At just 19 years old, Jesikah is the youngest member of the Second Chance team, but has Challenge partner and stepdad Alex to guide her along the way.
Update 10
After a break from boot camp, I'm back training the hardest I can to shed the kilos I need to make it to Finale. I went shopping for a dress to wear at Finale and was amazed to find that an XL was too big for me! The sales assistant got me a medium and I couldn’t believe it. I can’t ever remember a time when I was this size; I'm so used to grabbing the larger sizes and it felt so satisfying to slip into an ‘M’ and not an ‘XXL’. It really proves that all the hard work does pay off and I love this feeling! I will never go back to an XXL – ever again!
Update 9
This week has been a great week for me. I no longer dread weigh-ins and I've had some really big training sessions. Another first was that I was actually really excited about getting to the gym to work my butt off and I think it really showed in my results this week.
Update 8
I was faced with lots of temptations this week and I feel so proud of myself for saying ‘no’ to every single one of them. When eating out, I flicked through the menu searching for suitable meals and it felt pretty easy.
At work, my boss brought in some chocolates to thank us for our good work this month and they looked so good. I thought ‘one can’t hurt me?’ but then I realised that thinking that way might bring the old Jesikah creeping back and I don’t want to go there again. I don’t want to make excuses for myself anymore. You’ll be glad to learn that I resisted! All-in-all I am feeling great and ready to tackle another week!
Update 7
This week I kept on thinking ‘what doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger’ and I intend to keep this in my head and strive for the best I can be. This whole experience has changed me so many ways - not just physically but mentally as well.
I've had my fair share of cravings this week but I didn’t give into them and I feel better for that. I never I had this thing people call willpower before! I’m also trying to cut down on smoking, hopefully I will kick that bad habit forever too (cutting down might explain my recent cravings I suppose).
I think last week’s weight loss has helped me to feel motivated and on track this week. I'm just so pleased that I have lost the weight I have and can’t wait until I am finally under that 100kg mark. In fact, I am feeling really good this week.
It seems each fortnight I have a new favourite flavoured Shake and this week it’s Double Choc. It tastes just like a chocolate milkshake!
Update 6
Well, I am more determined to make it to Finale now. I have added an extra hour onto all of my workouts and I'm feeling so proud of myself for all the hard work I've been doing. I'm the happiest I think I've ever been and it's because I have been given this second chance.
It's times like these that I really miss my grandad (who passed away in August 2008, and was more like a father to me before Alex came into the picture). I know I would have been making him so proud. I just wish he was here to see all the progress I've made.
It has also forced me to think about people I feel have let me down, especially my real father. I don't think he even knows I'm doing this and to be honest I don’t think he'd care. I'm using this as inspiration in my workouts, to prove to him that he's missing out on sharing this experience with me and it's his loss not mine that he doesn’t want to be involved in my life. I get so angry thinking about all of the things he has missed out on over the years – some really life changing achievements for me.
I am so glad to have Alex as my stepdad. Going though this together has really tightened our bond. I now consider Alex to be my real father and I'm proud to have a dad like him and I hope he is proud to have a daughter like me. Together I know we will make it to Finale and our goal weight.
Looking forward to the rest of my journey.
Update 5
This week the major up for me was fitting into a lovely beige and black dress. I bought it before I started with The Biggest Loser Club Second Chance Challenge hoping that it would fit me one day. Now it finally does, hooray!
The word for this week is ‘consistent’. I have been eating right and working out daily. After some disappointing weigh-in results, I am focused and trying harder at the gym. Life seems to be getting in the way a bit at the moment; it is definitely a struggle fitting in everyday things plus the gym. I didn't think it would be this hard, but I know this is something that I have to do. I know I can be losing bigger numbers than I am and I can't help but feel there is always something more I can be doing, even though most days I am left exhausted and ready to sleep at 8pm! I am trying not to let things get to me too much and trying to just accept that it is not as easy as it looks. Perhaps I am just not someone who can lose more than 1.5kg in a week.
Update 4
I spent a very happy time with friends this past week. One evening, I danced all night and had just one alcoholic drink (I have found that 250ml of lemon and lime bitters plus a shot of vodka contains around 117 calories – woo hoo!) I enjoyed it and it was so much fun to watch the others make fools of themselves and end up with nasty hangovers the next morning – hehe!
This past week has been really easy for me, which is a change. I’ve been going to the gym daily and eating right. I think I am finally adapting to this new lifestyle and I’m actually loving it! More than ever, I am looking forward to a fresh start and living my new life!
Update 3
This week, I found trying to find the right kind of foods and sticking to the correct portion sizes a bit difficult. I guess I didn’t do very well as I have put on weight, which is really upsetting. The good thing is that I am now much more focused on trying to shift the extra kilos at the gym.
I have some social gatherings planned in the next few days and I think that my hardest challenge will be finding the strength to say no to alcohol. I have been doing so well and spoiling it by drinking too much would be really silly.
Update 2
Week two has been a little bit harder. I’ve been doing more exercise and making sure I really stick to the meal plan. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and believe I can do this. A lot of big social events have cropped up over this last week and I have been good and said ‘no!’ to the fatty foods and ‘yes!’ to the healthy choices. It feels great having self-control and I am loving all the healthier options.
This week, it’s my 20th birthday, so I've been using The Biggest Loser Club to see what I am able to eat and what healthy eats I can serve for my family and friends. It will be good to see them eating the healthy food I have prepared. I’m sure they will love it and hope it will inspire them to choose healthier options in the future.
Hoping week three will be easier...
Update 1
Week one started off smoothly. Although I've had my fair share of temptations thrown at me through the week, keeping focused and motivated has helped me say ‘no!’ I’m finding the menu plans so yummy, which is helping me to stick to the program, and the Meal Replacement Shakes are very filling. I have already singled out my favourite, which is definitely the Banana flavour!
The support that my family and friends have given to me has really made a big difference and I have realised that I am doing this not just for myself, but for them also. I am finding any excuse to exercise. I even went clubbing on Saturday night and danced till I couldn’t stand!
All-in-all, week one was a success. Bring on week two!