Name: Kimberly
Age: 41
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Paramedic
Location: Branford, Connecticut
Height: 5’3″
Waist: 32″
Starting Weight: 415 pounds
Current Weight: 196 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 219 pounds in 2 years! I went from a waist size 24 to a size 12. My waist used to be 40″ and now it’s 32″!
Kimberly’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
In 2012, I broke off a friendship with someone that was like a father to me and he helped me lose weight by using kettlebells. I got certified as an instructor and taught for him but our friendship grew apart. He told me that I would put the weight back on and I would come crying to him but I was on a mission to prove him wrong. I ended up gaining the weight back and I reached 415 pounds!
What made you decide to lose weight?
A former student took me to a local gym and bought me a 6 month membership and then I was introduced to a personal trainer, Sam Baldwin. I started working out with him once a week. I was on a mission to prove that I could tackle the weight loss on my own.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I began to track my calories, water and exercise. I eliminated alcohol and all artificial sugars. I work the midnight shift and I was lacking in supplements so after researching, I started taking certain supplements that I needed.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
My first challenging thing is that I work the night shift as a paramedic and have to eat on the run. Also, people who try to sabotage my success is tough. Stress at work and home can be difficult, but I try to take my stress out at the gym.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
4 months.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
23 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
23 months so far and I have to keep in mind that every day is a challenge and that I have goals to reach. I set goals with my trainer that are small and when I reach them I reward myself with a new piece of clothing or something else.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Knowing what my final outcome can be. I keep in contact with people with similar weight loss goals. Also, I recently met Nicole Wilkins and she said my journey is going in the right direction. Those words from her made me want to rock the last part of this journey.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I’m more active and I’m starting to inspire fellow members at the gym. I am a much stronger person.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
You are not alone! Set small goals and reach them and then set new ones. Eat clean and make sure to track your calories and activity.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I get ideas for workouts at the gym from ShapeFit.com and the recipes are healthy and filling. ShapeFit helps me when I don’t have my trainer to go to for ideas. The website gives me variety for my fitness journey.
Kimberly’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Track your food intake.
Weight loss tip #2:
Eat clean and prepare your meals.
Weight loss tip #3:
Work with someone who inspires you (personal trainer or friend).
Weight loss tip #4:
Get enough sleep.
Weight loss tip #5:
Drink plenty of water.
Kimberly’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Cereal with fruit or a bagel.
Lunch:
Salad with a veggie and a chicken patty topped with cottage cheese.
Dinner:
Broiled chicken or fish, salad with no dressing and just a little olive oil.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shake with fruit and a scoop of peanut butter, protein snacks (Kays protein snacks) and fruit which I limit to only 2-3 pieces per day.
Nutritional Supplements:
Multivitamin. I take extra vitamin D and vitamin E because I work the overnight shift and I’m not exposed to the sun that much. I also take magnesium after each workout and some extra calcium due to my age.
Kimberly’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I vary my workouts from day-to-day and I use both machines and barbells. I also attend a boot camp class 2 days a week.
Cardiovascular:
I do the Stairmaster while wearing a weight vest, HIIT workouts on the treadmill, the rowing machine and the elliptical trainer.
