Three years ago I developed very strong motivation that
helped me implement drastic changes in my eating habits.
In May 2010 my weight was 261 pounds. During annual physical, the doctor told me that the test showed something
in my heart. He told me that obesity was one of my risk factors and referred me
to see cardiologist. The cardiologist recommended heart “procedure”.
The idea of surgery frightened me. I was determined to do
anything humanly possible to lose weight. I gave up practically everything I
liked. I adopted a diet that consisted only of fresh non-starchy vegetables,
fresh low-sugar fruits, lean protein and a slice of whole grain bread. I took
Omega 3 (healthy fats) and multivitamin supplement daily. I drank unsweetened
hot tea three times a day and tried to drink a lot of water.
Changing my eating habits was not super easy and initially I
experienced some level of stress after I gave up all of the foods I liked. The
first few days were most challenging. I felt weak and had no energy, but I
didn’t feel hungry. Since my new way of eating provided rapid weight loss at
the start, I had the additional incentive to keep going. When I saw the numbers
on the scale going down every single day, I got excited and wanted to stick
with my method. Soon cravings for junk food disappeared and I honestly could
say that I liked and enjoyed healthy foods I eat.
During my weight loss process I tried to learn as much as
possible about losing weight, different diets, and challenges faced while
attempting to lose weight. I read more than many books, hundreds of articles
and reports, and extensively researched the weight loss related issues on
Internet. I learned a lot about physiology, nutrition, health and exercise
science, and perhaps I know more about losing weight than an average person. I
know what my body needs for successful weight loss and good health, and I use
this knowledge to continue to be successful.
I found out that by eating the new, healthy way I didn’t have
to endure hunger to lose weight. I believe that feeling full and satisfied
while eating nutritious foods was a critical part of my eating plan. The food
choices I made helped me feel full with fewer calories and assured that I didn’t
feel hungry.
Also learned that weight loss can be achieved without
exercise. Shortly after I started losing weight I injured my knee and had
surgery. Exercise was out of question, but I continued with eating habits
changes that I implemented. The scale continued to show lower numbers at the
unchanged rate. I could not exercise for 12 months, but kept losing weight.
I researched this issue and found out that what was
happening to me was nothing unusual. Being active and exercise is great for our
health but in terms of pounds, exercise contributes a little towards weight loss.
Food is the component that largely determines whether we are gaining or losing
weight, and the key to losing weight is focusing on eating of the foods that
promote weight loss.
After I lost 91 pounds I determined to make this a lifestyle
and not to return to my old ways. Since a healthy lifestyle is a
process, I knew that to keep the weight off my new behaviors
needed to continue.
Once I reached my
goal weight, I was determined to make this a lifestyle and not to return to my
old ways. I knew that to keep the weight off my new behaviors needed to
continue. I have my weak moments, too. I allow
myself to eat differently during joyful situations like holidays, birthdays and
other celebrations - beautiful moments themselves, but at the same time, create
opportunities to deviate from my healthy behaviors and eating habits. These are
choice based behaviors and I believe I could have made different choices had I
wanted to. Unfortunately I also have
moments when I am unable to control my choices. I sometimes experience binge
eating. I still frequently forget about
drinking enough water.
Today I am no longer overweight and I maintain the weight of
170lb. I’m so positive about almost all aspects of my life and I became an
advocate for idea that it is possible to lose weight, no matter what your life,
your current situation looks like. If you can change what you eat and how you
eat it, you will be able to lose weight.
I am someone just like you. I am no different than you when
it comes to losing weight. I don’t have more willpower than you do. I don’t
lose weight more easily than you do. Since I lost a significant amount of
weight and kept it off, I believe I am in the position to be able to offer hope
to others.
No single approach, formula, or plan for weight loss can
work perfectly for every person. Losing weight is about finding what
works for you and choices that make you feel good both physically and
emotionally that you can stick with. When you know what works,
then it is just a matter of commitment on following through each week on your
best actions, adopting it to your unique circumstances and lifestyle until they
become second nature.
To set yourself up for success you need to decide what is
more important to you. When you are convinced that losing weight is more
important than what you are giving up, then you are ready for action and you
will likely succeed.
If you want to learn what worked for me please visit: ilostweightyoucantoo.com
