For a lot of naturals, hair is just hair. But for many, hair is the starting point of a bigger transformation. Going natural can inspire healthier eating, increased fitness and a more peaceful way of life. These 4 bloggers keep us focused and inspired as we reach for (in our Oprah voice) the best version of ourselves.
Jenell of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe
https://www.facebook.com/healthyJenell
A mother of two, and authoress of the popular natural hair site KinkyCurlyCoilyMe, Jenell Stewart started her weight loss journey at 270 pounds. By improving her diet, working out with a trainer and staying disciplined, this natural beauty is redefining what life after baby can look and feel like.
Carmen of MyNaturalSistas
We recently featured Carmen’s stunning wedding photos, where she was looking toned and radiant. The beautiful natural and certified physical trainer has been on a transformation journey that is both physical and mental. She shares on her website;
Whenever I see my transformation, it reminds me why I started my fitness journey. It motivates me to keep pushing forward. I have came so far, 50lbs down, I never thought I would see the day, EVER. I only had a goal of 40lbs, lost more just for my bikini competition, but still, it amazes that I achieved such a goal. My mindset beforehand was very depressing. Where I was mentally and physically, my surroundings, negative energy, absence from church, it just wasnt a good place. At my edge of depression, where I was ready to give up on myself, no hope, no faith… I was lost… But God. I needed change, I wanted change. I had to fight for it. I couldn’t go on living my life so unhappy. I decided to not let fear stop me. I had to follow my heart, my dream, and now…here I am, living it. Thank God, all my praises go to Him, his mercy and blessings. But I couldn’t just sit still and depend on Him to do all the work, I had to go get it. I worked hard, changing my eating and going harder in the gym. Even when I didn’t feel like getting up or doing anything, I knew it was important (definitely in those moments) to do anyways. I stayed determined, disciplined, and dedicated. Held my faith when nobody believed in me. I’m so happy now. I will continue my fitness journey, and share with you all my knowledge to help you reach your goals as well. Lets get it in!
Nicole of NapturalNicole
Nicole has been sharing details of her transformation journey for a while. Opting primarily to use diet as a means to weight loss, the bubbly, beautiful and stylish natural has kept 65 pounds off for more than two years and is a pro at devising meals that are delicious, filling and nutritious.
Kandi of iikandii88
Kandi is not a blogger, but she serves up plenty of hair and fitness inspiration via her Instagram account. The perpetually upbeat natural has lost more than 50 pounds since 2012 and kept it off. And she has no intention of returning to her old lifestyle habits;
“People always ask if I ever get tired of this lifestyle?? Being BIG was a struggle, LOSING it was a struggle, MAINTAINING it is a struggle! #pickYOURstruggle. You don’t HAVE to wake up everyday striving to become the best of yourself. Ohhhh you can easily go through life with no ambition whatsoever and just dig yourself deeper into misery while watching others do for themselves. When are YOU going to start doing what’s best for YOU and stop complaining about what YOU won’t do for yourself? Happiness takes work and it does require sacrifices. When’s the last time you did some self reflecting on your life?”
Yaas ladies! That is how it’s done!
Are you on a body transformation journey? How is it coming along? Are there any other women you look to for inspiration?
Wow! All three of the ladies are great inspiration for me to continue my fitness journey. Warm it Up Chris (FB)/@DigitalCurls (Twitter) is also inspirational. She shares recipes, pictures, tips and she has natural hair too! Big plus 🙂
Love this, I’m starting my journey again after I lost 30 pounds last year and then gained back 50. Can’t wait to be able to show my progress.
Thank you BGLH for showing us such inspirational ladies!
Well I can only see 2 of them and they look great! Very awesome. I need to lose 40 myself. I’m at the heaviest that I have ever been! So I’m dropping some L‑B’s. Clothes can get expensive, I’m not buying anymore, unless it’s a size down, lol cause then that’s a treat for getting my fit and healthy on. =)
Wow, this is awesome! I’m pretty much going in the opposite trajectory.
One word, MOTIVATION. ????
Inspirational stories. Starting the process isn’t hard, maintaining it is. consistency is key. Great transformations
This is an inspiration to me. I have been losing weight for the past few months and trying to get healthier and I have also been considering going natural with my hair.
Nixe Feature! 🙂
Lady no. 2 looked the best in picture 4 ‑too skinny/ muscular now! Still great success!
No way! In pic 4 she still had some belly fat. Now she looks incredible, with a proper 6‑pack. Amazing transformation.
Wonderful article! Well done, Ladies!
Being overweight or obese endangers your health. Being within a normal weight for height and age, along with being strong, fit and lean provides a vessel in which health is promoted. So proud of these ladies, thanks for showing us and representing fit and strong is the sexy. You go ladies!!
They are looking good. Well done!