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

Consha lost 150 pounds

by 8 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Consha lost 150 pounds.  After battling with being overweight most of her life, this young lady made the changes necessary to see lose the pounds and get fit. Here is what she shared with us…

Consha before and after

Hi! I’m Consha and I’m 25 years old. I’ve pretty much been obese all my life but it got out of hand during my 9th grade year in High School. That’s when I found out I was 300 pounds. From there I decided to lose weight but emotional eating took control during that time.

My Mom was my inspiration.  Also, studying to become a Nurse and interacting with people at work explaining the risks of their overall health is was my motivation and STILL is.

Changing my eating habits took some time. I put myself on a 4/3 ratio where I’d eat what I wanted for 4 days and healthy the other 3 days.  Now, I’m down to one cheat day.  I gave up rice, bread, beef  and  pork.  I have 5 small meals per day and protein shakes after workouts. I trained with a personal trainer 3 days a week and ran on the 4th day.

I started my weight loss journey at 350 pounds. I am now 200 pounds at 5″6″ tall.  It has taken me about a year and 4 months to get this far.

To others I say, you’re the FIRST example of how the world is supposed to love you, so be the BEST example ever. Pray, Be Consistent, Eyes Forward, and Believe in yourself is my advice to others. I don’t have a fancy story, JESUS simply keeps me.

Instagram: @IamConshay inactive

Consha lost 150 pounds

Update: Heather lost 50 pounds

by 2 Comments

Update Aug 2018: We’ve been following Heather‘s story since 2012 and she has worked hard to keep the weight off.

heather before and after

I shared my story 5 years ago, I wanted to let BWLW know that I’m still going strong. I’m now a Zumba instructor and love encouraging others to meet their weight loss goals.

I was able to get the weight off back in 2012. It took me a year to lose the weight. I worked out 5 days a week and monitored my caloric intake by putting everything into the MyFitnessPal app.

I am always looking for ways to challenge my fitness goals. Now, I’m really focusing on weight lifting and toning. My goal is to be fit and healthy for the rest of my life. @rae_of_light16

We shared Heather’s story back in 2012 when she was down 45 pounds.  She recently sent us an update to let us know that she’s not only maintained her weight loss, but she’s lost 5 more pounds. 50 pounds gone!  Here is what she shared with us… (Read the original post here for more info)

Heather before and after

I started gaining weight while in a bad marriage. I became very depressed and turned to food for comfort. Between 2006-2012, I had put on over 40 pounds! In January 2012, during my separation, I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to change. I needed to get my body back. So, I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app and began logging everything I ate. I also got a YMCA membership. Both of these tools have been invaluable to me in my journey. I went from 168 lbs to 118 lbs. I weigh less now than I did in my early 20s!

I had to change my entire mindset about eating. I needed to learn portion control. I learned that it’s okay to have the occasional snack like a cookie, just don’t eat the whole bag. Whereas, at one point I would have several slices of cake at a party, now I just enjoy one slice and savor every bite! However, I’ve found that now I much prefer healthy, clean foods.

As far as exercise, I try different things so as not to get bored. I love group exercise classes like Zumba and Les Mills Body Pump. Group exercise allows you to meet others with similar goals and mindsets. In one of my Body Pump classes I met an 80 year old woman that inspires me! She is dedicated to her class and she is absolutely beautiful. In one of my Zumba classes, I met an 85 year old man that has been a member of the Y for over 60 years! I’ve met so many amazing people on my fitness journey and I’m so glad I took that step three years ago to get fit! I will become a licensed Zumba instructor on February 19, 2015.

My advice to anyone starting out is to just do it. Take that step. The best investment you will make is in yourself. Take care of your body. You’ll thank yourself decades from now.

Instagram: @heather_lovingme15

heather weight loss

Kanissa lost 50 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Kanissa lost 50 pounds in 6 months.  Weight Watchers, Zumba and finding a love for running 5Ks are all things that helped her on her awesome journey.  Here is what she shared with us…

Kanissa before and after

My name is Kanissa Williams. All my life I was on the thick side and knew I needed to lose weight. I had a case of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so I knew I need to make a change for myself. A couple of my co-workers told me that they were using Weight Watchers to lose weight and track their food and points. I decided to give that plan a try. I cut out all fried foods, junk foods, fast foods and soda. I also started eating more baked foods, vegetables, fruits and drinking TONS of water daily. 

When I first started exercising, I started off by walking in the neighborhood and doing Zumba classes. Today, I walk about 3-5 miles a day and continue to do Zumba. Last year, I completed three 5K races and this year my goal is to complete a fourth one.

At 5’7″ tall, I was 298 pounds, and now I’m down to 248 pounds. I’ve lost 50 pounds. It took me 6 months to get where I am today, but I’m grateful that I stuck with the exercising and healthy eating in order to meet my goals and to cut my meds in half. Hopefully, one day soon, I will be medicine free!

The advice I would give to those that are trying to lose weight is to surround yourself with positive people and motivate each other. Remember, to take it one day at a time, in the end all your hard work will pay off!

Instagram: @kwms976

What are the Benefits of Juice Fasting?

by 1 Comment

juice fasting benefitsJuice fasting or juice detoxes are a fairy popular way of giving your overall health a boost and to promote weight loss. There are different types of juice fasting that people use. Some of these focus heavily on green juices, others are fruit-based and finally some techniques involve a mix of these two.

There has been some controversy over juice fasting and worry about its effect on the body. Most people should only consider a short juice fast or juice detox, 3-10 days for example, with a focus on green juices if possible. As with any diet change it is important to research juicing thoroughly and even ask your doctor before beginning. This is especially important if you have some type of illness or ailment. If you have diabetes, are pregnant, have a chronic illness, are on chemotherapy, etc…juice fasting is not for you.

A properly done juice fast can deliver amazing results and really improve your health. Here are just 5 benefits of juice fasting.

  1. Helps Spark Weight Loss After Hitting a Plateau

In a country obsessed with weight loss, it isn’t a surprise that many people stumble upon juice fasting as a means of losing weight. Since juice fasting is usually only short-term it isn’t going to help you if you just go back to living an unhealthy life afterwards.  Juice fasting has to be part of your overall plan to eat healthy as a lifestyle…not just some diet fad plan.What juice fasting is really great for when it comes to weight loss is jumpstarting your body after hitting a plateau. If you just have the last 5 or 10lbs left to drop a juice fast will help you achieve that. If you’re just starting your journey of weight loss you can get a head start by juice fasting before starting your new diet.

  1. Allows The Digestive System to Rest and Repair

Your digestive system is just like a machine that constantly runs. It rarely gets a break from working and with the overwhelming number of people eating a bad diet, the digestive process is burdened even more. In fact, a study shows that around 74% of Americans have some type of GI symptom, whether it’s cramping, constipation or bloating.

A juice fast allows our bodies to take a much needed break. When only liquid are consumed our digestive tract doesn’t have to work anywhere near as hard and since we are consuming a juiced whole food, nutrients from the juices are able to be absorbed more efficiently. This efficiency also helps our bodies spend more time repairing itself with the nutrients you’re consuming.  You may find out that you feel much better when you aren’t eating wheat, dairy products or processed sugar and consider eliminating some foods from your diet.

  1. Eliminates Toxins and Other Waste From the Body

As you have already read in this article, sometimes juice fasting is also known as juice detoxing. There are toxins and chemicals in all of our food and beverages, sometimes even in the organic food we believe to be whole and healthy. The human body can harbor this toxins and chemicals which in turn causes illness, skin issues, digestion problems and more.  This stuff is stored in your fat tissue and lymphatic system, for example.

The juices used in these detoxing programs are packed with toxin-fighting antioxidants. The antioxidants bind the toxins and then are able to remove them from the body. These toxins are removed from the liver, kidneys, GI tract, respiratory system and even bolster the immune system.

  1. Rehydrates the Body with Nutrients and Water

Another shocking statistic revealed by a study is that approximately 75% of the American population is in some state of dehydration. Water is literally the lifeblood for humans. Despite people realizing the importance of water many still opt for sodas, caffeinated drinks, juices and alcoholic beverages over pure, clean water.

Juice fasting, despite its name, works incredibly well at rehydrating the body with water and nutrients. When the body is hydrated the skin clears and improves, the hair and nails are stronger and grow faster, and the body is able to function properly. Headaches and feelings of constant hungry will also dissipate. There is long list of problems that are symptoms of dehydration which will be fixed when you go on a juice fast.

  1. Overall Improves Mental Clarity and Energy

One of the most common complaints of young adults and adults is feeling tired even after getting the recommended 8hrs of sleep every night. They might crash halfway through the day or feeling jittery and unable to focus on tasks. These problems are usually related to diet and/or a buildup of toxins in the body.

Going on a juice fast helps heal the body of many problems that cause restlessness and lethargy. Many people who start a juice fast will cite that within just a day or two they feel energized and ready to take on the day. They don’t experience an energy crash and don’t have problems focusing on daily tasks.

Juice fasting can be an advantageous tool if you’re experiencing a plateau with your health and need something to kick start your body. When doing a juice fast make sure you pay close attention to your body and how it responds. On a juice fast you still want to make sure you are getting enough liquids and calories to support your body. Since everyone is an individual, you may have to tweak your juice fasting plan to suit your body and lifestyle.

  • Find a healthy plan or juicing book to guide you so that you do not endanger your health while trying to fast.  I suggest the Free “Reboot with Joe” juicing program from the creator of “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” Joe Cross.

  • Look at juice fasting as a tool on your journey..  You still have to determine how you will change your eating habits for good if you want lasting weight loss.
  • You should also consider speaking with your doctor or a medical professional before attempting any fast or detox plan because these programs can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.

Lee lost 70 pounds

by 6 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lee lost 70 pounds.  This proud single mom and teacher made working out and eating healthy a priority.  Her main goal was to never see 330 pounds again, and I don’t believe that she will have an issue keeping with that goal for years to come.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Lee before and after

Greetings!! My name is Lee Bryant, and I have lost 70 lbs and 33in. since April 2012. This journey has been long, and arduous, but with discipline, patience, guidance and support, I have persevered. I started at a size 24/26, and I am now a size 18. I have no specific amount to lose, but I will continue to work-out daily, and make better dietary choices.

My inspiration started when I saw my high school classmate on Facebook. We had maintaned intermittent communication, via the website, but one day I noticed how much of a transition she had made. Both of us had always been heavy in high school, and now she is a lean and an amazing body builder. Lynette Wade is her name, and she is my motivation and THINspiration, and I will always be thankful for her presence in my life. Also, as a single-mother of two, and a teacher, I realized that I needed time to myself. Initially, since I had chosen to lose weight, I chose to go to the gym to just have adult time, and have a smoother transition from working with my students to going home to my young children. I started my journey in April 2012. I am 5′ 7″ tall and I weighed 330 lbs; I had no real goal in mind, only to no longer be 330 lbs…lol.

In May, while sitting in my children’s pediatrician’s office, I chose to weigh myself. In doing that, I discovered that I lost 17 lbs. That really fueled my motivation to continue working out. My eating habit changes were gradual, as I felt it necessary to approach changes slowly. I stopped drinking soda and juice many years ago, so I was already ahead of the game. As my body changed, I began to not be able to eat as much, and my interest in sweets somewhat faded. I still eat them, as I don’t believe in denying myself, because that is unrealistic for me. I like being able to know when I am satiated, and drinking water, (especially Sparkling Poland Spring) at every meal definitely helps that. I just do not indulge the way I once did. I am really satisfied with having one piece of cake at an event, whereas years ago, 2-3 would have sufficed. When I go to restaurants, I usually order appetizers now, as my stomach can no longer hold what it once did. If I do order an entree, I take most of it home–restaurants love to give us more than we need. The biggest change I made when it comes to eating, was to listen to my body, and recognize its cues. Knowing when I am full, and knowing when I am thirsty, and not hungry, were cues that I began to recognize–they are really important cues that one needs to recognize in themselves. Also, I planned my meals, and regularly use the MyFitnessPal app to monitor what I was eating. Lynette was very instrumental when she told me to create a diet that I can live with–that was the best advice I was given, earlier in this process. Bringing my meals to work, and packing snacks that were accounted for in the MFP app, are also regular behaviors that I have adopted over time. Because I do enjoy sweets, I buy items that satisfy that craving, but don’t have ridiculous amounts of sugar. Reading labels is also a key to losing weight, as well.

When I first began working out, my routines were pretty basic. I would use the cardio machines for about an hour, and then, I’d go home. Over time, I began to include new exercises to my daily regimen. I incorporated squats with kicks, and other movements to improve my strength, and continued with my hour of cardio exercise. In July of 2014, I met the BEST TRAINER ever. Mr. Gregory Campbell has been a true partner in my weight loss process, and works with me to achieve optimal performance and physical outcome. He is knowledgeable, and supportive, and definitely a force to be reckoned with in the gym. We meet daily, and he continuously trains me with exercises that challenge, not only my body, but my mind as well.
My weight is fluctuates within the 260s, which is annoying, but it’s NOT 330!! LOL! My mother measures me monthly, and thus far, I have lost 33 inches. The best advice I can give to others is to start small, and to start slow. So many of us want the immediate quick fix, and although that works for some, it does not work for all. The changes we make for ourselves should be enduring, and unwavering. I also feel that to truly commit to anything, one’s head and heart must be in total agreement. If your heart is in and your head is not, or vice-versa, there is no way progress can be made.
Instagram: @absolut_lee_me
Lee weight loss transformation

Shayla lost 57 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Shayla lost 57 pounds since July 2014.  Not wanting to face a family history of illness, she decided to change her lifestyle.  She shared with us about how much she gained as a person and how much her life has changed during her weight loss journey.

shayla before and after

A few things contributed and are contributing to keep me motivated to lose weight. My father had a kidney transplant, has diabetes and high blood pressure. With me being 312 pounds at the time with no health issues, other than my weight, I did not want to acquire any illnesses. I knew I was overweight, but I didn’t know or didn’t want to admit that I was over 300 pounds. My fathers health concerns turned a light on for me.

My inspiration comes from with in. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s an honest truth. My progress continually pushes me. Not just seeing the number go down in the scale, but not being winded going up a flight of stairs, or walking small small distances. Being able to get into clothes I haven’t been able to fit into on over five years and them being too big. That feeling is Amazing.

shaylaI changed my eating habits by making sure I ate breakfast. That truly sets the tone for my appetite and how I eat for the day. I eat healthier snacks. However, I’m not so far gone that I don’t get a hankering for chips, or chocolate or something deep fried. I’ve just taught myself how to eat those things and not to eat the entire bag of chips or bucket of chicken. If I want that crunchy, salty fix, I would try for a better alternative, like kale chips or fresh veggies in a light Italian or balsamic dressing. If I Have to have a chip I would make sure I’d get a serving or half a serving of them. Put the chips on a sandwich bag, and when they are gone, their gone. For my chocolate fixes, I would have a chocolate protein shake made with dark chocolate almond milk. DELISH!!! For my day to day meals. I make sure I eat plenty of green veggies and proteins. I minimize my carb intake, but I’m not eliminating them completely. WATER, WATER, WATER!!! Drink it!!

When I started working out on July 1st I started with Curves. I ended up there by unknowingly signing up for a case study. I was obligated to work out 4 days a week for 30 minutes a day. I coupled that with my regular gym membership that I had been on hiatus from for who knows how long . I would go to the gym in the morning and do 35 minutes on the elliptical and weights. I would alternate the days between upper body and lowers body. Then I would do the 30 minute circuit training with Curves. If I didn’t make the gym, I made sure I walked for at least 30 minutes. After my 30 day case study with Curves ended, I had lost 16 pounds. I was still very active at the gym, but spending more time on the elliptical. Each week to two weeks, I did five more minutes than before and added a little more weight.

My starting weight was 312 pounds. As of today I weight 255 pounds. I am 5’10” tall. I lost 45 pounds between July 1, 2014 – November 1,2014. I did take a small break for about four weeks (that long of a break is not recommended ). I will never take that long of a break again.

My advise is to never stop!!! Don’t get overly discouraged, don’t lose hope, inspiration or motivation. KEEP PUSHING. We all get tired and frustrated because it may seem your work and effort don’t reflect on the scale. I assure you, you will be amazed at what you gain. You gain stamina, flexibility, courage, discipline and a better sense of self. It’s a true confidence builder. I did it alone. No quick pills, shakes or gimmicks. Nothing can give you the feeling or honor of knowing you worked your ass off, and accomplished something so difficult, by yourself.

Latrice lost 123 pounds

by 3 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Latrice lost 123 pounds.  The death of a loved one and the end of a relationship led to emotional eating and weight gain.  At 320 pounds, she decided that enough was enough and worked to change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Latrice weight loss

I started my weight loss journey do to depression from losing my mom in 2008. I was eating the pain away. Also, my break up from my children’s father turned me into a compulsive eater, finding myself reaching 315 pounds. I had a baby in 2012 and just got tired of not being able to find clothes or paying more money for them. Plus, I needed something to take my mind off the hurt of my mother and break up.

So, I started going to the gym 5 times a week and I was bored so I decided to do some exercise classes.  I did Zumba, Insanity, BodyPump and Spin class and found a new addiction. When I’m angry, I head to the gym and work it out. I also bought clothes smaller and tore the tags off so I wouldn’t take them back and I had to work to  get in them.

I eat lean ground turkey now. I also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. No bread and if I have rice it is brown rice in small portions. I bake my foods and eat a lot of chicken, fish, oatmeal, eggs and tones of water. Grapefruit is part of my way to burn fat and I eat at least 2 a day. I’m currently 197 pounds and wearing a size 14/15. I was 320 pounds wearing a size 24/26 (I’m 5’11”)

If I can do it anyone can. No surgery no pills, just God and a strong mind got me here. I want to get into a size 12 and I’ll be happy I love my curves, so I just want to tone. Stop the sodas, juices, greasy foods and in a couple weeks you can see the difference. Thank you for listening to my story. God bless everyone! We are all beautiful and made differently!!

Brandis lost 45 pounds

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Brandis lost 45 pounds in 6 months.  She shared with us about the things she did to hide her weight and the process of learning to love herself more and take control of her weight.  She gives God the glory for her weight loss transformation.  Here is what she shared with us…

Brandis before and after

I wanted to share my story! I’ve struggled with weight my entire adult life. I know what it feels like to tuck and to try and hide fat. I’m very familiar with cropping love handles out of pictures or taking group pictures standing in the back, so my weight would go unnoticed. When I was 203 pounds, I was the most unhealthiest I’d ever been in my life. I are fast food just about everyday. Starbucks, McDonald’s, Wendy’s…you name it! I felt as long as my weight could be hidden, I was okay. Then I’d gotten to the point to where I’d delete pictures of myself whenever I was tagged on social media because my weight was so embarrassing. I have this chair in my house that I refused to sit in because it was beside a mirror that magnified my stomach, thighs and love handles. I was living in bondage! I was singing “Break Every Chain” yet I was building more and more chains as I was declaring chains to be broken off my life. What would it take for me to gain control over my life?

I had to realize I was holding myself back. I needed a renewed mind. I was hating the way I looked because of what I did to myself daily. So, I had to make a change. That gym membership that I’d been paying for and never used, I started using it 3 days a week. One day, as I was working out, I began to look at myself in the mirror and still despised what I saw. So, that motivated me to increase my time from 3 days to 6 gym days. In the gym, I’m jogging 2-2.5 miles on the treadmill, and consistently doing the Planet Fitness 30 minute express circuit.

I watch what I eat now. I don’t deprive myself of what I do like, I just eat in moderation. I stay away from fried foods and breads! Now, fried food makes me feel sick!!! My starting weight was 203 pounds and I’m currently at 158 pounds. I’m only 5’2″ tall. This transformation only took 6 months. Praise God! I hope this helped and encouraged someone else. Know that you can do it!

Instagram: @brandis_marshelle

Natasha lost 85 pounds

by 1 Comment

Update Nov 2018: Natasha lost 16 more pounds for a total of 101 pounds gone. She credits therapy, healthy eating habits and exercise as the tools that have allowed her to maintain her success.

Natasha before and after

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I eat mostly steak and salad. I don’t eat out at all. The key is that I don’t deprive myself of anything. I love ice cream. I cook everything I eat, and I drink a lot of water. However, I like to have ginger ale from time to time, lol.

For me, maintaining also means going to therapy, walking, and hiking. I’ve learned why I got to heaviest, and I use pictures to show myself how far I have come.  My current weight ranges between 167 – 170 pounds now.

What lesson you’ve learned on this journey stands out the most?
The lessons I’ve learned on this journey are never-ending. Finally, I learned to like what I saw in the mirror. I don’t run past the mirror like I use to. I keep all my clothes the same size and will not go over that size. Many ignore or brush off signs like changes in clothing while trying to maintain.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to other people who want to lose weight?
The advice I have to share (the same advice I was told): You didn’t gain the weight or get this way overnight. It will take some time to obtain any goal, big or small. Don’t give up. It is hard, trust me, I know.

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. This is your story, and you get to write the ending however you want it. Know the reason why you got to your heaviest point. Therapy can help. Also, go to doctors who care and are cheering you on.

Surround yourself with a good support system, and do it for you, not for anyone else. Do what works for you and be patient.

Instagram: @ignatashafryethevet

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Natasha lost 85 pounds.  This military veteran had to lose the weight in order to qualify for surgery. She changed her eating habits, started exercising and got results in 9 months.  Here is what she shared with us…

natasha before and after

I am 36 years old and a military veteran. I gained almost 70lbs. The weight gain was recent. I  packed those pounds on in the last 3 years due to depression. When I moved to the DC area, I noticed I didn’t fit the mold. I was either too big to hang out with or date or I felt used. The wakeup call is when I had a doctors appointment for plastic surgery to get my breast reduction in April 2014. My doctor told me my BMI was over the limit and told me to come back when I’s lost the weight. I was determined. Needless to say I dropped 85 lbs and got my reduction on January 12, 2015.

I stopped eating out as much and cut all sodas from my diet and drank more water. I added more protein to my diet, such as lean beef and fish. I chewed my food more as well instead of just a bite and swallow. I didn’t deprive myself of having chips here and there, so I wouldn’t crave junk food. I started to walk everywhere (due to car issues). I walked to the grocery store and started taking public transportation as well.

My starting weight was 271 lbs at 5’8″ tall and I currently weigh 186 lbs. I started my transformation in April 2014. My advice to others trying to lose weight is to never give up. I’ve tried every diet under the sun since 2006. However, I was determined in April 2014 when my doctor told me I had to get to a certain weight to get breast reduction surgery. Believe in yourself. People will pressure you, but when you’re ready you can do anything.

Update May 2015: “Just an update: I am excited to say that I have lost 20 more pounds since my Feb 4th article.”

natasha before and after

Update: Tamiko lost 142 pounds

by 2 Comments

We got an update from Tamiko about her amazing weight loss transformation…

“Hello I wanted to give you an update to my story that you posted on 6/16/14. Today, I am finally at my goal weight of 135 pounds. I’ve lost an additional 10 lbs for a total weight loss of 142 lbs. I’ve lost more than half my body weight and I’m so proud of myself. My hard work has paid off!! I’d like to say to anyone that is struggling or just starting their journey that hard work pays off. Keep going! Don’t give up! It won’t be easy but it’s surely worth it. Now, I’m on to maintenance which I know is going to be hard also. Thank you so much for sharing my story and so many other inspiring stories!! You can follow my journey on Facebook: TamikoWeightLossJourney” – Read more about how she lost the weight.

Tamiko before and after