Article

How I Did It - An Average Person's Account of Weight Loss

Written by Jon T. Stevens

Topic: HappinessPublished February 8, 2005
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For most of my life, or at least as long as I can remember, I have been overweight. No let me rephrase. I have been fat. Yes, fat. Not just a little overweight, not big boned, not plus sized or comfortably large. Not weight challenged or in need of loosing a few pounds. I was fat. Fat, fat, fat. Fat to the point of being teased and of having problems finding cloths that fit. Fat to the point of just being miserable. It was amazing how one aspect of my life could so completely take control of my life. One day, while on vacation, I noticed a couple on the beach obviously enjoying each other and life in general. Yes, they were fit and trim just like the perfect picture we all know about. I don’t know for sure what it was about them that hit me the way it did. After all, it wasn’t like I had never seen happy, fit people before. Maybe it was the fact that being alone the way I was, I often found myself in a state of introspection especially when on a vacation. But that scene, of those two people, changed my life forever. Right then and there, I decided I was going to loose weight and keep it off, no matter what it took. I decided that I was strong enough to do this and I was going to prove it to the world – at least my world. I was going to be trim, fit and happy with the girl of my dreams. Although still looking for the girl of my dreams, I am happy to report that I have lost the weight (47 pounds) that I intended to loose. I feel great, look great and have more energy then I ever have. I am indeed happy with an active social life and a very positive outlook in general. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. This is how I did itnnHow did I do it? I did everything. I exercised, I changed my diet, I took diet pills and I completely changed the way I lived my life. I set goals, both short, intermediate as well as long term. Goals that were easily obtainable at first, then a little harder. I told everyone I knew what I was going to do so that there was no turning back. And it worked, I lost the weight. I started out slowly at first with my first goal of doing 25 sit-ups 4 days a week for the first week. Notice I didn’t say every day or 50 sit-ups. I wanted a goal I could easily obtain. I also set a goal of eating two salads in that first week. And that was it. On my second week, I bumped up the sit-ups to 50 per day but, again, only for 4 days. I continued to eat 2 salads though I added a serving of fresh fruit. I also added two 20-minute walks for that second week. Not setting any world records, but again easily obtainable and with little suffering. By the end of my second week, I had not faltered from any one of my goals and had actually exceeded one of them by going for a third walk as I actually enjoyed it. I decided to set some more goals. I decided to start going to the gym. Not right way mind you, but in two more weeks. Yes, this was a big one so I decided that I needed to work up to it. In the mean time, I did more sit-ups, now up to 5 days per week and 4 walks per week, although some days I actually went for two walks and by the third week I went for eight 30-minute walks in all. The whole time now working myself up to and picturing myself going to the gym - in two weeks. I knew going to the gym would be hard as I was out of shape, unlike all the people that go to the gym. Also, I just knew it would be a big step. But, I also knew I needed to do it and that I was strong enough to “just do it.” The end of week three came. One more week till I started to the gym. Again, I had not faltered on any of my goals and again had actually exceeded several of them. I had also decided to start talking health supplements as well as diet pills and that was to start this week. I had a friend that suggested an internet web site,

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About the Author

Jonathan T. Stevens is a regular contributor to editorial sections of local newspapers as well as Internet magazines. A 32 year old mathematician and substitute schoolteacher, he enjoys writing and is currently working on his first travel guide for boaters.

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