By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Many of you are familiar with inspirational and aspirational aphorisms such as “ If you can conceive it, you can achieve it” or “Where there is a will, there is a way “ or “failure is not an option “ or “ The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. These simplistic, motivational phrases instill in highly successful people that with the proper mental approach, no obstacles are too difficult or insurmountable.
Over a year ago while engaged in my daily walk in the Franklin Park area, I noticed this behemoth, mountain of a young man participating in a similar activity: walking to improve his mental and physical health and wellbeing. As I observed him walking, he appeared overtly overweight, perhaps even obese except that his height, well over six feet, told a different story. His gait was measured, laborious and predictable. Occasionally, we crossed paths, acknowledging each other’s commonality. The physical change, though gradual, was noticeable, apparent. His dedication, determination and commitment was a testament to the power of the mind. As my admiration increased, I was compelled to introduce myself and compliment him on his progress and grit. He is Matthew Kidd, a 2017 graduate of Piper High School who presently resides in Franklin. A former football player, now 27 years old, Matthew realized that he had to regain control of personal health through exercise and eating properly.
Impressed by his mental acuity and physical metamorphosis overtime, I knew his journey could inspire others so we established a time where I could interview him , expedited by our daily walks. We agreed to meet on last Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM.
Following are the results of our conversation:
WG: How much did you weigh when you began your journey and what was your objective?
Matthew: I weighed over 400lbs when I started, my weight often fluctuated and I wanted to actually run again. Earning his CDL license, the encouragement of friends and co-workers and understanding that patience was a necessity were invaluable assets. I knew that checking weight loss daily was detrimental, fully aware that I didn’t gain all of this weight at once and I wasn’t going to lose it overnight. I was in it for the long haul. Being patient and consistent were key to my goals.
WG: Describe a typical workout for you.
Matthew: After 5 or 6 months of working out, I developed a routine that included walking and jogging with intermittent running or sprinting. So in a sense I’ve accomplished a primary goal of being able to run again. Losing over 100lbs in that time span after starting at between 400-430 is great motivation.
WG: Do you have a specific weight loss goal?
Matthew: At 6’3” I have an ultimate goal of weighing between 190 to 220 pounds. If I achieve that goal, I would have some flexibility in terms of expanding food choices, though at over 300 now, all is a work in progress.
WG: Speaking of food/diet, can you expound on your preference?
Matthew: I really love pasta so in an effort to moderate my intake considering the calories, plus understanding protein impact (muscle building), I’ve settled on eating more pasta and broccoli, while avoiding or minimizing protein. This plan has allowed me to still lose weight gradually. In addition, I don’t eat any solid food after 7:00 PM.
WG: What appreciable results have you experienced in your journey and what advice do you have for those who may be interested in losing weight?
Matthew: Weight loss is tedious work, but positive results are motivating. You fall in love with the process, you feel better, your clothes fit better and just accomplishing an established goal is meaningful. Checking your weight daily or weekly I would discourage one from doing. I weigh myself usually once a month because your body reacts to life’s occurrences, negative or positive. What if you weigh yourself daily and instead losing, you’ve gained a pound. That can be difficult for some to overcome. You have to give yourself grace. If you start by checking the scale daily, make plans to eventually minimize those times.
WG: How important is attitude in a weight loss journey?
Matthew: Having a positive attitude is extremely important and even if something negative seeps in, you’ve got to turn the negative into a positive, fueling that energy via your workouts and eventually you will see results.
WG: Your personal weight loss journey began when?
Matthew: Well, I’ve been in this neighborhood close to 2 years, so my journey began at least a year ago. It hasn’t been instant gratification but sustained effort and commitment. Even if you have periods of inactivity, don’t ever stop or give up. Give yourself some grace but keep pushing forward, and the results will follow.
WG: Does religion play a role in your journey.
Matthew: I have a strong faith, I believe in the power of prayer, I ask God for guidance and direction, and I read scripture constantly.
WG: Mathew, what about your family? Are your parents supportive of your journey.
Matthew: Yes, Owen, my dad, is actually from Jamaica. He migrated to New York but found the weather distasteful so he relocated to South Florida. My mom, Terri, is from Georgia, and we are currently all living together under one roof. I am their only child.
WG: What is your current occupation?
Matthew: As I stated earlier I earned my CDL license and currently work for a trucking company as a trainee. My goal is to work full time, build some capital and possibly earn a college degree. Experiences at Ft. Lauderdale University and Broward College have given me tremendous insight about higher education.
WG: Do you have any advice for those seeking to lose weight?
Matthew: As I stated earlier, choose your path, remain patient and consistent, look at scale sparingly, avoid comparing yourself to others because you don’t know their journey, and stay away from fast foods as much as possible. Discover alternatives that work best for you like cooking your own food when feasible. Finally, don’t compare yourself to others because it can often have a de-motivating effect, placing unnecessary mental and physical stress and pressure on one’s self. Be self motivated and enjoy the journey.
WG: Thanks Matthew for sharing your story with us. We know your journey will inspire others because you’ve lived it and are still striving to achieve more. The power of the mind is indomitable.
