Jeannette lost 49 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jeannette lost 49 pounds. After being diagnosed with high blood pressure and pre-diabetes, this loving mom of 4 decided to seek out expert help to get her health under control. She shared with us how she modified her eating habits and exercised to create a healthier lifestyle.

2 years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and prediabetes. I was frustrated because I was unable to sleep comfortably at night and was always feeling tired. The urge to eat was constantly on my mind. I decided to go see a nutritionist and a diabetic specialist to see what I could do to get my health under control.

I started out at 217 pounds and with my new tools and information from the experts, I changed my eating habits and started to exercise. It took me one year to lose 50 pounds.

Here are three things that I did daily and I still do;

• Drink lots of water.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• High protein lifestyle.

I’m very comfortable where I am now. I no longer have high blood pressure or prediabetes. I have kept the weight off for two years now and at the age of 39, I feel better than ever. I started at 217 pounds and I have gotten down to 168. My goal is 150 pounds and I’m 5 foot 5 inches tall. I’ve been married for 13 years and I have 4 children. My children’s ages are 18, 19, 22 and 23. I want to encourage the next woman and let them know that they can do it.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits one day at a time. I’m a person who really had an addiction to sweets. They had a mental hold on me. Because of that, I had to make sure that I already had my meals planned out daily. I started eating high-protein/low carb meals with vegetables and fresh fruits when I had a craving for sweets.

When I started my high protein lifestyle, I also cut back on fried meat. Baking and Grilling meat became the norm for me. I have eliminated almost all processed food from my diet. I started to eat lots of hard boiled eggs, salads, green veggies, carrots and bell peppers (my favorites). When I want something crunchy, I always keep cucumbers on deck for a late night snack.

How did exercise figure into your journey?
I started slowly working out at the gym, doing cardio at first. Then a trainer showed me how to strength training. I began lifting weights and that’s when I saw major changes in my body and the shape of my body. Exercising is extremely important for the mind, body and the soul. However, I still firmly believe that your eating must be under control to get the results that you want.

What is your advice for others who want to lose weight?
I would tell someone who is trying to lose weight to take it one day at a time. Accomplish the goal for that day. Also, find a good gym or a good support system, like a workout buddy, to help keep you accountable. I think a lot of times people take on too much, like weekly goals or monthly goals, and they set themselves up for failure.

Instagram: @Jeannetteferguson