How Alexandra Lost 36 lbs* and Became Happier and Healthier
By Jenny Craig
By Alexandra Y.
I have always struggled with weight loss for as long as I could remember. Growing up, I was the funny fat friend who often made fun of herself just to cope with what was really going on inside my head. I lived 22 years of my life feeling extremely uncomfortable in my own skin every day.
No matter where I was, I felt as if I was being judged and this created severe anxiety for me. The heavier I was, the more anxiety I felt. I would often feel sick. This anxiety would continue to burden me for years. I didn't put myself out there or do fun things with friends. I limited my life because of this sickness I was feeling.
About a year ago, I decided I needed help to lose the weight that was making me miserable. It was out of my control at this point. I had tried every diet, every trick, every little thing and it wasn't working. I looked into Jenny Craig that morning and was at the center that same day.
The structure Jenny Craig gave me was amazing. I felt in control, a feeling I had NEVER felt with my relationship to food. I even started to move more – such as taking a quick walk.
Yes, the weight started to come off, but I didn't realize how happy I was until I stopped having panic attacks, stopped feeling sick all the time. I actually felt okay. I felt ‘normal.’ I stopped taking my anxiety medication and started running instead. I found a love for exercise and activity. I went outdoors and did fun things with friends. I pushed myself to try new things that I wouldn't even dream of in the past. I felt happy. The physical results from losing weight are awesome and that is what everyone wants in the end, I get that. I love how I look now, but the real "success" in this story for me is the mental success. I have a healthier body, but more importantly a healthier mind. I feel like myself, I feel like this is the person I was meant to be.
Being 23 years old, people ask me if I am embarrassed to say I do a weight loss program. I tell them this is what worked for me. In my mind, this is the ONLY weight loss program for me. Having help does not make you a failure, it makes you stronger for reaching out to achieve your goals. I could have never started this on my own, but Jenny Craig has given me the tools to continue this journey for a lifetime.
*Results not typical. Members following our program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. per week.
Check out other inspiring weight loss success stories from Jenny Craig members.
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