Update Feb 2015:
Update Nov 2013: Jeanette is now down more than 250 pounds!!
April 2013 – Today’s Featured Success Story: I’m so excited to feature Janette Colantonio. She lost 243 pounds, down from 412 pounds, the old fashioned way. Eating right and exercise. Her story is AMAZING and I’m so proud of her. We featured Janette last year and I just want to give an update because she is featured in this month’s Fitness Magazine. Many of you may remember her because the response to her story was CRAZY! She’s also been on TheDoctors TV show and other media outlets. Check out her Facebook page, Refusing2Fail. You’ll find more info on how she lost the weight in the notes area of her Facebook page.
243 pounds, Ladies! Jeanette’s story let’s us all know that we CAN do it!
“My name is Janette Colantonio, I am a wife and mother of 3. I began my weight loss journey 2 years ago after receiving a seat belt ticket for not being buckled up. This was the last straw for me. I stepped on the scale and saw 412 pounds. About a week later, after changing my eating habits, I stepped on the scale once again and saw 408 pounds. I have considered that my highest weight, but 412 lbs. is where I initially started. I chose to count calories and do a lot of exercise. Today, I eat between 1400-1500 calories a day, consisting of lean meats, veggies, and a limited daily serving of fruit and nuts. I currently weigh 169 pounds and I’m well on my way to my goal. I am down a total of 243 pounds from the initial 412 pounds I saw on the scale. I now use my journey to motivate and inspire others to take back their health!”
What do I eat?
For most of journey, my diet consisted of lots of veggies, 2 servings of fruit daily and lean meat, like turkey, fish, and chicken. I watch my sugar and sodium intake. I do not count carbs, but I am mindful of them, especially when I eat them (which is generally before 2 p.m.) Water is essential to my diet. I drink a gallon of water a day. I counted calories and my calorie limit was 1200 calories a day. Now, I aim to eat at least 1400-1500 calories a day.
My workout routine
I previously worked out 5-6 days a week 2-3 hours a day. I usually did a 3-5 mile walk daily. I belonged to a gym and would do zumba classes, weights, strength training. I also dance and work out on the elliptical. I use any opportunity to keep my body in motion. This is coming from someone who initially despised working out. Believe me, it gets easier as you go forward, just don’t give up. My current workouts are generally shorter High Intensity workouts, cardio, and picking up my weights! No more 2-3 hour workouts!
Facebook page: Refusing2Fail
G K says
Amazing! You go girl!!
TDMorgan says
This is what I’m talking about! This is an awesome achievement.
Sylvia Langford says
Wow! Congratulations and keep up the good work toward your goal! You are truly an inspiration!! Thanks for sharing this!
Tracie says
My mouth is still dropped as Im typing….You go,go,and go some mo girl…God is so GOOD. Keep it up.
Pam says
Congrats to you and thank you for sharing such an inspiring story.
Fa says
I love to see the glory of eating healthy and exercise!! Jeanette, you are amazing and unstoppable! Best transformation yet!
Melissa says
That police probably was a real butthead but I tell you, he helped you decide to get it together. Thank God for bringing him in your life that day. You look beautiful and did a great job!!! Congratulations!
Tiffany Myers says
The devil meant it for bad, but GOD meant it for GOOD!!!! What an awesome GOD we serve!!!!!!
LESLIE says
I LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT DUE TO BEING DIABETIC 2YRS AGO. I HAVE STARTED TO REGAIN THE 210 OF WEIGHT LOST. I WAS DOWN TO A SIZE 16. I AM CURRENTLY AT 24/26. I DOT KNOW WHAT I DON’T WRONG. BUT, IM AFRAID TO EAT CERTAIN FOODS BECAUSE OF THE DIABETES. I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO LOSE MY STOMACH WITHOUT SURGERY. BUT, LOOKING AT YOUR PICKS . I KNOW THAT IT IS POSSIBLE. THANKS FOR YOUR TESTIMONY. I KNOW I CAN DO IT KNOW.
Angel says
She got a little plastic surgery after it was all said and done. But u Wil be healthy enough once u lose all the weight to not be at a high risk during the surgery.
Rafaela Rivera says
Great job. If she can do it, anyone can. No excuses!!!
Angela says
You are truly an inspiration! What I love is that you did it all WITHOUT surgery. I realize surgery may be the only option for some, but I applaud you for changing your lifestyle and achieving your goals the old fashioned way. Since August of 2012, I have lost a little over 30 pounds by eating less and moving more…which I believe is the best and safest way. I am forwarding your story to some friends of mine who are also on the same path, but who are considering cosmetic surgery after achieving their weight goals. I hope your story will show that going under the knife is not always necessary. Congratulations, good luck, and thanks for sharing your journey.
Kalonnie Morrison says
That is the most beautiful and inspiring story. She did what seem like impossible. With lifestyle modifications and looking simply Devine. I am so happy I read this story and thanks Ms. Akins for posting this story as I was getting frustrated with my workout.
Schacona says
You are Powerful Gurl!!! Awesome and thanx for sharing.
Carmen says
Yay! Congratulations! You look amazing!
Catherine says
I had a doctor’s appt this morning and tipped the scales at 331…after I found this out, I said to myself, enough is enough, today I will eat healthy and start an excercise regimen. Then I get home and read your wonderful story…Congratulations sister, not only do you look healthy, you are beautiful. I wish you continued success.
Mo says
Thank God for this website and thank you so much for featuring stories like this. I had almost given up on losing weight the natural way. But I also know that I really don’t want to go under the knife. I realize that for some, that might be the only option and thats okay too. Your story has restored my hope. If you can lose 243pounds (which is what I weigh). Then I can do it.. All your hard work has surely paid off. You look amazing.
Netta says
I watched this with tears in my eyes…I’m trying to lose 30 lbs….Congratulations and hat a BLESSING! You’re such an inspiration
Cherron R. Wilson says
You look great, you are so inspirational.
Loren says
Congratulations! You look amazing and I’m sure you feel amazing too! Your story is a great inspiration for many of us that have given up. Obviously, we don’t need fancy diets… just exercise and eating right! You are proof of that!
Syltina says
All I can say is WOW!!! You look amazing. You inspire me, if you can lose all that weight on your own, so can I. Way to go!
Cornelia Y Moore says
Amen
tamica says
What did you eat for breakfast?
tamica says
What do you eat for breakfast?
Rhonda says
You are truly AMAZING!!!
Terri says
Amazing!
Davina Bettis says
I was wondering did you have to have surgery to remove the extra skin perferbly the stomach?
dianne douglas says
you inspire to keep going on !! you look amazing thank GOD for stories like this and this website!!
Michelle Wilson says
Wow…your story truly inspired me. It had me in tears. This journey is hard, but seeing your story again reaffirms that if I stay diligent and dedicated I can accomplish my goals. Continue to be that beacon of light for women everywhere that think they cannot take their life back. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your amazing story with the world! God bless
Adrienne says
thank you for this 🙂
Ally says
Wow girl you look incredible! Very inspirational! I needed that to boost me up! I was feeling a bit down after being stuck at a certain number for over a year. Reading your story invigorated me, makes me realize that I can still do this! Thanks for sharing
Tasha says
Tears came to my eyes as I watch the journey clipping. Wonderful, and you are an inspiration for all. Thank you for being a model as a sister to show that dedication is everything and key to all successors!
michelle g wilson says
Im saying to myself tears. They are tears of joy with the thought God is good and faithful. This story inspired me whole heart. So many people at my place of employment in the last year or two has gotten the gastro surg. The more I read stories like this let me know I can do it on my own. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Keep up the good work. You look absolutely beautiful.
Sarah says
God bless you. Keep pressing for your goal!!!!! Thank you !!!! 🙂
Jacki says
Praise God! I am wiping tears and grateful to have seen this because I wanted to give into the negative. Thank you so much!!
My sister you are my blessing today!
florence says
aaaaah there are tyms that l doubt if lm ever gonna slim, but this….. kips me goin !!! im inspired gal
Kat says
wow! what a journey. You’ve done well for yourself. Though I don’t know you, I’m darn proud of you! You should be proud of yourself as well! You came a long way. Keep up the great work!
Joyce P says
you have inspired me, your story is amazing and you really have helped me
Chantelle says
AWESOME! GOD IS AMAZING. I THANK GOD FOr your testimony for men and women to believe in themselves. I too have started my journey and I’m EXCITED ABOUT my future! Down 110 lbs the old fashioned way with GOD as my coach. I still have more time go, but well on my way. Stay ENCOURAGED
Lisa says
Jeanette,
Your story is amazing, inspiring and encouraging. I am going to get the magazine today and place it on my inspiration board as I continue my journey!
God bless you.
Stay healthy,happy and whole
Lisa says
AMAZING, you are truly an inspiration,thank you, thank you, there are so many days (like today) that I feel like giving up because I am not seeing results, but now I am on my way. God you bless you my sister, you look great!!!
Leslie says
You’re a BADD SISTA…more than a conqueror !
Pie says
Oh My God!!!!!!……You are truly an “Inspiration”…I’m really Proud of your Accomplishment!!!!…I’m going to take a page from your book and start my Healthy Living!!!!.Thank you
Camille says
Thank you so much for posting this video. You are such an inspiration and you truly are BEAUTIFUL. 🙂
Jennifer says
AWESOME JOB!!!!!!! I’m a larger woman on a weightloss journey myself. Your story motivates me! My question is, how did you lose your excess skin as you lost weight? That’s my current biggest concern.
Jacqueline Wilson says
I need to do this and post a pic of myself it would help me to be accountable
Gloria Milligan says
Wow that’s awesome I’m 48 years old I gain weight after having 4 kids my baby boy is 10 sometimes it’s kinda hard right now because I don’t work so I have to eat what I can I don’t eat a lot but when I do eat I gain weight, what I’m trying to say is I don’t have time for me, what should I do, at this time I weight 396 after seeing this you have really touched me, I want mine off badly please help me anybody I’m a little depressed!!
Miss MJ says
Hi Miss Gloria.
I often hear of women who say that they don’t have time. Well, here’s something that may help. Perhaps you incorporate exercise while watching TV. You can march while you watching TV. You can do squats or other strength training exercise during commercials. You can do standing ab work during commercials too. If you have a streaming service such as HULU etc, they have yoga and other fitness classes. It’s a start. Like my doctor told me, any movement counts. I hope this little idea helps.
Miss MJ says
This was such an inspiring story. Man, I’ve got to get going….again.
MissLady says
HaleluYah. Your testimony is amazing! You look fabulous! You are an inspiration
to us all. A change of mind, heart, attitude & actions can take you a long way!
So happy for you!
Bubbles says
You go girl! How long did it take you to lose all those pounds?
melinda daara says
wow!! I don’t know you personally yet I want to say, YOU GO GIRL!!!!You make us proud!
Bonnie Carr says
Wish I could do that…im fat,sick n dying over here. Can’t loose any weight. Plus it seems to cost a lot to eat healthy.
angelasamuel says
i am ready to lost my weight
angelasamuel says
Go girl you did well
Heaven says
I really need it I will make sure I try my best.This is super amazing
Andrew says
What did you do with the extra skin?