Weight Loss Stories – Jennifer Bobkoskie Lost 170 Pounds

Name: Jennifer
Age: 44
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Business Manager
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Height: 5’8″
Starting Weight: 320 pounds
Current Weight: 150 pounds
Current Waist Size: 28″

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Story!

People ask me all the time if I either had surgery or did drugs to lose all the weight. Those are so insulting! Trust me, on my journey I tried everything and I failed a few times. I did want the quick fix, but during my journey I learned that it didn’t take me a few months to gain all the weight and it was definitely going to take time, hard work and focus to lose it. However, it actually took me less time to lose the weight than it did to gain it all. It upsets me when people say it’s so hard to lose weight and complain about not having the will power to do it. I get even more frustrated when people opt for surgery. In some instances, it is very necessary for them to do this, but I think they should be informed about proper diet and exercise to lose weight naturally before they go under the knife.

During my journey I learned all about diet and nutrition. I found out about good carbs and bad carbs along with good sugars and bad sugars. I also learned about portion control and I started moving my body! Food was my comfort in life after I became pregnant with my son. Even though I had an abusive relationship that failed, that’s not what defined me. I was a single mother of 2 children. I raised them on my own with the love and guidance of my now deceased parents (Edward and Sandra). They were my world, my force, my support and my encouragement. My sister Paulette and my other family, Eros and Nick, who gave me my career start over 20 years ago and are like a second mother and father to me along with my amazing children Sherrell and James who were all instrumental in my success because they encouraged and believed in me. They loved me unconditionally and they all knew that whatever I set my mind to I would accomplish. I also want to thank Debra and Keith for inspiring me and pushing me to tell my story.

Never lacking in confidence, I was a big girl who was confident in her own skin, or so I thought, but I was so unhealthy. I was on a path to a fast death if I didn’t make a change. I loved myself then, but I love myself even more now as a healthier version of me!

So my journey began. I set a goal for myself to drink at least a gallon of water of day. Yes, an entire gallon of water! That was the key because along with feeling full, it helped to rid my body of waste. I learned to love veggies, fresh fruits and lean meats. My normal day consisted of around 1,200 to 1,500 calories which remains today. I also have a cheat day once in a while!

I learned that in order to lose the weight I had to burn more calories, so my initial program of choice was using “Walk Away The Pounds” home workout DVDs. I would also walk to the park (weather permitting) and I started to run the McKinley Monument steps. I challenged myself and pushed myself. I worked out 6 to 7 days a week for no more than 45 minutes per session. The pounds began to fall off!

I have had zero surgery to lose weight and I have not had anything done to correct any loose skin. Is my body picture perfect? Do I have a little loose skin here and there? Yes, but it is not severe. I am proud of my flaws and they tell my story of where I came from. I am proud of my accomplishments and I hope to inspire others!

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Interview!

How much did you lose (pounds, inches, dress/pants size)?
I lost 170 pounds!

When did you become unhappy with your weight (were you overweight as a child or did you gain weight as an adult)?
I became unhappy when I was a young adult.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I decided to make a change in order to live!

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I started moving my body and counting calories.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
The emotional battle and the addiction to food. I used to eat when I was happy, sad and bored.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results within 2-3 months.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 3 years because I would go up and down in weight.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I have maintained my current weight for 3 years.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Just feeling better physically and emotionally. When I look in the mirror I really love myself, flaws and all!

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I am still the same person, but I just feel more confident now.

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Just start and don’t give up! My motto is “What is your excuse? If I can do it, anyone can do it!”

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I like ShapeFit’s exercise tips, fitness articles, emotional support and healthy meals.

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Have a start date! Start using a food journal or use a desk calendar. Set small goals for yourself. Get rid of all the unhealthy food in your house.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Set a goal for your daily calorie intake and track it each day. Start moving your body and make some cardio goals.

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Do not weigh yourself every day!

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Have support from your family and friends. Use a buddy system to keep you accountable.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Make a grocery list and stick to it when you go food shopping. Drink lots of water.

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Egg Beaters (1 serving), turkey bacon (2 slices), 1 flat Sammie, water with lemon, coffee.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
Light and Fit yogurt, salad with low-fat dressing (mostly greens), grapefruit, water.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
Chicken breast (4-6 ounces), steamed broccoli, chopped onions, green peppers, 1/2 baked potato, salad with spinach and greens with low-fat dressing, 9 croutons and jalapeno.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
I try not to snack, but If I do and I am craving sweets then I eat a cup of dry cereal and drink some hot tea.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
Vitamin B12 and green tea pills. I also drink a “fat flush” drink which I do 10 days straight and then take a break for 2 weeks. It is a wonderful detox and it includes:

• 1 grapefruit (peeled and squeezed)
• 1 lemon
• 5-7 mint leaves
• quarter of a cucumber (chopped)
• put everything into a gallon of water and drink 3 glasses per day for 10 days

Jennifer’s Weight Loss Workouts!

What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
I like doing full body circuit training workouts 3-5 times per week for 20-30 minutes per workout.

What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
I do 30-45 minutes of cardio 3-5 times per week. I like doing HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) using workout DVDs. When I’m at the gym, I do intervals on the treadmill and elliptical machine. I like mixing weights with cardio for a fully body workout!

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