Jessica lost 88 pounds

The only differences between these two pictures are time and decisions. The picture on the left was January 1, 2012. A few months later, I had a blood pressure scare that made me realize I needed this journey for my health, not simply a dress size or a number on a scale. Fast forward to the picture on the right from just a few weeks ago. In the time between these two images, I found a different way to love myself by making healthier decisions, instead of always drowning my fears and anxieties in food. It took years to lose 100 pounds. I’ve maintained 85 pounds lost. Some would say that’s not perfect (me to myself over the last year). But no matter what the scale says, or how many imperfect days pass, I make sure I always show up to the battlefield. That’s the promise I made to God in 2012. Surround yourself with people who push you to do better and fill you with confidence at the same time. I’m on your team! #jessicaonajourney #flashbackfriday #weightlossjourney #fitnessjourney #weightlossmotivation #fitnessmotivation #weightlosspodcast #fitnesspodcast #fitnessblogger #onedayatatime #nofinishline #notetoself #teamLW #loveisaverb #lovemyshape #decidetolive

A post shared by Jessica Larche Washington (@jessicaonajourney) on Mar 31, 2017 at 3:21am PDT

Transformation of the Day: Morning News Anchor Jessica lost 88 pounds and has gone from 40% to 25 % body fat.  She’s shared her transformation with the public and documented it online.  Learn more about how she lost the weight…

I’m Jessica Larche, a morning news anchor for WTKR-TV in Norfolk, Virginia. I have been sharing my weight loss journey with our viewers. Over the last two and a half years, my healthy lifestyle changes have led to nearly 90 pounds in weight loss!

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
In 2012, I had a wake-up call that made me realize it’s not just about losing weight or squeezing into a cute dress. A visit to the doctor revealed my blood pressure was 150/100, which is dangerously high. I was embarrassed that my poor eating choices and lack of a consistent exercise routine led to blood pressure medication at 27 years old.

I decided that I had to begin a lifelong journey toward health and fitness if I was going to tackle this, and do away with the notion of a “diet”.  I started by falling completely in love with myself at that exact moment, no matter the number on the scale or the size of the pants I was wearing. I had to use the love I had for myself as fuel for making better decisions.

How did you change your eating habits?
I began researching foods that help lower blood pressure. Kale, spaghetti squash, flaxseed and cauliflower rice kept popping up. I found fun recipes to help break up the monotony of my low-sodium, lower-carb lifestyle. I usually keep my calories around 1500 a day. I try to stick to lower-carb foods like chicken, fish, veggies, and protein bars when I’m on the go. I do eat healthy carbs like oatmeal or brown rice, but I try to eat those earlier in the day.

What did your workout routines look like?
When I began my journey in 2012, I took cardio and weight training classes at One Life Fitness. About a year later, I started working with a trainer (Stephen Proctor) once a week. Now, I work with a trainer (Ken Williams) about three times a week, with a huge focus on building muscle tone.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I began my journey at 260 pounds and roughly 40% body fat in 2012. As of December of 2014, I weigh 172 pounds and roughly 25% body fat. (Height 5’3″)

How long did your transformation take?
My journey toward health and fitness is a lifestyle change I began in the spring/summer of 2012.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I finally learned that loving myself is the best, longest lasting fuel for my fitness journey. When it comes to weight loss, I actually have the power to confront and overcome this obstacle. Each day, I can make choices that will chip away at it, bit by bit. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it certainly means I have the power to push through it. I became grateful that God blessed me with an obstacle I have complete control over. I can choose to exercise. I am blessed with legs, arms and feet so I can walk and jog and run (I’ll get to running… eventually.

Learn more about her journey.
jessicaonajourney.com
Twiiter: @JessicaNLarche
Instagram: @jessicaonajourney

Update: Congratulations to Jessica! She’s lost a total of 100 pounds and is on the cover of the February 2016 issue of Women’s Day magazine.