Featured Fitale – Kimberley Lewis

Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).

My name is Kimberley – I work in the technology field and I am an avid reader and animal lover.

What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey?

I have struggled with weight my entire life, lots of losing and gaining. I decided that I needed to focus on my health especially since I am in my 40’s. Making this journey about my health and not just about how I look or who I can attract has made all of the difference. Doing it for myself is what helps me stay dedicated.

What was your beginning and current weight or measurements?

Start weight on 1/26/17 was 227.7 this is when I recommitted to losing. On 9/10/15 I was 234.6 I don’t like to focus on the number on the scale so I never post my weight.

How long did it take for your weight-loss transformation from beginning to end?

I am still in the progress of transforming – I have 40 more pounds to go to reach goal! I am hoping to reach my goal by Feb 2018

Which physical activities did you participate in during your journey?

Zumba, Pound Fit, Elliptical, Walking, and lifting weights. I have now added strength training that I can do at home.

How did your eating habits change?

I follow Weight Watchers. So I eat whatever I want and I use a point system to stay on track. I eat less beef and more chicken – I drink less wine 🙁 – and I eat carbs in moderation.

What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner?

Breakfast is usually Pineapples and low fat Cottage Cheese or an Egg on whole wheat toast

Lunch is always a protein and complex carb

Dinner is high protein like Chicken or fish with a green vegetable. Yes, I have dessert as long as I have points left a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich or 2 Oreo Thins.

What is your favorite fitness activity?

My favorite fitness activity is Zumba – I can’t get enough of it and the hour goes by really fast.

What do you do now to maintain your physique?

I am not in maintenance yet, I am still working on my goal

How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)?

Using Weight Watchers I don’t feel like I need to avoid anything. For me it is more about knowing when to stop and not to overeat. I can have what I want I just cant over do it. So, if I want a slice of Pizza I can have it, but I won’t then have a giant sandwich or pasta for dinner. I am balancing what I eat.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get started with their fitness journey but not sure where to begin?

My advice is to make small changes and find a plan that works for you. It is important that whatever plan you start it is something you can do long term, weight loss is a long process. So if you feel fulfilled on the plan you have selected you are more likely to see success. Also, you have to do it for you, if you are losing weight thinking that your life will change and everything will be right in the world, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Yes, losing weight can make you feel better, clothes fit nicer, but you will still encounter the same issues or problems you had before you lost the weight. So make sure you are doing it for you!

What do you think is the biggest misconception about this journey?

The biggest misconception is that there is a “after”. You are never done, this is an ongoing battle that you must be diligent about. Losing the weight is the first phase and then you have to fight to keep it off. It is very easy to get comfortable and fall back into your old routines, I have done it many times. This time I keep telling myself there is no after, this is a lifestyle change. I need to stay focused always. Just like someone with a drinking or drug problem, you can’t lose focus.

Do you have any fitness inspirations? Who are they?