I Lost 212 Pounds!
Jennifer Hodges, 41
Before: 369 lb
Now: 157 lb
Start
I began gaining weight in sixth grade soon after my parents opened a pizza place. I wasn't active and ate poorly. To deal with being heavy, I was the "funny fat girl" in high school and made jokes about my weight. At 23, I was 250 pounds. People always said, "You have such a pretty face, if you'd just lose weight, you'd be a knockout."
Reality Check
In October of 2008, I fell in the yard and twisted my ankle while playing with my three kids (who were all under the age of 4). At 350 pounds, I was too big for my husband to lift, so he had to get a blanket, roll me onto it and drag me inside. I was humiliated and terrified. What if I had been home alone? I knew I had to make big changes.
Exercise Made Easy
A few weeks after my fall, I joined a gym near my house. The location was important because I didn't want to have any excuse to skip a workout. I started slowly, just walking for a few minutes on the treadmill. Gradually I increased the time and distance.
Ramp It Up!
My body really transformed once I started taking a gym class called BodyPump, which combines cardio and weights.
Food Changes
After a year of exercise—and losing 100 pounds—I tackled my eating habits. (It was too overwhelming to do both at once.) I cut portions down and cooked at home more often.
Finish
By 2011, I finally reached my goal weight. The best part? Now I'm setting a positive example for my family. We swim, run and ride bikes together. We are an active family, which I never would have dreamed of three years ago.
Click here to read more about Jennifer from Woman's Day.
More from Woman's Day:
What is your weight-loss story? What is the secret to your success?
Before: 369 lb
Now: 157 lb
Start
I began gaining weight in sixth grade soon after my parents opened a pizza place. I wasn't active and ate poorly. To deal with being heavy, I was the "funny fat girl" in high school and made jokes about my weight. At 23, I was 250 pounds. People always said, "You have such a pretty face, if you'd just lose weight, you'd be a knockout."
Reality Check
In October of 2008, I fell in the yard and twisted my ankle while playing with my three kids (who were all under the age of 4). At 350 pounds, I was too big for my husband to lift, so he had to get a blanket, roll me onto it and drag me inside. I was humiliated and terrified. What if I had been home alone? I knew I had to make big changes.
Exercise Made Easy
A few weeks after my fall, I joined a gym near my house. The location was important because I didn't want to have any excuse to skip a workout. I started slowly, just walking for a few minutes on the treadmill. Gradually I increased the time and distance.
Ramp It Up!
My body really transformed once I started taking a gym class called BodyPump, which combines cardio and weights.
Food Changes
After a year of exercise—and losing 100 pounds—I tackled my eating habits. (It was too overwhelming to do both at once.) I cut portions down and cooked at home more often.
Finish
By 2011, I finally reached my goal weight. The best part? Now I'm setting a positive example for my family. We swim, run and ride bikes together. We are an active family, which I never would have dreamed of three years ago.
Click here to read more about Jennifer from Woman's Day.
More from Woman's Day:
What is your weight-loss story? What is the secret to your success?
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Comments
- 2/22/2013 3:39:01 PM
- 2/19/2013 3:11:32 AM
I Let God Lead My Way As He Led Me To SparkPeople! Consistency Yields GREAT Rewards! Working Out Most Days With A Plan That Includes Cardio And Strength Training And Stretching. Tracking My Daily Food Consumed, Water And MEASURING MY SERVINGS. Measuring Changed My Way Of Thinking And The Succesful 2012 I Enjoyed. I'm 4lbs Away From My Goal Weight Of 145. Down 84lbs. It Was Quick The First Year And Then Slowed Becaause Of Different Reasons, Injuries, Overeating and Regaining, and Inconsistency. I'm Truly Enjoying A Lifestyle I've NEVER Lived! What A Blessing! - 2/5/2013 12:39:35 PM
(¯`v´¯)
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(¸.•´ Love and God's Blessings
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♥-:¦:ƸӜƷ ♥ Kathy ♥ - 2/5/2013 9:08:37 AM
Congrats !
Very Inspiring
BLESSINGS ! - 2/4/2013 9:30:02 PM
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