Organic Digest VOL1. Issue1 Jun. 2014 | Page 20

with Kenny John visual artist, entrepreneur, budding fitness junkie ___________________________________________ I started my journey on September 22, 2013. The turning point for my decision to begin, came when I could no longer convince myself that I was happy with the person I saw in the mirror. I always knew that I needed to take better care of my health, and decided it was time to start, before it was too late. When my journey began, I tipped the scale at 285 lbs. To date, I have lost a total of 70 pounds. I’ve always been a “big guy”. I tried to convince myself that it was “not an issue”. I always wanted to be fit and in the best shape possible. However, all my attempts in the past failed. I said I wanted to become healthier, but my mindset had not truly changed, and so the results never came. Maintaining my progress has been relatively easy, because I now see food differently. It is not a diet, but a lifestyle. Once you understand and accept this, and learn proper nutrition, it becomes easier to say no to unhealthy choices and yes to healthier ones. My goal is much more than weight-loss, so instead of a target weight, I intend to build muscle and a strong physique. For as long as I can remember, I’ve avoided the beach because of my insecurities with my weight. I know I’ve come a long way, because weeks ago I decided to book my very first photo shoot… and we’re headed to the beach. Although I am not where I want to be, I know will get there. Let me add that I’ll have fun while I do it! My confidence has increased. My insecurities have decreased. I see now what I am capable of and I’m excited to see what I will continue to accomplish! My daily meals are either cooked or purchased. To maintain an elevated metabolic rate, I have to consume 5 to 6 meals daily. I find myself cooking 2 to 3 times a week, to maintain my nutrition. I had to discover interesting ways to prepare my meals without using unhealthy options, as I did in the past. I decided to post photos of my recipes and dishes, and they immediately drew interest from friends and followers. This eventually sparked the idea to create a page, website and even video posts of my recipes, and Kooking With Kenny was born! Kooking With Kenny: I had been playing with the My motivation and what kept me going through it idea for a few months, now since my weight-loss all, was: Results! They never lie! journey has progressed, and I have gained more Six months ago, I started off by going to the gym 5 followers, I have made a decision to inspire and days a week. Each day, I focused on a different body encourage them to take charge of their health, segment, while steadily increasing my workout and they in turn, continue to inspire me. For those intensity. Currently, I’ve extended my fitness routine of you who are considering your very own “green to 5-7 days a week, 1.5 - 2 hours, still focusing on lifestyle” or “weight loss journey”: As you begin to cardio and body building. I maintain my nutrition exercise to lose weight, your food consumption throughout the day. My strength, endurance and should actually increase. Healthier foods, in smaller stamina have increased. I’m lifting heavier weights, portions, in 5-6 meals a day, keeps your metabolic rate elevated. If you desire constant results, and I am pleased with the results I see. remember to give your body the nutrition it needs. Originally, my goal was to build a “hotter body”. You too can achieve results, just like I did. Then I realized how important nutrition is and the role it plays. My new goal then became: to build a better body through healthier choices and good nutrition, and the aesthetics and physique will develop automatically.