A Work in Progress

Jessica has kindly agreed to share her journey to lose weight. You can check out her blog over at 266 Never Again. Here is Jessica’s story:

1. How old are you?

I am 24 years old.

2. How much did you weigh at your heaviest?

My heaviest weight was 266 lbs.

How much do you weigh now? What is your goal weight?

Currently I weigh in at 221 lbs. I have several small goal weights but my ultimate goal is 140 lbs.

3. What inspired you to want to lose weight?

A friend of mine had been losing weight for a few months and she ended up losing around 90 lbs over the course of the year. I was so inspired that another stay at home mom could do it – I figured, why not me? So in March of 2010 I began my journey. I had been depressed lately with my weight and not having anything fit me. So I simply figured it was time.

4. How did you lose weight? Did you use a system or program?

I lost weight by learning how to eat right. Huge problems for me was not knowing what my body needed, emotionally eating and eating because I was bored. I needed to learn what I should be eating. It was hard at first making those changes, but soon enough it started to feel normal. I didn’t follow a system – I didn’t feel the need for it. Learning to eat properly and realizing I couldn’t be a couch potato anymore did the trick.

5. How long did it take to lose the weight?

I have lost 45 lbs since the end of March 2010 – so around 6 months. I still have a ways to go, but I’m getting there.

6. What has been the most challenging part of losing 50 pounds?

The hardest part for me is sticking to it. Every day is a struggle sometimes. I still want to eat a giant slab of cake or lay down on the couch and not do anything all day. The important thing is I remember every single day to make the right choices.

7. How do you resist temptations and trigger foods?

I try to not deny myself sweets I like. Chocolate usually does me in. So I try to find low calorie snacks that are very chocolatey. I really like the Jello no Sugar 60 calorie puddings and 100 calorie Milano cookie packs.
If I completely deny the cravings, then I know I’m going to overeat.

8. Did you have support from friends and family? If yes, what kind of support? If not, why not?

My husband has been a HUGE support system for me. He knows exactly what I need and what makes me do more and not give up. He has been amazing and so supportive of everything. Every day he reminds me he loves me just as I am. As for the rest of my family and friends – they’ve been great. They’re always there for me if I need them. I’m so thankful!

9. How is your life different now than before?

I can actually sit on amusement park rides and fit now! My biggest fear was that someone would tell me I was too big and wouldn’t fit when I tried to go on a ride. I still fear I won’t fit sometimes – it’s hard to shake the feeling you’ve had for so long. Clothes fit me now! I don’t have to shop in a plus sized shop!! Before I was down to only a few items of clothing because it all was too small for me.
I am a MUCH happier person now. I feel so much more confident and I don’t feel nearly as self conscious. I have worked hard and I love myself now. It’s an amazing feeling! The biggest change is that I can now run around with my son and not feel like I’m going to die. Before I would get so out of breath I thought I was going to pass out. Now we can run around and play and it feels great!

10. What is your exercise of choice and how often do you do it?

I love using the elliptical. It challenges me every time. I try to use it every time I go to the gym. My second favorite is using the Wii Active. My son then can see me work out and he encourages me to go down that hill even faster! (If you have the game then you know what I’m talking about!)

11. Do you have any suggestions for someone wanting to lose weigh?

You need to remember that you ARE worth it. You deserve to live a healthy and fit life. I remember sitting back and watching the Biggest Loser thinking “I’ll lose that much weight some day.” while eating a bowl of ice cream. If you want to lose weight – start now! Don’t wait until tomorrow. You are the only one who can change your life – no one else can do it for you.
Keep track of your calorie intake and keep yourself accountable! Get a buddy or log on to Twitter. Find yourself a good support system. Be honest with yourself. If you ate something you knew you shouldn’t – acknowledge it and make it public. It will only help you not do it next time.
And finally, to me losing weight and being healthy is NOT a diet – it’s living a health lifestyle. Diets are fads where you lower your food intake for a certain period of time to lose weight. Living a healthy lifestyle is about making the right food choices and exercising on a daily basis to lose weight and be healthy.

GREAT JOB JESSICA! Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to seeing you REACH your goal. 🙂