A man who was told he was ‘too fat’ to take part in a parachuting experience has shed more than 7st in a year, after the humiliation inspired him to embrace a protein rich diet and exercise.
Kris Dunbar, 30, from South Shields, swapped pasties and crisps for omelettes and protein shakes, committed to hitting the gym three times a week, and watched his weight drop from 18 and a half stone to a lean 11st 9lbs in the space of just 12 months.
The scales had slowly crept up throughout the years thanks to Kris’ habit of grabbing quick convenience food on the go, and indulging in bowls of ice cream as a late-night snack before bed.
Kris Dunbar ballooned to 18 and a half stone following his high calorie diet, however, he dropped seven stone in just a year after switching to a high protein diet
His wake-up call came when he looked into doing a parachute jump, only to learn he was over the weight limit.
Kris said ‘It was a little embarrassing to be turned away for being too fat.
‘I wasn’t happy in myself. I couldn’t wear clothes I wanted to and I didn’t like taking my top off in front of people.
‘My wardrobe consisted of loose fitting jeans, oversized joggers and XL-XXL t shirts and jumpers to try and disguise my belly and man boobs.’
Kris began his lifestyle overhaul in April 2017, by combining cardio and weight training while sticking to a high protein diet with the help of nutrition company MyProtein, and said he began to see results straight away.
Kris lost a stone after just one month of dieting (pictured) and said that he was instantly ‘hooked’ when it came to fitness
The 30-year-old made the decision to to slim down after being told he was ‘too fat’ to go on a parachute experience. Pictured: One month (left) and two months in
Kris’ former diet involved eating takeaway three nights a week and would eat a bowl of ice cream before bed
He explained: ‘I was weight training three times a week with the odd cardio session here and there. By the end of the first month I’d dropped a stone.
‘I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even feel like I was dieting. After that first month, I was hooked. I started getting a lot more active and walking a lot more.
‘I didn’t really worry about fats and carbs, just focused on plenty of protein with each meal and some form of vegetable/greens. Although I was technically dieting, it really didn’t feel like it, I never starved myself nor did I ever feel hungry.’
Initially Kris (pictured at four and nine months in) introduced more walking into his routine before introducing cardio
Following a cutting program, Kris managed to reach his target of 11st 9lbs with a body fat percentage of 5.4 per cent
In just six months Kris had lost over four stone and had begun to shed body fat, noting a huge improvement on his energy levels and overall outlook on life.
Kris continued: ‘I became so much happier in myself. My clothes had changed; my body confidence had changed.
‘I was still able to go out for dinner and drinks for special occasions whilst maintaining what I had achieved through working so hard. I’d found that right balance.’
After a few months Kris wanted to trim down further and reduced his calories and focused on upping his protein intake further, seeing the weight continue to drop off.
Following a cutting program, Kris managed to reach his target of 11st 9lbs with a body fat percentage of 5.4 per cent and has a newfound sense of style now he is out of his XXL jumpers and into slim fit clothes to flatter his new physique.
He added: ‘When I first started training, I was 18 and a half stone.
He says he has a newfound sense of style now he is out of his XXL jumpers and into slim fit clothes to flatter his new physique
After his transformation Kris married his girlfriend and begun his new life as a fit and healthy 30-year-old
Giving advice to others hoping to lose weight Kris (pictured with his groomsmen) recommends training three times a week
‘Fat percentage couldn’t be taken as we were using callipers and my body was so bloated, a measurement couldn’t be taken properly.
‘Not until 5 months in when I’d dropped 10 inches off my waist, I measured 18 per cent body fat and 12 months in I was down to 11st 9lbs and 5.4 per cent’
Kris admits that his transformation was the hardest thing he’s ever done, yet it was worth the sweat and tears and a year on, Kris married his girlfriend and begun his new life as a fit and healthy 30-year-old.
He said: ‘I wanted to be as fit and healthy as possible for a long life with my wife-to-be and also be there for my future children.
‘The size and weight that I was, I’d be lucky to see 50… There were times when it was hard of course, but anything life changing is.
‘It has taken me a year to reach my goal, now I have the rest of my life to enjoy it. It’s unreal that just 12 months ago I was seven stone heavier and getting out of breath going up the stairs.’
On giving advice to anyone at the beginning of their journey, Kris said: ‘If I was to give advice to anyone about losing weight, I’d say track your macros, train 3 times a week, be active, but most importantly, be consistent.
‘One bad meal won’t make you fat, but one good meal won’t make you lean.’