Jacquesha lost 33.6 pounds

Jacquesha lost 33.6 pounds. Watching a good friend bounce back from a heart attack inspired this Chef to begin her own wellness journey. Focusing on health and wellness became her therapy. She cut out sugary drinks, walked 5 miles a day, and worked out with a trainer 3-4 days a week.

What was your motivation?
A good friend of mine had a heart attack in January 2020. After being hospitalized for over a month, I began to witness them take control of their health. Sometimes we just aren’t strong enough to do things for ourselves. I didn’t want them to feel alone, so I decided it was time I began a journey of my own. 

I’m a divorced single mom of three amazing girls who needed to see their always vibrant mom bounce back from the darkness. They deserved nothing but my best, and I hadn’t been at my best. So, they fueled my desire to be a healthier me. For them, I’d move mountains even if that mountain lay within myself. I needed to PRESS, and so I did… and so I AM!

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Giving up was never really an option. At this point, I was overwhelmed with grief and depression. Focusing on my health and wellness became the outlet/therapy that I needed just to continue to live. I had endured some hard losses during the pandemic onset. I walked myself back to life!

How did you change your eating habits?
Fortunate for me, eating wasn’t a weakness. I cook for a living, and I’m not a big eater. However, I did begin to be more intentional about when I ate because I look at this journey as more of a lifestyle change. I phased out certain items and replaced them with items of higher nutritional value. Being diabetic and already struggling with managing my blood sugar, I did not want to make drastic changes to where I couldn’t measure its effectiveness.

What foods did you stop or start eating?
I cut out all sugary beverages. I don’t think we realize how much sugar we drink. I started eating more raw vegetables, mainly salads. My toppings game was strong, so I wouldn’t get bored. 

Let us know if you used a specific plan or program.
I didn’t use a program. I remained open to try new things and winged it by setting small goals along the way – I ate raw, no meat weeks, smoothie week, OMAD, etc. I felt that in order to be successful and stay the course, I needed to feel like I didn’t deny myself of guilty pleasures (rather discipline and moderation).

What did your workout routine consist of?
I walked an average of 5 miles per day, usually in the morning. I also did HIIT training with a personal trainer. 

How often did you work out?
I worked with a trainer 3-4 times a week. Each workout targeted a different part of your body. No workout combinations were ever repeated during my transformation, and I really enjoyed it that sometimes I went all five days.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Her starting weight was 258.4 pounds, and her current weight is 224.8 pounds. 

What is your height?
6 feet tall

When did you start your journey?
May 10, 2020 

How long did your transformation take?
It took 90 days, but I’m still going. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it isn’t.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
To give yourself grace along the journey and always remember it’s not a sprint but a marathon. Stay the course no matter what. YOU CAN DO IT!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Sis, make yourself a priority! The journey to losing weight begins with you understanding your worth and valuing your health. We focus too much on the numbers when we need to focus on our energy, on longevity, and on our well being. The numbers will follow. Start small, set one goal at a time, and crush it! Most importantly, START!

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