One year difference. 70 lb down! (with pics)

Hello friends! I want to share just an update on my "new healthy lifestyle"... it's not just a "weight loss journey". It's a lifestyle change to be healthier.

Back in 2013 I was up to 270 lbs., and suffered of high blood pressure and was on medication. That's my highest recorded weight. Then, by 2014, I had lost 10 pounds, dieting, and trying some shakes, etc. Not a big progress though.

Then, in April 2014, I was diagnosed with prediabetes! The Dr. told me that either I changed my lifestyle or in 1 year I would develop diabetes, and in 5 years, I probably would have a heart attack. That's all before 40.

I started using MFP by mid April 2013, and learning more and more on how to be healthy. The community has been a great help! I've learned so much here. I've learned to eat smart, to exercise, to celebrate success, and to keep trying when I fail. I've learned that this is a matter of persistence, patience, and commitment. I learned to be conscious about my health... and now that I write this, I'm still learning about all these things

The key is to start, and knowing this is a life commitment, not a sprint race. One day at a time, one step at a time, one meal at a time.

And now, without further ado, here are the not-so-cute but very significant pictures of the before/after status so far:

At 270 lb approx. (Jan 2013):


260 lb approx (Dec 2013)


235 lb approx (Jun 2014)


At 200 lb (Nov 2014)


Another at 200.



195 lb (Dec 2014)



Latest before/after picture: 190 lbs - Jan 2015 (Warning: shirtless fat guy):



I still have a long road to go, lose some 15 more pounds, build muscle, lose fat... but hey, it's one day at a time

Some stats:
Height: 5'11"
Starting weight (2013): 270 lb.
Starting waist size (pants): 42
Fat % (approx): 30%

Current weight (2015): 190 lb.
Current waist size (pants): 34
Fat % (approx): 20%

Goal weight (2015): 175 lb.
Fat % (goal): 15% or less.

I wish you the best this new year, and I hope you can reach all your goals!