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Jennifer Riveira became a hands-on wife, a full-time health and fitness mentor, and an avid yogi after losing 76 pounds.
At nearly 200 pounds, Jennifer Riveira, a California resident, claims she was depressed, and unhealthy.
“My marriage was at an all-time low,” says the 45-year-old mother of two to PEOPLE Magazine. “My husband and I were having problems because I had started loving myself and found it difficult for him to love me.”
Riveira had to say no to her now 13-year-old son Brandon’s requests to play outside or ride bikes because she just didn’t have the energy. She recalls, “I was overweight and tired.” “From the time I got up in the morning until I went to bed at night, I yelled,” my son said.
Riveira made excuses for her ill health and weight gain, finally making an appointment with a doctor in March because she was sure something was wrong with her medically. Instead of a thyroid-related diagnosis, she had a rude awakening: “My doctor said, ‘Your tests all came out normal.'” But what we really want to know is what you’re eating.’
Riveira continued to tell herself that her busy schedule, which consisted of schlepping Brandon to and from sports activities and competitions, didn’t allow for healthy eating because she wasn’t ready to face the root of the issue.
She tells PEOPLE, “In fact, I had just given up on myself.” “Everyone became more important than me, and fast food became a way of life for me.” It happened in a flash. It was simple.”
Riveira was scrolling through social media about two years ago when a friend’s weight loss post caught her eye.
Riveira explains, “She had posted that she was able to be on the floor and play with her son.” “I recall saying to myself, ‘Gosh, I really want that.’ I reached out to her and inquired about her plans.”
Isagenix, a nutritional supplement company that sells meal replacement shakes, was the secret to the woman’s success, she told PEOPLE Magazine. “I recall saying, ‘I’m going all in,’” Riveira tells PEOPLE Magazine. ‘What have I got to lose?’
Riveira is now a full-time health and fitness mentor, a hands-on wife, an avid yogi, and an Isagenix supporter, weighing 115 pounds. “I haven’t had a shake in over two and a half years,” she says. “I know it’s a way of life because I’m not tempted at all. My body is in desperate need of the nutrients and vitamins that the shakes provide.”
She recently won the grand prize of $25,000 in the 2019 IsaBody Challenge for her inspirational weight loss journey, which she claims is so much more than the physical transformation.
“The challenge is to improve your self-esteem and to be the best version of yourself, wherever you are,” Riveira says.
Riveira’s journey was marked by one of the most memorable moments when she asked Brandon to describe her in three words as part of a personal growth exercise a few months ago.
She remembers what he said: “dedicated, caring, and inspiring.” “It’s about so much more than weight loss — I have a happy, stable 13-year-old who now understands the importance of good nutrition. That means a great deal to me.”
