Jalena lost 43 pounds

Update: Jalena lost 10 more pounds for a total of 43 pounds gone. By continuing to work with her trainer and nutritionist, she has seen her health improve and her confidence increase. Check out her update.

Height 5’3
Starting Weight: 253 pounds
Current Weight: 210 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 43lbs
Representing: Texas

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I have continued losing weight by focusing on staying on track with my workouts and following the nutritional plan. As soon as I get off track, my body starts to not feel at it’s the best.

My confidence has really increased. I feel good in the clothes that I’m wearing, which allows me to do things that I didn’t believe I could do before. I didn’t go to the gym when I was heavier because I didn’t want people looking at me and criticizing me. Now when I go to the gym, I’m actually inspiring other people.

The Fitness on Fire program saved my life and gave me back my life. When I started this program, I had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and I was having bad pains in my knees. While being on this program, everything has been reversed, and I am in excellent health. On a lighter note, through this program, I can shop in regular sizes (no more plus sizes). I can shop in stores that I wanted to shop in when I was younger, but couldn’t because of my size. This program is foolproof; the only way one can fail is if they do not put any effort in.

What obstacles, hurdles, or setbacks have you faced during your journey, and how did you get back on track?
Through my journey, I have gone through a move from one state to another. I also became sick for about four months. When I moved from Indiana to Texas, it took about two weeks to settle into my new apartment and job, which did not allow me to make the most healthful choices when it came to food.

When I began my new job, I had to do some traveling, and I was unable to make healthy food choices or go to the gym. When I became sick, it definitely set me back due to being in and out of the hospital. However, within two weeks of getting better, I got back into the gym and got back on my food plan.

What has worked in terms of eating habits and what worked in terms of exercise?
In terms of eating, being conscious of portion sizes has been very important. I have given up carbonated drinks and red meat. I also carry a 32oz water bottle with me, and I try to drink four bottles per day.

In terms of exercise, King of the Fire, trainer for Fitness on Fire, instructs me to do between 75-90 minutes of HIIT/Resistance training. I go to the gym between 5 – 6 days a week. When I first started FOF, I did not like going to the gym, but as I’ve progressed. I have seen the changes to my body, it is not a struggle to go anymore. My workouts really allow me to relax after leaving work.

What lessons have you learned on this journey?
I have learned through this journey is that consistency is critical. I really want to feel good when I look in the mirror, but the change will not happen without putting in the work. I have also learned that my journey can’t be anyone else’s journey. I can’t force someone to have the same mindset. Weight loss is a personal journey.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
I believe the only advice that I can offer to someone who wants to lose weight is that consistency is vital, and to realize that “life” will happen. Through the process, there will be setbacks, but don’t let that distract you from the goal that you have set for yourself. By being on FOF, the nutritionist will definitely keep you accountable.

Fitness on Fire has been a significant blessing in my life. I couldn’t have made this change by myself because I did not have the proper tools to be successful on my own. The Fitness on Fire nutritionist, NutritionistGuru, gives you everything you need to be successful when making food choices, and Fire plans your fitness program. They are always lending advice to keep you focused, and they are my accountability partners.

Instagram @jelise05

Read more about how she lost the weight.

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