Joel at 175 Pounds

On September 1st, 2010, I weighed in at over 225 pounds. I didn’t step on the scale often because it wasn’t very good news. My energy levels were low. My blood pressure was high. And I was moody.

I didn’t want to feel that way anymore. I had lost weight in the past, but I wasn’t sure I could do it again. After all, I DID balloon back to my previous weight AND put on some additional pounds. The dreaded “Yo-yo” diet.

I’m forty-six years old and I’m not getting any younger. I can’t afford to not be healthier. If I am not healthy, I am not in peak condition to do all that I am called to do. Not only am I putting my own health at stake, but I am sacrificing the well-being of my family and my future. I want to live to see my grandchildren and be a part of their lives.

In order to hold myself accountable to a decision to change, I went public with my quest. It was risky, but I felt confident that I would follow through. I figured as long as I was going to do the work, perhaps I could inspire someone else along the way.

I’m glad I made the decision I did, because the hard work and discipline has paid off. I am now seeing the fruit of my new choices.

On December 2nd I posted some photos of me at 190 pounds. This was a big milestone for me.

It is now January 13th and I am prepared to post the latest photos.

Once again, this is me on September 1st at 225 pounds wearing TIGHT size 40 jeans. Try not to wince, please.

Now here are the current “after” pictures just four and one-half months later. This is me at 175 pounds. (Well, technically 176 pounds, but I’ll be dropping the last pound over the next couple days and I don’t see the picture changing much.) I am wearing size 33 jeans and they are comfortable. This is what a fifty-pound weight loss looks like…

There’s quite a bit of skin hanging off my face and stomach. I am hoping it proves itself as elastic retreating as it did when it was expanding. I guess only time will tell.

Now that I am here and can cross it off my bucket list, I think I may go for five more pounds and get down to 170. I am in the zone and it shouldn’t be a problem.

Then the REAL challenge begins… maintaining! But I have a plan. I’ve already made a lifestyle change and I recognize that I need to stick with the disciplines that have become habitual. If I do, there’s no reason I ever have to be obese again.

I know there are dozens of different weight-loss plans. Every doctor, nutritionist and fitness expert will tell you what they perceive to be the best way to lose weight and get fit.

I found something that worked for me and I have been consistent with it this entire time.

In the morning I have a Shakeology meal replacement shake. It tastes good and is packed with vitamins, minerals, fruits, veggies, amino acids and more. I am satisfied until lunch.

I then hit the treadmill (usually six days/week) and walk 30-45 minutes at 4 – 4.5 miles per hour. It’s fast walking, but it’s easy enough for me.

For lunch I eat a power bar of some kind. I prefer the double-chocolate brownie Balance Bar. That keeps me happy until dinner. Occasionally I will have a mid-afternoon snack, but usually I keep busy and forget to eat something else.

For dinner I will have a normal meal. I’ll eat a sandwich from Quiznos, some chicken tacos from QDoba or maybe a panini from Panera. If I eat at home, I may make breakfast for dinner, enjoying a bacon and egg wrap in a low-carb wrap.

Sometime during the day, usually in the evening, I will have 1.5 oz of dark chocolate. It’s good for you and it gives my sweet tooth a little something to nibble on. Yes, it is bitter, but you get used to it, especially when you aren’t eating other sugar-laden foods as regularly.

That’s it. No major surprises. No fad diets. The way I see it, there is a four-step process.

1) Recognize that your weight and health are out of control. Surrender it to God. I understand the feeling of not believing I could really lose the weight. It seemed like a tremendous burden. Honestly, prayer had to be a part of this process or I don’t think I would have been able to do it.

2) Make a decision to do what is necessary and find what works for you.

3) Eat less. And eat less junk. I STILL don’t eat many fruits or veggies. I get the benefits of that from the meal replacement drink. Is it the best solution? No. But it’s better than nothing and it works for me.

4) Move your body more. I love my treadmill. It is the only piece of exercise equipment that has been used again and again. It’s what works for me. Figure out what works for you and then discipline yourself to do it regularly. No excuses for missing two days in a row.

Enjoy the results. If you stick to your plan, you will see a difference. I’m living proof! And I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this healthy. I am sleeping better and I have more energy than before. I’m almost off blood pressure meds completely.

Thank you to those of you who have supported me. I hope my weight loss and fitness accomplishments are an inspiration to others. If so, I’m not the only one losing weight!

By the way, several of my team members have been losing weight as well. Collectively, we have lost over 100 pounds. It hasn’t hurt that I’ve stopped buying sodas and sugar-rich snack foods for the break room. 🙂

As always, I invite your comments. I’m especially interested in knowing what changes you are making to live a healthier and more fulfilling life!