Update: We asked the BWLW Community on FB what they felt was the key to losing belly fat and Jenitra shared what works for her.
“I currently train 4-5 days a week in the gym, it took one year to transform my body. My diet consists of 5 meals. They’re all high in protein, I eat moderate carbs and incorporate fiber. Taking digestive enzymes and probiotics played a role in my transformation.” – @Jeanitra
Update Feb 2017: Jeanitra is still going strong. She’s preparing for a figure competition in April and has gone from 16% body fat to 14%. We asked her what changes she’s made to her routine to prepare for competition and what advice she’d like to share. Her story shows how powerful gaining lean muscle can be when it comes to transforming your body.
I would love to share my physique update with all of you. I’ve lost more body fat. I was 16% body fat and now I’m roughly 14%. This spring, April 29th, I will be competing in the upcoming NPC Kentucky Derby Show as a figure competitor. I’m 11 weeks out from the show. My goal is to reach my leanest body fat percentage, which my coach and I are predicting 9%, I’ve also put on more muscle! Before, my overall goal was to just have a flat tummy, but now I’m aiming for the sky.
Have you made any significant changes to your diet and exercise routine as you prepare for the NPC show?
Yes, I’ve made significant changes, mainly to my workout routine. I’m weight training 7 days a week vs. before when I was training 3-4 days a week. I have a set day for each body part. I train my major muscles groups twice a week. I’ve recently added 35 minutes of cardio that I complete after my training sessions, 4 days per week. Currently my contest prep coach, Kevin Fit Johnson, is monitoring how my body responds to see if we need to make adjustments for conditioning purposes!
At this point, would you offer any new advice to ladies who want to lose weight?
I recommend to all the aspiring women that you should focus on the overall body when it comes to losing weight. It took me 12 months of pure consistency and dedication to get to where I am today. Follow a strict meal, do resistance training at least 4-5 days a week, and add in a little cardio. If your trying to build muscle, you may want to gradually increase your cardio so that you won’t burn off muscle. Don’t look at your journey as a punishment!
Tips: Drink a gallon of water EVERYDAY. Eat FIVE small meals a day. Don’t starve yourself. Reduce your salt intake. Cut out Fast Food/Sweets/Soda. Don’t isolate just your stomach. Get 8 hours of sleep. Get rid of your EXCUSES!
Updated Instagram: @Jeanitra
July 2016: Jeanitra lost 12 pounds, gained muscle and transformed her midsection with clean eating and weight training. She also found love on this journey. This mom of 3 is no long worried about her loose skin and stretch marks. Check out her story.
After having three beautiful children, ages 13, 6, and 2 years old, my body indeed changed! All I can remember is going from having no butt, stomach, and hips to BABY GOT BACK! Loose skin and stretch marks were my biggest issues. I thought my body was gone forever. Today, drinking one gallon of water a day and eating clean is keeping my skin tighter.
I began my weight loss journey after meeting my personal trainer, Kevin Johnson, who later became my boyfriend. He is my motivation. He is so encouraging, devoted and reassuring!
We completely took sugar, processed meats, pork, fast foods, etc. out my diet. My meal plan is strictly based off of my height (5’1″), body weight and of my favorite healthy food choices. I eat five meals everyday (2-3 hours apart) with small portions.
My first meal is breakfast: I have egg whites, steel cut oatmeal, and a small portion of blueberries. The other four meals consist of a protein, a healthy carb, and veggies. It’s hard work to intake such amounts of food and water at first. Once your metabolism is boosted, your body will quickly adjust. I workout seven days a week doing cardio and weight training.
My starting weight was 145 pounds, currently I weigh 133 pounds. I’ve learned not to be so dependent on the scale in my bathroom because with weight training you gain lean muscle mass. This means you can appear heavier based on the numbers on the scale, but you will look more toned and fit in the mirror.
My first transformation took three months. I immediately noticed my abs forming! My journey has become a lifestyle, I have more progress pictures and recent workout videos that I’ve downloaded to my Instagram account: @jeanitra. I would like to dedicate my transformation to all women as a reminder that it always seems impossible until its done.
Shan says
I have the same problem. 3 kids body different I have had back issues since my last child but I have emotional issue. I’m alone with no one to talk too after a long stressful day at work I will comfort myself with food but God will make a way for I hope
LinMarie says
Shan Hang in there and take it one step at a time. Being a single mom is difficult and without a support system it can be emotionally and physically draining. Have you considered joining a health club that has a free, or nominal fee sitting service so that your children can be watched while you workout? If you have a sitter that can watch the kids at least 2 or 3 times a week while you workout that’s even better. Being at a health club would put you in an adult setting that will help you get in shape and meet people. You could also try putting up a flyer at your kids’ school to reach out to other moms and form a walking, or exercise group. Keep your head up and good luck!
Fayona Brown says
Body look neat and nice.Skin well pretty.You’re an inspiration. Hopefully I can get it right soon.I have removed a lot of processed foods and juice but I only walk for 45 mins 3 days a week.Ah boi, pray for me .
But……u look really good.
Kay says
You look fantastic! I can’t wait to get my abs and body in shape. Sista is working on losing all of the “baby fat” and skin as well. For the longest time I thought it was hard to lose,not anymore. What an inspiring story!
Tiffany says
She looks very well amazing!!! Some of my same problem areas are my tummy and arms. But my tummy and arms aren’t loose more so a tight form like so old thick like. I got myself a cardio treadmill. And,I try to power walk every other day. I have tried to elimanate fast food and sodas for salads and water I hope this helps..
Danielle says
I am 115 lbs. Mother of three with hyper-thyroid and I feel so lost at times. Because my mid-section is
larger and I have alot of loose skin.
I wish I could find a way to zap my
body back in shape.
Torrie says
This is amazing, In addition to your diet could you share some of your work outs? I am 5’2″ and I weigh 137 and have loose skin on my stomach. I hate it but it looks better when I’m bloated. However, I would like to flatten out my stomach and get more muscle tone. I would like to get to your first transformation so any help would be greatly appreciated
Victress says
I’m having a difficult time finding a meal plan. Do you mind sharing tips. I am a mother of 4, and I have found it difficult finding a meal plan to stick with.