Transformation of the Day: Morning News Anchor Jessica lost 88 pounds and has gone from 40% to 25 % body fat. She’s shared her transformation with the public and documented it online. Learn more about how she lost the weight…
I’m Jessica Larche, a morning news anchor for WTKR-TV in Norfolk, Virginia. I have been sharing my weight loss journey with our viewers. Over the last two and a half years, my healthy lifestyle changes have led to nearly 90 pounds in weight loss!
What was your motivation? What inspired you?
In 2012, I had a wake-up call that made me realize it’s not just about losing weight or squeezing into a cute dress. A visit to the doctor revealed my blood pressure was 150/100, which is dangerously high. I was embarrassed that my poor eating choices and lack of a consistent exercise routine led to blood pressure medication at 27 years old.
I decided that I had to begin a lifelong journey toward health and fitness if I was going to tackle this, and do away with the notion of a “diet”. I started by falling completely in love with myself at that exact moment, no matter the number on the scale or the size of the pants I was wearing. I had to use the love I had for myself as fuel for making better decisions.
How did you change your eating habits?
I began researching foods that help lower blood pressure. Kale, spaghetti squash, flaxseed and cauliflower rice kept popping up. I found fun recipes to help break up the monotony of my low-sodium, lower-carb lifestyle. I usually keep my calories around 1500 a day. I try to stick to lower-carb foods like chicken, fish, veggies, and protein bars when I’m on the go. I do eat healthy carbs like oatmeal or brown rice, but I try to eat those earlier in the day.
What did your workout routines look like?
When I began my journey in 2012, I took cardio and weight training classes at One Life Fitness. About a year later, I started working with a trainer (Stephen Proctor) once a week. Now, I work with a trainer (Ken Williams) about three times a week, with a huge focus on building muscle tone.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I began my journey at 260 pounds and roughly 40% body fat in 2012. As of December of 2014, I weigh 172 pounds and roughly 25% body fat. (Height 5’3″)
How long did your transformation take?
My journey toward health and fitness is a lifestyle change I began in the spring/summer of 2012.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I finally learned that loving myself is the best, longest lasting fuel for my fitness journey. When it comes to weight loss, I actually have the power to confront and overcome this obstacle. Each day, I can make choices that will chip away at it, bit by bit. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it certainly means I have the power to push through it. I became grateful that God blessed me with an obstacle I have complete control over. I can choose to exercise. I am blessed with legs, arms and feet so I can walk and jog and run (I’ll get to running… eventually.
Learn more about her journey.
jessicaonajourney.com
Twiiter: @JessicaNLarche
Instagram: @jessicaonajourney
Update: Congratulations to Jessica! She’s lost a total of 100 pounds and is on the cover of the February 2016 issue of Women’s Day magazine.
