Hi everyone!

kasarin

Hi, my name is Joel and I am from Des Moines, IA. I never struggled with my weight in my life. I was athletic and didn't care in high school, I was fat and didn't care in college, I was morbidly obese (5'10 380lbs) in my late 20s. Around my 31st birthday I went to the doctor and he told me I was prediabetic and had blood pressure that would put me in a grave in under 10 years. All of the sudden I cared...a lot.

I worked on my own for awhile (about 9 months) and saw some small successes. I went down to 310lbs. I started to get diet fatigue and recognized old habits come back. I was on a "no fun" diet of rabbit food and it wasn't working for me. I would slide and slide and slide....

I saw a sign for a $1,000 challenge at a local gym called Farrell's. They do a kickboxing program and a strength program. They also do Nutritional Seminars. I started the 10 week program in March and my life changed. I lost weight and started gaining some muscle. I went down to 270lbs. I also won the $1,000 (great motivator ) http://www.extremebodyshaping.com/1000-winners.cfm?name=joel are my pics (Joel J.)

The 10 weeks ended in June. It is November and I am at 225lbs on my way to my goal of 170lbs with major muscle. I enrolled in the $10,000 year long challenge to keep me motivated. I also joined a gym besides to work up muscles with free weights (we used resistance bands at Farrell's.)

I am finally doing this myself and my way. I have learned that it isn't easy to do the right thing, but you can do it easily if you are determined. I learned how to eat (I eat 6 meals a day with a protein the size of my palm and a carb the size of my fist.) I drink about 22 cups of water a day. I also found the power of a weekly "free" meal that lets me eat whatever I want.

I am here to keep motivated, try to connect to the community here, and go a little bit "hard core" on my nutrition in hopes of winning the new contest. If anyone is in West Des Moines and is looking for a weight training buddy let me know!

jeannine71

Good for you!! What an inspiring story you have Keep up the great work and welcome! I'm sure you'll find everyone on the site to be super supportive. Enjoy

Puffins1958

What a GREAT journey you are on. You can find MFP pals close to your zip code. Go under "Find Members" and plug in your zip, members should come up. Thanks for a fantastic story. I wish you all the BEST in your quest for a healthier YOU!!!!


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groomchick

Youll find lots of support and help here...Great Job Man!

manderson27

What an incredible difference you have made so far, you should be very proud, I am sure you will succeed in your goals. :bigsmile:

norcalrv

Thanks for the story and great information. So many people here at MFP have done extremely well and you are one of them.

kasarin

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful words...I think I like it here and might stay awhile