Fitness and nutrition are at the top of Kamila McDonald’s priority, but sharing her inspiring story and continuous journey is her calling. With her Kamp Kamila sessions on the way, I can tell she on the path to greatness. She’s has a vibrant personality, which make her a great motivator. She share her struggles, fitness and nutrition tips and ways to keep you and your family on a path to healthy living.
The beginning of her journey
I grew up in a Rasta household. I took for granted that everything I ate was natural and that I was naturally active all my life. I went to school in cold Norway and packed on the pounds. With the pound I put myself in isolation. Embarrassed with a lack of confidence I developed an eating disorder. One day I looked at myself and said, ‘who is this person?’ I couldn’t recognize the person I became and worked hard to change it. It took me years to get to a place where I wanted to share my journey. I’m in the best shape of my life now, but back then I was in a very dark place. I decided to share my journey to inspire other.
On making a lifestyle change
It’s not about an event or vacation that you want to get fit for, you to live a better life. We live in a time where people live sicker and die younger. You have to want better for yourself and your body.
You can complain about the food cost, but it shouldn’t be “Why is this food so expensive?” it should be, “Why is that food (fast food) so cheap? What are they doing to it to make it so cheap.”
Nutrition plan for beginners
Eat breakfast within an hour of waking up! I’m a firm believer in eating breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. You should be eating every 2-3 hours so that you’re not extremely hungry when it’s time for a full meal.
Breakfast: A smoothie, oatmeal, whole wheat toast and almond butter
Lunch & Dinner: Protein (fish and lean chicken), veggies, healthy fat, complex carbs
Snacks: Fruits, nuts, Greek yogurt (plain)
Food is not just about calories. Look at the ingredients, there should be 5 or less ingredients in whatever you eat, but start your way toward that slowly.
Keeping kids healthy
Kids are a product of us (parents) so if we eat well they will follow. If we’re exercising they will too. I have my daughter Kalani working out with me and she loves doing it.
On eating traditional Caribbean foods
You can still enjoy those dishes and traditions, but it’s all about moderation. If you know you’re going to have a big Sunday dinner try to eat lighter throughout the week. We have are traditions but we don’t have to indulge in them all the time.
Cardio/Strength balance
A lot of women don’t do strength training for fear of getting too bulky, but that’s not true. Strength training turns fat into muscle and we’re not build to get big. I love doing circuit exercises to balance. I’d say do strength training 3 days a week and cardio 2 days or do circuits everyday mixing both.
Kamp Kamila tour continues, don’t miss her when she comes to your city. Atlanta is up next, then Miami and Trinidad!
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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