Kim lost 83 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kim lost 83 pounds. While already dealing with the challenges of having Multiple Sclerosis, she was in a car accident that left her with excruciating back pain. In January 2019, she decided that enough was enough. She reached out to her neurologist and was referred to a nutritionist. From there, this MS Warrior fully committed to good nutrition and daily exercise.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? 
In November 2018, I was in a car accident where I was rear-ended, which left me with excruciating back pain. In addition to this, I have Multiple Sclerosis, which already made my day to day life pretty hard to deal with.

How did you change your eating habits?
On January 30, 2019, I decided that enough was enough. I reached out to my neurologist to see what changes I could make, and they referred me to a nutritionist. The plan was to get some of the weight off, and then maybe the change could help with my MS and all my back problems. We started with a 1200 calorie diet. They prescribed me Belviq and Saxenda, then later Ozempic to help me get used to the low calories. 

I was already in the habit of meal prepping, but I wasn’t eating the right amounts or types of food to see a change. I gave up my addiction to bread and crackers. I cut out juice and soda, and I logged and tracked everything.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
We started out small because of my limitations with my MS. I can’t run or jog, and heat plays a huge factor in my relapses and fatigue. I walked at least 5,000 to 8,000 steps daily. I also incorporated small weights with the help of a fellow MS’r. My workouts with weights were at least twice a week, but my walking routine was daily.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 246 pounds, and now I weigh 163.4 pounds. That’s a total of 82.6 pounds lost.

What is your height?
I’m 5’6″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started January 30, 2019, and I hit my goal weight of 170 pounds on April 10 2020.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
That you don’t have to be perfect and that having a bad day is OK. To remember that small steps are also progress and that life isn’t a race it just matters how you finish.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Keep pushing even when you don’t see the numbers changing sometimes its not what you see on the scale but how you feel. “Self confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself, magic starts happening”

Instagram: @kowens8619