Current Weight: 226 pounds

What is something that you've accomplished this month, that you set out to do?
"I’ve increased my fitness activities at work and home. I’m really looking forward to the Bay Shore half marathon in Traverse City."

Is there anything that you set out to do this month that you haven't accomplished yet?
"I plan to be at my ideal weight between 200 and 210 pounds by my 37th birthday on April 20th."

Looking back at where you started, did you ever think that you would have accomplished as much as you have at this date?
"No way! The transformation has been incredible. I’m totally shocked at times when I see myself in the mirror. I’m seeing real results and I’m proud of it."

What's something that you still want to accomplish before the challenge is over?
"Physically, my ultimate body, and personally, finish my personal statement letter for my Ph.D. application."

How has keeping in contact with the other two challengers helped you keep on track throughout this journey?
"It has been a tremendous support booster for me. I think of Amy and Christine all the time. These are two phenomenal women with incredible strength and drive. We had such a great time during our first meeting at Panera Bread. I believe we will stay in touch and continue to support each other even after the challenge."

Now that the weather is nicer out, and you are become more physically fit, what's an outside activity are you looking forward to doing?
"I love jogging the river walk trail. I start at Impression 5 at the sun and go to Potter Park and touch the Pluto marker and run back. It’s a quick four mile run. Something I even plan to do after work just to relax. The scenery is tranquil and rejuvenating. My body craves it at times."

What have you been focused on with your trainer this past month?
"Staying on the wagon. I’ve been finding reasons to dibble and dabble in junk food. I love the movie popcorn when I go to the cinema. I layer it with butter and flavored salt. I’ve gotten better. Now, I’m eating a small. That’s a huge leap from the “Monster” tub bucket I use to eat with 2 refills. Brian wants me to challenge myself by focusing more on the techniques and visualizing my muscles getting stronger and leaner."

What have you been focused on with your nutritionist this past month?
"Keeping up with my journal and finding healthier snacks."

What physical changes have you noticed in the last month?
"My core muscles are taking shape. I’ve notice more definition in my legs as well. I’ve gone down one suit size. It’s time to go shopping for new clothes. YEAH!"

What are others saying, if anything, about those physical changes?
"I’m looking nice and great, they see a difference in the way my suits fit."

At this point, what would you recommend to others who are interested in starting a weight loss routine for themselves?
"Don’t wait. Start today. You don’t have to wait till the first of the year or find the perfect gym or get a new fitness wardrobe. Keep a journal on your fitness and diet. Whatever you do, start small and work your way up. Get the right advice from the people who know. Read books and magazines and don’t forget to tell your friends and family what you’re aspiring to do. They can be your greatest supporters. Last but not least, don’t beat yourself up when you fall off the wagon. Everyone does at times. Just get up and keep moving. Find out what your triggers are that cause emotional eating or avoidance to workout. Deal with it head on and you will not only transform your body, but you’ll take your life to a whole new level."

Brian Hossink of Fitness Together in Okemos on Kenny

“His Weight loss as of yesterday was 23 pounds. Immediately after last month’s report he actually jumped up almost four pounds. This can be very discouraging, and send people “off the wagon” of their exercise and meal plan. Kenny saw it more as a challenge. In a conference with Carrie and I, Kenny was very willing to learn from the experience and buckle down on his exercise and diet. We were able to celebrate a little victory as we reversed course once again, and ended the month with some decent progress. A steady and consistent pace will get us to our goals. We recently revisited one of our early workouts to check for progress. It is always fun and motivating for clients to realize in concrete ways the progress that is being made. Ken continues to show marked improvement in his cardio vascular and muscular endurance. This will serve him well in his half marathon which is right around the corner. My last conversation with him centered around his preparation for two weeks of travel. That is a long time to be away from one’s normal routine. We discussed taking control and protecting his calendar from the many spontaneous distractions that come up while away. He has packed some exercise equipment and his running shoes to aid him, and we will report back next month on how that went."

Carrie Crandall, RD on Kenny Bey

"Ken has been working hard in the gym with Brian, but has found that food choices do not come that easy, especially with a hectic work schedule. We continue to work on eliminating movie theater popcorn and empty calorie snacks like 100 calorie cookies as well as high fat food choices such as biscuits and have found lower calorie alternatives. Kenny is encouraged to utilize the online journaling at Sparkpeople.com as this seems to give him a better perspective on his food choices for the day. At this point, it is very hard to keep up that motivation, but Kenny continues to push on and strive for a time when the dietitian has nothing but good things to say! He needs to continue to focus on making nutrient dense choices such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables into his day."