'Diabetes was My Wake-Up Call to Lose 100 Pounds'*

By , SparkPeople Blogger
If you're a fan of the Dr. Oz show, you might recognize this SparkPeople member. Jill Knapp, aka Bluesky97. Though she's a very private SparkPeople member, Jill's amazing story is a secret no more. Now 42, she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago. That was her wake-up call. She lost 100 pounds, no longer takes medication for her diabetes and placed in the top six of the "Mrs. Idaho" beauty pageant.

In an episode that will air Thursday, March 4, Jill shares her secrets to weight loss and becomes a mentor to three other women trying to lose weight. In the mean time, we asked her to answer a few questions for the dailySpark.

dailySpark: Why did you decide to lose weight?

Jill Knapp: Unfortunately I had to hear "You have type 2 diabetes." I am hoping others will lose weight before they have to hear those words.

dailySpark: What were your biggest challenges throughout your weight loss?

Jill Knapp: I broke my ankle after slipping on black ice and thought "How will I ever get the weight off now?" I was so determined that I indeed got it off. No, I could not exercise, but I kept eating 6 small meals a day and reached my goal.

dailySpark: What is a typical day like in terms of eating? What are your menu staples?

Jill Knapp: Breakfast: eggs or egg whites, whole-wheat bread with peanut butter

Snacks: Apple and almonds; protein shake; handful of carrots and string cheese

Lunch: Salad with plenty of vegetables, grilled chicken and reduced-calorie dressing

Dinner: Chicken breast with whole wheat pasta, a salad

dailySpark: How has your life changed since losing the weight?

Jill Knapp: I am 42, and I have more energy to keep up with my kids--especially my 5-year-old. I have MORE energy, more drive to live and am happier with myself. I also feel that I was meant to share my story with others. I remember how it felt to have 100 extra pounds on. I remember being depressed about my weight and life. I want to let others know that losing weight can be done. No matter what the age, or circumstances.

dailySpark: What role does fitness play in your life? How often do you work out?

Jill Knapp: I love to work out. When I don't, my family will know it because I become grumpy. Working out is now just a part of my life--I work out four to five days a week. I have to share that my 11-year-old son got me a Wii Fit plus for Christmas. He mowed lawns all summer to save the money. I tried to talk him out of it, but he would not take NO for an answer. It means the world to me that my son knows how important that it is that I exercise that he would spend his own money to see that I have the convenience of not even leaving home to get a good workout in.

dailySpark: What advice would you have for someone who is just starting his or her healthy journey?

Jill Knapp: Make a plan. Stick to it. Be consistent on your journey and you will meet your goals. When you have reached your goal, Share your story with others and pass on what you have learned along the way. Most of all, be patient. Results don't come over night. It is hard work and will take a lot of effort. In the end the way you feel will all be worth everything you went through.

Thanks for sharing your story, Jill.

Do you think that sharing your story is an important part of your weight loss?

*Weight loss results will vary from person to person. No individual result should be seen as a typical result of following the SparkPeople program.