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Camille lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Camille lost 35 pounds in 3 months. She went to the doctor for a tetanus shot and left with a prescription for high blood pressure medication. That’s when knew that it was time for a healthy lifestyle change. High intensity interval training, cardio workouts and healthy eating are some of tools she’s used. Check out her story.

Camille before and after

I started working on my weight loss goal in February 2015. I’d gained 60 lbs in 2 years while working 2 jobs. I was eating fast food, not exercising and getting very little sleep. I was helping a friend paint their house and stepped on a nail that went through my shoe. When I went to the doctor for a tetanus shot and found out that my blood pressure was extremely high. The doctor put me on blood pressure medicine. I knew then that it was time to get my health in order.

I’ve dropped 35 pounds in 3 months. Although my weight loss has slowed down, I am still active. I don’t weigh myself. I just go by what I see in the mirror. When I’m happy with the reflection, then I’ll begin to maintain that size.

My meals consist of mostly meat and vegetables. When I do eat carbs, I have them early in the day so that I have all day to burn them off. I work out 3-4 days a week. One day is dedicated to HIIT and cardio. On the other days, I incorporate weights.

I started out at 270 pounds and I currently weigh 235 pounds. I’m 5’8″ tall. I use instagram as my motivation. There are tons of exercises ideas and transformation stories to check out there.

My advice to others who want to lose the weight: Remind yourself of why you started and when that’s no longer a factor you will have reached your goal.

Ella lost 64 pounds

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Update 2017: Ella has lost 72 pounds.

#throwback Can’t believe it’s nearly 2 years since I had that photo taken. I remember that day clearly just like yesterday. I had lost about 8kg or so already and decided it was time to start tracking my progress with pictures too. These photos were hard to take back then but today I’m glad I did. ◼ My colleague saw this pic now and said to me “Ella imagine if you didn’t start back then , it would have a total waste of 2years! ” Honestly I couldn’t agree more. ◼ Now that’s some food for thought for you reading this thinking and overthinking about how/when to start. I promise you that time will pass whether you choose to put in work or not. It’s your choice 😊 * * * * * * ______________________________________________ #transformationthursday #throwbackthursday #icametowin #inspiration #blackgirlmagic #blackfitness #goalchaser #progress #progressnotperfection #thenandnow #beforeandafterweightloss #beforeandduring #curvyfit #curvychic #thickfitchick #womenwithcurves #girlswholiftheavy #strongwomen #strongnotskinny #getfit #bodyunderconstruction #fitnessjunkie #fightingobesity #fatasstobadass #fattofit #fattofab #naturalweightloss #alphafemale #dontgiveup

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Transformation of the Day: Ella lost 64 pounds. Unhealthy plans and pills didn’t work for her, the weight would just come right back. After finding out that she was borderline for hypertension and after being diagnosed with PCOS, she knew that it was time to focus on her health. Read her story and find out how she took action.

ella before and after

My name is Ella and I’m 5’3″. I have been the chubby girl all my life. After high school, it got worse and I really became obese and unhealthy. Several times, I tried to loose weight by doing crash diets or taking some “weight loss pill”, but I would gain it back and more once I stopped. I became almost hypertensive at just 24 years old and was later diagnosed with PCOS in Mid 2014. That changed everything. I decided that it was time to be healthy.

I cut off all junk food, soda, simple carbs and made sure that I cooked my own meals most of the time. Now, my meals consist more of steamed vegetables, fruits, protein and complex carbs. I began by walking for an hour, 5 days a week and later began to do interval runs of 5 km. Now, I engage in cardio and weight training at the gym 5-6 days a week.

I began my journey at 275.5 pounds, and so far I have lost over 64 pounds by just exercising and eating healthy! This is the smallest I have weighed in my adult life and I love the confidence that comes with it. The symptoms of PCOS are now minimal and my blood pressure is perfect!

I am sharing my journey with the world to show that it is possible to loose weight naturally and with the hope of inspiring someone to start their own journey to become healthy. I would advise anyone on this journey to be patient and simply trust the process.
I have recently started sharing what I do to lose weight naturally on my blog – www.redvelvetts.blogspot.com. Instagram: @ella_az
ella weight loss ella weight loss story

Can Loose Skin be Tightened?

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loose skin after weight lossBelieve it or not, one of the fears that holds women back from losing weight is having loose skin. This can definitely happen to anyone and it can be very pronounced on those who lose over 50 lbs. That being said, you should not let fear of loose skin stop you from losing weight. 

We want to share some tips with you may help lessen the development of loose skin during weight loss, but there is no fool proof way to avoid it or cure it completely. Again… most people who have been very overweight (obese) for a number of years who achieve significant weight loss experience loose skin. 

There are some cases where surgery may actually be needed to remove loose skin, but even so, by following these suggestions you may be able to minimize the effects of loose skin. The goal is to keep your skin toned and healthy.

Exercise

Exercise isn’t just about burning calories and toning muscle. It’s about creating firmer skin. Muscle takes up much less room than fat. One of the biggest myths about women and weight lifting is that it will cause you to “bulk up.” Unless you are getting into competitive bodybuilding, it will have the opposite effect. Muscle is more dense than fat and takes up less room, so the body appears more toned.

The key to using exercise to reduce loose skin is to work the whole body and not just target specific areas. This allows your muscles to begin supporting each other and as they grow. Thus, you become leaner and your body shape improves. Exercise can also help with cellular health, allow your skin cells to begin to rejuvenate themselves and clearing out old toxins.

Lose weight slowly to reduce loose skin

While the idea of dropping 30 pounds in 6 weeks is hugely appealing, but it will almost guarantee the appearance of lose skin on your body. Weight loss should rarely exceed 1-2 pounds per week. When you first start an exercise and diet regimen, you may lose more but it will quickly taper off. This weight loss rate reflects that your lifestyle is changing in a sustainable way and that your body is beginning to redefine itself in a manner that is inclusive of all the parts of you needed for healthy living. You want your fat stores to diminish while your muscles fibers strengthen and your cardio and lymphatic system become stronger. All of this is surrounded and held by your skin and your skin cells need time to adjust to the new shape beneath them.

Age and skin elasticity are a factor

How old you are and the level of skin elasticity you have retained are going to be a huge factor in how much control you have over developing loose skin. With age, we lose collagen and the loss of estrogen also affects our skin cell structure. There isn’t a magic age where you are guaranteed to NOT have loose skin if you lose weight, but after 35 you should look into adding to a diet and exercise regimen certain supplements and hydration habits that help to support skin elasticity. Vitamins A, E, and D all help support healthy skin cells through supporting collagen and elastin production. You should also consider skin creams that feature Aloe as more studies support this as an effective agent in skin care. All of these have proven to help tighten loose skin.

Hydration and sun exposure

Not getting enough water on a regular basis often is a contributing cause to loose skin that will not go away. When you do not hydrate yourself enough and on a regular basis, your body begins to hoard water leading to water weight gain. This water weight puts strain on your skin and keeps it stretched out. A large part of maintaining proper hydration is managing your exposure to the sun as well. The sun can seriously damage the integrity of your skin. Some women make the mistake of tanning because it “makes their skin feel tighter.” It makes the skin feel tighter because it is dehydrating and damaging the skin cells. If you are concerned about loose skin, avoid too much sun exposure – but don’t avoid it all. Exposure to the sun remains the body’s best way to take in valuable Vitamin D.

Sometimes surgery is the only solution

Like it or not, surgery is sometimes the only way to get rid of loose skin. Genetics can play a factor in the generation of loose skin and even if you weren’t morbidly obese, you may have a hard time losing weight and keeping taut skin. There are several different procedures, all related to liposuction that can be performed. Talk to your doctor about your options if this appears to be the only solution for you.

Karen lost 29 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Karen lost 29 pounds. This mom of 2 is a busy entrepreneur, but she has made time for healthy eating and fitness. After the birth of her children and passing of her father and brother, food became a source of comfort. The weight gain began and depression entered the picture. She shared with us about how she took action to create a new healthy lifestyle.

karen before and after

My name is Karen Roberson. I’m an entrepreneur and a mom of 2 beautiful girls (5 and 3 years old, who share the same birthday 6/9/2010 and 6/9/2012). To tell you that I’m a fitness expert would be a complete lie! However, to tell you that I’m just a regular mom who got fed up with being overweight for so many years and decided to make a change… well, that would be me.

I was always what you considered “thick”, but after the birth of my children and the death of my father and brother, food became my comfort. I stopped doing the things I loved to do and just became overweight and depressed! Not to mention that I had borderline high cholesterol!  I used the excuse of having my children to justify the extra weight, but who was I fooling!

In January 2014, I made the decision to take my life back. I was NEVER an athletic person and working out just wasn’t my thing (I HATED it). So, I found Zumba and I LOVED it! I do Zumba 3 days a week and I weight train 3 days a week. Running my business and being a busy mom of 2 sometimes doesn’t allow me to work out 5 days a week. So, my workout days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Also, I started learning about portion control, learned about eating a balanced diet (whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables) and started making better food choices.

For awhile, I didn’t realize how much weight I’d lost until I started looking at old photos. I was like WOW! I’m a grateful that I’m actually staying the course this time and starting to see the fruits of my labor. To God be the Glory! Thanks for reading and if anything, I hope I can be a blessing to people like myself and to show them that if I can do it so can they one pound at a time! Be blessed and Happy 2016! Current weight is 191 pounds. My starting weight was 220 pounds and I’m 5’5″. I do not take any supplements other than my Organic Life Liquid Vitamins daily. My weight loss is purely from eating a balance diet, practicing portion control and working out.

The advice I would give to anyone who desires to lose weight is set reachable goals. If you like bread, pasta or rice, EAT IT! If you like to eat meat, DO IT! If you want a sweet treat from time to time, it’s fine! Just start practicing portion control and measure out your food. Try to eat a balanced diet, complete with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins of your choice. If you don’t like eating your fruits and vegetables… DRINK THEM. I love smoothies! Find what works for you and stick with it. Also, incorporate some movement, be it walking, swimming, dancing, zumba (which I love!!), DVDs at home or working out at your local gym. Just MOVE and don’t be afraid of trial and error, because its a learning tool. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Life happens. Just remember that this is a lifestyle change and you’re not in competition with anyone. Most of all, I say focus on one pound at a time and when you look up you will have transformed into a new healthy fabulous YOU! Be-YOU-ti-ful! Happy Shedding!

Instagram: @mskarenroberson

Martecka lost 54 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Martecka lost 54 pounds. Her grandmother’s decision to lose weight was her inspiration. With healthier eating habits, regular exercise and commitment to her goal, she was able to lose the pounds. Check out what she shared with us…

martecka before and after

My name is Manteca. I was motivated to start my weight loss journey by my grandmother, after she made the decision to start losing weight. At the beginning of my journey, I cut out sugary drinks. From there, I cut out pork and beef. I only ate turkey, chicken and fish. I also started eating more vegetables and fruits. For exercise, I worked out 6 days a week. I stared with weight training and from there added cardio training.

My highest weight was 302 pounds. As of August 2014, I weighed 292 pounds. From then to now, I reached my current weight of 248 pounds, for a total loss of 54 pounds. My goal is to get down to 190 pounds and my height is 5’7″.

I am still working hard to reach my goal. The only advice I can give to others who want to lose weight is that it never matters how many times you have tried and failed, as long as you keep trying.

Instagram: @tecka_tania_

Tameika lost 90 pounds

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Shout out to TameikaG! She is still going strong and inspiring the masses with her story. Scroll down to read her story. Also, check out the awesome guest post she wrote for us on how she keeps health and fitness a priority despite having a busy schedule.

 

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Everyday I am asked “How did you do it?!” . The answer is always the same… I ate well and exercised – all while remaining patient, consistent, and determined. . While that answer doesn’t excite most people, it’s the truth. And I wish I could tell you it was a secret pill, formula, or surgery that helped me on my path. But in actuality, it was just good ol’ fashioned hard work. . What I will tell you is what I encourage you to stay away from. Stay away from extremes. When approaching this journey – no matter how big or small – ask yourself…. This approach I’m taking, can I do this for the next 5, 10, or 15+ years? If the answer is no, then my friend – you are likely entering the glorious cycle of yo-yo weight loss. . I’ve kept this weight off for 11.5 years now because of one thing and one thing only – I’ve built a lifestyle that works for me… long term. . I can’t go to the gym 7 days per week – so I don’t I love carbs – so I eat them I hate counting macros – so I don’t I love wine – so I drink it . You see, when you approach this lifestyle realistically, only then are you able to see true long-term success. Am I binging, eating all the carbs and drinking all the wine daily – No! But I am not neglecting the things I love from my life completely, knowing that they’ll inevitably re-enter at some point down the road. Instead, I enjoy everything in moderation – so I never feel without. . Will the journey take longer? Yes. You may not shed as much while eating a balanced diet vs. being on Keto. But, with the right amount of consistency, patience, and determination… you’ll get there. And, you’ll stay there 🙌🏾 . So that’s my number 1 advice for people entering, re-entering, or on this journey. Make the lifestyle work… FOR YOU. Stay away from following what you see on social media and create your own masterplan ❤️ . . Be sure to follow my other pages! For Health Retreat Updates in Bali, Thailand, South Africa, and Colombia – follow the @Whole_Experience. And to join my Travel journey, follow @tameikagtravels

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Transformation of the Day: Tameika lost 90 pounds.  Her initial transformation took 9 months and she’s kept the weight off for 9 years. After being overweight for her entire life, this Canadian fitness diva lost the weight by eating clean and training hard. Now, she wants to inspire and help others to do the same. Check out what she shared with us…

tameika g before and after

I was another classic story of the girl who had been overweight her entire life. Growing up, I was the fun, jolly, overweight friend that everyone loved! I was in the arts, so performing was my life and it took up the majority of my time. Being active and playing sports was never a priority. Also, my family loves to eat. We’re of Jamaican descent and needless to say, but being health conscious was never of true importance. We just ate great food and ate it well! Traditional foods were a huge part of our culture and lifestyle.

As I got older, the weight piled on. I went from being the cute, chubby Tameika to becoming severely overweight. After my first year of university and gaining yet another 20 pounds (forget the freshman 15), I’d reached 220 pounds. This is what became my breaking point.

From that point on, there was no turning back. I was fed up with creating excuses and decided to commit… For good! I’m not a failure and I wasn’t about to start to become one. After many failed attempts, it was time. It started with small changes, then blossomed and then the changes snowballed into the healthy lifestyle you see today! 9 years later and I haven’t looked back! Now, I’m fulfilling my purpose to helping others!

How did you change your eating habits?
It all started (at the very beginning) with cutting out soda and juice! I used to have a lot of soda and juice daily. I saw the positive effects of that change almost instantly. Then, I decided to cut back on white sugar, so that included most sweets. The weight was melting off. The next thing to be cut was fried foods and then salt. All of this snowballed into a clean lifestyle as I began to feel amazing!

What did your workout routines look like?
It all started with group classes at the gym where I learned the basics. At the time, I couldn’t afford a trainer, so I took advantage of the well qualified trainers who held group classes. There, I learned the basics of weight training. Then, I did a LOT of research on my own. I decided to start with simple, basic weight training and again, like most people who become addicted to this lifestyle, it just snowballed!

Starting Weight, Current Weight, Height
Starting Weight: 220 pounds
Current Weight: I range between 135-140 pounds. The lowest I’ve been is 130 lbs.
What is your height? 5’2″ and a half

How long did your transformation take?
9 months. I’ve kept the weight off for 9 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Educate yourself first. Create a plan that works for YOU. There are no shortcuts or cookie cutter solutions. Trial and error will be your norm. The only one that can change this is YOU, so it’s time to take accountability and just go for it. Stop making the excuses and commit.

Instagram and Twitter: @TameikaG
Website: www.tameikag.com
Huffington Post profile on her story

Moving forward, each Tuesday I’ll have a transformation tip for you! So for today’s #transformationtuesday let me share with you my opinion on Cardio vs. Strength Training! I’m often asked which I suggest for those starting their journey… and what the breakdown should be. My answer is always: Both! Treated 50/50. Cardio targets and works the most important muscle in our body: Our heart. Sure, your heart rate increases during many exercises – but nothing is more targeted and intentional than focused cardiovascular exercise. Cardio can come in many forms but the key is to make it intentional and ensure that your heart rate is raised for extended periods of time. My preference is interval training. That can be via sprints, stairs, hopping on a machine, doing some plyo, or even hill training. Now weight training is the other half of the equation I suggest doing as early on in your journey as possible! Any form of strength training will do, and we are blessed to be in a day and age where you literally have the world of options available to you! Studios are popping up everyday in most cities offering weight training classes in all forms – CrossFit, Les Mills, Power Lifting, Calisthenics, F45, Orange Theory … you name it. When it comes to my preference, I personally love body building in its traditional sense. I love the fact that you can strategically sculpt your body with some hard work, focus, and discipline! Sure it’s not as sexy as some of the new age stuff… but it’s damn effective in building the body of your dreams. We work hard on this journey, and I’d like to say at the end of the day I am standing in a body I am proud of. I meet so many people that have lost a lot of weight, and are still uncomfortable in their skin. Which breaks my heart. Body building helps to eliminate that. You can intentionally and strategically round out your shoulders, cut your waist, sculpt the thighs, and lift your butt – all with some targeted body building and consistency! If you need help designing a plan that works for you, I have online coaching available via the link in my bio 😘

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✨New Blog!!✨ I got really personal and finally talk about my road to recovery from food addiction (Link in the bio to read) . Pictured above we have another before and after for you… but this time with a vulnerable and honest story behind my negative relationship with food. I dug deep for this post, guys. I cried while writing it, and cried again while re-reading it. If you struggle with food addiction, this post will resonate. I thought it was important to address, but also share tips on how I’ve dealt with it over the years. Here’s a snippit for you . “…. Now I’m not referring to the person who indulges every “once in a while” and easily has constraint and discipline. I’m talking to the person who constantly struggles with overeating to the point where it becomes a serious mental battle. You know who you are, and I’m speaking to you. It wasn’t until I addressed my negative relationship with food that I was able to understand that I in fact have an addiction, and struggle with it every day. The hardest part is, my “drug of choice” is necessary for survival. My “drug of choice” is easily accessible, legal, and cheap. My “drug of choice” is a silent a killer and likely has taken more lives than any other substance out there….” . Read more on the blog. And PLEASE share your feedback to me. If it resonates with you, and you suffer, let’s start some dialogue below. Love you. xoxo

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Yolanda lost 67 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Yolanda lost 67 pounds. She faced a number of serious health issues, such as an enlarged heart, high blood pressure and a fatty liver. She decided to change her eating habits and start working out regularly. Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

yolanda before and after

Hi, my name is Yolanda W. My weight has always been an issue, especially after high school and having my kids. At the age 26, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Then, 4 years ago, I was told I had type 2 diabetes. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, an enlarged heart and a fatty liver.

I started replacing 2 meals with protein drinks. My snacks consisted of protein bar and for meals I had vegetables and 8 ounces of lean protein/meat. I don’t eat packaged food or sweets and I only drink water. I also don’t eat fried foods or fast food. I started cutting back slowly when I changed my eating habits. It didn’t happen overnight. I took it one day at a time. I exercise 4-5 days a week, doing cardio and weight training. I’m losing fat and building muscle.

My weight was 272 pounds in the first picture and I weigh 205 pounds in the last photo.

Instagram: @yogiwil

Gloria lost 55 pounds

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I dont look like what I’ve been through. The journey to good health and wellness can be hard. I still struggle at times even after going through my own transformation. But this morning…I relalized the thing that keeps me going is the quality of life I have. Yea I know the aesthetics are what you see first. But changing my habits has made me feel better and boosted my confidence in other areas of my life. So to those of you on this journey…stay the course. Your health and well-being will thank you for it ❤️ #tbt #throwbackthursday #weightlosstransformation #transformation #gethealthy #workout #bodybuilding #bodybuilder #npc #lovelife #eatcleantraindirty #healthyliving #ebonyfitness #ebonyfitfreak #melaninpoppin #everydaylegday #abs #selflove

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Transformation of the Day: Gloria lost 55 pounds. Her reality check came when her mother suffered a stroke. She wanted to an example for her mom of what believing in yourself can do and improve her own health at the same time. She learned that doing your research and creating a clear plan for nutrition and exercise is key to success. Check out what she shared with us, including a video.

gloria before and after

Well, I can certainly say that I did not have the background of a fitness expert. Several things pushed me in the direction of getting on the band wagon and taking my health seriously. First, my mother suffered a stroke! If that doesn’t slap you in the face to make a change, I don’t know what will. I can still remember my little brother calling me to tell me “Mom’s in the hospital! What do I do?!”. My mom had been told for over 5 years that she needed to lose weight, and lower her blood pressure and cholesterol. How many of us have been told this by our primary care physician, only to ignore it, carry on with our bad habits, and rely on prescription medication to carry us through? Why do we wait until a near death experience to make a serious change in our lives?

Second, I’m 5’3 and weighed almost 200 pounds! Although, I may have carried my weight well according to my friends, I knew this couldn’t be good for my health. I struggled with simple tasks like running up the stairs and had terrible eating habits. If I’m struggling with this in my twenties, what will my thirties look like? Not to mention I wasn’t proud of the way I looked. My self image was not great. I was constantly comparing myself to other girls, dissecting my body and imagining what I would look like if I looked like her. How many women are guilty of that?

The combination of a sick parent and a poor self image was enough for me to decide to make a change, and never look back. I wanted not only tell my mom that she needed to lose weight, but be an example for her of what believing in yourself can do. I began my journey on January 6, 2014. What better way to push myself than to compete in a fitness competition! Right? Actually, I could think a few ways that may have been better, but in hindsight I’m glad I put myself in a very uncomfortable position outside of me comfort zone. It was scary! I mean, I had no fitness experience and my body was far from being “show ready”. What the hell are you doing Gloria? Who do you think you are? Nevertheless Gloria, are you going to shut up and do this or cower in a corner and come up with excuses as to why you can’t do this?

This single decision changed my life! My life changed from a physical perspective, but primarily it changed mental endurance. It taught me how to place myself in the most uncomfortable positions and watch myself perform at my peek.  (I won first place in my first competition.)

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by constructing a plan. I learned what items needed to be on my plate for every meal and what items I needed to limit in order to see the results I was looking for. I made a grocery list of healthy foods that I loved and then began meal prepping my food so I was always prepared. I found that the more meals I had prepared, the less likely I was to make a poor decision when I was hungry. I started eating more lean sources of protein, such as salmon, ground turkey and bison. Additionally, I began eating lots of vegetables. Prior to my transformation, I was not a big veggie eater, but I began reading about the benefits of certain vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens. These items are now staples in my daily nutrition.

What did your workout routines look like?
My fitness routines initially consisted of strength training with weights and HIIT cardio. I work out about 5-6 days a week for approximately 90 minutes. I created a schedule weekly of which muscles groups would be targeted for each workout. I also researched the most effective moves that really worked and exhausted a particular muscle group. Currently, my workout routines focus on flexibility and endurance. I have incorporated yoga workouts into my weekly workouts which have expanded my capabilities tremendously.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 180 pounds. My current weight is 125 pounds. I am 5’3″ tall.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took 4 months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Before getting started, realize that the journey is more about mental endurance than physical. It’s important that you remember why you are doing this, because you will need to refer back to your “why” on those days you do not feel like going to the gym. Additionally, in order to go through this process you need a plan. You can’t go through this process with out a plan for your nutrition or workouts. Without a plan it will literally feel like you are trying to see in the dark. Do your research.

Instagram: @naturalglo @getglorygoals

gloria weight loss transformation

Nadia lost 73 pounds

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Transformation Story of the Day: Nadia lost 73 pounds. She has struggled with her weight since childhood and tried lots of plans to lose the pounds. After using a restrictive diet to transform her body for a bodybuilding competition, the pounds came back after the diet ended. Now, lifting weights and counting macros with flexible dieting has allowed her transform her body once again. Here is what she shared with us…

nadia before and after

I have struggled with my weight since I hit puberty. I gained a lot of weight quickly and started a cycle that had me trying every diet and weight loss fad you can imagine. You name it, I tried it: Atkins, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig… the list seems never ending!

In November 2011, I met the man who would later become my husband and everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t trying to lose weight for aesthetic purposes. I wanted to get healthy so I could live a great life with this amazing guy! I started watching what I ate and working out at home with DVD workout programs. When I gained enough confidence, I joined a gym. I also started running a road race once a month. My husband even joined in and ran a few races with me.

I wanted to take things to the next level, so I hired a coach to help me prep for a Bodybuilding/Bikini competition for my 30th birthday in 2013. I went on a crazy restricted diet, consisting of only chicken, tilapia, brown rice, oatmeal, veggies, peanut butter and rice cakes. No salt and no sugar. I lost a ton of weight, but it wasn’t in the healthiest fashion. My hormones were messed up and I had binging episodes from restricting myself. I got down to 127 lbs the day of my show and was very proud of myself, but as soon as the competition ended and I went back to eating normally. I gained back all the weight I had lost and then some. I realized that I had to reevaluate my situation and get my situation back on the right path.

Since 2014, I’ve adopted a flexible diet. That means I do not restrict myself and eat whatever I want as long as it fits my nutritional goals. Using If It Fit Your Macros has helped me with my binge tendencies because I no longer crave things. If I want to eat something, I do it in moderation and make it fit.

I also am an advocate of weight lifting. A lot of women are afraid to lift heavy weights for fear they’ll look “manly” or “bulky”. Ladies don’t be afraid to lift! I am currently deadlifting 205 lbs and squatting 160 lbs with hopes to go up! Weights are your friend! I lift 5 days a week for 1 -1 1/2 hrs. I also don’t do a lot of cardio because I don’t want to lose all the amazing muscle I’ve built. If I do cardio it’s usually HIIT (high intensity interval training) and no more than 30 mins a day.

My heaviest weight was in 2010, when I stopped checking the scale, but it was upwards of 200 lbs. My lowest weight was onstage at 127 pounds. I don’t have a goal weight but am planning on competing again in 2016 using flexible dieting. I’m currently reverse dieting which means I’m upping my calories with minimal weight gain and I’m 170 lbs right now at 5’4″ tall.

My advice for others who are trying to lose weight is to remember that it’s a marathon not a sprint. You did not gain all the weight in one day and you’re not going to lose it in a day. Take it one day at a time and do your best. If you hit a bump in the road, don’t quit. Just shake it off and try to be better the next day. Find something that is sustainable for you. I was doing very restricted “clean eating” and it wasn’t sustainable. I would do well for a month at a time and then have a major binge and eat everything in sight. That is counterproductive. Now, I eat whatever I want and make it a lifestyle, not a quick fix. I currently eat burgers, cookies, pizza, potato chips and a glass of wine or two if I feel like it. I also eat baked chicken, brussel sprouts, and brown rice as well. Everything in moderation!

I’m currently studying to become a personal trainer so I can pay it forward and help others reach their fitness goals. I’m a Prosupps Transformation ambassador and I can be found on social media via Facebook at www.facebook.com/NadiaExama on Instagram and Twitter @tough_as_nads and on Snapchat: ToughNads. My blog is a work in progress but is www.nemfitness.com

nadia weight loss story

Terry lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Terry lost 50 pounds. This 54 year old petite dynamo wants to inspire women in their 40’s and beyond. After years of trying to lose the weight and getting no lasting results, she found out that she was pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol. That was the turning point that lead her to eating clean, running and weight training. Now, she is a personal trainer and a certified nutritionist. Check out what she shared with us about her transformation…

terry before and after

I would love to share my story in hope of inspiring women in their 40’s and beyond. In September 2005 at 44 years old, I weighed in at 165 pounds. I was horrified when I saw myself in the vacation photos. After having kids, I had slowly packed on the pounds. Over the years, desperate to lose the weight, I had tried just about every diet, but got no lasting results. I would lose a few pounds, and after a few months I would regain all the weight plus a few extra pounds. Eventually, I had just decided to accept the fact that this was inevitable for women in their mid- forties.

My real ‘wake-up’ call came later that same year at my annual checkup when my doctor told me my cholesterol was high, and I was pre-diabetic. He suggested I begin a diet and exercise program because my weight was the contributing factor for these as well as the knee pain I was experiencing. I thought about the people I knew who were diabetic. I thought about the insulin shots (I hate needles). I thought about the fact that I wanted to be around for my kids and future grand-kids. I wanted to be able to have fun with them. This became my ‘WHY’.

I made a serious commitment to lose the weight. It took me about eight months to reach my goal weight of 115 lbs. I had lost a total of 50 pounds. During this time, I went through a divorce and some major life changes, but I didn’t give up. I relocated to start over and I began running every morning. I no longer had the knee pain and running made me feel great. I was much smaller, but I also wanted to add muscle definition and tone up, I just didn’t know how.

In 2009, I got certified as a Personal Trainer and asked for advice from a professional. It was quite the opposite of what I had been doing, but I took his advice. Instead of running 3-4 miles daily and eating only 3 meals a day, I began weight training 5 days a week and eating frequent, protein rich meals. I now run sprints for about 20 minutes, and my other cardio activities are fun stuff like Zumba and sometimes racquetball. I have transitioned to a clean eating lifestyle and I eat 5-6 meals a day; I avoid processed foods, sugar, dairy, alcohol, and sodas. I do prepare all of my meals in advance and always have a plan for when I’m on the go.

I just turned 54 years old in September. I am 5 ft. tall and my current weight is 120 pounds. Based on my lower body fat percentage, I have gained about 5lbs of muscle. I do measure my progress based on a ratio of body fat to lean muscle mass, and not just the scale weight alone.

Despite the major life changes, I have been able to press the “reset button” on my life. I am in better shape now than I was at 44. My cholesterol and blood sugars are back to normal, my knees are pain free and I take no medication. I have completed 2 four mile obstacle races over the past 2 years. That is something I would have never imagined doing. I have also experienced so many other benefits and I believe that adopting a healthy, fit lifestyle is the key.

My advice to others is to avoid dieting; it’s a short term solution that can create more problems in the long term. Seek the help of a Certified Nutritionist to help you create an eating lifestyle that is sustainable and promotes long term health and wellness. I do understand that everyone’s goals are not the same and what works for some may not work for others. It is important to create healthy habits that suit your lifestyle, so that you can maintain them. I am over 50 and I want women in their 40’s 50’s and beyond to know that it is possible to become fit, healthy, energetic, stronger, trimmer and fully alive in your body, mind and spirit as you age, despite all of the difficulties we are supposed to expect when we turn 40. As a Certified Nutritionist and Holistic Fitness Coach my goal is to educate, inspire and motivate others to create a healthy lifestyle, and live a vibrant, energetic life.

Terecita Sterling
sterlingtotalfitness.com
Instagram @Terry_Flexnfit (inactive)