From Obesity to Empowerment: How Jakelie George Shed Over 150 Pounds To Transform Her Life
Utah-based makeup artist Jakelie George, 30, (be sure to follow her instagram here: @jakelie.george) embarked on an extraordinary journey to reclaim her health, ultimately losing more than 150 pounds and sculpting her physique into that of a fitness enthusiast with defined muscles and a six-pack. Her transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a holistic overhaul of her lifestyle, fueled by determination, heartbreak, and a commitment to self-improvement.
The Turning Point: A Wake-Up Call to Change
Jakelie’s weight loss journey began after a pivotal moment in her mid-20s. Following a failed engagement at age 24, she watched her proposal video and realized she appeared larger than her 6’4″, 280-pound fiancé. Weighing in at 340 pounds, she decided it was time to make a drastic change.
The first step in her transformation was undergoing vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, a cost-effective option. This procedure reduced the size of her stomach, helping her feel full with less food. However, her doctor emphasized that the surgery alone wouldn’t guarantee long-term success — sustainable changes to her diet and exercise routine were critical.
Step 1: Embracing Healthy Eating Habits
Initially, Jakelie focused on calorie counting and avoiding unhealthy eating habits to prevent her stomach from stretching back out. Her meals became structured and nutrient-dense, with a focus on protein-rich options and a balance of macronutrients.
Her day-to-day diet now includes:
Breakfast: Protein waffles or eggs with bacon and coffee.
Lunch: Teriyaki or sriracha honey chicken with jasmine rice and broccoli.
Dinner: Taco bowls made with turkey sausage, avocado, Greek yogurt, and lettuce.
Snacks: Protein shakes and bars for a boost between meals.
Jakelie emphasizes the importance of viewing food as fuel rather than comfort, which has helped her maintain consistency in her eating habits.
Step 2: From Cardio to Strength Training
Jakelie’s fitness journey began modestly, starting with daily cardio. She walked for two minutes, jogged for 30 seconds, and repeated this cycle for 45 minutes on the treadmill. As her endurance improved, she transitioned to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
However, she soon realized the downside of excessive cardio—it left her feeling overly thin and drained. This epiphany led her to shift her focus to weightlifting workouts, which she credits for building her toned physique. Her weekly workout split includes:
Monday: Back-focused training
Tuesday: Quad-focused leg day
Wednesday: Shoulders and triceps
Thursday: Glutes and hamstrings
She avoids chest workouts now, as they started affecting her breast implants. Jakelie works out three to five days a week, a schedule that balances intensity with recovery.
Surgery and Self-Acceptance
In addition to the gastric sleeve surgery, Jakelie underwent several procedures to address loose skin after her significant weight loss. These included a tummy tuck, an upper body lift, and multiple breast augmentations. While these surgeries enhanced her physical appearance, Jakelie remains candid about the challenges of balancing body image and self-compassion.
Finding Balance: The Key to Long-Term Success
One of Jakelie’s key messages is the importance of balance and forgiveness in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She allows herself occasional cheat meals and indulgences, tracking her intake to stay within her calorie goals.
“Restricting yourself too much will only lead to burnout,” she advises. “Enjoy what you love in moderation, and don’t beat yourself up over bad days. Focus on winning the day, and you’ll win more days than you lose.”
A Testament to Transformation
Jakelie George’s journey from 340 pounds to a strong, confident 180 pounds demonstrates that sustainable weight loss requires more than just a single solution. It’s about combining tools like surgery, mindful eating, and consistent exercise with a commitment to self-love and balance.
Her inspiring story reminds us that with determination and the right mindset, anyone can take control of their health and achieve incredible results.
Source: DailyMail
