Jessica lost 105 pounds

Update Feb 2022: Jessica is down 77 pounds after giving birth to her first child. She’s 15 months postpartum and has chronicled her 2nd weight loss journey online. By holding herself accountable and committing to healthy habits, she has achieved impressive results.

1 month postpartum weight: 289 pounds
15 months postpartum weight: 212 pounds

I’m currently on my 2nd weight loss journey. From 2017 to 2019, I lost 100 lbs naturally by walking, using light weights for toning, and balancing my diet. Increasing my water intake and only eating healthy carbs at lunchtime also helped me lose weight. 

In 2020, I became pregnant during the pandemic and gained nearly 100 pounds back! In October of 2021, I weighed 289 pounds after having my son via emergency C-section. I currently weigh 212 pounds, and my weight is still going down. 

I discovered juicing for weight loss which has helped me regain my health! I’ve even put together a meal guide with some of my favorite juicing recipes to help people lose large amounts of weight the healthy way! @itsme_jessg

March 2020: Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost 105 pounds with healthy eating habits and exercise. Fed up with the inconvenience and discomforts of carrying lots of weight on a 4’11” frame, she did her research, educated herself, and figured out what works for her.

When I was growing up, it was quite normal to eat large portions, have second servings, eat at late hours, and consume fast food regularly in my household. By the time I was 26 years old, I reached my highest weight of almost 300 pounds at the height of only 4’11”. Yikes! 

Dealing with the inconvenience and discomforts of being obese at a young age, took a toll on me. I was finally ready to make a change despite countless failed attempts in my past. Everything changed once I changed my mindset on the matter. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I began to do research, educate myself, and talk to people. I started my journey by simply cutting out the foods that were obviously helping me keep the weight on, like soda, packaged food, white bread, pasta, white rice, fast food, etc. My go-to vegetables of choice are green beans or spinach. I literally eat them every week.

One of the most important things I started to consume was more water! I underestimated the importance of water in my diet. I learned not to waste calories on drinks. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
I did not feel comfortable going to the gym, so I just walked outside around my neighborhood. I walked two miles a day, five days a week. In the first six months, I lost 50 pounds. 

After I lost my first 50 pounds (which happened towards the beginning of 2017), I wanted to keep my body toned. I began incorporating light 10lb weight exercises into my routine as well as jumping rope, squats, and using the stair master at Planet Fitness. I learned that repetitive exercises done with light weights help me to lose more weight while toning.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 300 pounds, and my current weight is 195 pounds. Since 2016 when I initially started, I’ve lost a total of 105 pounds naturally! 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Consistency will get you results, don’t overwhelm yourself by worrying if you’ll be able to stick to it. It’s called a journey for a reason.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Keep it simple! Don’t overwhelm yourself. There’s no such thing as the right time to start a healthier lifestyle. Stop putting it off! Start now, right now. 

The best advice someone ever gave me was to keep it simple and remain consistent! There’s no need to over complicate things.

Instagram: @itsme_jessg

Update February 2021: Shout out to Jessica. She lost 100 pounds during her first weight loss journey. In 2020, she gave birth to her son. Now, five months later, this first-time mom is working hard to release the pregnancy weight. She has lost 45 pounds.

I lost 100lbs lbs naturally during my 1st weight loss journey (2016-2019). I gained over 80 pounds back during my 1st pregnancy (during this pandemic)! I’m officially five months postpartum and down 45lbs & 10 inches off my waistline!

What is your current weight? 
My current weight is 240 pounds. 

What is working for you?
As a first-time mom of a five-month-old baby, meal prepping works best for me! I keep it very simple when it comes to my diet: lots of water, protein, and vegetables. I did not completely cut carbs out of my diet. Instead, I eat carbs in moderation. I’ve learned it’s all about balance.

I’ve done cardio mixed with light resistance workouts to help shred the fat and tone up. Most of my workouts are at home due to the pandemic. I use a set of resistance bands, 8lb dumbbells, and a medicine ball for crunches.

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most at this point?
“Without sacrifice, there are no gains.” Sometimes we have to give up things to reach our goals and highest potential!

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
Don’t wait for a specific day or perfect time to start on your weight loss journey. Just start! Know that there are high and lows with every journey, but it’s all about working for a better value of life. – @itsme_jessg

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 🦋JessMyBody 🦋 (@itsme_jessg)

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.