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Weight Loss Success Stories - Jessica Lost Weight By
Diet & Exercise
First Name: Jessica
Age: 43 and 9 months
Family Status: Married with 1 daughter
Occupation: Personal trainer & grocery department head
Hometown: Winder, Georgia.
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost a total of 130 pounds!
Height: 5'5
Waist: 26
Starting Weight: 260 pounds
Current Weight: 130 pounds
Jessica's Weight Loss Story!
I grew up as an obese child. That was back when they didn't know
a lot about child obesity. I was the the kid no one picked in gym
class to be on their team. That was ok since I had food as my friend.
By the time I was in 6th grade I was almost 160 pounds. That summer
I started jogging and lost 30 pounds. I felt better about myself
in the way I looked. But it also took me to a place I never thought
would change my life for the worst, anorexia and bulimia.
I started at the age of 13 and hated going to restaurants with
my family because they would make me eat. Of course then I would
just purge. It got to be where once a day was not enough, I was
up to 12 and 13 times a day. My health was bad. You could see my
bones, But to me I still looked fat. All through middle and high
school I continued on that path. After I married my high school
sweetheart, we decided to start a family. All the Doctor had to
say was "your pregnant" and I started eating for 2 and
3 and 4.
I gained well over 100 pounds and even after I had the baby people
were asking me when I was due. I gained about 30 more pounds after
I had her. My weight was out of control. I knew what worked before
so I went back to my old habits of anorexia
and bulimia.
I did that for a few years and my health once again got worse. I
looked very sick and unhealthy. I had to find a better way. I started
watching a new station called ESPN and they had exercise programs
on that showed you how to weight train and eat healthy. So I had
my little hand weights and would make a date with Denise Austin
or Richard Simmons and we would workout together in my living room.
After a few years of that, I thought to fly on my own so I joined
a gym whose members were primarily fit and trim and beautiful college
students. I think I was the only overweight wife and mother there.
But I was determined and was on a mission. I started researching
nutrition and weight training and designed a program that worked
for me and my schedule. And the end results speak for themselves.
I have had no surgery to remove extra skin, just the right balance
of nutrition and exercise and patience. It wasn't easy but definitely
worth it.
Now its nice to know the looks I get now are because they appreciate
my hard work and dedication to the lifestyle. I remember the stares
I got because I was overweight and didn't look like them. I'm so
happy now! I'm a better wife, mother and friend because of my weight
loss success.
Jessica's Weight Loss Questions & Answers!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I had always been unhappy with my weight. From child obesity
to anorexia.
What made you decide to lose weight?
My daughter was born with many health problems. It was hard to
get around to do the things I had to in order to take care of
her. Not being able to see my feet or being able to do simple
things like tie my own shoes. My feelings were hurt a lot. It
was important that I be healthy for myself and my family.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Learning to eat healthier and exercise the right way and to see
the transformation my body has made. And being able to help my
family lead a healthy life.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
I don't think losing the weight was as challenging as the weight
training. Never doing anything athletic in my life I didn't know
where to start. Through a lot of research on exercise, I bought
some small hand weights and was well on my way to a better and
healthier life.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took a couple of months to see anything at first. And only
being able to do it 2-3 days a week, 15 minutes at a time (I had
to build up my endurance). It gradually began to melt off.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took about 3 years. But it was extreme dieting. I was very
careful with my balance of nutrition and exercise.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do
it?
I have maintained my weight loss for over 16 years now. I watch
what I eat, I exercise regularly and help encourage others. That
is my motivation to keep my weight under control.
How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
It has inspired me to become a personal trainer (14 years now).
Coaching others in wellness and a better lifestyle. I have been
a competitive bodybuilder and was asked to join a wonderful organization
called the SNBF (Super Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness). I have
been with them for 7 years as a judge and my husband as well.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
Reading stories
of inspiration from others having the same challenges I did.
It doesn't make you seem so alone in your battle with obesity.
Jessica's Weight Loss Tips!
 
Weight loss tip #1:
Consistency. One day a time. Move that body.
Weight loss tip #2:
Eat in moderation. Use smaller plates when your eating. Its all
right to still feel hungry after you eat. Avoid going back for
seconds.
Weight loss tip #3:
Drink
plenty of water. Its your friend, really. Crystal Light is
one of my favorite alternatives.
Weight loss tip #4:
Find a friend to help with the goals in mind and walk together
or join a gym together. Be each others motivation.
Weight loss tip #5:
Get
a personal trainer if you can. They can show you how to weight
train the right way and weight training will make all the difference.
Trust me.
Jessica's Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
6 egg white scrambled, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup of sugar free
syrup, 1/2 cup of fruit.
Lunch:
Grilled chicken salad or steamed vegetables, or tuna salad. I
use salsa as my dressing just to give it a little kick.
Dinner:
Roasted chicken with vegetables, brown rice or whole wheat pasta.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Meal replacements bars, rice cakes with yogurt, trail mix, almonds
or 1 cup of fruit.
Jessica's Weight Loss Workouts!
 
Weight Training:
I do split training, which means I work a different muscle group
each day. I take at least 2 days off a week from weights.
Monday: back and biceps
Tuesday: triceps and chest
Thursday: shoulders
Cardiovascular:
Cardio is 6 day a week for me. I love cardio. I love the way
it makes me feel. I do the elliptical 3 days a week and the stairmaster
3 days a week, each for 40 minutes per day.
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Weight Loss Success Stories
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Weight Loss Success Stories
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