Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Jada lost 135 pounds with hard work and determination after a major health crisis. This proud mom of 4 credits her weight loss to her trainer, working out consistently and clean eating. Here is what she shared with us:
I stare into my 1 year old daughter’s eyes and recall how I almost had a total breakdown when she was just 7 days old. At 324 pounds, I was hospitalized for three days. I was suffering with hypertension, an enlarged and weakened heart, palpitations, sleep apnea and fluid in my lungs. I was told that I’d be able to do no more than a 15 minute brisk walk because of my conditions, and when I asked would I get better if I lost weight I was told “not really.” My OB/Gyn told me he hadn’t seen that much fat in one person before and suggested I have weight loss surgery. They had a hard time getting my baby out (I had a C-Section) and an even harder time closing me up. I knew my life depended on my losing weight, but I wanted to do it naturally. So, I walked into Body By Denise when my baby girl was eight weeks and a day. I was convinced that if I just got my weight down, things would get better despite what the doctors said. With a whole lot of hard work (working out five days each week), an equal amount of dedication, and a constant size 9 foot up my backside (my awesome trainer Denise Warren), I dropped the weight. I no longer suffer with ANY of the aforementioned ailments. Exactly 1 year later, I am now 189 pounds. I’m enjoying being a mom and have all the energy I need to run behind my tribe of energizer bunnies (I have 4 children, three boys ages 11, 8 and 5 and my 1 year old baby girl). I love Body By Denise (BBD) something serious. Eat Clean + Train Dirty = Great Results!!
To be more specific about eating clean, I do not eat processed foods at all and no white starches whatsoever. I drink only water and unsweetened tea. I have no more than 2 servings of fresh fruit daily and 2 to 3 servings of green leafy vegetables. I eat only lean protein like tilapia, salmon fillet or chicken breast. My protein is either steamed, baked or grilled. I consume about a gallon of water daily and I do not eat after 8pm, 5pm on days that I work out. I snack on unsalted almonds and pistachios and limit my sodium intake to no more than 1500mg daily. My sugar intake is 25g or less per day. I add lemon to my water whenever I can and make sure that warm lemon water is the first thing I consume in the morning…Then I have fruit.
Danielle says
Great job! You look fabulous!
Andrea says
Jada, you are so beautiful! God bless you! What an inspiration you are! Thank you so much for sharing the details of what you ate! How tall are you? I ask because my goal weight Is 185-189
I am saving your story for encouragement. Thanks again for sharing
Jada says
I am 5’8″
Alecia H says
You looks great, I enjoyed reading your post, very inspiring and up building, I think my problem are my sodium intake, some bad eating habit with my kids especially at night, I need some help, keep the good work up
S. McLemore says
Awesome, you are an inspiration, God bless you!
Kimberly says
Wow you look great!! I knew your face looked familiar! I just started going to Body by Denise last week.. very intense workout but I love it! Did you start working out 5 days a week when you first began working out?? Thanks for the Inspiration to even push harder and stay focused on my weight loss goal! God bless you!!
Jada says
Yes, Kimberly. I went 5 days per week from the first day. You have to go 4 to 5 days each week to remain in the support groups. Those groups are phenomenal and has helped me through the process. I will be there tonight, find me after class so we can talk 🙂
Erin Gatewood says
What an amazing story! And thank you, Jada, for giving such a detailed description of your meal plan. You look absolutely amazing and I hope your children know how lucky they are to have you. 🙂
Yolanda says
First of all you look gorgeous..Great Job. Most importantly you need to CHANGE YOUR DR. He/She tried to help you die…
Leah says
You look absolutely fantastic! I am the same height and getting down to 200lbs is my first goal; now I see what an extra 10lbs can do! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Ra Sharon Walker says
You are an inspiration to so many. You took back your health. I love your story. God Bless you.
Lily Galbreath says
Jada you look wonderful. I’m glad you did not take your doctors advice. Some times we have to listen to our bodies. My question is did you go back to you OB/GYN show him what you accomplished the fired him. I’m really glad for you
Stephanie says
Great job Jada, you look GOOD GIRL!! I’ve been on my weight loss journey for about a yr and have lost 83lbs. Haven’t reached my goal weight, but I continue to Zumba it up!
My arms are thick like your before picture and yours look amazing! What did you do and do you have excess skin?
Thanks!
Michele says
(1) Thanks SO MUCH for sharing exactly what you did. Most times, people just give tips and not specifics. I need help, so thanks for sharing.
(2)Long story short, I have a personal goal to lose 100lbs by Oct 2014. I’ve lost 7 lbs since March, so it’s going really slow. I’m over 40, so its extra hard. I need to do something different but I don’t know what i’m doing wrong or not doing altogether.
(3) I too have a baby girl (2yo) and want to get this mess OFF so I can be free to chase her butt in the park -I’m tired of her outrunning mommy!
(4)I don’t know anything about Bodies By Denise, but I’m sure she’s not in the local DMV area 🙁
(5) you look AMAZING and I’m so SO very happy for you. Keep up the good work and enjoy your new life!
REMAIN BLESSED…Michele!
Natalie says
This was VERY inspirational! It’s amazing how people have no faith in a person just because they are big. Being big doesn’t mean we can’t succeed! Enjoy the new you! I’m right behind ya.
Michelle says
Congratulations!!! Looking good. What is your breakfast and lunch meal plan?
Linda says
Jada you are a true inspiration and let us all know that through hard workand dedication anything is possible. I wish you all the luck on your journey.
Priscilla says
I love the story and the results are beautiful. Great Job on the work out
Lisa says
Just Fabulous! I’m so inspired and happy for you for taking control of your life! And thank you for your detailed meals and daily routine, it really helped.
Renesha says
How long did it take for you to really stick to the clean eating ? How do keep being from being hungry?
Tanecha Garrick-Reid says
i wish you wore in Jamaica, i so want to lose this weight.
KimO says
Great job. Gives me inspiration as well as a blue print of what to eat and not. Many say eat clean but I have had a had time figuring out exactly what that means. Thanks for sharing the info on clean eating.
Cheryl LaMothe says
Thanks for sharing your story. Very helpful.
Betty says
Looking good. I don’t have much engery.Give me some tips to get started for one week and maybe I will feel better to keep up the work. I need to lose a l00lbs
Monique Porter says
Hi Betty, I know this is Jada’s success story, but I still wanted to respond to your message. I needed to lose 100 lbs too. I started riding my stationary bike for 15-30 minutes a day 2-3 times a week. Sometimes I would ride twice a day just 13 minutes each. I would play my favorite gospel video on YouTube (Byron Cage, Presence of the Lord) which lasted 13 minutes and have a good time in the presence of the Lord. I found that my speed would increase and id burn more calories. I’m down 38 lbs since February and I do have more energy. I also got a shot of wheatgrass every other day at my health food store. I’m praying for you!
Monique
Monique Porter says
Way to go Jada! Considering your Dr. said you had a few health challenges were you or your trainer concerned about stressing your organs with your routine? Did you have shortness of breath before you decided to alter your lifestyle? My blood pressure was high and I was experiencing heart palpitations, but didn’t want to take medication and I’ve lost 35 lbs since February. My BP numbers are normal now, but the range varies daily and the shortness of breath is still present. I also feel that further weight loss will cause a permanent healthy change for me….61 more pounds to go and I’ll be right there with you! Thank you for sharing your story and God bless you even more.
Dangerpuppy says
Congratulations on your great weight loss!!! You are such an inspiration. I have started my weight loss journey January this year, and I have lost 21 pounds so far! You are indeed an inspiration!!!!
God bless you!
Shay Matthews says
Ok I am so inspired by you.. 2 months ago my bp was 246/140 and my doctors were amazed i am still walking the earth.. I had already dropped 60 pounds to reach 215, but I got lazy gained 10 back and I am now on 4 bp meds and diabetes meds.. My doctor thinks if i drop 25 more pounds and change my eating habits i can get off of everything but bp meds.. I am praying God shows favor and I can get off of all of the meds.. thanks for sharing your amazing story!
Monique Porter says
Hi Shay, tears are in my eyes knowing your blood pressure was so high, but also because we know God is a healer and He preserved you. You didn’t become lazy. You were just temporarily sidetracked. You have done an incredible job changing your lifestyle. Remember, God is helping you and you are putting in the work! We know Faith and Work go hand in hand. I’m praying for you! I’m altering my lifestyle as well…we are in this together!
Dewanda says
Your story brings me to tears. I am so happy for you.
You have been an encouragement for me.
Thanks for sharing
Kimberly says
Hi Jada!! I haven’t been to BBD since I messaged you because I was on vacation… I will look for you once I go back to class, I really miss it and need it!! Congrats again on your amazing weightloss!!
Evelyn says
Jada, you have no idea how encouraging this story is to me. Your story is EXACTLY like mine, VERBATIM. So far I have lost 65 pounds but I have many more to go. I am fighting a plateau right now but I’m about to DEMOLISH it so that I can have a testimony like yours!!! Thank you for sharing!!