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Kelly's success: 67 pounds gone in under a year

By NADINE WILSON All Woman writer wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Name: Kelly Simons

Marital status: Single with no children

Occupation: Chemist

Height: 5 ft 2 inches

Starting weight: 215 pounds

Current weight: 148 pounds

Goal weight: 135 pounds

1. What was your turning point?

I was going to be assessed for my insurance policy and when I was there, I realised that I was on the borderline for the criteria in terms of what is needed to be insured, so I just decided to make a change then. Furthermore, when I got my insurance documents, my friend said to me, "Look at you, instead of being insured, why don't you take care of your health?"

2. What lifestyle changes did you make?

First I started to watch what I was eating. I used some online resources to assist me in counting my calories and once I got an assessment of my caloric intake for the day, I started to make changes in terms of how I ate.

3. How long did it take for you to start seeing results?

I started in March 2011 and within the first two weeks, I lost about two pounds. I gradually lost the weight, some weeks I would not lose anything while for others I would lose as much as three pounds. My weight loss was very slow and steady.

4. What were the challenges you faced?

My main challenge was restricting meals as I lost the weight to meet the needs of my new caloric intake. Due to the fact that I was losing weight, I had to decrease the amount of calories I would need to sustain me for the day. I also had to consider making my food nutritionally balanced while ensuring that I ate the foods that I liked, but were yet affordable. I also didn't have a nutritionist or a jogging buddy or anything like that, so I had to do it on my own.

5. How has your life changed since losing the weight?

I get to wear clothes that I thought that I could never wear before, and now I appreciate maintaining a healthy diet.

6. What is your newfound comfort food?

I love M&Ms and chocolate chip ice-cream sandwich, so I will treat myself to it once per month. But then I will make allowance for it by cutting back on my calories for the day.

7. What would be your weight loss advice to our readers?

1. You have to find the determination. Nothing will happen until you make up your mind.

2. Be comfortable that this is going to be a lifestyle. Once you are comfortable with your diet, you will be able to maintain it.

3.To speed up your metabolic rate a little, you can increase exercise and maintain the same caloric intake so you can create a deficit.

4. Don't be afraid to eat while you are out on social events but do so in moderation.

Kelly's meal plan

Breakfast: Cheerios (banana nut, chocolate or honey nut) with Lasco whole milk.

Lunch: Baked chicken, broccoli and pumpkin.

Dinner: Chicken Soup which is purchased at a restaurant.

Snacks: Fruits (mostly oranges, pawpaw or pineapples).

Kelly's fitness routine

*Jogging three times per week for 45 minutes at the park or in my community.

*Doing squats and abdominal workouts for 15 minutes daily.

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Kelly's success: 67 pounds gone in under a year