La’Shonda lost 65 pounds

Update 2016: We shared La’Shonda’s story back in 2013. Now, she is updating us about her ups and downs, as well as her success. She’s lost a total of 102 pounds.

My name is La’Shonda, and I am emailing you to share my blessed testimony. I was featured about 3 years ago when I lost 65 pounds. I have been constantly trying to lose more weight, and at one small period, I regained about 22 pounds. Graciously, I managed to lose those 22 pounds, plus an additional 35 pounds. That’s a grand total of 100 pounds. I am extremely grateful for this testimony. I have 50 more pounds to go before I reach my weight goal.

I did not lose weight with any fad diets, diet pills, programs or surgeries. I just practiced clean eating and exercised regularly. At my largest, 318 lbs/size 24, I became miserably aware that I needed to alter my lifestyle if I wanted to live. I started slow just changing what and how much I ate and I did not exercise. Before I knew it, I had lost over 50 lbs. Eventually, I reached a plateau. After that, I suffered major life changes and then I began to regain some of my lost weight. I was determined not to succumb to the pressures of being obese again, so I made a conscious effort to persevere and push forward.

I begin to increase my fresh vegetable and fruit intake, as well as my lean meat intake. I also minimized my starch intake. I eliminated processed, “fatty” foods, and anything with high fructose corn syrup and/or carbonation in it; thereby, increasing my water intake (approximately approx. gallon a day).

Once I re-lost my original 65 lbs., I incorporated exercise into my weight loss regimen. My exercise regimen commenced with just walking, and today I run too. Eventually, I incorporated strength training and rigorous cardio activities such as Zumba (which is fun, fun, and more fun). Now, I take Boot Camp classes, HIIT classes, and Body Sculpt classes. I’m also walking/running the bridges, taking Zumba classes and doing strength training. It’s a constant struggle, but if I can do it anyone can. I just weighed myself today and I currently weigh 216 pounds. (total of 102 lbs. lost). Thank God for giving me the fortitude to accomplish this. I am still a work in progress, but at least I can see and celebrate the progress.

2013 – La’Shonda lost 65 pounds by changing her eating habits, doing exercises like water aerobics and weights.  Let’s show her some love!

Hello members of BWLW! My name is Shon, and I would like to share my story even though I am a work in progress. I’ve lost approximately 65 pounds. Initially, I began losing weight due to illness. Once I realized that I was losing weight, I seized the opportunity to capitalize on the loss. I changed my eating habits. I incorporated more fruit, veggies, and protein into my diet thus minimizing my sweet and starch intake, but my secret weapon was water. I eliminated carbonated drinks, and I limited my consumption of sweet tea/lemonade and fruit juice (100% only). I didn’t really exercise until I had lost the first 50 pounds. Now, I do some form of exercise daily. I’ve also recently begun taking water aerobics classes, and while I’m at the gym, I indulge in other forms of exercise by utilizing the weight equipment. I’ve noticed that certain body parts are beginning to tighten where it was otherwise very flabby. I still have a long way to go, but now I can see the change.  That’s all the motivation I need.  Thank you for encouraging black women to lose weight.