From 210 Pounds to a New Lifestyle: A Journey of Self-Discovery
A Taylor Swift concert turned out to be the tipping point for Lori Jerisha. The 47-year-old mother of two was in Chicago to see the pop star perform last summer and recalls “needing a break when I was walking from the parking lot to the stadium and up the stairs. I got so tired of asking [my daughter] to wait for me.”
The Turning Point
A combination of a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits led to steady weight gain for Jerisha, who tipped the scales at 210 pounds in 2023. She felt physically limited, dissatisfied with her appearance, and suffered from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, which required a CPAP machine.
A New Lease on Life
In addition to feeling physically limited and dissatisfied with her appearance, Jerisha suffered from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Her weight caused acid reflux and sleep apnea, the latter of which required a CPAP machine. Earlier in her nursing career, Jerisha was active, but 12 years ago, she pivoted to a work-from-home position for an insurance company, “I went from moving around to sitting in front of a computer, typing and using digital electronic records.”
A Push from Her Husband
Faced with an empty nest last fall, Jerisha finally decided to take time for herself. A final push and a defiant step towards better health came from her husband, Tony, who told her she couldn’t lose weight by walking. She told him, “Watch me.”
The Journey to Health
In less than a year, she has lost 58 pounds. “I used to just walk around the block. Now I get up to 3 miles in, two to six times a week. I make a playlist, I put one earbud in so I can still hear what’s behind me, and I go,” she gushed. Her husband is now a convert to the power of the stroll, joining Jerisha on some of her walks and losing 25 pounds himself.
The Rewards of Her New Lifestyle
Recent research found that walking 5,000 steps three times a week for two years could add three years to a person’s life expectancy and decrease their healthcare costs by up to 13%. In addition to her walking workouts, Jerisha has changed how, when, and what she eats. With the help of a calorie-counting app, MyNetDiary, she can track how food affects her goals. Her method is scientifically supported. Last year, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found calorie counting to be the most effective way to shed unwanted pounds.
Conclusion
Through small, incremental changes, Jerisha has transformed her life. She is proud of her body and thrilled to shop for new clothes to complement it, “I don’t have to shop in the plus section anymore, and it’s fun to buy dresses, skirts, and clothes that show my arms. I can shop at the same stores as my daughter.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you start your journey to health?
A: I started by making small changes to my daily routine, such as taking regular walks and tracking my food intake.
Q: What were some of the challenges you faced?
A: I struggled with sedentary behavior and poor eating habits, which led to weight gain and health issues.
Q: How did you overcome these challenges?
A: I started by setting small goals for myself, such as walking around the block, and gradually increased my distances. I also started tracking my food intake and making healthier choices.
Q: What is your advice to others who are looking to make similar changes?
A: Start small and be patient. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight, but about making gradual, sustainable changes that you can maintain in the long-term.
