Before and After Photos

Update April 2020: Robin lost 7 more pounds for a total of 92 pounds gone. She shared with us how she has worked hard to maintain her success.

I’m back! In my previous submission, I spoke about how I lost weight and why. Now, I want to share about the real hard part: MAINTAINING. My current weight is 158 pounds.

For the last year, I’ve been running. April 15th, 2019 was the first time I stepped off of a treadmill to hit the pavement. It was hard as heck for a while, but I was determined to participate in a 5k that I was invited to for someone’s birthday. Who does that?

I mapped out routes to take every day after work. I connected with other runners. I read books and watched YouTube videos as we. I also decided to become active in Black Girls Run. So, I surrounded myself with like-minded individuals. I run through inner-city neighborhoods speaking to folks about health and hoping to be an example.

My first 5k took me 36+ minutes to complete, but I did it. Since then, I’ve run many 5k’s and only do them for fun. I’ve also run two 15k‘s (9 miles), and three half marathons (13 miles). I ride my bike at least 10 to 12 miles once a week. I’m currently up to running 20 miles. I did this all within a year while training for a full marathon (26 miles).

I have to admit it’s pricey to buy the correct running gear, pay for races, going out of town, and buying a good bike that’s comfortable for me. However, I look at it as an investment in myself. Therefore I feel good about my purchases.

My primary purpose is to remind my Sistas that after the weight is gone, we STILL have to maintain, or it will come back. That’s why it is important to make this a lifestyle change and not a trend. I wish everyone a stress-free life filled with good health and happiness!

Transformation of the Day: Robin lost 85 pounds. For this grandmother of four, health is the number one priority. With a made up mind, she transformed her eating habits and made sure that her gym membership didn’t go to waste. This Glamma put in work. Check out her story.

I started my journey in February 2017, and I’ve come further than I ever imagined. My first step was to make up my mind. Once that was official, my body followed. I never gave up, even though I didn’t have a work out buddy or anyone to hold me accountable.

Motivation: Being 5’3″ and 250 lbs, I was fed up with being in denial about being overweight. I had become a Grandmother of 2 at the time, and I felt like one. When I looked in the mirror, I never connected with who I saw.

One night, while lying in bed, I prayed to GOD to show me how to find me. Shortly after, I couldn’t think about anything but my health and how to make it better. I constantly felt the need to become an example for my loved ones who were at high risk for hypertension, diabetes and other diseases associated with black women’s high mortality rate. Eventually, my sister/best friend and I decided to remove an obsession from our lives. Mine were chocolate turtles and losing ten pounds. Her’s were Mountain Dew and gaining some muscle.

Eating Habits and Exercise: Once I made up my mind to take my health seriously, I knew I had to change my eating habits and start exercising. So, I gifted myself a gym membership for Valentine’s Day 2017. Determined not to waste money, I went to the gym EVERY DAY, some days twice a day. I also removed fried foods, pasta, bread, and sugar from my diet. After several months of doing cardio and being dissatisfied with my results, I decided to tweak my eating habits once more and removed fruit from my diet. After 7 months, my results became visual. I began strength training and doing less cardio, which brought me to 165 pounds. Now I’m strong, and I love it. I use to wear workout gear for style NOW, and I wear it for a purpose.

I can now say that I honestly have a truthful body image about myself. After years of believing that I was “ big boned “ or “ thick,” I now can admit my perception wasn’t good for my longevity. I never had any medical issues on paper, but my body often ached from my neck to my feet. I was easily tired and had poor sleeping and eating habits. Now that I’m a Granny to 4 beautiful, brown children my health is my first priority.

Now, it’s 2019, and I’m approaching my 2nd year Fit anniversary. I’m visiting the gym 5 days a week, going out dancing twice a week, and doing yoga when I can fit it in. I’m also an assistant coach 3 days a week for a youth dance squad. All of this has become my normal way of life. I can now proudly and confidently say I’m living life and no longer letting life live me. I’ve learned to find happiness within myself and in new experiences vs. finding it in people and food. My sincere prayer is that EVERY BLACK WOMAN feels the daily euphoria that I feel, along with being fit and NOT to just losing weight.

You can find me on Instagram and Facebook at @GlammaFitness

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half the size but twice the woman . #motivationmonday . I’m too busy for s long stat but “Hey Yawl!” #blessed #lifestylechange #noexcuses #balance #blackwomen #selfcare #workflow #women #weights #determination

A post shared by Glammafitness (@glammafitness) on Jan 28, 2019 at 4:49pm PST

Transformation of the Day: Ariel lost 23 pounds and 2 dress sizes. She’s been on her journey for a few years now, and she became a vegetarian 3 years ago. In 2018, she decided to invest in a nutritionist and a personal trainer for support and guidance. Check out her journey.

Age: 32
Height: 5’10
Starting weight: 218lbs
Current weight: 195lbs
Total weight loss: 23lbs
Starting Dress Size: 16
Current Dress Size: 12

What was your motivation?
My motivation was myself and getting to the best me. For years, I played the victim, but in September 2018 I decided that I would not be in that place anymore. For me, the victim mentality was “I ate this because I felt like that.”, good or bad. I was an emotional eater and food was the relief. However, deep down inside, I had a desire to see a greater me living a greater life. I knew that I was more than a conqueror and I could conquer it. That knowing led me to start believing, and that belief led me to take action by seeking support and investing in myself. I sought out Nutritionist Guru because I knew that I needed help with my eating.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
I started my weight-loss journey eleven years ago when I was a senior in college. My highest weight was 267lbs. I used my refund check from school to invest in a personal trainer to help me understand weight loss, and how to jump start it. Over the last ten years, I had been up-and-down on the scale, in inches, and with my eating/workout habits. However, I always remembered how good I felt when I ate better and worked out. That feeling always led me back to the healthy side, when I fell off. I have learned to love that feeling.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out fast food, soda, and coffee over ten years ago. Three years ago, I became a vegetarian. Since I’d been a vegetarian for three years, I had already cut out meat and ate mostly veggies. However, I placed myself on such a strict diet that it was impossible for me to maintain long-term. I like food, and just eating vegetables for the rest of my life was hard for me to swallow, even as a vegetarian. When I started on the program with Fitness On Fire, they requested that I start counting calories (which I hated to do in the past), but, was a huge help for me.

In Sept 2018, I decided to stop eating out while I was at the beginning of the Fitness on Fire program. I started to count my calories at the direction of the program. I also decided not to beat myself up about food and gave myself some wiggle room. However, wiggle room does not mean cheating, lol. Calorie counting helped me a lot because on many days I wasn’t eating enough food, which I realized was another bad habit that I faced at times. I was eating too little due to a busy schedule.

What did your workout consist of?
I have done a lot of different workout programs over the years, but, since the restart of my weight-loss journey with Fitness On Fire last September I have only focused on resistance training, working out about 5-6 times a week, I also strength training 3 times a week in a group fitness class.

How long did your transformation take?
I am currently still transforming. However, I started my program with Fitness on Fire on Sept. 28, 2018, and my results are up until Jan 1, 2019. I am not even at the halfway mark in their program, and I am already seeing significant progress and results.

The Fitness On Fire program worked for me because it is something that I can keep up with for the rest of my life, and it was very affordable. Some of the other programs that I have tried were so time-consuming that I could not have a life outside of the gym, or so expensive that I could not have a life outside of the gym. FOF is a program that you can easily incorporate into your life and is not going to wear you out physically or financially.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Take your time, and do not give up on yourself. The weight loss journey is just that, a JOURNEY. I have never heard anyone call it a weight loss race. Do not pressure yourself to meet unhealthy standards or timelines. Also, focus on your journey, and tune everything else out.

Trainer: @Fitness_on_Fire

Transformation of the Day: Coleen lost 336 pounds. Postpartum depression and the pain of losing a child led to significant weight gain and yo-yo dieting. With prayer, determination, and faith, she worked to change her life. Weight Watchers and VSG surgery are two of the tools she used.

I started my weight loss journey in 2012 because I was tired of being depressed and overweight. I suffered from postpartum depression after having my child in 2004. I was already overweight, but I gained 200+ pounds by not dealing with the emotional struggle of having a child who was born with many life-threatening challenges.

I blamed myself for many years. In 2008, my son passed away, and I felt helpless. I prayed and asked for help. I began walking and changing my eating habits a little at a time. Over the next four years, I battled with depression and yo-yo dieting until I joined Weight Watchers in 2013 and found freedom. I was able to learn how to cook healthier for my entire family and me. I managed to lose 100 pounds by walking and swimming. Every day and with every step it got a little bit easier. I no longer felt trapped in my own body or helpless. With God’s help, I looked forward to hitting my goal weight by 2016.

Today, I have lost an additional 150 lbs with the help of Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery in April 2015. I am 5’3″ and started out at 525 pounds at the beginning of my journey. I currently weigh 189 pounds*. I have lost a total of 336 pounds.

What was your motivation?
Being around to see my children grow up was the motivation I needed to lose weight. When I wanted to give up, I considered what it would be like for them not to have a mother around.

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
I tried many diets. Weight Watchers taught me how to use portion control which came in handy when I had VSG surgery. I have maintained my weight loss over the years by eating smaller portions and eliminating red meat as much as possible. I have also stuck to a high protein, low carb diet. I eat turkey, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables. I drink lots of water as well. I exercise 3 times a week using my favorite routine of Zumba and lap swimming.

I began this journey in 2012 when I thought Depression was going to consume me. God gave me a second chance. It never really goes away. However, because I have a tool like VSG I’ve learned how to balance my eating habits and work through my emotions with the help of a Faith-Based Life Coach.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned and am still learning is you can’t compare your progress with others. It’s important to trust the process even when it seems like you are at a stall. It’s important to enjoy every step of this journey and never give up.

What advice would you like to share?
My advice for any woman who wants to lose weight: Decide on a measurable plan and then find an exercise that you will enjoy. It’s not a race and never compare yourself to others progress.

Instagram: @coleenrenee

*Weight updated from 198 to 189 pounds as of 1/27/19.

Song lost 157 pounds. The passing of her mother made her realize that she was on an unhealthy path. She focused on eating for her body type and made getting 30 minutes of exercise a day a priority.

What was your motivation?
Due to hypothyroidism, it was very very hard to lose weight because whatever I lost I would gain that back plus more. I also had insulin resistance. In addition to this, I was shot with a gun in both my legs (Caught in the crossfire of a stray bullet and was never to have walked again)

However, it was only after my mother’s passing, almost two years ago, I became very serious about changing my lifestyle. 2 months after her passing, I gained 35 pounds, and I was becoming depressed. I knew that if I did not make an overall change within the next 40 plus years, I could possibly end up like my mother. She suffered from diabetes, crippling arthritis, and congestive heart failure.

I worked with my doctor, and she seriously opened my eyes to my bad eating habits. She helped me understand how to eat correctly, and how not to exceed my caloric deficit for a week or just one day.

How did you change your eating habits?
I eat for my body type, which is the Thyroid body type. I cut out
bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, sugars, etc. Now I eat high protein, and I still enjoy carbs in moderation. I increased my fruit and vegetable intake along with only drinking water. (I was never a soda fan.)

What did your workout routine look like?
I invested in a membership at Planet Fitness. I make it a priority to get at least 30 minutes or more of exercise daily. My workout could include cardio, low-impact aerobics, riding my stationary bike, or using a treadmill. I also do stretching and use my resistance bands.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was over 450+ pounds. My current weight is the 300s almost in the 200s. (yay!) I am 5ft, 8inches tall. I weigh in every 2 weeks. My total weight loss is 157 pounds in 22 months.

When did you start your journey?
I have been on a weight loss journey for many years losing weight only to gain it back and then some. In February 2017, I became very serious and focused, and my transformation began, and it continues.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned not to wait until it is necessary to change your life. Change today for a better tomorrow.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Take it slow. Consistency and Perseverance.

I want to say thanks for the inspiration. Thanks for keeping me encouraged and on point. Thanks to the women who have been featured by Black Woman Losing Weight.

Instagram: @luvsong916

Update 2020: Shout out to Sinaya! She has lost 114 pounds. 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So my iPhone decided to remind me about pictures I took exactly two years ago. Left is my birthday in 2017. Right is my birthday this year. Although I’ve had some set backs (because I like to eat ) I’m so grateful that I’m not where I was two years ago. So here is to the birthday turn up that will take place tonight because tomorrow I’m getting back on that grind #healthwithnaya #herjourney2healthy #100poundsdown #beforeandduring #beforeandafter #fatlossjourney #weightlossjourney #weightlossmotivation #weightlossinspiration #weightlossdiary #plussizeweightloss #plussizefit #transformation #intermittentfasting #progressnotperfection #fattofit #healthiswealth

A post shared by Naya Shalane (@healthwithnaya) on Oct 29, 2019 at 9:01am PDT

Transformation of the Day: Sinaya lost 100 pounds. After finding out that her cholesterol was dangerously high, she worked with a nutritionist to lower her cholesterol. Becoming a pescatarian, practicing intermittent fasting and committing to regular exercise has changed her life.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What initially motivated me was finding out that my cholesterol was dangerously high. I was also having chest pain, and the doctor couldn’t figure out why after doing a couple x-rays. These two things combined were scary. I decided I needed to take control of my life. I was referred to a nutritionist to work on the high cholesterol, and this initially became my primary motivation.

I was also motivated by pictures I have of myself when I lost around 56 pounds back in 2015. Life started happening, I got lazy, and I gained all the weight back… plus an additional 12 pounds. I was feeling very unhappy with myself, so I started by taking a Tae Bo class 3 times a week for a month. Then, I started going to the gym again. When I wanted to give up, I was inspired by my own progress. Seeing my body change and not wanting to go backward kept me going.

How did you change your eating habits?
When I started seeing a nutritionist, I went on a “plant-based diet.” I say that in quotations because I wasn’t vegetarian or vegan. I followed a 70% plant-based/30% lean meat diet. In September 2018, I decided to become a pescatarian. I usually go for salmon or another fish with healthy fats when I have seafood.

I also do intermittent fasting. I’m not sure how much this has aided in my weight loss because I was already dropping the pounds by the time I started, but if nothing else, it has taught me discipline around food. I don’t have a specific plan for my diet other than intermittent fasting. I basically work with my nutritionist to make sure I’m eating the right foods to correct my cholesterol and to make sure I’m getting the proper nutrients.

Other than that, I’m not on a specific diet that tells me what I can or can’t eat. That doesn’t work for me because I won’t stick to it. I’m a firm believer that I can eat the “naughty” food too, in moderation. Depriving myself will only result in a binge. I also count calories and track what I eat.

As stated above, I’m a pescatarian now, so I’ve recently cut out meat and most dairy. The only dairy I still eat is cheese in moderation. I found a couple of brands of vegan cheese that I like as well. I also switched to nut milk and coconut milk. I’ve limited my intake of refined carbs, like white pasta and white rice, and increased my vegetable and fruit intake. Now, I eat zucchini noodles, brown basmati rice, and yams. I very rarely have fried food, and I completely stopped eating fast food. In addition, I cut out all sugary drinks and only drink water, unsweetened green tea, and La Croix. If I’m going to have an alcoholic beverage, I try to stick to red wine or vodka and soda water.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I work out 5-6 days a week. I like to work out in the morning because after work I get lazy and just want to go home. Morning workouts have served me well. I did a 3-month workout program by Results by Enics over the summer that really got me into using weights more. I’m still using some of the exercises from that program. In my current routine, I start with a warm up for 15-20 minutes on the elliptical or stair master. I then do 30-45 minutes of strength training focusing on specific areas (i.e., chest and back, arms and shoulders, or legs and glutes) or I’ll do a full body strength training workout. I also use Aaptiv, which is a great app that basically has a trainer coaching you through a workout while music is playing in the background. I always go for strength training, HIIT, and Stairmaster workouts with Aaptiv.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting Weight was 286 pounds, and my current Weight is 186 pounds. My height is 5’3”.

When did you begin your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on October 7, 2017. It took me about 1 year and 2 ½ months to lose 100 pounds (slow and steady wins the race). And I’m not done yet. I don’t think you’re ever done when it becomes a lifestyle.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That I don’t have to cut out carbs to lose weight. Carbs get such a bad rap, and I wanted to cut them out, especially with the whole Keto craze happening right now. After discussing it with my nutritionist, I learned the issue is refined carbs. Incorporating complex carbs, such as sweet potatoes, and choosing a long grain color rice has made all the difference. In all honesty, I love mac and cheese and french fries too much to be cutting out carbs like that. Everything in moderation. Find healthier alternatives when you can.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t fall into the trap of following some specific diet. Diets come and go; there’s always a new one that’s all the rage for a little while. If you can, see a nutritionist or dietitian who can help you figure out what works for you and your goals. Create eating habits that you can stick with for a lifetime is key.

Also, take a lot of pictures along the way. When you feel like you’re not making progress like you expected, putting together a quick before and after collage can help you see the changes that you may not see when you look in the mirror.

New Instagram: @healthwithnaya

Transformation of the Day: Kevinanita lost 62 pounds. She wanted to live a long life for her children and decrease her risk for diabetes. Today, she knows how to put together healthy meals, and she has become a trainer. Check out her journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My children motivated me the most, just knowing that I needed to be here for them. Also, my doctor said I was on a thin line concerning risk for being a Diabetic.

How did you change your eating habits?
When I began working out, I tried all types of fad diets because I thought they would work. My last actual diet was LOW CARB and HIGH FAT. Since then, I have learned to eat healthy, balanced meals. I don’t eat red meat, and I don’t have fried food much at all.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I have done almost everything. When I first started with boot camps, we did a lot of cardio and a lot of body weight work, such as burpees, push ups, crunches, and lunges.

I use to always train with trainers, but now I am a trainer. I do a lot of strength movements, cardio, HIIT, etc. If I can, I workout 5-6 days a week for 1-2 hours a day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 225 pounds, and I currently weigh 163 pounds. My lowest weight was 154 pounds, and my height is 5’2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I got really serious in late 2015/2016. I saw a significant change in my body in 2018.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Oooo no, this body is built entirely from my hard work.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Your diet is everything when it comes to losing weight, and you have to stay consistent.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Do the research, learn your body, drink your water, and eat the right foods.

Instagram: @Prettylightbrwn

Transformation of the Day: Donna lost 155 pounds. Her motivation was her desire to become a mother. PCOS was affecting her fertility and her ability to release the weight, so she decided to have gastric bypass surgery back in 2008. Since then, she has transformed her lifestyle and given birth to her daughter. Check out her journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going?
My motivation when I wanted to give up was wanting to be a mother. I have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and having the extra weight made it worst. I believed by losing weight. I would be able to conceive.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started this journey at the age of 35 in October 2008. My transformation took 1 year.

Was weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had gastric bypass weight loss surgery on October 27, 2008, and it was the best gift I ever gave my self. Since I have PCOS, it is hard to lose weight on my own. I needed help and I am NOT ashamed to say it. The end result was me having my first child at 43 years old. I am grateful. I am still a patient at Mass General Weight Center and I always will be. I do weight loss panels at the hospital.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating white flour and stopped drinking sugary drinks. I no longer eat white bread, and I watch my intake sugar. I don’t eat anything that has more than 13g of sugar. I also drink plenty of water and stay away from carbonated drinks. I watch my portions and I eat foods high
Protein, like, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and hummus.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I worked out on hour a day on the elliptical trainer. I also started walking a lot more as the weight started to drop.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 345 pounds. I am currently 190 pounds. I am 5’7.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I have learned that our organs are not designed to carry so much weight. It is unhealthy and you can change if you want to. You will feel much better once the weight is off.

What advice would you like to share with other people who want to release the weight?
If you want to lose weight, dedicate yourself to doing so. Stay focused and consistent. Keep reminding yourself WHY you are doing it. Also, if you need help don’t be ashamed to ask a doctor for help.

Instagram: @Cookiestaysweet

Carlene lost 35 pounds. She embraced a Ketogenic diet, eating less than 30 grams of carbs each day. She also hit the gym, doing cardio and weight training. Check out her story. 

What was your motivation?
I was motivated by my friends. Seeing some of my friends succeed made me realize that I could do it. When I want to give up, I just asked myself if I would rather re-gain all the weight I’ve lost, or would I like to double the amount of weight I lost? I also used before and after pictures to keep me going.

How did you change your eating habits?
I have been using the keto diet. I eat lots of fat, a decent amount of protein, and under 30 grams of carbs per day. I’ve had days when I’ve consumed way too much protein, but I haven’t had a day when I’ve consumed too many carbs.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine could be better. I try to go to the gym more often than not. When I am at the gym, I do 20-22 minutes of cardio. Then, I spend the rest of the time lifting weights.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 295 pounds, and my current weight is 260 pounds. I am 5’4″.

When did you start your journey?
I started on November 1, 2018, so it has been a little over two months. I am still in the process of transforming.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I have learned is never to let a bad day or week derail your progress.

What advice would you like to share with other people who want to lose weight?
Weight loss is not a sprint. It is a marathon. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, just keep going.

Instagram: @lucaloses