Photo via: KSDK
It's never too late to turn your life around. Here's proof.
For Jessica Slaughter, the struggle with her weight started when she was in elementary school.
"Even as a kid in Mississippi, I was always the fattest kid in the class. I got teased a lot," Slaughter told KSDK. "I didn't know how to stop eating. Fried chicken. Bacon and eggs. Desserts, like cakes and pies."
However, in her seventies, she opted for a healthier lifestyle and became a vegan. In addition to changing her diet, Slaughter committed to exercising every morning - and she didn't have to leave her St. Louis apartment to do it.
The now 86-year-old walks daily from her living room to kitchen, 3,000 steps to be exact. This helped her to lose 120 pounds. Yes, you read it right...120 pounds.
"I went to my doctor for a checkup. He told me my health was better than his," Slaughter said. "I was a borderline diabetic. I'm free of all that, and I know it came from my way that I eat and exercise."
By recommendation of her granddaughter, Slaughter uses a Fitbit to count her steps. She hopes her fitness journey will inspire other seniors to get into shape (it's already inspired us).
"I just want seniors to know just because we've gotten a certain age, we don't have to stop living," Slaughter explained. "I want to tell them that there’s a better way of life if they choose."
Keep inspiring and living your best life Ms. Slaughter!