So, I went to the Dr. a year ago today and the news was terrible!

I was 100 lbs overweight, my cholesterol was high, my blood pressure was high (even with 2 pills) , and worst of all, I was now pre-diabetic. This wasn't really a shock to me, as I was on a downward health spiral for 16 plus years, with the last 5 being the worst. I was so miserable and unhealthy in both body and mind, I was at a point of not even caring if I lived. I can list many reasons why this all happened, but in the end, they are just excuses. I was one HUGE excuse!

When I heard the words pre-diabetic from my Dr., that was the final straw that made me want to change or suffer the inevitable consequences. My Dad had type II diabetes and lost both his legs and eventually his life. Experiencing first hand what he went through the last 25 years of his life, was more than enough for me to finally get my lazy & obese butt in gear!

Fast forward to today and I am 96 lbs lighter from 4/1/2019, and 101 lbs lighter from heaviest known weight in 2018. My BMI went from Obese class II to Normal weight. My waist went from busting out of 42 jeans to fitting comfortably in 34's again. My t-shirt size went from XXXL to a L. Most importantly, my health did a complete 180 and my labs are now the best in my adult life. No longer am I pre-diabetic, my cholesterol is back to normal, and my blood pressure is well into the normal range. I am down to 1 pill and hoping to get off that soon. I look and feel like a new man at age 55.

How did I do it? First, I dropped all my excuses and dropped all my binge inducing foods. (particularly fast food). I also quit alcohol and sugary high calorie drinks like soda, and have not touched them since. I lost my first 50 lbs logging everything I ate, in a notebook. EVERYTHING! Since July, I started logging on My Fitness Pal website and things have been so much easier to keep track of and stay more accurate. I also started on a regular exercise routine, with simply walking for the first few months, to now using my spin bike for cardio and weight training to build muscles. I exercise 7 days a week, alternating between the two.

Has this journey been easy? NOPE! I wanted to quit several times during the first few months, and I have had my days where I want, and at times have eaten everything in sight! But thankfully those days are very rare now, and if they happen I get right back on track the following day. I choose foods that are nutritionally balanced for 98% of my diet, but I also don't deny so called bad foods either. If I want a cookie(s) or ice cream, I'll eat it! As long as it fits in my daily calorie goal, it's all good. Punishing yourself is not the answer and never works long term. Losing weight is as simple as staying at a consistent calorie deficit. The key word is CONSISTENT. How you get there is up to you.

Looking back one year ago, I never thought I would even be half as successful as I am today. Listen, if I can do it at age 55, anyone can do it if they want it bad enough. It was the best decision of my middle aged life by far! My journey continues...




Stats
Age 55
Height 6'1"
Starting Weight 4/1/2019: 280 lbs
Current Weight 4/1/2020: 184 lbs