Jill Gives Me HOPE!!

Please allow me to introduce you to my friend, Jill Knapp. She is from my town and was recently on the Dr. Oz show last week! She has allowed me to post her very inspiring story of health and weight-loss. Jill is a 42-year-old mommy of 3, and has recently lost 100 pounds over a 2-year span.

I want to lose weight SO bad, but whenever I start to climb that "mountain" the top seems so unreachable and I fall back down. It can be so discouraging as a mom, with so many other people and things to worry about every day. Many of us tend to put everyone else first and ourselves last. I am one of those, and it's trying to kill me; as I am insulin resistant and on my way to Type II diabetes, myself.

Jill has brought me a little spark of courage, and the inspiration to get back up and try again. She brings me hope! Read her story and be inspired with me. Then leave me a comment or email me (TheCreativeHomemaker AT gmail DOT com) if YOU would like to join me in my journey to lose weight! WE can use ALL the support WE can get!

Jill's Height: 5'8"
Before weight: 237

How I gained it: During my first pregnancy, I gained 50 pounds. With 2 more pregnancies and many miscarriages my weight gradually began increasing. As with most women, I became wife and then mother and got so busy with life that I forgot the importance of taking care of myself. I was young, and my body didn't feel the extra 100 pounds I had gradually put on over the years. I had bad eating habits, no time for exercise and no real desire to be healthy.

Breaking point: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my third and last pregnancy at age 37. I was having headaches after the pregnancy and just not feeling well, I thought it was from having a sick newborn. Finally, at six months, I went to see the doctor to be checked for the headaches, and I found out I had put on 15 extra pounds. It was so depressing. I also found out I have Type 2 diabetes that was even more depressing. I was determined right then that I was going to get the weight off, and I did! My husband and kids mean the world to me. Being able to live a long life was an important factor and motivation to lose the weight. In January 2008, I even broke my ankle on both sides after slipping on black ice, I had to have surgery and 6 screws put in my fibula. I was still so determined I was still able to lose the weight. My mind was made up that no matter what, it was coming off.

How I lost it: I logged my food, ate six small meals a day and had no refined sugar. Finding out I had Type 2 diabetes helped me have a paradigm shift in the way I think, and I did a lifestyle change versus a diet. Four days a week, cardio mixed with weight training was my exercise routine. In January, I had a personal trainer sponsor Rebecca Carington training sessions to get ready for the Mrs. Idaho pageant. It was wonderful to learn from a trainer, she really cared about me and saw the potential I could reach and I did.

I did the Mrs. Idaho pageant after losing a total of 100 pounds, and I made the top six out of 16 amazing women. I am now a motivational speaker to motivate others to lose weight and get healthy. I am a diabetes advocate. It brings me great joy to share my story with others -- and in doing so, I inspire them to "get up and get moving!"
After weight: 137


Visit Jill's web site www.getupandgetmoving.net to get motivated today.