Weight loss is a deeply personal journey, often filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of triumph. Jennifer Cortez's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and the transformative effects of running. Her path to a healthier lifestyle wasn't a straight line, but her determination and newfound love for running led her to lose over 40 pounds and inspired her to help others achieve their own fitness goals.
The Tipping Point: A Celiac Diagnosis
For Jennifer Cortez, a 36-year-old caregiver from Zeeland, Michigan, the turning point came during Thanksgiving 2018. Experiencing extreme stomach pain, she sought medical attention and was diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine upon gluten ingestion. This diagnosis forced Jennifer to confront her unhealthy eating habits, which had long consisted of cheap, processed foods that fit into her busy schedule.
Before her diagnosis, Jennifer admits to a history of unhealthy eating habits and a cycle of fad diets. "Before my diagnosis, my eating habits were very unhealthy. I ate cheap, processed foods that weren’t good for me, because it fit into my busy schedule." She recalls trying various fad diets, only to lose a few pounds before quitting, finding them too difficult or unrealistic to maintain.
Coping with Loss and Emotional Eating
Adding to her struggles, Jennifer experienced a significant emotional blow in 2015 when she lost her best friend to cancer. "It was hard to cope with, and I ate my emotions, gaining 20 pounds." This led to another attempt at dieting and exercise, this time with CrossFit, but she stopped after losing 15 pounds.
Embracing Change: Diet and Exercise
The celiac diagnosis became the catalyst for change. Jennifer realized she could no longer ignore the impact of her food choices on her health. "The final straw was being diagnosed with Celiac disease, because I was forced to change my eating habits." Experiencing bloating, pain, and fatigue after consuming gluten, she committed to making significant dietary changes and incorporating exercise into her routine.
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From Junk Food to Mindful Eating
Jennifer transitioned from a diet of "pizza, tacos, ice cream, chips, pop, and all kinds of junk food" to a more mindful approach. "Before, I never gave any thought to what I ate… Now, I count and track macros-I’m not always strict, but I still make good choices." She now focuses on nutritious foods like oatmeal, fruit, veggies, chicken, Greek yogurt, shrimp, and sweet potatoes, and enjoys experimenting with Whole30 recipes.
Lacing Up: The Beginning of a Running Journey
A month after changing her diet, Jennifer decided to add exercise to her routine. Knowing the benefits of cardio, she started running on a treadmill. "I knew about the benefits that cardio can have on your body, so I hopped on the treadmill."
Those initial runs were challenging. "Those early runs weren’t easy-I couldn’t run a mile without stopping. That first one took me 12 minutes." Overcoming frustration and the desire for instant results, she persevered, running two to three times a week and incorporating at-home workouts like Beachbody to build muscle.
Setting Goals and Achieving Milestones
As she progressed, Jennifer found motivation in setting and achieving goals. "Since I started running, I have lost over 40 pounds. Running has given me amazing confidence in myself. I started off slow, and I grew stronger, mentally and physically, as I set and hit goals for myself." These goals weren't solely focused on weight loss but included distance, speed, and consistency.
From Treadmill to Half Marathons
Gradually, Jennifer's running evolved from solo treadmill sessions to running with friends and participating in virtual races. "The further I progressed, I started running with friends and running virtual races." She steadily increased her distances, eventually completing several half marathons. Less than three years after starting, she is training for her first marathon, and her mile time has improved to eight minutes.
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Paying It Forward: Inspiring Others
Having experienced the transformative power of running and healthy living, Jennifer is now dedicated to helping others achieve their goals. "The first few years were focused on bettering myself. Now, I want to help others. I host track workouts at the park behind my house. I am also taking classes to becomes a nutrition coach and later a personal trainer." She hosts track workouts and is pursuing certifications to become a nutrition coach and personal trainer, driven by the desire to guide others on their own journeys.
Advice for a Successful Weight-Loss Journey
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and celebrating small victories. "If you’re embarking on your own weight-loss journey, don’t focus solely on the end goal. That can be overwhelming and daunting. You are more likely to quit if you do that. Enjoy where you are at right now in the process."
She also stresses the importance of self-acceptance and avoiding comparisons. "Learn to love your body-it’s the only one you get. And learn to be your own competition. Every person is built differently. Comparison can rob you of your joy and stop you in your tracks. Don’t worry about others; just worry about you. Focus on what you have achieved and be proud."
The Power of Faith and Discipline
Charles Butler, from the Washington, D.C. based gospel recording group Charles Butler & Trinity, also embarked on a weight loss journey, partnering with Decalo Weight Loss, Wellness, and Pain Management Clinic. Butler attributes his success to faith and discipline, stating, “People ask me often how did I lose so much weight naturally or how did I have such discipline to do it,” states Butler. “I understand that human might and power is not sufficient enough."
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