Lifestyle changes by Kenneth Kelly

Kenneth Kelly, 66
Elkridge, Maryland    

When Kenneth Kelly was told he had an arrhythmia in 2011, the 377-pound Elkridge resident knew it was time to pay more attention to his health. While his doctor didn’t order him to drop the pounds, Kelly knew that the excess weight was taxing his body. 

“It’s burdensome when you have that much weight,” says Kelly, who is 5 feet 11 inches tall. “Common sense says that the healthier you are, the longer you’re going to live.”

Newly retired in 2010 and newly married in 2011, Kelly wanted to enjoy his free time with his wife, Paula. 

He made a number of lifestyle changes, including working out six days a week and cutting out fried foods. 

“I probably had fried chicken or fried potatoes three times this year, whereas before I wouldn’t hesitate to eat fried foods [regularly],” he says. 

He started to eat brown rice instead of white rice and four small meals a day rather than three big meals. For breakfast, he now drinks a shake with kale or mustard greens, vegan protein powder, an egg white protein powder, chia seeds, wheatgrass and a peach or a banana. Breakfast used to consist of three eggs, a couple of pieces of sausage and an English muffin. 

Kelly is now down to 299 pounds after losing 78. He says his goal is to get down to 250 and he has been losing about 4 pounds a month. 

His workout routine includes 39 Minute Fitness — a mix of cardio and kettle bells — a TRX Suspension Training class and going on a five-mile walk Sunday mornings with Paula and also taking swimming lessons.

“I’m better able to do things,” he says.“I don’t feel the effects of exercise as much. I can do a couple more push-ups than before.”

His advice to others who want to lose weight is to stay dedicated: “Make a commitment to yourself that this is what you want to do.”

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