I had the opportunity to speak with Jenna Vaught, Miss America Plus Elite 2007, regarding her inspiring weight loss story. You can read the first half of the interview here. But Jenna's story doesn't start and stop with weight loss. Jenna's views on body image and what makes a woman truly beautiful are inspirational for all of us -- whether we're a size two or a size 22.

It seems that you achieved not only better physical health, but better confidence through losing weight. What did the process teach you about yourself?

The process of losing weight and maintaining it has taught me that I have everything I could ever need in myself. When I was so heavy, I wanted so much for others to think I was good enough or worthy. Today, I know that I have all it takes to be a strong, successful, and beautiful woman. Literally, I found the real Jenna. Media, society, and others have no influence on the way I feel about myself externally or internally. Most days, when I am feeling great, it's because I know I am doing great things for myself and my life. There are days that really are hard, I have learned to just let that day happen and move forward. Perfect, I am far from it. Persistent, now that is a word I live by day to day!

The confidence I gained has been the real key to my success. Yes, I did get into medical school. Currently, I am at the end of my medical education! I was even Miss Plus America Elite 2007! I have enjoyed traveling overseas a great deal, public speaking, and even a little plus-sized modeling. Recently, VENUS DIVA's MAGAZINE invited me to be their "fitness" writer starting in January 2008. I am so excited and proud to be a part of a plus-sized publication with such a positive relationship with women and their bodies.

You have such a positive attitude about body image. What thoughts related to body image and self esteem would you like to share with our readers?

One of the reasons I allowed myself to get so fat was because it was reiterated in so many ways that I wasn't enough. Everywhere I looked, women were thinner than me on TV and in the media. Even my friends were better than me. I made the classic mistake that all women have done at one point or another ... I was comparing myself to others. Living in a society that praises unrealistic beauty, it is not a wonder that women struggle so much today with their image. Hollywood is not reality. Becoming Miss Plus America Elite 2007 really highlighted this point to me personally. So much time and care goes into just getting that one good shot or frame. Women need to live for themselves. Stop listening to others, listen to yourself. If there is something you are unhappy with, ask yourself what you can do about it. Beauty is not a simple definition! There are so many factors that make a woman beautiful. You do not need to be a supermodel or a size 2 to be beautiful. That is just a ridiculous thought in my mind. Be who you are, find yourself again, love what you were given in life, and STOP comparing yourself to others. I am a size 14/16, and I am loving every second of my life. It's time women start celebrating their life NOW and not 10 pounds from now!

How did you decide to run for Miss Plus America Elite? And how has the experience impacted your life?

For years, even when I was around 400 pounds, I was a fan of the Miss Plus America Pageant system. It was always a secret dream of mine, to run for Miss Plus America. In 2007 I thought, the time has come! I have to do this now. My medical education was getting harder and more demanding on my time, the time was now or never. Of course, I have never done a pageant in my life! The concept was unreal to me. I mean come on, only a few years earlier I couldn't even walk to the mailbox, now I want to walk down a runway? But on 7-7-07, I became Miss Plus America Elite 2007. By far, this was one of the most defining and amazing moments of my life! There is no one that can understand the joy that was in my heart at that moment. Little did I know that becoming MPA Elite 2007 would give me such another purpose in my life. I discovered that I really enjoyed being a great role model for all women. I think most women, thin or heavy, can find a piece of themselves within me. There are so many lessons that can be learned from my life. Especially, I have found a great pleasure in encouraging "fitness at any size." Healthy eating and fitness, along with self-discovery has become a passion of mine. Heavy or thin, we all deserve to have a healthier body. I just feel really honored and blessed that so many women and even men feel they can share their life story with me. It has really been amazing.

What healthy eating and exercise habits would you recommend?

Overweight or thin, exercise has a place in every healthy individual. I like to go by what the American Heart Association recommends, that every healthy adult between the ages of 18-65 years of age should be getting a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days per week. Exercise is like medicine. As someone that has lost a lot of weight and a future doctor, I know that fitness can do so much for your life! Join an exercise group, fitness class, take a walk, fitness DVD, or just get up and move. Exercise can change your mood, give you energy, and help you lose/maintain weight. The human body was designed to move! If I can do it, I know you can too!

Americans love fast food. Hey, we are busy people and often it can be a cheaper option than healthier choices. Thankfully, you can make excellent choices today regarding fast food. Try replacing fries with a baked potato or a salad. Choose grilled over breaded or fried. Skip the soda, drink water or un-sweet iced tea. Add vegetables to every meal! Fiber is a great way to feel full and satisfied. Have your cake and eat it too but in moderation. Healthy eating is about balance, not deprivation. Be realistic, you will most likely make a food choice you regret. Make the better choice next time. Learn to love all kinds of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. I know everyone can find a way to add healthier eating habits to their life. Small changes over time, can lead to great results in your health and weight loss/maintenance.

In the end, only do what you can maintain for the rest of your life! If for example you are working out two hours per day, and eating a vegan diet, and you can maintain that. Go for it! But if you are exercising those two hard hours a day just to drop the weight and go back to just moving 20 minutes per day and eating cheeseburgers all day, do not expect the weight loss to remain. It is always better to form new habits slowly over time, those in which you can really stick with. Remember, you are trying to overhaul habits that you might have been living with your entire life. People want immediate results, even I do sometimes, but life is not usually like this. Yet, learn how to push yourself and be honest with yourself. If you are walking on the treadmill and not even breaking a sweat, pump up the incline and speed. Challenge yourself! You will be amazed at what you can do. Thus, do what you can maintain in your life but still challenge your mind and body. It take a conscious effort sometimes but well worth it.

Are there any other comments you would like to make regarding a healthy lifestyle?

Americans today are all or nothing when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. I know that I was one of those people for almost 25 years! But small changes over time, they really do add up to a great result in your health. If you have never exercised a day in your life, add 5 minutes a day until you reach 30 minutes. If you can barely make it up one flight of stairs, start with one flight and slowly work up to five flights. If you have 100 pounds to lose, set small 10 pound goals until you reach it. Maybe you are eating most of your meals without a single vegetable, add a salad per day. When you make a mistake, eat more candy or chips that you should, don't beat yourself up! Make the decision to make a better choice now! Talk to your doctor, reach for support, educate yourself, start a journal (food and personal), and get your children/family involved. Personally, I care more about a person's lifestyle than if they are 20 pounds overweight. This could be an entire other story in itself! Bottom line, everyone has a place for fitness, healthy eating, and self-discovery. Perfection is not the goal. Being real with yourself, making positive changes, and feeling great about yourself at any size -- that is what matters! If I can lose 190 pounds, become a doctor, even a beauty queen, and finish a half-marathon, I know you can achieve your goals too!


Jenna welcomes your thoughts, ideas, and comments. Find her at www.jennavaught.com