, (kidney or bladder related-issues especially), follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to drinking water.)

Week 2 (Dec 6-12) Commit to feeding your body, NOT your emotions. If you are dealing with emotional eating, stress eating, overeating or food addiction, get to the REAL root of your issues.

For the second week, I want you to focus identifying the junk food, fast food, sugary foods and highly processed foods that you haven’t been able to let go of. Ask yourself, what are the real reasons that you can’t let go of these foods. Take the time to really think about your connection to food, emotional eating, stress eating, overeating/binging and even food addiction. If you are medicating with food and using it to soothe and comfort yourself, that’s not really a food issue. That’s a lifestyle and mindset issue and you have to approach it as such. If you can’t commit to totally cutting these foods out, keep your indulging to a minimum and use portion control. However, be real and truthful about how much junk you’re really eating and why you are eating it if you want your lifestyle and habits to change.

Week 3 (Dec 13-19) – Decide on a plan for eating and meal planning.

What is your current plan? What is your plan for 2016? Will you go raw vegan, low carb, paleo, keto, vegetarian, or eat clean? Will you be following a specific book or plan? Will you create your own plan for your own needs? If you haven’t done your research and embraced an eating plan, it’s time to do that. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. One of the number one reasons people don’t get results, is because they don’t go into weight loss with a clear plan and clear, reasonable goals in mind. When it comes to eating, it’s very easy to get off track, eat too much or eat too little food.  If you haven’t lost weight in 2015, could it be that you didn’t commit to a balanced eating plan and give it time to work? Could it be because you really couldn’t find a way of eating that worked for you? Let’s change that before you make your New Year’s resolutions. There are tons of recipes and meal plans online for free to help you get started.

Amazon Affiliate

Don’t worry about doing anything new Dec 20-26. Spend time with your family and focus on having fun.

Week 4 (Dec 27-31) – Decide on your exercise plan for the next 60 days. Workout at for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week (minimum).

This week you will decide on your exercise plan for the next 60 days. No one can tell you what exercise routine will work best for you. Just like an eating plan, you have to do your research and figure out what will work for Y-O-U. However, there is no room for excuses. From home workout DVDs, to YouTube videos to fitness magazines, there are tons of workout resources out there at your disposal. Walking, jogging, HIIT, Tabata, cardio, Zumba, weight training, etc. If you’ve been exercising regularly, but haven’t challenged yourself in a few months, it’s time to consider more intensity. Online resources:

Fitness Blender on Youtube XHIT Daily on Youtube
Darebee on Youtube BWLW Workouts and Exercise Tips
Bodybuilding.com Oxygen Magazine
Body Rock on Youtube Tiffany Rothe Workouts on Youtube

Now that you’ve done the work, write down your plan and commit to working hard for the next 60 days (or more)

Tip: Give yourself a gift! December is a great time to buy good book on weight loss and wellness. Don’t just focus on diet books. There are some great fictional titles, devotionals and self-help books on emotional emotional eating and our relationships with food.

Yalonda lost 107 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Yalonda lost 107 pounds. At 300 pounds, walking and eating clean helped her release lots of pounds, but pregnancy and overeating caused much of the weight she lost to come right back. After giving birth, she recommitted to the healthy habits that worked for her and is now in “One-derland”, under 200 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

yalonda before and after

Hi, My name is Yalonda. I remember when I first started losing weight back in 2007. I decided to lose weight because one day my son, who was 3 at the time, asked me why he couldn’t put his arms all the way around me when he hugged me. I did know how to answer that question, but from that day fourth I knew I had to change and be serious about it, so I started walking regularly and eating clean.

I started to loose the weight and had gotten down to 235 pounds from 300 pounds. My weight loss journey was at stand still for awhile, so I started drinking lemon water and apple cider vinegar. I also cut out sugar, started counting calories and kept walking. I got down to 199 pounds and then found out that I was pregnant. Oh wow! The weight was going to come back and it did. My weight was 260 pounds after my baby was born in May 2014, but I was determined to get the pounds off again.

yalondaI started walking several miles a day, eating clean, cutting sugar and drinking green smoothies. I was still drinking my lemon water with green tea and apple cider vinegar too. I started eating more fruit, vegetables and baked more of my meats. I only eat chicken, turkey and fish. For my workouts, I didn’t do anything major. I just walk/jog about 5-7 miles, Monday -Friday. I also do sit ups and squats. I sometimes do the different challenges you guys have going on your site.

This journey has not been easy, but is t’ll worth it. I had to learn what works for me and I found out that I needed to stop eating sugary things, like cakes, candy, cereal, cookies and sodas. I also cut out chips and anything else that wasn’t good for me. I learned that I had a problem with overeating. Take pizza for example; 1 or 2 slices should have been good enough but I would have 3 to 4 slices along with Pepsi. I would eat pizza maybe 3 times out the week. Fast-food was a weakness of mine and because of eating this way the weight just started coming on and wouldn’t stop.

Now, I weight 193 pounds and I’m still on this journey to be healthy (height: 5’3″). I’m feeling better, looking better and loving myself. My advice to the people who want to lose weight is go for it! You can’t change without challenging yourself. If you don’t try, how would you know whether can or can’t be done. I know because I did it! Love yourself enough to live longer.

I have a motivation page on Facebook: A Healthier New Lifestyle With Londa. Go check me out and like my page. Thanks so very much. Let’s get healthy!

yalonda weight loss story

Fit Educator Vicki lost 5 dress sizes

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story: Vicki slimmed down 5 dress sizes with brisk walking, clean eating and drinking lots of infused water. This “Fit Educator” suffered a debilitating back injury and 3 months of immobility caused lots of weight gain. When she was able to start walking again, her healthy lifestyle journey began and she hasn’t given up or given in since. Here is what she shared with us..

vicki before and after

Thank you for the opportunity to be able to share my “Healthy Lifestyle Journey” with others. It is my goal to inspire and motivate as many women as I can to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. My name is Vicki, I am a 48 years old. What inspired me to begin my healthy lifestyle journey? Wow! Who would’ve thought that having a back injury (Lumbar Strain), a year ago, would’ve led me on my lifestyle journey. Being immobile and in excruciating pain kept me from doing what I absolutely love and that is walking. Also, going to therapy and taking meds was getting the best of me! For 3 months, I sat immobile and during that time I gained an excessive amount of weight!

One day while sitting and watching the Dr. Oz Show, I was inspired by several women who transformed their bodies by walking 10,000 steps a day, as well as by changing their eating habits. Their transformations were AMAZING! The testimonials of the women inspired me more and more to get up and get moving! So much so, that I asked my Physician and Therapist if I could walk briskly. To my surprise, I was given the clearance to do so!

I started out slow and kept walking. It wasn’t always easy but I motivated myself to keep striving no matter what! A good friend told me that if I could walk for 21 days, I would be able to continue. That was a year ago and I’ve been walking every since! I walk on an average of 17 miles per week. I use my lunch break to put in over 2 miles. Having a hour for lunch has made it very easy to be able to walk. I didn’t stop there, I also walk up to 10 to 11 miles on any given Saturday.

I have also incorporated various workout regimens such as Zumba. Also, having a personal trainer to come to my job has helped me on my healthy lifestyle journey! Last but not least, I can say that being a Pre-K teacher has its very own fitness perks. I’m always moving with the children, doing things like running in the gym, playing basketball, jump roping, and dancing just to name a few! The one question I’m always asked, “What is your day like?” My answer, “I’m always moving!”

Did my eating habits change? Most definitely! I began to educate myself on how to eat clean. I stopped eating beef and pork, as well as any and all processed foods. Being a big fan of sweets, I had to learn how to reduce my sugar intake. I now just have a piece of dark chocolate from time to time. I eat baked or grilled turkey, chicken or fish with lots of vegetables. Also, I no longer eat at restaurants that have a drive thru. I drink water all day, infused with lemon, honey and a green tea bag. On occasion, I will change and add other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, etc. to my water.

My starting weight was 220 pounds and my height is 5’10”. I can’t tell you my current weight because I refuse to get on a scale. Scales can be discouraging, so I rely on my clothes for my progression results. I can tell you however that I’m very PROUD to say that I’ve lost 5 dress sizes! I recently just got into a size 4 dress! I am no longer shopping in the plus size section. As good as that may sound to some, what matters most to me is that I feel GREAT. My energy level is AMAZING! I’m a healthier Me. My transformation took a little over a year and is an ongoing process. It is now a lifestyle for me. It’s become a habit!

My advice for others who want to lose weight would be to first to believe in themselves. Believe that they can do it. With God all things are possible! I don’t know their story but whatever it may be; only they can write the ending. Just take the first step! We all have to start somewhere. If you believe that you can do it then you’re halfway there! Strive to be a healthier you!

During my lifestyle journey I always enjoy seeing the comments and questions about how I’ve come where I am today so I created a page on Facebook, “Fit Educator” in hopes that I might inspire, motivate and encourage others to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Please follow my page to continue my healthy lifestyle journey! Let’s inspire, motivate and encourage one another!

Again, thank you Black Women Losing Weight for the opportunity to share my story with others. Thank you for the many stories you’ve shared thus far. So inspirational!

vicki before and after

Trinette lost 43 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story: Trinette lost 43 pounds. Her wake up call came when she was told that she was borderline for diabetes.  This mom of 3 began walking, doing Zumba and changing her eating habits. Her hard work shows. Here is what she shared with us about her journey.

trinette before and after

My name is Trinette Simpson. I’m 42 years old and I have 3 children ages 16, 8 and 4. I’ve been battling my weight all my life. The wake up call for me came in May this year when I was told I’m a borderline diabetic. I watched my dad and other relatives suffer with diabetes. I told myself, “Oh, not me.” I have enough going on already.

trinetteI began working out by doing Zumba 4 days a week (one hour each class) and walking. I started eating right, cutting out soda and junk food (I may still eat a lil sometimes..lol). I drank lots of water and started eating more baked food, more fruit and more vegetables.

I’ve gone from 232 pounds to 189 pounds. 43 pounds so far. I just wanna say that when you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

My advice: You have to stay dedicated and stick with your plan. If you slip up, don’t stop. Just continue on. I promise the results are real and you will love them. My family sees my before and after photos and they say, “I didn’t know you were that big.” I tell them, “Yes and I did something about it.” Thanks for your FB page. I love it! #inspiration

Cassandra lost 35 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story: Cassandra lost 35 pounds in about 8 months.  This proud veteran and proud Delta Sigma Theta Soror wanted to avoid a history of family illness and take control of her life. With simple changes to her eating habits and lots of exercise, she made it happen. Here is what she shared with us…

Cassandra before and after

cassandraMy name is Cassandra Beavers and I’m from Talladega, AL. I started my weight loss journey back in February 2015. High blood pressure and heart problems run in my family, so I decided to take control of my life to be a better person mentally and physically. My 11 year old daughter has inspired me to get healthier.

I started working out 6 days a week. At first, my workouts consisted of a lot of cardio. I used the elliptical machine a lot. I didn’t change my eating habits that much. I just ate in moderation. However, I didn’t eat any breads, sweets or sodas. I also only drank water.

I reached my goal weight at the beginning of August 2015. Once I met my goal, I began adding weights to my workout plan and doing less cardio. When I began my journey I weighed 173 pounds. Currently, I’m weighing in at 138 pounds. I must admit that I feel like a new person! I am more confident and my energy level is out of this world, lol! I am a disabled veteran but I haven’t let that disability stop me! I am also a member of the best sorority in world, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Thank you for creating this wonderful website and Facebook page.

cassandra weight loss

Kayla lost 73 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Kayla lost 73 pounds. After struggling with her weight since childhood, she just didn’t want to be unhappy anymore and was tired of yo-yo dieting. It was time for something to change, and she began that change by logging her meals and exercise routine for 21 days. She shared with us about how took action to transform her life.

kayla before and after

Hello my name is Kayla! I’ve completed 1 full year on my weight loss journey! I’ve always struggled with my weight from childhood on up, but once the scale hit 260 pounds I decided that something had to change.

I had been a yo-yo dieter in the past, losing weight and  then gaining it back or I’d half-way diet and never actually stick to a plan. During this time, I had become so unhappy with myself and my life. My confidence was extremely low, and I just didn’t feel good about myself. So, I downloaded the myfitnesspal app and I just started with a very small goal of logging everything that I ate and all my workouts for 21 days. 21 days is all it takes to build or break a habit! After the 1st 21 days, I was so happy that I actually stuck with it. I had lost 8lbs and even the small change made me feel better, so I kept going! It’s now been a year since I made that change. I can run for miles now. I also can walk up stairs without getting winded.

I’m down 73 pounds, weighing in at 187 pounds (height: 5’5″)! I’m healthier, happier, more confident and now I’m able to achieve my goal of becoming a police officer! Making the change to eat better, workout, and lose weight has benefitted me extremely. I just hope that I can be an inspiration and help as many people as I can make the same change for their life!

I changed my eating habits by cooking my own food. I ate baked meats, fresh vegetables and stopped eating out at fast food restaurants. I cut out sweets, fried foods and alcohol, which was a major contributor to my weight gain! I started out exercising 5-6 times a week, mainly doing cardio. After about 3 months of working out, I began to incorporate weights into my routine. Now, I’m switching it up even more and taking pole fitness classes!

My advice for those wanting to lose weight is to make a commitment to your health and yourself that you will make the change. No one else can decide when it’s time for you! Just keep pushing everyday, whether you mess up or skip gyms days, because if you’re putting in the work the results will follow! Also, make sure that your workouts are fun for you, otherwise it won’t stick!

Instagram: @brownbeautycutie

kayla weight loss story