Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 200 pounds. Being hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis was her turning point. Her doctor told her that if she had not come to the ER that day, she may have gone into a coma. After that life changing event, she dedicated her time and energy to transforming her life. Check out how she did it.
My life got turned around in Sept 2014. When I got to the emergency room that day, I was placed in the ICU. My pancreas had shut down. My body started producing acid instead of insulin. The acid was going into my bloodstream and urine. When the tests came back, I found out that I was suffering from Diabetic ketoacidosis. I spent 3 Days in the ICU, because my sugar levels were reaching 600. The doctor said that if I hadn’t come to the hospital, I would have gone into a coma and probably wouldn’t have woken up.
When I was given an ultimatum from the Doctor, to live or die, that changed everything. The prospect of changing my life didn’t seem hard to me, because all I could remember was laying in ICU. I was just too young to die from something I could change on my own. After that experience, I decided that I wanted to live. My journey started after I went to my follow up appointment on Dec 20, 2014. On Dec 21st, I was in the gym.
During this journey, I’ve lost 200 pounds by being dedicated, committed and determined. My starting weight was 460 pounds and my current weigh is 265 pounds. I’m 5 feet, 9 inches tall and I didn’t have any type of weight loss surgery. Today, I am free of diabetes and high blood pressure.
I worked out 6-7 days a week, doing cardio for 30-45 minutes. My cardio of choice: stairmaster, double dutch, treadmill, bike or elliptical. Today, I am still in the gym 6 days a week and I lift weights. I just added Step and Sticks and Zumba classes to my routine. Zumba isn’t really my thing, but it helps me to work up a sweat before or after weight training.
I made big changes to the way I ate. I completely gave up white carbs; potatoes, rice, bread and pasta. Here are some example of the foods I ate/drank…
- breakfast: Oatmeal, egg white with spinach or a protein shake. Straight black coffee, green tea or red tea.
- Lunch: Protein shake, salad with chicken breast or turkey breast, plain salad, baked chicken breast and veggies. Water, green tea and sometimes coffee.
- Dinner: The same food I have for lunch, but mostly protein shakes depending on the time I get home.
- Snack: Plantines, popcorn or cashews.
I don’t eat pork or beef and I eat very little fish. A cheat meal for me would be hot wings and shrimp. I also don’t drink soda or eat cake, cookies and chips.
My advice to other people who want to lose weight is that it first starts in your mind. Once your mind is totally set, nothing will get in your way. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Just keep at it and go as hard as you can. Before saying “I can’t.”, just give it a try and keep trying. Never give up. I did this naturally, so I know it can be done. Also, have fun with it. No workout should be boring or dull.
Instagram: @jpretty1226
T says
Wow, what a transformation! Thanks for sharing your story, it was motivational. You look great!
Nolleen says
Awesome that was a great tranformation in deed. I need such In my life too.All confidence is gone need it back.
Olivia says
You are such an inspiration to all of us especially to our kids * lol londyn and aniylah has learned so much from you I thank you for showing them so many things and showing them what dedication is. I thank you for wanted to change your life so you can be here longer with us. You are my sister and I love love love you. So proud ! Go Jen ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jennifer says
😘😘😘love u to Lil Sis
Jennifer says
Thank you everyone
Sds says
Hello Jennifer, what an amazing journey you had. I know that nothing will help if your mind is not focused. I know all the things to do but I can’t seem to get my mind wrapped around the journey. My knees are really bad right now. Please if at all can you tell me how you stayed motivated.
Shondell Brown says
BEAUTIFUL!
Kathleen says
Great Job! God Bless You!
linda says
Awesome work lady. Keep it up!
Maliika says
Wow so inspirational!!!
chidimma says
very strong woman you are
Lande says
Jennifer I’m not as large as you were but my life is in the same danger as yours once was. Please HELP! I have seen someone that large do it naturally. I don’t know how to reach out you directly (email, text, phone) I know you are on this earth to help others directly.
Rachel says
All I can say is Baby Baby Baby! For some reason I have tears in my eyes. You are SUCH AN INSPIRATION for me. Thank you for being so strong. You are SUCH a beautiful person. You make me say “You can do this, Rachel”.
Imma says
Thanks for your inspiration story Janee.
Kayla Jenkins says
THIS IS AWESOME AND SUCH A HUGE INSPIRATION, I AM 9 MONTHS IN AND IM DOWN 70 POUNDS FROM MY STARTING WEIGHT OF 365.. I AM DOING THIS ALL NATURAL AS WELL. LOOKING AT YOU HAS GIVEN ME A SECOND WIND!!
CATHERINE MONTGOMERY says
ALL OF YOU ARE INSPIRING ME TO TAKE CHARGE OF MY HEALTH…
Jennifer says
From one Jennifer to another, I just want to thank you for sharing your journey. I currently weigh a little over 400 lbs and I am beginning my weight loss journey again, but this time I am armed with a serious determination!!! Your storey is a boost to my level of commitment and my realization that I CAN DO THIS!!! Thank you!!!♥️