50 lbs off in 4.5 months and How I did it with Pics

First for the pictures and then my story: - Warning... Long debrief at the end and then I ask that you respond with your views for mine are not the end of all. Just my perspective.


Weight Lifting Days by dparter, on Flickr

This was me in my weightlifting hay day at around 185 or 190. Eating whatever I wanted because I thought I was in shape but had no idea what was going on inside. But I looked great.


January me by dparter, on Flickr

This is me after I got some bad medication that forced me to stop lifting and running. Did not change eating habits so ballooned up to 235 and was having trouble sleeping and breathing. Every stair climbed was a task.


Right Sizing by dparter, on Flickr

This is me with 50 lbs off (185 lbs) after making a "commitment" to good nutrition and exercise with 27 to 31 to go depending on my feelings at 158 will determine if I go for 154. I am also training for a marathon as a reward for my hard weight. Notice my reward is not food which was what got me where I was.

Now, my background was a personal trainer in the Navy trained through Coopers Institute. I knew what to do and how to eat but did the method of do as I say and not as I do. In other words I was not practicing what I preached.

Now for how I got my life back:

1. Like I taught I decided I needed to document what was going in and what was coming out.

2. I needed something easy to use so I found the MFP app which subsequently lead me to the site.

3. I needed someone to be a weight loss friend even if they were not trying to lose themselves, thus MFP.

4. I had to regain control and starting to be accountable for what I ate by ensuring I had a balance meal through vegetables, fruits, grains, water intake, etc and have a sensible exercise program. Also, by having my diary open for scrutinizing, so I can be kept on track as well as set an example through my hard work from exercising wisely to my eating habits.

5. Initially the weight fell off since I had a high content of fat to lose but when it slowed down I knew I had to always do adjustments. I did not starve myself but I increased my metabolism by eating often and I ate over the sites recommendation because I had to account for all those calories burned, thus the idea of eating exercise calories became a fact that it is disproved because for the normal person it is needed. Not saying I ate all of them but I ate enough to maintain my energy levels. Why would you have an intake of 1500 if that is your alloted amount and out take of 1500 and think the body would put up with that? Nonsense for the normal person. For the others let the doctors, nutritionist and health experts figure out another way.

6. Finally, as a man whose heart desires to serve others, how could I say to anyone again how to lose weight and get in shape for life if I am not leading the way.

Stay encouraged and make the right decisions. Think of the health factors and become committed to a healthier you. Too often someone is crying but I can't or I think it is too hard but when you look at all of those who have lost 100 lbs or better you have to say, when are you going to let go of that rope!! When you let go you open yourself up to a life of freedom from food and from slothfulness. We are here to help those who want to be helped but as in all things you have to help yourself. I can tell you the way but you have to be willing to let go and follow me as I go. It will not be easy for many of you but there is light at the end of the tunnel if you just don't give up. This is not about a fad but about a life style change for the better and for a brighter future. Control the food and do not let it control you. You also have to move it to lose it. Live long and stay strong.

Carlos