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Ajima Jackson

JaVonya lost 80+ pounds

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Transformation of the Day: JaVonya lost 80+ pounds. She decided to restart her transformation journey in 2018 by getting serious about exercise and reducing her carb intake. This mother of four learned how to appreciate her body and hold herself accountable for her goals.

JaVonya lost 80 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I was inching up to my 40th birthday and realized that the Gastric Bypass procedure I had undergone years earlier would not be effective without me making a real commitment this time. On the days I felt like giving up, I thought about how many times I had done so in the past, and I said, “Heck no. Not this time.”

How did you change your eating habits?
I worked with a nutritional coach, @sharismith, and followed the Heal for Health program she designed. It required eliminating many foods from my diet and slowly adding them back in a controlled manner. As a result, I learned that I have a lower tolerance for carbs, and so I limit myself to a certain number of grams on most days.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I do Zumba 5-7 days a week and also incorporate step, weights, resistance bands, and yoga almost every day.

JaVonya before and after

When did you start your journey? What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I had gastric bypass surgery in 2004. Less than a year after my surgery, I was pregnant with my 1st son. My weight before my 2004 Gastric Bypass surgery was 340 pounds (size 26-28). I birthed my three sons between then and 30 years old and stayed at about the same weight most of that time. (I also have an adult daughter, making me a proud mother of four.)

In February 2018, I got serious about exercising, and I weighed about 275 pounds at that time. When I started reducing carbs in August 2020, I weighed about 235 pounds, and now I’m about 195 pounds.

What is your height?
5 ft, 6 in

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned to appreciate what my body did for me at 340 pounds. Too many people look at their former bodies and hate that body. However, that body was strong enough to get us to the point of extreme weight loss. 

I’ve also learned that fitness and exercise are mentally beneficial. Also, it’s okay to put yourself at the top of your day so that you have become grounded and will be able to face what the day holds.  

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Look on the inside first. Your outside is a reflection of what’s going on on the inside. Weight loss can only be successful when you learn to REALLY get to know who you are, appreciate that woman no matter what her size is, and hold yourself personally accountable to being better than you were yesterday.

Instagram: @ja.deneen

JaVonya lost 80 pounds

Latoya lost 28 pounds

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Latoya lost 28 pounds. Tired of losing the same 10-20 lbs over and over, she found a holistic program that works for her. She also wanted to show her sons that she can live a healthy lifestyle.

Latoya lost 28 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I was inspired to keep going even when I ate “off-plan” by continually thinking, “If I quit now, I’ll be back where I started. When I was where I started, I was so desperate to be where I am, so do not mess this up!” Also, I’m inspired by my boys. I want to show them that mommy can get healthy one day at a time! 

How did you change your eating habits?
I was tired of losing the same 10-20 lbs over and over. I’ve tried fasting, juicing, and even boot camp. But, nothing worked for me mentally and physically like this weight loss program, Optavia. It’s a holistic approach! I love it so much that I decided to coach others who want to get on the program, which prescribes eating 5 provided small meals called “fuelings” and one lean & green meal (prepared within specific parameters) each day. This helps prepare you for the maintenance phase and keep the weight off. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
On plan, it is not recommended to work out during the first week or so until you are in fat burn and get used to the reduced caloric intake. Now, with so much more energy, I’m doing daily crunch challenges and stretching. Once per week, I may go on a hike with my kiddos for about 4 miles. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting weight: 190 pounds
Current weight: 162 pounds

Latoya lost 28 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My full transformation took five months! 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, surgery was not involved. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that I can do it!! When no one is clapping for me, I MUST clap for myself. At the end of the day, I will be left with whatever choice I make; good or not so good. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Reset and restart as many times as you must. Just don’t quit on you! Be your own source of encouragement!

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.

July 30 Day Accountability Challenge

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July 2021 Challenge

Let’s keep each other accountable in JULY! Join our 30-Day Accountability Challenge – July 1-30, 2021

Goals for July

Track your progress with this month’s calendar (you’ll find the download link below). Circle the letter associated with the task you’ve completed.

  • E – Exercise for 30 minutes or more per workout. Your choice of an exercise routine because we want to make this challenge as flexible as possible. No excuses.
  • W – Drink at least 64 oz of water each day. If you drink much more than that or much less due to medical limitations (due to kidney issues or other ailments), that’s fine. Do what works for you.
  • S – Avoid added sugar. That means processed sugar, refined sugar, corn syrup, etc. (Naturally occurring sugars are fine.)
  • L – Avoid eating after 8 pm/avoid late night eating. (Or… Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.)

Be accountable: Share your daily workouts and meals in our Facebook group and with the hashtag: #BWLWJuly on your social media accounts. Check-in nightly in our Facebook group or Instagram. (6:30 EST)

REMINDER: Do what works for YOU! Working out five days a week is a great goal. However, if you can only work out for 2-3 days a week, commit to that. YOU know your level of fitness. We don’t want anyone to hurt themselves or risk injury just to reach a specific goal. Again, it’s very important that you choose a workout routine that fits your current fitness level.

Clean Eating Guide E-book

Want to take your efforts to the next level this month? Commit to eating clean. It’s not about only eating healthy food or being “perfect” with your eating habits. It’s about cutting back on junk food, soda, processed foods, sugary foods, etc., and eating whole, healthy foods 80% of the time (or more). You’ll have a better chance of seeing results on the scale, and you’ll have more energy during your workouts if you fuel your body with healthy food. If you’d like to learn more about Clean Eating, read our helpful E-Book, “Clean Eating for Wellness and Weight Loss”.

Download the July Tracking Calendar [PDF]

July 2021 Tracking Calendar

How can you join us? It’s simple. No signup is required.

1. Print out the Tracking Calendar (PDF file).

2. Check-in Nightly on Instagram or our Facebook group.

3. Use the challenge hashtag: #BWLWJuly when you post workout selfies.

Leave a comment below and tell us why you are joining the challenge.

Disclaimer: Before starting any exercise program or diet, please consult with your doctor. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries resulting from attempting this exercise routine. If you have injuries that could be worsened, are pregnant, have knee issues, or are suffering neck and back pain, you should speak with a professional trainer about what workouts would be best for you. Do not attempt if you have current injuries, past surgeries, or other physical issues/health issues that could be affected by exercise. Don’t forget to stretch before and after working out to avoid injuries.  If you feel pain or severe discomfort, stop.

Renee lost 25 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Renee lost 25 pounds. Tired of starting her transformation journey over and over again, she decided to try a 40-day healthy eating challenge. By preparing her meals at home and exercising consistently, she not only released the weight but she is inspiring her family and friends to live healthier lives.

Renee lost 25 poundsRenee lost 25 pounds

What was your motivation?
I was tired of feeling uncomfortable in my clothes and tired of starting my fitness journey over and over again.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My children have started to enjoy my ‘clean meals,’ and they actually request that I prepare those meals for them. Additionally, my friends have reached out to me for help. All of this has inspired me to keep going and motivating others.

How did you change your eating habits?
I jump-started my journey by doing a 40 day challenge – no sugar, no flour, no fried foods, and no salt. I had to prepare my own meals to ensure I knew what I was consuming, and this made a huge difference. After the challenge, I realized that my palate had changed. I have continued to monitor my consumption of the things I cut out during the challenge. I also practice intermittent fasting.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I started with lots of uphill walking, and then I added weight training to my routine. I keep researching new ways to stay active.

How often did you work out?
I work out at least 4-5 days per week. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 181 pounds, and my current weight is 156 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’6″.

When did you start your journey?
April 2020

How long did your transformation take?
Seven months

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it wasn’t.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
It sounds cliche, but consistency is key. Slow and steady wins all the time. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My advice to other women wanting to lose weight is just start. Don’t wait until Monday, don’t wait until you purchase cute gym clothes, don’t wait for your friend, and don’t wait for the new month… just start.

Instagram: @renee_on_a_mission

Renee lost 25 pounds

Marsha lost 16 pounds

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Marsha lost 16 pounds. She started putting on weight in 2019, and she wanted to slim down. She joined a 12-week program and learned how maintaining a calorie deficit and counting macros can help you get lean. 

Martha lost 16 pounds

I have always been small. I would say that I started putting on the pounds slowly at the end of 2019 and in 2020. I reached my highest weight by Oct 2020 at 142 pounds. That is not my ideal weight because I am only 5 feet, 3 inches tall. Most of my weight was stored in my mid-section.

I joined a 12-week program in mid-January 2021 that my fiancé was successful in. When I had to take my before photos, I was so surprised that my body looked like that. (Like, how often does one take a pic in their sports bra and biker shorts, lol?) You see yourself a lot more with fewer clothes. The hoodies and joggers def hides it, lol.

The program I joined helped me with my weight loss journey and provided me with so much wisdom and a better relationship with food. I also changed my mindset on eating and losing weight. I had so much fun enjoying the process and not focusing on the end result, which is why I can sustain this process. I also created my own IG page to record my journey.

Leading up to the program, I lost 4 pounds. During the 12 weeks of the program, I lost 10 pounds. It was slow weight loss, but I think slow and steady wins the race. What I was doing on the program I can still do till this day.

Martha lost 16 pounds

How did you change your eating habits? 
I joined an online program called @mightytransformation. This program is based on caloric deficit and macros – No food restrictions and exercising isn’t required. I started eating Greek yogurt, shrimp, Sesame bread, more veggies, and more salmon. I eat very little or almost no pasta, pizza, or fast food.

What was your workout routine?
This weight loss was done with zero exercise. I just wanted to focus on food with no pressure to work out.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
As I said, I reached 142 pounds in Oct 2020. The 1st week in January, I weighed 140 pounds. I started the program on Jan 19, and my weight at that time was 137.7 pounds.

Right now, I weigh between 126 -127 pounds, depending on the day. I lost 5 inches in my waist, 3.5 inches in my chest, 2 inches in my arms, and 2 inches in my thighs. 

I am feeling marvelous. I am now working out again, but this time for my health and heart and not weight loss.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned the importance of eating protein in the morning and how having a balanced macro meals assists with getting a lean body.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to women is to show up for themselves and commit, even if it’s just a small change. There is never a right time to start. Just start and be accountable for all your actions.

As I like to say, “Consistency is the Key.”, and as my coach taught me, “Progress over Perfection.”

Instagram: @mightymarsha.lifestyle

Martha lost 16 pounds

Bernita lost 144 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Bernita lost 144 pounds. She shared with us that obesity and low self-esteem had been a struggle for her since childhood. On a mission to improve her health and avoid a family history of diabetes, she found success with Keto and Intermittent Fasting.

Bernita lost 144 pounds

I lost 140+ pounds with Keto and Intermittent fasting and maintained my weight loss success with alternate-day fasting.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I’ve struggled with obesity and low self-esteem since childhood. I have been battling obesity and high blood pressure. I was also afraid of developing diabetes, which runs in my family.

I have tried almost all the fad diets, teas, and shakes you could name. However, Keto and IF are what worked for me. Before I started this journey, I was on three different blood pressure meds, and I was borderline diabetic. I was able to reverse edema, and I’m no longer on meds.

How did you change your eating habits? I switched to a ketogenic/low-carb eating style. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I started working out after losing the first 100 pounds. I walked every day, doing three Miles 6 days a week and five miles on Saturday.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 304 pounds. Now I weigh 160 pounds.

Bernita lost 144 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in January 2019. It’s been two years.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, natural was the way. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
It’s a lifestyle, not a diet. Keep your vision in front of your eyes. It will be what you become. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Stay the course. Don’t give up. You didn’t gain the weight all in one day, and you definitely will not lose it in one day. 

Instagram: @BernitaLammons

Tia lost 74 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tia lost 74 pounds. Back in 2012, she lost 100lbs. Then, she experienced some setbacks between 2017 and 2020 and regained the pounds plus more. She faced several challenges, including not being able to exercise due to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, inflammation, and a ligament tear. Determined to get back on track, she decided to have gastric sleeve surgery and restart her journey.

Tia lost 74 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation this time was, ME! I have been on my weight loss journey for eight years now. When I started back in 2012, I achieved over a 100 lbs loss in a year and a half. 

I had a setback between 2017-2020. I had regained the weight plus a bit more. I was fat, tired, and depressed. I would look at the photos from when I lost the weight, and I wanted to get back there. Also, I still had a bunch of the smaller clothes I used to wear. This motivated me even more because I was determined to get back into those clothes. I’m happy to say that I can fit them again.

Having VSG surgery [gastric sleeve] was the biggest and best decision I’ve made in my life. I have absolutely no regrets. I was already in the process of seeing a doctor to get approved for surgery. In the middle of doing that, I suffered a knee injury (MCL). This set me back because I wasn’t able to work out. I then started experiencing foot pain which turned out to be plantar fasciitis, heel spur, inflammation on the bone, and a tear on the ligament. I was worried I wouldn’t get approved since I couldn’t work out. However, I got approved, and my surgery was scheduled for Spring 2020. Unfortunately, Covid happened.

Although the pandemic set back my surgery date, I finally had surgery on 09/23/20. VSG was the perfect tool for me to regain my confidence. I’m making steady progress, and I’m not in a rush. I average about 5-8 pounds a month. I’m active seven days a week, 40 minutes a day. I’m in it to win it for good this time around. My slogan is “Get motivated, stay focused, be inspired.”

Tia lost 74 pounds

How did you change your eating habits?
My appetite has completed changed since having weight loss surgery. I don’t desire to graze on food all day, and I’ve cut back on alcohol. I don’t snack all day long or snack on junk food like I used to. I think this has helped the pounds to continue to come off. Also, I don’t eat a lot of heavy starches and carbs (pasta, bread, potatoes, rice).

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I can’t do full-on workouts due to my foot issues. I also have a bad knee. I walk every day (seven days a week, twice a day for 20 minutes each walk) for exercise. I would love to incorporate jumping rope.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
On my previous journey: I weighed 249 pounds and got down to 142 pounds.

My current journey: I weighed 255 pounds before surgery, and I currently weigh 181 pounds. 160 is my goal weight, and I’m hoping to reach that goal before my surgery anniversary.

Tia lost 74 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’1″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that you have to remain active and do some form of exercise to maintain. We all fall short sometimes, but you have to pick yourself back up.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
It is a mental process first. You have to get your mind to fully want the changes you seek. I would also say stay committed.

Instagram: @ait_sm

Tia lost 74 pounds

Andria lost 51 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Andria lost 51 pounds. She shared with us how she took action by making fitness a priority and changing her eating habits, which included becoming a Pescatarian.

Andria lost 51 pounds

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was seeing myself in pictures. However, I was mainly motivated by how I felt. What inspired me to keep going was seeing my results and hearing people telling me to keep going because I’m their motivation. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I started an Herbalife plan (which included protein shakes and a metabolism-boosting tea) along with a Pescatarian diet. I drank lots of water, and I cut out junk food, sweets, sugary drinks.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I weight trained five days a week – three lower-body days and two upper-body days. I also walked about two or three miles a day. 

  • Upper-body days – bicep curls with dumbbells, push-ups, lat pull down, row machine, lateral raises, etc.
  • Leg day – Leg press, leg curl machine, kettlebell swings, weighted squats with bands, lunges with dumbbells, etc.
  • Cardio – Stairs, elliptical and walking and jogging outside. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 245 pounds, and my current weight is 194 pounds.

Andria lost 51 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’7″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in April 2020. I lost 50 pounds in 3 months and then gained some lean muscle.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, just eating healthy and exercising.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
To remember why you started and that you have to be your own motivation! 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Love yourself first enough to want to change and keep that same motivation through your journey. Also, be patient with yourself because just when you want to give up, you’ll see the change, I promise you!

Instagram: @dria83

Brittney lost 38 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Brittney lost 38 pounds with carb cycling and exercise. On this journey, she has fallen back in love with herself, found her motivation, and learned the power of consistency.

Brittney lost 38 pounds

My name is Brittney. My journey started in 2018 when I realized I was the heaviest I’ve ever been. I had never been this size in my life, even when I was nine months pregnant with both of my kids. As a person who has always been active, I felt horrible and ashamed that I let stress get me to this point. 

After having a health issue, my doctor suggested that I work on getting my weight down. I changed my eating habits by doing carb cycling. I also limited my alcohol intake and started doing HIIT [high-intensity interval training] with weights to keep my curves. I tend to train five times a week. I do very little cardio, which includes using the treadmill or doing sprints.

Once the pandemic happened, I gained 12 pounds but was able to get my weight back down. I’m still on my journey with hopes to lose 30 more. I feel so much better now.

Brittney lost 38 pounds

What is your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 226 pounds, and my current weight is 188 pounds. I’ve lost 38 pounds so far. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’1″

Tell us more about how you changed your eating with carb cycling.
I initially just lowered my portions and stopped drinking anything that wasn’t water. A trainer introduced carb cycling to me, and I worked with her for a couple of months. I would do low-carb days when I wasn’t lifting. I would do high carbs on my lifting days. I did no-carbs days on my low active or rest days.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I’ve never had any weight loss surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned to fall back in love with myself, inside and out, in order to get healthy. I learned that I will not always be motivated, but I had to stay consistent. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
You will not always be motivated. It takes consistency and a plan. Discipline is key. If you fall, you can get back up.

Instagram: @msyourhighness

Brittney lost 38 pounds

Tanja lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tanja lost 70 pounds. She is a nurse and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Last year, her precious mother died in a house fire, and she felt like giving up. However, her husband’s love and the promise she made to her mother kept her going. She shared with us how she released the weight.

Tanja lost 70 pounds

I remember crying and just bawling my eyes out in yoga class. I was the biggest girl and the only Black girl in the class, and I was crying that exasperated breath/hiccup cry. Can you imagine me, Mrs. “I Got It All Together” Salary crying because I could not cross my legs in the Lotus position? I thought, “Lord, I can’t even cross my legs anymore!” It was at this moment that I realized that I was o-v-e-r being overweight. 

After a year of seeking medical advice, I consented to have the VSG, or vertical-gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. After COVID hit, my surgery was canceled with no future date. 

As life would have it, my precious mother died in a house fire during the same time frame! I wanted to just give up and curl in a ball. However, my husband and a promise I made to my mother inspired me to keep going.

So I had the surgery in July 2020 and changed my eating habits to portion-controlled vegetables and high protein foods. I substituted some meats with veggie ground meat, and I eliminated refined sugar. I also increased my water intake to 70-90 ounces per day. Sixty-three pounds lighter, and one year later, I continue to log my foods daily via an app on my phone called Baritastic. 

Tanja lost 70 pounds

Most importantly, I began to exercise. Each week I walked at least 1 hour per day. Then I added 3-4 days of virtual work-outs, doing cardio and strength training (15- 30 minute classes). 

My starting height and weight was 5 foot, 2 inches tall and 250 pounds of solid awesomeness! My current weight is 180 pounds of double-awesomeness. 

The most valuable lesson I have learned is that it is ok to take care of yourself. As a nurse, my purpose is to take care of God’s people; however, I did not practice the self-care habits I was teaching my patients. 

Ladies, do not overthink ways to become healthier. Our journeys and opportunities to improve our self-care are not the same. But that “feel good” goal represents the common theme for those of us who choose our weight loss journeys. So go ahead and jumpstart your self-care journey to who you want to be and how you want to feel! It’s ok to choose you.

Instagram: @pretty_emerald_08