Transformation of the Day: Kimberly lost 75 pounds. On the Optavia program, she switched from eating fast food and takeout to eating nutrient-dense healthy food. She shared with us the “Whys” that kept her motivated and focused.
How did you change your eating habits?
My name is Kimberly Cunningham, and I’m an Independent Certified Health Coach for Optavia. I begin the Optavia 5&1 program on 9/17/20. The program consists of eating five high protein low-calorie fuelings five times a day and one meal consisting of lean protein and three servings of non-starchy vegetables.
I went from only eating fast food, convenience store food, and takeout to eating six times a day, every 2-3 hours (high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that are full of protein).
While on the program, I was eating in a calorie deficit, and my body was in a high-fat burn state, which caused me to lose weight quickly. Seeing consistent results every single week gave me more motivation to keep going! Additionally, I removed all sugary beverages and increased my water intake to 64oz daily. I also focused on getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep a night consistently.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
In order to be motivated, I had to identify my “Whys” for wanting to become healthy. My “Whys” are what kept me going on the hardest days when I wanted to give up and give in temptation. Anyone can do a diet, but if your desire to change doesn’t outweigh what you feel like you are missing out on, you will quit. If you have a strong “Why” that is so deep that it moves you, it is worth giving up comfort, food addiction, and bad habits!
Here are my Whys:
️I wanted a stronger relationship and marriage with my husband. Our relationship had gotten very transactional and business-like. Mostly because I was unhappy with myself. I wanted to flirt. I wanted to date. I wanted a friend. It wasn’t up to my husband to change this. It started with me!
️I wanted to be a better mom. Not only a mom who played with her kids but a mom who had the energy to truly engage and pour into her children – individually.
- To not be short-tempered with them because I was in a state of depression.
- To be a mom that they were proud of.
️I also wanted to feel totally confident. I would dream about wearing clothes that I love. I didn’t want to hide in photos any longer. I wanted to feel great when leaving the house. I didn’t want to dread bumping into people and wondering if they thought I let myself go.
I wanted to inspire others by letting them know that just surviving isn’t ok. Show them that life can be so much more! I want to model that life can be so much better when you start with yourself!
You see…My whys are DEEP! They drive me. They push me. Do I ever want to have a cheat day and make poor choices that don’t align with my goals? YES, but it’s my “Whys” that keep me going!
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
One of the habits of the program I used to lose weight is Healthy Motion. My Healthy Motion consisted of 30 minutes of walking per day, 3-5 times per week. I began the program during the pandemic, so this was definitely a highlight of my day. I would often get up from my desk and take a walk around the neighborhood during the middle of the day, or I would push my twin girls in their stroller around the lake after work. 30 minutes of walking is all I did during the 6 ½ months to support me in reaching my goal weight.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting weight: 235 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
How long did your transformation take?
I lost 75 pounds in 6 ½ months and have been maintaining for 5 ½ months.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
When you have struggled with your weight for most of your adult life, there are no days off, even after you’ve reached a healthy weight. You are shifting your mind from a state of mindlessly eating whatever you can grab quickly to making conscious choices to fuel your body with proper nutrition. That takes work, effort, and proper planning to ensure you’re successful. Sure, it gets easier the longer you do it but know that every day, you have to make the choice to be your healthiest self to maintain your progress.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Focus on yourself and watch your life get better. Putting me first elevated the lives of my whole family. I’m now a better wife and mother because I took care of myself first. You cannot pour from an empty cup. At my highest weight of 235 pounds, I had nothing left to give to my husband or my children, both physically or emotionally. I had to pull back and refocus on myself to restore what I’d lost. We are now the happiest and healthiest we’ve ever been as a family as a result.
Instagram: @optimalmaxx
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