My favorite series of the blog is back with a new story! Meet Jinny S, our newest, “Shed & Share” story!

{The Basics}

Age: 32

Profession: Customer Service Rep

How long have you been on this weight loss journey? about 6 years

Weight Loss/Inches: 61 pounds

Blog/Facebook Page: I blogged about weight loss on realworldeats.blogspot.com, but converted over to my every day blog realworldgirl.blogspot.com in 2010. The weight loss blog is still up and anyone can go read back through some of my old posts {I do}.

{Your Story}

What was your “low point”?

I can remember being in my mid-twenties and laying in bed. My body hurt…while I was just laying there. I would get winded from walking one block. I knew it wasn’t right and that I had to do something about it.

How did you get started?

I joined Weight Watchers online. I didn’t go to meetings, but used their online service instead. I had to retrain my brain in regards to food and fitness. I also used Exercise TV online. I’m not sure it’s around anymore, but they had free workout videos that I used in the privacy of my own home. Peak313 is a great resource in the same respect, great workouts that can be done at home. Even if I could only do 15 minutes I would tell myself it was better than what I was doing before, which was nothing.

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

Today I try really hard to hit the gym three times a week. I switch it up depending on what I want to work on. I try to do weight training/circuit training one day, cardio another day, and yoga to stretch it all out. I’ve really enjoyed the classes offered at my gym, Zumba is a great class for beginners that helps burn the calories and its a lot of fun. I also enjoy the Les Mills Body classes, especially Pump (weights) and Combat (cardio). If I can’t make it to the gym or to a class I have work out videos I can do at home, Jillian Micheals 30 day shred is one of my favorites to use on home work out days.

I don’t have foods that I cannot eat. I’m not a ‘dieter’ at all. Weight Watchers really helped me teach myself what is acceptable as far as portion sizes. For example, I measure my creamer and sugar that I put in my morning coffee. In the past I just dumped it in the cup without having a clue how much I was using. I learned to give my body time to ‘feel full’. I’m sure you have all heard that before, its really true. If you slow down and enjoy your food, you will give your body time to realize that you have had enough. I drink lots and lots of water. I have found new things to snack on, like cocoa dusted almonds or baby bell mini cheese wheels. If we go out to eat I might ask for a half-portion, or kids plate, or jr. burger.

Jinny’s first 5K!

{Help us!}

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

1.) Weight Watchers – this was a big one.

2.) Exercise TV – might not be around anymore, but youtube.com is also a great place to search for free workouts (or Peak313.com)

3.) Google Reader – I know this is pretty general but really I searched for other bloggers like me..and there are TONS of us out there. They are sharing their workout routines and healthy recipes too, so find some like minded weight loss blogs and stick them in your google reader.

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

In your mind and in your heart you already know what you have to do. Its up to you to make it happen. Everyone else is simply your support system but the engine that powers the journey is always going to be you.

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

My fitness instructor aunt use to always tell me ‘You didn’t put on all the weight over night. It isn’t going to come off over night either’. Think of this has a lifestyle overhaul. Not a diet. Not even a workout routine. Right now, you are re-teaching yourself how to life a better life. We learn through doing…so keep doing.

Jinny, her sister, and cousin at The Hot Chocolate Run, 2012

Anything else you would like to share?

I wish I could say that losing weight cured all my problems, but it didn’t. LOL. I still struggle with body image and unhealthy food choices. I deal with clothes not fitting right or feeling ‘fat’. I have days I don’t want to work out (so I don’t). I still have days of being unhappy. Losing weight didn’t make all of that go away. But I did gain a lot of self-confidence and more self-esteem. I walk with my head up. I’m better at looking people in the eye. I have more self-worth than I ever did before. It’s easier for me to shake off a bad day now than it was before. I just want people to know that being skinny, or skinnier, doesn’t fix everything. Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t make life perfect, but it does make it a whole lot better. And it’s worth it. You are worth it.

Jinny and her husband, in Hawaii!

♥♥♥

Jinny,  thank you for sharing your story and words of wisdom.  What an encouragement you’ve given many of us as we’ve seen your determination to gain back your life!

I am always looking for real women with real answers to their real weight struggle, so if you have a shed story that you would like to share, please contact me at clare@peak313.com!