Kennesha lost 76 pounds

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Kennesha lost 76 pounds. Seeing how obesity affected her family and wanting to feel good about her weight, she committed to true lifestyle change. I love that she says, “My biggest challenge was to believe I could do it. Therefore, I constantly prayed to God to help me with my unbelief.”

Starting weight: 278 pounds
Current weight: 202 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Pounds lost: 76 pounds
Height: 5 feet 4 inches
Age: 36 years

How long i’ve kept it off:  “I started my weight-loss journey in November 2013 and have lost 76 pounds in 10 months,” says Kennesha.

Turning point: “Even though I was embarrassed about my weight for years and had seen how extreme weight affected my family members, it wasn’t until I stepped on the scale in November 2013 and realized I was 278 pounds – the largest I had ever been in my life.”

Diet plan:  “I eat 5 to 6 small meals a day. For breakfast, I make a homemade green smoothie that consists of kale, pineapple, blue berries, raspberries, ginger, kiwi, celery, flaxseeds and parsley. For lunch, I have lean meat and veggies. For snack, I have nuts and carrots or fruit or a granola bar. My dinner consists of lean meat and veggies or a green salad. I allow myself to eat other foods in moderation on the weekend to keep from binging and feeling deprived. I use the LoseIt app to help track the foods that I consume and count calories.”

Exercise routine: “I work out 6 days a week. When I initially started, I lost my first 20 pounds by walking 3 miles a day and doing two sets of 25 squats, 25 lunges, 50 jumping jacks, 15 second planks, 25 crunches and 25 pushups. In January 2014, I started climbing the stairs at my job. In February 2014, I took my first cycling class with KTX Fitness to increase my cardio. In March 2014, I implemented strength training with Georgia Department of Public Health to help with toning.

Currently, I cycle on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I climb 41 flights of stairs 4 days a week. I do strength training by lifting weights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Sundays, I walk Stone Mountain’s hiking trail with my brother and his family. ”

Biggest Challenge: “My biggest challenge was to believe I could do it. Therefore, I constantly prayed to God to help me with my unbelief.”

How life has changed: “I have more energy and confidence. I’ve become the co-administrator of a healthy eating group for individuals in my hometown of Camden (Wilcox County), AL. I’m excited about shopping again. I can see my veins and collar bone. I am no longer dependent on a CPAP machine that helps with sleep apnea. I have become an inspiration for others who are on the same journey.”

What’s Next: “My goals are to reach 155 pounds and maintain it by continuing to work out with KTX Fitness and Georgia Department of Public Health, travel and enjoy my abundant life.”

Social Media Contact: Facebook: www.facebook.com/kenneshapowell