Transformation: Kayla Branthoover Cuts an Amazing 100 Pounds!

What Was Your Life Like Before Your Transformation?

Before my transformation, my life consisted of no exercise and heavily eating junk food. At least 2-3 times a week I would eat fast food or simply go to a gas station and get candy bars, Mountain Dew, and other types of candy and eat it all in one night. I constantly ate junk food and never worked out.

In May I had just graduated from college, I was 23 years old and weighed 340 pounds. I was completely unhappy with how I felt and looked. My boyfriend was avidly working out and much smaller than I was. Although he said it didn't bother him I hated when we were out together and we'd get stares from people.

I was just sick of being overweight so I decided to change. I had tried countless times to start eating right and working out but for some reason, it just stuck this time.

What Were Your Major Struggles or Challenges?

I would say my hardest struggle, in the beginning, was knowing I was losing weight but not being able to see it. I knew that the scale was changing but I couldn't physically see it so it was tough to keep going. The workouts were challenging in the beginning and I would always expect more of myself than I was capable of.


Detail Your Workout and Cardio Plan During Your Transformation

In the beginning, my workout consisted of walking 3 miles on the bike trail every day with some additional crunches and exercises. As time went along I started to love working out and increased my workouts to more jogging on the trail, weight lifting, and ab exercises. Now I spend 2 hours in the gym on the treadmill, elliptical, and lots of lifting to try to tone my skin.

Detail Your Diet/Eating Plan During Your Transformation

I began by eating steamed chicken and fish with brown rice and steamed vegetables for dinner. My breakfast and lunch foods varied. I switched to all whole wheat products. I cut out junk and sugar.

I decided to allow myself one cheat meal a week in order to not deprive myself too much. I pretty much produced my own meal plan from the research I had done online.

Detail Your Supplement Plan During Your Transformation

In the beginning, I didn't use any supplements. Later I started using Fitmiss products by Muscle Pharm. I used their pre-workout and BCAA's. I also took their pill to help control cravings. I stopped using those after about 2 months to try the all natural products by Itworks. I really enjoyed them until a friend recommended that I try Advocare. I now use their products.

What Was Your Major Accomplishment, or Major Milestones?

When I reached 300 pounds I couldn't believe I was down that much already. And now that I was down 100lbs it feels even more amazing to me. When I started my workouts it took me 23 minutes to walk a mile and I can now jog a mile in 12 minutes. I also have had to buy all new
clothes which I'm so very happy about! I went from a size 24 jeans to a size 14.

Detail Your Biggest Mistakes

I would say my biggest mistake was expecting too much of myself. I would get mad at myself for not being able to jog a full mile straight even though I was improving I would get mad at myself for little things. I also would check my weight almost daily and would get mad at myself if I'd gained a pound or two even though I've come so far.

3 Biggest Things You Learned During Your Transformation?

The three biggest things I learned are:

1. You need to have a support system. One thing that kept me going is posting my success to Facebook and having the support of my friends and family. My boyfriend pushed me daily to keep me going.
2. I learned not to be so hard on myself and be proud of my accomplishments.
3. I learned that no matter how big you are it's never too late to change your lifestyle.

Final Words of Advice for Others Looking to Make a Change?

If someone is looking to change I would say the biggest thing is to stop making excuses. It sounds harsh but I did it forever. I don't have enough time or it's too expensive to eat healthy. There are plenty of workouts that you can do in your home in 20 minutes and there are plenty of stores to buy produce and healthy food that it doesn't cost so much.

Also be sure to have the support of your friends and family. Don't be afraid to use supplements just be sure you're choosing the right ones. And finally, make sure you're proud of yourself and don't be too hard on yourself either.

My weight loss journey isn't over yet. I'd like to lose another 60lbs. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully, I can inspire some others along the way.