Joanna lost 45 pounds

JoAnna lost 45 pounds. Money problems and love problems were causing stress and binge eating for this mom. She was also dealing with pre-diabetes, high cholesterol and heart problems. One day, she just decided that enough was enough. Check out what she did to lose the pounds.

My name is JoAnna (aka. Ms. Jojo.) and I’m 31 years old. I’m a hairstylist and that is the most Up and Down profession in life. Adding to this, my son’s father is incarcerated. These two situations alone would stress anyone out. Money problems, love problems… and on top of that people were always making fun at how I looked. I had a big stomach, cellulite, stretch marks… you name it. It’s all fun and games until you look in the mirror and see your stomach hanging over your crotch. Needless to say, I was binge eating. Food gave me comfort when I was lonely and depressed.

After I gave birth to my son, I weighed about 155 pounds at 5’8″. I maintained that weight until I became self-employed. I started working from home and couldn’t keep a steady clientele. In 2014, I realized I had got up to 175 pounds, then 187 pounds and then 198 pounds. It wasn’t until I hit 202 pounds that I dang near fainted. Enough was enough. At that point, I had heart problems, I had high cholesterol, and I was borderline diabetic. I had a mini heart attack in the middle of my kitchen and that was the moment when I decided to STOP.

My journey began in April 2016. Eating right and exercising regularly became my life. I go to the gym 4 to 5 times a week and I do cardio and strength training for about an hour. I watch my carb intake and track what I eat. I cut pork and beef from my diet completely. It’s been about 5 years since I’ve had those foods. I only do chicken, turkey and some seafood.

I do not have sugary drinks, nor do I drink caffeine. Drinking water only was an important part of my success. I may have a protein shake as a meal replacement shake with total soy protein powder in the morning. I also take multivitamins every day. I also cut starch (about 80%) because I was borderline diabetic, and we all know that starch turns into sugar. I make sure that I’m eating healthy fats, proteins, and fiber. Now, I weigh 157 pounds and I feel better each day. My goal weight is 150 pounds.

I try to motivate everyone who says they can’t do it and let them know that I thought I couldn’t do it until I looked in the mirror and I said enough was enough.  I got out the bed and immediately started doing sit-ups and crunches, threw away all the junk and began my journey. Some people won’t take my advice when I give them pointers, but trust me I wish I had somebody telling me to put the food down.

The same people who laughed at me, envy me now. I smile because I can finally feel what I felt on the inside is reflected on the outside. My advice: Never give up! I know that I won’t.

Instagram: @styles_by_jojo