Like many of us, Jenn Jarrett knew there was more she could do to reduce her risk of developing cancer.
She had lost a beloved aunt to cancer in 2003. Yet the need to prevent the disease in her own life didn't come full circle until last September, when she attended a planning rally for a local American Cancer Society Relay For Life® event.
"At the rally we were challenged to make a personal pledge that would fight cancer," Jenn recalls. "I had read about the link between overweight and cancer, and I realized the best pledge I could make would be to lose weight and improve my own health."
She started with her sneakers
Jenn began by taking a good look at her diet and becoming more active. "I started out by walking, because the weather was great and it didn't cost me anything," she says. But as winter approached and temperatures dropped, she says, her resolve started to slip.
Fortunately, Jenn came across an offer for 8 free weeks at a local health club. "The workouts made all the difference," she says, "so I made the commitment and bought a full membership. It's expensive -- but I felt I couldn't afford not to do it!"
Exercise, better nutrition and the encouragement of friends and family have helped Jenn take off an amazing 98 pounds in the 9 months since she made her pledge. Here are a few tips she offers for those who want to make – and keep – their own weight loss promises.
Weigh yourself, but not too often. "It's easy to get discouraged that way," she says. "I just monitor my progress, and when I see I've moved forward, I reward myself."
Don't cut everything you love out of your diet. "If you're craving something, eat just a little of it," she says. "You'll feel satisfied and that will help you stay on track."
When you blow your diet, forgive yourself -- instantly. "Everyone makes mistakes," she says. "You eat a huge serving of something that you shouldn't, and then you feel so bad. It's better if you just say to yourself, ‘It's no big deal – I'll start again right now.'"
Don't be afraid to switch up your program. "You hit plateaus ... it gets harder along the way. I had to vary my exercise routine, taking a break for a day or two and then returning. It works."
Feeling great will reward you and keep you going. "For the first time in a long time, I feel really healthy," Jenn says. "It's the greatest gift ever ... like a second chance at life."
We salute Jenn Jarrett's achievement – and encourage you to follow her example and Fight Back toward a healthy, cancer-free lifestyle. For a full set of tools to help you get started, check out the Great American Health Challenge.
