Transformation of the Day: Jewel lost 91 pounds by committing to healthy eating habits and exercise. She is a true overcomer, having faced the loss of her son, her spouse’s infidelity, divorce, and a spinal surgery during her journey.
Social Media:
@theformerfatgrl on all social media platforms (IG, FB, X, and TikTok)
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I sat at home nine months pregnant when a woman called to say she was having an affair with my husband. My world sank. I looked in the mirror and immediately felt shame, hurt, and anger. I had gained 100 lbs between two pregnancies, and I questioned myself whether my husband’s infidelity was my fault.
The ordeal caused me so much turmoil that I went into emergency labor and birthed a beautiful baby boy. Two months later, I lost my newborn to SIDS. I was helpless, hopeless, and suicidal. I begged God to take me out of the darkness. I found solace in the gym. After every workout came a euphoric experience. I felt better, and my thoughts were clearer. It’s been three years, and I still chase after that euphoria.
This journey is for me. I want to continue finding strength in the inner parts of me that felt weak and betrayed. This journey is for my sons, Khyree on earth and Kru in heaven. They deserve a healthy, happy mother. This journey is for all the women whose lives have been turned upside down. There’s hope, joy, and love on the other side of fear.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my relationship with food. Being a “foodie” was a big part of my problem. I thought my love for food was paramount. That was actually a big problem.
I had back and knee pain. I developed a binge-eating habit that I needed to sort out. I switched from eating three meals and two snacks to intermittent fasting. I fast from 8 pm to noon. I have a rule that once I break my fast, whatever I consume must have nutritional value. Lately, I have been breaking my fast with a protein shake.
I avoid eating fast food as it has become very underwhelming and usually contains dairy, which gives me headaches. Instead, I cook meals I enjoy. My favorite meal is steak & onions with sweet potatoes (any style) and broccolini. I take this meal and switch out the options. For example, some days, it may be salmon or chicken instead of steak. On other days, I may substitute the broccolini for asparagus.
I try to ensure my meals include low glycemic index foods. I learned that high glycemic index foods cause your glucose to spike thus causing insulin to be produced. Insulin causes the body to hold on to fat. I also paired better eating habits and exercise with drinking more water and being consistent and before long I’d lost 90 lbs!
What is your workout routine?
Over the last three years, my workouts have changed tremendously. I started by walking two miles five days per week. Then I progressed to YouTube videos by Grow with Jo. Eventually, I moved to jumping rope and strength training five days per week. Now, I strive for movement every day because it is a blessing!
I watched a TedTalk that said, “Don’t complicate it. Workout every day for 20 minutes and watch your body transform.” And my, has it transformed! I often challenge myself to shake things up. Examples: run 5 miles on the elliptical, 30 minutes on the star master or 30 minutes of strength training. I change things up often so I don’t get bored.
How often did you work out?
I started with a few days a week. Then, I moved to five days per week. Now I strive for movement at least 20 minutes of exercise daily.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was 289 pounds. I am now 198 pounds.
What is your height?
5’3″
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
It’s been three years. Through it all, I’ve lost a son, had spinal surgery, officially divorced my ex, and lost 90 lbs.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. This is a natural weight loss journey. However, I had breast reduction surgery in 2006. It was necessary for my back issues.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Conquer the fears in your mind, and your body will follow.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Nike has this slogan that goes over many of our heads. It says, “Just Do It!” Don’t take this lightly. There will be many excuses, but “Just Do It!“ Life will get hard, but “Just Do It!“ Many days, you will be tired, but “Just Do It!“ You are going to mess up. So what! “Just Do It!“ Do it alone and do it afraid. “Just Do It!”
