{The Basics}

Age: 34

Profession: Mom to 3 and Part Time Work From Home Bookkeeper

How long have you been on this weight loss journey? About A Year

Weight Loss:  40 Lbs (about 30 of that from June 2012 to October 2012!!)

{Your Story}

What was your “low point”?

My low point was a picture taken with my best friend and her family that was posted on her blog in June 2012.  I saw the picture and just simply could not believe It was actually me!

How did you get started?

I started dieting back around February/March 2012 but was not making much, if any progress.  When I saw the picture of myself in June 2012, I decided I had to work smarter AND harder!  I contacted a dear friend I knew had been training for a marathon and we started meeting to run.  I began the C25K plan sometime in June 2012–either at 4:30/5:00AM or late at night after my children went to bed and the heat and humidity had died down.  I ran my first 5K in October 2012 and, while I did not make my time goal, I made my goal to run the entire time!!!

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

I try to eat around 1200 Calories a Day and do my best to stick with proteins, fruits and veggies.  I go to the gym and/or run 3-5 times a week depending on my work load and my children’s schedules.

{Help us!}

What are your top 3 favorite resources that helped you along the way?

1.) The App and Website “MyFitnessPal”

2.) My C25K App

3.) God

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is sitting on the sidelines and waiting?

Well, I can’t think of just one piece of advice because these 2 things are what keep getting me thru.  First–I pray, pray, pray!!!!  I pray while I’m running or working out and want to just stop!  I pray when I want potato chips!  I pray….ALOT!!!  🙂  And I prayed for a buddy–so please pray for a buddy–someone to encourage you, hold you accountable, love you, exercise with you when they can, etc!  Online, in person, phone, text, wherever you can!  With Christ—You CAN do it!!!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is in the process but is feeling discouraged?

I STILL get discouraged!!!  It’s hard when you don’t see change the way you expect.  Somedays–I want to give up.  I just think to myself that my body is the Temple of God and I have to tell myself–“Don’t be discouraged!!  Make healthy eating choices and keep exercising!!  Remember who this is for–your children and God–to God Be The Glory!!!!”

If you are a parent, how have you balanced everything?

GOD!!!!  If it weren’t for Him, I KNOW I could never do it!!!!  He gave me an amazing husband who is supportive and always encouraging and who gives me time!!!!

Anything else you would like to share?

I am so thankful for this opportunity to take care of myself!  I have 3 precious babies–6, 4 and 1 year. I have never exercised like this nor stuck with an eating change–not even when I just had 1 sweet baby. What changed? I decided I had to do something for the temple God gave me so my children see that I am taking care of what God has blessed me with. My motivation is that my children see Him working thru me to help me! I battled weight, bullying and eating disorders my entire life. I don’t want that for them. You have to find your motivation. What presses you on toward the goal God has called you to? Everyone has different motivators–find yours. 🙂 YOU CAN DO IT WITH THE HELP OF CHRIST JESUS!! If I can–anybody can. 🙂

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I love this! Jacqueline, you are so inspiring to me!!! Thank you for sharing!

If you have a shed story that you would like to share, please email me, clare@peak313.com. I’d LOVE to have you on the blog!!