Year Two, Day One: I'm Not Done Yet!

Today is my 366th day of consecutively logging in to MFP, or, as I like to think of it, Year Two, Day One. When I started this process last July, I knew it would take time, but I thought I would lose all of my excess 125 pounds within the year. Instead, I only got half way, but I'm NOT discouraged. In fact, far from it, I'm more motivated than ever. Why?

In the beginning, I lost a lot of weight fast-- nearly 50-60 pounds in the first 4-6 months. When the holidays came, I "took a break" that turned into a two month backslide. Since then, I've restarted and stalled several times, but finally found my stride again in the last few weeks when I accepted that time is irrelevant, I will get their when I get there. I've been focusing so much on the outer transformation that I've neglected the inner transformation. I've been overweight nearly my whole life, and for better or worse, it's shaped who I AM. Now it's time to be who I am MEANT TO BE, inside and out. It's time to let go of the insecurity, the "inner fat kid." It's time to be ME, the REAL me, not the me that has been imprisoned by an unhealthy body and self-doubt. I will not be shackled by the expectations of others or my own negative self-judgment.

With that said, I am very proud of my achievement this year. I've never stuck with any weight loss/fitness attempt this long, and the fact that while I've had periods of stagnation I've never stopped logging in and have always come back is my own affirmation that I'm making this a true lifestyle change. With that lifestyle change have come some the following benefits:

HEIGHT: 6' (Male)
HIGHEST WEIGHT/STARTING WEIGHT: 290.0 lbs
CURRENT WEIGHT: 226.2 lbs
GOAL WEIGHT: 165 lbs

POUNDS LOSS: 63.8 lbs
BMI LOSS: 8.7 points
BODYFAT LOSS: 7% (approximate, based on US Navy formula)
NECK LOSS: 3"
CHEST LOSS: 6.5"
WAIST LOSS: 9"
HIPS LOSS: 6"

Other achievements include losing four-five pants sizes, getting off my CPAP machine for sleep apnea, and completing the C25K program. My method, based on doctor's guidance, has been simple: eat less, move more. My daily calorie goal intake is 1400 and I try to exercise five days a week (C25K on three days, stretching/breathing/yoga on two days). More importantly, my attitude and outlook have changed: I am in control. I can make my body what it is meant to be, what I want it to be, and I will grow along the way.

I am committed to this journey for life. If you would like to join me along the way, please send me a friend request and let me know you're ready to be the person you are meant to be-- I will do everything I can to help you achieve, but the choice is up to you. I wish you well.

Good journeys.