Start Weight: 314 lbs
Current Weight: 201 lbs
Height: 5' 11"
What were your weight-control goals?
To get in shape and be healthy. I like the appearance factor, but I want a future with my fiancee and the family we will begin together.
What motivated you to lose weight?
A couple of friends who have had success motivated me to lose weight. That and I thought I'd let myself become an unbelievable mess.
What was your weight-loss method?
I exercised more and ate less. It's no surprise. I was completely inactive and ate WAY too much.
My lifestyle change wasn't instantaneous, but the summer months did allow it to progress steadily. I first started on the elliptical at my work (a university) fitness center. I'm less busy in the Summer so I'd go for a 35 minute walk in my lunch hour. I eventually got up to running. I developed a routine and stuck with tit. I made it my time and made it something I truly enjoyed.
Some other tips:
- I HATE vegetables and didn't switch to eating rabbit food. I learned what portions are and simply ate less.
- I also found GREAT snack solutions. I don't mind plain tuna (TONS of protein), soy chips (fat free/low fat and tasty) and have rediscovered the goodness of fruit.
- I also ate too little quite often at my peak of the 'program', so be careful.
- I've cut out fries (and most fried food) entirely from my diet as well as most regular chips (I eat Olestra brands w/o the side effects luckily). I can honestly say I don't miss the fried stuff and don't know what I liked so much about them when I do try one every couple of weeks from my fiancee.
Follow CK's guides and let it be the expert. That's why you're here.
What were some obstacles you encountered while losing weight?
Family makes it tough. I don't resent them for a moment though. I had to overcome the expectation that they'd 'make fun' of me because of my new way of doing things. I like that my lifestyle change is inspiring, rather than something people resent.
What tips do you have for others who are trying to lose weight?
- It's gonna take effort. It's gonna take willpower. Find a photo of someone who's your height and build who's achieved success. Look at it and realize that if they could do it so can you.
- Try a different type of activity until you find something you can make PART OF YOUR LIFE. It's got to be routine. It's got to be something you miss after not doing it, not fear in anticipation of it.
How do you feel now that you've lost weight?
GREAT! And bad sometimes. Because I still want to lose more. I want to smooth-out and get rid of the last of my noticeable fat. I've done well with slimming down insofar as not having excess skin etc but sometimes I wish it was better. It's just going to take time. Then I think about the amazing benefits of losing over 12" from my waistline, the feeling it gives me to buy medium sized clothing and ALL of the WONDERFUL comments I get from admirers/colleagues, who sometimes don't even recognize me!
How have the products or services offered by CalorieKing.com assisted you in your weigh-loss journey?
I LOVE keeping track of my calories and exercise. I don't use the food shopping guides, etc., but the Food and Exercise Diary is wonderful. It's second-nature to add my food for the day and sometimes I add it before I eat it. It's great and I couldn't have done it without CK.
You too could be a success story!
