Have you ever planned to start a new diet or workout plan “on Monday” or “tomorrow” and those days came and went with no change? Janette Colantonio, a wife and mother of three, watched many Mondays and tomorrows come and go until she finally decided to face the 400-plus pounds on her scale and transform her life.
Her weight loss journey began March 24, 2011 and since then she’s lost over 240 pounds! BlackDoctor.org had an opportunity to learn more about Janette’s amazing journey and how she’s inspiring others to “refuse to fail”.
BDO: Was it an event or issue that was your motivation to begin to lose weight?
JC: I have wanted to lose weight for quite some time. I never thought I could do it, attempting to lose over 200 pounds without surgical intervention. For someone who could not get through a complete day on a so called diet it seemed like a daunting task. In March of 2011 I got a seat belt ticket for being too large to buckle up. That literally became my ticket to lose. I could no longer deny that I had to lose the weight, weighing in at over 400 pounds, just over 5’5 tall, and measuring 63 inches in my waist.
BDO: How long did it take and what are you doing now to maintain your weight loss?
JC: I lost my first 100 pounds within 6 months and over 200 in under 2 years . I am active and continue to eat right. I still strive to have a healthy relationship with food. I work toward embracing and loving who I am everyday.
For most of journey, my diet consisted of lots of veggies, 2 servings of fruit daily and lean meat, like turkey, fish, and chicken. I watch my sugar and sodium intake. I do not count carbs, but I am mindful of them, especially when I eat them (which is generally before 2 p.m.) Water is essential to my diet. I drink a gallon of water a day. I counted calories and my calorie limit was 1200 calories a day. Now, I aim to eat at least 1400-1500 calories a day.
I previously worked out 5-6 days a week 2-3 hours a day. I usually did a 3-5 mile walk daily. I belonged to a gym and would do zumba classes, weights, strength training. I also dance and work out on the elliptical. I use any opportunity to keep my body in motion. This is coming from someone who initially despised working out. Believe me, it gets easier as you go forward, just don’t give up. My current workouts are generally shorter High Intensity workouts, cardio, and picking up my weights! No more 2-3 hour workouts!
BDO: Are your relationships different (both platonic and romantic) now?
JC: Yes! This journey to better health reveals not only who you are, but also the true character of those around you. You cannot lose over 200 pounds and remain the exact same internally. I was an emotional eater and food was my outlet to mask my emotions. I now have to face those emotions and not self-medicate with food.
BDO: What would you say to someone that is trying to lose weight now?
JC: My advice is to…
start and start where YOU are. Trying is still doing. Success is yours if you refuse to fail.
BDO: What are your goals for the upcoming year?
JC: I plan to continue to share my story where ever there is someone who needs to hear it.
Watch Janette’s transformation in photos below. For more inspiration from Janette, visit www.refusing2fail.com and her Facebook page.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Weight Loss center for more helpful articles and tips.
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