Writing this piece is very difficult for me. Why? Because I have struggled and fought unsuccessfully with this aspect of my life for a very very long time. What is it that I am talking about? You guessed it....my weight. As many of you know, I recently started a new job and one of the perks of the job is getting free "Wellness checks." Basically, a bunch of nurses come in and run tests to see where you are health wise. I can't lie, I knew the news was going to be bad so I just didn't want to hear it (typical man vs health eh?) - but I was encouraged by my co-workers and was put under a bit of peer pressure when "everyone else was doing it" - Oh Boy!
So I'm in line looking around and seeing a bunch of "healthy looking" people smiling to go on the scale and talking about the last marathon or triathlon they participated in and what the next major event was on the schedule in their quest to become super heroes. Meanwhile, I am sweating bullets because I don't have any stories to share nor do I want to be the outcast with the unhealthy spotlight shining directly on me.....Anyway, now it's my turn - first I go on the scale, close my eyes, the guys says to me "thanks - we got it." Then they did a body mass index test, blood pressure test, some more tests in between and lastly a blood draw. It was hard to hide the fact that I was extremely uncomfortable and noticeably worried about the results.
Anyway, after all of that was done I had to go to the computer and create a profile for myself on a wellness website - which asked me questions like how often I worked out and if I smoke, drink etc. On completion of all of that my number is called to pick up my results. Now everybody I saw who got their results just smiled and went along on their merry way. My results were brought to me by two nurses who asked me to step into a private room. With results in hand and completion of my online wellness questionnaire these ladies politely told me what my health status was.
I don't need to give you all the details of the results after informing you that I weighed in at a whopping 322 lbs (the heaviest I have ever been in my life) and as a result of my weight all my "numbers" were astronomical. The nurses took me into a private room (which no one else was asked to go into) and I was told that if I continue at this rate I run an extremely high risk of suffering from: colon cancer, stroke, heart attack, diabetes and the list went on and on.......the good news (what could possibly be the good news right?) is that all of these potentially fatal ailments were 100% reversible with diet and exercise.
So after the initial shock of hearing all of that bad news that I knew was coming based on my sedentary lifestyle and my love affair with BBQ spare ribs, pork chops, quadruple layered beef burgers and the like I had a HUGE wake up call. I was literally "scared into transformation." I immediately took steps in the direction of living a healthier lifestyle. Currently I walk 1 mile every morning before work, Monday through Friday and on the weekend I either double up on the miles or play basketball or ride my bike. With respects to food - I eat smaller portions of food throughout the day, more fruits and vegetables along with white meat (chicken or fish). My goal this year is to run a few 5K's when the opportunity arises....
All of that being said - after a few weeks my body has already responded positively to the changes and my hope is that before long I will be able to report to you that I have reached my goal weight. I am not running a sprint to get to my goal, it's more like a slow and steady pace marathon. I have lost weight so many times through crash programs and then gained it back plus interest just based on the fact that the programs were just a short term fix for a long term problem that can only be solved through commitment and dedication to what needs to be a lifestyle change.....
So this is what I'm going to do....every time I post a blog I will have a number posted at the very bottom left corner of the post which symbolizes where I am in the fight against belly bulge - I will start today - I am looking forward to giving you good news in a reduced number every week, even if it's half a pound - just know that I have made up my mind that this is what I want and I'm going for it.....See you on the other side of wellness, soon.
.....And for those of you who struggle the way I do because you LOVE food and LOVE eating - join me in the epic battle against the bulge - together we can burn calories and drop the pounds then lament over a drink (non alcoholic for me) on how we slayed our food dragons. Until next time - take care my friends.
322
Ill just say it works if you work it. And you and those who really love you and others who don't but through share circumstances have to share space with you will be the better for it.
ReplyDeleteDo something self less today - Loose weight now - every day do something that propels you in the right direction and / or away from the wrong direction.
Eating yourself to sickness is a selfish exercise.
Every time you are tempted to eat wrong say out loud I will not be selfish today I am on a journey to be selfless.
Learn to love and Eat vegetable instead
Park your car the furthest point possible in that parking lot so you give yourself an opportunity to walk. If it is not illegal walk up the stairs sometimes instead of taking the elevators.
Whatever you serve yourself on that "smaller plate" Try and leave back even some of what is there that you consider the least nutritious.
And most importantly educate yourself daily on wellness lifestyle.
Think - say - act yourself to optimum health - good things await you on the road to self mastery.
I am watching your weekly numbers over the months and years ahead. Start a health numbers club community! After all isn't wellness about getting those numbers going in the right direction - all at the same time?
Strength Protection and Guidance. May your openness and frankness example be an encouragement to others in this seeming unending struggle.
"Kung Fu Panda" you make Mama Proud.......
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with "the love of food", I too love food and thank God everyday for having it, BUT be portion smart and keep up the walks.
Miss you :)
It takes guts to put yourself out there as you have again. Many of us would never talk about our shortcomings in public on online for the whole world to see nonetheless. I think this will be a great motivator, It takes a village to raise a child it take a community to sustain a man. By you updating your followers on a weekly basis about your weight lose you are making a commitment to yourself and all of us who want to see you around for many more years to come. It will not be a easy road, it is a commitment and a day to day struggle like the rest of life. I know that you have it in you. Think of it as you day to day hustle that you have been doing the past three years. You had to fight to get to where your are right now, continue that fight for you health. I think Your dad said it best, "Strength Protection and Guidance. May your openness and frankness example be an encouragement to others in this seeming unending struggle". Good luck, you know I'm always on your side and pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteBrave and Bold steps bro. I am there with you. I myself being in an industry where BF is not Best Friend but Body Fat should know better, but the truth is I want get as far away from evrything GYM as possible. So as Uncle Basil says eat less, leave some in the plate "for my homies",... park far fi real (doing that as of tomorrow)...go outdoors and do fun things that make me sweat; as unusual as it may be.
ReplyDeleteDust off that bike my brother, here we go April 1st we have a date.
Hey, you know I am there with you, we both been here for a long time. Loosing weight is easier said than done, but this is our year to get down and stay down. Diet and exercise is the key and I love that you are doing a mile a day. Keep it up. As of today I am back to wedding weight, still got about 95lbs to get to goal weight so we can keep tabs if you like. Great job, keep it up
ReplyDeleteJp