Jill Knapp who has type 2 diabetes loses 100 pounds and then competes in the Mrs. Idaho Pageant

by Jill Knapp
(Idaho)

Name: Jill Knapp
Age: 43
Height: 5'8"
Before weight: 237

How did you gain weight?
During my first pregnancy, I gained 50 pounds, and after childbirth, my weight gradually began increasing. As with most women, I became busy with life and forgot the importance of taking care of myself. I was young, and my body didn't feel the extra 100 pounds I had gradually put on over the years. I had bad eating habits, no time for exercise and no real desire to be healthy.

Why was your wakeup call?
Unfortunately I had to hear "You have type ll diabetes." I am hoping others will lose weight before they have to hear those words. It's very depressing getting the diagnoses of type ll. It changes everything.

How did you get the weight off?
I logged my food, ate six small meals a day and had no refined sugar. Finding out I had Type ll diabetes helped me have a paradigm shift in the way I think, and I did a lifestyle change versus a diet. Five days a week, cardio mixed with weight training was my exercise routine. I never skipped a day.

What were your biggest challenges throughout your weight loss?
I broke my both sides of my ankle after slipping on black ice. I had to have surgery and a plate with 6 screws put in my Tibia bone. I thought "How will I ever get the weight off now?" I was so determined that I sure did not let my ankle stop me. It took 9 months total to heal from that fall I could not exercise, but I kept eating 6 small meals a day and reached my goal.
So you got all your weight off!!

What made you decide to compete in the Mrs. Idaho Pageant?
My neighbor and friend Alishia who works behind the scenes of the Mrs. Idaho Pageant said I have a great platform. I am living my platform. What a great way to bring awareness to type ll diabetes and get others motivated to make change. In the months before the pageant I spoke at schools, offices, weight loss challenges and after school programs. It was a wonderful feeling to share my personal journey to help others.

The pageant was fun and it was the first time I have been on a stage in over 20 years. I placed 2nd runner up. I won the best interview award, community service award, and most years married award and was voted Mrs. Congeniality. It was such a great thing to do the pageant after losing 100 pounds. I am so glad I did.

What are you doing now?
I am a diabetes advocate. I am still carrying my message as far and wide as I can. I am also a motivational speaker and love it. It brings me great joy to share my story and in doing so inspire them to "get up and get moving!'

How is your health now?
It's great! I take no medication for my diabetes I have it under control through eating right and exercising. I feel wonderful! I have more energy now and it's because I am living a whole new lifestyle. I have the energy to keep up with my 3 kids but especially my 5 year old. I have more drive to live and am happier with myself. I remember how it felt carrying that extra 100 pounds around. I remember being very depressed. I will never go back and live that way again.

What is the one thing you would like to share that we have not covered.
I want to let others know YOU can lose weight. No matter what your circumstances. No matter what your age. YOU can start living a healthier lifestyle right now. Take one day at a time and you will reach your goals.

After Weight: 137
Jill has maintained her weight loss for 1 yr 6 mo.

Learn more about Jill by visiting her web site:
http://getupandgetmoving.net