“I’m a better husband to my wife and dad to my kids.”

Jason was determined to become the man his family needed him to be. Learn how he became that… and so much more.

This is Me… Then & Now: My 200+ Pound* Weight Loss Success Story

By Jason Beddall

When my wife and I decided we wanted to have a second child I knew that something had to change. I couldn’t imagine not being there for my wife and kids simply because I wouldn’t take care of myself. So I did some research and came to the conclusion that Nutrisystem was the right choice for me. I knew that I needed something that would teach healthy eating and portion control and would set me up to succeed long term.

There’s a quote out there that says, “Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels!” and I remind myself of that almost daily. This has never been about a diet; this has always been about a lifestyle change. That may not seem like a big difference, but in reality it is huge. Diets fail, they don’t last, once you’re off a diet you go back to your old habits that got you there in the first place. A lifestyle is just that, for life. It doesn’t fail, if you have a bad meal or a bad day it doesn’t derail you because tomorrow is a new day.

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We found out we were pregnant two weeks after I started Nutrisystem. I then set a goal that I wanted to lose 100 pounds in nine months. Honestly, I didn’t believe that it was possible, but I was committed to giving it my all for those nine months. On September 26, 2010, we welcomed our second daughter into the family. That day I had lost a total of 122 pounds!* This absolutely gave me the confidence to continue in my weight loss journey.

Because of my weight I had to give up things I loved, like playing golf and other sports. But the more weight I lost, the more active I became. I started playing the sports I loved again and I was always looking for new things to try. One of the things I wanted to try was running, something I could have never imagined doing.

In May of 2012 I competed in my first 5k race. At that time I had lost 204 pounds!* It felt great to set a long term goal for myself and actually see it through!

The more races I ran, the more I began to love running and being outside. I’m always looking for ways to push myself, so in January of 2013 I began training for my first Tough Mudder. It’s a 12-mile, 20+ obstacle race…in the mud. On May 18, 2013 I completed the race in under three hours! I used the things I had learned from Nutrisystem to help me through…things like control, perseverance and hard work. The race—just like losing weight—wasn’t easy; it had its ups and downs. But the important thing is to always push through. I’ve learned that if I know I am doing the right things I will always see the right results.

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But there is something far more important than numbers on a scale or races run; that is my family. It’s hard to put into words the impact my weight loss has had on my family. Honestly, it’s changed everything. I’m a better husband to my wife and dad to my kids. I’m more active and involved with them. I know that because of the decisions I’ve made my kids have a future with me in it…being an active part of it. And we eat healthier as a family, too. I know that I’m not just changing my life, but I’m changing my family’s life for generations to come. I’m teaching my kids how important it is to be healthy and active because I don’t want them to have to go through the same things I did. I don’t want them to struggle with their weight and health. And I want them to teach it to their kids and then to their kids. I want the choices I make today to have an impact long after I’m gone.

I tell people all the time and honestly believe that Nutrisystem saved my life.

*Real Success Story.  Expect to lose an avg 1-2 lbs per week.