Kim, Basalt, Colorado
Motivated by Jillian and finally believing in herself, Kim began eating healthful, organic food and exercising — and she's realized a 62-pound* weight loss!
Growing up in California, I was skinny all through school. I ran track, roller-skated every day, and was very active. As I got older and entered the workforce, I began to eat less healthfully with convenience foods. Nonetheless, I never really gained too much weight. It wasn't until I moved to Florida at age 38 that I really started to put on weight. I quit smoking (after 20 years), and as a reward for such an achievement, I gave myself permission to eat anything I wanted. I felt I was gaining weight, so I joined a gym, but because of highway construction, it took too long to get there, and I failed to go regularly.
I was lost — I had no idea what to do, and I gained almost 60 pounds in five years. I rarely let myself enjoy the beautiful beaches in Florida because I was not happy in my own skin, much less in a bathing suit. I hid inside for nearly five years.
The event that really prompted me to lose weight was turning 45. My fiancé and I moved to Colorado. and it seemed as if everyone was fit and healthy except me! There were plenty of things to do — hiking, fishing, camping — but I found myself once again avoiding people. My fiancé and I didn't know anyone when we moved to Colorado, and we both ate poorly, didn't exercise, and put on even more weight. I was scared we were both going to develop diabetes or another weight-related illness. I was READY to get healthy!
I heard about Jillian's program when I began listening to her radio show. I had been a fan of hers since watching The Biggest Loser, but it wasn't until I heard her speak at length about healthy living that I decided to check out her Web site. Her words about living healthfully just clicked with me. It's very simple for me to listen to Jillian and use her knowledge to help myself eat and live organically, better my health, and improve my life! I ate almost 100 percent organic, and honestly, once I started doing that, the weight started coming off. For exercise, I started mostly by walking around my neighborhood and doing old VHS workout tapes until I ordered Jillian's DVD 5-pack! My fiancé bought me a treadmill for Christmas, and I've gone from walking the entire time to running! I never thought I could run!
What has helped me the most is listening to Jillian — taking the knowledge and information she shares and believing in myself. Jillian has touched me in a way that no one else has. She helped me turn my life around. Her radio show, blogs, and books speak to me in an understanding and compassionate way. I consider her my life coach. She gives me the knowledge, and I apply it to my life, but she also gave me the courage to find my own wisdom. I have the power, so between the two of us, I can do anything!
Activities now: Life! I was sheltering myself from the world because I was not happy. I knew I was not happy with myself, and I hid away. Now I am happy and healthy. I have hiked several difficult trails here in Colorado that I would never have thought I could. I run, mountain bike, and lead an active lifestyle! Instead of sitting on the couch after work, I go for a walk or run and enjoy the fresh air! Now that I have a treadmill, I can still enjoy a run when there's three feet of snow outside!
Best compliments: The most meaningful compliments have been from the members on Jillian's site. Sure, it's nice to hear in person that you look good, but knowing I have helped someone else feel good about herself is more significant. But I could not have helped if I didn't feel good about myself, so that's why members' compliments mean the most to me.
Advice for others: Believe you can do it! Or as Jillian has said, "You want to get healthy? All you have to do is exercise, eat right, shut up, and listen to me!" This is a lifestyle, not a diet. Believe you live a different life and you will! There is no "When I lose 30 pounds, I will be happy." You must believe "Losing weight didn't make me happy — getting healthy and happy helped me lose weight." (That's a quote by me!) Measure your food and count your calories. Drink 80-plus ounces of water a day. Stop drinking diet drinks and eat organic foods. I tried some of Jillian's recipes, and I eat very simply now! I tend to eat more fresh foods and not as many cooked items. Also, enjoy dark, organic chocolate once in a while! But mainly, enjoy life!
As for the new me, I love that I am healthy! I know when I go to the doctor for a six-month checkup, I will get healthy numbers across the board! Also, I love the endless energy, the smile on my face and in my heart and soul. Of course, wearing smaller jeans is nice, too! I thank Jillian every day for helping me to lead this healthier life.
*Weight loss varies by individual. You may not achieve similar results.