Hi, I’m Janet Robinson, a 32-year-old mom of two daughters living in Oklahoma City with my husband, Jason. I want to share our weight loss journey and how it transformed our lives as a family.
Realizing the Need for Weight Loss
For years, Jason and I juggled work and family life. I was a stay-at-home mom, caring for our daughters, while Jason worked long hours as a store manager.
Over time, our weight crept up—me to around 190 pounds and Jason close to 230 pounds. We felt drained, both physically and mentally, and knew we needed to make a change for our girls. We wanted to be active, play with them, and set a good example of health.
Turning Point of our Life
One day at the park, our oldest daughter, Olivia, asked why we didn’t run around like the other parents.
That question struck a chord. We realized our unhealthy lifestyle was impacting our daughters.
That evening, we made a pact to start our weight loss journey together—not just to look better, but to be the best versions of ourselves for our kids.
Weight loss: Our 5 strategies for success
No #1 Small, Sustainable Changes
We started with small changes. Our first step was cutting down sugary drinks—switching soda for water and meal prepping healthier options.
We gradually transitioned to a balanced diet, focusing on more veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Month 1: Small, Sustainable Changes
- Week 1: Cut sugary drinks; switch soda for water.
- Week 2: Begin meal prepping healthy options.
- Week 3: Introduce more vegetables and lean proteins.
- Week 4: Plan family walks in the evenings.
TIP:
My husband colleague suggested a Weight loss diet plan book, which help us to make our meal plan.
No #2 Walking Together
Instead of jumping into intense workouts, we began walking in the evenings with the stroller while the girls played.
This allowed us to reconnect as a family and get some activity. Eventually, those walks turned into jogs, and we started running.
Month 2: Building Activity
- Week 5: Increase walking duration; push stroller while kids play.
- Week 6: Gradually incorporate jogging intervals.
- Week 7: Start planning active family outings (parks, nature walks).
- Week 8: Explore local gyms and fitness classes.
No #3 Intermittent Fasting
Jason found intermittent fasting effective. He fasted for 16 hours and ate during an 8-hour window, focusing on nutrient-dense meals. I joined him, and we both noticed reduced bloating and steady weight loss.
Month 3: Introducing New Techniques
- Week 9: Jason starts intermittent fasting (16/8).
- Week 10: Janet joins in; focus on nutrient-dense meals.
- Week 11: Monitor progress and celebrate small victories.
- Week 12: Begin online strength training workouts.
No #4 Strength Training
As we gained endurance, we added strength training. Jason joined a gym, while I did at-home workouts during nap times. This helped us build muscle, burn fat, and feel stronger.
Month 4: Strength Training
- Week 13: Jason joins a local gym; Janet does at-home workouts.
- Week 14: Add strength exercises 2-3 times a week.
- Week 15: Experiment with new recipes focusing on protein and veggies.
- Week 16: Schedule family fitness challenges (e.g., weekend hikes).
Month 5: Maintaining Motivation
- Week 17: Keep each other accountable; set weekly goals.
- Week 18: Celebrate a collective milestone (e.g., a family 5K).
- Week 19: Reflect on progress; adjust strategies if needed.
- Week 20: Share experiences with friends for extra support.
No #5 Accountability
We kept each other accountable. When I felt like giving up, Jason reminded me of our goals. On days he wanted to skip workouts, I encouraged him to stay on track. This teamwork was crucial.
Month 6: Creating a New Lifestyle
- Week 21: Embrace occasional treats without guilt (e.g., pizza night).
- Week 22: Focus on fun physical activities (dancing, biking).
- Week 23: Establish a weekly family fitness routine.
- Week 24: Reflect on journey; appreciate the changes.
Results: The Numbers & Beyond
Over 18 months, I went from 190 pounds to 145 pounds, and Jason dropped from 230 pounds to 180 pounds. But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Our energy levels soared—we could run after our daughters and play without feeling exhausted. Our mental health improved too; we felt less stressed and more patient with each other and the kids. Our daughters began picking up healthy habits, like eating more fruits and staying active.
Staying Motivated
Our motivation came from knowing we were in this together. Seeing changes in our bodies and how we felt confirmed we were on the right path. We celebrated every milestone, whether it was losing 5 pounds or running our first 5K. We realized we were investing in our family’s future, leading to more time and adventures together.
Life Now: A New Normal
Today, our weight loss journey has become a lifestyle. We still enjoy treats (pizza night is a favorite!), but we balance it with healthy choices. We’ve integrated fitness into our routine through hiking, biking, and dancing around the living room. We aren’t perfect, and that’s okay. We’ve learned that lasting change is about consistency, not perfection. It’s about finding balance, staying committed, and enjoying the journey.