Joelle lost 96 pounds. The tragic loss of one of her closest friend/college roommate put her in a terrible state of depression and anxiety, which led to comfort eating and weight gain. Eventually, she turned tragedy into triumph, knowing that her friend would want her to live her best life. She did her research, changed her eating habits, worked out and never gave up. Check out her story.
My name is Joelle and I was overweight for majority of my life. I can remember as far back to 8 years old, being the biggest student in the classroom and constantly being ridiculed by my peers. My parents always tried their best to comfort me, telling me I was beautiful no matter what. So in my mind, I figured I was destined to be what I considered “big boned”.
Fast forward to August 9, 2011, I got a phone call that would drastically change my life forever. One of closest friends/roommates died in a horrific car accident and it crushed my world. We’d literally just planned out our senior semester of college and had so many goals and dreams. I found myself in a terrible state of depression and anxiety. There was absolutely nothing that anyone could tell me to bring me any form of comfort… so I ran to food. I remember downing an entire box of Little Caesar’s Pizza by myself in one setting. I’d eat fast food anywhere from 2-3 times a day. It was as if food was a temporary pain reliever.
It wasn’t until I saw an unflattering photo of myself that I realized just how out of control my weight had gotten. I stepped on the scale and saw the numbers “270”. I was in complete shock. I decided in that moment to make a change, using my late friend the ultimate motivation. I knew that she’d only want the best for me.
I started out like many people, doing research on how to start a successful weight loss journey. I’d stay up for hours at a time looking at before and afters thinking, “If they could do it, so can I!”
I dove head first with my eating regimen. I gave up all fast food, all juices/sodas and even started drinking nutritional meal replacement shakes. I ate 3-5 small meals daily, which included two shakes, one balanced meal and two high protein snacks.
I had no idea about what to do in the gym, so I only stuck with the treadmill and elliptical for the first few months. As I got more comfortable, I tried new machines. I’d watch other people in the gym and simply copy what I saw them do. In the event that I couldn’t make it to the gym, I didn’t make any excuse. I cleared space in my home and followed YouTube exercise routines.
At times I felt like no progress was being made, but one thing I knew for certain was that I WOULD NOT GIVE UP! I owed this to myself! In the span of a year, through consistency, determination and plain ole WORK, I was able to lose a total of 96 pounds.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through this journey is that consistency is the cornerstone of your success. No matter how tough it gets, no matter how many people don’t believe in you, keep showing up! Keep going! The change is happening. You just have to trust the process!
Instagram @JoJoeyJoe
YouTube: Get Fit With Coach Jo
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