Black Weight Loss Success

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Aquonette lost 48 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Aquonette.  She lost 48 pounds, going from a size 22 to a size 14.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Aquonette weight loss

What was your motivation? 

My names is Aquonette, for the last 20 years I’ve struggled with being overweight and the medical problems associated with obesity. After my third blood pressure tablet was added and I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I knew it was time to make a change. For years my doctor told me that by changing my diet and adding exercise I could possibly come off some of the medication, improve my overall health and other medical problems associated with fibromyalgia.

On January 1, 2013, I made the usual resolution to lose weight and started praying daily for the strength I needed to succeed. It wasn’t until February 18, 2013, that I woke up mentally ready for the challenge. I am blessed with supportive family members, friends and coworkers that keep me encouraged.  The Black Women Losing Weight success stories keep me inspired and focused on my goal and provide me with useful information. At the beginning of my journey, my sister encouraged me to use My Fitness Pal to keep a food and exercise diary to monitor my caloric intake and this site has provided invaluable support.
How did you change your eating habits? 
I changed my eating habits by using portion control and cutting out fried foods. I carry my lunch to work daily which consists of mostly spinach with grilled chicken or a homemade turkey burger with no bun and a piece of fruit. My dinner consists of combinations of fruits and vegetables, salads with colorful vegetables, brown rice, grilled or baked chicken, turkey, fish and shrimp. For snacks, I enjoy raw almonds and an occasional skinny cow ice cream bar.  At the start of my journey, I overcame a serious addiction to Sprite. I thought I’d need rehab to overcome my addition to soda but with God’s help I was able to beat it without rehab. Now, I drink a gallon of water daily.
What did your workout routines look like?  
My workout consists of exercising no less than 4 days per week. I started off by walking in my neighborhood and then added exercise DVDs that include Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away the Pounds and Jillian Michaels’ 30 day Shred.  I recently started walking/jogging on the weekends and doing Shape Fit for strength training.
What was your starting weight?  
My highest weight was 242 pounds.  When I started my journey in February, I was 235 pounds, wearing a size 20-22.  After 6 months of lifestyle changes, my current weight is 194 pounds and I’m wearing a size 14. My doctor has taken me off all the blood pressure medication.  I am enjoying the transformation and feel that I am no longer existing but living my life.
I am thankful for this site and the inspiration it has provided to me and so many other women.

Kiya lost 57 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story of the day: Kiya of New York lost 57 pounds.  She worked out regularly, ate a reduced calorie diet and made the decision to lose weight for no one but her.  Read what she had to say:

“I have struggled with weight loss until recently when I figured out that the only person I need to be healthy for is me! When I returned home to New York from college in 2006 I was 250 pounds (She’s a Bennett Belle). I did not realize how much I had gained over the four years that I was away, until my mother and great grandmother expressed to me in no other way a black woman could but by calling me FAT.  Since that day, I told myself that I love me anyway but I started walking and changing somethings around. In 2010 I was still 230 pounds. I thought I was fine until I was introduced to working out by my boyfriend. I had a hard time listening to him, because no one wants to hear their man tell them they need the gym.  I was reluctant to go. One day in 2011, I decided that I was not happy with myself and joined the gym.

I’ve now lost the weight after 2 years of the gym.  Currently, I’ve switched to 3 weeks of working out at home with a workout DVD.  My transformation also included GREAT “eating to live” recipes.  I’ve changed my eating habits by eating under 1500 calories a day. I have a Chocolate protein shake in the morning and I Only eat whole grains, rolled oats and lots of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins that are poached or broiled. Best part of my diet is the banana pops I make with dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts.  I am not hungry!

I currently weigh 193 pounds.  Anyone who wants to lose weight must want it for THEM and no one else! It works better when you’re your own motivation!  Also, don’t be afraid to spend money on being healthy living doctors bills are more expensive!  I’m 57lbs down with an abundance of inches. I am so much happier with me I can’t even explain it in words.That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Happy Life, Happy in my skin, Happy Me!”

weight loss photo

Lucinda lost 90 pounds

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Lucinda lost 90 pounds with a medically supervised diet plan and by working out.  Her health was improved in a number of ways.  She is no longer diabetic or dealing with sleep apnea.  Here is what she shared with us:

weight loss success

I would like to share my weight loss journey.  Hopefully it will encourage someone somewhere to get up, get started and be motivated to transform into a new healthier and better looking person!! My journey started when I went to my annual exam on 12/24/12.  I’ve been plus size for a very long time, and on this day I weighed 306.5 pounds. On 12/28/12, my doctor called me with the lab results and began telling me I was in the diabetic range. When he said the “D” word that lifted my spirit to motivate me to do something about my weight! A really good friend of mine named Doretta had been loosing a lot of weight on the Optifast program.  I looked into it and even went for a consultation. I began changing my eating habit immediately. I also started preparing diabetic foods. During my consultation, Dr. Angela Tran was focused on what my health conditions were and how the plan could benefit me.

I had, asthma, sleep apnea, and was possibly diabetic by that time. I have also had two breast surgeries with one cancer positive cyst removal. I started the Optifast program on Jan. 9, 2013, which is a 22 week medically monitored weight loss program (liquid diet focus). I was encouraged stay dedicated to the program during the 22 weeks as it re-trains and shrinks your stomach back to the normal size. I was determined to loose the health issues I was dealing with, so I was very dedicated to the weight loss program. I would go to weigh in weekly and meet with Dr. Tran. At my appointments she would teach me all the things I didn’t know about weight loss, eating, etc. to help me when I graduate from the program. For example “listen to your body when it speaks” I know that may sound weird but when your body says “I’m full” you should listen and stop eating. That is very hard.

I also met with a personal trainer named Liz weekly.  She would teach me exercises and what areas I should work out. Working out could be a struggle, and often overwhelming. So, I would walk 6-8 miles a day at the beginning.  Now I’m up to walking 11 miles a day and doing about 200 squats. Working out has become the best habit I could of ever developed! I am not done with this journey and I have lost 90 pounds so far.  Along with losing the weight, in April my medical labs were pulled and I’m no longer in diabetic range. I have not had any asthma issues since.  Also, I retested for sleep apnea and that is no longer a problem!!  It’s no longer necessary for me to have a mammogram every three months!! I thank God for giving me strength daily to stay motivated and press on during this difficult journey and for placing a resource by way of a friend, Doretta, in my life to share with me. I hope if there’s anyone out there struggling with any types of health conditions, that you decide to make a change and begin your weight loss journey.

Gwandos lost 77 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Gwandos lost 77 pounds. She wrote to us to give inspiration to the over 50 ladies (She turns 60 in Oct).  She lost weight by changing her eating, doing Weight Watchers and joining Black Girls Run.  Here is what she shared with us:

I have seen many motivating stories on your Facebook site of Black women being successful at losing weight, but none featuring us “older” ladies. I am 59 years old and I’ll be turning 60 on October 27th.  I have lost 77.6 pounds since January 2011.

My motivation to lose weight came when my son informed me that he had proposed to his fiancé and they were planning a June wedding. Yikes! I knew I didn’t want to waddle down the aisle as the mother of the groom, but I only had 6 months to get it together as they were planning a June 2011 wedding! My focus shifted and I began to be serious about my weight loss efforts.

I re-joined Weight Watchers for the “umpteenth” time on January 18, 2011 weighing 267 pounds, as I had convinced myself that I was ready this time. After yo- yoing on the program, doing My version of it, and losing 25 pounds, I had become stagnant and satisfied with where I was in my weight loss and began to regain some of the weight I had lost. As a member of Weight Watchers I learned to eliminate sugary soft drinks and processed foods and learned to eat healthy by eating fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. I joined a boot camp class at my neighborhood gym where I was introduced to strength training. The weight started coming off consistently. I became hooked on working out! A few months ago a friend introduced me to my local BGR chapter (Black Girls Run!) where I met an incredible group of women sharing similar goals, and I began walking. I am now run/walking and have completed more than ten (10) 5Ks. My goal is to complete a half marathon soon. Fitness has become an important part of who I am and what I do. Having learned the essentials of changing my eating habits and incorporating fitness into my life daily, I have lost 77.6 pounds and am close to my desired goal weight of 180 pounds.

As I approach my 60th birthday this October, this grandmother has no plans to slow down! There’s no stopping me!

gwandos weight loss

Pamela lost 32 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Pamela!  She lost 32 pounds.  She credits 22 pounds of her weight loss to following our monthly challenges.  Here is what she had to say about losing the weight:

In the before picture I was 202 pounds! I was losing weight slowly but it was when I started the Black Women Losing Weight challenges six months ago.  That allowed me to lose 22 of my 32 pounds. I did the exercise that was given to us in the challenges! I also go to the gym at least 3 times a week.  There, I do the treadmill for at least 45 minutes.  At the gym, I focus on a different body part each day, but I always do abs before starting my workout.

I changed my eating habits, cutting back on sodas, junk food and fried foods. Black Women Losing Weight has really been a blessing to me and I can’t wait to start the next challenge!!

What was your motivation:

I would always asked my doctor for weight loss pills because I wanted the easy way out.  Because of my high blood pressure she wouldn’t give me any.  I knew I didn’t wanna continue to take blood pressure pills, so I decided to do the next best thing which was walking going to the gym.  The weight was coming off slowly and then I ran across BWLW and that really got me motivated.  BWLW along with husband being their to support me and work out with me was the perfect combination!  Now, I have a lower dosage of blood pressure medicine.  I’m gonna continue the challenges, lose weight and get off the medicine completely!  My current weight is 170 pounds and my goal is 150 pounds.

Pamela weight loss photos

 

Kenyetta lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kenyetta lost 47 pounds.  She was motivated by poor circulation and having to take blood pressure medication.  She changed her diet and did Zumba for exercise.  Check out what she had to share about losing the weight:

I would like to share my story with you. In 2011 my weight was 233 pounds. I was constantly complaining about my weight and I was the biggest size I had ever been in my life. My motivation was that I started having poor circulation in my hands and legs.  I also had to start to take blood pressure pills.  In November of 2011, I started taking ZUMBA classes, once a week in the beginning. Then I increased my classes to two times a week, then up’d it to 4 times a week!! LoL! However, I did not change my diet. I lost some weight but not enough. In June of this year, 2013,  I changed my eating habits. I started drinking more water. I increased my fruits and veggies I was eating and started eating only Turkey, chicken & seafood for my meats. My biggest obstacles that had to deal with were alcoholic beverages, candy and fried foods. I have not stopped drinking alcohol but I have limited my intake.  I chose to LIVE!!!!  Now, I have MILD hand problems but not like it used to be and I’m NOT on BLOOD PRESSURE PILLS!!! 🙂

Kenyetta weight loss photos

Chelsea lost 30 pounds

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Proud mom Chelsea lost weight with exercise, like Zumba, and Clean Eating.  Being active with her daughter was her motivation.  Check out what she shared about her journey thus far:

Hi my name is Chelsea.  This been a hard journey.  I started in late December 2012 by doing Zumba.  It was very fun.  At the same time, I started eating clean: Lean meats, veggies, no rice and no soda. I also have 100 calorie snack packs.  I’m from the country and i love to eat.  Wild hog, deer with rice…that was my idea of cheat meals, but I had limits.  I’m blessed to have a amazing husband, family and friends to support me.  I’m not finished yet.  I have 25-30 pounds more that I want to lose by December of this year, 2013, so I’m doing more Zumba and running 1.5 -2 miles when I dont do Zumba as my workout.  I’ve lost 30 pounds so far!

My motivation was my daughter. I wanted to be able to run a play with her.  She was 1 years old when I started, now she is 2.  Also, I got tired of buying bigger clothes in the Plus Size section at my age.

My starting weight was 215 pounds.  I gained weight after I got on birth control (gained about 35 pounds).  I’m not turning back. My weight was very depressing.

Chelsea weight loss journey

Debbie lost 70 pounds

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Update 6/2014: Debbie lost 7 more pounds – “I started my weight loss journey April 10, 2013. I have lost 77 pounds and I’m still going strong. The passing of both of my parents just 15 months apart and a couple of health scares made me realize how important getting healthy was for me and my children. Thanks to TaeBo, cutting out sodas, junk food and portion control, I now know how it feels to he healthy. My blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose dropped along with my weight.”

Debbie before and after

Starting weight 220 pounds – Current weight 143 pounds – From size 18-20 to size 8-10

9/12/13 – Today’s featured weight loss success story: Debbie lost 70 pounds in 5 months.  She was motivated by the loss of a loved one.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

I’ve had a weight loss of 70 pounds through adopting a healthy diet and changing my eating habits.  My motivation came from losing my mom from a heart attack.  That’s when I knew I had to change for myself and my children.  My lifestyle change began on April 10,2013, so it’s been a little more than 5 amazing months.

As far as eating habits I cut out ALL sodas, fruit juices and junk foods. I drink water all day.  Also I mainly portion control.  I also cut out ALL sodas and drink water all day. If I want some flavor, I add crystal light. No junk foods and I have portion control.

My workouts consist of an hour of cardio or an hour of power walking or jogging five times a week. I’ve been doing TaeBo 5 times a week, now I’ve added power walking/ jogging.  Each day I do an hour long workout.

No gyms, no pills. Everything natural and just discipline. Also, I stopped weighing myself often and go by the way clothes fit. Went from a 20 to a 10-12! Believe me if I can do this all of you can!

My starting weight was 220 pounds.  My current weight is 150 pounds. I would like another 10 pounds more to reach my goal.

Debbie weight loss

 

Travia lost 83 pounds

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Update Feb 2014: Travia is now down to 247 pounds.  She lost an additional 33 pounds (83 pounds total) and is still going strong.

Travia weight loss story

Original Post:

Facing 330 pounds at age 23 and with her doctor suggesting weight loss surgery, Travia took her health into her own hands and changed her lifestyle.  She has lost 50 pounds since April 2013.  Find out how she did it below:

Travia weight loss

“I have lost a total of 50 pounds so far by making my home into my personal gym. I walk around the yard twice a day for an hour.  I exercise with the biggest loser cardio workout.  I also cut out the sodas and I drink plenty of water.  Eating wise, I snack on 100 pack calories snacks and if I eat any bread it’s wheat bread. Also, I mainly eat fruits like green grapes, apples, and bananas.

My Motivation: April 24, 2013, My doctor told me I needed to lose 30 pounds by July 24, 2013 or we need to talk about weight loss surgery.  Since then I have been on a mission for myself. That was it for me.  I wanted the weight off of me and a new beginning.  I left the doctor’s office and I have been working hard ever since.

Even though I got off track a few times I wasn’t about to let that stand in my way. I’m only 23 years old and I’ve been dealing with obesity majority of my life.  I made up in my mind that I no longer want to live the rest of my life dealing with obesity. The journey is not easy but I know that when I reach my goal weight it will be well worth it. In the end, my goal weight is to be down to 180 pounds and this is only a diet for me but it is a lifestyle change as well.”

Rachael-Lea lost 47 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Rachael-Lea lost 47 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Writing you from Toronto Canada. I tried EVERYTHING…every diet, you name it. Well, I’m down 47 pounds thanks to help of myfitness pal, and the wrong persons saying the wrong thing to me at the right time. Gave me the encouragement to prove them WRONG.

What was your motivation?
I want to tell you that the reason I lost weight is because a doctor told me I needed to. To be honest, I was teased, by the wrong person at the RIGHT time. My heart sunk when I heard the words “you’re too fat”. I realized that it wasn’t just that moment, but many moments where I just got tired of feeling the way I was feeling. What started out as an “anger” run on the treadmill, ended with a very successful way to use negative energy and make it positive.

I was also a “pre-lapband” client. I didn’t lose the weight. I even ended up working at that clinic and saw so many women who were not successful. Many are…many are not. After frustration and years of no weightloss, I took the band out. I was told I’d continue gaining weight (the doctors told me), I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own. Well, proved them wrong! And now I’m band free.

Facebook page: Burn the Girdle

RachaelLea weight loss

How did you change your eating habits?
I did change my eating habits, however, diets in the past didn’t work. I would always buy unrealistic, Yucky foods that would end up sitting in my fridge. I decided that I would watch my calorie count while incorporating better choices. However, sometimes a girl just needs a bag of sour cream and onion chips. And I do that. I give myself permission to eat what I want, I just watch how much I eat. I will tell you Myfitnesspal has been the BEST THING EVER! I use it religiously and always promise to be honest. I think that’s the key. If you stop clocking what you’re eating, or pretend that you never saw it go down your throat, that’s when you do yourself an injustice.

What did your workout routines look like?
My routine is running mostly. I like running and took it up years ago, before the big weightloss ever happened. Right now, I have to careful with one knee, so I moved from outside to indoors on a treadmill. I also love to dance to SOCA! It’s a great way to get work done on the waist! I’ve recently started incorporating weights into my routine. I don’t love it, I’ll be honest, but I do love the results. I work out 5-6 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 192 pounds. I am now 145 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I started working on the transformation Feb 18th 2013 to be EXACT! 🙂

Thank you for the facebook page, you’ve inspired me to inspire women as well.