Over a hundred lost in 10 months

Last September I had medical issues relating to my weight: high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, gout just to name a few. That and the global pandemic scared me into taking action to eat better. I have been a number of different weights through-out my life, but at that time I was the heaviest I'd ever been. This was terrifying for a number of reasons: one being that this was only PRE diabetes, meaning that it could get even worse. It was scary to be considered 'at risk' during an already deeply concerning virus.

Since then I have lost over a hundred pounds in ten months, just about the maximum recommended of 2 pounds per week. I would like to say that I did it all healthily but looking back there were probably times that I pushed myself too hard.

I'm not quite ready for pictures just yet, but I will update soon.

Tips:
-Calories in. The vast majority of my success comes down to knowing your target calorie goals and counting calories. A lot of the advice out there boils down to ways to create a calorie deficite and to satiate hunger without binging.
- Sleep. It is good in general but more so for me because I work NOC.
- Listen to advice and try it but realize it might not be for you. I tried a lot of dieting tips out there and while some of them worked short term, some of them caused me to push myself too hard. As an over 300 pound man, I shouldn't have been listening to certain tips that were more for females half my weight or made by The Rock. They have different needs and goals and psycology. I probably should not have had 1200 calorie days: while I lost weight doing it, it made me cranky and I ended up falling 'off track' some days.
- Buy containers that help with portion control/measuring. I'm loving these 30ml and 45ml little cups with lids so I can take sauces to work.
- Meals that are TOO low in calories aren't necessarilly the best. They might not end up satiating your hunger and will make you end up eating something else in addition. I've started to actually make my meals larger and more balanced instead of trying to cut corners by giving myself a minimal meal.
- Find meals that you really want and plan around those. Perferably healthy meals, but if you really really want an occasional birthday cake or chicken strips then do it, just be honest and log it in. It's better than trying to never have your favorite foods ever again.
- I often find a new vegtable or fruit each week or month and try to find ways to encorporate it.
- I try not to drink my calories. I tried Slim Fast and juice cleanses, it just doesn't work for me. I know it has worked for others as way to get their fruit and vegtables in, but it just doesn't satiate me.

Months ago I was able to get off of the blood pressure and metformin (guided by my PCP with plenty of tests to make sure it was done safely). It's been a huge change and honestly I am still adapting to it. Now I need to make sure it sticks! I need to continue to make healthy choices and make sure I'm not pushing myself too hard or in unhealthy ways.