FORT LEE, Va. (Sept. 5, 2013) -- Kelvin Thomas didn't need a health examination or sudden moment-in-the-mirror realization that his girth was expanding. The truth about his weight came from his 6-year-old daughter, a fledgling reader, who decided to try out a few new words on her father.
"D-a-d f-a-t."
Thomas didn't believe his ears and appealed to the child for clarification.
"What did you say?"
Her was response was even more punctuated.
"D-A-D F-A-T."
"What does that spell?" he inquired.
"Dad fat," she replied.
The truth, as told by his innocent 1st grader, said Thomas, was moving.
"That let me know I had to do something," he recalled.
Fort Lee's Winner for Life program was that "something." Billed as an alternative to traditional exercise programs and similar in concept to "The Biggest Loser" TV show that incentivize weight loss, it features a commonsense approach to fitness based on healthy, proven methods. It is not an exercise class, but rather a support group that encourages participants to implement healthy eating habits, exercise and lifestyle behaviors.
Roughly 50 people signed up for the five-month program that started in April, said Diana Martinez, the program director. Twelve are still active, she said.
"It all comes down to desire and commitment," she said. "The ones who stayed in the program did it because they really wanted to make the change in their lives."
The 5-foot-11-inch, Thomas, who is assigned to the Enterprise Systems Directorate, CASCOM, was 210 pounds when he started the program. Through daily exercise and proper diet, he shed 27 pounds, beating out the husband and wife team of Maria and Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Stafford by about a pound. The former Soldier said the program was a big factor in helping him stay on target.
"It was fun and very rewarding," he said, noting he received regular emails that provided exercise, recipe and eating tips. Thomas said his coworkers, whom he also tried to enlist into the program, were supportive as well.
The encouragement Thomas received from others, however, took a backseat to his own desire to be healthy and fit. He said he made good on Martinez' suggestion to deal with a high blood pressure problem prior to his participation in the program. In addition, he remained dedicated to a regular fitness program with lots of variety, planned meals and a steadfast commitment to reach his goals.
"The biggest key is attitude and being honest with yourself," said Thomas. "It's knowing it's something that you want to do, and something that you should do for yourself -- regardless of what anyone else says or what anyone thinks. The right attitude is a great starting point."
Thomas earned a small prize for his success. Stafford and his wife also received a prize.
Now that the first segment of the program is over, Thomas said he will continue to participate in the Winner for Life sessions that runs through January and maintain his exercise regimen. He said that's the least he can do to please a rather frank 6-year-old who doesn't seem as pleased with his weight loss as he is.
"She still thinks I'm fat," he said. "It's just that my stomach is not as big as it used to be."
For more info, call (804) 734-6198.
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