Jessica lost 89 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost 89 pounds. She sought out medical guidance, found eating plans that worked for her and worked out regularly. She took action to change her lifestyle and has paid off.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

I have battled with my weight as long as I can remember. I decided that I needed to make a change seeing a photo of myself. I remember thinking that the photo had to be lying. I didn’t feel I was as big as I looked. I also didn’t know how to get started. Which diet should I follow and how can I be successful were my questions. I just wanted my outside to reflect the person I saw myself as.

I heard stories of people loosing a good amount of weight with prescription diet pills, but didn’t think I would be a candidate due to having hypertension. I could do was try since it was my last resort other than weight loss surgery. So, I began my journey in  November 2014 when I visited a weight loss doctor and took a friend along. I followed the diet that the doctor gave me and couldn’t believe how much my appetite decreased. At first, I limited eating potatoes and bread while increasing my water intake. I stopped eating canned vegetables and started eating frozen or fresh veggies. I stared riding my stationary bike for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. I would allow myself 1 day a week to eat whatever I wanted.

I lost 26 lbs in the first month! I increased my activity level the next month by working out for 1 hour, 5 times a week. I began circuit training, walking on the treadmill, and using the elliptical machine. In the beginning, I could barely stand 5 minutes on the elliptical machine, but I decided not to give up. Instead, I added a few minutes each time I worked out.

I lost 22 lbs the second month, so I was extremely happy. I was down 48 lbs in 2 months. I continued the same routine the third month, but didn’t see the same results, loosing only 6 lbs. I was disappointed, but determined not to give up. I start researching low carb diets and decided to try the Atkins diet for 1 month and see how I did. I lost 18 lbs that month, never starving. I was able to eat good food and never feel deprived. It was the first time in my life I felt in control over my hunger. I didn’t crave sugar or carbs, and I didn’t it really feel like I was on a diet, but more of a lifestyle change. So, I decided to stick with what worked for me.

I’m 5 “9”and my starting weight in November 2014 was 334 lbs. As of June 2015, I weigh 245 lbs. That means I’m not at my goal, but I’m far from where I started. I workout at least 5 times a week doing cardio and strength training. I can’t wait to hit the 100 lb lost mark, I’m going to celebrate by buying myself a new wardrobe. I continue to follow a low carb diet, eating 20 grams of net carbs or less daily.

My advice to others trying to lose weight is not to give up. You’ll have your good days and your bad days, fight through them. Don’t look at the scale as your only way to measure your success. I took lots of pictures, and compared them month to month to keep me motivated. If you don’t like to work out alone, find a motivated partner. Most importantly, I’ll say it again, don’t give up. It takes time but if you stick to it you will succeed.