Weight Loss Stories – Joshua Powell Lost 210 Pounds

Name: Joshua
Age: 21
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Office Administrator
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Height: 6’1″
Waist: 36″
Starting Weight: 435 pounds
Current Weight: 225 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 210 pounds and went from wearing a 6X T-shirt to a large!

Joshua’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve been overweight pretty much all my life, but I became unhappy when I got diabetes at the age of 17.

What made you decide to lose weight?
The thing that made me lose weight was the complications I had while being a diabetic. When I first heard the news I still didn’t take losing weight seriously, but not too long into me finding out I started having major pains in my hands and feet.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Some important changes I made were cutting out fast food, drinking more water, and really working out.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging thing I had to deal with during this journey was my diabetes. At the age of 18 I had cataracts, neuropathy and my blood sugar levels were running 300-400 mg/dL a day. I went through things with diabetes that people who have had it for 10 years never went through.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took me about a year and a half to start seeing results.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
Well, it took 4 years to get where I’m at now. I am glad to say I am diabetes free and had cataracts surgery so I’m able to see clearly now. My neuropathy problems have diminished and should completely go away soon. It didn’t come overnight, so it won’t go away overnight.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’ve kept it off for about 3 months now. The most important factor was changing my diet. Fried food, fast food, and sodas are a few key things to stay away from.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My motivation is the pain I went through when I had diabetes and was huge. Having to use insulin needles, take all kinds of medicine, not being able to walk or close my hands all the way are a few things that keep me motivated. I feel great at the place I’m at now. I believe it was Michael Jordan who said, “My pain was my motivation”.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
My life has changed tremendously. I can’t go a day without working out. I don’t even have a craving for those nasty unhealthy foods I used to eat. I’m now able to dress how I want and shop in regular stores.

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
My advice is to keep God first, then think about how great it will feel to not only lose weight, but be healthy. I used to be the person who would say things like, “I may be big but I’m healthy”, when actually that wasn’t true. I was literally killing myself. You have to want to do it! Nobody can make you do it if you don’t want to. Change today and don’t wait until next week. Stay consistent and stay motivated.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com has a lot of great information on dieting and workout plans which helped me a lot.

Joshua’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Change your eating habits.

Weight loss tip #2:
Get a strict workout plan.

Weight loss tip #3:
Surround yourself with people who will keep you motivated.

Weight loss tip #4:
Be patient and trust your journey.

Weight loss tip #5:
Do lots of cardio.

Joshua’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
Cottage cheese with pineapple and a protein shake.

Lunch:
Tuna (out of the can), with some fruit and almonds (no salt). Water to drink.

Dinner:
Mixed green salad with two boiled eggs, fruit, and a protein shake.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shake, almonds (no salt).

Nutritional Supplements:
Fish oil and B12 vitamins.

Joshua’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
Exercises with 15 pound weights for 3 sets of 30 repetitions. 500 sit-ups, 10 push-ups, 100 squats.

Cardiovascular:
40 minutes on the bike, 30-60 minutes on the treadmill, 3 sets of 100 reps of jump rope.