Jill went from Pudgy to Pageants!

by Jill Knapp
(Boise, Idaho)

Before and After

Name: Jill Knapp

Age: 42

Height: 5'8"

Before weight: 237

How I gained it: During my first pregnancy, I gained 50 pounds, and after childbirth, my weight gradually began increasing.

As with most women, I became busy with life and forgot the importance of taking care of myself.

I was young, and my body didn't feel the extra 100 pounds I had gradually put on over the years. I had bad eating habits, no time for exercise and no real desire to be healthy.

Breaking point: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy at age 37. I was having headaches after the pregnancy, and I thought it was from having a sick newborn.

Finally, at six months, I went to see the doctor to be checked for the headaches, and I found out I had put on 15 extra pounds. It was so depressing.

I also found out I have Type 2 diabetes. I was determined to get the weight off, and I did! My husband and kids mean the world to me. Being able to live a long life was an important factor and motivation to lose the weight.

In January 2008, I even broke my ankle after slipping on black ice, and I was still able to lose the weight -- my mind was made up that no matter what, it was coming off.

How I lost it: I logged my food, ate six small meals a day and had no refined sugar. Finding out I had Type 2 diabetes helped me have a paradigm shift in the way I think, and I did a lifestyle change versus a diet. Five days a week, cardio mixed with weight training was my exercise routine.

In January, I had a personal trainer sponsor me training sessions to get ready for the Mrs. Idaho pageant I did. It was wonderful to learn from a trainer, and now I can do what she taught me on my own.

I did the Mrs. Idaho pageant after losing a total of 100 pounds. What a great feeling to make the top 6 if 16 amazing ladies.

I am now a public speaker, and I motivate others to lose weight and get fit. I am also a diabetes advocate, and it brings me great joy to share my story with others -- and in doing so, I inspire them to "get up and get moving!"

After weight: 137