My Weight Loss Journey

I began my weight loss journey back in December of 2011. I was extremely obese at 345 pounds and knew I had to do something. I did not want to develop diabetes and other obesity related illnesses that ran in my family.

I had my first doctor appt. in many years at the end of January 2012. I work for the state and the new union rules stated that I need a regular physical or face a higher premium. During the appointment, I learned that I had pre-hypertension. The doctor wanted to put me on medication, as I was 312 pounds during the office visit.

I did not want to go on medication, at least not yet. I wanted to see if losing the weight would return my blood pressure to normal. The doctor agreed to hold off on the medication and let me try to lose the weight.

During the past year, I joined two wellness challenges at the local YMCA. The challenge involved teams of four people competing to lose weight and they encouraged healthier living. I learned about keeping an online food journal and using a pedometer. I still to this day walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, which is recommended by the AHA. I also do the treadmill 4-5 days a week and strength training 3 days a week.

The many diet influences that I incorporated into my lifestyle were the DASH diet, advice from Dr. Fuhrman's books and different advice I would hear on the Dr. Oz show. I plan to write more about my diet in the posts to follow, but I wanted to give a brief introduction. I would like to help other people in Connecticut with their weight loss goals... if I can do it, anyone can!

Presently, I am at a healthy weight of 212 pounds for my height of 6'4" tall. I am maintaining by eating healthy, continuing to use the food journal and walking every day.