I Lost Weight: Jase Simmons Gave Up Processed Foods And Lost Over 100 Pounds

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Name: Jase Simmons
Age: 44
Height: 5'10"
Before Weight: 271 pounds

How I Gained It: I was the typical yo-yo dieter always looking for a quick solution rather than a life change. I tried gimmicky weight loss solutions and weight loss programs that were not sustainable. I was caught up in the vicious cycle of not seeing results, discontinuing exercise and giving up on weight loss. I officially gave up on myself and my weight for seven years after returning from my honeymoon and seeing that I had gained 14 pounds in ten days (having previously lost 41 pounds prior to our wedding).

Breaking Point: I was about to play golf with one of my financial planning clients in San Francisco. I had forgotten to bring my golf jacket. I went into the pro shop and tried on a size XXL ( I had worn a size XXL for most of the last 12 years). The jacket was too tight for me. I thought I might have accidentally grabbed an XL and took the jacket off -- it was indeed an XXL. I knew I was in trouble. I was no longer able to comfortably fit into clothes that could easily be purchased in most clothing stores. I had also reached the end of a normal seatbelt on the airplane.

How I Lost It: I first completed two weeks on the Master Cleanse. [Ed. note: Cleanses may do more harm than good.] Then, I transitioned into eating foods which were unprocessed or only minimally processed. I also put myself on an exercise regimen where I completed five hours of cardio per week on the treadmill and elliptical machines. At first, my thighs were so large they rubbed together when I was walking medium-paced on the treadmill or elliptical. I had to apply Vaseline for the first month prior to workouts to prevent chafing.

I created circuit-training workouts for myself where I would strength train three times a week for no longer than 45 minutes per session. I didn't have much strength when I started, but I was consistent. I improved each week. When I was three weeks into losing weight, I knew my self-designed program was going to work -- I had already lost almost 30 pounds.

When I was three months into losing weight, it was suggested to me that I should train for a half-marathon. I mentally felt like much more of an athlete than I physically was, however I was running on the fuel of inspiration and celebration, because I knew I was losing weight for the last time. When I was a few weeks into running, I decided that I would run a full marathon in 2011. There were many people who thought my training for a marathon was inspiring, others who thought it was only slightly possible and many who that it was foolhardy -- all were motivators for me. I had never been a runner before training, but seven and a half months into weight loss, I ran the Honolulu Marathon on December 11, 2011 in 5:15:23, finishing in 6,892nd place out of 19,078 finishers.

I weighed 194 pounds when I ran the marathon. I continue to eat the same today and will always eat unprocessed or minimally processed foods. I eat organic trail mix (walnuts, raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds) throughout the day. I have Greek yogurt with trail mix or muesli and sweetened with a little organic sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup to taste. Lunch is typically a quinoa, broccoli or chicken salad. For dinner, I'll have grilled chicken or fish with sides of grilled vegetables. I also eat beans, whole grain bread, asparagus, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. My favorite is organic avocados.

My life is very different now that I have lost weight. I have had an article written about my weight loss in the Eugene Register-Guard newspaper. I have counseled and spoken to groups and individuals on weight loss. I keep a weight loss blog, and I have finished writing the first draft of my weight loss book that I am going to publish electronically this year. I have a 31-inch waist (I used to have a 44-inch waist). I wear size medium clothing now. I am in better shape than most people I know. Probably what surprises me the most is that I was consumed with my weight for 27 of the 43 years of my life -- and fixed my own problem in less than a year. My weight (which was a major cause for concern for so long) is no longer an issue in my life!

After Weight: 169 pounds

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Comments

[annasophie1228]

05:56 PM on 07/18/2012

jason, did you alter your metabolism first? kick start it? or did you start exercising first?

[dekendall]

02:52 AM on 07/18/2012

People should be encouraged to shed extra pounds but, for those who can't seat belt extentions shoud be available so that at least a seatbelt can be worn while in a vehicle. Maybe you could contact whoever makes those deminstration belts that they use on every airplane.

[bmitche]

09:29 PM on 07/17/2012

Good job Jase. 100 lbs. You look fantastic.

[Duff Meister]

07:50 PM on 07/17/2012

Jase....lets celebrate your success with a couple of double-double's and a 12 pack of bud....

[phoebequeen]

08:17 PM on 07/17/2012

SPAM

[Dee Pittsburgh]

06:57 PM on 07/17/2012

The journey to wellness is a great goal. There are so many problems caused by obesity including personal rejection sometimes. My daughter's friend is 27 and is obese. She says all her male friends treat her like on the the guys. When my daughter came around size 4 very fit, they did not treat her that way. Her friend is trying to lose weight now, but still cheats a lot. Only you can make the needed changes. Glad to see that you are enjoying the changes and benefits that come with being more fit.

[Precious Dillard]

06:51 PM on 07/17/2012

Good job, you look great!! Is that healthy to lose 30 pounds in such a short period of time?

[WeightLossJase]

12:42 AM on 07/18/2012

Yes...If done the right way...

[imrustysmom]

06:43 PM on 07/17/2012

Wow!!!!!!! You look so great!

[WeightLossJase]

06:39 PM on 07/17/2012

I want to thank everyone for the thoughtful and generous comments you posted in response to the article. Unfortunately, obesity rates continue to spiral out of control. I have joined the fight to further prevent what has now become a public health crisis from getting any worse. I have started posting helpful weight-loss information on my blog (www.weightlossjase.blogspot.com). I do want my story to inspire and motivate others. To that end, I have written a book about both my weight-loss journey and program, which will be available soon.

[Dee Pittsburgh]

06:59 PM on 07/17/2012

I f & f Jase because I liked what I read.

[camoore5]

03:47 PM on 07/17/2012

Congratulations Jase! I need to lose a few pounds, I hope I can do just half as good as you did!

[annasophie1228]

05:55 PM on 07/18/2012

me too. i'm now over 40 and i can't seem to lose 10 pounds in my belly area.

[Southern Sollars]

03:47 PM on 07/17/2012

I am truly glad for him

[Senna Marcovicci]

03:34 PM on 07/17/2012

Congrats on your amazing transformation! 30 pounds in 3 weeks? WOW! My boyfriend was 295 pounds and is now down 265. He is very active and eats a healthy diet, but it would took him almost 6 months to lose 30 pounds.

[connieg702]

03:29 PM on 07/17/2012

GREAT JOB GOD BLESS

[WeightLossJase]

12:43 AM on 07/18/2012

Thank you...

[roudy]

03:26 PM on 07/17/2012

You look twenty years younger, and I'll bet you feel like it also.

Congratulation.

[WeightLossJase]

12:43 AM on 07/18/2012

I do. Thank you..

[Stuckinthe80sgirl]

03:23 PM on 07/17/2012

WOW! Good job to all of you for losing all that weight! I show these stories to my dad to encourage him to lose weight, but I don't know if that is working. He eats healthy food a lot, but I still want to help him.