Mom of 3 Loses 100 Pounds, Then Enter Beauty Pagent!

I was recently approached by Jill Knapp, an amazing and very inspiring woman who recently lost 101 pounds after learning she had Type 2 Diabetes. We decided to interview her so she could share her amazing story with all of you and hopefully inspire some of you to get up and get moving!

Jill – Before And After

Our Interview with Jill Knapp:

1. How old are you?
I just turned 42 this year.

2. How many children do you have?
I have three beautiful children.

3. How much weight have you lost to date?
I have lost an amazing 101 pounds!

4. What made you finally decide to lose the weight?
Unfortunately finding out I have Type 2 diabetes was a major factor in my mind set and wanting to start living a healthier life. Have a wonderful husband and 3 wonderful children really helped me make my mind up.

5. Can you tell us a little bit about Type 2 diabetes?
I was diagnosed with Gestational diabetes with my last child at 37 1/2. At the hospital after I had my son they tested me and all test came back negative. I went to the Dr many months later with 15 extra pounds and was dealing with really bad headaches and my Dr. sent me home with a monitor. I brought it back in the office I found out the diabetes did in deed follow me from the pregnancy.

6. What made you decide to enter a Beauty Pageant?
Since I have had success at controlling my diabetes I have been led to a new found dedication and passion in educating others on how to eat right & exercise. It brings me great joy to share my story with others and in doing so inspire them to “get up and get moving!” To be in a pageant you need a platform something you are passionate about. I was already sharing my message of weight loss and living with diabetes so I thought well, If I go for Mrs. Idaho I will be able to expand and have more people to share my message with. I placed in the Top 6 and that is exactly what happen. I have been so blessed to have countless doors open up and ways to share my story with others.

7. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have a web site that is dedicated to helping others stay motivated. My mother-in law Sharon Knapp who passed away in 2003 always told me to be strong and never give up. She also told me it takes courage to change, She also said it is only through being your true self you will find happiness. I have found that being my true self is helping others in this life and taking my experience and sharing it with others is what I love to do. And if any of you even think that you may have diabetes, please go see your doctor immediately! It’s important to know you have it and start doing something about it right away. And if you are pre-diabetic, you need to lose weight before it develops into type 2 diabetes.

Jill recently did a live interview on Fabulous After 40. You can click here to listen to the motivating and informative podcast.

Visit Jill Knapp’s blog at GetUpAndGetMoving.net