Sharing Our Stories--JENNIFER AMADOR

I got the lucky privilege of chatting with Ms. Amador about her "Get Up And Move Journey". I'm going to write this interview style baby, since she's a celebrity and all. :)

Here's the skinny (like my pun? LOL)--Jennifer's results as of 4/25/2012:

Weight loss: 40 freaking pounds, so awesome!
Overall inches: 19
Down 3 pant sizes. Wow!

Check out these pics! What an amazing difference and look at that smile. :)

Q: What was your motivation?
A: My mother who passed away at 56 with colon cancer. That's WAY too young and I want to be here for my family way longer than that and not just be here, but healthy and active too!

Q: What were some of the top reasons you have been so successful?

A:

1. Everyone has a competitive side in them to some degree and I love a good competition, so that was very helpful.

2. The support of others.

3. Telling everyone around me I was doing this, so it held me more accountable.

4. Being diligent. I've had quite a few treats around me and I really haven't cheated. I love french fries for example, and I haven't eaten them ONCE since we've been doing this!

5. Changed eating habits. I'm eating smaller portions more often, this was key and more veggies in general. I still enjoy the food I eat.

6. Variety in exercise. I've done Zumba, spin, elliptical, weights, jump roping and more.
7. Changed what food I have in the house.
8. Gym 6 days a week.

What I loved most about our conversation is that she was having fun doing it. She was like, "Yeah it's hard, but it's not been nearly as hard as I thought it would be and I'm having fun."

Q: What is one of your favorite new meals?

A: Turkey Lettuce Wraps: Turkey burger, peanuts, soy sauce etc. wrapped in lettuce

In case you don't already know this about Jennifer, she has her fingers in about 100 pies and somehow has managed to continue to be one of the top weight-loss contenders this entire contest, all the while juggling a busy full-time job and a myriad of volunteer, leadership events both with church, school and more! Makes me realize, I NEVER have a good enough excuse to say I don't have time to fit it in.

It's amazing what we mere humans can do when we put our minds to it! Jennifer is a great example of true resolve. She said she was going to do this, and by damn, she did it with fervor. She's a great example to all of us about going after a task with intensity and drive and in turn seeing great results!

Congrats Jen, you deserve every pound you've lost! :)

45-Year Old Laura London

This is 45-year-old Laura London, fitness model and competitor.  Here is her story and her before/after photos.  Wow! Who knew 45 could be so fabulous!

Reaching my forties, I was tired, out of shape, overweight and not feeling good about myself. Fat was starting to accumulate in places I never had it before. My hormones were out of control and I was addicted to sugar. I also had a very painful disk issue in my lower back. Feeling like there had to be more I decided to make a change in my life. I cleaned up my diet taking out all processed foods and only eating whole foods from "mother nature". I transformed my out of shape body into a healthy fit and toned one. Growing up as a child I never even played a sport because my brother was a hemophiliac.
I have been having the most amazing life since my transformation. I am now at 45 a nationally ranked figure competitor, fitness model, nationally certified personal trainer, writer and holistic health & wellness coach. I never dreamed I could look like this in my 40's and do the things I am doing now.
My mission and passion now are to help other women and mom's learn and grow to be best they can be at any age!

Laura has a website and blog with tips, advice and inspiration.  It also includes before photos.  Check it out HERE!