When it comes to transformation stories, few are as inspiring as Mika Kleinschmidt’s. Known for her role as the co-host of HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home, Mika has shared with the world not just her design expertise but also her incredible weight loss journey. At the age of 47, Mika decided it was time to prioritize her health and take control of her body. This was not a journey based on fleeting diets or temporary solutions but a deeply personal, transformative experience that would impact every aspect of her life.
From Struggles to Success: Mika’s Wake-Up Call
For many, the turning point in any weight loss journey is a personal realization—a moment that shifts the course of their life. For Mika, that moment came when she looked in the mirror and realized that she wasn’t the person she used to be, both physically and emotionally. As a busy professional with a demanding career, Mika found herself neglecting her own health. Her lifestyle, which was once filled with physical activity and mindful choices, had become sedentary. A mix of stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise took a toll on her body, leading her to a place where she felt disconnected from her own sense of self.
“I had lost sight of my goals, my health. It wasn’t about looking a certain way, but about feeling strong, capable, and confident in my own body,” Mika shares.
At 47, she realized that she had to make a change—one that would not only affect her appearance but also her mindset and health for the long term.
The Shift: Adopting a Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Mika’s approach to weight loss wasn’t based on drastic or temporary measures. Instead, she focused on sustainable changes to her lifestyle—ones that would make her feel better both inside and out. It was about long-term health, rather than quick fixes.
One of the key components of her transformation was a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Mika didn’t jump into extreme fitness regimens; rather, she started slow, building a routine that worked for her body and lifestyle. Weight training became a staple of her workouts, helping her build lean muscle, increase metabolism, and improve her strength. Cardio exercises, like walking and cycling, were added to increase her cardiovascular health and burn fat.
“I wasn’t obsessed with the scale,” Mika recalls. “It was about how I felt. I wanted to feel stronger, have more energy, and most importantly, feel good in my own skin.”
But it wasn’t just about physical activity. Mika also made a conscious effort to eat more mindfully. Gone were the days of indulging in processed, high-sugar foods. Instead, she focused on a whole-foods-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. By cutting out alcohol—a major source of empty calories—she noticed a significant improvement in her energy levels and overall well-being.
Her focus on mindful eating was one of the biggest game-changers. Rather than simply focusing on calories or restrictive dieting, she paid attention to what her body needed, eating foods that made her feel satisfied and nourished. It wasn’t about deprivation but about listening to her body and giving it the right fuel.
The Numbers: 44 Pounds Lost in a Year
Over the course of a year, Mika lost 44 pounds. But it wasn’t just about the number on the scale—it was about the confidence and sense of empowerment that came with it. Mika’s transformation didn’t just show in her clothes fitting better or her reflection in the mirror, but in her entire outlook on life.
The process wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t quick. But for Mika, the journey was about the small, consistent steps that would eventually lead to a healthier, happier version of herself. Each workout, each mindful meal, and each moment spent taking care of her mind and body added up. The results spoke for themselves.
Mental Health and Mindset: Shifting Focus
One of the biggest hurdles Mika had to overcome was the mental aspect of her weight loss journey. It’s easy to get discouraged when the results don’t come overnight, but Mika’s shift in mindset played a pivotal role in her success. She stopped focusing on the number on the scale and started focusing on the way she felt and the strength she was building.
“I learned that weight loss is about so much more than just losing pounds. It’s about gaining confidence, mental clarity, and resilience,” Mika says. “There were days when I doubted myself, but I kept pushing through because I knew that every step forward was a step towards becoming the best version of myself.”
Her mindset also shifted around self-compassion. She learned to forgive herself for past mistakes, for the times when she had been too hard on herself. By letting go of guilt and shame, Mika was able to move forward with more joy and freedom, embracing her progress, no matter how small.
The Role of Support and Accountability
Mika credits a large part of her success to the support system she built around herself. Her husband, Brian Kleinschmidt, was a constant source of encouragement. The couple, both busy with their careers, found ways to stay active together. Whether it was a walk in the park or hitting the gym, Brian supported Mika every step of the way.
“Having someone by your side makes all the difference,” Mika says. “Brian was there for me when I needed motivation or when I felt like giving up. We became a team.”
Additionally, Mika shared her journey with her followers on social media, offering inspiration and accountability to others who were on similar paths. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts were filled with updates on her workouts, healthy meals, and mindset shifts. By being open about her struggles and successes, she inspired countless women to take control of their own health.
The Bigger Picture: A Lifestyle, Not a Diet
The key takeaway from Mika’s transformation is that weight loss is not about following the latest fad diet or hitting a specific number on the scale. It’s about creating a lifestyle that promotes health, happiness, and self-love. Mika’s weight loss success was fueled by the realization that sustainability and consistency were the real drivers of long-term health.
Her story serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s about the steps you take every day to nourish your body, mind, and soul. And for Mika, it’s about continually evolving and setting new goals—not just in terms of weight, but in terms of how she feels and how she shows up for herself and others.
FAQ
How did Mika Kleinschmidt lose weight?
Mika lost weight by incorporating strength training, cardio, and mindful eating into her daily routine. She also cut out alcohol and focused on whole, nourishing foods.
How much weight did Mika Kleinschmidt lose?
Mika lost 44 pounds over the course of a year, focusing on sustainable changes and a balanced lifestyle.
What was Mika’s mindset during her weight loss journey?
Mika shifted her focus from the number on the scale to how she felt physically and mentally. She embraced self-compassion, resilience, and consistency.
Did Mika Kleinschmidt use any specific diet or workout plan?
Mika followed a whole-foods-based diet, focused on lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. Her exercise routine included strength training and cardio, such as walking.
How does Mika Kleinschmidt stay motivated?
Mika stays motivated by focusing on her mental health, setting realistic goals, and leaning on her support system, including her husband, Brian, and her online community.