Kimberly lost 95 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kimberly lost 95 pounds. She’s gone from a size 28 to a size 16. Her active son asked her to start riding bikes with him. She challenged herself, bought a bike and started riding. Determined and committed, she now rides 20-22 miles per workout. Check out how exercising and embracing healthy eating habits changed her life.

What was your motivation?
My son, who was 6 years old at the time, asked me to start riding bikes with him. I was already so active in everything he wanted to do, in terms of his sports and activities. I didn’t want to be that mom who had to say no to bike riding because of my weight. After a few months of debating about getting a bike, I went to a bike shop, purchased one and I fell in love with it.

When I first started riding, I could barely ride one mile. It was Spring 2016 and I was hot, winded, and out of shape. It was hard, but I didn’t want my son to see me fail or not enjoy our outings because mommy couldn’t ride very far. I was determined to not be that mom! So, I would challenge myself every few days. First, it was a mile, then it was 3, then 10, etc. Now, I’m up to 22 miles everyday and when I want to give up I think about how far I’ve come. I also think about where I never want to go back to. I had a lot of emotional and past issues that contributed to the weight gain. Once I let all that hurt go, learned to forgive and move on, I started to become the person inside and out that I knew I had always been.

How did you change your eating habits?
During the first few months that I began riding and taking it seriously, I was still eating like crap. I lost the first 20 pounds rather easily and then my progress stalled. I knew it was because the foods I was eating were sabotaging my workouts, so I focused on eating high protein (fish, turkey, chicken) and low carb 6 days a week. I had a cheat day once a week. I ate what I wanted. I didn’t deprive myself, but I was just extremely aware of what I put in my mouth. If I wanted a cookie, I ate one. I just didn’t eat the whole package. It was about balance for me. I enjoy food, but I had to learn to eat it. …And so far, so good!

What did your workout routine look like?
I’m at the gym 5-6 days a week for 1.5-2 hours. I do spin classes and ride the stationary bike on high resistance between 20-22 miles everyday. Then, I focus on weights for 45 mins. I train a different body part (or 2) every day. Rain, sleet or snow, I’m in that gym. It used to be a chore. Now, it’s just part of my daily routine. I love working out. it relieves stress and gives me the peace I need. There is no feeling like it.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 351 pounds. Today, I weigh 256 pounds. My height is 5’4″. I’ve gone from a size 28 to a 16-18.

When did you start your journey?
May 2016. It’s been 19 months and counting. (I’ve still got a ways to go) I never had any surgery or took any pills. This is all natural and a result of hard work. To each his own, but I opted to do it the old
fashion way.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that releasing the weight of emotional hurt is a step stool to releasing physical weight. Once your mind, heart, and soul is in a good place, you can feel free to work on your outer man. If your inner man is in chaos, it’s going to be reflected in how you look and feel.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Do it when you are ready. You can’t do it for anyone else and you have to get your mind right first. I tried numerous times and always failed. This is the first time I’ve been successful, and it’s because I’m doing it FOR ME. I have a long way to go, but I can say that besides motherhood I’ve never been as serious and consistent about anything in my life. I’m loving it.

Instagram: @kalebsmommy424