So many people have been curious about my weight loss journey and what I’ve been doing to make a change. I wanted to open up and share my story, along with the reasons behind my actions. As of today, July 11th, 2023, I’m incredibly proud to say that I’ve managed to shed a significant amount of weight. Starting from around 360lbs, I’ve now reached 262lbs. To monitor my progress, I make it a habit to weigh myself daily using my personal scale. Additionally, I utilize various Garmin smart electronics, which provide valuable data such as blood pressure readings, all seamlessly integrated into my Garmin app. This technological support has been immensely inspiring and motivational as I observe the positive trends and improvements in my overall health.
It’s through this journey that I’ve come to realize how much assistance I needed to get started in the first place. My weight loss plan didn’t initially begin this way. Around October and November of last year, I found myself grappling with stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. Unhealthy habits like excessive drinking had taken a toll on me, and I reached a point where I wasn’t happy and my quality of life was deteriorating. Looking at my two beautiful kids, who were both under three years old, my amazing wife, and the community that relied on and enjoyed our business, I knew I had to make a change.
My journey began with a commitment to reducing stress levels and improving sleep, cultivating mindfulness in the process. I dove into reading extensively, focusing on topics like brain health and stress management. This newfound enthusiasm for knowledge led me to devour podcasts and set the goal of reading a book every week, all while working on enhancing my cognitive capabilities. However, the more I learned, the more I realized the importance of physical activity and exercise in supporting brain function and managing stress.
At that time, I wasn’t leading an active lifestyle, and I had let my weight climb to nearly 360lbs, the heaviest I had ever been. Towards the end of 2022, I was referred to a cardiologist due to consistently high blood pressure readings during doctor visits. The cardiologist prescribed blood pressure medication but was candid about its necessity being a result of my poor health and excessive weight. This revelation served as a significant motivation alongside my efforts to improve stress, sleep, and overall outlook on life.
As December 2022 approached, I reflected on where I was and where I wanted to be. It became evident that I needed to break certain habits. I decided to throw away my vape pen and completely abstain from alcohol. I also made the commitment to start exercising. I pushed myself through initial challenges, knowing that establishing new habits and breaking old ones would pave the way for significant breakthroughs in stress reduction, sleep improvement, and overall health.
Through sheer determination and hard work, I can confidently say that I have experienced exponential improvements in every aspect of my life. Now, I feel apprehensive about stopping my efforts because of the incredible sense of well-being I’ve achieved. Not only have I significantly lowered my stress levels, but I’ve also witnessed enhancements in my endurance, strength, and mental health. Gone are the days of forgetting why I entered a room or struggling to remember simple things. It’s truly astonishing how much we can transform our lives through dedication and perseverance, and I’m here to testify that it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Here are some of the important choices I’ve made to support my journey:
- I ride the Peloton bike for 30 minutes, six days a week, bright and early at 4:30 am.
- I’ve eliminated alcohol and tobacco from my life completely.
- I strive to achieve 10,000 or more steps per day, equivalent to walking 6-7 miles or more.
- Four times a week, I incorporate 45-minute walks wearing a 40lb vest.
- Three times a week, I engage in a 30-minute weight training AMRAP session.
- I practice 16/8 intermittent fasting.
- I aim to consume at least one gallon of water daily.
- Journaling has become a daily ritual, where I express gratitude, set goals, and envision my future.
- I read a minimum of 10 pages each day, allowing me to finish one book per week.
- I have eliminated sugar and gluten from my diet.
- I prioritize high protein and healthy fats in my meals.
- I limit my carbohydrate intake.
- I moderate my fruit consumption.
- I make sure to incorporate plenty of green leafy vegetables into my diet.
- I wake up every day at 4 am.
To ensure sufficient rest, I follow a sleep routine starting at 9 pm, aiming to be asleep by 10 pm or even earlier if possible.
I hope sharing my personal journey and the choices I’ve made along the way inspires and motivates others to embark on their own transformative paths. Remember, the effort you put in is truly worth it when it comes to improving your life and well-being.
