Current Weight: 240 pounds

Steps taken to get ready:
“First, I had a colon hydrotherapy procedure at the Total Health Colon Care in Sterling Heights. This is an excellent way to eliminate any toxins from the body and improve the digestive system for optimal absorption. Second, I created a vision board of how I envision my “NEW” Healthy and Fit lifestyle. I cut out pictures that show healthy foods (skinless grilled chicken, veggies, fruits and water), sports (golf, basketball and cycling), power quotes (burn baby burn, maximize your G potential, get to the next level, etc.), and last, pictures of my ideal six pack, back, calves and biceps. Third, I’ve purchased a treadmill.”

Thoughts from family and friends on the challenge:
“My family and friends were happy as I was when I got the called that I’ve been selected as a challenger. Many of my friends and colleagues can’t believe that I weigh over 240 pounds. They promise to hold me accountable, especially my Pattengill family. My participation in the challenge has also inspired several of my co-workers to start personal workout regimes and adopt healthier eating habits.”

Personal goals besides weight-loss:
“I plan to run a half in the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City and a full in the Chicago Marathon. I also plan to cook more.”

Biggest fear regarding the challenge:
“ My biggest fear would be loosing my momentum. I’m feeling great, pumped up and exited about the challenge and New Year. I worry “the good feeling” would ware off and I’ll be back to square one.”

Most excited about:
“I’m excited about the awesome team I have in Brian Hossink as my trainer and Carrie Crandell as my nutritionist. I believe with their help I would reach my goals.”

Feels he will be successful because:
“I believe my success will be a result of my determination, support from my family, friends and the professional advice from my training and nutrition team. My nutritionist and trainer possess the knowledge I need to get to the next level. The time I spend with them is valuable. The program I’m on is fun and enjoyable. Brian has me on a circuit training program. Monday through Friday I run three miles a day before work and circuit train in the evenings followed by a two mile run. Saturday I’m off and I run six miles every Sunday. Carrie recommends that stick to a 2000-2200 calorie diet.”

Brian Hossink of Fitness Together in Okemos on Kenny

“We did an initial fitness assessment with Kenny, and found that while he weighed in at just under 250 pounds, his body composition showed us that he has a lot of muscle (26 percent bodyfat). He wants to keep that muscle, and lose 30 pounds of fat. In addition he wants to run his first half marathon. So we are focusing strongly on building a cardio routine. We are beginning to build his treadmill time. Soon we will have him running 30 minutes per day most days of the week. Ken has a mini-gym at home that he uses, but he realizes now that his workouts were at too low of intensity. His challenge will be learning new habits to keep his workouts challenging and dynamic. Each of our training sessions so far have included tips on how to achieve this. In the first lesson I taught him was to time his rest periods, and keep it moving. I admire Ken for offering himself as a role model to the H&F readers as well to the kids he works with in the schools. He is a quality man.”

Carrie Crandall, RD on Kenny Bey

“The starting game plan is to begin identifying what and how much food is being consumed to give him an awareness of portion sizes and caloric content. We are planning on having our second meeting at the grocery store to identify what to look for on the nutrition label and identify nutrient dense foods to focus on. I feel Kenny may struggle with finding the time to plan meals and snacks as he is very busy with his career and family, however I feel he is highly motivated and will make this a priority in order to achieve his personal goals which ultimately will make him successful.”