Life Before KickStart
How was your body before Trevor Kashey Nutrition?
Although my physical was capable of doing everything, it felt out of shape, soft, unchallenged, and flabby.
It revolted against any activities causing jiggling or bouncing and at every turn I could feel my body protrude, especially in my central abdomen. Fat had taken up residency.
How did that (state of being) make you feel?
Uncomfortable.
Disgusted with myself.
Angry and agitated.
My mindset felt heavy and dark, weighed down by my sense of feeling utterly helpless and disappointed with myself for losing my way and giving up on me.
At night, I was so uncomfortable, I would lay flat to avoid the sensation of my stomach falling to one side. I became irritated when my partner would turn or move because I could feel the jiggle.
I no longer felt like myself–certainly not the athlete I had been my whole life.
Was there anything you were unable to do that you wish you could have done?
No but running and impact exercises made me feel like my stomach was flopping up and down.
I switched to walking and biking instead, hoping I would lose the weight to resume running and HIITs.
To be fair, this has been a complicated by a bad ACL and ligament tear, requiring surgery in my left knee, but I still have not resumed running due to the pains in that joint. I know the weight was not helping.
During that time, how did your current state of being affect those around you?
My wife should probably write this section but I was not fun–moody. Irritated, angry, depressed, apathetic. I did not sleep well and felt out of control, if not hopeless at times, feeling there was no point in trying–I was doomed to settle with what was.
She has noted that she could see it affect everything in my life–my confidence, my energy, engagement, and self- compassion–I was burdened by self-doubt and a sadness she felt incapable of knowing how to help or lessen my suffering.
The Moment Everything Changed
How did you hear about Trevor Kashey Nutrition?
Reading The Comfort Crisis
What were your doubts and fears before starting the program?
That I would try, work my butt off, and have minimal progress. That I’d watch everyone else succeed but manage to sabotage myself . That it would work some but not be the substantial change I was seeking. That, as always, nothing would really work.
What made you say YES anyway?
I just don’t quit. I am your worst opponent, if you will. And my life, and the idea of continuing along this path, was unacceptable. I was not going to do GLP-1 injections or bariatric surgery–no, thank you–I’ve seen first hand what that journey entails.
Life After KickStart
Where is your body/mind now?
I am certainly more confident and hopeful.
I feel that I did a good job but have a long way to go.
I notice the change in the mirror as does my spouse.
Do I wish I were further along–yes–but it’s how she goes and it’s the choices I made that slowed progress towards the end.
How does that make you feel?
More hopeful. I know there is a path forward.
More aware. I understand the value of data and mindfulness.
More confident. I have data to show me the proof that progress is happening, even if small.
More supported. I have a network and family who want me to succeed.
More capable. I can do this, just like all the previous times…even in the midst of navigating some very big life changes- -I can something each day to move towards my plan, reframe my thoughts, and take action.
What are you able to do now that you were not able to do before (mentally, emotionally, or physically)?
Mentally: More mindful and attentive to my mindset and micro conversations, catching myself earlier and reframing more readily to focus on facts rather than the story I’m telling myself.
Emotionally: More grounded and less reactive–I snap out of a funk much more readily. I am more attentive to the needs of others instead of sucking their lifeblood out of them.
Physically: more toned, some stronger, less flabby–but a long way to go to get back where I want to be.
The Ripple Effect
What positive impact did that have on others around you that you might not have expected?
My spouse noted a much brighter attitude and lighter to be around and that I appear to feel so much better.. She has noted I had changed and looked leaner.
She has been extremely attentive to ensuring we are aligning our activities and dining to supporting my plan.
PL’s’s Words to You
What would you tell someone who is reading this right now and is unsure about taking the next step?
Investing in you and your growth is always a great investment both now and down the road.
This is not always easy–to admit where you are, acknowledge how you got here, and take the necessary steps to move forward–betting on you is a radical act of self-love, that you matter, that you are worth it to do the hard work and create the life you want–it’s love, bravery, courage, and one of the wisest things you can do for yourself and those around you..
