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Danielle lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Danielle lost 35 pounds. After going through a number of life challenges, she decided that it was time for a serious lifestyle change.  She’s taken action over the last 4 months by changing her eating habits and exercising. She’s just getting started, but she shared with us about her progress so far…

danielle before and after

I am celebrating 35 pounds lost and I’ve decided to share my story with BWLW. The left picture is me on my 25th birthday. I was secretly miserable on a day that should’ve been one of the most memorable days of my life thus far. I had gone through a lot of changes; my first year at a university, a breakup, family issues, and work. The stress of all of this led me to food. For almost a year, I withdrew from the people I loved most and used my vice, eating, to comfort me. About 4 months ago, I decided that enough was enough.

I started to make lifestyle changes, such as cutting carbs, eating smarter carbs and drinking more water. I also started meal prepping and made the crockpot my best friend. (So convenient for busy people!) For exercise, I started off walking on an incline on the treadmill and eventually incorporated HIIT workouts on both the treadmill and stair master. It took a while, but I can now finally run doing intervals.

I changed my attitude completely and realized that I was the only one in the way of me achieving my goals. I started this journey at 245 pounds. 4 months in, I’ve lost 35 lbs, and I weigh 210 pounds. I still have a long way to go, but I congratulate myself every step of the way! Thank you for hearing my story!

My advice for people who would like to lose weight is to make lifestyle changes and only do things they can see themselves doing for life. Also, allow at least 3-4 hours between your last meal and bedtime!

Instagram: @bellaadanielle

Janel lost almost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Janel lost almost 80 pounds. After facing pulmonary embolism and osteoarthritis, she decided to change her lifestyle. She’s been inspired by the success stories of others and now she is sharing her own with us.

janel before and after

From 2011 to 2015, I’ve lost about 80 lbs! I got sick with two blood clots in my lungs (notice the medical necklace) and decided to change my ways. The best part? My husband and I were dating when I was at my biggest! We’ve lost weight together! I’m so thankful for all the people who shared their stories with Black Women Losing Weight! Reading them helped me start my journey!

How I did it: I used to be a major candy eater, mainly of chocolate. I would eat it multiple times a day, so I stopped. I also quit drinking soda. I began eating more green vegetables, drinking more water, and started drinking smoothies from the Nutribullet. For exercise, I started doing Jillian Michaels’ kick box for weight loss on YouTube five times a week, and I did Zumba for an hour on Saturdays. I also walked up to 3 miles on Sundays, depending on how I was feeling (I have Osteoarthritis).

My current weight is 190 pounds. I’m 5’7″tall. It took about 8 months to lose the weight. My advice to others is to keep going. Every step, Every sweat session…it’s all worth it. Don’t give up. My husband has also started working out and eating better. It’s not just about weight loss tools – this is our new lifestyle. My Instagram is @sun.kissed_.

janel weight loss story

Nicole lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nicole lost 68 pounds.  This Atlanta Comedian has battled her weight for years. She was also was diagnosed with narcolepsy/cataplexy, which can affect weight gain.  She shared with us about her journey and how weight loss can take a toll on your self image.

nicole before and after

Starting Weigh:t 238 pounds
Current Weight: 170 pounds
Goal Weight: 145 pounds
Height: 5’3″ tall
Major transformation: 225 to 175 lbs since January 2015
Started my transformation in Spring 2014, however I continued to fluctuate until January 2015.

Hi, my name is Nicole Vada I’m an amateur comedian in the Atlanta area, I also work behind the scenes in the Entertainment business. I’m a single mom of an awesome 10 year old son. I have always battled my weight. As a child model, my career was stunted due to fluctuating weight. Now, Stand-Up Comedy has rejuvenated my love of the arts. However I did not want to half-step. It was finally time for me to focus and get in tune with my body.

At age 30, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy/cataplexy. I have been suffering since grade school. I even diagnosed myself in High School but Doctors waived it off saying, “Narcolespy is rare, especially in African Americans”. People who suffer with narcolepsy/cataplexy have a lack of orexin/hypocretin due to the destruction of cells that produce it. This neurotransmitter regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite.  Many narcoleptics are plagued by weight gain. Through research, I found that some people were having success with a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. Although I am not totally strict with this way of eating, I have subconsciously adopted it into my lifestyle.
Typical day of meals:

  • breakfast veggie omelete
  • lunch: salad
  • dinner: meat and two veggies
  • snacks: fruit and oatmeal

I workout 7 days a week

  • Cross training 2x a day 30 minutes (250 squats, dead lift, weights, leg lifts, planks, lounges)
  • Run walk 2-4 miles 3 times a week

Advice: I recently posted this on my Facebook page…
Phantom fat, mentally fat, fat…many people who experience drastic weight lost still feel fat. My highest check in was fall 2013 at 238 pounds. My average weight for the last 5 years has fluctuated between 210 and 225. Currently I am 170 pounds, but secretly I still feel 210 pounds…. Hence all the selfies.

What I have learned:
1. When you carry weight for so long, mentally it’s hard to shed the pounds
2. Drastic weight loss = irrabilailty and depression
3. Steer clear of anorexia and bulimia
4. Attempt to help others lose weight
5. Pick up heavy things (lift weights) and jump on the scale, you`ll still be lighter than where you started.
6. Biggest challenge: get out the house.
7. Fight the urge to splurge, but if you do cheat stay on the path.
8. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet
9. Prepare financially for rapid weight lost. January I was a size 20, today I am a 12. 20, 18, 16, 14….I dropped 5 dress sizes in 6 months. Can you say expensive, even though I visit thrift stores.
10. Tune into your spirituality. God wants us fit in best health ready to run the race. A Christian’s goal is to mirror Christ. WWJD if faced with weight challenges?
11. Lose the negativity and stressful situations around you. Connect with motivators.
12. A lot of people who are overweight have underlying health issues. Learn your body and become in tune. My body lacks hypocretian. This hormone is released by the Pituitary gland and controls appetite, sleep, and metabolism. I have battled weight my whole life, now I know why.

IG, Twitter: @nicolevada
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolevada

nicole weight loss

Audrey lost 70 pounds

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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.

Eboni lost 56 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Eboni lost 56 pounds in 6 months.  This petite mom was inspired by her daughter as they both wanted to be healthier and more fit. With calorie counting, portion control and regular exercise, she’s gotten the victory!  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

eboni before and after

I am from Madison, Alabama and I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my adult life.  Once my daughter came to me professing her desire to be healthy and fit for her first year of college, this was the perfect opportunity for us to work as a team to achieve this goal,

I was an emotional eater and have a weakness that most people can relate to: I love fried food and bread.  High blood pressure sent me to the hospital many times and overcoming my bad eating habits and losing weight was not just about me, but it’s for the benefit of my daughter as well.  There’s a saying, “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” 

I changed my eating habits by using portion control. I also don’t eat fried food and I make sure that I have plenty of veggies each day. I try not to exceed 1200 calories a day. For exercise, I work out 3 to 4 times a week. I had to find something that I loved to do, which is dancing. I will put my heels on and go for it.

I have gone from a size 22-24 to a size 14. I have lost a total of 56 pounds and plenty of inches. My height is 5’2 1/2″. I have been fully committed to this transformation for 6 months.

My advice to others: You can do all things through Christ. The first step is to take the first step. I never thought that I would be on this health kick, but I can’t give up. So, with that being said, love where you are now first before you can move to the next step.

Instagram: @BrownSugga5201

LaVerne lost 38 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: LaVerne lost 38 pounds. Facing an empty nest, this 48 year old mom of 3 decided that it was time for a lifestyle change.  She began taking action on her weight loss journey in April.  Here is what she shared with us…

laverne before and after

I wanted to share my story. I am 48 year old wife and mother of 3 grown sons. My youngest son turned 18 years old in May. That is when I realized that I had to start living for me. He would be going off to college and there were be no children in the house. I decided in April 2015, I wanted to make a lifestyle change to be more healthy.

As a teenager I was thin and I suffered from bulimia trying to stay thin. Food was always a constant struggle for me. Once I became married and had children, the weight slowly creeped up. Being that I am 6 feet tall, people would always tell me that I carried the weight well. I did not like the way I looked, but most of all I didn’t like the way I felt.

In April, I started going to the gym.  Initially, I could on walk on the treadmill for about 15 minutes. I was so out of shape. I built my stamina up to going to the gym 4 to 5 times a week. Now, I do cardiovascular and weight training. To change my eating habits, I cut out all, sugar, bread , sweets, and starches. Water became my new best friend. I also started eating more protein and vegetables. I do have one cheat day a week, which is usually on Sundays. That’s when I eat something I use to crave, like a piece of cake or ice cream. Moderation is the key.

Over time, I began to feel better physically. The key is to make your lifestyle change into a lifelong  habit. You can’t look at it as a diet or you will set yourself up for failure. A diet is a temporary fix and a lifestyle change is for the duration. I have been on this weight loss journey since April 2015 and presently I’ve lost 38 pounds. Losing the weight is great, but feeling healthy is the best. I hope I can be an inspiration to at least one person. I have a FB page called Healthy Me where I give healthy tips and advice about being healthy and staying positive. Good luck to everyone on their journey!

Ayada lost 57 pounds

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Update Aug 2020: Ayada has maintained her weight loss of 57 pounds since we featured her back in 2015. Bravo.

Ayada before and after

My current weight is 210 pounds, and I have maintained my weight loss. I am working out Monday thru Thursday and walking daily (at least five miles). I eat fruit during the week, and I have small proportions when I eat dinner. I also work out on the weekends by doing five miles.

I am on a mission, and my health and lifestyle are very important to me. My goal is to lose 20 more pounds.

My advice for women who want to lose weight is to stay focused and motivated. Eat healthy and work out daily. @ayadaingram96

Ayada before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Ayada lost 57 pounds. This Delta Sigma Theta Soror decided that it was time to get healthy and commit to living a long, active life with her daughter.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

ayada weight loss

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my daughter and improving my health. I had to get healthy and change my life so that I could be there for her. I want to make sure she stays fit as well. I was also inspired by looking at my friends who were losing weight.

My daughter and my mother motivated me to workout and to get my blood pressure and high cholesterol down. I also got tired of people asking me if was I pregnant because I did look like it at the time. Now, my health has improved, and I know I will be here for my daughter for a long time.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started drinking meal replacement shakes, eating three times of day and stopped eating fried foods. I used Body by Vi shakes, the Military Diet, and green smoothies.

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out every day, including the weekends.  For exercise, you will find me in the gym, going walking, doing Zumba or kickboxing.

What was your starting weight? 276 pounds

What is your current weight? 219 pounds (height: 5’3″ tall) I went from a size 26 to a size 14. Now, I can be more active with my daughter. Also, my blood pressure and cholesterol are under control. I feel better, and my self-esteem has improved.

How long did your transformation take? 1 1/2 years

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
To stick with it and never give up because you can do it.

Instagram: @ayadaingram96

Oct 2018: Ayada lost 83 pounds and she’s kept the weight off. We asked her to share how she’s maintained her success.

Ayada before and after

“I have maintained my weight loss by working out daily and jogging on the track. I also take boot camp and Total Toning classes, Monday thru Thursday. I also work out on Saturday and Sunday. My only break is on Fridays. In terms of my eating habits, I am still on the Military Diet three days a week.  

My advice for others are on this journey is to stay focused, motivated and dedicated to your goal. Set your goal and stick with it. If your diet isn’t working, try another method. Also, cut back on you portion sizes and drink lots of water daily.”

Ayada before and after

ayada weight loss

Update: May 2016 – Ayada lost 34 more pounds, since we shared her story in August 2015. That’s a total of 83 pounds released (current weight: 185 lbs)

ayada before and after

Trinity lost 43 pounds

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Awesome Success Story: Trinity lost 43 pounds. After her son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she was determined to change her lifestyle and show him that he was not alone.  We applaud this awesome mom.  Here is what she shared with us…

trinity before and after

I started at 240 pounds in January and I’ve lost 43 pounds. I am 5’9″ tall and I now weigh 196.8 pounds. On January 17th, my 8 year old son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1). This unfortunate event forced me to change my eating habits and start making moves toward a healthier lifestyle. I wanted to show him that he was NOT alone.

Most of my weight loss came from eating correctly. I began eating like a diabetic. I cut out soda and juice completely as well. I only drink lemon water and green tea here and there. For exercise, I do light cardio for about 30 minutes a day. For example, I do 100 jumping jacks and I jog in place for 10 minutes.

I attempted to lose weight many times before but failed due to the lack of motivation. I knew I had to lose the weight but I didn’t know where to start or how to start. I was so addicted to food. That all changed in January when my son was diagnosed. His diagnosis gave me the push I needed. My back was up against the wall and I had NO CHOICE.

I am blessed today as I share this story with you guys. I feel so much better now. I wake up with so much more energy, I don’t get tired as fast and I am able to chase after my children without feeling winded right away.

My advice to anyone who is struggling with weight loss: It will Not work Unless you are Truly dedicated and really serious about losing the weight. Think of reasons why you NEED to lose the weight and push forward. You can do anything that you put your mind to and I am living proof of that. Bless you all.

Instagram: @mother_first2

Tiffany lost 110 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Tiffany lost over 100 pounds and has maintained her weight loss long term. This month she appeared on the Dr. Oz show.

tiffany update weight loss

“I just wanted to update you on my progress but first thank you for all of the incredible work you do! You’re dedication to sharing these transformations is amazing! Your page keeps me motivated and accountable to keeping the weight off daily! So encouraging! You shared my weight loss story on your page months back. I got so much encouraging feedback from many of the women who have liked your page. It feels good to be able to inspire and motivate, while at the same time holding myself accountable. I have continued to maintain my weight, even though it has certainly been a challenge. I was, and still am an emotional eater, but through the dedication and daily motivation from pages like yours, I have done it. Since you have shared my story, I have had the honor of sharing my weightloss story in amazing ways! I was on the Today Show in the Joy Fit Club Segment with Joy Bauer. Just recently, I was able to share my story on the Dr. Oz Show (video)! I am so thankful for pages like yours and people like you who inspire and motivate with real life stories!”

Aug 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tiffany lost 110 pounds. After battling her weight for years, she reached a point where enough was enough. She focused on learning all about healthy eating, portion control and exercise.  Now, she is a personal trainer, fitness instructor and author.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

tiffany before and after

I had struggled with my weight my entire life. Once I got married, I weighed about 180 pounds. After about 3 years of marriage my weight skyrocketed to 250 pounds. I think I just started letting myself go. I ate whatever I wanted and was not active at all. I just kept making excuses for myself and ignoring the changes I was seeing in the mirror. I had not weighed myself in years. Then, they built a new fitness center in my community and my husband wanted to join. I joined too, but not because I wanted to. I just didn’t want to be left out of what he was doing. I decided to buy a scale. When I finally had enough courage to step on, I was shocked to see my weight. 250lbs! I was considered morbidly obese. How did this happen? I was mortified, depressed and so disappointed in myself. I decided that day to make a change.

tiffanyI slowly started to work out and instantly cut my calorie intake. After the 1st week I had lost 5 pounds! This was so motivating to me and I just kept going. Little by little I became more determined as I saw more progress. I constantly did research on how to burn calories and eat right. Eventually, I had lost 110 pounds! It took me about 8 months. I was very focused! My weight loss success story was featured in Oxygen Magazine. I wanted to help others who had struggled with their weight as well, so I became a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. I love inspiring others with my story and hope to encourage anyone who feels like they cannot do it.


Tiffany’s Book

I changed my eating habits pretty much immediately. I instantly cut my calories down to about 1,000 a day, which I would not recommend. This was before I had done any research. Now, I would say only go down to about 1200 per day. Never the less, I got educated about the calories in food. I had never payed any attention to that before. I downloaded the MyFitnessPal App and literally logged my calories everyday! Every morsel of food was accounted for. When I look back on how I used to eat before my change, I realized I was consuming about 4,000 calories per day. No wonder I was overweight. The main trick that I learned was calories in, calories, out. I found out that as long as I burned more calories than I ate, I could still lose weight and eat whatever I wanted in the proper proportions. I learned all about serving sizes, ate about 1200 calories per day and had 1 cheat meal per week. When I hit a plateau, I actually took my calories up to about 1500 per day, and was able to continue losing. My go to fitness product now is definitely the Fit Bit! It helps me stay on track with calories I’ve burned per day and I still log my food in the app!

www.100lbslater.com

Twitter: @100lbslater

IG: @100lbslaterdotcom

tiffany weight loss

Roshanda lost 31 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Roshanda lost 31 pounds this year. She shared her awesome story with us and I think that many women will be able to relate, especially those who are dealing with fertility and gynecological issues. Her story reminds us that we don’t have to bow to the pressure coming at us from the opinions of others, well meaning as they may be.  We have the power to change and direct our lives and we can find healthy answers to help us.  Here is what she shared…

roshanda before and after

Hello, My name is Roshanda Stevenson and this is my story. After I had my second son, my family and friends told me to get a tubal ligation (tubes tied). I almost did it, just because everyone wanted me to. Three years after my second son’s birth, my husband and I lost our son. I would hate to think how I would have felt if I’d listened to those who wanted me to have surgery. Now, I have a precious little drama queen who drives me crazy, but my life is so much more amazing because of her.

In December, the doctor told me that I shouldn’t have more children and pursuaded me to have a hysterectomy. I was never pleased or excited about the decision. It actually gave me extreme anxiety to think that I couldn’t become pregnant again IF I wanted. Everyone around me told me to pray about it or just do it. I prayed and prayed, but could never find contentment in having that procedure.

At the beginning of January, I knew I had to change my life or things were going to go downhill. I have suffered from heavy periods all my life but not until the doctor put me on birth control pills did they get worse. My periods would go for months long and I would end up in the hospital having to have units of blood transferred. Taking iron pills had my stomach in knots and I just didn’t feel good.

Never once did the doctor say that if you change your eating habits and do a little exercise things might be better. I had a little angel that kept pinging me to try changing my habits instead of surgery. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this could work, but it did.

I was introduced to the 21 Day Fix, which is healthy eating program with 30 minutes of working out every day. I started adding more fruit and vegetables to my diet and cutout all fried foods and soda. I also being to drink Shakeology which was a total game changer. It gave me the energy to power through my workouts along with getting my digestive system on track.

I started working out 30 minutes a day for the first 21 days. I lost 16 lbs in that first round. Then I added kickboxing two months later and lost another 12 lbs.  On January 28th, I weighed 178 and today I weigh in at 143 pounds. I just try my very best to stay as active as possible. Instead of taking the elevator, I take the stairs. Instead of finding a close parking spot, I find the furthest parking spot. I love working out and being active. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this could work, but it did. MIRACLES HAPPENED and I no longer needed to have a hysterectomy!

I would have never thought in a million years that my purpose would be health and fitness. When God lines you up with your passion everything just clicks! In July, I became a certified Turbo Kick instructor. I am extremely excited about the blessings God has planned for my team and family.

I encourage everyone to stay committed to their goals and surround yourself with people who support your WHY, but most of all that understand your WHY. This is not a easy journey and you don’t have to understand it, but you do need to trust in the journey. Be encouraged and have faith in yourself that you can do it. Be happy with what you have while working on what you want. Dreams do not come true without work. Do everything you can today to make a better you for tomorrow.

You can follow me on Instagram @msroshanda

www.facebook.com/2BRelentless

roshanda