Jenna Leveille shares her Lumen journey and achieving midlife weight loss
Meet Jenna
Jenna has been sharing her weight loss story in the hopes of helping others who were struggling and founded the free community Getting Closer Every Day. She wanted to offer support where people felt safe and encouraged during their journey. After being pregnant with her daughter, she had trouble losing weight and started crash dieting.
We sat with Jenna to learn more about her journey and success in losing her midlife weight. Read on to see how she achieved her goals.
“That yo-yo dieting led to being stuck for over 13 years. When I finally decided to dedicate more time to myself and made myself accountable, that’s when I lost 140 lbs.”
Describe your health journey before Lumen
I was on yoyo diets for years, losing weight, but often gaining it back. Then I started to exercise more and really improve my nutrition in a way that I could sustain. I managed to lose a lot of weight, but then I hit a plateau. I just couldn’t lose the extra bit of weight I was still carrying. So that’s when I found Lumen. With a lot of consistency and dedication, I managed to lose all the remaining weight with this device!
In the journey to heal my gut, nurturing a well-functioning metabolism becomes paramount, and my Lumen helped me dial down the good and the bad. That knowledge gave me the power to learn and make impactful changes.
I also started the online community during my weight loss journey back in 2013 and 14 after I had lost 140 pounds. I wanted to offer others the kind of support I received. You know how it’s sometimes challenging to ask your friends or family repeatedly for support during a weight loss journey. That’s why I created a safe space for people to connect, share, and gain encouragement.
That sounds incredible. Can you give us more insight into this community?
Our community is beautiful and truly embodies what support, kindness, and wellness are all about. It’s a kind group where people share not just weight loss journeys, but also other life challenges, like dealing with cancer or grieving the loss of a loved one. You can join our group for free at gettingclosereveryday.com.
How did you come across Lumen in your journey?
After a significant weight gain post-surgery, I was stuck in a cycle of gaining and losing the same 10 pounds. That’s when I came across Lumen. The first month I used it, I lost 12 pounds! The technology and advice kept improving over time, and it made me feel more in control without being on a restrictive diet. Now I could finally see what was going on in my body and what fuel I was burning at a given time. This helped me improve my metabolic flexibility.
During your journey, did you face any challenges related to body composition or hormonal changes?
Absolutely. It took me a year to lose 100 pounds and another six months for the next 40. As I aged, especially after turning 50, I began to notice changes. I recently learned I’m post-menopause, and it has been a challenging period, both in terms of weight management and overall well-being.
Aging and hormonal changes are unavoidable challenges, and with menopause and post-menopause, there’s a lot dictated by our hormones. Men too face a decline in hormones like testosterone. We might find it harder to lose weight as we age. But it’s essential to be kind to ourselves and focus on what we can control.
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Nutrition and exercise have been major factors in your journey. Can you share more about how you tweaked these aspects during your weight loss?
Yes! What we consume and how we move our bodies are things we can control. During my time at LivingSocial, I observed my colleagues crushing their day-to-day tasks.
They’d get up early, work out, and yet no one was observing them. This motivated me to not revert to my old weight. So, I decided to engage with my team, my boss, my family, and friends.
There’s this saying, “Fake it till you make it,” and honestly, I felt like that was my approach until I began to believe in myself.
Every minor achievement was a triumph. I couldn’t think of losing 150 pounds at once, so I broke it down into 10-pound goals. This approach was less overwhelming and more achievable for me.
Discussing menopause and other challenges women face. How has that affected your journey?
Accountability is crucial. Just like anyone else, I have my ups and downs. Right now, I’m navigating the challenges of menopause. Instead of using it as an excuse, I remember what I’ve achieved in the past and push forward. This isn’t just about appearances; it’s about holistic health and feeling good from the inside out. When you’re healthy, you radiate happiness and positivity.
Would you say that a positive mindset was a foundational element for you?
Yes, it all starts with a mindset. I had champions in my corner. They would check in, asking about my work or what I ate that day. That’s how community became essential to me. They rallied around my mission, and I’m not sure where I’d be without their support. Their continuous encouragement was invaluable.
Considering the struggles and challenges you faced, what’s your primary message for others?
The journey might be tough, but the cycle of yo-yo dieting is even harder. It’s mentally taxing to constantly feel like you need to diet or lose weight. Instead, buckle down, set smaller goals, and achieve them. This way, you can transition to a balanced lifestyle faster.
Many Lumen users transitioned from yo-yo dieting to understanding their macronutrients better. How do you feel about diet changes, especially during midlife?
It’s crucial to understand our bodies. Under-eating, especially during phases like menopause, can be detrimental. Our bodies need adequate fuel to sustain muscle mass, which naturally declines as we age. Hence, we should do everything in our capacity to nurture and maintain our health.