Jessica lost 55 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost 55 pounds. Maintaining a calorie deficit, eating whole foods, and dancing for exercise truly worked for her. She tried to release the weight in the past, but she says that this time was different because she put her faith in God at the center of her efforts. 

During the past year, I lost 55 pounds! I started my journey on July 11, 2018, and the initial 45 pounds were lost in a span of six months. I did it by getting rid of junk food and eating healthy, whole foods. My workouts consisted of dance cardio.

Once I lost that weight, I was able to keep it off, with my weight fluctuating between 3-4 pounds up and down (mostly due to bloating). Next, I decided to go on a cleanse. I went on a juice diet this past month [August] for three weeks and lost an additional 10 pounds! I’m so happy about that. Now I’m only 18 more pounds from my goal.

Here is the number of inches I’ve lost;
Middle waist – 7.6 inches
Bottom waist – 10 inches
Arms- 2.3 inches
Hips/Glutes 6 inches
Chest- 7.5 inches

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was to be healthy and comfortable in my body. I wasn’t confident. I also couldn’t deal with the problems that came with being overweight and my addiction to junk food (sugar, especially). I truly surrendered my life to the Lord and made a change.

God inspired me to keep going and not give up. I’ve tried losing weight for so many years but failed every time because Christ wasn’t in the center of my journey. Once I trusted in the Lord, I never looked back!

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by going cold turkey and cutting out ALL junk food. That meant no takeout, fried foods, starchy foods, high carb foods (white rice, white bread, etc.), or sugary foods (ice cream, candy, cookies, etc.). The foods I did eat were whole foods that had high nutritional value, such as fruits, vegetables, lean chicken, turkey, and fish. I also maintained a calorie deficit.

What was your workout routine?
I would work out for about five days a week for the first two months of my journey. Then I slowed down and wasn’t as consistent with my workouts as the months went on, but I always stayed in a calorie deficit! I did dance cardio. For those who are trying to drop a ton of weight quickly, I say that is the way to go. It’s super fun! I would dance to The Fitness Marshall videos and Dance Fitness with Jessica videos on YouTube… and it’s all free!

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 229.6 pounds. My current weight is 175 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’5″.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Weight loss surgery is not part of my journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to trust God through the process. I feel like the easy part is starting but sticking it out is a battle. However, it’s a battle that can definitely be conquered. Trust that God will give you the strength to push through. Know that you are capable of accomplishing your goal, even though you’ve quit a thousand times before. You are worth the journey and the results. You got this!

What advice would you like to share?
During those times when you want to quit or give up, DONT! Push through. Even when you need to have a cry (or two, lol) or if you need a couple of rest days, just don’t fall off.

Also, always keep track of your calories because that truly allows you to know what direction you are headed in. Keep changing your food up and your exercise routine so you don’t get bored and you keep challenging yourself.

Be thankful for the journey. If you are thankful, you’ll love your results no matter what they are because you were not afraid to go through the journey.

Instagram: @aspiringj