Name: Mike
Age: 55
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Unemployed
Hometown: Largo, Florida
Height: 6’0″
Waist: 42″
Starting Weight: 320 pounds
Current Weight: 240 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 80 pounds! I went from 320 pounds at the end of August, 2011 down to 240 pounds on November 5, 2011!
Mike’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have always been unhappy with my weight. I just did not do anything about it!
What made you decide to lose weight?
At the end of August, I was rushed to the hospital because I told my sister I had arm pain. I thought it was the beginning of a heart attack. The doctors said I have type 2 diabetes and they told me that I had to make some changes in my life. This time I really listened and ended up losing about 80 pounds in just over 2 months!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Diet and exercise! There are just too many tasty and healthy foods out there. I spent a lot of time looking at the calorie content of food items at the store and now my diet consists of “good for you” foods. I walk almost everywhere and average about 3 to 4 miles a day! On Thanksgiving, while the rest of the family was resting from all the food they ate, I had a little bit more food than I usually eat but then I walked 4 miles home! The change in my diet and exercise habits have been easy for me.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Diet and exercise were difficult for the first couple of weeks but then I got into a routine and it has been clear sailing since!
How long did it take you to start to see results?
Within the first couple of weeks!
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
I have lost 80 pounds from the end of August, 2011 to November 5, 2011! I’m more proud of the fact that as of right now (January 1, 2012) it is still a total of 80 pounds. When I lost 80 pounds in just over 2 months, I did not believe in God, but then God came into my life. I do not know anyone that has lost the amount of weight that I have lost in such a short period of time but I actually did it, so there has to be a God!
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have maintained my weight loss since November 5th, 2011 so its been a few months now. I do it by following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
Diet and exercise and my belief now in God has changed my attitude and literally changed my life!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss success stories are very inspirational.
Mike’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Belief in God 100%!
Weight loss tip #2:
A healthy diet.
Weight loss tip #3:
Exercise! I’m walking now and I will be going to a health club also to workout the rest of me.
Weight loss tip #4:
There are so many healthy foods out there that are also tasty! Just decide if you REALLY need that doughnut or chocolate bar. I have a great tasting salad or vegetables (the Green Giant and Birds Eye frozen brands are great tasting). Also, substitute bad foods for good, healthy foods.
Weight loss tip #5:
We all walk at one time or another. Now, I walk an average of 3 miles a day. I have lost all of the weight by walking. I actually went to a fitness club and told the workers there that I want to work on my stomach that is still holding some fat and also work on my chest. I worked out for about 2 hours and came home with a nice muscle soreness in my arms and body.
Mike’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
For the last 4 months, I have eaten Quaker sugar-free oatmeal with either some yogurt or fruit and some kind of juice.
Lunch:
A breakfast bar or something else or I just skip lunch since lunch is my least important meal of the day.
Dinner:
My most important meal of the day is dinner. I have skinless chicken, white meat turkey, albacore tuna or a variety of healthy, good tasting meats. I also have avocados since I love them and basically eat them raw with a touch of salt. I now substitute a lot of pepper for what used to be a lot of salt. It puts a nice flavor on my food and I know its healthier than a lot of salt.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Fruit and veggies.
Mike’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I’m just starting to incorporate weight training into my fitness routine.
Cardiovascular:
I walk an average of 3 miles a day! This is the main exercise I used to lose 80 pounds in just a few months.
4 Comments
It looks like this man is eating under 1,000 calories a day with his meal plan. That seems way too low!
Hi Rhia – Mike did not post the specific quantities for the foods he is eating but we believe he is well above 1,000 calories per day since he is eating a fair amount of protein along with including healthy fats like avocados which pack a calorie punch (9 calories per gram) and can have as many as 400 calories in a large avocado alone.
Same here, I lost 82 pounds (269 pounds down to 187 pounds). I feel a lot better now and it took me 4 months to do it. I eat a big breakfast, medium dinner and a very light supper. Every 2 weeks, I also take a laxative to flush out my bowels.
Thanks for the inspiration! My weight loss goal is 80 pounds 🙂