Jenni Bitor, 30, from Jacksonville, FL
Before: 236 lb
Now: 135 lb
START
Before I gave birth to my first daughter in 2001, I didn't think twice about my weight or what I ate (I was a healthy 130 pounds). But my husband was deployed for eight months soon after she was born and I turned to food for comfort. I gained more weight when I had my other two girls and stopped caring about what I looked like.
WAKEUP CALL
By early 2010, I was over 230 pounds and miserable. My husband went back on sea duty, which meant he was away for six months. My daughters were becoming more active, and keeping up with them was important to me. I also longed to like the woman I saw in the mirror.
THE PLAN
I chose Jenny Craig because I wanted to know exactly what I was eating and have support. I learned to control my portions and include more fruits and veggies in meals. I stayed on the plan, and after I lost 30 pounds, I joined a gym, where I did Zumba classes and jogged on a treadmill. I ran my first 5K in 2011!
I DID IT!
I reached my goal weight (135 lb) in October 2011.
BELLE OF THE BALL
After I hit my goal weight, I went shopping for a dress for a Navy ball and fit into a size 4! I used to dread formal events, but I couldn't stop smiling all night!
FINISH
My daughters (now ages 11, 9 and 5) see me as confident and active, and they've asked to train with me so they can compete in children's runs. My proudest moment: when my oldest said that when she grows up she wants to be strong like me.
My stick-with-it SECRET
Track your progress, even after you hit your goal weight.
As I was losing weight, I wore a BodyMedia armband (and still do!). The device uses sensors to keep track of the calories that I burn daily and gives me access to an online food log that I fill in regularly. These tools make it easier to meet goals and maintain my weight. If you don't want to use a gadget, jot down your food and exercise details in a journal.
