Throughout her life, Pamela Schwartz had always struggled to lose 30 pounds. But when she realized she had actually put on 68 pounds by indulging in unhealthy foods, Pamela knew she had to make a drastic lifestyle change.

So the Clifton, N.J., resident vowed to get fit before turning 60 and started following a strict, portion-controlled diet. Over the course of 13 months, Pamela has lost an impressive 70 pounds!

“Today, I am off all of my high blood pressure medications and my doctor said I am now a poster child for good health!” the 60-year-old, who previously weighed 218 pounds, exclusively told Closer Weekly of her weight loss journey.

Find out how Pamela shed the excess weight below!

weight loss before
Pamela Schwartz

Pamela before her 70-pound weight loss.

  • What was your life like before the weight loss?

A little more than a year ago, I was sitting on the couch with terrible back pain from simply walking up and down the stairs. Not only was my body screaming from the exertion, but my mind was screaming along with it. I couldn’t believe the number I’d seen on the scale — I was 218 pounds. I was truly scared for my health. I was about to turn 60 and realized then I had to make a serious lifestyle change.

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  • How did you get started with your weight loss journey?

While I was watching TV one day, a commercial for Jenny Craig came onscreen and I decided to sign up for their weight loss program. It is the smartest thing I’ve ever done. My exercise habits changed pretty drastically — I went from zero exercise to working out on my treadmill every other day! While following the program, I consumed 1200 calories per day with three meals and three snacks. My personal consultant helped me learn to manage my hunger and practice portion control. Now when I get home from work, I look forward to snacking on salad before eating a healthy dinner.

pamela weight loss after
Jenny Craig

Pamela after her 70-pound weight loss.

  • What were the most difficult aspects of losing the weight?

It was hard to acknowledge to the world — and to myself — that I actually needed to follow a set dietary plan to help me find weight loss success. In the beginning of my journey, there were quite a few times when I was ready to quit, but I found the wherewithal to stick with it thanks to my personal consultant.

  • How does it feel now that you’ve lost the weight?

Today, I am off of all of my high blood pressure medications and my doctor said I am now a poster child for good health! Now that I have lost my excess weight, I plan to continue practicing all the healthy eating habits I learned on the program. As for turning 60, that was no problem! I can laugh in the face of that number because I feel and look my best.