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I just begun listening to the Podcasts and thought this would be a good place to describe where I have been and where I am going.
I am 37 years old and have been on a weight loss/exercise regiment for the past four months. I started my journey at a ridiculous weight of 275 pounds on my medium build 5’11” body!! (Aren’t there defensive lineman in the NFL that weigh less??) When I was married in 1996, I weighed about 195 pounds. A sedentary lifestyle, a lot of job stress, and a lot of beer and bad food resulted in my obscene weight gain!
It is four months later and I have lost 30 pounds and 6.5 percentage points of body fat. Although I still enjoy my beer and eating out on the weekend, I have been able to attain weight loss by going four workouts per week (combination of the elliptical machine and treadmill… netting about 700 calories burned in 45 minutes… and basketball once a week).
At 245 pounds, I have come a long way… but have a long way to go. However, I was really impressed with Scott’s statement that working out over time results in “compound interest”. I was able to lose 5 pounds in the month of December despite all of the holiday festivities and having nearly two weeks off of work. I feel that my metabolism is really kicking into high gear after several months of rigorous exercise!!
At any rate, I have been really impressed with the Podcast and am hoping that it will take me to the next step of eliminating the word “obese” from my vocabulary. I am also looking to break the cycle of “living for the moment” during the weekends. (Needless to say, it IS the weekend right now and I am feeling guilty after a big meal and a few “cocktails”. :( )
Like Scott says “it’s all how you want to feel” and make decisions on a day to day basis (weekend or not) based on that....
I used the term ‘living intentionally’......and that will incompass everything you do, whether weight loss, exercising, relationships, spiritually, vocationally etc.....
Congrats on the weight loss! And what’s the weight you have to hit to go from “obese” to “overweight”? I tell you, the day I stepped on the scale and was only “overweight” was amazing!
I’m glad to have you here! I also came the same way you did… part way through my weight-loss, and pretty motivated. I agree with what you said on the metabolism carrying you through Christmas!
Congrats on the weight loss! And what’s the weight you have to hit to go from “obese” to “overweight”?
Right now, I am at 34.0 BMI. I will go from “obese” to “overweight” once I hit about 215 pounds. Interesting that I am basically half way there after four months!! (As I said, I have come a long way but have a long way to go.)
At this point in time, I feel that my ultimate goal is to get to about 190 pounds.
Obviously, these are more long term goals… and goals more associated with the “bottom line” number. I also look forward to the more “incremental” goals (e.g., getting below 240, 230, etc., losing body fat) and more “qualitative” goals (e.g., more energy, less stress).
I probably should also mention that I want to look for a new job and feel that being at a more appropriate weight will improve my appearance, prevent potential employers as looking at me as a “health risk”, and improve my self-confidence.
Thanks for the kind words… this sounds like a positive and close knit online community!!
Sorry I haven’t been around the community making a contribution… I listen religiously to the podcast but am still waiting for that inspiration to actively participate in the forums. I am sure it will happen soon!
Quick update… I am now down a total of 35 pounds…
I am like a train… I keep chugging along slowly but will eventually reach my destination.
35 pounds lost in 20 weeks doesn’t sound like a lot… but here is proof that a little bit over a long period of time adds up to be a lot!!
I agree… slow and steady is also likely to mean that the improvements I have made will actually translate to a permanent lifestyle change!
I lost another 2 pounds last week (now also down 8.5 pp of body fat) and am now looking forward to officially not being “obese"… which is at about 215 pounds or so.
I actually felt “normal” last night. A guy was telling a story about watching a sporting event involving his favorite team and having someone much smaller than him lift him up after a celebratory hug. He looks fairly fit (a little gut on him) and is about my height and he said “that person lifted me up and I weigh like 220 pounds or so”. I am actually within 17 pounds of him and know that I should get to 220 within the next couple of months. I know 220 is far from the ideal weight for someone at my size with my build, but at least that, in Midwest terms, that I am approaching a relatively normal weight.
On another positive note, my doctor has complimented me on a very “normal” cholesterol panel… esp. a greatly reduced triglyceride level which was extremely high before I started my exercise and diet regiment. Also, my blood pressure is consistently normal now also (usually 110/70).
Your blessed with good genetics, as your doctor saw in your blood tests.....that’s good....... and it’s going to help you as you continue towards a more healthier weight. You don’t have to be an athelete, but the body does WANT to be fit, just listen to it (and it sounds like you are)....
Yup, I am still doing the Elliptical/Treadmill combo, Bree. I am only doing that three times a week now (for 45 minutes each) because I also now play basketball for two hours every Thursday night. (Of course, the basketball is putting strain on my shins… they have been a tad bit sore lately.) I have also incorporated some resistance training (esp seated dumbbell presses for my shoulders), stretching exercises to keep my legs and feet from hurting, and abdominal crunches. I am anxious for Spring to arrive so I can actually go outside to ride the bike, take walks, etc.
I had a bad weigh-in a couple of weeks ago after a night out and that infamous binging during the Super Bowl party. However, I still have managed to lose another couple of pounds over the past couple of weeks. Last weekend, we were traveling and likewise am not thrilled with how I ate. Weekends continue to be a struggle for me. :(
Good observation regarding my genetics… my mother, father, and two siblings are all thin and I am fortunate to not have a family history of heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other types of health issues. I think a lot of my weight problems stem from bad eating, drinking, and exercise habits developed over several years.
Nevertheless, I have been on this journey for almost six months (started Sept 4th) and am down approximately 40 pounds. I suppose my extended absences could be an indicator of someone who has fallen off the wagon… not so my friends!!
About 20 pounds away from shedding the “obese” tag…
Sounds like you’re really moving! I was just able to hit the 45 minute mark on the elliptical yesterday, so I’m impressed. Basketball sounds like fun, too. I hope your shins start behaving themselves.
Almost forgot, weekends are the hardest for me too. We’re conditioned for so long to let go on the weekends that it’s hard to reel that in. I try to only let myself be bad at one meal on one day, and a great dessert on the other. That way I don’t feel like total dog breath on Monday. Good luck.
Almost forgot, weekends are the hardest for me too. We’re conditioned for so long to let go on the weekends that it’s hard to reel that in. I try to only let myself be bad at one meal on one day, and a great dessert on the other. That way I don’t feel like total dog breath on Monday. Good luck.
Bree
What a great expression! I do still let things go on the weekends but I definitely have made improvements in my eating habits during the weekend so I don’t feel like “dog breath” on Monday!!
I am still going strong and steady… 46 pounds lost and I am now under 230 pounds for the first time in 8 years.
I also recently broke the 800 calorie mark on the Elliptical (in 45 minutes). I actually took a picture of it and put it as wallpaper on my cell phone just to keep me motivated and to remind me how far I’ve come.
As I mentioned before, I started listening to Scott in December and I really feel he has helped me continue to be focused on my weight loss goals. You guys also have been extremely supportive despite my sporadic presence on this forum. Thanks again for all your support!
Welcome back.
