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Ajima Jackson

Valerie lost 102 pounds

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Update January 2018: Valerie lost more than 100 pounds and has worked to keep the pounds off. She experiened a significant loss when she gave birth during the 5th month of pregnancy and her baby passed away. Grief and depression have not stopped her. She is taking life one step at a time.

valerie before and after

Wanted to send in an update to my story since so much has changed in the last few years since I first started reading your website! My story started when I turned 30 years old in 2012. I weighed 280 lbs and was depressed. I started working out, and 3 years later I was down to 175 pounds. I continued working on myself and was hoping to compete in a bodybuilding competition.

In 2016, we decided to add to the family and I got pregnant. At 5 months, I delivered and my daughter died at birth. I was crushed and depressed again. My weight reached 250 pounds.

After I was cleared to work out again, I started weight lifting because I know it produces really great results for me. I work two body parts a day, 5-6 times a week. I also do interval cardio (HIIT) for 15 minutes, 3 times a week.  As far as eating habits, I don’t follow any particular diet. However, my eating style is high protein, lower carb and moderate fat. I monitor my macros and calories daily.

Fast forward to today… I’m down to 200 pounds and still working to get back to 175 pounds. I’m talking to someone about grief and just trying to do my best to take care of myself. It was a struggle to experience the weight gain with no baby to bring home. It’s like I gained weight for no reason, but with a great support system I’m doing better and just taking it one day at a time.

Updated pictures: In the pink dress, I weighed 280 pounds. The photo is from when I turned 30 years old. The second pic is from when I turned 35 years old. The other before and after photos (with the dates) show how I’ve been doing since I had the baby.

Instagram: @liftheavyeatbacon

valerie before and after

Transformation of the Day: Valerie lost 102 pounds. After she saw the photos from her 30th birthday celebration, she knew that she wanted to change her life. For the last 3 years, she’s been changing her relationship with food and working out hard. Read her awesome story.

valerie weight loss story

I started my journey after seeing a picture of myself at my 30th birthday party in Miami. I weighed 280 pounds and I couldn’t believe it. I needed a change, immediately!

I changed my eating habits by monitoring my portion sizes, cutting out fast food and cutting out fried food. I started to log all my meals in My Fitness Pal to keep track of what I was eating.

When I first started, my workouts were mostly cardio and a little weight  lifting. Then, after I gained some of the weight back, I got a trainer and started lifting more weights and cut down on the cardio. Now, I do strength training 5-6 days a week and the sessions are usually about 90 minutes to 2 hours. I finish my workouts with 20 minutes of sprints, 2-3 times a week.

I am 5’4″ tall and my highest weight was 280 pounds. Today, my current weight is 178 pounds. I have been working on this process since January 2013. I haven’t had any surgeries and I don’t use wraps or any other products to help with skin tightening or weight loss. I do use supplements like Whey protein and BCAA’s.

My advice for others would be to start lifting weights and don’t just rely just on cardio. Weight lifting won’t make you “huge” or “bulky”, and it can really increase your results in terms of fat loss. My goal is to compete in a bodybuilding competition by the end of this year. Also, I recently became a trainer in my gym.

Instagram: @valerietynes

valerie before and after

Stefunee lost 46 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Stefunee lost 46 pounds. She wanted to be an example for her son and her family that you can achieve your health and wellness goals if you work hard. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

stefunee before and after

My motivation to lose weight was setting an example for my son with total lifestyle changes through health and wellness. I want my son, as well as my family and friends to know that with a plan, hard work, determination, resilience and a great attitude, you can achieve all of your goals!

I was inspired by all of the beautiful transformation photos on Black Women Losing Weight and I wanted to my own success story to share! I’ve lost 46 pounds, starting at 236 pounds. I currently weigh 190 pounds.

I cut out sugar, fast foods, soda, alcohol, and coffee.  I took vitamins everyday, detoxed and waist trained. I also worked out at the gym 4/5 days a week.  My workout regimen included cardio and strength training. I would switch my cardio routine with stair climbing, Cross fit and Zumba class as well!  I love dancing so much. My dream is to have my own dance aerobics class and dance squad for girls.

I want to encourage any woman out there who feels discouraged about their weight. Making the decision to lose weight will be the best decision they can make. Losing weight will change your life!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/glamsportsinc
Instagram: @juicygenius

Alisha lost 138 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Alisha lost 138 pounds. This survivor works to change the lives of homeless Veterans at her day job. She wanted to share with us how her decision to have weight loss surgery saved her life by helping her doctors find a serious, life threatening condition. Check out her awesome story.

alisha weight loss cancer

I wanted to share my story of losing 145 pounds through surgery and how it saved my life. Through pre-operative testing for weight loss surgery, I found out that my thyroid was enlarged and crushing my trachea. I later found out that I had thyroid cancer, which had spread to my lymph nodes.

What was your motivation?
I was motivated to lose weight because I wanted to be the healthiest/best version of me and for me that wasn’t being 300+ pounds. I was inspired by my clients. I work with homeless Veterans and after years and years of homelessness and other issues, I can’t expect them to change overnight. Change is very difficult. Deciding to change behaviors, ones that I’ve had almost my entire life, was difficult, but I had to start somewhere.

I had weight loss surgery after several years of plateaus. I didn’t how to overcome the plateaus, so I sought information on surgery because it was covered by my insurance. During my prep-op work, up it was found that my thyroid was crushing part of my trachea. However, because it was not causing any serious issues we proceeded with surgery. I had the Duodenal Switch with Dr. John Rabkin in San Francisco at Pacific Laporscopy.

6-7 months after weight loss surgery, I went to my new primary cary physician for a work up and was referred to an Endocrinologist. My endocrinologist wanted to remove my thyroid because it was so large.

While preparing for surgery to remove it. My lymph nodes looked suspicious on one of the tests. After a biopsy of my thyroid and surrounding the lymph nodes, it was found that I had thyroid cancer. My surgeon explained to me after surgery that had my trachea collapsed I probably would have died due to the size of my thyroid. My thyroid was the size of 2 fists and wrapped around my trachea. The icing on the cake was that a year and half before my surgery, I contacted my previous PCP to discuss my enlarged thyroid. She brushed me off, giving me the once over and saying, “Nope, looks fine to me.” Despite all of that I’m alive, healthy, and continuing to live a full and blessed life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started using My Fitness Pal to decide how many calories I needed to eat a day to lose the weight that I wanted. 1700 calories was my goal. That was actually “more” intentional food than I was currently eating. I became most successful with my food habits by doing meal prep on Sundays. I would take 2-3 hours and make all my meals and snacks for the week. I didn’t eliminate many foods as much as I counted my calories. I prefer a big steak over a candy bar, any day. I now follow a high fat, high protein diet that aligns with my weight loss surgery.

What did your workout routines look like?
All I did was walk. I did anywhere from a mile to two miles a day at a leisurely pace, nothing too much. I’m still intimidated by the gym but I continue to walk and I’m currently looking for a personal trainer to help me lose the last 20-30 lbs and tone my body.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 333 pounds (approximately). My current weight is 195 pounds and my height is 5’5″. After having my thyroid removed on 2/6/2015, I’ve only lost about 4 pounds. However, I’m not gaining weight, which is what most people say happens after having their thyroid removed and trying to find the right dosage of medication. In addition, on January 29th, 2016 (my birthday) it was confirmed that my cancer had returned. I’m currently waiting on the results, but hopefully I’ll get another negative test.

How long did your transformation take?
It’s been about 2.5 years

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Believe in yourself and don’t give us. Celebrate the smallest victories and keep pushing forward toward your goal

Instagram: @wanderingalisha

alisha before and after

LaKesha lost 32 pounds

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Weight Loss Journey: LaKesha lost over 32 pounds in less than 4 months. This busy mom of 3 began her journey at the end of 2015. She’s just made some simple changes that have paid off with progress.

lakesha before and after

Hello, my name is LaKesha and would like to share my story and my before and after photos. In just 3.5 months, I have lost over 32 pounds without surgery and without using diet pills.

I have three boys (ages 17, 6, and 3 years old) and they all love sports. They are the force that inspired me on my journey. I wanted to change because couldn’t run after them too long or play too long with them because of asthma and being overweight.

I gave up fried foods and soda. I also started walking more during the day and in the evening. My 3 year old and 6 year old keep me busy, so they are my exercise (along with my 17 year old).

At then end of 2015, my weight was in the low 200s and today I weigh 170 pounds. I am 5’4″ tall. This is almost the same weight I weighed before I had my second son 6 years ago. I would like to lose at least 5-7 more pounds. I feel great. I look great and now I can even breathe better.

Tekora lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tekora lost 70 pounds. This Alpha Kappa Alpha soror was diagnosed with hypertension and could not want to imagine a lifetime of relying meds. She knew that through better eating habits and lots of exercise, she could better her health. That led her to join a supportive local dance fitness class. Today, she has lost the pounds and is inspiring others to do the same through dance. Check out her story.

tekora weight loss story

I have always been a “big girl.” For me it was my norm. It wasn’t until 2010 that I realized my norm was affecting my health. During a visit with my doctor, I was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension. The doctor wanted to prescribe high blood pressure medication, but I refused. I could not imagine being in my 30s and having to rely on a pill for the rest of my life. One thing that caused me to raise an eyebrow was that the doctor never said being 293 pounds wasn’t healthy or spoke to whether my weight was contributing to my high blood pressure.

I knew I needed to lose weight, eat better and get active, but I didn’t know where to start. I weighed 293 pounds at 5’9″ and hadn’t been in a gym since college, but I knew I needed to take control of my life. On the first day, I went to the gym and heard music coming from the group exercise room. My curiosity caused me to go in… The rest is history.

During my first fitness class it was filled with music, movement, and fun! It didn’t feel like a workout. I committed to working out two days a week. It made me feel energized. I felt like I could do this! I connected with other women who were starting there fitness journey with dance fitness. It started to be more than a class. It was an accountability circle.

70 pounds later (and lighter), I decided to create Curvy Rhythms by Tekora to inspire others to get up and start moving. I know what it did for me and I want to help others realize fitness can be fun.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by making sure that 75% of the food I eat comes from the produce section. I also ate 6 times a day, starting at 8am. This required planning! Sundays became my meal prep day. I stopped eating the whites: bread, salt and sugar. It was also important to find substitutions. For example, I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with flavored sparkling water. If I took a food away, I replaced it with a healthier option.

How often do you workout now?
I’m committed to working out no less than 4 days a week (2 days cardio and 2 days of weight training). Additional days are a bonus. After I started my healthier living journey, I wanted to show and encourage Black women to get up and start moving. That’s why I stared my dance fitness class.

How long did your transformation take?
3-4 months.

 

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It is all about mindset. You have to be mentally prepared to change your eating and fitness habits. Be realistic, be patient with yourself, and remember healthy is a lifestyle… not a size.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CurvyRhythmsbyTekora
Instagram: @curvyrhythmsbytekora

tekora before and after

Danielle lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Danielle lost 30 pounds. Wanting to live a healthier life and impact the world, she decided to go vegan. She researched the benefits of plant-based eating and was inspired by great food documentaries, like Forks Over Knives and Food, Inc. Read her story and find out how she did it.

dani weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My motivation was to live a healthier life and to change the world. I knew my health was at risk. In 2015, I read a lot of articles about the meat industry. I spent one weekend watching Netflix documentaries, such as Cowspiracy, Food Matters, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, Vegucated, Fork Over Knives and Food Inc. I was changed forever.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was a vegetarian for years off and on, but I wasn’t consistent. In the beginning of this year (2016), I decided to go vegan after a 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. I am currently a high carb vegan. I try my best to eat mostly whole foods, veggies and fruits. I cook all of my food, most of the time.

What did your workout routines look like?
Surprisingly, I don’t work out at the gym like I should. I do a lot home workouts, such as Hip Hop Abs and a Kettle-bell routine. I do walk very often as well. I’m currently looking to commit more to a gym routine. My weight loss was based on 80 percent eating habits vs. exercise.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 246 pounds and my current weight is 216 pounds. I still have work to do. My height is 5’6″.

How long did your transformation take?
Approximately 2 months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice for others who are looking to losing weight is to stay inspired. Don’t listen to people who aren’t on the same journey as you. Distance yourself from people who are negative towards you. Don’t overthink, don’t be too hard on yourself and have fun. For inspiration, follow social media pages and join groups. Believe in yourself and be you.

I’m an empowerment coach and Co-Founder of The World Is A Girl’s Runway Inc. I also started a vegan blog that will be launching this month (April 2016). My blog will feature my daily experiences, recipes, grocery hauls, videos and christian devotionals. It’s called the Freckled Vegan.

Instagram: @Freckledvegan_
Blog: http://theworldisagirlsrunway.blogspot.com

Mellenie lost 54 pounds

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Mellenie wrote in to share an update. She’s faced some ups and downs since she shared her story with us back in 2016, but she hasn’t given up.

mellenie before and after

“I was featured on your site for my 54 pound weight loss. Unfortunately, I regained the weight after being in a motor vehicle accident. I was restricted from exercise for 5 months. As the weight crept back up, so did my blood pressure and sugar levels. In May 2018, I grew tired of being obese. I decided to give strict Keto a try. Eliminating carbs and sugar from my diet has allowed me to lose 23 pounds in a little less than 3 months. I workout 5 days a week, with focus on strength training, group workout classes and HIIT. I’ve also regained my health and have managed to break my addiction to sugar. Life can knock you down multiple times, but you must get up and try again every time it does!” – @mellbfit

Transformation of the Day: Mellenie lost 54 pounds. After being told that her weight was contributing to the major health issues that she was facing, including pre-diabetes and hypertension, she decided to fight for her life. Through clean eating and exercise she has transformed her body and found greater wellness. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

mellenie weight loss story

Hello, my name is Mellenie B. and I lost 54 pounds naturally, through clean eating and exercise. I have kept the weight off and have been on my journey for 3 years. I was prompted to lose weight after my health began to rapidly decline. I was extremely upset after visiting my physician; I was told that my weight was a major contributing factor to the health issues that I was experiencing.

At that time, I weighed 205 pounds and I only stand 4’11. I was told that I was suffering from high blood pressure, I was pre-diabetic and that I had hypertension. I was also told that the anxiety attacks  I had just recently been experiencing a few weeks prior to this appointment were also weight-related. I was given a multitude of prescriptions, but I refused to fill them. I decided to fight for my life instead.

I was inspired by the many women that I saw on social media, ones that went through what I was going through and still managed to emerge triumphant. Seeing these images helped me continue to push myself further and further, they made me realize that anything is possible if you want it badly enough.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by making meal prep a daily and consistent part of my life. I began to eat clean (little to no processed foods). I also invested in a juicer and began juicing regularly. Water was and still is my drink of choice.

I did not drink alcohol for the first few months of my new lifestyle, and have limited my intake to once a month/socially since then. I also cut fried foods, sugary beverages, and almost anything that wasn’t clean.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started out exercising at home, doing cardio 5-6 times a week. I would use YouTube and Xfinity On Demand for free workouts. These workouts included cardio kickboxing, ab and lower body circuits, HIIT, and dance workouts. Once my body became more adjusted to working out, I began incorporating strength training to my routine. After losing about 40 lbs, I joined the gym and started working with a trainer.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 205 pounds and my lowest weight was 156 pounds. I currently weigh about 168 pounds due to an injury that left me unable to workout for 5 months.

How long did your transformation take?
This is a complex question. I’ve been on my weight loss journey for 3 years. It took me about a year and a half to lose 54 lbs, and I’ve had periods throughout this journey where I’ve experienced weight gain. It’s truly a never ending journey!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Stop making excuses. We are capable of doing anything that we put our minds to, that includes losing weight. Understand that the results you desire will not happen overnight. It didn’t take you a month to gain weight, so don’t expect to reach your ideal weight in that amount of time. You have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and apply yourself 150%, just as you do in other areas of your life. Trust me, it will all be worth it. Understand that anything worth having will not come easily; be willing to make sacrifices that will push you towards your goals.

I love to inspire other women to take control of their life and happiness, one pound at a time. I have a blog, “Fluffy Ain’t For Me“, that has been helping women with weight loss and the struggles that we all face.

My Instagram: @mellbfit
Website: www.fluffyaintforme.com

mellenie before and after

Sondra lost 87 pounds

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Sondra lost 87 pounds. This Zeta Phi Beta soror battled food addiction, yo-yo dieting and a number of weight-related medical issues. With a great support system backing her up, she began her journey with prayer and researching her options. Her hard work has paid off and now she’s sharing how she did it.

sondra before and after

I was addicted to food for many years and I took control of it after going to Overeaters Anonymous in 2009. However, when I stopped going, I fell right back into my old habits. Throughout life, I never experienced a day being called FAT; I’ve always been accepted for ME. I hid behind a pretty smile and personality for the most part. The people in my support system eventually took the time to say it was time to do something about my life, not for cuteness or vanity, but for MY health. I did not take their concerns for granted. I was tired of the yo-yo dieting, trying every fad that came along and losing weight just for special events. I was also faced with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS and diabetes.

I started this journey by praying and researching what was best for me, but just couldn’t find anything. I began my journey at 348 pounds January 2015 and lost weight by replacing meals with green smoothies from the BlackWeightLossSuccess blog, but I did not follow through and found myself off track in March 2015.

My co-worker introduced me to a drink called Spark for energy when exercising and greater focus. That was the kick off towards what I now call “MY SUCCESS STORY”. I began the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, with clean meal planning, exercising and taking supplements to enhance my metabolism. I was focused, used appetite control and also used meal replacements. My meals went from fried food and eating out at buffets to meal prepping and using Olive Oil to bake my foods. I was also boiling and sautéing my foods. I began eating at home more and wasn’t ashamed to leave food on my plate, even if it meant being different.

My exercises included Zumba, walking, treadmill and the Ab Lounger. I also did Mindfulness exercises.

I currently weigh 261 pounds at 5’10” tall. It took me from March 2015 until September 2015 to lose the weight. I have kept off 87 pounds by continuing to have a zeal for a healthier lifestyle. (I included clean eating and drink green smoothies, which I got from your website.)

I encourage people that don’t know what to do about their weight loss to take the time to challenge themselves. Explore the footprints of the successful journeys of others and strive for a healthier lifestyle, not just a temporary event. I began just like you are doing today; reading someone else’s success story for motivation.​

Facebook page: S³Strength+Sacrifice=Success
Instagram: @Slmjan23

Phylicia lost 50 pounds

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Great Transformation: Phylicia lost 50 pounds. This young lady was advised that she was on a path towards diabetes and high blood pressure. She knew that her habits and choices had to change and she took action through healthy eating and exercise. Check out her story.

Phylicia weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My name is Phylicia and I am 26 years old. My motivation was to keep myself moving. Also, couple of my friends were posting about their weight loss journeys and it gave me the inspiration to start on mine. I just wanted to better my lifestyle.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I was inspired to lose weight after taking an health assessment for my job. I was told by the doctors and my mom that if I do not change my eating habits I would develop diabetes and high blood pressure.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits and started taking Herbalife supplements. That’s when my life changed for the better. I stopped eating bread, white potatoes and fried foods. Before I started my journey, I had already stopped eating candy and drinking sodas for a couple of years.

What did your workout routines look like?
I workout with a personal trainer 3 days a week, and I go to the gym on days that I don’t see my trainer. I do cardio, strength training, full body exercises and I take long walks.

Starting Weight/Current Weight
My starting weight was 261 pounds. I currently weigh 211 pounds and I’m still losing weight. My height is  5’4.5″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in 2014, so it’s been about 2 years now.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
The advice I have is do it for YOURSELF! Self motivation is being worthy in your own eyes. Do not stop your journey, because in the end you will be happy with your results. I have lost a lot of weight but I’m still not done. I am still pushing for a healthy lifestyle.

Instagram: @mrsxcepshun

Bria lost 32 pounds

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…because pictures don’t lie and my fight never ends 👏🏾💪🏾

A post shared by B 🖤💋 (@babiiegurl09) on

Transformation of the Day: Bria lost 32 pounds. This young lady found the strength to lose weight and change her life despite an eating disorder, a family history of illness, an abusive relationship and a lifetime of being overweight. She is truly a winner. Check out what she shared with us.

bria weight loss story

My name is Bria and I’m 22 years old. I lost over 30 pounds and gained lean muscle. My motivation came from a few things. A couple of my family members were diagnosed with diabetes. I ended a long term relationship that became emotionally and mentally abusive. I was suffering from an off and on eating disorder behind closed doors. Nobody knew about it except for me. Also, I was just sick and tired of looking at the same person in the mirror.

I’ve always been overweight, even throughout middle school and high school. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will never be a “stick figure” woman. I’m perfectly okay with that.

How did I lose the weight? I started my journey in November 2015 and lost the pounds through modifying my eating habits. I cut out sodas and juices. I began drinking only water and herbal teas. I went from eating out every other day to eating out once a week or when their was an event once the month. I love sweets, so I had to really work on that… and I’m still working on it. I have had trouble meal prepping, so I would purchase a week of ready made, prepped lunches and dinners from @fuelmeals. As far as eating, I still have cake and the things I love. I just don’t eat them like I used to (portion control/moderation).

Last year, I was doing Shaun T’s Insanity program. Now, I go to the gym 5 times a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training. Sometimes, I also do 30 minutes of Insanity workouts in the evenings.

My starting weight was 263.4 pounds and my current weight is 231.6 pounds. My height is 5’6”. I plan to lose another 30-40 pounds.

My advice for young women who are starting their weight loss journey would be to start slow with the changes you make. Also, don’t do it for anybody else but yourself, and be patient. Some days it’ll be hard, but just focus on your goals!

Instagram: @babiiegurl09

bria before and after