June 2014 Update: “I was featured last year however I’ve made progress since then. I am down 40 lbs total, which is a 7 pound difference from before. This is after adding running to my routine and incorporating weights a little bit more. I’ve noticed that I’m losing inches, especially through my midsection. After my story was featured on your blog and holidays rolling around I did gain about 10 lbs back. However, when the new year came in I got back on track. I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained because there’s definitely ups and downs with this weight loss journey. I always say it’s a journey with no destination because this is for life, even after the goal weight is reached. You still have to continue maintaining the lifestyle change. I love the BWLW page for constantly motivating and inspiring. My journey continues!” – Jimella @ear_candy_couture
Original Post – July 2013 – Let’s show some BWLW love to Jimella! She lost 33 pounds and fought off high blood pressure with Weight Watchers and working out. Here is what she shared with us:
I began my weight loss transformation Feb. 20, 2013 although I’ve been overweight since June 18, 1980 (the day I was born). Last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was 185/110. I would have slight headaches periodically I’m sure due to increased pressure and my love of salty foods. I refused to get on any type of medication. I just couldn’t see myself taking medication everyday at (then) 32 years old. I felt too young to be doing all that especially when I knew this could be fixed with weight loss. Of course this runs in my family and I’ve seen it take such a great toll on close family from strokes to kidney failure and I just can’t find myself 20+ years down the road in that same cycle.
I began by changing my eating habits drastically. I started eating more vegetables and/or juicing, whereas before I would go days if not weeks at a time without eating any type of vegetation. I threw out ALL junk food and salty foods, which was hard at first because my weakness is juice and chips (which I still struggle with). Eventually I joined Weight Watchers which I love because it teaches you about portion control and how to make healthier eating choices. If I couldn’t calculate the points on it then I just wouldn’t eat it. I became active by working out 4-5 times/week in the gym. I started making my workouts more fun by doing outdoor activities like going bike riding on the beach and hiking and now I’m down 33lbs but the journey continues. My goal is to be in a comfortable size 14 jeans (currently size 18, previously size 22). I’m still in awe when I look at my pics. I love it! Once I start to see my collar bones pertrude a little more then I’ll really know I’m making extreme progress, LOL.
When I found pages such as this one and all the fitness and eat clean pages on Instagram, I became that much more motivated and encouraged. I love seeing all of the success stories from everyone but primarily from other black women because we have such a bad stigma on us when it comes to health and fitness (or should I say the lack thereof). It feels so good to see us conquering that stereotype and I’m even more proud of the discipline, strength, and dedication that God has blessed me with to join that fight.
Tamika Grier says
thank you…I am 38 years old n my dr. just prescribed a blood pressure med which I dont wanna take cuz I know better esp since imma nurse..I don’t know where to begin…can you inspire some way
Jimella Johnson says
I had to learn figure out that this weight loss journey, struggle, battle, playground (because it’s all of things…good times and bad) is really all about a decision. Like I said in my story I’ve been heavy ALL my life literally since the day I was born. I lost weight in high school right before prom and wound up gaining it all back eventually plus some but now that I’m older I’m seeing that this is a journey with no finish line. you can’t look at it as a diet but instead a lifestyle change. I tried herbalife and other fad diets but I needed to stop looking at losing weight as a DIET but moreso a lifestyle change. I know I’m not going to be drinking 2 shakes and 1 meal for the rest of my life. I needed to make changes to my diet that I can LIVE off of. Losing weight is mental before anything else. If you’re not mentally prepared to do it then you won’t be physically, spiritually, or emotionally. High blood pressure was enough for me, seeing my mom have to start dialysis due to excessive high blood pressure was enough for me. I’d rather be proactive than reactive. You just really in your heart and mind have to want this and be ready to do it.
Larisa says
You look great! Thanks for sharing your success story, you really inspire me.