Kelsey Byers, shares her wonderful weight loss transformation journey with Bodybuilding.com on Women Fitness.
Lets hear her story.
Women Fitness:
When did you realize that you needed to lose weight?
Kelsey Byers:
I went from a size 4 to a size 12-14 in a two year period. As you can imagine, I had a lot of clothes in my closet. It was pretty discouraging that many of my cutest outfits no longer fit. When I went out with friends, I constantly tugged on my clothes and felt uncomfortable with the fit. I didn’t want to be in a swimsuit at all, or even shorts. I didn’t recognize the person I saw in the mirror and knew it was time for a change. I was never a “dieter.” I love food way too much to restrict myself. I knew it would have to be a lifestyle change. I started by committing to working out three days a week.
Women Fitness:
How has your weight loss journey been? What were the milestones that you had to overcome?
Kelsey Byers:
It took me a few years to lose the weight because I didn’t understand at first how big of a role nutrition played. When I first started, I cut out drinking alcohol for a month and noticed a big difference. Then I started limiting going out to eat at restaurants and kicked my fast food habit. That’s a big deal accomplishment for a college kid. Once I met my now-husband, he encouraged me to start weight training. I was intimidated at first but I caught on. I loved how toned my body became from lifting weights.
I figured out that 30 minutes of lifting and 30 minutes of cardio was my perfect balance. By the time we got married I was a healthy size 8, but I still wasn’t quite seeing the results I wanted. At that point, we hired a nutritionist and that’s when our bodies changed. We started weighing our portions, eating every 3 hours, 5-6 meals a day. Within four months, my body completely changed and I decided to get into the fitness industry and compete in my first bikini competition. A couple of years into fitness, I appeared on the cover of Oxygen Magazine, which was a dream come true for me!
Women Fitness:
What was your fitness regime like during this period?
Kelsey Byers:
I lifted 5 days a week and did cardio after weights. Cardio consisted of about 30 minutes either doing sprint intervals, stair mill or using the elliptical. I found I could break through plateaus by switching up my routine every month. I relied on the Bodybuilding.com exercise database to help me choose new exercises and continue challenging myself.
It’s so user friendly. You simply click on the muscle group you want to work and choose 4-5 exercises. There are videos that walk you through proper form. Ladies, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with a heavy weight. You should really feel fatigued after 3 to 4 sets. I might do 3 sets of 8 on week 1 of a new plan, followed by 3 sets of 10-12 the second week, 3 sets of 15 week 3, 4 sets of 15 week 4. https://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/
Women Fitness:
In a typical day, what is your diet like?
Kelsey Byers:
Nutrition makes up 80-90% of your results. I eat every 3 hours 5-6 meals a day. I choose a lean protein, complex carb and veggie at each meal with healthy fats in moderation. I drink 2 meal replacement shakes a day. I started using a new all-natural line over two years ago that I really love. Sometimes I depend on meal replacement bars if I am out and about because it keeps me from missing meals. With the help of meal replacements, I only have to come up with 2-3 healthy meals on my own, which cuts down on the cost and time of meal prep/groceries.
Women Fitness:
Who/What do you consider the greatest motivation behind your healthy weight loss journey?
Kelsey Byers:
During my journey I didn’t have any one certain role model when it came to weight loss. I looked at fitness magazines because I loved how strong the women looked and knew if it was possible in the world, it was possible for me. It’s important to surround yourself with people who support you. Sometimes that means hanging out with or meeting new friends. Not everyone will understand your goal and that’s okay. Do it for you. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn.
Women Fitness:
How do you plan to maintain your healthy weight & body?
Kelsey Byers:
I maintain my weight and body by staying active 4-5 days a week. I now have a three year old daughter who keeps me very active. She is my reason to keep going. She deserves a fit and healthy mom. I eat well all week and have a splurge meal or two on the weekends. You need to balance it out so you don’t feel restricted. It’s also a mindset. If you tell yourself “I can’t have that,” you’re going to want it more. Tell yourself “I can have whatever I want, I just don’t want that right now.” It does wonders and makes you feel powerful!
My favorite treat on the weekend is burger or some pizza and a glass of wine.
Follow Kelsey on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnessmodelkelseybyers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KelseyByersFitness/
Blog: www.kelseybyers.com