Weight Loss on a Budget: Jessica Trimmed 40 Pounds by Blogging

Every week, we introduce you to bloggers who share their weight-loss journeys and hefty doses of inspiration with their readers. This week's featured blogger is Jessica from Pudget.

Name: Jessica Brown

Age: 30

Start Weight: 216.6 pounds

Current Weight: 169 pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

My Weight Loss Approach: Eat less, exercise more! Honestly, this is really the key to losing weight. It sounds easy, doesn't it? So why is it so hard? It is making ourselves stick to it that is the hard part. Why? Because we get bored easily, we like excitement and we always find things bigger and better to do. This is why we need to constantly have motivation -- something that keeps us interested and excited about losing weight.

What I have found during my weight loss journey is that if you keep yourself motivated and excited to lose weight you will find it very easy to eat less and exercise more, so whenever I notice myself not losing weight I think of a new motivation and blog about it. For example, my biggest motivators are my progress pictures posted on my blog's sidebar. When I really need some motivation or even a little confidence, I just look at them. I look forward to posting my next 10-pound-loss picture and imagining what I will look like -- it's funny how much of a difference 10 pounds can make.

When that doesn't seem to be working, I try things like weight loss and exercise contests on my blog, challenging myself to do something I have never done before such as running a half marathon, trying new exercises or even setting my focus on wearing a smaller size. I also keep myself motivated by buying new foods, making exciting healthy meals, trying on clothes when I am down a size, getting a new hair cut, and pretty much anything that keeps me excited about losing weight. I usually change or add a new motivation every few weeks because I get bored easily and I like change, but that's okay because it works for me.

Why I wanted to blog about it: I decided to start my weight loss blog in January 2009 because I knew that I needed some sort of accountability. I decided that if I put my weight on my blog for the world to see, I would be much less likely to give up. I knew that I couldn't face the embarrassment of failing after my family, friends and everyone else that viewed my blog knew my real weight, because once you put 216.6 pounds up there for everyone to see, there's no turning back! And boy, was I right! The accountability factor is a better motivator than I had ever imagined. When I want to give up, I just remind myself that I have to weigh in on Thursday, and it snaps me back to reality. However, I have had many times where I have gained weight, like when I went on vacation and came back six pounds heavier. I am just like everyone else -- I have my ups and my downs, my gains and my loses, but in the end I always get back on track.

The best part of blogging is: My readers. They are awesome! Not only are they sweet, kind, caring and understanding, but they are always there for me. They always encourage me when I am down and praise me when I have accomplished something. It has been such a wonderful experience to get to know so many new people. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people following my blog.

There are also so many other things that I love about it, too. I love that I can be honest about the way I feel and the things I do on my blog. I love that the world knows my weight and that I no longer have to fear those numbers. I love that my readers can relate to me and that I can relate to them. I love being asked for advice. I love motivating others.

Another great surprise I have been blessed with through my blog is the opportunity to make money through ads and writing product reviews. Writing a blog is so exciting and so much fun, and it really is one of the best things I have ever done.

Best comment I've received: I have received many amazing comments and I love them all, but my favorite is a comment that I received from a very sweet woman on one of my most recent posts about how great I feel because of what God has done for me. She said:

"Wowser! I am so thrilled with everything I have read here. Where do I start? You being closer to God, spending time with your girls, organized house, having a close sister, new outfits, ten more pounds to lose, hubby doing better, 169 again, your confidence....love it, love it, love it! We have a lot to praise the Lord about. I have been on a plateau for a few weeks but am hoping for things to be downhill from this day forward."

I love comments that make me see my life through someone else's eyes -- they are the best!

What's next for my blog: My blog seems to get more exciting every day because as I learn more about weight loss, I share more about weight loss. I love the fact that I can help others become and stay motivated to live a healthier lifestyle, and I am looking forward to sharing my journey with the world until I reach my goal and beyond. This is a life change -- it doesn't just end when I hit my goal. This is something that I will deal with for the rest of my life. I plan to stick with it and share my journey in order to help others become healthier and happier.

Be sure to say hi to Jessica on her blog and give her some more motivation as she struggles against the last 20 pounds.

Blogging may be Jessica's secret weapon, but for fellow blogger Heather, it's almond butter.