I Stopped Making Excuses and Lost More Than 100 Pounds!

Before: 230 pounds
After: 123 pounds

The Lifestyle
I'm a mother of two girls—born 12 months apart—which caused me to gain lot of baby weight. I also had a busy life working while raising my daughters, so I was constantly eating on-the-go for convenience—probably three meals every day from places such as McDonald's and Sonic. My exercise habits? I had no time or motivation whatsoever. Whenever I came home after work, I just wanted to go right to sleep—balancing two kids and a job was exhausting. I remember back in April 2012 that I was so sick and tired of being fat and overweight. I didn't want to feel embarrassed out in public—and with summer approaching, I wanted to slip into a bathing suit and not look or feel horrible wearing it.

The Change
I remember going into the office on a Tuesday and just crying about my weight. I left work early—around 4 p.m.—and went on a run before I had to pick up my kids at 6 p.m. to clear my head. It was hard, and I cried the entire time. It was embarrassing because I was outside on major roads where people could see me—I probably looked like I was going to puke at any moment. On that run, it took me about an hour and 15 minutes to go three miles. But you know what? I finished it. Every time I thought I should try to lose weight or work out, I thought, "I can't do it. I don't have time." My mind always told me I wasn't capable of seeing results. Once I realized I do have it in me to be healthier, I knew I could get it done.

In the beginning of my journey, I was dedicated to running. I'd run three miles every afternoon, and on Saturday mornings, I'd run for as long as I could. My limit was three miles at the time—but I worked up to four miles then five miles. Eventually, I went on a "mindless" run and ended up logging 14 miles. That running spree lasted until about October 2012, when it got cold out. I hate the winter, so to replace my outdoor running, I hit the gym. My weight loss plateaued (I had lost about 75 pounds between April and October 2012), and I needed another way to shape up. I did a ton of online research for workout inspiration when I got the idea to start strength training. After some time, I noticed more muscle definition all over my body—and I busted through my wall! Now I work out four to five days a week for about an hour by lifting weights and doing some cardio.

My exercise habits had an amazing effect on my nutrition. Before I started working out, I used to crave tacos and enchiladas—really bad foods—but then I gradually wanted to eat more lean protein and sweet fruits. My previous diet repulsed me—even the smell of fast food grossed me out. Nowadays, I eat chicken like it's going out of style—it's the main component to most of my meals. And once I started running regularly, I cut out soda completely. I was so dehydrated from sweating so much and wanted to replenish with water instead of sugary drinks.

As I saw the weight drop quickly, it motivated me to keep going—to not stop after I had come so far.

The Reward
This might sound bad, but I was a bitter and mean person before. I didn't enjoy being with my kids. Everything they did tired me out, or I was so exhausted that when they wanted to go outside and play, I didn't want to. I didn't enjoy spending time with them. Now, I can actually whole-heartedly love my kids. We especially love going swimming and to our local waterpark. I had issues about my body in bathing suits before, but now I'm more confident in myself. I bought my first bikini last summer—something I thought would just sit in my drawer—and I wore it out in public. My girls told me they loved it! Kids are very honest, and for them to tell me they loved me wearing a bikini was so exciting.

My Tips
Do it for yourself. The times I tried to do it for other people—family or friends—I always gained the weight back. Once I decided that I wanted to change to make myself happy, I finally starting to see the weight drop.
Stop making excuses. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Take the time, take a break, and do it. Don't let yourself or anyone tell you that you don't have 30 minutes or an hour to exercise—because you do.
Appreciate your body. I have stretch marks from my weight and childbirth. Those are there to remind me of how far I've come. Embrace your new body for everything it is. It's a sign of who you are now and who you used to be back then.

--

Jessie Keller, 29, is a Texas mother of two.

More from Women's Health:
6 Things You’ll Have to Give Up if You Want to Lose Weight FOR GOOD 
4 Ways to Burn More Fat 
Success Story: 'I Lost More Than 40 Pounds and Got Super-Strong' 

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