Starting My Weight Loss Journey With Jenny Craig
Are you frustrated with your weight loss?
I’ve been trying to lose the weight from my twin pregnancy for almost two years now and I’m definitely frustrated by my (lack of) progress. I knew it was time to make a chance and try something new so when Jenny Craig invited me to test out their program, I jumped at the chance.
I get asked nearly every time I leave the house when my baby is due.
Saying that’s frustrating is a serious understatement. It’s soul crushing. I’ve caught myself starting to avoid certain places and people because I don’t want to field questions about whether my belly is baby or fat. I’m even avoiding places like the gym (which is counter-productive) because a kind older lady told me I was so cute working out while pregnant the last time I went.
Sorry, lady. Not cute and pregnant. Just (very) postpartum and flabby.
I know people mean well and after having twins (who were each 6 pounds a piece) I definitely have a leftover pooch but I get really sick of hearing about it. Not only that but it’s now affecting my energy level and overall health so it’s definitely time to make a change.
The problem is, I’ve tried. I’ve been dieting and exercising on my own for 2 years without progress. I’ve been to the doctor multiple times looking for a medical reason behind my lack of weight loss. I’ve tried shakes and gym memberships.
So why is it so hard to just lose the weight?
I haven’t hid the fact that my family has had a stressful couple of years. Between losing a baby at birth, moving (several times), having premature twins, nearly losing my daughter in a drowning accident, we’ve had more than our fair share of stress.
I’ve had people tell me that it would have driven them to drink.
Apparently it drove me to brownies.
Lots and lots of brownies.
I’ve tried losing the weight on my own and it just isn’t working so I’m trying something new. For the next 4 months I’ll be working with Jenny Craig and they will be supporting me in my weight loss.
I actually worked at Jenny Craig for several years while I was in high school so I’m already very familiar with the program and kind of knew what to expect at my first visit. It’s interesting being on the other side of things.
Jenny Craig is a clinically proven designed to provide structure and support to help you lose weight and keep it off. I love that the program takes a holistic approach to weight loss and maintenance, focusing on food, body, and mind.
I’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to really get going with my weight loss and this . . . is not it.
I’m actually getting ready for an out-of-state move with 6 kids (which is enough to make anyone crazy), my kids have tons of summer activities planned, my work schedule is crazy.
Here’s the thing though. There is no perfect time to lose weight.
There’s always going to be something preventing you from getting started. Life is just like that. I’ve decided that my health can’t be put on the back burner so even though half my house is in boxes, I have no time to hit the gym, and life is just generally crazy, it’s time for me to do this.
I love that Jenny Craig makes it simple to stick to a plan during crazy life events and they make it easy to transfer to a new center so Jenny Craig can move right along with me.
I met with my consultant to talk about what my first week would look like and was sent home with a complete menu and a week’s worth of food.
We took before pictures. You know how you hear about fat people who lose weight and still feel like the fat person. I’m the person who has been skinny my entire life so now when I see myself in pictures it doesn’t look like me.
And the dreaded side shot:
After my first week in, I’ve realized a few things:
- I think I was actually eating too little before. Then I’d be starving and grab whatever (usually high calorie) option I could find so I ended up eating less quantity with higher calories.
- Not having a meal plan, including snacks, was sabotaging my weight loss. I know what healthy eating looks like but in the midst of my crazy life, what I was actually eating did not line up with my goals (or even what I thought I was eating).
Having a clear plan and someone to be accountable to each week has made such a difference. I was thrilled when I went in to meet with my consultant at the end of my first week and found out I had lost 4 pounds*!
That’s a great start and it was enough to motivate me to keep going.
*Results not typical. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. per week. I received promotional consideration.
What does a day of Jenny Craig food look like?
I’m a big fan of food. I like to cook. I like to eat. I want to lose weight but I also didn’t want to give up some of my old favorites. I love that my Jenny Craig meal plan includes, not only a great variety of foods, but some of my favorites.
You guys, I can have brownies!
Jenny Craig gave me a complete menu includes meals and snacks. When I went in, this is what I thought my daily food plan would look like:
I was thrilled when I realized this is what it actually looked like:
The first day I actually had trouble finishing all the food I was supposed to eat for breakfast. You see, I’m a meal skipper. I skip meals then eat a ton later in the day. I wasn’t used to actually eating a full breakfast in the morning but I’ve been amazed at what that has done for my energy level.
I really love that I don’t have to think about what I’m going to eat or worry about counting calories, especially while life is hectic during our move. Everything is done for me.
I’m relearning what healthy portion sizes are and learning to eat when I’m hungry.
I’ve realized that I often eat when I’m not hungry. There’s usually a few factors to blame:
- I’m tired – I actually can’t remember the last time I wasn’t tired. I think I’m eating to try and give myself an energy boost.
- I’m stressed – That’s pretty much a given too.
- I’m bored – Granted, I don’t have a lot of opportunities for this but my late-night snacking definitely falls under this category.
So I’m at the beginning of my weight loss journey but for the first time in years I’m seeing the numbers on the scale move down. Jenny Craig has some great success stories to keep me motivated and I’m hoping I’ll have my own success story to share soon.
I’m excited to see the changes that I’m hoping to have in my life because of this. I’ll be sharing my weight loss journey with you for the next several months so be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.
Are you ready to start your weight loss journey? Go here to find out more about the Jenny Craig program and to find the center near you.
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I was provided a free trial Jenny Craig program and meals. However, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
