BLOOMING: Meet Kevin

Do you have advice for anyone considering losing weight?

If I could share some advice for anyone considering this journey, I would tell him/her to first get his/her mind “right”. What I mean by that is to mentally approach this journey with an open mind, and trust the process before you completely understand it. 

If you actually do the mental and physical work on yourself, then you will have a successful journey beyond anything you could have imagined. This is not a quick fix or a magic bullet to instantly become skinny; this is a road map with support and guidance to help you transform your lifestyle to allow a healthy, happier, fitter you to emerge and embrace the world around you.

Kevin, one year after he started his weight loss,
wearing his old belt when he started DBC.

How have things changed for you since you finished your year-long journey at Destination Boot Camp?

Things have changed quite a bit for me since my one year DBC anniversary. I ran my first and second half marathons, I ran a local 8k race with several of my friends, I am signed up for two more half marathons this summer and fall. I am living a much healthier, active life than I ever before. 

I am now the one encouraging my friends to sign up for races with me, instead of the one hearing about races that my friends did. My world and its possibilities for me have grown and continue to grow as a result of my DBC transformation journey, and while actively engaged in the present I look to the future with more optimism now than ever before. 

Kevin, after his second half marathon with some friends who he helped
join State of Slim and run in their first race.

What has maintenance been like for you?

Maintenance has brought its own set of challenges and rewards in the same way that weight loss did. Maintenance is hard, easy, and fun all at the same time. In maintenance your diet becomes less restrictive, which is fun and challenging to make sure that you recognize the warning signs of the behavior that caused you to gain weight in the first place. 

Part of what makes maintenance easy is that the diet is less restrictive, so you can add in some more foods that are off plan. You can indulge a little bit more with friends. You just have to make sure to keep your activity level high, and your food on plan enough to keep your weight in check. Everyone’s body and metabolism is different, and what works for me in maintenance may or may not work exactly the same for you. I may need to keep my activity level higher to maintain my weight, or I may need to indulge a little less. 

Now that you've lost the weight, what's the most difficult and easiest part about keeping it off?

The hardest part for me about keeping the weight off is to keep my physical activity and diet balanced. The amount of physical activity that I do on any given day just in the course of living my life and working on my family’s farm swings dramatically. 

One day I could be stuck in the office all day at my computer and realize that I only moved about a mile that day. The next day could be completely different and I realize at the end of the day that I walked 5 miles, or in really extreme cases I’ve had days where I walked over nine miles just doing what needed to be done. 

The easiest part about keeping the weight off for me is that through my transformation journey, I have developed the tools and skills that I need to keep my weight in check. If my weight starts to creep up, I know exactly what I need to do to stop the climb and make it go back down. I had a lot of practice doing that when I lost 85 pounds throughout the course of my transformation journey.

What are some keys that you use to stay on track?

Some keys for me to stay on track have been signing up for races to keep me motivated to get on the treadmill and get the mileage in. I am someone who needs to have a good reason to do something, and a good short-term motivator for me is that I want to be physically ready for the next race that I am signed up for.

Another key to staying on track is continuing to food prep. Even in maintenance, I still need lots of good, on-plan food ready to grab and go.

Kevin's Meal Prep Essentials: 24 servings of Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake SOS muffins all vacuum packed and ready to go in my freezer. The other picture is about 15 or 16 pounds of pork tenderloin on my BBQ that I slice and vacuum pack into 5 or 6 ounce portions. 

What does the future look like?

Now that I have lost the weight, my mindset for the future has definitely changed. Now I look for physical activities that I can do with my friends. I am looking for more activities in general to go and do with my friends. 

I am always looking for ways to bring my active and healthier lifestyle into everything that I do. I am constantly looking for things that I can do to make the healthier food option or the more physically active option my default option, so that the right choice for me is the easiest option.

Kevin, after a St. Patrick's Day 8K

Have any of your goals changed after hitting your goal weight?

My biggest underlying life goals have remained constant since I started DBC, and I would expect that because they are tied very closely to my deep why. I have certainly added a lot more new goals since I started DBC. I never thought I would ever run a half marathon, and now I have completed two and I am already signed up for two more and thinking about at least one or two others for this year. 

I have talked to a friend about running a marathon in the fall of 2017; that is a total change for me! I did not run at all before DBC, and now I am actually talking about a marathon! If that is not change, then I don’t know what is!

Live LARGE: Carolina

Over the next few weeks, I'm having some Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp alumni join me. They're sharing their stories about what it was like losing the weight, and now what's it's been like once they hit their goal and maintaining their weight loss.

I'm kicking things off with Carolina!

Before, starting DBC in Oct 2014. After, one year later in Oct 2015.

If you could give anyone considering this journey some advice, what would it be? 

For anyone considering this journey I would say, DO IT! What are you waiting for? The best investment you can make is the one you do for yourself/health. Has any other weight loss program worked? No, obviously, this is why you are thinking of doing this one. 

Don’t delay. The sooner you get going, the sooner you will become the person you always knew you were. Besides Destination Boot Camp, State of Slim is a proven program. Over and over it has shown amazing results. Where else you get to enjoy six meals a day? Where else you get to transform into the best version of yourself?

How have things changed since your one-year DBC anniversary?

In the year my transformation has been phenomenal, not only did I drop the weight/fat that I’ve been carrying around for the last 30 years, but the inches just quickly become less and less! I went from a size 2XL to a XS! Now I have no problem trying to figure out what to wear, since everything fits. I don’t have to hide my body with layers and I don’t have to keep buying bigger and bigger clothes. Financially it has even saved me money.

Her first year at DBC. One year later at her finale.

Since losing the weight I have gained more confidence. I stand tall (well as tall as I can, I’m only 4’10”). I have become proud of who I am. Reaching my goal has made me more sure of myself. Another interesting thing that changed since losing the weight is the ability to train my brain to see and recognize the new Me, my new body, and most of all my new face! I have a neck! My eyes are bigger and brighter and I have curves I didn’t know I had. I enjoy little things, like applying makeup on my new face. 

Something I have noticed that is taking a little more time to adjust to are the complements I get from family and friends and honestly from total strangers. I’m just not used to someone telling me how little or how small I am. I quickly say, no, that’s not true, but then I realize, yes, I’m much smaller.

What has surprised you the most about maintenance?

Two things have surprised me the most about maintenance: how easy it is to be in maintenance and how easily my body is adjusting to this phase. It’s loving it! This new lifestyle is what the year long program has taught me, so it’s easy. It’s not a quick fix. It takes a year long journey to recognize the mistakes you make by trying to YO-YO diet. It takes a year to shift your mind to the new lifestyle and even though for me it was a one-year journey, it was short and quick to undo the damage I had done for the last 30 years! The new habits, routines and rituals have become like brushing my teeth!

What is the hardest part for you about keeping the weight off? Easiest part?

I don’t have an answer for the first part of this question. It hasn’t been hard at all, because when I was at the Anschutz Health and Wellness center during my first week Boot Camp I made up my mind that this was not a diet, it was a lifestyle change. Seeing the incredible results on national TV with Bruce Pitcher and Bob Brenner to name a few, I knew that I was going to succeed.

With Bruce and Bob

The easiest part for me was the MINDSET! The mind set is the key to success. It’s the number one factor to reach your goals and to maintain your weight loss. Once you make up your mind, your body will follow and the pounds will melt away.

Another part that has been very easy is the exercise part. Our bodies where designed to move and now I know my body loves to move in extreme ways.

Carolina loves kickboxing and weight lifting

What are some keys/tips you use to stay on track?

The tips I use to keep me on track are the ones I learned during my year long transformation. Destination Boot Camp and State of Slim are designed for success. During weekly homework meetings with classmates and coaches, you quickly learn the ins and outs of the program, especially how to shift your mind from the old you to the new you. 

By implementing my weekly food prep it prepared me to be ready for whatever the day threw at me. I don’t leave the house without protein shakes or my ready to eat tuna and broccoli. When preparation meets opportunity, it equals success. One of my nightly routines is to set out my gym clothes. I set my intentions in motion for the following day.  It’s easy in the morning because I’m ready to hit the gym. Another tool to keep me on track is to weigh myself every day. It keeps me accountable. And lastly, I keep updating my vision board with photos of my fellow boot campers and positive quotes.

Meal prep!

What is your mindset for the future now that you’ve lost the weight?

Now that I lost the weight and reached my goal, I feel unstoppable. My mindset has always been strong but with doubts. Those are all gone. I have proven to myself that if I make up my mind, I really can do it. My mind is sharp and eager to learn. It’s ready. It’s strong. It’s positive. Because my mind is right, nothing holds me back anymore.

Have any of your goals changed/shifted since you started DBC?

When I first started Destination Boot Camp I just wanted to breathe normally and lose the weight. I wanted to see that image of me that was always there on the inside but never reflected on the outside.  Now that my new goals are set in motion, my eagerness to learn about food and exercise and its impact on our bodies has been one of my favorite subjects to focus on, I read every article I can get my hands on. It has become my drug. 

My focus has also shifted from losing the excess fat to become a stronger person. Now that I know it is possible to reach an unreachable goal, all I want to do is to lead others to Destination Boot Camp and State of Slim. I see myself in so many people. I feel like it’s my obligation to Pay it Forward share my story with them. When I do, I see their eyes full of hope and full of trust. Typically, they end up sharing their story with me too. 

If I can lead one person to become the best version of themselves, if I can say a few words of encouragement to someone struggling with their weight, it would be: Decide what you want the most, your health, your future, your family, and your sanity. Demand more of yourself. You were made for greatness. If not now, when? Stop struggling and surrender to the best program in the word. It’s easy, it’s attainable, you just have to let go of your old self and embrace the NEW YOU.

Living LARGE: Jen

1.     How did you feel before DBC?

I felt lonely.  I have a wonderful family and some great friends in my life but in all honesty I felt alone.  I disliked who I was, how I looked and how I was living my life.   I hated that I was nearing 400 pounds and I really didn’t know how I was going to be able to change my life because nothing has worked in the past.

2.     Remember when you started this journey? How does your weight loss journey now compare to what you thought going into it?

No Sweat!  One of my biggest fears before DBC, was starting another diet and getting frustrated and discouraged because I can’t eat whatever I want, when I want or what others are eating.  After 6 months of being a part of DBC, I still can’t do all of that every day but I have learned to make different recipes and enjoy what I can. It helps that I eat 5-6 meals a day.  Depending on what phase I am in, I get an indulgence meal or two and these definitely help me get over cravings and they come in handy when I want to schedule a time to go out with friends or family and have a meal where I can eat what I want.

3.     What has been your biggest “AHA” or break through moments?

I have been working in child protection for over 11 years now.  I am passionate about making sure that the children I come into contact with are being taken care of and not in bad situations.  I remember one evening at Anschutz when sitting with my team, I shared that my biggest challenge when going home was being able to take care of myself and making sure to follow the program.  

In my line of work it’s really easy to get involved in something and not pay attention to the time and not having enough time to get lunch or just having enough time to grab something through the drive thru and eating hurriedly.  My teammates and coaches helped me to realize that night that to be able to take care of others, I need to take care of myself and to love myself. 

4.     What are you most proud of/grateful for so far?

I am grateful for my family and friends as they continue to support and encourage me on my journey. I am proud that I have been able to open up to my family and friends and share this journey with them.   Since sharing my journey with them, I have received letters or statements telling me that my journey has helped them with their weight loss journey.

5.     If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering this journey, what would it be?

To only give one piece of advice is hard but it would be, “You’ve got this!” When you join this community you are not alone and you become part of a bigger family and we are all here to help you to get where it is you want to be.

6.     How do you feel now?

Energized, strong, encouraged, loved, empowered.

7.     What has been the most valuable part of DBC?

8.     How has this journey changed your life?

I am answering questions 7 and 8 together because the most valuable part of DBC is how this journey changed my life.   Before DBC, I really didn’t go out except with family.  I didn’t really have friends in the area to get together with and do something with.  DBC has helped me to meet new friends.  Friends who know the same struggles that I have been going through.  

My family and I joke because now I am not usually home on the weekends because I am out with friends and enjoying a very active lifestyle.   I have come to love running/walking in different races like “The Rock N’ Roll Run, The Ugly Sweater Run or making up my own races like the “Loomis Lodge 10K.” I have new friends that I can text or call when I am struggling or when I hit mini milestones.   We are there for each other.  I wouldn’t change this journey for anything and I am so thankful for those I have met.

Living LARGE: Patty

1.     How did you feel before DBC?

I was in a low place when I discovered Destination Boot Campand the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. I found myself numbing my feelings with food. I had gained a lot of weight in very little time and I felt defeated, isolated, embarrassed. I was angry all the time and felt like such a failure because I could not stop eating.

2.     Remember when you started this journey? How does your weight loss journey now compare to what you thought going into it?

I think that like most people out there looking to lose weight, we always think when we start a diet, that if we just lose all this extra weight that we will be happy. But very early on in my Destination Boot Camp program, I realized that to experience true success (and happiness), this time I would also have to confront and conquer my inner demons. Following the diet and exercise plan, you will lose weight. But if you want to keep the weight off, you have to also do the mindset work.

3.     What has been your biggest “Aha” or breakthrough moment?

My breakthrough happened just a couple of days into boot camp. Dr. Holly was speaking to us in one of our classes and she spoke on “integrity to yourself”. She had us think of all the times we follow through for others and then asked if we did the same for ourselves. If you are trying to eat healthy and you suddenly find yourself alone in your kitchen and there is a plate of cookies on the table, how many times have you eaten a cookie even though it was not what you were really working towards? It is the integrity to yourself that matters most. If you want to be healthy, have the integrity to not eat that cookie even if there is no one around to know whether or not you ate the cookie. You know and that is what is important. This moment in class made a huge impact on me. It was my “Aha” moment that stuck with me for the rest of my journey at home.

4.     What are you most proud of/grateful for so far?

I am proud of the 50 pounds that I have lost. It feels great to be down 6 dress sizes and to have lost 30 inches off my body. However, I am most proud of the emotional weight that I have lost. It has completely changed the way I am looking at life every day. I experience true joy daily and for that I am most grateful.

5.    If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering this journey, what would it be?

My advice would be, rather than dreaming about the person you always knew you could be, you will become that person if you allow yourself to trust the process and honestly answer hard questions about yourself and your environment. Before this program, asking me to be honest with myself and do these exercises would have been right up there with asking me to cut my hand off with a dull spoon. This program gave me the tools to be honest with myself and really deal with my demons. It may sound scary, but without a doubt, it is so worth it.

6.     What has been the most valuable part of DBC?

The most valuable part of DBC for me has been the reconnection I have made with myself. I had lost a part of me over the years in being a wife, being a mother, being support to everyone else in my life. Through all of the journaling and mindset exercises, I have found a way to be all those things but to be me too. I have re-learned to be me and it has literally lightened me up!

7.     How has this journey changed your life?

Dr. Holly told us all at boot camp that our week there would be a life-altering event. She could not have said a truer statement all week! This will forever change who you are going forward. I realized at boot camp that I could no longer be who I was before that week. Her statement had a profound impact on me. It drove me to take her message to heart and embrace it. If this was going to be a life-altering event, I was going to grab the bull by the horns and hang on for the ride of my life. I will apply the knowledge of what I have learned at boot camp and in this year long program for the rest of my life.

8.     How do you feel now?

I am so grateful that I found the Anschutz Wellness Center, Dr. Holly, and the wonderful team of people she has working with her. This program has profoundly changed my life for the better. I have had to work so hard over the last few months, but the blood, sweat, and tears have been worth it. I feel uplifted, at peace, strong and joyful. I found myself and rediscovered my happiness.

Are you ready to rediscover yourself? Click here to start your journey of transformation.