“Honestly, I Just Feel Amazing.”

Meet Jeremy D., age 36 from Katy, TX.
He entered The Beachbody Challenge in October 2014 and won $1,500!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I had been struggling with my weight for quite some time. I put on a fake smile and portrayed a “happy about life” attitude but, I was depressed and ashamed at what I had become. I was a morbidly obese man in his 30s, who would avoid any kind of physical activity. I was telling myself that being “fat” was just who I was, and there was nothing I could do about it. I considered myself a lost cause. I just didn’t care anymore and began to lose all hope. But this wasn’t who I was, and I knew there had to be something I could do to change my life before it was too late.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
In August of 2013, my mother lost her battle with Scleroderma. Growing up without a father and being an only child, it was just me and my mom my entire life. After she passed away, I had not just lost my mother but my best friend. I spent many of the next months after her death trying to numb the pain as much as possible. I soon noticed that my careless lifestyle had caused me to pass the 400 pound mark. My health was in a very scary place. One night, I was really missing my mom and began thinking of the last time I saw her. She was worried about my health and weight. She made me promise her, right then and there, that I would change my life and take better care of myself. She knew I could do it. I soon realized, it was time to keep my promise and start taking care of myself. It was my mother’s final wish for me to do something about my weight and health, and I knew what I had to do. I had to do this for myself, and for her in her honor.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
I was morbidly obese. I would eat everything in excess. My body would hurt all over and doing simple tasks, like putting on socks and shoes, would leave me tired and out of breath. I was worried that my lack of control when eating fast food, lack of physical activity, and lifestyle would keep me from reaching my goals. The 21 Day Fix program helped me learn portion control. I even learned that there are so many healthy foods that taste good, and make me feel great and fulfilled . Before starting Beachbody, I was unable to do a single push-up, couldn’t run in place, and what should have been simple exercise moves were difficult and seemed impossible. I began by following the modified versions of the workouts, and soon became strong enough to do the full version. I am stronger, healthier, and much happier now and will continue to improve my physical abilities. I learned to set goals for myself and let nothing stop me in reaching them. I live by the saying of “closer every day.”

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I liked that the workouts were only 30 minutes a day. The intensity level was high which allowed me to really push myself. It was awesome having a modifier that I could watch until I was strong enough to follow Autumn. She is very energetic and encouraging. She explained the exercises so well. That helped in keeping me focused on each move. I liked that the program came with an option to do double workouts because it gave me something to work towards. The color coded containers were very helpful when it came to figuring out how much I should be eating. It made it easy to eat the proper daily amount of healthy food and I didn’t have to sacrifice many foods that I loved. I could still eat tasty, enjoyable foods in the proper portions.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
After 3 rounds of 21 Day Fix, I have lost a total of 79 pounds, 26% body fat, and went from a size 58 to 42 pants. I’ve gone from a 6x shirt to a 2x and my blood pressure is now consistently at a normal level. I also completed the P90X3 program, giving me a total weight loss of 139 pounds. I have gone from a starting weight of 415 to 276. I am proud of my results. It’s so great to see, and feel, the difference in my body from head to toe. I am extremely proud that I have completely changed my lifestyle and choices. I have found a peace in myself and my body. And most importantly, I honored, and made good on, a promise that I made to my mother before she passed away.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I am now living an active and healthy lifestyle. I am able to do daily activities without getting tired or winded. I love working out and being active. I am proud of who I have become, and am excited to continue my journey. I never dreamed I could get such amazing results. I love that I have now become the inspiration for many of my friends, and even strangers. I have found such joy in being able to help others reach their fitness goals, especially those that are as hopeless as I once was. There is nothing more rewarding in life than to have someone hug me and we cry together because they were able to achieve the goals they never thought possible. Before Beachbody, that would have never happened. I have become the person people look at for positivity, motivation, and support. I was also asked to be apart of the filming of the new 21 Day Fix infomercial. The whole experience was surreal for me, and it brings tears of joy to my eyes to know that my story, and results, could possibly help others.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I loved the support, advice, and accountability that I received from my Challenge Group. We have been able to help each other with our daily struggles, and I am thankful for all of the new friends I have gained. Being around so many positive, and supportive, people proved vital in my success. I love seeing everyone’s progress and learning new recipes and tips. It has been very exciting to have other challengers tell me that they are inspired by me, and be asked to be a part of other Challenge Groups to help others in those groups.

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach, Angela Pointer, is nothing short of a remarkable woman. She was there every step of the way along my journey. It didn’t matter what time of day or night; I knew I could go to her for advice, questions, or just to talk. I would push myself harder because I wanted to keep sharing these amazing results, and achievements, with her. I knew I was making her so proud. Even with the busy things life throws at us, she was always there for me. She has shown me that being a good Coach doesn’t mean that you have to know everything about health and fitness, you just have to be a good friend.

Also I was extremely lucky to also have a very special person who helped me tremendously. Kristia Hord is my upline Coach and has had the biggest impact on me through the last 7 months. Her leadership, passion and continued support has not just helped me on my health and fitness journey but in life. She has and is helping me become a better Coach. She is not just my mentor and someone I look up to, but also one of my best friends. I would certainly not be where I’m at physically, mentally, or emotionally if it wasn’t for her being in my life. I’m one lucky guy for having these two amazing women in my life.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology has been a major factor in my results, and health transformation. I have gained an enormous amount of energy from drinking Shakeology every day. I seriously feel like I am back in my twenties. It has lowered my cravings for fast food, and greatly improved my digestion. Honestly, I just feel amazing. I have the energy to workout everyday, get my daily chores/activities done, and go to work every night. On top of that, my sleeping patterns have improved and I no longer require a nap in the middle of the day.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program affect any existing health conditions you have?
The benefits of Shakeology to my overall health and skin is remarkable. I have also seen a consistent decrease in my blood pressure readings. My once high blood pressure is now normal and stabilized.

Did you achieve any other measurable improvements with a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program? (e.g. Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, triglycerides, etc…)
High blood pressure has always been an issue for me. I was always in the “hypertension red range,” and now it is down and maintaining at a normal level. My back and joint pain is gone. I suffered from severe sleep apnea prior to Beachbody, and would have difficulty staying awake during the day. I am able to get a good nights rest, and have more than enough energy to go through each and every day the way I have always wanted to live! I no longer avoid doing things with my friends that may involve physical activity. Now I look forward to it, and even plan things for us to do! I inspire them to get off the couch and do fun activities like bike riding and playing basketball. My energy levels are off the charts!

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.