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Dionne lost 35 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Dionne. She lost 35 pounds in 3 months and is sharing the details of how she did it.  She has fallen in love with Crossfit and learned what eating habits work for her.

Dionne weight loss story

What was your motivation?

My children and my partner are my main motivation. I want to live an active and healthy lifestyle and be an example to them.

How did you change your eating habits?
I listened to my body. When I put junk in it, my body responded to it negatively. Now, I juice and the only meat I eat is fish.  I cut out soda, candy and anything else with high processed sugar.  I also only eat fruits to make sure I am receiving healthy sugars. I drink quite a lot of water as well.

What did your workout routines look like?
I am in love with CrossFit. This is a typical workout day for me:
Tabata Warm-up:
Row
Bar Hang
Med Ball Cleans

then for reps:

6min AMRAP (As Many Reps as Possible)
4 Push Press 135/95
6 Burpee Pull-ups

2min Rest

6min AMRAP
4 Push Jerk 135/95
6 Burpee Pull-ups

What was your starting weight? – 285 pounds

What is your current weight? – 250 pounds

How long did your transformation take?
I would say about 3 months. I started my journey in December 2013 but just really started to get serious in February when I began CrossFit.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight? – Never give up. Even if you have to start over again.

Instagram: @Lightbringerlibra

Weight Loss Story of the Day: MicheLe lost 67 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – MicheLe wrote in to update us on her amazing transformation. She’s lost over 67 pounds, recently turned 46 years old and she continues to eat clean and train regularly.

I just wanted to update you on my transformation. You featured me last year on May 30th. I turned 46 years young on December 20th. Here I am, 20 months later. During this time, I have managed to maintain my weight, lose more inches and drop another dress size. Initially, I wore a size 16, now I’m in a size 4. I have continued to do strength training three to four days week and cardio five to six times a week. As you know, the majority of weight lost is due to diet. I have been eating clean for two years now. I eat five to six meals a day, eating every three hours. I still only drink water, about a gallon daily. A girlfriend told me just the other day that her struggle is doing it solo. I told her that although I have trained with someone, I am only with the trainer three hours a week. The other 165 hours, I am on my own. So, essentially, I am solo 99% of the time during the week. I have to make good decisions when it comes to my diet.

michele before and after

May 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: MicheLe lost 67 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size 6.  She embraced calorie counting, portion control and strength training to transform her body so much that she recently competed in her first bikini competition.  Read about her journey and check out her photos below:

Michele weight loss success

“With commitment, focus, dedication and determination, I lost 67 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size six (height 5’4”). Two years ago I had pre-hypertension. My doctor continued to tell me to lose weight and to exercise. When I started my weight loss journey, I set a goal to get into a size eight. I reached my goal in seven months with strength training, counting calories and controlling my portion sizes. I met with my personal twice a week for 30 minutes and took a bootcamp class once a week. I tracked everything I ate and drank a gallon of water a day.  I ate every two to three hours including breakfast, lunch, dinner and two to three snacks. I had protein for every meal and snack. My trainer told me the best way to lose weight was consistency so I ate basically ate the same foods every day. My breakfast consisted of egg whites, spinach, oatmeal and a tablespoon of peanut butter. For lunch, I had protein, brown rice and veggies. For dinner, I had protein, veggies and tablespoon of peanut butter. For my snacks, I had a protein shake and fruit.

I maintained this size for a year. Late last year, I set another goal: to enter into a bikini competition. I began strength training, cardio and clean eating. I met with my personal trainer three times a week for one hour and did cardio on my own four days a week for 35 minutes. I accomplished this goal in five months and participated in my first bikini competition last Saturday (May 24, 2014). I did not take home a trophy but I won this struggle to lose weight.”

Michele before and after

Beach Body Time: Andrea lost 25 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Trinidadian BWLW sista Andrea.  She decided that it was time to get her beach body back and went from 187 pounds to 162 pounds, losing 25 pounds. Read her story and find out how she slimmed down:

Andrea weight loss

“Hi, my name is Andrea and I am from the beautiful island of Trinidad. I have been following your page since Dec 2013 and I am very grateful for the daily encouragement I get from you. You have inspired me to lose weight the healthy way. I wasn’t going to do it any other way but seeing all those weight loss success stories has made me believe that it could be done through healthy eating and exercise. I am now ready to submit my story hoping it will help others struggling with weight loss.

My motivation to lose weight was to get a beach body for vacation and to be able to get clothes to fit me without a problem. I haven’t gotten that perfect beach body but I am close enough. I changed up my eating habits by having more steamed veggies, chicken or fish. I had cereal, oats, green smoothies, fruits and salads. I cut out bread, rice, pasta, sugar and snacks. I drank only water. This helped together with regular exercise but I did not accomplish my goal for the first vacation in October 2013. I was able to lose 11 lbs and some inches from April to October. I went from 187 lbs to 176 lbs. I exercised about 4-5 times a week by walking/jogging and doing steps sometimes twice a day. Progress was slow and sure, but discouraging. I felt like I was exercising in my mind. After vacation, I came back about the same size as I decided that all the food and snacks on a ship wasn’t worth all the hard work I had put in before. By the third day I started making healthy choices. I continued my quest after vacation as another one was coming up in May 2014 and I had more reason to get in shape.  My best friend Candy had been encouraging me to like BWLW page forever but I only did in December. I watched and read and got encouragement. I decided to do the green smoothie challenge in January and boy did that help. I did juicing too. I held up on the exercise as I wanted to see if that 80% what you eat/20% exercise would work.

Indeed it did. By the end of January I lost just about 7 lbs that really made a difference. People started noticing my weight loss and I felt great. It gave me that umph to keep at it. I tried losing more weight in February but I’ve just been able to maintain since then. I exercise just about two to three times a week now. Nothing too strenuous and I continue to eat as healthy as possible. I still have cake and chocolate and pizza whenever I feel like but I choose more healthy options daily. I started at 187 lbs in April, October I reached 176 lbs.  I’m now at 162 lbs, maintaining since February. It took me just about ten long months to see a big difference but I did not push as I could have. My advice is to keep at it, always make healthy choices and ignore the people who don’t respect your choice to be healthy.”

Andrea before and after

Weight Loss Transformation: Anyce lost 176 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: This is the transformation story of a woman who at 400+ pounds didn’t know she was pregnant for almost 9 months!  Anyce lost 176 pounds after years and years of struggling with obesity.  She made a commitment to be there for her daughter and change her health for good. Read her amazing story and check out her before and after photos below.  AMAZING!

anyce lost 176 pounds

“Hello, My name is Anyce and I’ve struggled with being obese all my life. Since I can remember, I’ve always been taller and heavier than my classmates and friends. Although I never let it bother me to the point I hated myself, I didn’t participate in the simple things young girls did because of my size. For example, the one thing I always wanted to do was shop with my friends in the mall.  I always had to go separately because “normal” stores didn’t carry my size. Things became worst when I was turned down for a volleyball team in 9th grade, that shattered my world and the pounds started coming.  I didn’t want to play any other sport. As the years passed I gained over 150lbs! Instead of me doing something about it I simply embraced my extra curves and loved me no matter what.

I was an emotional eater and a closet eater. I ate my emotions and didn’t tell people how I felt. I ate the pain away and kept a smile on my face to hide the pain. At some of my lowest times I can remember buying a bucket of chicken from KFC, a 7 piece and almost finishing the whole thing, then going home saying I didn’t eat. Late night runs to Burger King with my brother and cousin who were physically fit both played sports didn’t help. I also loved onion garlic potato chips and could eat a bag a day. So, it’s safe to say nutrition was the last thing on my mind.

In February of 2008 I tried to have the lap band surgery because I just wanted to be “normal” for once but it was unsuccessful because I had an enlarged liver (1st stages to developing NASH) due to eating unhealthy. I began to lose a lot of blood so my surgeon decided to abort and no surgery for me but I wear the scars of that depressing day. Depression started and I became severely obese. By this time, I was about 380 pounds and still NOT ashamed of who I was (or so I thought). I even did Plus Size modeling at my heaviest weight! Certain pictures from different angles I didn’t like because I was so heavy (but now when I look back, I actually like many angles of me).

It wasn’t until 2012 that my life changed and everyday things became a struggle. I noticed I had NO energy, I was always tired but it was more than normal. My menstrual cycle never came on time. I would be happy it didn’t come because when it did I would be so moody and crave sweets all day, I wouldn’t want to be near myself. I would attempt to workout with my good friend but find any excuse not to and go back to bed. October 24th of that year I found out I was pregnant, BUT I was due any day give or take.  No more than 4 WEEKS notice. I gave birth to what I call my angel on earth, a baby girl on November 8th, 2012. Absolutely no birth defects and completely healthy, THANK GOD! That’s when I could confidently say GOD IS REAL! My life completely changed, I was NOW 100% responsible for another human being that could not fend for themselves and they depended on ME.

So January 2013, I sought out professional help from my doctor and he referred me to a nutritionist and I saw her monthly. We tackled my eating.  On May 1, 2014, I weighed in at 421 pounds, my ultimate heaviest. I then went on a supervised drastic diet. I only ate the following food groups for three months; protein, fiber and vegetables! That’s right no fruits or carbohydrates. I also used Body by Vi to help with my weight loss. We wanted drastic results fast as my daughter was getting older and who would be able to run after her and keep her safe if I remained the same tired self?!  I did it cold turkey (well I prepared myself mentally) by any means nessasary!!! I can say that I lost 97 lbs in 90 days.

Since then I’ve learned how to deal with emotions, for the most part I don’t eat my emotions. I’ve learned about nutrition and the purpose off all food groups. We need them all in moderation. I workout about 5 days a week.  My workouts consists of calisthenics training, weights and cardio. I’ve learned you need ALL 3 to be successful with transforming. I’ve become more active with friends and I currently can do ANYTHING with my now 1 1/2 year old. The best feeling in the world. I’m currently 176 lbs down and counting!”

Contact me on Facebook: Anyce NyCee Banks & Instagram: @AnyceB

weight loss story mom

Jana lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Jana.  She lost 30 pounds by changing her eating habits and exercising.  Read about her weight loss journey and check out her before and after photos.Jana weight loss story

I’m 30 years old.  I’m also the mother of 5 year old lil boy. This year I decided that I wasn’t going to keep the same lifestyle. I called few friends to get recipes, advice on diets and ways to change my life.  I changed the way I ate.  I also started doing cardio and a lot of exercise. I was 185 lbs when I started on March 5 2014 (photo in the leopard dress).  On April 25 2014 I reached 155 lbs (after photo in the black top).  I’ve still got more pounds to lose and is true that it’s a lot work.

I got advice from a friend who told me to stop eating white rice, pasta, bread and junk food. He also told me to stop drinking things like beer and cocktails.  Eating wise, I got back to eating salads, vegetables and I now drink green juice (made of vegetables and herbs) in the morning. For fitness, I’m doing cardio, step class and I’m going to start kickboxing next week.  I also love dancing Samba to spanish music because it causes you to really move you body, like Zumba. I do my workouts at home because I’m a single mother, so I don’t have time to go to the gym. My son loves it every time I’m working out on the living room.

Sometimes you just want to give up when you have cravings for food.  However, I believe that when you look in the mirror, when everybody starts too look at you and when they want to do the same you’ve done…it’s amazing. I feel amazing and I don’t want to ever get back to the way I was before. Ladies don’t give up. Get it together and do it for you and for your health.”

Instagram: @jana_brazuca

Jana before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sabrina lost 45 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sabrina lost 45 pounds.  She found a weight loss program that worked for her and worked it.  This proud mom also included her kids when working out for more motivation.  Read her story below.

Sabrina before and after

“I was slowly letting myself go. I was so wrapped up in everyone else I didn’t realize I had packed on so many pounds. My friend told me about a Beachbody program that uses martial arts to help shape your body. I was interested because I’m a ninja at heart. I bought Les Mills Combat and kind of half way did it. I wasn’t motivated. Then one night I put the DVD in and my boys joined me. I felt like I had to push harder because I wanted to set a good example. I didn’t really lose any weight during round one because I wasn’t dedicated to the program or the nutrition guide. I finished and was like I really want a t-shirt but I want to earn it. I started over and committed to the program and the nutrition guide. I added their nutritional shakes to my routine and worked out with the boys. I found myself pushing harder and really reshaping my body. Finally, I stepped on the scale and didn’t quickly get off.  That’s when I found out that in 120 days I’d gone from 215 pounds down to 170.

Sabrina weight lossWorking out with the kids really helped me step up my game but also finding a challenge group full of people doing the same workout as me helped me stay accountable. I recommend getting into a group of people with similar goals who are doing similar things on their journey and being an active member. It really helps you and others stay on track. I loved getting fighting fit so much I decided to pay it forward and become a coach myself.”

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Donita lost 46 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Donita lost 46 pounds in 10 months.  She notes that Zumba and cleaning up her eating habits were key to her weight loss victory.  Read all about how she lost the weight:

“Before I decided to start losing weight, I weighed 224 pounds. I honestly didn’t think there was a problem with my weight until I saw a picture of myself. I didn’t like who I saw and I realized that I need to make a change. Like most people who deal with weight issues, you want to make the change but you don’t know where to start. I started going to Zumba two days out of the week. I felt like the “biggest” person in the class but I continued to attend. Once I lost my first two pounds, I was excited! My Zumba instructor encouraged me along the way and before I knew it, 2 pounds became 14 pounds. I was determined to keep going.

During lunch at work, I decided to start walking a mile instead of eating a big lunch. I had to cut out pop, fast food, and junk food altogether. Many people doubted me when I first told them that I was trying to lose weight. I refused to listen to my critics and I stay focused on my goal. Today, I weigh 178 pounds with a weight loss of 46 pounds within 10 months. My first goal was to get my weight down to 200 pounds. I have exceeded that goal and now my next goal is to reach 160 pounds. I am not trying to be “skinny” but healthy. To anyone who is trying to lose weight, please stay focused. Don’t do it for anyone else but YOU! And lastly, encourage yourself. People may not be rooting for you, but be your own cheerleader! Regardless if you lose two pounds or two-hundred pounds you’re making progress!”

Donita before and after photos Donita weight loss story

Ace lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Ace lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She was having difficulty breathing and suffering from knee pain that hindered her ability to exercise.  At 234 pounds and 5’3″, she decided to opt for gastric sleeve bariatric surgery.  Read her story below to find out more about her journey.

Ace weight loss surgery“My name is Ace. A year and a half ago I made a decision that cheanged my life. I decided to have bariatric weight loss surgery. I was 34 years old and weighed 234 lbs at 5 foot, 3 inches tall. I worked in health care so I was always on my feet. I had a knee problems that led me to a orthopedic doctor who said that I needed to loose weight to relieve some of the pressure off my knee. However, I couldn’t exercise due to the pain. A good friend of mine mentioned bariatric surgery. She had it done a few years prior. The rest is history!

I went from getting short of breath climbing a flight of stairs, constantly tired, constantly eating fast food, sweets and drinking pop to working out 6 days a week! No longer drinking pop or juice! No longer eating pork or red meat, or fast food or sweets! I have an amazing amout of energy. I am active. I feel wonderful. I love the way clothes fit. I went from a size 22 at 234 pounds with a BMI of 41.4 to a size 4 at 127 pounds with a BMI of 22.5. Finally I LOVE ME.”

What was your motivation?
“I was tired of the knee pain and being short of breath all the time.”

How did you change your eating habits?
“I went from snacking all the time on unhealthy things to eating 5 small healthy meals a day that were high in protein.”

What did your workout routines look like?
“Mon – Fri, In the am I do crunches, squats and a few weights. After dinner I walk/run on my treadmill and do additional crunches, squats and weights.”

What was your starting weight and your current weight?
“Starting weight prior to surgery was 234lbs. My heaviest was 256lbs. I currently weigh 127lbs.”
How long did your transformation take?
“I had surgery December 2012. It’s been a year and a half.”

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
“You can do it if you want to. You have to really want it. Make small goals. Take it day by day and appreciate every bit of progress that you make! Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels!!”

Ace weight loss story

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shaun lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shaun lost 35 pounds.  This petite diva got a wake up call at the doctor’s office and decided to start making slow changes to lose the pounds.  Read her story and find out how she did it.

Shaun lost 35 pounds

“I knew I had gained weight, but I was in such denial. I avoided the scale so I had no clue as to how much I had gained. I had a doctor’s appointment one day and when I got on the scale, it read 188 pounds. I knew that was too much for my 5’2″ frame. I immediately stopped drinking soda and began to power walk regularly. I started slow with my diet changes, picking one day out of the week to have a small treat and the rest of the week being very careful about what I ate. I would choose baked food over fried and I worked out in the gym at least 3 times a week. After about 10 months, I began strength training. When I work out I do 30 minutes of cardio (treadmill), and then I muscle train on my arms, I’m lifting 3 reps of ten with 15-20 lb free weights on alternate days. I do my legs, 4 sets of 10 squats either using body weight or free weights & lunges. I also do dead lifts, but not very often. I mainly try to get my cardio in even if I don’t have for much more to give.

My current weight is 153 pounds and I’ve been maintaining it for about 2 years now. Losing 35 pounds was a huge accomplishment. When you gain weight, everybody notices, when you lose weight, they say you’re too skinny. Do what works best for you and don’t let people discourage you!”

Update: Muriel lost 70 pounds

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2014 – Muriel sent in a great update.  When we featured her story back in September 2013, she’d lost 36 pounds.  She has lost 34 more pounds since then.  Read about how she lost the weight and check out her before and after photos below.

“UPDATE: Hi everyone! I am so pleased to share my progress since I was last featured on BWLW. I have lost a total of 70 lbs. I continued with working out at home using Jillian Michaels DVDs and stuck to a healthy, lifestyle changing diet. I also received 2 responses from Jillian Michael’s on Twitter. That was the best feeling ever! In November 2013, I ran my first half marathon. Then on Feb 1st, I ran my first 15K. On April 5th, I ran my first 10K, in which I placed 2nd overall for the females and 1st in my age category. I am truly thankful and blessed beyond measure. The best advice that I can give to women trying and wanting to lose weight is, NEVER give up! Put God first in everything you do, and I will guarantee that you will be successful. Always trust and believe. God Bless”

Learn more about how she lost the weight in the original post about her journey from September.

Muriel weight loss Muriel weight loss