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Dalisha lost 43 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Dalisha lost 43 pounds and lots of inches from her waist. She started her journey in December 2014 after realizing that she’d gained 30+ pounds.  Cutting out processed foods, working out hard and dedicating lots of time to working her abs are 3 actions that worked for her.  Check out her story…

dalisha before and after

In 2014, my eating habits had drastically changed. I didn’t have the best diet, but I was content with my size and shape. The more I ate, the more I gained. I didn’t notice my 30+ pound weight gain until I would look at pictures with friends and families. I felt hideous and uncomfortable.

December 2014 is when my fitness journey began. I changed my eating habits by cutting out processed foods and increasing my vegetable intake. I went from eating double cheeseburgers and Oreos to eating more fruits and veggies. I also started meal prepping to stay on track and not give into temptation while working in my office.

I also started working out 4-5 times per week. My workout consists of an even amount of cardio and heavy weight lifting (sprint intervals, elliptical, weighted squats, lunges), I dedicated at least 30-40 minutes each night to core exercises alone. I used a workout regimen given to me by a friend called “300 Abs” in addition to ab ripperx (from P90X.)

Since December, I’ve been sticking to the same regimen of good eating choices and becoming more active. In 6 months, I lost a total of 35 pounds and a lot of inches from my waist. When I started my fitness journey, I weighed 217 pounds. I currently weight 174 pounds, for a total of 43 pounds gone (height: 5’5″ tall). My journey isn’t completed, it’s still being written, because I still have work to do!

My advice to others: Don’t give up so easily. It’s a hard road, but as long as you believe in yourself and take it one day at a time, you will see the change that you want!

Instagram: @Watchddshrink

dalisha before and after

Cherlexia lost 50 pounds

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Update Feb 2016 – Cherlexia wrote in to let us know that she’s lost 10 more pounds for a total of 60 lbs gone! “I’ve been on my journey for 10 1/2 months now and I’m still working hard.”

cherlexia before and after

Oct 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation: Cherlexia has lost 50 pounds since April 2015.  This strong mom experienced the worst time of her life after multiple miscarriages.  She overcame depression and bad eating habits.  Her transformation was fueled by plant-based, vegan eating and lots of exercise.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it.

cherlexia before and after

The picture on the left is probably the worst picture I’ve ever taken in my life. I had just suffered my sixth miscarriage in 2 years a couple weeks back and I honestly felt like crap, inside and out. I was depressed and dealing with anxiety. I got tired of feeling sorry for myself, so I put anything to do with fertility on hold. I realized that I had 3 healthy children and what had changed about me since then was my lifestyle. At 24 years old, my eating habits were horrific. I decided that I wanted to get my body healthy and realigned with nature, as it should be.

I’d been vegan in the past and it was honestly the only time my body functioned normally. Being a nurse, I knew this was the best lifestyle for me. I went cold turkey and went back to a vegan lifestyle. I am what you would call a plant-based vegan. I rarely eat processed foods and I drink a gallon of water daily. At first, because I had no clue what to do workout wise, I started the the T25 program. Then I started added walking/jogging into my routine, 3 times a week. Now, I strength train and do cardio 6 days a week for about 30 minutes daily. This includes running 2 miles, 5-6 days a week.  I work, am a wife, mother, and full time student.

The most important lifestyle change I made was to connect with the @tierragoesgreen program. It was life changing on the inside as well as the outside. I dealt with my demons, beat the anxiety and I am beating depression everyday. After I took my before picture, I got on a scale and I was a few pounds over 200 lbs. Today, I weigh 150 pounds (height: 5’2″ tall). I’ve lost 50 pounds since April 1st, 2015 and I have no intention of stopping.

My advice to anyone looking to get healthy is do it for you. When you do it for anyone else, it will only last so long. The mind can only be as strong as you keep your body. You have to work to realign your body with the way God intended it to be and deal with why you gained the weight in the first place. If you fix the bad eating habits, then your weight loss and health gain will fall in line.

Instagram: @im_thewelldressedhippie

cherlexia weight loss story

Angela lost 53 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Angela lost 53 pounds. After being diagnosed with hypertension and put on high blood pressure meds, this proud mom decided to commit to being the healthiest, most fit version of herself. Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

angela before and after

In my thirties, I did not take my health seriously until I was diagnosed with hypertension, and was immediately placed on high blood pressure medication.  At that moment I knew that I had to get a hold of my health for my own well being.  With exercise and clean eating, I was able to go from 190 pounds to 137 pounds, dropping over 50 pounds (height: 5’2″).  My transformation took about a year.  I felt that I had a commitment to be the best me I could be for the sake of being a healthy mother and a role model for my young son.  I have managed to keep the weight off for over three years.  I now am a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at a Cleveland Clinic affiliate.

I changed my eating habits is by following The Advocare 24 Day Challenge, which totally change my way of thinking.  I ate lean meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.  I cut out all sugary drinks, juices, fast food, and late night snacking.  Now, I meal prep every week to keep myself on track.

I also workout five days a week by lifting weights and doing cardio. I teach hip hop cycle and Zumba classes in addition to my workouts. I love to help others and I love to feed off their energy. I would advise anyone who wants to lose weight to start off with a 24 Day Challenge, because that will get you on track to eating properly, because it is not a diet, it is a way of life.  Physical activity and proper eating habits go hand in hand.  You can find photos and workout videos on my Instagram: @angeem73

Sharon lost over 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation: Sharon lost over 80 pounds and has gone from a size 28 to a size 18.  All her life she was the “cute, fat girl” and now she is healthy and fit.  She’s faced a number of obstacles and the loss of her mother to cancer, but with the love and support of her husband she has taken action and changed her life.  Here is what she shared with us…

sharon weight loss story

This is a lifetime! All my life, I was the cute, fat girl (or big Sharon behind my back). My mom and dad had me on so many diets as a child, from Weight Watchers, to Nutri-system, to Jenny Craig and the blue diet pills. I all ways said, “God don’t make junk.” I loved my big, beautiful 380 pound self most of my life. Also, due to an injury from 2003, I walk with a limp.

In 2006, my mom had a 2nd go with cancer and she went to glory. This got me thinking about my weight and health.  Also, with the new career I was after, I did not want to be an unhealthy hair artist on stage. From 2006 to 2007, I started my journey and lost only 25 pounds. Then, I went to Jamaica with two girl friends and thought I was doing something!

In 2007, my friend, next door neighbor and soul mate Walter finally came home after being away in Montana for 18 years. He was a health nut from way back. He told me that if I was serious about wanting to lose weight he would help me.  It started off as a joke and every couple weeks he would tell me something to change and take out my diet.  As I started making healthier choices, my gallbladder shut down and I ended up in the emergency room.  When Walter asked the doctor what the cure was, he said surgery or cut out heavy fats.  After we did some research, I decided to let the gallstones pass, keep my gallbladder and live a healthier lifestyle.

With that being said, one thing I don’t do is step on a scale often. I went from a size 28 to a size 18, and now I’m moving into a size 16 with no girdle. Walter and I got married on 2-14-2010 and he truly is my rock.  He is also a personal trainer, NPC top ranked bodybuilder and soon to be pro. Most importantly he is a different type of trainer.  He works with you where you are and builds you up as you progress on your journey.

What working for me;
  • Chicken, fish, sirloin and brown egg whites
  • Raw or steamed veggies
  • Fruit (in the am only)
  • Brown rice
  • Working out at least 2-4 days week
  • I did not take fat burners until I lost 80 pounds.
I stopped eating fast food, butter, fried food or drinking soda of any kind. If I’m on vacation of out and about, I may do fast food but it’s all about choice. Examples of my meals;
  • Breakfast: 3 egg whites, 1yoke and grapefruit
  • Snack: Almond snack pack
  • Lunch: Cod fish, brown rice and big green salad
  • Snack: Veggies and fruits
  • Dinner: Chicken, red potato and broccoli or asparagus.

Also, when I lost 80 pounds, I went through a detox for ten days with no meat. I was in tears on some days but when you realize fat is toxic you just want to keep going.  My meal plans did cost, so if you are serious you gotta have a good nutritionist. Walter is the first one I’ve worked with that didn’t just put a 300 plus pound lady on 1200 to 1500 calorie diet and say you gotta starve to do it.  He taught me that I was starving my body. He showed me that if I would just feed it healthy food, my body would not hold on to the weight but release it.

In the beginning at 300 plus pounds, my workouts started like this: 5 minutes on the bike, 10 minutes on elliptical and exercises for my midsection. Today, I try to workout 3 days a week at the gym and walk daily. Here is my leg workout;

  • Warm up 10 minutes on bike
  • Ab workout for 10 minutes
  • Leg press: 3 sets of 25, starting at 100 pounds and adding 20 each set.
  • The next two machines I call “innees and outees”; 3 sets of 50 reps, start with 30 pounds for weight and increase 10 pounds each set
  • 3 sets of 50 calf raises
My trainer/nutritionist adjusts my workouts weekly and we enjoy living a healthy lifestyle when it comes to food, but nothing is wrong with an occasional cheat meal and wine.  I’m a work in progress, because I never thought I would be a thick fit chick.  I don’t want to be skinny. I still want my curves and butt, but want to be healthy and happy. I’m also still in shock that I’m doing it.  Here’s to the rest of my healthy life! I feel better at 42 years old then I did at 22. I’m honest and real and still have a size 22 in my closet. It may seem hard at first but if I can do it anyone can.

Krystin lost 32 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Krystin lost 32 pounds and 2 dress sizes in 6 months.  This military wife and mom was tired of being overweight and wanted to walk into her 30s healthy and fit.  She found an eating and exercise program that worked for her.  Although she still has more to do, she is celebrating her victory so far.

krystin before and after

I recently lost 33 pounds and 2 dress sizes. I feel great! After years and years of weight loss struggles, I can finally say that I did it. I have a ways to go, but I am so proud of my progress. I love myself now as a woman and I can finally keep up with my husband and kids. I an so thankful to God for finally letting me shine bright.

My motivation to lose weight was me approaching 30 years old. I had been overweight throughout my entire 20’s and I was tired of it. Being a military wife and moving from place to place, it was hard to make and keep friends. I often sat in the house and was a couch potato. Once we moved to our current duty station, I received lots of motivation from a new friend who happened to be a Beachbody coach. She never pressured me to join, she just shared her successes and her failures. Seeing that she too had a weight problem and still had days where she struggled, made me see her as human. She always managed to pick herself back up and keep it pushing.

I started by eating smaller portions using my children’s plates and drinking Shakeology (protein meal replacements). Then, I cut out white starches and sweets. I replaced them with more fruits, more veggies and whole wheat everything. I then began doing a workout video called PiYo. It’s palates and yoga put together. I would also run and walk flights of stairs.

At my heaviest, I weighed 225 pounds. I eventually fad dieted and exercised down to 215 pounds. In March 2015, (at 215 lbs) I started portion control and then the 21 Day Fix program and PiYo. I am now down to 183 pounds. That’s 32 pounds in 6 months. I still have a ways to go for my 5’4″ frame to be considered a healthy weight.

The best advice I could give someone wanting to begin their weight loss journey is to remember you are human. You will have good and bad days. To have less bad days, plan your cheat meals, not days, to avoid falling off. Remember: It took you months to put on the weight, so allow yourself months to get it off. One thing is for sure, you are what you eat. You can exercise all you want but if your food intake is bad, it will definitely show. Find a workout partner to push and motivate each other to keep going. I could go on and on, but the most important advice is to love yourself and be your own cheerleader because we as women, are our own worst critics.

Quita lost 99 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Quita lost 99 pounds. This mom was determined to make sure that obesity and weight-related illness would not be a cycle for her family. She made straight forward changes to her eating habits and worked out regularly to lose the pounds.  Check out her story.

quita weight loss story

I wanted to share my journey with you all. I was getting sick and tired of being overweight. Then, I went to the doctor and they begin to tell me that if I wanted to be around for my children I needed to get my act together. I was facing high blood pressure and diabetes and could not live with the thought of not trying or just giving up. I did not want being overweight to be an repeated cycle for me and my children, especially knowing that my grandmother had battled the same issues. Weeks later, the doctors made me aware that one of my children was facing the exact same health concerns I was. That’s when I took a stand and started making lifestyle changes.

I began to work out 6 days a week and made better food choices, like cutting back on red meat, only drinking water and eating more vegetables. I also stopped fried foods and began only eating chicken and fish. Now, I still only drink water. I work out 6 days a week, running 4 miles a day and weight training as well.

I’ve lost a total of 99 pounds. I started my journey in August 2014 and one year later I feel fabulous. My starting weight was 278 pounds and my current weight is 179 pounds (height: 5ft 4in tall). It took me 9 months to get the weight off and I’m still going.

My advice for others who want to lose weight is: Stay focused throughout your journey! Also, stay away from carbs as much as possible. If you mess up or slip up, just keep going. Don’t ever give up! It won’t get easier, you just become better at it. Give it all you’ve got. BWLW, Thanks for allowing us to share our stories with the world.

Instagram: @quyta_fit2015

quita transformation before and after

Tarra lost 33 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Tarra lost 33 pounds. She found a great boot camp where she got guidance on healthy eating and exercise.  Check out what she shared with us about how she lost the pounds…

tarra before and after

Hi, my name is Tarra F. I began my weight loss journey in April 2015 with a starting weight of 214 pounds. I was inspired to start my weight loss journey by an local exercise boot camp that offered a program to lose 20 lbs in 6 weeks. My friend suggested them to me. I was motivated by seeing someone start the boot camp and get exceptional results. I wanted the same results. Along with the workout program, a special diet was created for me which consisted of meals that were high in protein. I ate meat, green veggies and healthy carbs. My exercise routine was boot camp class for an hour, 5-6 days a week.

As of September 2015, I’ve lost 33 pounds and continue to have my mind Motivated, Determined and Focused on a better lifestyle. I’m 5’2″ tall and I currently weigh 181 pounds (as of Sept 2015).

I could no longer live with being heavy. My advice to others is: Stay Driven, Determined and Focused… and you will never give up.

Instagram: @Tarrahealthyhair

tarra weight loss story

5 Tips For Staying Motivated To Achieve Your Fitness Goals

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fitness goals tipsSure, we all want to be healthy and fit, but the desire is not the difficult part. It’s keeping the motivation to actually do so that can be very hard! Most of us want to live healthier and more active lives, so we tend to set goals in these areas, but oftentimes we lose motivation or simply give up and don’t reach those goals. Life may get busy, we may get sick or frustrated, or laziness sets in and we decide that achieving our fitness goals is too much of a hassle. It sounds easy enough in theory and in the beginning, but the practical application is not always so easy.

If you’ve struggled in the area of motivation when it comes to workouts, please say amen [here].

Exercising regularly sounds simple enough, but the truth is that it takes a firm commitment and plenty of self-discipline to achieve this part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to make some sort of resolution to get into shape and lose a few pounds, but too often within a couple of weeks we are right back into our bad habits. Then we beat ourselves up for not sticking with it. I’m sure you are aware that plenty of people make New Year’s resolutions or Monday Morning resolutions to get and stay into shape and within a couple of weeks they fall back into their old routines. It’s a dreaded cycle, but the good news is that it CAN be broken!

So, moving forward and assuming that YOU want to get (and stay) in shape, Here is the question: How can you stay motivated to achieve your fitness goals?

  • Make a list of your fitness goals.

It is important to write down your fitness goals and put them somewhere that you can view them on a daily basis. It’s easy to forget your goals, so be sure that you take a look at them often. You can even write down the reasons why you have these goals to serve as a reminder for the days when you don’t really feel like working out. Ideas;

  • Download motivational images and post them in your office and on your social media profiles.
  • Write your goals down on an index card and carry it around with you.  Read it 3-4 times a day, especially before workouts.
  • Post sticky notes on your fridge, at the office, or in the bathroom to serve as reminders of your goal to become healthy.
  • Become educated on the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

Knowledge is a wonderful tool that can act as a change agent in our lives. Learn about healthy habits and how exercise benefits physical and mental health. Read encouraging and motivational books that will keep you motivated to keep up the good work. Listen to positive audios and watch inspirational videos on how you can live your best life NOW! Don’t wait around and hope that you’ll get motivated; take action! When you are proactive in your life, things happen. You attract what you think about, so revamp your thought life when it comes to living an abundant, healthy life.

  • Make small changes over time.

Don’t expect to become a health and fitness guru in a week or two. Don’t expect your body to transform in a week or two. Introduce bits and pieces of lifestyle change and various exercises into your life over time. One week you may try to burpees instead of pushups and the next week you may want to add 20 more minutes of exercise to your routine. Maybe one week you can walk four days a week instead of three and the next week incorporate a group activity like yoga or tennis with a friend. Think of your healthy lifestyle as progress; not perfection. It’s those who take small steps consistently that cover more ground than those that take large steps once in a while. Remember that.

  • Visualize success.

See yourself healthy and fit, even if you aren’t feeling like it. Close your eyes and envision eating healthy foods and moving forward in your fitness goals. Daydream about you standing straight, shoulders back, chin up, healthy and fit. (Like a superhero) Visualizing success helps cause your thought patterns to change from negative or neutral to positive, and helps keep one motivated to achieve goals. Yes, utilize creative visualization to see yourself living a kick butt, healthy, fit life!

  • Create a vision board.
  • Find some fitness experts/success stories who inspire you and learn about their journey.
  • Find positive affirmations, prayers and meditations online that inspire you.
  • Get a fitness buddy.

Sometimes all it takes is getting a family member, friend, or acquaintance to commit to getting and staying in shape with you. Call it an accountability partner, because you can be accountable to each other and keep each other motivated. You can work out together or separate, but be sure to check in with one another often (daily or at least weekly). Don’t be afraid to extend tough love, as you both are making a firm commitment to doing what you say you’re going to do.  If you can’t find someone who you know to commit to, you may find a partner online with social media or on sites like MyFitnessPal.com or Sparkpeople.com

Listen, you CAN stay motivated on a daily basis to work toward attaining your fitness goals. As you progress on your fitness journey, you’ll most likely realize that the lessons about commitment and pushing yourself you are learning flow over into other areas of your life too! Qualities like discipline, perseverance, accountability, etc. are quite helpful in other areas, such as your career, parenting children, relationships, and more. Pretty amazing, huh?

You’ve got this! I totally believe in you.

Winter lost 65 pounds

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Update: Winter wrote in to share that she’s lost 28 more pounds since we featured her story last year for a total of 93 lbs. She has yet to gain any of the weight back due to hard work and consistency. Check out her update.

It has now been a little over 2 years since I began my journey to lose the weight. I’ve now lost a total of 93 pounds. While some people have lost weight quickly, my process was a little slower, but I also have yet to gain anything back with the hard work and consistency I’ve put into my regimen. I’m still working out 4-5 days a week. I have started doing less cardio and more strength/resistance training, which is really helping to sculpt and tone my body at this point. @Nujerzgyrl79

winter before and after

Transformation Story of the Day: Winter lost 65 pounds. When her weight reached over 300 pounds, she was disgusted and knew that she had to change. She used the resources available to her to transform her eating habits and start working out hard.  Her hard work has paid off and now she is sharing her story with us!

winter transformation story

My journey began in June 2014. When my weight skyrocketed to 315 pounds, I cried and was disgusted with myself. My family has a long history of heart disease and diabetes. I woke up one morning and decided that I needed to get back to at least my old weight of around 260 pounds. That still sounds like a lot, but I had a long road to get there. I’m 5’9″ tall, so I carry extra weight with my height. I joined the YWCA in my town, stopped eating fast food, and put in a lot of work. I didn’t take any pills or hire a personal trainer because my budget was not set up for all that… lol.

I cooked and planned my meals very strategically so I could be successful. I eat a lot of vegetarian dishes and prepare lower calorie meals that include lots of chicken and fish. Examples: chick pea patties, grilled chicken with spinach and eggplant parmesan. I replaced the pastas that I love with spaghetti squash or use my Veggetti to spiral slice zucchini. I have turkey burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Also, I only drink water and I use greek yogurt to cure my sweet tooth.

Lots and lots of exercise has been key to my transformation. Lots of cardio and tons of strength training have helped to make sure I don’t have lot of sagging skin.  I take total body conditioning classes, run, ride bikes, do lots of ab work, etc. I typically workout 3-5 days a week, usually for 1.5 – 2 hours a day.

I now weigh 250 pounds and I want to lose another 40-50lbs as my journey continues. My advice for others is to be consistent with what you do. If you want it, go get it. Change doesn’t happen overnight but results become addicting. Also, be unapologetic about pics of yourself because that’s how you will see your progress.

Hard work and commitment will change your life, so if you fall off, get back on. I still have work to do, but I’ll get there and I’ll be sure to update you.

Instagram: @nujerzgyrl79

winter before and after

Ti lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Ti lost 45 pounds. She wants to encourage you and says, “Please don’t let the negative fat shaming in the media deter you from reaching your weight loss goals.” We agree! She shared with about the lifestyle changes she made to lose the pounds and have more energy.

ti weight loss story

I do not believe that shaming motivates anyone to lose weight. Thus, I share my story in the midst of the media’s unnecessary fat shaming trend. I hope to INSPIRE people who are trying to lose weight, not shame them. I initially lost weight from a new hobby: bicycling. I did not set out to lose weight. Instead, I simply wanted to enjoy the outdoors on a bicycle. I lost about fifteen pounds from bicycling and minimal dietary changes, such as drinking more water, portion control, etc.

This led to other healthy lifestyle changes. I went to the gym more, walked/jogged around my local school track, and ate a more plant based diet. I still eat meat, however I only eat un-fried, lean meat, such as fish, chicken, and turkey. I’m about 50 pounds lighter now and still working to keep it off. It ain’t easy because I don’t always feel like working out and I LOVE sweets… LOL. However, I take it one day at a time and I stay motivated by how healthy I feel now versus back then. My complexion is much clearer, I have more stamina, and I breathe easier. Please don’t let the negative fat shaming in the media deter you from reaching your weight loss goals. If I can do it, you can do it too!

I am 5’6″ tall and I started off around 180 pounds. Now, I weigh 135 pounds….and I’m still losing! Oh— about that last picture with the cap on my head. I go to the gym like that most days LOL. Too many of us skip out on exercise because we don’t want to get our hair messed up. You go to the gym to workout, not be a beauty queen. Work IT and don’t worry about what anybody else thinks!

PS: I do volunteer work with reptiles, such as snakes, alligators, and lizards. I work with a reptile rescue and education group. Losing weight has given me the energy, motivation, and confidence to do reptile educational shows in front of many people. I also have a YouTube channel where I educate people about reptiles in English and Sign Language: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NCiEDswcf4