When Lori Jerisha’s two children left for college in the fall of 2023, she realized it was time to prioritize herself and her health. Over the years, she had become inactive, and her weight climbed to over 210 pounds. She was unhappy with her appearance and overall well-being. “I knew I needed to make a complete lifestyle change,” she told TODAY.com.
During a Taylor Swift concert in Chicago with her daughter in July of last year, Lori felt embarrassed when she needed a break while walking from the parking lot to the stadium. “I got so tired of asking her to wait for me,” she recalls.
On another family trip to Denver, she found herself lagging behind at the Red Rock Amphitheater. “I was the only one saying, ‘Can you just wait?’ I was only in my 40s. I had to be able to walk.”
Alongside her struggles with mobility, Lori faced health issues, including high cholesterol and blood pressure, acid reflux, and sleep apnea requiring a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. “My health was really starting to creep up on me,” she states.
Seeing unflattering photos of herself at summer events also motivated her to make changes. “At my cousin’s wedding, I saw how big I looked next to my cousins. At a family function at my daughter’s college, I couldn’t fit into a T-shirt from her school. Nothing fit well,” she shares.
Now 47, Lori attributes her weight gain and health problems to her sedentary lifestyle. In her earlier nursing career, she had been active, but that changed when she transitioned to desk work. For the past 12 years, she has worked from home as a nurse for an insurance company, leading to even less movement. “I’m tied to my desk. I don’t get up,” she admits.
Walking and Diet Changes Sparked Weight Loss
Starting in the fall of 2023, Lori committed to walking regularly and making small adjustments to her diet. Within a year, she lost 58 pounds. “I know I’m still considered overweight, but I’m happy where I’m at,” she says.
The most significant improvements in her life have been in her physical fitness. “My energy has increased. I can walk up the stairs without being short of breath, and carrying laundry baskets is no longer a problem,” she notes.
Her health markers have also improved significantly; she no longer needs medication for blood pressure or acid reflux, and she has avoided starting cholesterol medication. “My last goal is to get off my CPAP,” she adds.
Additionally, Lori has enjoyed revamping her wardrobe. “I don’t have to shop in the plus section anymore, and it’s fun to buy dresses, skirts, and clothes that show my arms. I can shop at the same stores as my daughter,” she says with a smile.
Walking Jumpstarted Her Journey
While Lori has never enjoyed traditional exercise, she has always liked walking. “I didn’t take the time to do it for myself,” she reflects. When her husband, Tony, suggested that she couldn’t lose weight just by walking, she confidently replied, “Watch me.”
Initially, she would walk around the block but gradually increased her distance to three miles, two to six times a week. She creates playlists for her walks, using one earbud to stay aware of her surroundings. Tony sometimes joins her on her walks, and he has lost 25 pounds by adopting similar habits.
Small Dietary Changes Add Up
With her kids gone, Lori no longer finished their leftovers, and she and Tony reduced their restaurant meals, opting to eat at home more often. “I made little changes that piled up, and it really worked well,” she explains.
To keep track of her food intake, she uses the MyNetDiary app. This helps her assess the impact of her food choices. For example, if she wants a small candy bar, she checks how it fits into her daily goals.
To reduce temptation, she removed food from her office. She made specific changes to her meals, such as eliminating sour cream and cheese from her Chipotle order—“It doesn’t taste any different,” she assures.
Lori has also tried new vegetables like Brussels sprouts, which she initially avoided: “They’re not as bad as I thought.” She aims for at least one meatless meal each week and prefers single-serving Greek yogurt with crunchy toppings over ice cream for dessert. “It satisfies my sweet tooth and helps with portion control,” she explains.
She and Tony prepare meals in advance, often grilling extra chicken for salads or wraps, and have cut out cheese and mayonnaise in favor of whole wheat options. “These were the things I really tried to focus on. They are minor changes, and you don’t miss them,” she states.
Staying Motivated
Working from home, Lori keeps the Today Show playing on a side monitor for inspiration. After seeing walking success stories, she joined the Start TODAY Facebook group. Initially hesitant to post, she eventually shared a photo from a family weekend, comparing it to an older photo. The overwhelming response of over 600 likes made her realize, “You know what? I really did do this.”
Now, her goal is to jog a mile—something she never accomplished as a child in PE class. “That keeps me motivated. I look at what I’ve done, what I did today, and what I plan to do tomorrow. Before I knew it, here’s where I am,” she concludes.
Related Topic:
What Is The Best Way To Fast For Weight Loss
