Jennifer brings enthusiasm and energy every day to boot camp. If you come on Saturday you notice that she completes both classes and all that hard work is paying off. In addition, to boot camp she has went all in on diet and introduced me to the meal prep business in Little Rock called Clean Eatery. This is Jennifer’s Results Story!
When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?
Getting fit and losing weight have always been important to me, but this year I turned 40 and decided I need to get really serious about my health. I take care of a lot of elderly people in my nursing career, and I can see the effects that poor health can have on the mind, body, and soul. I want to have the energy to keep up with my kids, and eventually my grandkids down the road, and live a longer healthier life less dependent on others. I would also love to look better in my clothes.
Have you made previous attempts?
I have made many attempts at losing weight. Actually, in 2016/2017 I had lost about 65 pounds, and was doing great with my weight loss efforts going to weight watchers, but an illness/surgery set me back and then my hormones and thyroid were off and I was under a lot of stress so I gained most of it back over the 2017/2018 school year. I have made attempts to lose weight 1-3 x year since the birth of my first child in 1999.
What was the difference this time?
This time is different because in the past I haven’t had a physical and emotional support system that Expect Results Fitness provides. Weight Watchers was great for the emotional support, and accountability, but it didn’t provide physical activity that ERF provides. Jeff is very motivating and encouraging every day when I work out, and makes me feel welcome to come and do my best, and put in the hard work to improve my health. I also feel like I am getting older, and this is something I need to do now, and not later.
What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?
I am tired of my clothes not fitting or being too tight. I want to fit into my skinny jeans, and build my self-confidence. I have had low self-confidence for a long time.
How much total weight/inches have you lost? How many jean sizes are you down? How much stronger are you now?
In the past month, I have lost 20 lbs and 4 inches around my waist and 4 inches around my hips. I haven’t really noticed a decrease in my jeans size, but I have noticed they are much looser on me where before they either didn’t fit, or were really tight. I feel a lot stronger, and like I have a lot more energy. I used to have trouble carrying a case of water across the room. Now, I can carry it from a parking lot a little distance away from work into my office on one arm without getting winded. That is a major accomplishment for me. I also have more energy to make it through my workday, and I don’t feel as exhausted as I used to.
How much more would you like to lose?
I would like to lose a total of 80 more pounds.
What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?
I think getting compliments from friends and family, knowing that I completed a day of healthy clean eating, and knowing I put in my 6 workouts a week help keep me motivated even if I don’t see the scale moving. Seeing my clothes get looser helps a lot too!
How has your diet changed?
I am on the ketogenic plan through Clean Eatery so I stick strictly to that diet with one cheat meal per week. I have also been doing the intermittent fasting for a week now, on a 16:8 schedule, eating all of my meals between 12-6 pm.
What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?
Find something else to do to distract me.
Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?
Go to ERF as often as possible, start slow and easy, and then work your way up. Eat clean, and follow a structured diet. Find active activities you enjoy to help burn calories. Keep busy so you don’t think about eating all the time. Lean on your support system, and let people around you know what you are doing, and how important it is so they can help support you in your efforts as well.
I want to thank Jennifer for sharing with us. She hesitated when I first asked because she said she is not where she wants to be. However, she agreed to share and show everyone what you can do if you just have the discipline and courage to start.