The Resurgence of a Fighter: Inspiring Journey from Overweight to Fitness Guru
Name: Jasmine Jackson
Age: 31-35
Gender: Female
Height: 5 feet 3 in (63 in, 160.02 cm, 1.6 m)
Location:
State: Maryland
Country: United States of America
Occupation: Health and fitness coach at Saayy It Fitness
We're excited to learn more about your weight loss journey. To start, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background.
I'm a health and fitness coach, and my coaching career started from my weight loss experience. I have lost 75 pounds. I started with community events and loved helping people.
We'd love to know more about your weight loss journey. For example, how much weight have you lost, and over what time?
I've lost 75 pounds over a 6 -10 month time frame. This time was my third try at losing weight. I lost 20 pounds a few years prior but gained back 40.
What was your primary motivation for losing weight? Was it health-related, personal appearance, or something else?
My primary focus was to get healthy, I didn't like what I saw in the mirror one day, and I knew I needed to do something about it. I was also dealing with being borderline diabetic and having high blood pressure, for which I was prescribed medication but was not taking.
Could you share your starting weight, current weight, highest weight, and lowest weight you've reached during your weight loss journey?
Starting Weight: 194 lbs
Current Weight: 127 lbs
Goal Weight: I didn't have one
Lowest Weight in the Journey: 117 lbs
Waist size changes can be an important indicator of progress. Can you share your highest, lowest, and current waist circumference?
Total Waist Size change over time (inches): 38-40
Highest Waist Size (inches): 40
Lowest Waist Size (inches): 31
Current Waist Size (inches): 33
Let's talk about your diet plan. What kind of foods did you avoid or include? Did you follow any specific diet, like keto, paleo, or low-carb?
I tried keto, and I did 1200 Calories a day. I meal-prepped and cut out carbs like rice, pasta, and bread. I was on a calorie deficit plan, and as I have become more discipline, I have added more things. I have also become vegan through the process, but that was when I lost all the weight.
How did you set realistic goals for your weight loss journey? Did you have any milestones or targets along the way?
I went at my pace. I set small goals for myself and aimed for them. I listened to my body. In the beginning, I only worked out three days a week for 15-20 mins, then kept working myself up. I only had a cheat day once I lost 25 pounds.
How did you determine the right amount of calories for your weight loss, and what was your average daily caloric intake?
I had to learn. I did 1200 before, but I knew that didn't work. So I stuck with 1500- 1550, around that range.
Sleep is important for overall health. How many hours of sleep did you typically get during your weight loss journey?
6-8 hours
Exercise can play a crucial role in weight loss. Can you tell us about your exercise habits before and after your weight loss journey, and share some of the routines you followed?
I always loved to exercise; in the beginning, I started with three days and kept going. I love dance fitness, so I enjoyed having fun. I was focused on something other than working a specific body part, and cardio was my main focus. Then I eventually started adding weights to my cardio and creating my routines.
Did you use any apps or technology to help you with your weight loss? If so, which ones?
I used a calorie tracker to track my food and my weight loss. Lose It app was the main one that I used every day.
Were you part of any weight loss programs or did you work with a coach? If yes, which ones?
During this time, I didn't work with anyone.
Did you take any medications or supplements for weight loss? If so, which ones and how did they help?
No
What tricks and techniques helped you stay on track during your weight loss journey?
Meal prepping, setting times to eat, and having structure helped a lot because I was swamped working seven days a week.
Were there any specific moments or turning points that made you realize the progress you were making or that motivated you to continue?
My first week, losing a pound a day
Did you face any challenges during your weight loss journey? How did you overcome them?
Just life challenges. To be honest, I started my journey right before the pandemic. What kept me going was knowing my "why." Getting laid off, being in between jobs, and losing family members, I just knew I wanted to be healthy. Also, through those tough days, I knew life would still happen, and I must stay strong and committed.
How did you deal with setbacks, cravings, or temptations during your weight loss journey?
I would either give in or have a healthier substitution. I'm human; for me, it wasn't about the things I was losing but about everything I was gaining from starting this journey. I always took time just to be and understand why I was on this journey. Because I didn't have expectations, my journey turned out better than expected.
Did you have any medical conditions or medications that may have contributed to your weight gain or affected your weight loss journey? If you're comfortable, please share some details.
I had high blood pressure and was prescribed medication for it; with time, I was able to reverse it.
Is there any history of obesity in your family? If so, and if you're comfortable sharing, please tell us about it.
No
Did you have any medical problems before your weight loss that have since improved or resolved?
High blood pressure, anemic, and yes, they both have improved
How has your life changed since losing weight? Have you noticed improvements in your health, personal life, or professional life?
I reached my goal of wanting to feel healthy like I don't just look the part; I feel it. My cycles have improved, and my acne has improved. I've been able now to become a coach; I've also learned so much about myself and healed, which I'm grateful for.
How important was the support of friends, family, or online communities during your weight loss journey? Can you share any experiences where they made a significant impact?
I didn't get as much support personally; I'm not someone that genuinely needs as much support if or when I want to do something, I'm going to do it. So being in some fitness groups that had people look like me doing what I'm doing gave me much inspiration to keep going.
What advice would you give to others looking to lose weight?
To go at your own pace, don't attach a time frame to your results. This journey doesn't just consist of physical work; there's also mental and spiritual work that needs your attention. Love yourself and your body through the journey, and be gentle with yourself. You won't transform overnight, and time is good within your weight loss journey.
As you've achieved or are on your way to your weight loss goals, how do you plan to maintain your current weight and continue leading a healthy lifestyle?
Helping others has helped me keep maintaining my weight as well. However, knowing how much I want to avoid going back and being able to explore more foods and things, I have yet to try.
Can you recommend any resources or programs that you found helpful during your weight loss journey?
YouTube !!- Fit Body by Ashley, And 8 Fitness, Keaira Lashae, Dance Fitness by Jessica, Cardio mashup
