A Success Story to Share: Meet Kristen

Before you start, let me set the stage. Kristen works for a hospice program with which I am associated. She, along with other staff, formed teams to participate in an office-wide Weight Loss Challenge. This contest was apparently enough to spur Kristen to lose an initial 40 pounds and come out on top. Since then, she has lost another 12 pounds. And she’s not ready to stop yet.

Although our first Challenge took place several months ago, Kristen has continued to lose fat and build muscle. Anyone who knew her prior to her self-makeover can certainly attest to her new shapely and slimmer physique. In Kristen’s words, her weight loss is an "ongoing process".

Here is Kristen’s word-for-word email interview … how she did it, why she did it, and how good it feels. And she offers some success tips for others as well.

Q: How much weight have you lost? Do you plan to lose more or are you at your goal weight?

A: I have lost 52 pounds to date. I started at 236 pounds and I am now 184. I am 5ft 10inches tall and my goal is not my actual weight but my size and shape. I still would like to tone more, especially my thighs, arms and abs. Otherwise I am content with where I am at – in much better shape and feeling great! And if I can do it anyone can

Q: What are the benefits you have noticed so far due to your weight loss?

A: I have soooooo much more energy! I have three teenagers at home and I am now able to keep up with them. I am also able to deal with stress in a much more productive way. Like I said, I have three teenagers at home!!!! The other benefit is that I feel good about my body and even though there will always be areas I would like to improve, I now feel sexy!

Q: What thoughts or circumstances triggered your decision to lose weight?

A: The weight loss challenge at work. I had a partner and I did not want to let her down. I am also a very competitive person and hate to lose!

Q: How do you stay on track?

A: Once I started to lose weight I was getting comments on how good I look and I started to feel a lot better. This kept me motivated. I just made a total lifestyle change for good. It is now just the way I am.

Q: How do you describe your diet?

A: My diet is the way I eat now. For good. I did not go on a fad diet. I simply changed my way of thinking about food. My motto is, “food is fuel not entertainment”. I start by eating a full breakfast. I eat anything I want for breakfast because that is my “free” meal. I will burn off those calories throughout the day. I then start eating a small snack every few hours. I stock up on things like protein bars, pretzels, oranges, apples, bananas, Nabisco right bites 100 calorie packs, anything that is not packed with a lot of fat and calories. I eat all day long and by dinner time I am not very hungry so it is usually a small meal.

Typical dinner is some grilled meat like chicken or fish with a small potato and salad. Or I have spaghetti and marinara sauce. I could never do a low carb diet since I love the pasta but now I use the whole wheat options. For an evening snack, if I want one, I have some air popped popcorn or sorbet. What I do stay away from are butter, mayo, bad oils and anything fried. Oh yeah! I drink a lot of water too.

Q: Are you exercising regularly? What do you do? How do you fit it into your day?

A: I exercise about 4 days a week. I run 3 to 4 mornings a week 3 miles each time and I fit that in by getting up at 5am and running before work. This is amazing since I have never been a morning person but I have trained myself to do this and now I look forward to my morning runs. Believe me, 8 months ago I would have laughed if someone told me I would be doing this.

I try to get in some strength training at least 2x a week. I usually hit the gym and occasionally work with a trainer when I need a change in my work out. If I can’t get to the gym then I do basic stuff in front of my TV like push ups, sit ups, planks, lunges, squats and using the bands and small weights.

Q: Do you take any supplements?

A: I take a multi vitamin and omega 3 fish oil supplements each morning. I have recently started adding glucosamine for my joints.

Q: What are your success tips for others?

A: The only way a weight loss/fitness program will work for the long term is if you make it a lifestyle change. This not only means eating right and exercising but also changing the way you think about eating right and exercising. Don’t think of it as a chore, a "must do". Exercise can be the best way to relax and spend “me” time. Exercise can also be recreational. For example, dancing at a club, swimming at the lake, playing tennis etc…. Eating well is like putting the best fuel in your car. It will keep your motor running smoother and for a much longer time. I also try to remember how blessed I am that I am physically able to exercise. It is your only body so you need to take care of it. There are no trade ins!

Way to go, Kristen!