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

Update: Denna lost 90 pounds

by 2 Comments

Update: Denna sent us an inbox message on Facebook to let us know that she lost 13 more pounds since we featured her story back in Dec 2013.  She is now down a total of 90 pounds and has gone from a size 22/24 to a size 6/8.  Find out how she did it below:

Denna before and after

I’ve been a yoyo dieter more years than not. I think it where most of the trouble lies. I can’t be on a diet, it must be a lifestyle. A diet is temporary and only yields temporary results. I’m in this for the long haul so it has become a lifestyle for me. What I THOUGHT was my wake up call really wasn’t. My kids had lost one parent to cancer, something that could not be helped or stopped. In my mind I said this is something you can control, so don’t eat yourself to death. Fix it! So at over 240 lbs I embarked on a journey to save myself…for them. Wrong! Although I lost weight and a lot of weight, I quickly discovered I could not be about someone else, not even my kids. I had to be for me. When we do things for others there’s ALWAYS an unspoken contingency, that the other party is not even aware of most of the time. At least it’s true for me. Therefore, when that contingency falls through so does your desire and motivation (That along with some other things). I fell off the wagon and watched it roll almost completely out of site. However, just as “The Wagon” was almost out of site it hit me like never before, Fool WHAT are you doing? You put in ALL that hard work and you are flushing it down the toilet! Get a grip. Forget your kids. (Giggles but yeah) They don’t even now they had anything to do with your weight loss. So, I decided this time it’s all about ME. I’m doing it for me for the very first time. Every other time I have done this for someone else, my husband, my parents, my kids, worried about what other people thought about me and my weight. That’s the biggest difference this time. It’s for me and my desire to look and feel better.

Denna weight loss photosI hired a great trainer that I have been working with during my journey. I’ve got a better yet not perfect grip on my nutrition. I’ve learned how to make fitness a part of my everyday life. My workout time is my “me” time. I need that DAILY (I’m the mom of 3 teens lol). I’ve identified emotional triggers and when I feel buttons being pushed I immediately begin tell myself you can’t eat it away! I say, “You are going to feel guilty if you turn to food” or “At least make yourself proud of the good choice you made and go burn off some calories”. No that won’t make the problem go away but it certainly won’t add to it. This fitness life is mostly a head game and you have to be able to strategize so you can win.

I workout 5, 6 or 7 days a week. I do a WIDE variety of things to keep myself interested; everything from pole dancing to CrossFit. However, the backbone of my fitness plan is working out with my trainer. My nutrition is my hiccup. I do eat clean but sometimes not enough (quantity or frequency). I don’t drink sodas or eat processed foods. I drink lots of water. So far I’m down a total of 90 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 22/24 to a 6/8. My confidence is soaring, I feel alive and sexy. I can’t wait to see what things will look like when I reach my goal. This is me sharing my progress, the end result is yet to be seen. Like I always say, my journey is mine, yours is yours and hers is hers. Don’t judge yourself by someone else’s success or failure. Someone is going to lose faster and slower. Someone is going to have a smaller waist, a bigger butt you name it. It’s ok just work hard to become the best you, you can be.

Facebook page: Get Right, Get Tight – The Journey

For more info, check out the original post about her journey

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Aliyah lost 66 pounds

by 2 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Aliyah lost 66 pounds.  Like many of us she gained a lot of weight in college and took steps after graduation to change her lifestyle, lose weight and reach her wellness goals.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey: msupshurJuly14blog My name is Aliyah, I’m 26 years old. I just realized how much weight I lost and I couldn’t be more proud of myself! I lost a total of 66 lbs over 18 months. After graduating college, I realized I had gained a freshmen 50+ instead of a freshmen 15. I did high intense cardio classes (Tae Bo, Insanity, Kickboxing & Step Interval) four times a week.  I also stopped eating after 8pm on weeknights. Although I wasn’t consistent through the entire 18 months, I am more than happy about my results thus far! I was 250 lbs and I now weigh 184 lbs (5’4″). My goal weight is 175 pounds!!! I can’t believe how close I am!!!!!!! My motivation: Well, someone asked if I had a baby since college since I had gained so much weight. I have no children so that was like my “end all to be all” moment. I HAD to make a change immediately!  I didn’t diet, I made a lifestyle change. I only made changes that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.

  • I stopped eating after 8pm
  • I love carbs so cutting them out was unrealistic. Instead, I eat whole wheat instead of white. Brown rice instead of white rice…etc..
  • Eating breakfast EVERYDAY!
  • Drinking water first thing in the morning. Drinking MORE water! 2 liters/day at LEAST!…and that’s on a bad day. On a normal day I’m shooting for 3 liters.

My advice to others would be to STAY CONSISTENT! Don’t stop. EVER!!!! This is a LIFESTYLE change!

Instagram @msupshur UpshurJuly2blog

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danni lost 77 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danni lost 77 pounds.  She set a goal for herself to lose weight over the course of a year and she succeeded.  Interestingly enough, her food allergies that had been limiting for her ended up helping her to lose the weight quickly.  It’s amazing what the body will do when we listen to it and give it the foods that it needs and remove the foods that can hurt us. Read her story to find out more:

Danni before and after

I started the Insanity program last year on April 8, 2013 and promised to share my success the following year. From April 2013 to April 2014, I went from 230 lbs to 160 lbs (height: 5’7″). My goal from April to now was 7 lbs and I have succeeded and went beyond the 7 lbs. I am now below what they call the overweight line for my age and height. I am now toning my body to the desired look I want.

My routine for the year was based on Insanity (modified to the fullest) every few months and a lot of workouts I did on my own.  I did T25 (modified as well) and gym gym gym.  In the gym, I did some cardio and lots of weight training to build fat to eat away at the fat even at rest.  I ate more protein, no processed foods, and only natural sugars like from fruit. With that, I was able to drop 70 lbs in the year.  With all the encouragement, motivation and an allergy to corn, ground nuts, wheat (causing me to cut out a lot of foods), I lost the weight very fast. I had  an accident that messed up my knees, but I didn’t let that deter me.  I decided to work on the body parts I could move without further injuring myself. That’s dedication.

Mind you, I do have over 10 food allergies.  A lot of these foods I still eat, even with the side affects, but my severe anaphylactic reaction comes from corn.  Unfortunately, you’ll find that almost everything you eat and drink/alcohol has corn syrup, corn starch, corn meal, maltodextrin, dextrose and the million other food ingredient names no one knows but scientists that is basically corn based.  My allergies actually are what helped me to shed the pounds even faster. NO, I counted no calories because I am limited as it is. I didn’t want more on me then I can bear, especially with my passion for food.

Instagram: @theworldami

Danni weight loss

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Patricia lost 30 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Story of the Day:  Patricia lost 30 pounds and went from a size 12 to a size 6 (height: 5’2″ and a half).  She lost the weight by committing to not just regular exercise, but understanding why clean eating is so important.  She gives God the glory and is now working to inspire others to change their lifestyle.  She shared her story in great detail, so check it out.

Patricia clean eating

Patricia Nubine – “My Story”
My family and I moved to Texas 18 months ago from Seoul, South Korea. We are a retired Army family. God sent us to Houston to start a ministry. We came here by faith. It was a very difficult move. We did not have any family or friends here in Houston. We only had each other and God to lean on. We spent a great deal of time lodging in hotels and extended-stay lodging until we found our home 5 1/2 months later! Because we spent so much time in lodging we were forced to eat all of our meals out. This meant a lot of fast food restaurants.

Prior to this move I felt that I was relatively healthy I worked out and was a certified Zumba instructor. I taught classes twice a week in Korea. Eating out eventually took a toll of my health and I gained quite a bit of weight. My highest weight topped out at 180! I had not weighed this much since I was nine months pregnant 15 years ago. Once we got settled into our home we joined the YMCA in January 2013. Finding the YMCA was a God-send for my family. We had 3 teenagers with a lot of energy. Now they had a place where they could get there energy out. I was ecstatic because I had always been adamant about working out but was waiting until we got settled into our house. I love all the classed that are offered at the YMCA. Prior to this I had only taken Zumba classes. Now I had the opportunity to try an array of different classes from strength to conditioning to flexibility that I could take. I love taking Body Pump, CSI, HIIT, Ripped Pilates and so many other classes. There are too many to name. The variety helps to keep it interesting. When I first started I was very “winded” and found it difficult to move but the more I attended classes the easier it became. Soon I felt my energy coming back and by October I had lost 12 lbs. Then the holidays hit and I started eating straight through the holidays and the weight loss stopped from October to December. The good part is I never stopped working out. Scary to think how much bigger I could have been had I not been exercising. I also began to make friends at the YMCA and it was the exercise and camaraderie that kept me coming back.

A truly pivotal turn in my journey began in January 2014. I was tired of being on this roller coaster of mediocrity and I was ready to see some real change. I was in a class and the instructor made the statement “you can not keep doing the same thing and get different results.” It was like I heard it for the first time and it really resonated with me. I acknowledged that I was exercising but not following through on healthy eating. I decided to stop eating junk food at night when I came home from gym. I also knew that I needed extra help to stay focused if I was going to be successful this time around. I begged my husband for a Christmas gift of personal training. (Some more wonderful benefits of being a member of the YMCA). I did not receive the personal training gift for Christmas but my husband gave it to me anyway in January after I kept asking for it and he saw how much it meant to me. I had started taking Body Pump classes in January and loved taking Deborahʼs classes. She has a way of “preaching fitness” and motivating you that is really inspiring. So I knew I wanted to train with her. I began training with Deborah at the end of January 2014. This is where I really began to see a drastic change for the better in my fitness and health. It has been life changing.

Patricia weight loss storyShe told me to first get rid of processed foods and sugar. I took her very seriously and stopped eating processed foods and replaced them with healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains and lean protein. I immediately had more energy and stamina. She also taught how to get the most out of my workouts using high intensity interval training. I love it because you can get faster results in a shorter time. The personal training that I received has made me more fit, stronger and has developed my confidence. I began to accomplish more than what I thought I could in the past. I became stronger, healthier and I began to really get leaner. The training that I received provided the tools that I had been missing from my toolbox to guarantee my success. I began to lose the weight very quickly. I lost 4.8 lbs the first week of training. By exercising smarter and eating clean 85% of the time I was able to drop 4.4% body fat in 90 days and I lowered my BMI from a 30 to a 26 in 4 short months. This year alone I have lost 20 lbs so far!! I have lost a total of over 30 pounds since I began at the YMCA last year. This year alone I have dropped from a size 12 to a size 6!! I am not dieting. I take no diet pills or diet food. I have just been consistent with my workouts and healthy eating. I now love to be challenged by things that are harder. I am enjoying the Grit Series classes right now. It came right at a time when I needed to be more challenged. I would have never saw myself being challenged this much and I love it!

This time around was so different for me. I had to lose the weight not just for myself but for the many people coming behind me that I would be mentoring. I needed to be an example of what a disciplined life looked like. If I can conquer weight then there are so many other areas that I could also conquer. In turn could show others that they could overcome obstacles that they face. I have been able to conquer negative thoughts and seeing myself in a more positive way. I have received so much encouragement and kind words from so many people at the YMCA. It really is an extended family and a community here. Many people have inspired me to continue to my goal just from the kind words. They motivate me to continue on this journey. I feel better than I have ever felt. I am happier than I have ever been and healthier than I have ever been. I have more energy than there is daylight. I am able to accomplish so much more in my day because I have the stamina to do it. I no longer need an afternoon nap. I feel better than I did two decades ago. I have more confidence than I have ever had. I feel younger and I know I do not look 46 years young! The pain that I had in my knees is now a non-issue. I no longer deal with acid reflux because of the healthy eating. There are so many things that I look forward to accomplishing as a result of my weight loss. Now, I know that I will be able to do them.

Because of the positive response I have received from so many members here at the YMCA along with questions about what I did to lose weight I am starting a health and fitness coaching blog. It is called “Eat Clean For A New You“. I want to help people who deal with the same struggles that I dealt with and sometimes still deal with. I plan on getting my personal training certification so that I can help others who feel stuck like I did. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony with others that may have the same struggles that I had. My motto is I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me Philippians 4:13. I love that the principles of the YMCA line up with my personal values. My message to anyone who is on their own personal weight loss journey is do not give up. No matter how long the road may seem. A journey begins with the first step. If you make one step the other steps will follow. If you fall get back up and start again, But never ever quit.

Check her out on Facebook.

Dee lost 156 pounds with weight loss surgery

by 1 Comment

Let’s show some BWLW love to Dee who has lost 156 pounds and gone from a size 32 to a size 14-16.  She decided to have weight loss surgery so that she could be a healthy and happy mom for the long haul and decrease the possibility of dealing with a number of illnesses that run in her family.  We congratulate her! Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Dee weight loss surgery

Dee weight loss old pants
She can now fit into one leg of her old pants

I’m a 32 year old mother to two boys (11 and 13 years old). They were my motivation to lose weight. I want to be here to see them graduate and have families of their own. My mother’s side of the family suffers from diabetes; my mother, 2 aunts, 1 uncle and my late grandmother. I knew I would be at risk with me being overweight. My mother also suffered from high blood pressure and my daddy suffered from high cholesterol, so I knew of the risks I could possibly face having 1 or all 3 problems. Luckily, I did something about my weight before it got to the point of me having those problems. On 11/6/2013 I opted to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery. I swear that I tried everything before it resorted to this. I had no choice but to change my eating habits my new stomach pouch. It won’t let me eat certain foods like I use to, which in my case is a good thing. It actually keeps me balanced. For the 1st few months after surgery, I walked 30-45 minutes, 3 days a week. I’m now on the process of toning and dealing with all the extra skin I have cause it’s just about everywhere.  I had to cut out fried fatty foods but I do have a cheat meal twice a month (just being honest). Healthy eating gave me a whole new outlook on life and my health. With me having this surgery protein is the key. I eat Greek yogurt, more vegetables, chicken, turkey, seafood and I try to limit my carbs.

Luckily my insurance is covering my breast lift and a pannis removal (which is the extra skin that hangs below my private area…thank goodness for that…lol). My highest weight was 363 pounds. On the day of my surgery I was 345 pounds. As of today I’m 207 pounds and still counting (I’m 5″11). My transformation took 7 1/2 months. My advice to others wanting to lose weight by surgery, the old fashion way or however makes you happy know that it’s a lifestyle change anyway you look at it. I did it to be healthy and like a tattoo that I have says “Only God can judge me now!”.

Dee before and after Dee weight loss surgery

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danietta lost 35 pounds

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danietta lost 35 pounds.  This petite diva’s story shows us that you don’t have to lose tons of weight for the change to make a major difference in your life.  Check out what she shared with us about losing the weight:

Danietta before and after

My co-workers were my motivation to begin my weight loss journey back in March 2013. We started a Biggest Loser competition that lasted 6 weeks.  I lost a total of 14 pound and ended up only losing the contest by .5 pounds. So, after the competition I decided to keep up with this lifestyle change. In order to change my eating habits, I joined Weight Watchers and started to get my portion sizes under control. I eliminated all sweets and white bread. My goal was to eat as much fruit and vegetables I could.  In the beginning I joined a local gym and began working out at least 6 days a week. For exercise, I started out doing the elliptical and treadmill rotating and doing either on daily for about 3 months. Then I slowly started getting myself familiar with a little weightlifting. I also did 30 days of the Insanity workouts. My starting weight was 211 pounds (5’3″ tall) and I am now a weighing in at 176 pounds. I have been working on this journey since February 2013 and I am still in transformation mode as of today. I have few more pounds to get off so I can be in a healthy weight range. My advice to others is the road to weight loss is not easy but if you are willing to travel alone sometimes it s well worth it. Self-motivation is the best motivation.

Instagram: @LadyDn31

Danietta weight watchers

Update: Leslie shares how she lost 22 more pounds

by 4 Comments

Update March 2016: Leslie lost more than 120 pounds and has kept the weight off for 2 years. I will never give up still at it sending blessings your way! Your vision is impacting the lives of many and I’m one of them!

Check out her updates below and the original post we did on her story in April 2014.

leslie weight loss journey

Update March 2015: Leslie has lost 22 more pounds for a total of 120 pounds gone.  She wrote in to share this update…

leslie weight loss story

I have lost 120 pounds thus far and I know God ain’t through with me yet! I lost the additional pounds by getting back on my Herbalife Nutrition Plan, working out no less than 3 times a week and adding weight lifting! The biggest lesson I learned is that I was the only person holding myself back from achieving my goals and that with determination and faith all things are possible! The advice I have for others is work with people who have the same goals you have. I suggest they have no negative self talk, stay off the scale and make better choices daily! Treat yourself to one cheat meal a week too!!! Live a little, get out there and enjoy life! My Uupdated Instagram name is: @PriestBaby01 By changing your life, others lives are changed. It starts with the one looking back in the mirror!

Update June 2014:
We shared Leslie’s story back in April of this year.  She was down 71 pounds and now she’s lost an additional 27 pounds for a total of 98 pounds gone.  Here is what she shared with us about her continued progress (check out her updated photos too):

Leslie weight loss

“I lost an additional 27 pounds by taking my efforts up a notch. In terms of eating right, I cut out the starchy foods and ate little to no carbs! I also made sure that I was never eating too late at night. My last meal is usually around 6 PM. Even though I use herbalife products, I had to get more aggressive in terms of my workouts so I committed to doing Chalene Extreme Workouts along with my program. In terms of motivation, I use accountability partners and I meet with a group least 3 times a week to do group workouts! I simply asked a few friends who lives close if they want to workout! We keep each other on point, no excuses! I listen to my body and when it tells me to rest I do! My advice to others is start fresh each week like it’s the first day on your journey! I encourage everyone to burn off the same amount of calories they consumed each day if they are able. If not, at least try to get in 4 workouts a week! I also suggestion snacking on fruits and veggies combined with small portions of protein in between meals. Spend your calories like you spend money. Only spend what’s really needed lol! I’m motivated by prayer, reading of the word and connecting with more individuals who have like minded goals.  I’ve connected with people who are active in this lifestyle of good health!

Read more about how she lost the weight in our previous post on Leslie’s journey.

Leslie before and after Leslie before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Keeta lost 64 pounds

by 13 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Keeta lost 64 pounds.  This professional makeup artist and proud mom was motivated my wanting to be a healthy and happy example for her daughter.  She committed to eating clean and intense exercise to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Keeta before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation started when I went to the doctor and he told me that I was 242 pounds. That was the heaviest I’ve ever been and it was a major reality check. Sometimes, I could barely walk due to severe back pain. I was carrying to much weight! I had to make a change, not just for me but also that so my daughter could see her mother healthy and happy.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits did a complete 180! I started with a detox, eating all veggies, fruits and brown rice for 7 days. Then I went into adding just chicken and seafood in my diet. No fried food, sweets, white bread or sodas. I tried to eat as clean as possible. My best friend would help me with tips on cooking healthier. Also, drinking lots and lots of water is key!

What did your workout routines look like?
Initially, I was a cardio junkie. I started doing the BLACK GIRLS WORK OUT TOO DVD. And that jump started my weight loss and inches that I lost. Then I began hitting the weight room. Squats, lunges, leg press and pull-ups…Just a full body work out. I go to the gym 4 days a week. Sometimes I’ll go 2 times a day! I started running at the park, 5 lb hula hooping and doing ab work with a weighted yoga ball.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 242 lbs.

What is your current weight?
177.5 lbs.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in April 2013

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice is start now! Some people wait for the 1st of the month or the beginning of the week. No waiting, start now. Just think if you started when you first thought about it where would you be now in your weightloss journey! Get a gym buddy! Team up at work or grab a girlfriend! It always helpful to have someone else there to help motivate each other. Also, it is ok if you have a set back. We all do. Just start over again. Make every thing you do count. Set small goals for yourself. It is not going to happen overnight but you will reach your goal with determination and dedication!!!

Keeta weight loss story

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shavon lost 75 pounds

by 3 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shavon lost 75 pounds, down from 350 pounds. After experiencing the loss of a loved one and the loss of a relationship, emotional eating contributed to her weight gain (as it does for so many of us).  She found the determination to make the lifestyle changes she needed to make for healthy, lasting weight loss.  Read her story:

Shavon before and after

“Hi, my name is Shavon and I’ve lost a total of 75 pounds. After experiencing great depression from the loss of a close loved one and breakup of a relationship, I began to find comfort in food. At 32 years old, I was weighing in at my heaviest of 350 pounds. I could no longer walk or stand without my feet and ankles swelling and being in excruciating pain. Not to mention, I was just not happy with what I saw in the mirror. June 16, 2013 is the day that I woke up and decided to take control of my health and change my life. Through prayer and determination, I first purchased a Sam’s club card and begin to buy fruits and veggies in bulk. I begin to cook and prepare my own meals on a daily basis. I begin walking daily at the park and eventually joined LA Fitness. 6 months later, I took up my now favorite hobby of Swing Out dancing. I engage in these 3 activities at least 4-5 days a week for exercise. WATER WATER WATER has become my best friend! Lol.  As of today, I’m down to 275 pounds. My ultimate goal is to reach 190 pounds. My advice to anyone is to do what works for you. I am NOT on a diet, I just learned to listen to my body, have fun and do what works for me! Moderation is KEY.”

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Cheryllynn lost 197 pounds

by 5 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Cheryllynn lost 197 pounds. Her amazing weight loss is a result of hard work.  She embraced exercise, clean eating or paleo eating to dramatically improve her health.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Cheryllynn weight loss journey

 

“Hello my name is Cheryllynn. Before I started my health journey, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. It affected my blood pressure, energy levels, mood, and my ability to be physical.  I had constant joint pain, migraines, and depression also plagued me. In short, I was a mess. Emotional eating (my only comfort) and inactivity lead to massive weight gain on top of everything else. I used a mobility scooter and a cane. The doctors kept giving me pills, that caused their own side effects. I decided to take my own health into my hands. I started Clean Eating. By just removing all processed foods (anything with more then five ingredients or anything you need a science degree to pronounce) I started getting better. I started slowly exercising. Today, I have reversed 95% of my symptoms. I am not on any medications and I run 7 miles everyday. I started out at 370 pounds and as of this morning I am 173 pounds. That’s 3 more pounds until I reach my goal. I’ve lost 197 pounds.  I don’t consider myself dieting, I consider myself right sizing and getting my life back.

I’ve  transitioned from Clean Eating into the Paleo lifestyle and I love it. I eat a Paleo diet which is fruit, nuts, veggies, and lean meats. I do not eat, legumes, grains, dairy or processed foods. I run and nordic walk for exercise. Part of the Paleo lifestyle is 40 miles a week of self-propulsion preferably outsides. So, I try to run a minimum of five miles everyday of the work week and Nordic walk a minimum of 12 miles over the weekend.”

Cheryllynn weight loss photos

Cheryllynn before and after