Jessica Ditched Cardio For Weights and Completely Transformed Her Body in 10 Months

"Before I began this fitness journey in January, I was the classic yo-yo dieter," Jessica told POPSUGAR. "I would do a 30-day challenge or a diet and severely restrict my calories while doing lots of cardio."

Jessica explained that she would hit her target weight, end up binging, and eventually gain even more weight. She wasn't comfortable in her skin, lacked confidence, and "my anxiety was getting the best of me," she said. Tired of the ups and downs, Jessica decided it was time to get things under control.

Instead of opting to follow another diet, Jessica decided to try something new: counting her macros. She did some research, spoke with a nutrition coach who helped her determine her macros, and eventually joined the If It Fits Your Macros Facebook group.

To stay on track, Jessica typically plans her meals in advance and always tracks them with MyFitnessPal. "I can still eat the foods I enjoy and I haven't had to eliminate entire food groups (I will never give up carbs!) or severely restrict my calories to see results," she said. Here's what a typical day of meals looks like for Jessica:

Prior to beginning her fitness journey in January, Jessica would do at-home, cardio-based workouts exclusively and inconsistently.

"I decided to reach my goals I really needed to join a gym and start lifting weights," she said. In February 2018, she came across Kelsey Wells's Instagram page and shortly after began doing Kelsey's PWR program, which is a strength-based training program.

"I am absolutely in love with this program. It has transformed my body composition, but it's also given me confidence and a sense of empowerment at the gym," Jessica said. "I'm no longer intimidated by all the guys in the weight room, and I look and feel stronger than I ever have."

Over the past 10 months, Jessica has lost 15 pounds and her current goal is to maintain her current weight.

"For so many years, I let the number on the scale dictate how I felt about myself and that's just absurd; I'm more than a number," she said. One of her biggest non-scale victories is finally being able to do traditional push-ups. She's also increased her box jump to 30 inches and can now deadlift and bench press with a barbell.

To stay motivated, Jessica explained that she relies on her Instagram to hold herself accountable. "If I'm not feeling the gym, all I have to do is open Instagram and see these women kicking ass, and I'm ready to go," she said. Jessica admits that she has days where she isn't motivated, but her discipline keeps her going.

If you're inspired to begin your own fitness journey, Jessica has some advice for you: