Weight Loss Stories – Jennifer Lost 140 Pounds and 18 Sizes

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Jennifer’s Weight Loss Stats!

  • Name: Jennifer
  • Age: 35
  • Family Status: Engaged with three little girls
  • Occupation: Technician
  • Location: Danville, Virginia
  • Height: 5’7″
  • Starting Weight: 320 pounds
  • Current Weight: 180 pounds
  • Current Waist Size: 30″

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Interview!

How much did you lose?
I really wanted to reach a “normal” BMI (Body Mass Index). I reached that in March of 2015. I weighed under 160 pounds making my BMI “normal”. I was very thin at that time and felt and was also told that I looked unhealthy. Since then I’ve gained back about 20 pounds. I am curvier now and still continue to exercise and count calories. I’m on a new journey of not worrying so much about a number on the scale, but more focused on getting my body fat down. My overall weight loss went from 320 pounds to 180 pounds and I dropped from a size 26 down to a size 8/10. I also went from a size 3X down to medium.

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have always struggled with my weight and the issues started at a very young age. I was 99 pounds in 3rd grade. When I was in 5th grade, I weighed 150 pounds and my physical education teacher wrote “obese” beside my weight that year. In 7th grade I weighed 230 pounds after having some really hard times for a developing child. My weight continued to climb and by the time I was 30 years old I weighed 320 pounds. By that time, I gave up on the idea that I would ever get gastric bypass surgery and decided to do it on my own.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I have always been unhappy with my weight and I blamed all my problems on my weight. I even went so far as being turned down for a promotion because I was very overweight.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I guess I owe all my success to Renee Stephens. I listened to her free streaming podcast and looked within myself. I tried to understand my problems with my weight and why I had come to be where I never wanted to be. I readjusted my lifestyle by counting calories and exercising. Little by little, the weight came off. I also realized that I have an eating disorder. I grew up seeing the women in my family dealing with eating disorders and being very overweight. Seeing that through my entire life gave me the issues that I struggled with.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
My family eating whatever they want while I simply avoided those types of foods was difficult. I would make my family anything they wanted and I would deny myself what I wanted. However, over time I evolved. Now, I can prepare anything my heart desires and just make it healthy or healthier. I love to cook!

How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took about 6 months. That’s when I started to feel like I was really making progress.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 1.5 years to lose 140 pounds. Losing it slower is best.

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
I have many skin issues and I’ve realized that every one is different. I don’t have a lot of skin on my stomach, but my arms are another story. Although I have great muscle size on my arms, I still have a “bat wing”. I’ve always had big legs and arms. I went to see a surgeon, but it would cost $8,000 for an arm lift and I can’t afford that. I have taken to trying to reduce my body fat while gaining muscle to try to reduce the fat on my arms. I can’t go outside with a tank top or anything with super short sleeves and feel comfortable. I’ve had people notice my arms and ask about my weight loss saying they could tell because of my arms. I also still have “saddlebags” on the backs of my thighs, so you’ll never see me out in a bathing suit without shorts. But, at least that area is easier to cover up.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
A little over 2 years. I still diet and exercise. I try new diets and just mix things up. I’ve realized lately that counting calories is the best way. That way I can have what I want in moderation and I don’t feel drained or depressed because I’m not eating something I really want to enjoy.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
The attention! It’s life-changing to go from an invisible, fat girl to a sexy, fit-ish woman. I can’t go anywhere without looks and stares. Some people may not like attention, but I love it! I love feeling healthy and attractive. I love knowing that I’m making a great impression on my daughters too! I’m hoping that by seeing me eat healthy and exercise that they will see the importance of being healthy too!

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I don’t think there is enough room to write all the ways my life has changed. I am 100% different in every way! I was so unhappy and depressed before and my life has completely changed since then and I’m so much better for it. I was sad and decided to change my life!

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
You can’t do it until you really want to! It’s like quitting smoking. If you don’t want to quit, you’re not going to be able to. I decided after the birth of my last daughter that I was going to change my body, and I did. Don’t be scared!

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Listen to Renee Stephens “Inside Out Weight Loss” free podcast.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Download the free app called MyFitnessPal to track your diet.

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Download the free exercise apps called C25K (running) and Jefit (workouts).

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Eat your meals at the same times during the day.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
No sugary drinks and eat lots and lots of veggies. I stay away from fruit, usually since it’s just my body’s preference. Everyone is different in this regard. However, you can have what you want, just count your calories.

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
2 eggs on low carbohydrate, high protein bread with jelly and cheese and fresh baby spinach and coffee.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
I eat leftovers from dinner. I calculate the calories in each meal that I prepare nightly and pack them up so I can eat again the next day.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
I eat anything! I like spaghetti or spaghetti squash. I also like to make pizzas and burgers. It’s important to cook at home since it’s cheaper and more healthy.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
Currently, my joy is a strawberry cheesecake pudding cup (130 calories). Healthier options are hummus with veggies, Greek yogurt, snap peas or lentil snaps which is a delicious snack with high protein and low calories. I also like Halo Top ice cream.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I currently don’t take any supplements.

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Workouts!

What do you do for weight training?
I created my own workout routine on the Jefit app which is great for creating different routines and learning how to do the exercises properly. I perform an arm day and a leg day and I try to walk on the days that I don’t do resistance training.

What do you do for cardio training?
I like to mainly walk for my cardio exercise.

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