Been on MFP for 9 weeks

Hi, I'm Ted. I am 53 and my waistline has been slowly growing over the past few years. When I got to 192 pounds, my pants were getting too tight and my belt was as loose as I could make it. Time for change.

In June, I stopped in at a store owned by a friend of mine. He had lost 38 pounds and I asked him how he did it. He told me about this program on his Android phone that helped him keep track, called MyFitnessPal. I congratulated him on his achievement and went on my way.

Three days later, at a conference, I met up with an old colleague of mine that was giving the keynote speech. His company publishes the book Change Anything, a book I highly recommend. He was looking very fit and I asked him what he was doing. He said he had this software program on his iPhone...

Ok, ok, I will try it out. I started recording everything I ate and was amazed at how much I ate every day. I am truly addicted to food. I decided to start the program and set my goal at one pound per week.

As of today, I have lost 13 pounds but more importantly, almost 2 inches off my waistline. My pants fit loosely and that is a good thing. It is amazing what 10 pounds looks like when it isn't on your belly. I love the program and I have increased my exercise on days when I am planning a large meal. I do Bikram Yoga six days a week (guys, don't laugh until you have tried it) and I cycle 2-3 days a week. The cycling will have to go once school starts in the Fall (I teach) and it starts getting too cold. I live in Utah.

What is interesting is what I won't eat. What I used to treat as ordinary food now goes in the luxury category, such as a Peanut Butter and Jam sandwich on Great Harvest Whole Wheat bread, one of the most heavenly foods created on earth. Over 500 calories! Yes, I know I can eat paper thin bread, reduced fat peanut butter and low calorie jam. I tried it. I decided that riding my bike vigorously for an hour was worth it for the real deal. Calories have become like money. When the budget is gone, you stop eating or go make more calories. What a concept.

I am having great success with such a simple tool and I am grateful for it. I will probably stay on it for life. I wish all you MFP'ers out there a healthy day and success in whatever your goals may be. May we all be a bunch of losers!

...ted