Fitness is an issue that is challenging to many of us. Especially after a major eating holiday, we at times need inspiration to get back on track. I had the chance to communicate with Tamara Jackson about her fitness journey, and her book as well.
POS: What inspired you to write 265 Point?
TJ: I decided to write 265 Point after years of being asked how I lost 100+ pounds and managed to keep it off. Each time I was asked, I struggled to communicate all of the things I learned during the course of my 14+ year journey into a series of short, but insightful sentences. 265 Point gave me the space and the time to finally share my story and hopefully inspire women around the world to finally and forever shed the weight – mentally, emotionally, and physically.
POS: What’s the most difficult part of the fitness journey?
TJ: It’s hard to pick just one thing because changing lifelong habits – of any type – is a complicated endeavor. Some have trouble starting because they don’t feel “motivated”. Others have tried and failed so many times that there is a sense of hopelessness; I’ve been there. For others, the problem is the sheer magnitude of change that is required. If you’re in the habit of eating fast food 2-3 times a day and not being physically active at all like I was, it’s tough to start to eating fruit and vegetables every day plus workout several days a week. It all just seems like too much. But, if I had to pick just one thing, I would say making fitness a lifelong priority – being consistent even when life hits – is the hardest for most people. Many get motivated enough to start and begin to see results but eventually end up backtracking because they get tired. Tired of getting up early to go to the gym, tired of feeling like they’re always passing on dessert, tired of tracking their meals, etc. The most difficult part about leading a fit lifestyle is that it is a decision that has to be managed daily. As much as we wish it were so, there is no easy button.