Well, if there's anyone I would do a DietBet with it would be, Francy, someone who really inspired me. If you want to join it, click here.
My name is Jase. This is my wellness journey.
I auditioned for NBC's "The Biggest Loser" for several seasons and went a distance in casting. Each time, though, I did not get cast. The casting directors would always encourage us to lose the weight on our own. They would see the passion we had, the energy we were willing to put in, and then attempt to set us up for at-home success.
For about a year, I didn't really listen to that part of the talk. I only heard I wasn't good enough to be on a show about people wanting to lose weight. I felt as if they didn't think I wanted it bad enough. So, I kept eating and not really moving until the show casted again. Part of me gave up. Part of me was unmotivated. Part of me, to be completely honest, thought, "I really need to be on this show. If they see I can lose the weight, they won't put me on." So, I didn't lose much. I felt, with all the hardship in my life, maybe I'm not meant to win. Maybe I'm not meant to have a shot at happiness. I thought I needed the show to win my battle with obesity.
When I tried to get onto Season 14, I weighed approximately 350 pounds. I had high blood pressure, was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, had walking problems, felt miserable and really didn't think I would be around too much longer. I'm only 5'6'', so I was having lots of ankle problems and knee issues, as my body was not designed to withhold that weight. I didn't get cast for Season 14, but a lot of things started to "click." A few things reminded me that I could win. I just needed to fight for it.
My Godson was born and that moment changed my life. The moment I held him in his arms, I promised him I would get my life together and live long enough to see him graduate and get married. How could I give advice if he sees me not in control of my own life? At the same time, Biggest Loser Season 14 started. I thought, you know, let me join a gym, watch this show and follow the contestants on social media. Maybe, just maybe, if I can use them to leverage my own support, I can do it. That did wonders!
Throughout the season, I would be at the gym. Primarily in group excercise classes, I would watch the Biggest Loser and see how bad they wanted to live. I would channel that energy. I would workout in my group exercise classes and then see how bad they wanted to live. And I thought of my Godson and it hit me. I really wanted to live. So, I fought. And fought. And fought. Throughout that season, any time I needed a laugh, inspiration or just a pick-me-up, I would reach out to Francy and Jeff. They truly were a vital part of my wellness journey.
Fast foward two years and I've lost approximately 150 pounds. I now am a Les Mills certified group exercise instuctor and work for the YMCA. I still have more weight to go, but I feel alive. I feel the casting directors were right. I feel I am worth the fight. I'm joining this DietBet to get back on track. The first year was so fast and furious, I was very focused. Year 2 has brought more "realisitic" elements to it, where I'm balancing a lot more things and trying to become social and a little less calorie-driven and healthier, without measuring. I do need to hit some more goals, thoguh, so this DietBet is definitely going to help me kickstart where I need to be.
I thank Francy and Jeff so much for being there with me. 150 pounds lost, 18 inches off my waist. Gaining life back. I'm Jase. This is my wellness journey. Let's get ready for more adventures! Next stop, ONEderland.