Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for weight loss story

weight loss story

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sindy lost 75 pounds

by 10 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sindy lost 75 pounds.  This proud mom was prescribed a lifestyle change by her doctor after being diagnosed with heart problems.  She embraced clean eating and regular exercise to transform her health and her curves.  Here is what she shared with us:

Sindy weight loss

Hi,  I love your page! A little info about me is: my name is Sindy. I’m a 26 year mother of a 4 year handsome prince named Chezzy. I’m a proud latina woman of Afro-Dominican and Puerto Rican decent. About a year ago I was having frequent heart palpitations, which prompted me to visit my family doctor. When I called her she wanted to see me that night and so I went to the hospital. She did an EKG on me and discovered I had A fib (Atrial fibrillation or flutter is a common type of abnormal heartbeat). I was placed on meds for the condition. Then I saw a cardiologist to run some additional tests and her prescribed me life change. That included no caffeine, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water.  Now, I exercise on a daily basis and eat right.

When I first started my weight loss journey I went to the gym 5 days a week. I primarily focused on cardio. I also ate EXTREMELY clean. About 5 months in, I started weight training. I went to the gym 3 days a week and worked out at home 2 days. My eating habits consist of healthy home cooked meals. I stayed away from fast and processed foods. My family and I also switched from conventional food to organic food. It’s a little more money but my family is worth it. I must say my favorite exercise is squats. They make my booty just right…lol.

I was terrified of not being with my son and his father, so I changed my life.I was 220 pounds and now I am 145 pounds. So far, it’s been 1 year and 14 months from the moment I changed my eating habits and 10 since I began excising. I’m so happy that I decided to change my life. I’m proud to say I did it 100% natural, without pills, surgery, crash diets, etc…just hard work.

Instagram: @msspanishfly_ inactive

Sindy before and after Sindy before and after

Update: Elaine lost 145 pounds

by 1 Comment

Check out this update from Elaine on how she lost the pregnancy weight – July 2015:

elaine before and after

I was featured back in June of last year for losing a total of 145 pounds. In September of last year I found out that I was having a baby and gained over 80 pounds during the pregnancy. I knew that I had to eat healthier meals for my child’s health, as well as my health. On May 14 2015, I gave birth to baby boy.  As I was leaving the hospital the nurse told me to weigh myself and I was devastated to find I was up to 269 lbs again.

After I was released from the doctor’s care, I immediately started making healthy choices. First, I changed my eating habits back to clean eating. I also started walking 2 miles per day while trying to build up the courage to reach my goals again. I started eating 1200 calories a day and worked out. While looking back over my pictures from before pregnancy, I knew that I had to do what I’s done before.

I committed through the hard workouts, calories counting, eating healthy, low carb diet, walking, and running. I knew I could get back too where I was or at least half way there. Now my baby is 2 months old and I’ve lost a total of 68 lbs (2 months post pregnancy). I’m proud of myself because I had some doubts that I would make it back to my size 14 pants and medium shirts so soon. I’m so thankful that I did not lose the motivation and courage I’ve gained on my long life journey. I’m proud to say that if you put forth the effort, the results will always be positive.

June 2014 – Let’s show some BWLW love to Elaine.  She is down an extra 32 pounds since we first featured her story in December.  She has gone from a size 24 down to a size 14.  Read her update and then check out our original post on her journey to see how she did it.

Elaine weight loss

“On Dec 11 2013, I shared my story of success with the Black Women Losing Weight community. February 2013 I was at 323 lbs.  When I shared my story with you all in December 2013 I was at 210 lbs, a total of down 113 lbs lost. I wanted to give you an update from that time period. I’ve lost an additional 32 pounds which brings me at a total weight loss of 145 pounds lost. I am on the 1500 calorie diet. I use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar to detox.  I eat 3 meals per day and 3 snacks to add up to 1500 calories. My meals are made up of turkey, fish, baked salmon, baked fish, baked potatoes and baked sweet potatoes. The majority of my meals consist of vegetables. I try to have something healthy for my snacks, such as apples, bananas, etc. I have a cheat meal every now and then. I am a exercise person. I workout 5 to 6 days a week doing exercises with dumbbells, walking at least 2 miles per day, jogging, weight lifts, kick boxing, power walking, running up stairs and cardio. I am proud to say that weight loss has helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I went from a pant size of 24 t down to 14. I’m wearing a size medium shirt and size large pants. I have worked so hard and I know it can be done.”

Elaine before and afterPhoto from Dec 2013

Elaine lost 113 pounds

Work in progress: Mykenz lost 23 pounds

by 1 Comment

Let’s show some love to Mykenz.  This proud mom wrote in to share about the changes she’s made in the last few months that have allowed her to lose 23 pounds after years of yo-yo dieting.  She is a work in progress, but is seeing great results already.  I know that she will ultimately reach her weight loss and overall health goals.

mykenz weight loss

I wish that I could say that my journey has been easy over the last few months but it has been everything but that!! I have struggled with my weight since I gave birth to my son in 2009. I have tried Weight Watchers, Slim Genics, Jenny Craig, all kinds of weight loss pills and diets, including the Lemonade Diet. I’m not saying they don’t work because they do (might go crazy in the process), however they can be expensive and just weren’t the methods that worked for me. Weighing in at 225+ lbs, I finally accepted the fact that I was going to have to work for what I said I wanted, as they say nothing good comes easy.

Over the last couple of months I have learned a lot about myself and began to change my life through diet a day exercise. Although I am still a work in progress, I take this moment to celebrate my accomplishments thus far because small changes have turned into lifestyle changes which have resulted in a healthier me! I workout 3 times per week for about an hour. My workouts are bootcamp style and I’m doing things such as running, squats, lunges burpees, etc with a great group in my area call Total Body Anatomy (TBA). My biggest challenge was portion control so my instructor at TBA introduced me to Body By Vi Shakes. I take them as meal replacements for breakfast and dinner and have a healthy lunch and snacks throughout the day. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies and drink lot of water. No sweets, bread, store bought juices. I’ve been going four months and fast food now makes me literally sick to my stomach!

Those looking to get out there the best advise that I can give is;

1. No matter how much you mess up, get right back up swinging harder knowing that today is a new day.
2. You didn’t gain it in a day, you won’t lose it n a day. Be patient with yourself. It takes time.
3. Be your biggest cheerleader, after all no one can lose it for you.
4. Get a great support system/group.
5. You get out what you put in. Hard work hurts!
6. Only you can decide if who/where you want to be is more important than who/where you are. Change and accountability are required.
7. Most importantly, through Christ ALL things are possible!

Thanks to all who have supported me throughout my journey especially mommy’s big boy! For there is truly no feeling like your 4 year old son telling you that you can do it when you feel like quitting. As of yesterday, I am happy to report that I am 202 lbs with 35 left to put behind me!!!

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sha lost 72 pounds

by 3 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sha lost 72 pounds.  This actress and dancer faced major health challenges that stalled her career and relationship turmoil before reaching the point where she was ready to change her life and get healthy.  Check out what she shared about losing the weight:

Sha weight loss story Hi my name is Sha. I have been overweight most of my life. It was mostly because of a medicine called prednisone. I ate like any other regular young teen or young adult.  I always loved dance and basketball so I leveled off at around 220 – 250 pounds at 5’7, which I thought was not so bad at first because I could still do the things I always did. I just figured that it was my destiny to be a plus-size girl forever so I just accepted it. I was able to start a career in acting in 2005 and what was even more awesome was that it was a dance movie called “Take the Lead”. Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE DANCE so this was an awesome blessing and I thought I would do more.

Well, in 2006 I met a man whom I put my career on hold for because I thought I fell in love with him. I wanted to be loved for real for once. We had a great relationship on the outside but there were some serious issues behind close doors which led me to use food as my comfort as I kept a lot of things inside and did not tell anyone. We actually got married even though I was not completely happy but I figured I would not find anyone better. As the weight piled on I got more insecure. I got real desperate and tried everything to lose weight, but my now ex husband didn’t help at all. He loved to eat really bad foods with me and even when I tried to workout and eat better he was not supportive or encouraging. I was getting sicker mentally and physically. I weighed 282 pounds. I started to not go out of the house anymore. I developed really bad back pain problems, severe Anxiety/Panic Disorder and depression. One day we got into a really bad argument which turned physical and he left me in the house alone for 4 days with no phone call or anything. After hysterically crying for hours I looked at myself and had to be honest with myself. I was not happy and I started to realize that I wanted more for myself.

I’m a big fan of WWE SUPERSTAR John Cena and I always loved his quotes. I finally started to apply all the positive quotes to my life. Also, I had a friend whom I dated when I was 18 years old who started to help me be more active and was really encouraging. He reminded me about the person I used to be when I was younger, a more positive, confident, fun and bubbly me.  At the same time, my husband started to come home less and less. The time he was home we argued and once he spit in my face so enough was enough. I moved out to get away and to get myself together. My guy friend and I continued to get closer. We started to take walks and change some eating habits slowly. A lot of my issues started to go away. Then, I hit a plateau where I was not losing anymore weight. At that same time, even though me and my friend was becoming closer and I was waiting on getting a divorce. I found out that my husband had been cheating on me before I moved out, so I kinda went back into a depression. With the help of my friend, who turned into a great awesome boyfriend, I had to realize I could either get up and fight to be successful or lay down and be a failure.

I discovered that John Cena had a new weight-loss plan called ChangeTime.  With it, I only had to workout 20 min twice a week and change my eating habits 6 days a week and then I can eat whatever I want 1 Day out the week. I ate more vegetables, beans, lentils, chicken, salmon and raw cashews. 6 days out the week I drink a gallon of water a day. No sodas, no juice, no rice or pasta. I have more energy. My health issues have improved and my weight has continuously gone down. I currently weigh 210 pounds and I am planning on being under 200 pounds for the first time in my adult life by my birthday in July 2014. My workout routine is simple movements and I can workout at home.  I do push ups , planks, sit ups, squats, lunges and walking.  I also workout with Hip-Hop Dance and Zumba DVDs. So, my change started in June 2013 and I will definitely continue on my journey of weight loss transformation.

My motivation to keep going is that I really want to continue on the career path I started on years ago. Plus, I wanted to finally become a dancer for different artists and in movies. I have loved dance since I was a child. Im so passionate about it and just want to be a leading lady in an Usher or NeYo Video…but definitely Usher. I want to dance live on stage for and awards show. I’m working hard to live out my dreams and motivate other people to live out their dreams no matter what the situation is. My Advice to anyone trying to lose weight is no matter what, Never Give Up. If one way does not work for you, keep trying and keep pushing on. If your weight loss stalls, kick it up a notch and change up your routine.Keep trying because something WILL work and you will get to the place that you really want to be with your weight and Everything. If I can do it with all the emotional struggles and physical limitations I had (and sometimes still have) then anyone can do it. You just have to believe and fight for what you want. If you work hard and keep faith, you will be successful.

Instagram: @shalove80

Sha before and after photos Sha before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bernadette lost 73 pounds

by 6 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bernadette lost 73 pounds.  She decided that enough was enough and that she wanted to like what she saw in the mirror.  She changed her eating habits and started exercising regularly to reach her goals.  Read more about her weight loss journey:

Bernadette weight loss story

“I’m Bernadette Robinson and I wanted to share my story. I started my weight loss journey in November 2012. I hated my overall look and decided to change it. My starting weight was 267 pounds. After dieting and exercising 3-4 times out the week, I ended dropping down to 194 pounds by March 2013. That’s a total weight loss of 73 pounds and I’ve maintained my weight loss. I knew how hard it was to begin my journey, but that’s the thing. I began and I conquered!

I was looking at myself one day and I was tired if what I was seeing. Fat, rolls, tummy lol. I started eating more vegetables (because lord knows I wasn’t eating nearly as enough as I should have been). I drank lots of water and cut out sodas completely. I also ate smaller portions instead really big meals. For exercise, I worked out at the gym 3 times a week. I workout on the treadmill, elliptical machine and stationary bike.  I do squats, pull-ups and 150 crunches a day. The advice that I would give to others is: If you want to change the way you look, do something about it! I know it is not easy to make that first step, but it does get easier in the long run! Most importantly, do it for YOU.”

Bernadette before and after Bernadette before and after

Update: Makieba lost even more weight

by Leave a Comment

Makieba wrote in to share that she’s lost 8 more pounds since we featured her story back in December 2013.  She’s lost a total of 50 pounds. I love it when ladies write in to let us know that they have maintained their weight loss and are still going strong.

“Hi, Its Makieba Brown.  I just wanted to send an updated photo of myself and let you know about my progress.  I lost another 8 pounds and I’m now down to 165 pounds. I’ve learned that weight loss takes a lot of mental work that can absorb your life but for the better.  You have to learn to make better choices and still enjoy the foods you love. In the last post (featured story) I didn’t mention I joined Weight Watchers. I’ve been on the program for a year now and I am a firm believer that It works.  The Weight Watchers program allows you to look at food differently. However, as I stated in my previous post, I still go to the gym at least 4 times a week and love it.  I also follow the program, count points and easy lots of fruits, vegetables.  I also found that eating small portions is key.”

Read the original post on her story to find out more about how she lost the weight.

Makieba weight loss

Makieba before and after

Dionne lost 35 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Let’s show some BWLW love to Dionne. She lost 35 pounds in 3 months and is sharing the details of how she did it.  She has fallen in love with Crossfit and learned what eating habits work for her.

Dionne weight loss story

What was your motivation?

My children and my partner are my main motivation. I want to live an active and healthy lifestyle and be an example to them.

How did you change your eating habits?
I listened to my body. When I put junk in it, my body responded to it negatively. Now, I juice and the only meat I eat is fish.  I cut out soda, candy and anything else with high processed sugar.  I also only eat fruits to make sure I am receiving healthy sugars. I drink quite a lot of water as well.

What did your workout routines look like?
I am in love with CrossFit. This is a typical workout day for me:
Tabata Warm-up:
Row
Bar Hang
Med Ball Cleans

then for reps:

6min AMRAP (As Many Reps as Possible)
4 Push Press 135/95
6 Burpee Pull-ups

2min Rest

6min AMRAP
4 Push Jerk 135/95
6 Burpee Pull-ups

What was your starting weight? – 285 pounds

What is your current weight? – 250 pounds

How long did your transformation take?
I would say about 3 months. I started my journey in December 2013 but just really started to get serious in February when I began CrossFit.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight? – Never give up. Even if you have to start over again.

Instagram: @Lightbringerlibra

Reva lost 77 pounds

by 3 Comments

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Reva lost 77 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 8.  She changed her eating habits, embraced going vegan and exercises regularly.  She shared a lot of detail about her journey with us.  Check out what she had to say below.

Reva before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation was actually when I moved back home (to the Bahamas) from college in 2011 and stepped on the scale. I was at 250 pounds!!! I knew I needed to do something about it.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started slow by cutting out beef and pork. I then started swapping all the processed carbohydrates for more whole grains and incorporating more greens into my diet. I allowed myself one cheat meal a week and I cut out alcohol for a year. I also used to count calories and macros, but I realized that I began feeling like a robot so I stopped. I have a good idea of what my body responds to and how to eat healthy so I still have been seeing results. I am also a “weekday vegan” so I eat like a vegan on the weekdays as the name suggest. I did this to assist me in the transition of becoming a complete vegan.

What did your workout routines look like?
When I first started I worked out at home for about 6 months then I got a trainer. I lost about 65 lbs working out at home and my regimen consisted of a rotation of Jillian Michaels’ DVDs, Insanity DVDs, and I walking twice per week. I currently train myself and my training now is different from my usual as I am currently studying for my CPA exam (I have two more sections left).  Presently, I only workout 4 days per week for about 1.5-2hrs . I weight train 3 days per week and I do cardio 2 days per week one of which is a long run (3 miles or more).

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 250 pounds and last time I weighed in was 173 pounds (from a size 20 to an 8).

How long did your transformation take?
It took me about 1 year to get to a size 10 then after that I had two plateaus.  I was able to get into a size 8 about 5/6 months after.  I gained some weight after my wedding (Dec. 2013) and I am working to getting back to my lowest weight which was 163 pounds.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice would be to just stick to it. Many people don’t realize how much of an emotional and physical process weight loss is. There will be times when you will be frustrated, sad, happy, and you may even shed a few tears but KEEP PUSHING. No matter how long it takes, once you are honest with what you are eating and how you are exercising the results will come!

You can see photos of her progress on Instagram: @_mrssonic

Reva weight loss

Donesha’s Story Featured in Women’s Health Magazine

by 3 Comments

Update 2016 – 100 pounds gone!

Let’s get ready to DO WORK this week bc nothing is going to WORK but WORK!!! I am still in awe with what God has allowed me to do with my body from the inside/out! ?? Looking as good as I wanted to look on the left on the outside but slowly killing myself on the inside! I had to learn to get over what it LOOKED like & start taking care of myself from the inside/out! I didn’t commit to this lifestyle right away & actually was on a yoyo gaining & losing the same 10lbs. My trainer wanted it for me but I didn’t want it bad enough for myself! You have to want this change to take place & be willing to lose it ALL so that you can gain so much more!!! I am 5’3 & have been over 230lbs & nothing but WORK has placed me where I am today! When I changed my mindset there wasn’t anything that could stop me. I started feeling better, I became a better TT, a better educator & a better person! I am on an assignment by God to help as many people get their health on track & I am not the # of people that follow me bc all that matters is that I inspire someone to get it right while they have a chance. If you ever meet me you will know that I’m just a silly lady in love with taking care of her health & helping others do the same! I pray you go above & beyond for YOURSELF this week!!! Let’s Work!!! #muscles #motivation #dedication #determination #nodaysoff #noexcuses #training #T4ML #gohard #gymrat #running #results #bgr #bgwt #beastmode #fitness #fitchick #fckbeingfat #essence #igfitness #DIEFATDIEE #CARDIO #weights #weightloss #weightlossjourney #polara360 #Nike

A photo posted by training4mylife (@training4mylife) on

Congrats to BWLW inspiration Donesha Bolden for her feature in the June 2014 issue of Women’s Health Magazine.  We featured her story back in Dec 2013. She lost 82 pounds and is still going strong (she lost one more pound since our feature and gained muscle/definition).  She is an inspiration! Check out her update and her new photos below.

Donesha weight loss

“Hi, I wanted to update you with some new pics and the news of my story being featured in Women’s Health Magazine. This is a great accomplish for African American ladies! Thanks for your Facebook, Web & Internet pages because they truly keep me motivated!

I have started a serious weight lifting program with my trainer and I’m working on decreasing my body fat by building muscle. I am currently 138 pounds so there might be a pound or so more gone since I was featured in December. I am a lot leaner since I was featured. One of the most important things that I have learned about weight loss is that if I thought it was hard to get it off its even harder to keep it off. This is not something that has an end date. It’s a lifestyle and I am committed to staying healthy for the rest of my life

In the past, I was that lady that was afraid of looking like a man so in the beginning I was afraid to lift but now I see just how wrong I was about lifting weights. Muscle burns FAT so it’s necessary.” – Instagram: @training4mylife

How did she do it? Click here for more info about how she lost the weight.

Donesha before and afterDonesha before and after Donesha before and after

Kimberly lost 60 pounds

by 3 Comments

Let’s show some BWLW love to Kimberly.  This proud mom lost 60 pounds over the last 3 years by changing her eating habits and exercising regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

“My name is Kimberly Copeland Harris and I have lost 60 pounds. It took me 3 years but after years of yo yo dieting.  I finally began to exercise regularly and stick with an eating regiment that I still stick with. My children are my motivation. I wanna live a long life for them!! At my largest I was 232 pounds, I am now 175 pounds.

I changed my eating habits by reducing my overall food consumption and not eating after 6 pm.  My workout routine: I work out 2-3 times a week.  This includes walking, squats and sit ups. My advice for others: Don’t diet. Diets don’t work. Just change your eating habits. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies. Do more cooking at home and leave the snacks alone.”

Kimberly weight loss story