Losing 31 Pounds & Taking My Life Back — My Journey So Far

This post has been on my heart for a while, and it feels vulnerable to share—but it’s also something I’m incredibly proud of.

Over the last few months, I’ve lost 31 pounds through intentional changes to my diet and committing to 30-minute workouts every morning, five days a week. This journey hasn’t been about quick fixes or perfection—it’s been about showing up for myself consistently and choosing my health, one day at a time.

Before the Weight Gain, I Was Always Active

Growing up, I was always athletic and in good shape. Movement came naturally to me, and I felt strong and confident in my body. After having my second child, though, things slowly started to change. The weight never came off—and over time, it continued to increase no matter what I tried.

At first, I brushed it off. Life was busy. I was tired. I told myself it was “normal.” But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

After a routine doctor’s visit, I found out I have hypothyroidism. Suddenly, so many things made sense—the stubborn weight gain, the exhaustion, the way my body no longer responded the way it used to. I was prescribed NP Thyroid medication, which I now take every day and will for the rest of my life.

Getting that diagnosis was overwhelming, but it also gave me clarity. I finally understood that my body wasn’t working against me—I just needed to work with it.

When the Scale Hit 190

I’ll never forget the day the scale hit 190 pounds.

That number completely broke me.

I had lost my confidence, my spark, and honestly, myself. I slipped into a deep depression and avoided mirrors, photos, and social situations. I didn’t recognize the woman looking back at me—and I missed her so much.

That moment became my turning point.

I knew something had to change—not just for my body, but for my mind and soul too.

The Beginning of My Fitness Journey

That day marked the beginning of my journey to take back control of my health and my weight.

I didn’t overhaul everything overnight. I started small but intentional—cleaning up my diet, focusing on whole foods, and committing to short but consistent workouts. Thirty minutes a day felt manageable. Five days a week felt realistic. And slowly, those small choices added up.

The weight started coming off—but more importantly, my confidence started coming back.

Halfway There — And Just Getting Started

Losing 31 pounds has been incredibly empowering, but I know I’m not done yet. I’m still working hard every single day to lose the last 30 pounds, and I truly believe that with consistency, patience, and dedication, I will achieve that goal this year.

This year is all about intentional, healthy changes—mind, body, and soul. Not punishment. Not restriction. Not chasing someone else’s version of health. Just choosing myself, over and over again.

Below are my before and after photos, taken at the halfway point of my journey. I’m sharing them as a reminder to myself—and to anyone reading this—that progress is possible, confidence can be rebuilt, and it’s never too late to start again.

This journey is about more than weight loss. It’s about regaining my mojo, my strength, and that sexy confidence I thought I had lost for good.

And I’m just getting started.

These photos represent more than physical change. They reflect consistency, healing, and the choice to show up for myself even on the hard days. This is my halfway point—a reminder of how far I’ve come and how committed I am to continuing this journey with intention, patience, and self-love.

If you’re on a similar journey, feel free to follow me on my socials for more progress updates, encouragement, and real, unfiltered moments along the way.


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I’m Jennise

About Me

Hello & Welcome!
I’m a mom raising my daughters in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where misty mornings, evergreen hikes, cozy downtowns, and good food are part of everyday life here in Washington.

This blog is a space where I share the things we genuinely love and live by. You’ll find us exploring new restaurants and local downtown experiences, heading out on hiking adventures that remind us to slow down and breathe, and fitting in home fitness workouts that work for real life. I’m also passionate about whole food nutrition—keeping things simple, nourishing, and sustainable without the overwhelm.

Style is another big part of our everyday life. I believe getting dressed should feel effortless and confident, whether you’re running errands, heading out for coffee, or exploring the city. I love elevating everyday outfits with wearable, affordable pieces, and you can shop all of our looks through our Amazon storefront, where I share my favorite finds that fit busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

We also love sharing our experiences beyond the blog—be sure to check out our YouTube channel, where we bring you along on all of our adventures, from local exploring and hikes to everyday life moments with the girls.

More than anything, this blog is about finding joy in the everyday—moving your body, fueling it well, exploring your surroundings, and showing up as your best self while doing it. I hope what you find here inspires you to try something new, feel good in your routines, and create moments you love right where you are.

Thanks so much for being here—I’m so glad you found us.

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