Name: Michael
Age: 47
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Collections Supervisor
Location: Dallas,Texas
Height: 6’0″
Waist: 32″
Starting Weight: 244 pounds
Current Weight: 192 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 52 pounds and 4 inches in 3 months!
Michael’s Weight Loss Story!
My name is Michael and I am a 47-year-old man from Dallas, Texas. As of January 29, 2012, I have lost 52 pounds in 3 months by changing my diet without diet pills nor did I start a specific diet. I decided to remove most sugar from my diet. I did this by refraining from eating cookies, cakes, pies, candy bars, etc. I do eat fruits on occasion. This started on October 25, 2011 when I weighed 244 pounds. Today, January 29, 2012, I weigh 192 pounds!
What prompted this change was because of some doctor visits in September and October of 2011. I had high blood pressure and was going in for a checkup. The nurse took my blood pressure, but as she was doing so, I saw on the lab screen in front of me in big bold red letters “PATIENT IS OBESE”. The nurse gave me the blood pressure reading and I told her (in a laughing way), “I thought it would be higher since I’m staring at a screen that says I’m obese”. Also, the results of the blood work showed that my blood sugar levels were slightly elevated with a slight increase in my risk for diabetes which sort of scared me. I guess this was the genesis of the journey I am on now, and hopefully for the rest of my life. I feel like I “bottomed out” as I did not like how tight my clothes were feeling or the way I looked and I would always avoid mirrors.
I have always worked out at the gym 5 to 6 days a week, but ate very badly with large portions, especially over the last 5 years. During the first week of this journey, I still ate bad but removed sweets from my diet. I noticed within 2-3 days a sharp increase in energy. So, the 2nd week and each subsequent week, I started eating healthier in all areas. For breakfast I am eating some of the diet breakfast meals at the grocery store, but only the ones that are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Also, for breakfast I am eating “Egg Beaters” and I prepare those with some onions and peppers.
For lunch (during the week), I am eating salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, etc. During the evening, I am eating some diet dinners (Lean Cuisine, etc) that are usually relatively low in carbohydrates, higher in protein and with a minimal amount of fat and sugar. But, I am also eating two large servings of vegetables with those dinners since they are so small. I make sure to eat lots of vegetables each and every night with dinner along with some meat for protein! For snacks, I am eating nuts, especially almonds. In the past, I would eat low-fat tortilla chips, but I would eat half the bag in one setting! I also ate way too much fast food in the past, with burgers being eaten 3 or 4 times a week with usually 2 burgers (sometimes 3) in each setting! I also ate lots of Mexican food.
The key for me is that I still cheat on breakfast and lunch on the weekends or if I am having dinner with friends. Even then, I eat one hamburger or one of almost everything as opposed to 2 or 3 that I ate in the past. By doing this, I do not feel deprived at all.
All these actions I have taken, especially with the removal of most sugar from my diet has resulted in amazing results. I have gone from 244 pounds to 192 pounds in just 3 months! My waist size has gone from a very tight 36″ to a comfortable 32″. The people in my office are constantly talking to me about how great I look and asking me how I did it. During Christmas 2011, I went home to Atlanta and my parents and sister along with a good friend were all very happy for me. My mom even tried cooking more healthy food at Christmas (except for a very nice smelling and nice looking pound cake that I did not touch!) as she and my dad also want to lose some weight. I keep putting on clothes that I have not worn in over 5, 6, or 7 years. It’s so fun!
On a personal note, this weight loss has totally changed my life. I smile much more often! Overall, I am much happier and every day is like a natural high for me! It is without a doubt the best I have felt in my entire life! And, remember that I did all this with absolutely no weight loss gimmicks, diet pills or weight loss programs. I just removed sugar from my diet. Before this started, there were some bad times. I use to complain a lot about aches and pains. I had a chronic cough that wouldn’t go away in addition to the high blood pressure. Many mornings (before the weight loss) I use to be nauseous and I attributed it to hay fever and/or allergies which I have but it turns out it was the excess sugar in my diet. Now, my stomach is perfect in the mornings!
The big bonus from the weight loss and the removal of sugar is I have been going to the gym more often and for longer workouts and my strength has increased! I’m a 47-year-old man, but I am lifting weight I have NEVER lifted in my entire life which is another great benefit. I feel like the “real me” is emerging from this journey and this journey will continue as I look at it as a “lifestyle change” not a diet per se. My goal is to lose a total of around 55 pounds to get closer to where the BMI index says I should be for my height. Plus, when I get to that weight, I will incorporate a cheat meal during the week (on Wednesdays), but still no sweets and only one serving when I cheat.
Since I’m 47, my long-term goal is to be “Fit and 50”. So, I just wanted to let everyone know that WEIGHT LOSS IS POSSIBLE if you give 100% in all areas. The awesome benefits definitely are much better than the short-term satisfaction of overeating. I want others to know that they do not have to spend lots of money to lose weight! Weight loss can be much simpler and much less expensive than most people think! For me, it was the removal of most sugar from my diet, and I feel like telling the world to help others who have struggled with weight loss.
Michael’s Weight Loss Interview!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
Over the last 5 years, especially the last two years as my blood pressure and sugar levels increased.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I went to the doctor and saw on the lab screen in BIG BOLD letters “PATIENT IS OBESE” and that woke me up!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Removing most sugar from my diet by not eating sugary desserts at night and just eating healthier overall by watching portion sizes.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Negative comments from others who didn’t think it was possible but I proved them wrong!
How long did it take you to start to see results?
Within 2-3 days I noticed an increase in energy after I removed the sugar from my diet. About 2 weeks later, I remember coming into work and telling a co-worker that my pants feel the best they have ever felt. They were still a 36 inch waist, but I didn’t feel like the buttons were going to bust off!
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
3 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’m currently at the initial stages of my maintenance phase.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I feel much more happier. I smile more. I laugh more. I talk to total strangers more. It’s given me more confidence in every area of my life!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com is a great fitness resource for myself and others. It’s just nice to know that ShapeFit is here to help others who are struggling with weight loss.
Michael’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Stop eating lots of sugar.
Weight loss tip #2:
Eat protein at breakfast.
Weight loss tip #3:
Eat salads and grilled chicken at lunch.
Weight loss tip #4:
Workout regularly or do some other physical activity.
Weight loss tip #5:
Don’t deprive yourself, make time to cheat a few times each week.
Michael’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Diet breakfast bowl that is low in carbs and high in protein and consists of egg whites mainly, and/or egg substitute. On occasion, I will have a protein shake.
Lunch:
Salads and grilled chicken salads.
Dinner:
Diet meal with two large servings of vegetables. I also eat vegetarian products for the meat portion as well.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Nuts, lots of nuts, especially almonds at night.
Michael’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
30 minutes each day and 1 hour on the weekend.
Cardiovascular:
1 hour each day of the week, and sometimes a little more on the weekend.
