Current Weight: 229 pounds

What's something you've accomplished since last month?
"I don’t think I’ve made any accomplishments at this time, but I’ve made progress. I have a hard time giving myself credit for small accomplishments. I must learn to celebrate any success regardless of its size. I’ve made great progress in the area of understanding nutrition and tracking what I eat. This was an area I’ve always avoided. It seemed too difficult to understand. Reading labels? Counting Calories? What’s the fun in that? Needless to say, Carrie Crandle, my nutritionist made this easy, fun and simple to understand. As I’m preparing for the Bayshore Marathon my goal is to run 13.1 miles (1/2 marathon) by the end of the month. Mission complete!"

What's something that you've learned from your trainer?“There’s no substitute for hard work.” Brian Hossink, my trainer at Fitnesstogether suggested that I increase the amount of cardio four to five times a week and add circuit training with weights three to four times per week. I also learned that exercising should not only be a goal to loose weight but incorporated into my lifestyle. I feel empowered and more confident training at home with limited space and equipment."

What's something that you've learned from your dietitian?"Carrie taught me to make healthy eating and lifestyle choices outside of the six month challenge. I learned quickly that exercising was only half the battle. The transformation begins within. Carrie shared a wonderful website: www.sparkpeople.com. This is the “facebook” for healthy living. I can easily post my meals and it will calculate my calorie intake. It is an awesome place to stay inspired."

What, if anything, has been difficult about your new lifestyle?"The emotional attachment I had with certain foods such as pies, candy, ice cream, etc. I’m an emotional eater. When I get too stressed I sometimes rely on food for comfort. I also struggled with recording my meals. I purchased a travel size notebook that fits conveniently in my pocket to write a quick note of my meals. At times this is cumbersome so, I decided to use my cell phone to record a voice note. I found this process easy for me to go back and record my meals online."

Have you noticed any physical changes?
"Yes! I’ve dropped four sizes in my waist and I'm noticing more muscle definition."

Have you noticed any non-physical changes?
"I’m not as tired and feel more energetic throughout the day. My mental focus and clarity is sharper. Also, I’m more aware of listening to my body when it comes to eating two to three hours and resting for muscle recovery."

How have those around you taken notice of your new lifestyle?
"My family, friends, and colleagues are very supportive. At work I’m taking the stairs than the elevator. I have a set of dumbbells I use to get a quick mid-day workout to boost my energy and release stress. Students are amazed how fast I power walk. Some have a hard time keeping up."

Have you inspired others to start living a healthier lifestyle? "My mom, Mary Thompson in Chicago purchased a treadmill and is eating healthier. I’m competing against several of my friends who are doing other challenges i.e. PX-90, gym workouts, etc. Several of my colleagues at Pattengill are power walking, exercising before and after school. Some have even brought in an elliptical, ab machine, and dumbbells for all to use. I’m totally amazed how everyone is taking action to live healthier. I experienced a heartfelt moment when a student asked for me to help him loose weight. One of my parents offered her support to help bring awareness and exercise to our students. This is something I plan to explore."

What are you looking forward to in the upcoming month?
"I’m looking forward to reaching my ideal body weight between 200 and 215 pounds. I would use the remaining months to sculpt and define specific body parts."

Have you set any new goals?
"My goals are the same. I’ll run the Bayshore ½ marathon in Traverse City and the Chicago marathon in October. I do plan to swim more. Perhaps, I’ll complete in a triathlon in the near future. I would also like to get back into Tae Kwon-Do. I stopped at my black belt and want to train for my 2nd degree."

Brian Hossink of Fitness Together in Okemos on Kenny

“From our first weigh in to last week Ken has lost 11 pounds. Carrie, Ken and I feel that is a decent number, but we will increasingly be looking at body fat percentage. Even though Ken weighs 238 pounds, it is a fairly solid 238! His body fat percentage began at 25.8 and is now at 23.8. He is nearly into the “good” range of body-fat percentage for his age and gender. Ken is increasingly getting a vision of the possibilities of what his body could become, and it involves keeping as much muscle as possible. Ken is proud to announce that he feels that he has broken through a plateau that he has been fighting against for months. He is seeing the changes in his body, mental sharpness, and overall motivation. I’m proud of him for his improvements in the intensity of his home workouts. He has been following the principles we’ve given him for a quality workout, and he is making the most of a busy day.”

Carrie Crandall, RD on Kenny Bey

“Kenny has improved his portion sizes over the past month — being more conscious about the amounts of the foods he's choosing as well as eliminating some foods all together. His attitude has always been positive and he is very driven to meet his goal. He is resistant to calorie counting although is embracing making behavior changes with regards to the pairing of foods (making sure he eats carbohydrate and protein together) and better options when eating on the run. He continues to struggle with planning - packing nutrient dense foods for travel and busy days.”