October 18 2006 

 

Kimberly Floyd

Country: Fairburn, USA
Age: 41
Weight before diet: 240 lbs.
Weight now: 160 lbs.
Target weight: 155 lbs.

For Kimberly, losing weight is more than just dieting. She made a commitment to change her lifestyle to include healthier eating habits, exercise, and the right mindset. See how she successfully deals with the problems that she encountered--and continues to encounter--along her weight loss journey.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I started having problems with my blood pressure. One day, I experienced a sharp chest pain and decided to turn my life around. That's exactly what I did.

-What type of weight loss program did you follow?
I devised my own plan.

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
I knew that I had to find a plan that I could live with…one that was healthy, but allowed me to have the foods I enjoy. I know that when it comes to weight loss, you have to be sure to choose a plan that you can live with because otherwise, you'll go back to eating the way you did before and gain the weight back. I was determined not to go there again.

-How long were you on your weight loss program?
I never went off of it; I made a lifestyle change. But I lost most of my weight over a year's time.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to maintain your weight and to stay fit?
I like a variety of activities like walking, hiking, Latin dancing, and aerobic weight training.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
Eating at night was most difficult but I came up with a list of things to do instead. I make myself do at least two of those things first before I eat. By the time I've done them, I usually don't want the food anymore.

-How did you keep yourself motivated?
The memory of my unhappiness at being obese and the chest pain I experienced were plenty of motivation. I also like being energetic, feeling good, and shopping at regular stores rather than being limited to plus-sized stores.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
I think having a solid spiritual foundation and changing the way you think about yourself is the most important part of weight loss. Making a commitment to taking care of yourself no matter what is critical because everything else you do flows out of your physical, mental, and spiritual resources. If you are sick and tired all the time, then you can't give your best to others and you can't enjoy life to its fullest.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
Yes, it could be easy to fall back into old lifestyle patterns if you don't pay attention. In my case, I had the unhealthy pattern for over 20 years, so my healthy lifestyle is new…3 years. I have to watch myself during vulnerable times, such as when I'm tired, bored, lonely, etc. Those are the times when I need to take my cares to God and not bury them under food.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helped or inspired you to lose weight?
My favorite Web sites are:
Take Back Your Temple
FitDay
Cooking Light