Kent's Story

"I was frustrated, tired, and miserable!" 

The new year was swiftly approaching! Kelsey and I were determined to get in the best shape of our lives in 2010. There was one huge problem, I was in constant pain. I'll get to that later.  I had accepted a leadership position as an assistant principal at an elementary school in the summer of 2009. Besides the long commute and spending 3- 4 hours of my day in my car, that I affectionately nicknamed the White Unicorn, I was excited about my new opportunity. 

My hard work in graduate school was paying off and my professional future was bright. Working with elementary students was awesome! My rockstar status was at an all time 10. Students were impressed by my Chewbacca impersonation during lunch and they would reward me with cartons of fat free chocolate milk.  I didn't realize that my new found "fame" with the kids was taking a toll on my body.  

The day began at 5:00am with breakfast, eggs and 2 pieces of toast. I would sit down for lunch at around 2:00pm. My lunch was a tuna sandwich and lentil soup. I would later eat supper around 7:00pm after my commute home. Kelsey and I would eat chicken and pasta. Our favorite meal was beefy macaroni and cheese. After dinner we would head to the gym.  Now, in between meals, my body was fueled by sunflower seeds, energy drinks, and fat free chocolate milk, of course.  

 By November, my new habits began catching up with me. My energy level was at an all time low. I was drinking 3 energy drinks per day and still running on fumes. My slacks were becoming snug in the waistline and worst of all my back pain was slowly returning after living pain free for 10 years.  

My mood was also changing. I was frustrated, tired, and miserable!  Then, late one night the unthinkable happened. I could not get out of bed. A searing pain was piercing down my leg and in my back. It was hard to catch my breath. Kelsey helped me out of bed as tears streamed down my face. Morning could not come fast enough. I needed to go to the doctor. I needed help. I explained to my doctor that this was an old football injury. I sustained two herniated discs years ago and they had flared up. 

The doctor prescribed me an anti-inflammatory for my back and assured me everything would be fine. He then explained that he was also going to prescribe me a low dose of blood pressure medication to help with my high blood pressure.  I was shocked! I was 29 years old and physically active. I refused to take medication daily to correct my blood pressure. There had to be another way. I was determined to correct my health through proper nutrition and exercise.  

 Kelsey and I made a commitment for the new year to invest in our health. We spent hours researching new workout routines and educated ourselves on the benefits of training every muscle group. After 8 weeks of training consistently, we knew we had not reached our full potential. Kelsey suggested that we hire a nutritionist and begin educating ourselves about proper nutrition. We hired Kim Porterfield at the Institute of Eating Management. Kelsey and I were finally on the path to becoming our best. I began my fitness journey at 24% body fat. Kim explained to me that if I did not reduce my body fat, I would continue to experience high blood pressure. 

She also informed me that I was not eating enough to achieve my fitness goals in the weight room. I was confident that my nutrition plan would improve my health. 12 weeks later I had transformed my body and mind forever.  I share this story with you because I know what it's like to feel absolutely trapped in your own body. Through setting small goals and staying consistent with nutrition and exercise I was able to change my life.  

We now have a baby girl and look forward to teaching her the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Going on five years later, my health is still improving. Kelsey and I live a balanced life. My family is the most important reason for me to continue to live a healthy lifestyle. I want to be the best for my family.

All the best,

Kent

Transforming Your Body and Mind

Hello, I'm Kelsey Byers.  I started this blog as a place for people to come for inspiration, hope and tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Growing up a thin young woman, I never struggled with my weight until I got into college.  At age 19, my metabolism changed drastically along with my eating habits.  I started staying out late, drinking alcohol and eating fast food.  Within a matter of two years I put on about fifty pounds.  No one stopped me and said, "Kelsey, you're getting chunky."  No one warned me that I was heading down an unhealthy path. The weight snuck up on me.  One day I went through my closet and had a size four on one end and a size fourteen on the other.  That's not a fun reality check.  Nothing fit.  I worked part time in college and started spending most of my paychecks on new outfits to try and make myself look thinner, always searching for that "perfect outfit."  By the way, it doesn't exist.

One night, hanging out with a guy friend, I overheard him checking his voicemail on his cell phone.  I heard the familiar voice of a "friend" say, "Hey man, where have you been?  Have you been hanging out with that WHALE again?"  I confronted my guy friend, asking who in the world he was referring to.  My guy friend admitted, "He was talking about YOU."

Man, talk about a HUGE reality check.  When you grow up thin, you aren't used to insults about your weight.  At that moment, not only was I unhappy with the woman in the mirror, I realized that other people noticed my weight as well.  I decided I wanted to lose the weight for ME, but I used the "Whale" comment as motivation to drive me.

It took me about five years to lose the college fifty pounds, simply because I had no idea what I was doing.  It was all trial and error.  I started by only doing cardio and avoiding eating at restaurants and drinking alcohol (as much as possible).  I met my (now) husband and he encouraged me to start weight training, insisting that women do not have the testosterone to bulk up the way men do.  He was right!  My body started toning up and I got down to a healthy size eight, around 24% body fat (healthy for a woman).

It wasn't until I hired a nutritionist a few years later that I realized that nutrition determines 80% of your results, exercise being 20%.

If you are starting in a place that you are not proud of and you feel like you've hit rock bottom, have no fear!  I believe that it sometimes takes you getting absolutely 100% fed up before you'll make the change you need.  At least that's how it happened for me.  I was desperate for a change.

Start here > Focus on nutrition.  You will be shocked at how much it makes a difference.  Start by eating small meals every three hours, five to seven meals a day.  It may seem like a lot of food at first, but stick with it.  Within three months of eating like this, my body went from 24% body fat, down to 15%.  With the help of healthy nutrition and weight training, I created the body of an athlete. 

Focus on choosing a lean protein, complex carb and veggie at each meal.  Add in healthy fats in moderation.  I hope this helps you get started.  It really is simple, it's just not easy.  Cook your meals in bulk and stay prepared. 

Just know that this is NOT a diet, it's a lifestyle change.  How long do you have to eat like this?  Well, it all depends on how long you want to look and feel fabulous!