Motivation, exercise, prayer prompt healthy lifestyle changes

An Orchard woman, Jessica Shaver, crushed her original goals – to become an inspiration to others, to be a better mom, wife and overall person, and to feel confident. While she achieved these goals, she is still on an "amazing journey" to live a healthier lifestyle for both her and her family.

Shaver explained that her family had a history of obesity, which has contributed to other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

"When I finally decided to take charge of my life, I had three small kids: ages 2, 5 and 6," Shaver said. "I felt miserable, tired all the time, lacked energy for anything and continually ate to make myself feel better. I wanted to give them (the kids) a better version of me, a mom who would be able to play with them and have the energy to do so."

She was motivated to avoid these obstacles by changing her lifestyle, eating healthier and exercising more. As Shaver's kids have grown older, she shifted her mindset a little to be a positive role model for them."I want to create a positive body image," she explained. "They listen, they watch ... If I'm doing it, saying positive things about myself and making healthier choices, chances are they will too."

Shaver's first step to success began when she enrolled in a Zumba class. In the summer of 2015, Shaver's cousin talked to her about joining a challenge group with her, following Beachbody's 21 Day Fix program.

"The results were amazing," Shaver said. "The first three-week challenge, I lost 10 pounds and eight inches. I continued to follow that program for seven or eight rounds and lost about 50 pounds and 40 inches in six months."

She went on to become a Beachbody coach for awhile. She also continued with Zumba classes twice a week, where she eventually became a certified instructor. She still teaches classes at the United Methodist Church in Orchard.

From 2016 to March 2022, Shaver continued with the exercise programs. She stayed within a 10-pound weight range until late 2021.

"I had plateaued hard core, longer than ever and my weight began to steadily climb back up," she said.

This is when she decided to enroll in an online challenge with a gym in Neligh.

"This program helped me snap back, change my eating habits and work harder," she explained. "I've dropped 20 pounds and gained so much muscle since then."

She is still following a nutrition plan through the gym and still does a variety of exercises. Shaver said she still tries to exercise 20 to 90 minutes a day for five to six days a week, with one active recovery day.

Shaver's favorite part about the entire journey has been the accountability from her coaches and other challenges.

"I love a challenge, even if there's no prize," she said. "The prize to me is the personal gain ... the weight loss, the muscle gain, losing pant sizes, gaining confidence ... all the things."

Some things Shaver began to notice on her journey was how positive language can change someone's entire mindset.

"Sounds cliche, but say 'I can' not 'I can't'," she said. "I noticed that when my mind started to shift to a positive thought, my body followed."

When asked how this journey has changed her life, Shaver responded, "Oh gosh, where do I start? I feel great! I have anxiety ... eating healthy and exercising regularly has helped lessen anxiety. The change has given me energy to do sports activities with my kids and, most importantly, given me the confidence I so desperately needed."

Shaver shares a couple of pieces of advice.

"You cannot outwork poor eating habits," Shaver said. "Trust me, I tried. Exercise and healthy eating need to go hand in hand. And on that note, healthy eating doesn't mean completely skipping foods or starving yourself. I still eat cake, cookies, ice cream ... just in moderation."

She also explains the importance in setting little goals and working up to them and also looking for opportunities instead of excuses.

While Shaver's original goals are being achieved, she continues to set more goals. She created a goal to lose 100 pounds from her heaviest weight. She also hopes to build muscle, get a visible six-pack of abs, and most importantly, be a positive role model for her children.

While setting goals may be challenging, Shaver is a prime example of how successful a person can be after doing so.

After all, motivational speaker Les Brown did say, "If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you."