See the STRANGEST things you will ever see!

mmreed
mmreed Posts: 436 Member
edited December 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Where do I begin? Let’s take a look at where I was right out of school... I was in the Army, and in "OK" shape. I was never one of the jocks, or muscle guys. Just an average Joe that had a hard time keeping in moderate shape. As time went on and I left the Army, I started a career in Information Technology (where I am today as a Director of IT). Well, we all know how computers work - you sit in front of them... often all day. And that's what I did. Worked on systems all day, sitting and very inactive. Outside of work I become inactive as well, watching TV, playing video games, and eating. Not just eating, but eating all the wrong things. Fast food, junk snacks, candy, SUGARS! I blew up in size over the years to a max weight of 339lbs. Worst part is I also was diagnosed with diabetes and sleep apnea - both due to my size and girth. At the height of my size, I could barely go up and down stairs without knee pain or getting tired. My weight kept me lazy and tired. I tried all the diets - Atkins, weight watchers, etc. I bounced up and down weight, losing a little, only to gain much more back. Nothing stuck with me and I ended up getting bigger and fatter.

Finally at 40 years old, I got sick and tired of being "sick and tired". I watched a movie called Forks Over Knives which is about the food industry and how food can heal and change your life when eating the right things. Through that I researched foods and nutrition and came across a few other fitness products and ideologies. At the same time I joined a gym and was working out, and looking to supplement my gym workout with home based workouts on off nights.

I went from 339lbs down to 325, then 315, 300, 295 WOW below 300 for the first time in over a decade! I’m now sitting at 289, off my diabetes medications, off my sleep apnea machine, and loving life, losing weight every day, and becoming more fit.

Getting fit is not a miracle path – it’s one of tough obstacles, hard work, and self-control.

Oh, and to wrap up, a bit about me outside my passion for fitness - as I mentioned, I am an IT Director by day... but on off hours (and between the workouts) I am also a magic and sideshow entertainer going by the alias Marc Mayhem. I provide entertainment for parties, fairs, festivals, and more. I also enjoy street performing - entertaining folks just wandering by on busy tourist areas. You can learn more about my entertainment at my website www.marcmayhem.com

hence my headline - See the STRANGEST and most ENTERTAINING things you will ever see! - thats me!

I love meeting new people - so please add me - lets become a chain of support and motivation!

Replies

  • aqm22
    aqm22 Posts: 153 Member
    Hi. I like your story. Kudos to you for the strength and will power to change your life and take control. Instead of the easy way out which is blaming everything else in your life and take the pity train. Very few people understand that it's the choices they make throughout their lives that took them to where they are today.

    Like me, over the past few years, I made a few decisions that wasn't too good for my health. Funny thing is that I blamed my health for my deteriorating health. But, now I'm tired of not being able to wear the clothes I want and always being the fat girl in the group. I'm taking the necessary steps to not be the fat girls.

    I might not need to lose as much weight as you, but we all have our battles to fight. I wish you luck. Let's support each other to get where we need to be.
  • NAcetoLang
    NAcetoLang Posts: 517 Member
    You had me wanting to friend you at "See the STRANGEST things you will ever see!". haha. Love the profile pic too but most importantly, good for you for educating yourself and looking to nutrition as an ally rather than the enemy! Feel free to add me if you like! Strange friends are usually the best kind ;)
  • txcaveman
    txcaveman Posts: 167 Member
    "Getting fit is not a miracle path – it’s one of tough obstacles, hard work, and self-control"

    - That is the TRUTH. I had steadily grown to 274 pounds and "got sick and tired of being sick and tried" I don't think the big guy I see in the mirror is really me. There is a healthy, energetic, CONFIDENT, stud in there just dying to get out.

    Friend request sent.
  • Dawnhasajeep
    Dawnhasajeep Posts: 180 Member
    Forks over knives saved my life. It’s not how much you eat it’s what you eat for me. I am eating fruit and veggies I would have never of eaten before my taste buds have really changed and I crave veggies I never would have eaten before.

    Congrats on your success and good luck on new adventures!
  • mmreed
    mmreed Posts: 436 Member
    yeah Forks over Knives is an amazing documentary

    IM not quite at 100% vegan whole foods yet... I still eat eggs (a lot) and some fish and occasional chicken.

    I have cut out most processed foods however. only real chemistry lab I eat anymore is my coffee with creamer.

    Ive cut out a huge chunk of sugars - that made a huge difference

    plus I started doing beachbody shakeology drinks for breakfast - those really keep me feeling good thru the morning and into afternoon. I noticed they also help with blood sugar stability.

    only area Im still struggling with is knee pain - after a long cardio walk on the treadmill, my knees ache... or if its leg day on the weights, sometimes they hurt when doing leg presses ect... stairs...
  • mmreed
    mmreed Posts: 436 Member
    thanks to those that replied so far - great meeting new people and adding friends!
  • mmreed
    mmreed Posts: 436 Member
    certainly there are more folks out there needing/wanting an odd strange wacky funny, and getting fit guy to help support and bounce ideas off of!

    let the floodgates open with friend requests!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories