It’s hard to believe how fast time flies, but this past May I started Jenny Craig. I was 195 pounds at my first weigh in. While that was pretty heavy for me, it was not my heaviest. The month earlier I weighed in at 199 pounds. I remember looking at the scale in shock when that number appeared, not sure how I let myself get to that point. I was on the precipice of going down a road I really did not want to go down. I felt lost and absolutely discouraged about my weight.
Ever the optimist, I refused to give up, so I tried to focus on small changes, like cutting back my food portions and making smarter choices. By the time I joined Jenny Craig in May, I was already down 4 pounds from April. While I was proud of the progress I had made on my own, I absolutely would never have gotten to the point I’m at now without Jenny Craig.
So where am I currently? It’s early September and I just stepped on the scale and saw 169* flash across the screen. While that may seem like a huge number to some, I am beyond ecstatic. 30 pounds is a lot of weight to lose, and every inch of me feels better. I’ve still got 24 pounds left to go on my journey, but I’m making sure to celebrate the successes along the way.
*Results not typical. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. per week. I received promotional consideration.
Since May I’ve learned a lot about my relationship with food, correct portion sizes, and the importance of eating frequently throughout the day. Losing 30 pounds* has been life changing for me, but I’ve gained so much more than seeing smaller numbers when I step on the scale.
*Results not typical. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. per week. I received promotional consideration.
What I’ve gained losing 30 pounds
1. Confidence
Without a doubt the biggest thing I’ve gained since losing 30 pounds* is confidence. I’ve gained confidence in my appearance, my willpower, and myself in general. I know I can do big things because I’ve done them. If I set my mind to something and am willing to work hard, I will succeed.
2. A new wardrobe
You may have noticed I’ve been on a bit of a shopping kick recently. 😀 It’s because getting dressed is fun again! I’m fitting into clothes that have been too small on me for years and also like how new clothes look on me. I’m excited to embrace the trends this fall and winter because I feel good about myself and my body.
3. Appreciation for what really matters
You guys, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that weight is just weight. I’m still the same person I was when I married Josh in July 2013 weighing 145 pounds as I was watching Hannah get married in April 2016 weighing 199 pounds. What makes me me comes from the inside. And at the end of the day that is what really matters.
*Results not typical. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. per week. I received promotional consideration.
Questions of the Day: Does Jenny Craig sound like a program you would be interested in? Have you lost a significant amount of weight before? Did you learn something about yourself along the way?
I was provided a free trial program by Jenny Craig that included being compensated with enrollment in the program, consultations, as well as food for the duration of the program. However, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Lauren says
Congrats, lady-you look fab! Also I love this list and the fact that you mention that you’re weight isn’t who you are and that you’re the same person 30 pounds more or less! Weight is just a number.
Mindy (Road Runner Girl) says
Congrats girl! What an amazing transformation! And I LOVE that you don’t let your weight define you!!!
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen says
You look absolutely amazing and BEAUTIFUL! <3
Tiffany says
Congrats! You are doing wonderful and look amazing!
Nicole says
You look gorgeous!!
Dawn says
Aw, congrats on the weight loss 🙂 I’m always fighting the battle to and you give me encouragement!
GiGi Eats says
Appreciation for what matters = THE BEST thing you could take away from weight loss! I am so proud of you and you look phenomenal and so much happier!!
Tara | treble in the kitchen says
Great message!! You look beautiful at all sizes, but I’m so happy you are feeling good in every way right now!!! 🙂
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
You have been kicking butt at this, and #3 is most definitely true (and the most important thing)!
Vanessa | THE REAL LIFE says
Congratulations, Erin! I know from personal experience just how liberating losing 30 pounds can feel. Best of luck on the rest of your journey! You should feel so proud.
Margaret says
Great job at losing the weight.
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
Congratulations! I just stepped on the scale this week and realized that I’ve lost 30 pounds since last September! It’s a great feeling!
Kiley Smith says
You look AMAZING!!! So proud of you!
Rosaline Callaghan says
Congratulations. You look great and I love that you mention weight doesn’t define you. I am on a weight loss/get fitter journey myself. Which part of Ireland were you in? I am a Donegal woman myself 🙂
Siedah says
You look good in both photos Erin. I am happy for you because you feel better. I think that is the biggest accomplishment when losing weight. Is how we feel on the inside. And the savings in the cost of clothing. 🙂
Amanda R DeWitt says
You look awesome!! And heck yes to #3! Weight can fluctuate day to day so I try really hard not to weigh myself more than once a month!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids says
Congrats! I’m glad you’ve found a program that you’ve been able to find success in.
Heather Montgomery says
So proud of you girl!
Emily says
This is so awesome girl and you look amazing!!! Keep up the good work 🙂 What does your workout routine look like?
Erin @ Sometimes Homemade says
What an incredible journey so far! I” currently starting over after having lost 7 or 8 years ago and then regained in the last few years due to work stress primarily. I’m only down 5 so far in the first 2.5 weeks, 25-30 to go. Thanks for sharing your story!
Kimberly says
Congratulations Erin! So proud of you for this accomplishment! Love your positive attitude. You can do it!
Regine Karpel says
Congrats.
Vanessa says
Congrats to you on your weight lost. You look awesome
Mary Ann says
That is so awesome! Feeling good is such a reward. You look great!
Stephanie says
You look great! I lost weight this year as well. I had gained 30 pounds after getting married and lost 20 pounds eating well and exercising like crazy! Feel so much healthier and happier.
Erin says
Congrats girl!! Isn’t it amazing how empowering losing weight is?? I’ve gained so much more self confidence!!