Here is my journey from 192 pounds to 145 pounds through weekly bikini photos! Starting March 30, 2010 and ending on October 6, 2010.
Weigh-In Wednesday #1
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Weigh-In Wednesday #17
Weigh-In Wednesday #18
Weigh-In Wednesday #19
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Weigh-In Wednesday #28
69 comments
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January 17, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Blue Monday is not so blue after all! « The Jen West Quest
[...] Bikini Photos [...]
January 18, 2011 at 9:59 am
Robin Hallum
Wow! Thank you for sharing and I’m inspired…I’m Cherris’ sister in Ohio…:) I’m going to lose this year…I’m calling it Robins Road. (No blog yet) I can’t wait to see you on Rachel Ray!
January 21, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Jen West
Hey Robin!!! I LOVE the name you’ve given your journey! I hope you got to see the show. Keep me posted on your progress and send the link over if you start up a blog!
January 20, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Tracy Smith
Jen,
Wow!! You look amazing. I was sitting here at home on facebook, and I seen the airing of the Rachael Ray show for today, and it has gotten my attention. You have given me so much inspiration! I heard them talking about the Carb Lovers Diet and then I saw your story! Wow! Unfortunately, I weigh a bit more than what you started out at. I would love to really do some kind of exercising, but i have some health issues that keeps me from doing what I would like to do. You have given me some much needed motivation and I’m going to look forward to reading your blog on a regular basis! After I seen this preview of the show and of your accomplishment, I headed out to get the book from the library, and now I need to wait for the book to get shipped to my local library. Congratulations on your successes!!!
Thank you for sharing!
Tracy Smith
January 21, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Jen West
Thank you so much for writing Tracy!! I wish you the BEST of luck… I know you will love the diet! It is so easy, and something you can do for life. Keep me posted, I’m excited to hear about your progress!
January 21, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Carrie
I saw your story on Rachel Ray and just wanted to say WOW! You are now my inspiration. I have been trying to loss weight since the new year but HATE diets! I have tried them and failed to many time to count. I have been just working out and eating helthy but find myself still hungrey during the day. I can’t wait to get my copy of the Carb Lovers Diet and start this journey. You have even made me brave enough to start my own blog next month with my journey.
January 31, 2011 at 5:49 am
Julie
I have battled depression for over 20 years now. Have been hospitalized for it, and take numerous medications to control it now. I was forced to take disability retirement in 2004 when I was hospitalized for my depression. It has been since wa1 year after having my 3rd child I weigh 192, same as you. It’s the exact that I have gained about 80 pounds. Before 2004 I had never worried about my weight. I was consistently 135 to 145 pounds consistently. I have blamed my medications on the weight gain, which some of it is due to meds. However, I have come to realize that my lack of exercise and lack of wanting to discipline myself to eating right has caused most of my weight gain. The weight gain contributes to my depression which keeps the cycle going. I am so frustrated with my body right now that I don’t want to leave the house because of my weight gain. I no longer look recognizable to people I know. My clothes do not fit anymore and when I try to find clothes that fit, the style is so different from what I am used to wearing that I no longer look like myself. I have tried to get used to this new look and accept that I will never be thin again, but I refuse to give up. It is continual turmoil and frustration. I am 5’6″ and weigh 238 pounds (size 19-20 plus). When I was working just before my retirement, I weighed 135 pounds (size 10). I always wore pants with shirt tucked in and a belt with a tiny waist. Now I wear elastic pants with floppy shirts hanging over. Feel like a slob. Something has to change before I will ever feel good about myself again. My daughter loves Rachel Ray and she told me about this book and diet plan. She is always encouraging me and trying to help me. So I am looking for support and advice to assist me with my new weight loss endeavor.
May 5, 2011 at 3:46 am
Chris NC
Julie, you can do it! If you have a YMCA near you, check into their water aerobics classes. I have a back injury, and working out in the water is the only way I can do some exercises. I also do a lot of yoga at home, with many of the poses modified.
Don’t worry about what people think! We’ve all seen folks gain weight after pregnancy or injury and stuff. It’s not so unusual. Once you get started on a fitness program you like, no matter how tame, you can always say, “I just started getting into yoga (or whatever) now, and I love it!” Old friends/colleagues will just cheer you on.
You go!
June 1, 2011 at 1:30 am
Ashley
hi my name is Ashley i am a 19 yr old mom…i gave birth 9 months ago…before my pregnancy i was 175 and wound up gaining way more than i should have ion my pregnancy and weighed 230 in the end. Lucky after birth i have lost majority of the weight putting me at 194 but i am still trying to lose more weight because i was over weight to begin with….i would like to get to 160 at least….but i have a hard time finding time or more less the encouragement to start running and exercising and keep it a normal routine….let alone eating healthy….is there any advice you could give me.
January 20, 2011 at 2:36 pm
France Delage
Hi,
You look fabulous, “vraiment très belle”. I must say that even at 192 you were well proportioned. How tall are you? I’m 5’8″ and at 150 I look far from that. Congradulations, I will look at the “carbs lovers diet”book.
Thank you for your inspiration
France
January 21, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Jen West
Hello France! Thanks for your comment!
I am 5’10″ and am pretty active, so maybe that makes a little bit of a difference in my body shape. Thank you for saying that I was well proportioned at 192! That was the only positive thing I had going for me at the time.
January 20, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Mic
Just ordered this book today. After MANY unsuccessful diet attempts, this looks like something I will actually WANT to do and stick with!
Thank you for your inspiration!
M.E.
Hershey, PA
January 21, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Jen West
Keep me posted, I think you will really like this eating plan! And thank you for the kind words!!!
Best of luck.
January 20, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Dawn Viets
Oh my goodness! You have given me so much inspiration! I just happened to be home late this morning because of a big snow storm and Rachael Ray came on after out local morning news. I heard them talking about the Carb Lovers Diet and then I saw your story! Wow! I weigh exactly what you weighed at the beginning of your journey and I’m trying to get back into running right now. You have given me some much needed motivation and I’m going to look forward to reading your blog on a regular basis! Congratulations on your successes!!!
January 21, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Jen West
YAY!!! Thanks Dawn!! I am so glad that we found each other, our stories do sound very similar. Please, please keep me posted! Best of luck!
January 20, 2011 at 5:21 pm
laby phillips
I just saw you on RR, and thought you have done a great service to us Carb lovers! Looks like you have really done it! Thanks!
January 21, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Jen West
Thank you so much!! I hope I did it justice, it is a wonderful eating plan!
February 29, 2012 at 4:20 am
Debbie
Would you be able to give a little bit of a better daily menu as that is my downfall not knowing how much of what to eat?
January 20, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Tami D
Ok, I have been working out with trainers and eating a low carb diet…Nothing….I have to get at least into “not making people sick when they look at me in a swimsuit” shape by the end of Feb. Not looking like I will make it.
I am *gasp 185 at 5’3″. I have been telling everyone that what we are doing is not working for me and they don’t believe it! The scale is not moving and the pants and still tight!
So, I am going to do the carb lovers diet (secretly) and then when I look all fabulous-finally. I will announce what I have been doing!
Not sure about pics of me….Well, maybe if I keep the lights off!
Thank you for posting your journey – I can do this!
Tami D
January 21, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Jen West
What a great plan Tami!!!!
I too have done the low-carb diet and it wasn’t for me either. Carb Lovers is easy to follow and really teaches you how to eat properly for life. YOU CAN DO IT, and please keep me posted on your progress!!
January 20, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Mary
1 year after having my 3rd child I weigh 192, same as you. It’s the exact same weight I was last year at 6 weeks postpartum, something has to change. I am tall, (5’10) and was too thin before kids (125) but I never dieted a day in my life. I feel that I eat healthier than I used to, but don’t get enough exercise. It’s really depressing to go from to thin to to heavy and feel like you don’t have control. I just ordered the carb book online as a first step. Thanks for the blog, I’m ready to take care of myself for a bit.
January 21, 2011 at 3:33 am
Sandy Montgomery
Great job on Rachael Ray this morning! You have my admiration for such perseverance and dedication to following through with diet! You have inspired me (you look amazing!) and many others as well! Thank you!!
January 21, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Jen West
Mary – I am really inspired by your comment. It is such a big turning point to realize that we need to take care of ourselves first in order to take care of others! I am also 5’10, so we have that in common! You must have been really thin at 125. I would highly suggest counting your calories online or on your phone each day to see what your body needs in order to lose 1-2 pounds a week. Coupling that with a eating plan like Carb Lovers is the ticket! You can do it, and please keep me posted!
January 20, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Brandi
By chance I saw Rachael Ray today and after seeing your story, I am getting the book. I have been stuck at 210 and hope that I can have the success you have had. You look wonderful. You have inspired me to keep track of my success weekly just to see the changes. Thank you for possibly being the turning point in my life to a healthier me!!!
January 21, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Jen West
That is so awesome Brandi!!!! It is so exciting to see your body change before your very eyes. I highly recommend taking photos, even if you are the only one who ever sees them. GO GIRL!!! Keep me posted!
January 21, 2011 at 1:08 am
Erika
I watched you on Rachael Ray today and this is the first time I ever even heard of the carb lover’s diet. You have definitely inspired me. Thank you for being an amazing inspiration.
January 21, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Jen West
Thank YOU Erika for this post and kind words!! Best of luck, and let me know if you decide to try it out!
January 21, 2011 at 3:31 pm
sheila
I think you look terriffic. What an amazing transformation. I’d like to know your exercise routine. You didn’t mention it on the RR show.
Thanks so much,
Sheila
January 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Jen West
Absolutely! I am a very active person, but I actually stopped working out for a few weeks when I first started the diet to really focus on my eating. After about a month, I slowly started to incorporate exercise back in. Now, I am running my first marathon in just a few weeks! Thank for you for your kind words!!
January 21, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Beth Daniel
I didn’t realize you were from B’ham when watching RR….I must have missed that. You look amazing! I purchased the book yesterday and started the diet today. I have 3 boys and can’t seem to get rid of 20lbs that I tacked on during my pregnancies…maybe this will help!
May 12, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Jen West
I hope the diet has treated you well, Beth. I saw that you posted in January… so maybe some progress was made! Would love to hear an update if you ever stop by again. Best of luck!
January 21, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Jennifer
I too, am a serial yo-yo dieter, and my weight has ranged from 120 to 205 in my adult life. I am currently at 180, after a bout of the flu (I don’t recommend THIS diet!), so I’m motivated to get into my size 12′s. Seeing you on RR motivates me further, since this seems like a diet I can stick to. I am hesitant to purchase the book, though, since I have spent SOOO much money over the years on books, DVD’s and equipment. Can you give a few tips to get me started before I fully invest?
May 12, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Jen West
Hey Jennifer! You may or may not have already purchased the book at this point, but I hope you decided to give it a go. Also, I know that you can find a lot of the recipes on their website for free here: http://www.carblovers.com/ I hope you reach your goal!!! It’s never too late.
January 31, 2011 at 4:43 am
rachel
you are such an inspiration! i weighed 230lbs in high school and managed to lose around 80lbs a few years ago.. i’ve gained 10lbs in last year working nights as a nurse.. nothing like a diet fueled on coffee and snacks.. bought the book on amazon and its supposed to be here tomorrow! i’m in two weddings and have my 10yr high school reunion this summer, hoping to get results like you have! thank you for putting yourself out there!
May 12, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Jen West
Rachel- I hope the eating plan worked out for you!!! I’d love an update if you ever stop by again. CONGRATS on losing the 80 pounds… that is so inspiring & amazing. I know it’s hard for some people, but caffeine can be a real food trigger if you can cut it out to some degree. I know that’s easier said than done!!! Best of luck, keeping you in my thoughts this summer for your 10 yr high school reunion!
March 5, 2011 at 2:10 am
Jeremy
I happened upon your site quite randomly while wandering the internet and I love the photographic representation of your transformation. It’s presents such a clear graphic of how our bodies change as we gain and lose weight. The difference between contiguous images is minimal and yet the overall change is vast. I admire your spirit and your guts in entering a half-ironman last April and again this April. Your goal of an ironman in the fall seems insane but I like your determination to push the envelope. I’m sure you have a suitable training plan established. Awesome site here and you seem like a wonderful person. Good luck!
May 12, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Jen West
THANK YOU so much for this comment, Jeremy.
You made my day.
April 26, 2011 at 2:05 pm
PanicMonster
wow! wow! wow! wow!!!
week 20 is where i was BAM!!!! look at her!!! loveeeeeeeeee the dark hair.
u look incredible. u must be so proud <3
April 26, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Jen West
Thank you!!!! I am so proud… and even more so for maintaining it. I love your energy, you seem like a great person.
April 28, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Adela
Good job, how did u lost weight?
May 12, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Jen West
Hi Adela! I followed the Carb Lovers Diet, which you can read about here: http://www.carblovers.com/
May 12, 2011 at 4:17 am
Toni
Just watched you on Rachael Ray, you’ve done so well to get from what you were to what you are now. Completely amazing and so brave. Hope you got to your goal weight and are happy with yourself now. I wish everybody had the same energy and determination as you do.
(:
May 31, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Amber Young
WTG Chic, just watched the Rachel Ray show and had to check your website out. Keep up the good work.
May 31, 2011 at 2:27 pm
JoAnna
Just watched you on Rachael Ray and I all I could think of was — wish I could do that? Whyyy cant I do that?? I am a single mother of 3 and ever since I had my first child (17 years ago) I have never been able to get off the pounds. You inspired me with your spirit and attitude.. and I am gunna try once again, starting today..to get healthy. I already put back my lunch I was going to take to work.. and chose a healthier route. It is just so hard (and expensive) to eat healthier ..but I guess I have to start somewhere. Wish me luck. You look fabulous and congrats on the weight loss.. you must feel wonderful!
June 6, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Colline
Your transformation is amazing! You look like a different person.
July 15, 2011 at 11:03 am
Kathy Hagood
Very much enjoyed your presentation at the “All Things Social” PRSA workshop on Tuesday. I’m glad I learned about your blog as it’s super inspirational. I’ve lost 40 lbs. over the past year and a half and have got at least 10 or 15 lbs. left to go. The experience has changed my life and got me training to become a group exercise leader and personal trainer so I can help others get healthlier and look great. Thanks for sharing your experiences with social media.
August 24, 2011 at 7:40 am
Evelina.
You are beautiful. I’m a girl from Sweden, and I am, in this moment, watching the Rachel Ray’s show. Your transformation is amazing. You have inspired me, thank you.
August 24, 2011 at 7:47 am
Donovan Wynter
I,M FROM SWEDEN AND I HAVE A FRIEND WHO I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THIS KIND OF DIET………..HOW DO I START??
December 5, 2011 at 3:24 am
Ngadine
Wow, that is brilliant! I’m in little old New Zealand so we are only seeing The RR episode today. What an inspiration though, I have lost some weight but have come to a bit of a stand still. So far I’ve lost (I’m used to speaking in kilograms, but thanks to Google converter…) around 30lbs and I still have around 20lbs to go and needed some motivation and you have given it to me. I love the idea of the bikini photos, unfortunately not for me though due to my tummy looking like a road map after having two children! You look amazing!
December 22, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Monica
Amazing and thanks for sharing. I’m doing a big write up on carb lovers over at bellaonline weight loss and will be linking to your blog from there. There’s lots of ways to lose weight and low carb isn’t the only way. So glad high carb diets are making a comeback!
January 18, 2012 at 12:05 am
the flux project: measure your progress in pictures | tatiana in flux
[...] a blog, posting a picture of herself in a bikini once a week until she reached her goal weight. And look at her now. Even if your goal can’t me measured in pictures, you still need to find a way to track your [...]
January 19, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Marie
Hi, Jen!
Just saw you on Rachael Ray here in the Philippines! Your weight loss is amazing, considering that you are still eating carbs. I hope I can lose weight also. Unfortunately, I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome) and I got it a couple of years after giving birth to my daughter who is going to be 4 years old in a week. We’ve been trying for a second baby since June 2011 but we haven’t been blessed with one yet. And yes, sadly, it is because of PCOS. I researched that PCOS makes women gain weight terribly and I think that’s where I’m going. PLUS the reality that I really love eating “junk” foods like fast food junks, chips, fries, etc.
I learned from Rachael’s show that you were reading and following a certain diet from a book. May I know the name of the book and how much does it cost?
Thanks!
Marie
January 19, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Jen West
So great to hear from you Marie!
The diet that I followed was call The Carb Lovers Diet (very healthy) and it is published by the editors of Health Magazine. You can purchase on Amazon.com or directly from their website. I believe it is around $20. Let me know how it works for you. It has easy to follow recipes that I still use to this day, even though I finished with my weight-loss over a year ago. Best of luck and thanks for writing!
February 21, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Kim Parvinen
Wow!!! WOOWWW!!! You look amazing. You looked great at the beginning but now Yeowsa! I have 60 lbs minimum to lose and am going to try so hard to follow this. Saw it in Woman’s world so am trying what it says and will order the book. I have a membership to a nice club my son got me for Christmas(1 year) but doesn’t do much good as long as I continue to binge. I LOVE food so not eating isn’t going to cut it for me but this looks very doable. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!
February 27, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Jen West
Thank you so much, Kim!! And, best of luck to you. Remember to count your calories no matter what you do (I love LiveStrong’s MyPlate), and don’t count all of your exercise as “more food you can eat.” That is my best advice for you. This diet is great, and worked for me like a charm… however, no diet is easy. But the time will fly by! Keep me posted.
February 23, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Christina
You look absolutely beautiful in every photo. Congrats on achieving a goal!
February 27, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Jen West
Thank you so much, Christina!!
February 26, 2012 at 4:25 am
Rebecca
Amazing results. Saw your story in Woman’s World. Extremely motivational! Im gonna follow your blog. I have 40 pounds to lose too. Would love to get back in a bikini. Thank you aNd best of luck to you!
February 27, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Jen West
Thank you so much Rebecca! 40 pounds can make such a difference… and it’s an attainable goal in less than 6 months. Best of luck to you!! Keep me posted.
February 27, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Alyssa mcguire
How did you lose so much weight? I would love to lose that much. Can you please tell me. What you did ??? Thanks!!
February 27, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Jen West
I did The Carb Lovers Diet – a very easy way to eat that incorporates more fiber into a well balanced diet. I also counted my calories daily on LiveStrong.com’s MyPlate app. Good luck to you!
The Carb Lovers Diet: Eat What You Love, Get Slim For Life
February 27, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Rhonda Todd
Wondering what portions you used on the corn chips and bean dip?
February 27, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Jen West
Hey Rhonda! While on the strictest part of the diet, I ate 8-9 corn chips and two tablespoons of bean dip or Greek yogurt dip (seasoned with either ranch powder or dill and salt). A great snack!
February 28, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Chesca
How much exercise did you do & what type? I just read in Woman World and I am starting today, have 30 lbs to lose, hoping this will work for me too..I’ve done the low carb diet and lost 15, but gained it back once I added carbs to my diet again. You’re an inspiration, thanks for posting about your success!
February 28, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Jen West
Thanks for this comment! I actually cut back quite a bit on my exercise when I first started the diet as to focus on my eating for awhile. I’ve always been a big runner, so it was hard at first to not get out there and workout. But after 2-3 weeks, I started to incorporate jogging again once I had my eating in-check. I think the diet I did was especially helpful because it didn’t eliminate any food groups…instead it taught me how to eat correctly forever. Best of luck to you!
March 1, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Chesca
Im on day 3, feel really good, i still find myself feeling guilty about eating carbs..lol..my question to you, i am following what is in Woman’s World, I also checked out the book at the library- do you suggest i follow the book which offers more options, or should i stick to the 3 meal choices listed in the magazine for the first week? the article shows 2 breakfast options, 3 lunch and 3 dinner options? thanks again for your blog!
February 29, 2012 at 6:16 am
Gloria Miguez
I am 65 and would like to weight 20 pounds less, when you are “older” the wrinkles show more if you are skinny so I will be happy with losing 20 pounds. I go to the gym but do only machines and walking….I wish I could attend zumba but I work when they have the classes……wish me luck and I will keep you posted.
Glo
March 29, 2012 at 4:30 pm
loseitbig
Very nice work. I am just starting my journey and I hope my results will come close to yours.
January 5, 2013 at 10:13 pm
The Hardest Post I’ve Ever Written « yougotrossed
[...] lose it for my health. So, in the footsteps of some incredibly inspiring friends before me – Jen West, Stephen Vinson, Jennifer Dome – I’m pledging to weigh in weekly on Wednesdays starting [...]