Recently, I had the priviledge of appearing on a local news program for an interview about my weight loss experience.  It was a brief interview, but I received a lot of positive feedback about it.  The growth continued when the story was replayed online, via the station’s website.

Several viewers reached out to me, and asked me a few questions about my progress, and also asked for advice.  Therefore, I decided to post one of my responses here, in hopes that it will help those who are on the fitness and weight loss journey.

Let me mention though, that because of the path that I chose, it’s taken me some time.  Almost 3-4 years.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be that long for anyone else.  There are certain steps that I took, while discussing this with my doctor, about what would be best for me since he’s been my doctor my entire life and he knew my family’s history.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.  For instance, my mother passed away from congestive heart failure; my father passed away from cancer.  Plus, BOTH of my parents were diabetics.  Therefore, he watches my blood sugar and my blood pressure, and make sure there is a sustainable diet that can help me avoid these health issues.  He was worried about me a few years ago; now, he couldn’t be happier with me.

DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL THE MOST COMFORTABLE.  I tried many weight loss programs (i.e. Weight Watchers), but there were always some elements that didn’t fit well with me, or something that I didn’t enjoy.  Weight Watchers was OK for me at first, but the point system annoyed me.  I wasn’t too keen on the group meetings, either.  If you try to fit yourself into a box or premade program, you’re more apt to quit and gain back all the weight you lost.  The more you enjoy your program, the more fun you will have, and the more likely you are to see results.  That will motivate you to continue.

Luckily, I’ve been fortunate enough to never have any kind of major illnesses, surgeries or diseases myself, so that was clearly at my advantage.  Here’s a list of the steps that I took to get my weight on track:

1. WATER, WATER, WATER.  I can’t emphasize enough.  You will go to the bathroom more, but that’s the whole purpose.  It flushes the toxins out of your system and relieves your bloating.  I drink about a gallon of water a day.  DRINK LOTS OF WATER.
2. MOVE MORE.  I joined a gym and enlisted the help of Assassins (personal trainers).  That accelerated the fat burning process and my weight started to really drop.  I find great joy in working out; I go to the gym at least four times a week (and meet with the trainer once a week).  But you don’t have to join a gym.  You can take a yoga class; go out walking or jogging; bike riding.  Take the stairs instead of an elevator, whenever it’s feasible.  The point is, you have to get the sweat going and get the fat cells burning with an increased metabolism.  You have to move.
3. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT.  This is a no-brainer, but it’s true. There will be a lot of trial and error here, but that’s why all diets should be individualized.  Try out certain foods to see the affect it has on your body/weight gain.  For myself:  I gave up soda (I don’t even drink diet soda) and all carbonated drinks.  I gave up fried foods.  I limit my red meat.  I don’t eat pork.  No junk food.  No processed foods (i.e. frozen dinners).  I eat my produce as fresh and raw as possible.  I eat lots of chicken and fish.  Also, it helps if you plan your meals.
4. SEEK OUT ENCOURAGEMENT.  This is a major change in your life, and you can’t do this alone.  I turn to my family, friends, social media and those at the gym/personal trainer, who give me encouragement.  You may be shy about your plans, but the more people who know, the more chances of accountability and motivation.

These are just the basics.  If you’d like some more info, just let me know.  I also included a link to my live television interview.  Hope this helps, and good luck!

KETV.COM – Weightloss Inspiration