Transformation of the Day: Jai lost 35 pounds. She was tired of struggling with clothing choices and hiding behind people in photos. With her health in mind, she committed to healthy eating habits, consistent workouts, and a new mindset about her ability to change and reach her goals.
What was your motivation?
My clothes! They will tell you the truth no matter what, and I refuse to purchase a bigger size! I was sick of looking at myself in pictures trying to look slim or trying to hide behind someone or something.
The pandemic didn’t make it any easier either. My age, menopause, and weight were beginning to wear me down. In addition to all this, there was the death of my mom at the age of 51 from a stroke. My health concerns were a huge factor. My cholesterol was spiring out of control.
What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I kept thinking that if I stopped now, I would have to start all over again. And that was something I was determined NOT to do because I’ve done that before over and over again! So it was time for me to put on my big girl’s panties and be true to myself for once and for all.
How did you change your eating habits?
I just created my own program because I didn’t want to get stuck on someone else plan. I needed it to be something that I could live with for the rest of my life. So, I kind of meshed several meal plans into my own. I also stopped eating junk food, and I cut out sweet drinks.
Then I started increasing my water intake and stopped eating after 8 pm., later changing that to 7 pm. Next, I incorporated intermittent fasting. That was a real challenge! I focused on adding proteins and good healthy fats to my routine that are right for my body type. (Foods that allow me to decrease my cholesterol while losing weight and building muscle.) I would also allow myself cheat days, not to go crazy but to allow some fun on my journey.
What did your workout routine consist of?
I started realistically by walking a minimum of three miles six days a week around my house. Then I signed up for a 16-week fitness challenge in my area. Let me tell you, hearing about how to cancel the contract/refund my money kept me really motivated to finish the program.
After I completed the program, I was back on my own. I used several Youtube videos, and I signed up with Planet Fitness, where I remain today.
What was your starting weight? 178 pounds
What is your current weight? 143 pounds
What is your height? 5’4″
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
From August 2021 to March 2022
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. No lie…I wanted lipo360! However, I challenged myself to go 100% natural.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Never give up on yourself. You are worth the fight! I was so out of shape! I was sore every single day! I thought I would break and just give up on myself. But then I remembered, “No pain, No gain!” If you fall, get up and keep going! Keep your vision fresh in your mind! Know that it will be worth it one day if you don’t stop.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Start slow, be realistic, set small goals, and knock them down pound by pound. I concentrated on 5 pounds at a time, or sometimes I would just round the numbers up.
Don’t be scared to start. JUST DO IT! Stay prayerful and ask God to give you strength daily to see this thing through! Thank Him for every pound that you lose, big or small. Remember that numbers add up!
Don’t stop believing in yourself, and don’t listen to negative comments. Yes, there will be times when you don’t want to do anything. But that’s when I challenge you to dig deep and go even harder! The reward is so much greater than letting your mind beat you up.
When the day does come, and you look back on all of the sacrifices you made and how no one understood your personal journey, you’ll be able to look in the mirror, smile at yourself, and say, “We did THAT!”
Instagram: @jazzijai65
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