I'm a motivation to others????? ME?!

This morning I got a message via myspace from a friend of my sisters who I had gotten to know through the planning of my sisters shower. She actually told ME that I was motivating to HER. How crazy is that?! Who would have thought that me --- someone who has struggled with weight essentially her whole life --- would ever motivate someone else to want to lose weight. THAT helps me see just how far I've come........ Thank you, Courtney! I hope you don't mind that I include our messages back and forth!!!

This is the message I read from Courtney this morning:

----------------- Original Message -----------------
Date: Mar 30, 2008 10:57 PM
Jessica, I'm not sure if you remember me, I'm BJ's that e-mailed you millions of questions about her wedding before we got there! I was just browsing the myspace pages on my list of friends and came across yours and snuck a peak at your blogs. YOU LOOK AMAZING. I too need to fight the battle of losing weight and please let me tell you that you are an inspiration. Coming from a complete stranger, I respect you so much because I know how hard of a battle it is and you look awesome. Good job, you should be very proud of yourself. I just joined weight watchers last week, but I feel like I don't even know where to begin because I have so much weight to lose. Any tips? Congrats- you inspire me!-Courtney

Here is my reply back to her ----- which, in reflecting on it, REALLY DOES show me how far I've come and what I've learned... GO ME!!!! hehe :)


----------------- Original Message -----------------
Date: Mar 31, 2008 6:43 AM
of course I remember you and THANK YOU!!!!!! you just made my day! :) weight watchers is great for several reasons --- they do not restrict anything (so if you want to waste the points on a snickers bar - go ahead and do it - haha!) i've always done better on plans where i wasn't restricting myself from anything i wanted.

do you mind my asking how much weight you have to lose? bc BELIEVE ME --- i understand the overwhelming-ness of looking at the BIG picture... when I first started this journey back in 2006 -- i had a total of 140 lbs. to lose to reach my ultimate goal.................. NOW, CAN YOU BELIEVE I AM HALF WAY THERE??????? i am down 72lbs.! it still sucks to think that i have almost 70 more to go ---- but hell, i'm better off than i was a couple years ago at this time, right?

as far as suggestions for you --- i started seeing a nutritionist. check and see if your insurance covers it, if so - do it! she's been my life saver! she taught me how to "act, think, and eat like a naturally thin person". which is something (obviously) i never knew, since i've been overweight my whole life. some important things to try, along with counting your points through weight watchers (if you bite it, write it!) is:

- when you're eating ---- follow this order:- eat protein, protein, protein first!!!!- next eat veggies- THEN if ONLY IF you're still hungry, eat your starches (potato, rice, bread, etc.)

- allow yourself to have a "real" dessert only once a week... (every friday vinny and i go to chick-fil-a and i have a "cookies-n-creme shake" OMG! so yummy!!!!! it is my reward for having a good week............ and speaking of, if i haven't had a good week and cheated on something -- like jelly beans the week before easter... GRRRRR! then my punishment is no shake that week) the remaining nights, stick to fat-free sugar-free jello or pudding with fat free coolwhip as your something sweet! :) it's sweet and yummy AND looooooooooooooooow in calories!!!! if ever you watch "the biggest loser" trainer bob even tells his contestants to have a "cheat night" every weigh-in day --- where they can eat WHATEVER they want... he says it tricks the metabolism into thinking it is dieting (aka: starving) and therefore will not store fat.

- this one is super important: put your fork and knife down between EVERY bite and force yourself to chew it SLOWLY (in the beginning, you may even need to train yourself by counting 30 chews) the slower you eat, the LESS you eat, and the FASTER you feel full. don't worry - i know you doubt me now - i was you a few years ago - but it really does work!!!!!!!!!!! you just have to take the time to train yourself

- try not to do ANTYHING else while you're eating except think about what you're eating. ie: do not eat in front of the TV, computer, etc. or read or write anything as you're eating.

- GET YOUR BUTT MOVING!!!!!!! exercise and me have been mortal enemies for a LONG LONG LOOOOOOONG time ---- make friends with it! :) it makes a world of difference in your mood, energy level, and of course, weightloss!!!! i joined curves. it's not intimidating or overwhelming - just a bunch of women hanging out, working out, being social - and it's less than the cost of a gym membership (i pay $29/mo. bc i signed up with a special --- i think the normal rate is $39/mo. which is still great!)

- make yourself publicly accountable!!!!!!!!! i started a blog and of course have posted here on myspace as well. knowing i have people supporting and encouraging me along the way makes me make better decisions. knowing i'm posting public pictures of myself on the web, keeps me in line! if you ever want to check out my blog --- go for it: http://jameza40-weightlossjourney.blogspot.com/ maybe you want to think about starting one yourself? it really does keep you in check! ((i may include your message in one, actually - bc you totally made my day!!!!)) to know i've inspired ANYONE to do ANYTHING kind of cracks me up! hahaha - i still have not gotten used to that part of this... i HAVE been successful! i need to learn to accept complements... that's my nutritionists new things with me - instead of replying with "thanks, but i have 70lbs. more to go" i just need to stop at "thanks" and relish in the complement!

- as much as you might HATE to now... take a pic of yourself (front, side, and the dreaded back end) and in the SAME clothes - try to do that once a month. it is truly ASTOUNDING the progress you'll see and little changes REALLY keep me motivated! like lately, i've noticed muscles in my legs i haven't seen since like 10th grade! hahaha :)

anyway, that's all i can think of right now - if i think of anything else, i'll be sure to let you know! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU! :) and if ever you have any questions or anything - don't hesitate to ask!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! good luck and please keep me updated as to your progress.......

hugs, jess

ps: i know you said you've joined weight watchers, so you already know how important it is to journal your food and exercise. a great website to use along with the little booklet they give you is: www.sparkpeople.com - they give you lists and lists of food choices with exactly calories, fat, fiber, etc. and they produce charts and lots of motivational articles, etc. i LOVE that website!!!!!!! seeing what you're actually eating really is eye opening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!