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 women and weight loss

women and weight loss

Lorna lost 106 pounds

by 10 Comments

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lorna lost 106 pounds in 6 months.  Motivated by a diabetes diagnosis and wanting to live a long life for her child, Lorna is on a journey to lose over 200 pounds total.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

lorna before and after

My weight loss journey started on August 2014. I was diagnosed with diabetes and it really scared me. I’m a 38 year old mom of a 8 year old and I wasn’t going to allow food to separate me from my daughter early. My starting weight was 461 pounds.

I started walking about a mile a day and eventually made it to 4-5 miles a day with the help of my sister, friends and family. Also, I just started doing Zumba twice a week.  I stopped eating fast food! My daughter and I still eat out but only at places that have fresh food, like Subway, Waba Grill, El Polo Loco, etc. I still watch my portion sizes, and get kids meals.

To date, I have lost 106 pounds in 6 months with healthy eating and exercising 5 to 6 days a week. I’m not at my goal which is 235 pounds (don’t want to be skinny just healthy). My diabetes and high blood pressure are now reversed and that is best part.

I also joined a phenomenal support group of women on Facebook that want to lose 100 lbs in 2015. Several of the women already have lost that much weight before joining the group in January 2015. I love reading your stories on Facebook as well and I have found so many women to relate to. It truly is a blessing to the black weight loss community.

Instagram: @Sassybosslady726

lorna weight loss

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.

Chasity lost 50 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Chasity lost 50 pounds by going low carb and embracing exercise.

Chasity before and after

Hi my name is Chasity Nero from Richmond, Va. I went from 230 pounds to 180 pounds (height: 5’5″). I started my journey in February of last year.

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
I realized that I was 230 pounds and I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes (type 2).

How did you change your eating habits?
I did a low-carb lifestyle and started eating 5-6 small meals a day.  I cut out a lot of carbs and a lot of dairy.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started cycling 7 days a week for 30 minutes a day

How long did your transformation take?
It’s been 11 months and I’m still going.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Eat Low carb and have  5-6 small meals at day.  It worked for me.

Instagram: @ONLY 1PUDDIN_

Chasity weight loss

Latiana lost 20 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Latiana lost 20 pounds since Oct 2014.  At 5’3″ this petite mom dealt with serious weight gain from birth control after years of being slim.  When she got engaged and started trying on wedding dresses, she got the wakeup call she needed.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

Latianna before and after

What was your motivation?

Three things specifically inspired me, the first was I had been noticing that since the beginning of 2014, I began to slowly pick up weight. This is something that I NEVER had to endure as a person that had always been under a size 5, but once I started breast feeding the effects of the Implanon (birth control) in my arm began to start up with weight gain. My clothes started to fit differently and slowly but surely, I found myself buying bigger sizes than what was normal for me. I crept up from my size 5, to a 6, then those got too tight, so it was on to an 8, then those even got to tight, so, I had to purchase a few size 10s. My office did a Biggest Loser challenge in April 2014 and I stepped on the scale to see 143 (which isn’t bad for some), but for me and what I was use to I was SO embarrassed. I basically just donated my money to the challenge and never even attempted to work out OR even change my eating and cooking habits (cooking runs in the family but, so also does Diabetes & High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol). So, fast forward to September 12th when my honey proposes and now it gets serious because I KNOW I have to lose weight.  When I went to the bridal store, tried on dresses and they wouldn’t even zip in the back so they had to bring out other sizes, I was TOO TOO thru. I scheduled a Doctors appt for Septemer 30th and THIS IS THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED FOR ME. The scale read 163 lbs. The doctor said, loose 1-2 lbs per week, that’s healthy weight loss and it’s bound to stay off this way. With that I began my mission of becoming and staying fit. Logging on to Black Weight Loss Success SEVERAL times per week was a HUGE inspiration.

How did you change your eating habits?

My eating habits changes began with me STOPPING the late night eating, not eating after 7:30pm, and if I ever happen to eat late it BETTER be a healthy choice (fruit). I cut out the fast food and fried foods. I’ve been drinking only water since I began. I meal prep (which is SO important) and I use portion control. I do give myself 1-2 treat meals per month, but it is Meal and not Treat DAY. I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner (every day), with a few snacks in-between. If we go out to eat, I’ll only eat half the meal and save the rest for later. I fill up on a little water before eating. I just recently starting doing fusion water too. I cut out rice, pasta, fatty foods (like bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese), and started substituting these things for other stuff (i.e. avocado as a topping for my baked potatoes when I eat them). My treat meals are things like pasta (which is still in moderation), or a Rib Eye instead of a Sirloin. I tried to cheat with a meal last week at Jack n the Box (Chipolte Chicken Club), I craved it so bad as it’s a limited item that they have every now and then, but my body completely rejected it and the fries. I had to give the rest to my kids.

What did your workout routines look like?

My workout routines started with me taking EVERY break at work to walk and spending time during my lunch to walk as well. Going to the gym and getting on the step climber was the absolute BEST because of how many calories you burn. I slowly began jump roping, and I just started kickboxing this past Saturday (which is already kicking my butt), with classes being 5days a week. I am not going to the gym at this time. At home while watching my favorite shows I’ll lift my 5 lb weighs during commercials. After this month long kickboxing class is over, I’m jumping into Zumba and Pole Dancing for exercise.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?

I went from 163lbs down to 143lbs and I still have 20 more pounds to go before I’m back down to the size I was last year with me being 5’3’’. One of the things I did was buy my wedding gown to small (in the size I was before I started gaining the weight and the size I was 2 kids ago), it’s pushing me to loose the weight, I’m almost there guys!!!! I look forward to coming back on and sharing my updates.

How long did your transformation take?  What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?

I began my journey October 3rd 2014. I’m sure that if I was still going to the gym as much as I was when I initially started it would be all off by now but, I wanted it to be a complete lifestyle change and not just a little quickie things that I would later gain the weight back. The advice I give is Faith is dead without the work. It sounds hard but, once you start, you’ll get to the point where you don’t want to stop.

As a mom of 5 this change effected my entire household, even with my mate because they miss all that extra good cooking I use to do, which I can still do but it’s just going to be a healthier options. I don’t plan to go back to eating unclean. I feel SO much better, my skin is clearer and it feels good to motivate family, friends, & coworkers. I set goals for myself, and after accomplishing them, then I give myself a treat. You can treat yourself, just make sure you’ve earned it, which you can do so with a good workout in the morning to earn burn some calories.

Stick with it. You can do it!! Just start, stopping thinking, I don’t have the money, it’s too expensive, I need a gym membership, I don’t get paid until so and so day. Those are all the excuses I made for myself. Stop the excuses!! You can start NOW!!

  • Start with water only (cutting out all other drinks)
  • STOP eating after a certain time
  • Oven fry instead of using grease
  • Meal prep with what you have
  • Use portion control.
  • Walk around while your clothes are in the washer or dryer for exercise. I give myself challenges like that all the time.

LatiannaJan15blog

Roxanne lost 47 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Roxanne lost 47 pounds with clean eating and regular exercise. She knew that cleaning up her eating habits would be key to success with releasing the pounds.  Here is what she shared about her journey…

Roxanne before and after

Well, My story begins with someone on a New York City train telling me that I was fat. This hurt my feelings really bad. I went home, cried and looked at myself in the mirror nude. I decided that day that I was making a change. This was in September 2014. I got rid of all junk food in my house. Then I went food shopping and loaded up on fruits, veggies and everything healthy. I knew that the change needed to start in my kitchen. After shopping I walked three blocks to the local gym and paid for a membership. I’ve been eating clean and working out 6 days a week for 1 hour and 45 minutes a day ever since and I feel great. As of today (January 2015), I have loss a total of 47 pounds with 20 more to go. I would have never thought this would be me. I started my journey 3 months ago and who would have thought I would achieve this much progress in so little time?  I’m at my happiest.

Instagram: @Bosschicsummers718

Tsitsi lost 78 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tsitsi lost 78 pounds.  This mom was tired of health issues, tight clothes and not having the energy to play with her boys.  She decided to embrace regular exercise and eat food straight from mother nature to reach her health and weight loss goals.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

tsitsi before and after

My clothes could not fit. I was always tired and cranky! Doctors visits where increasing because I had breathing problems, insomnia, anemia, migraines and more. That was enough! I had to do something. I also wanted to have the energy to keep up with my young boys.

I started my journey by walking 2-3 miles everyday. I was huffing and puffing, but I kept at it by increasing my pace and distance. Before I knew it I was power walking and jogging 10km/6 miles a day! I felt lighter, slept longer and my skin improved. After 3 months, I introduced home workout DVDs. Taebo, Jillian Michaels and Tiffany Rothe were my favorites.

My Starting weight was 227 lbs and I was down to 176 lbs, I changed my eating habits as I had hit a plateau. Smoothies in the morning with super foods like chia, flax seeds and baobab powder. I had brown rice with veggies and a protein for lunch. Dinner was salad, soups and more protein. I drank herbal tea and water for beverages and quit driving up to Burger King for a vanilla tall milkshake and fries. I developed a deep understanding that you are what you eat, now I eat food straight from Mother Nature. Beans, Chickpeas, Salmon, Avocado, Lentils Oatmeal, Salads and Fruits are my favorites.

Eventually, over the course of 22 months, I lost 78 lbs. I’m currently 149 pounds at 5’6″ tall. It’s been 2 years of maintaining my weight loss. Now, I wake up with so much energy. Currenly I’m doing Insanity workouts, running and cycling 3 or 4 times a week. To stay motivated I join community races like the Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving. I also attend gym classes and have joined Fitness Groups online. I post my progress for the day, recipes and inspire others on my Instagram @Tsitsi904

Wendy lost 42 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Wendy lost 42 pounds.  Encouragement, faith, the example of a good friend and commitment to her goals has lead this healthy lady to weight loss success.  Here is what she shared about her journey…

Wendy before and after

My name is Wendy Blackwell. I was not comfortable with my weight. A friend of mine who lost weight inspired me with encouraging words from her weight loss story. I cut out junk food, soda, rice and sweets. I started using Ms. Dash instead of salt and baked or broiled foods instead of frying them. I also only drank water.

I exercise at least 5 times a week, sometimes 2 times a day. I didn’t use not having a membership to a gym as an excuse to not get started. When I started my journey, I walked outside in my neighborhood for at least 30 minutes at a time.

I was 231.1 pounds now I’m 189 pounds. I lost 42.1lbs (I’m 5’3″ tall). It took me just about 5 months to lose the weight. I’ve been struggling with this weight loss journey for some time now. I’m grateful that I am finally focused and determined like never before.

The advice I would give to others is to track your food using my fitness pal. I love it. Get up every morning knowing you have a mission to accomplish and do it. Pray and ask God for strength. Workout with some uplifting up to beat music. Also, my husband and a friend of mine encouraged me just about daily. It is good to have a great support team. I’m still not where I want to be, but I haven’t given up. I’m still on this journey.

Instagram: @nadiadeeme

Cherry lost 96 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Cherry lost 96 pounds.  This petite diva changed her eating habits and walked off the pounds. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Cherry before and after

I am feeling Fab and loving the New Cherry. I’m not done until I reach my goal. BWLW, Thank you for your Page. It has really helped me!

My Motivation was my health and finding happiness with life. What inspired me was my Sister Eritessie Mckenzie. She’s a Certified Aerobics Instructor

To change my eating habits, I threw everything out and brought only healthy food, such as salads, nuts, water, chicken and fish. I stopped the drinking sodas, eating junk food, having fast food and stopped snacking late night.

My workouts consist of Walking, walking, walking…and Yoga.  I also do a very lil cardio in addition to that.

Cherry cmbarbMy starting weight was 311 pounds and my current weight is 215.4 pounds. (My height is 5’2″) My transformation has taken  1 year and still counting toward my ultimate goals.

My advice to others: I must say that while losing weight you realize that it is very hard, a lot harder than putting it on. You have to make up your mind and ask God to guide you.  I also suggest that you use the Buddy System and find someone who is committed to the same goals so you can hold each other to them. My Motto: Eat less, Exercise More and Enjoy Doing It. In the end, you will love the results for sure!!!!

I walked 5 day’s a week an workout 3 day’s a week with my #1 supporter My Sissy Eritessie Mckenzie. …also I have joined LA Fitness as December 2014 I am going to the gym 3 day’s a week

Instagram: @CMBARB

Monique lost 31 pounds

by 3 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Monique lost 31 pounds.  This young mother of two girls is determined to be a healthy example for them.  She has made fitness part of her day to day lifestyle and embraced healthy eating.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

monique before and after

My name is Monique. I have been following your Instagram page for a while. The stories have truly inspired me!  On May 11th, 2014, I was completely fed up with having no energy and dealing with aches and pains. I was at my heaviest weight of 213 pounds (Height: 5’7 3/4″). Being a 25 year old mother, I knew that it was the extra weight I was carrying around that was causing these problems. My motivation is my daughters. I want to have energy  to run and play with them and set a healthy example for them that will last a lifetime

To date, I’m down 30 pounds at 182 pounds, thru healthy eating and exercise. My journey so far has taken 6 months and I’m still going strong."</p Fitness is part of my everyday life. This journey is far from over but it has moved me to help others. I started a Facebook page to help encourage other women to take control of their health.

To change my eating habits, I started tracking my meals and I discovered I was overeating (pasta, cereal, etc.). I stopped drinking soda, coffee and juice and increased my water intake. I strive to eat 5-6 small meals a day, made up of fruits, veggies and lean protein using lots of creativity.

For exercise, I’m walking and jogging, as well as using weights and resistance bands for toning.  YouTube exercise videos and good old dancing are great workouts too. I currently workout 3-5 times a week.

The hardest part is starting. Fitness was never part of my life but I knew the day I started it would help improve my quality of life! As a mother of two who works full time, I say that if I can you can. No matter how much you stumble, push forward because change will happen!

Facebook.com/monique.yvette.75

Instagram: @mocurlygirl424 inactive

Barbara lost 73 pounds

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Barbara lost 73 pounds.  This proud mom of 4 shared with us her years long journey to reach her weight loss goals.  She put in the work, had faith and got the results she was looking for.  Her is what she shared with us..

Barbara before and after

My weight loss journey has taken me 30 years. I’m 5’ 5” tall and my heaviest weight was 247 lbs in 1996. I was not always heavy and obesity was not a part of my family life. My weight increased immediately during pregnancy with the first of my four children starting in 1984. I was a young bride and mother doing my best to run my home efficiently. As an Air Force family, my then husband travelled quite a bit, and much of the responsibilities fell on my shoulders. I cooked meals three times a day, most from scratch. With the day to day, I was not a priority. Unfortunately on March 3, 1986 I paid the price for years of poor eating habits and worrying by having gallbladder surgery which kept me laid up in the hospital for two weeks. I bear the abdominal scares that is an eternal reminder.  I changed the way I prepared meals, cooking 3 meals a day from scratch, but the fat didn’t go away. I adopted the vegetarian lifestyle in the early 1990’s which my body did NOT reflect. What I did was for my family, not me.

An uncle told me, “You are going to be as big as Grandma.” I hated that statement with a passion. Around 2004, I started walking and I was out of breath and in pain. God told me that my toxic thinking had to stop…literally. The Holy Spirit revealed that I had to let go of anger, toxic people, and cease from pleasing people. Words cannot express my happiness when I did. I couldn’t stop walking! Increasing my water intake and stopped eating after 7 or 8pm. This helped me to lose 20 lbs., down to 227 pounds. I maintained that weight until 2011. At the end of a 27 year marriage, I went from homelessness to making a new home for my remaining two children and I lost another 12 lbs. An on the job back injury caused painfully horrible inflammation, sciatic nerve damage, and my weight climbed to 229 in a matter of days. Rest, learning about inflammation and watching “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” (documentary on juicing) was my road to recovery.

I have been fearfully and wonderfully made. I dedicate my body to the Lord God because He expects that from me. It is my reasonable service for his glory. Currently I am 174 pounds and I love it. I hadn’t been this size since high school and occasionally see myself in my mind at a size 227, but purchasing clothes in a smaller size helps me to see reality. I get emotional about my new body.

Meals: When a recipe calls for white flour I use oat flour. I prepare my meals, but when I’m on the go (currently a full time non-traditional student) or studying I eat very simple. I drink green smoothies twice a day. I pay attention to food combinations, e.g. I do not mix proteins with starches. If I want fried anything or something sweet that is a treat eaten maybe twice a month. Unfortunately, potato chips is my weakness. I don’t allow it in the house or I will have no regrets afterwards. I view Youtube cooking videos very often. My current focus is consuming fiber, specifically insoluble; keep the intestine clear. I body brush regularly and liver cleanse, because it is a powerful organ.

Rest: Even as a college student I do not stay up late and there is no studying after 8pm. Ten pm is my target to end the night and 10:30 pm is lights out. My health is a priority.

Exercise: I work out hard. After two months of working out I will rest for about two weeks. If I go for three months, usually during the spring into the summer I will rest for a month around August, and the weight continues to fall! I exercise with YouTube vids: Ftiness Blender, Tiffany Rothe, Popsugar, HASfit, Steady Health and occasionally watch weight trainers videos for techniques. I also enjoy biking, 11 to 16 miles two days a week spring/summer and walking (some light jogging). Weight resistance is the bonus.

My advice to readers is to study your body, it will let you know when you are deficient, but don’t allow yourself to get to that point. Be gentle with yourself and shower yourself with needed attention. Change up your workout routines. When challenged tell yourself “I can do it,” or “tomorrow, it’s on.” Most of all, enjoy the “ride.”

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/startingoverinthemiddle

Barbara weight loss