Mika Kleinschmidt, the charismatic host of 100 Day Dream Home on HGTV, is known for her eye for design and her infectious enthusiasm. But in addition to her impressive career in real estate and television, Mika has also embarked on a transformative journey that has touched the hearts of many. Over the course of 12 months, Mika shed an impressive 44 pounds, going from 200 pounds to 156 pounds. However, her weight loss journey wasn’t just about changing her appearance—it was a holistic transformation that focused on mindful eating, exercise, and, most importantly, self-love.
This is the story of how Mika Kleinschmidt turned her life around, embracing a healthier lifestyle and gaining confidence, strength, and emotional well-being in the process.
The Beginning: A Wake-Up Call
Mika’s transformation didn’t start with a single decision to lose weight. Instead, it was a gradual realization that her health wasn’t where it should be. As a busy professional and mother, Mika had been prioritizing work and family, often neglecting her own physical and emotional needs. At 200 pounds, Mika felt sluggish, unmotivated, and disconnected from her body.
“I didn’t like the way I felt,” Mika admitted in a candid interview. “I had gotten to a point where I realized I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I needed to. I felt tired, overwhelmed, and I wasn’t happy with my energy levels. It wasn’t just about the weight—it was about how I felt inside.”
This realization came at a turning point in her life. Mika knew that she needed to change her habits if she wanted to feel her best and be the best version of herself—for her family, her career, and most importantly, for herself.
The Decision: Focusing on Mindful Eating and Self-Care
Rather than opting for a quick-fix diet or a drastic weight-loss regimen, Mika decided to take a more sustainable approach. She wanted to make lasting changes that would improve her health and well-being without putting unnecessary pressure on herself. Her focus shifted to mindful eating, self-care, and balanced living.
“I didn’t want to deprive myself of food or do anything drastic,” she shared. “It was about making small, manageable changes that would work with my lifestyle.”
Mika’s new approach involved paying closer attention to the foods she was eating. She began eliminating processed foods and sugary snacks, instead opting for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The key for Mika was balance—she didn’t want to feel restricted, but she also wanted to nourish her body with the right foods.
The Power of Exercise: Building Strength and Confidence
While diet was crucial to Mika’s weight loss success, she also realized that regular physical activity played an essential role in her transformation. But, like many people, Mika wasn’t initially thrilled by the idea of spending hours at the gym.
“I’ve never been someone who loved sweating,” Mika laughed. “But I knew that to really make a difference, I had to start moving more. I didn’t want to do anything extreme or painful—I just needed to find something that worked for me.”
Mika started with daily walking, setting small goals for herself. She began walking around her neighborhood every morning, even if it was just for 20 minutes. As she started to feel stronger, she gradually increased the duration and intensity of her walks. “I didn’t overdo it at first. I wanted to build consistency,” she explained.
Eventually, Mika began incorporating strength training into her routine. This combination of cardio and strength-building exercises allowed her to increase muscle tone, improve her metabolism, and boost her overall fitness. Mika also embraced yoga to improve her flexibility and reduce stress. “Yoga became my time to recharge mentally. It helped me find balance and calmness, and it was an important part of my journey,” she said.
The Mental and Emotional Transformation
For Mika, the most important part of her weight loss journey was the mental and emotional transformation that came with it. While physical changes were visible, it was the emotional shift that truly empowered her. She had to change the way she thought about herself, her body, and her health.
“The physical changes were rewarding, but the emotional transformation was just as important,” Mika reflected. “I had to learn to love myself again. I had to stop criticizing myself and start accepting that I was worthy of health, happiness, and change.”
Mika began to practice self-compassion and mindfulness, focusing on positive self-talk and avoiding negative thoughts about her body. “I realized that the journey wasn’t about perfection,” she said. “It was about being consistent, showing up for myself every day, and making choices that supported my well-being.”
Additionally, Mika worked on managing stress and anxiety, which had often been triggers for unhealthy habits in the past. “I used to turn to food to cope with stress, but I learned that I didn’t need to do that anymore,” she explained. By focusing on mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and journaling, Mika was able to address emotional eating and build a healthier relationship with food.
The Role of Support: Family and Community
Throughout her weight loss journey, Mika found support in both her family and her online community. Her husband, Brian Kleinschmidt, and her daughter were her biggest cheerleaders, encouraging her every step of the way. “My family supported me, and that made all the difference,” Mika said. “They helped me stay motivated and reminded me of why I was doing this.”
Mika also found inspiration from the supportive community of followers she had built through social media. She shared her progress, struggles, and victories on Instagram, connecting with others who were on similar journeys. “It’s been so powerful to hear from people who are going through the same thing. The community has kept me accountable and encouraged me to keep going,” she said.
The Results: 44 Pounds Lost and a Healthier Life
By 2025, Mika Kleinschmidt had lost 44 pounds, dropping from 200 pounds to 156 pounds. But it wasn’t just the number on the scale that mattered—it was how Mika felt about herself. “I feel so much better. I have more energy, I’m stronger, and I feel more confident than I ever have,” she shared with a smile.
Her physical transformation was evident in her new, toned physique, but it was the mental clarity and emotional growth that made the biggest impact. “This journey has given me a whole new perspective on life,” Mika said. “I’m no longer just focusing on the outside—I’m focused on feeling good, inside and out.”
Mika’s weight loss has also given her a newfound sense of empowerment. “I feel like I’m in control of my health and my life now,” she explained. “I don’t just want to look good—I want to feel good, and I want to be healthy for my family and for myself.”
Key Takeaways from Mika Kleinschmidt’s Weight Loss Journey
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Mindful Eating: Mika’s focus on mindful eating helped her develop a healthier relationship with food, allowing her to enjoy meals without feeling deprived.
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Exercise with Balance: Mika embraced a sustainable exercise routine that combined walking, strength training, and yoga, which allowed her to build strength without overexerting herself.
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Mental Health is Key: Mika’s emotional transformation played a crucial role in her weight loss success. Practicing self-compassion, mindfulness, and managing stress helped her stay on track.
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Consistency Over Perfection: Mika’s journey was built on small, consistent changes rather than quick fixes. She embraced progress over perfection.
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Support Matters: Mika’s family, friends, and online community provided the encouragement and accountability she needed to stay motivated and focused on her goals.
Mika Kleinschmidt’s weight loss journey serves as an inspiring reminder that lasting transformation goes beyond physical changes. Her commitment to improving her health, both physically and mentally, has empowered her to embrace a new chapter in her life. Her story encourages others to focus on sustainable, healthy habits and to remember that real transformation comes from within.