The Man In The Mirror

[wx247]

Well all, this post unlike several of my more recent posts is serious in nature. I am normally not one to "bare my soul" with you all but I feel that this outlet is a perfect for the new chapter I am opening in my life.

I have always been heavy, since I was born I suspect. As I have grown up, not only did I grow taller, but larger as well. My waistline continued to expand. All the while I was happy with who I was. I saw myself as a regular kid, teenager, college student, and then professional. Sure I was heavier than everyone else around me, but that was part of my uniqueness... my character.

On and off I tried dieting. I had some success here and there, only to gain it back and then some. My willpower was little to nothing and mainly because I didn't fully grasp how big of a problem I had. I took the big guy jokes with a grain of salt. They came with the territory, I told myself.

My catharsis came last week. It was a seemingly benign event that I am sure will change my life. I was getting dressed, looked at myself in the mirror (as I had so many times in the past), and suddenly realized that I was obese. I sank to the ground and sobbed by myself in my bedroom for about ten or fifteen minutes. I don't know why it hit me then, but it did. It was at that moment that I realized a change was needed.

So, I have spent the last week gathering information on the internet and from a dietician about the best plan of action for me in my situation. I am 25 and am gosh darn lucky that at my weight I don't have high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes. Today was the first day of the rest of my life. And this isn't a diet... it is a lifestyle change that I have to make for as long as I live.

You have heard the saying, here goes nothing. Well I feel that saying has it wrong. I like to think of it as "here goes everything." I just wanted to share my story with you as I embark upon a new phase of my life. Every day won't be easy, but with the help of God, my friends, and my family, I will make it.

[JonathanBelles]

Good Luck!!! I've found that the 'flatter foods' seem to work. I'm sure you've done the research, but they include almonds, avocado, dark chocolate (good...believe it or not), Peanut Butter, Flax (which can be put in anything), and anything that makes you work harder to eat (aka negative calories). It would probably be very good to increase metabolism, which may take a supplement. Antioxidants are great too. Don't forget to exercise, no matter how. Like I said good luck, and keep us updated!

[vbhoutex]

You will make it Gary! You have taken your biggest step already. Portion control is also very important. I too am obese and need to get a better handle on my comfort eating. I eat a pretty healthy diet- I just eat too much. When I do control myself the weight starts dropping.

YOU WILL SUCCEED!!

[coriolis]

Not only is it one Big decision - that you've already made, but then it will become a lot of little decisions every day. (should I have that bowl of cereal before bed tonight) I win some and lose some..... The most important thing is not to let one bad decision, or one bad day get you off track. Every day is a new day.

[DanKellFla]

I got up to 235 at 6 feet. My wife and kids weren't happy with me at all. You are right not to diet. I tried that and it didn't work. I changed my lifestyle. Basically, I ate a little less of most food, and generally avoided to worst foods. Not a total cut off, but I stopped going to the candy machine every day. Look for a fresh fruit and vegatable stand near you. They will sell stuff that is in season and tastes good. Good fruit is such a treat. I lost my fist 10 pounds pretty easily. I have gone "off the wagon" occasionally, but I just get back on. It is a lifestyle change. You can eat nearly everything you want, just less of it. And, drink a lot of water. It is good for you and fills you up. If you can get some exercise in, even better. I never seem to get around to that part.

[Stephanie]

Congratulations on taking your first steps to a healthier lifestyle!

You have some great advice from those that have already posted. I think the word "diet" has been so over used that it is now more of a "dirty word". Choosing better foods to eat and when will be an automatic benefit to you.

Let us know how you are making out.

[CajunMama]

You and others are so correct that is it a "lifestyle" change if you want to lose weight and keep the weight off. Exercise is very important too. Wait until you are able to look back and say, "Why didn't I make this lifestyle choice before". But be careful, it is so easy to fall back into your old habits. (I know from experience). I wish you the best of luck and like steph said let us know how it goes.

[wx247]

Things are going very well so far. I am not going to step on the scale until Wednesday, but I think things are headed in the right direction. Thanks everyone for your encouragement and words of advice. I appreciate it!

[Stephanie]

Things are going very well so far. I am not going to step on the scale until Wednesday, but I think things are headed in the right direction. Thanks everyone for your encouragement and words of advice. I appreciate it!

Definitely weigh yourself only once a week and around the same time of day. Your weight fluctuates during the day and you also don't want to discourage yourself by weighing yourself everyday.

Also, you don't want to lose weight too quickly and don't beat yourself up if you "plateau" - that is, if you don't lose anything thing after a few weeks.

[wx247]

I have lost some weight already and things are headed in the right direction. Thanks again everyone for your encouragement. It means a lot.

[CajunMama]

Woo hoo! Way to go garrett!

[Stephanie]

That's great Garrett! One step at a time and remember to compliment yourself as well.

[vbhoutex]

[SaskatchewanScreamer]

One man I worked with a long time ago said he came to that same realization a number of years before I met him. When I knew him he was just the right weight and it was hard to believe he had ever been a larger size. He assured me he had once been 270 lbs heavier. I asked how he managed his weight loss? He said he changed his eating habits and watched his calorie intake 6 days a week but on Friday nights he would treat himself to whatever he craved. He said that way he didn't feel like he was denying himself of anything and thus had no temptation to fall back on previous eating habits.

Congratulations on your weight loss!

[wx247]

Down 11 lbs. Got my first compliment from a co-worker last night at WalMart. That sure felt good!

[vbhoutex]

Down 11 lbs. Got my first compliment from a co-worker last night at WalMart. That sure felt good!

Freakin' AWESOME!!! Remember to not just focus on the weight loss. This is and has to be a complete lifestyle change(David is preaching to himself here also btw). WAY TO GO!!!

[wx247]

Down 11 lbs. Got my first compliment from a co-worker last night at WalMart. That sure felt good!

Freakin' AWESOME!!! Remember to not just focus on the weight loss. This is and has to be a complete lifestyle change(David is preaching to himself here also btw). WAY TO GO!!!

Oh I know. I am also eating veggies and things I never thought possible. It is definitely working.

[OpieStorm]

Down 11 lbs. Got my first compliment from a co-worker last night at WalMart. That sure felt good!

Doesn't it feel great that all your hard work and determination starts to become noticeable to others?

Keep it up man, obviously you're doing great.

[Stephanie]

That's AWESOME!!!!

[wx247]

Almost a month now since this journey to a "new me" began and it continues to go well. I imagine that I will have to go clothes shopping in a week or two since I am starting to be limited on the clothes that actually fit with having something to hold them up!