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This is Jenna
Vaught, and I am Miss Plus America Elite 2007-2008. Many believe that plus-sized women in society should not be
classified as healthy, successful, or beautiful individuals in America today. When I became Miss Plus America Elite,
part of my mission was complete, and that was to show that there are beautiful, successful, and healthy plus-sized women making
it happen today. Not only am I a single mother, I am making it happen as a fourth year medical student, fitness-health
advocate, world traveler, and have lost over 190 pounds. I am a living example of what plus-sized women can be.
My second mission, was
to promote "size-friendly" fitness and health by example. I know what it is like to be so heavy you
cannot find clothes that fit, seatbelts to fasten, and chairs that fit comfortably. Most of my life, has revolved around
avoiding social situations and people. I know what life is like at over 427 pounds! Fitness is not just for thin
people, there are a variety of ways to get fit and even shed more pounds as a plus-sized individual.
With pride and hard
work, I have lost over 190 pounds. Weightloss has been the hardest and most amazing part of my life. I am
still working on losing atleast another 50 pounds, and I am going to get there. Meanwhile, I look and feel amazing.
In Ocotober of 2007, I completed a half-marathon. In May 2008, I finished a 10K.
As a future doctor, I
know American's today are facing major problems with Obesity. Let's just face it, Obesity is a problem in America
today. I want keep doing something about obesity in my life, and I want to encourage everyone to take the
small steps needed to build a more healthy lifestyle. Although losing weight takes great effort, I know that small steps
over a period of time lead to major results.
During
my reign as MPA Elite, many people questioned why I was promoting fitness and healthy eating if I was plus-sized. My
answer is simple, fitness and healthy eating have a place in every person's life! Healthy living is not a question
of numbers on a scale! Part of our problem in America today is that we have a "all or nothing" approach to
weightloss. It's time for everyone to take charge of their health, by being more active and consuming healthy foods.
This is not simply an issue of fat, this is an issue of behavior and lifestyle.
With all the exercise,
healthy eating, and lifestyle changes, indeed I have lost weight. Will I ever be my "ideal" bodyweight?
Will I ever complete a marathon in five hours? Will I ever be what America calls "thin"? Most likely
not. Yet, that will never change the fact that I must keep up with exercise and healthy eating to have a healthier body.
I don't believe that issues in life are black or white, mostly life is all about the gray! You cannot make a beagle
perform as a greyhound. Not all humans are created to be the same. With that thought, I love my life as a plus-sized
woman, and I know I have everything to offer and even more as a mother, doctor, and woman because of it. All I can be,
is Jenna. I have to tell you, I really like that.
Yours, Jenna Vaught-Miss Plus America
Elite 2007
JennaBVaught@aol.com www.myspace.com/drbellefemme
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