What I've Learned About Losing Weight and Getting In Shape

In the picture on the right I probably weigh about 240 lbs I got up to 250 lbs at one point.  On the left I weigh about 175 lbs.  As of this moment I am 173 lbs.  I have learned a lot in going from 250 lbs to 173 lbs.  One blog post won't cover it all, but here are a few of the important things.

First, for me working out wasn't enough.  I have worked out and even done a lot of cardio supplemented by a little weight lifting in the past.  I gained muscle working out that way, but I also maintained or even gained weight.  Perhaps when a person is younger (depending on their metabolism) they might be able to just add some cardio and be good.  For me, as I got older my metabolism didn't cooperate and it didn't work.  My body reacted to lifting by adding muscle pretty fast but I also added a lot of weight that wasn't muscle.  

Second, I had to be passionate about my workouts.  For me that meant MMA.  I love doing Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai and I have become an instructor, as well as a student.  Both offer a great work out along with challenging the mind by learning a variety of techniques that take a lot of work to master.

Third, the closer I got to my goal weight the more diet mattered.  The first 50 lbs came off with a lot of working out and small diet changes.  The last 27 lbs have required a more significant change in diet.  I met with a nutritionist to help me figure mine out.  Furthermore, when I say diet, I don't mean a short term diet, I mean a change in lifestyle when it comes to the food I eat.  I eat a lot of food, but it is combined with significant workouts.  

Fourth, it took me 2 1/2 years to lose all the weight with a variety of plateaus and a lot of learning along the way.  I'm still learning and my diet will change a little bit in the near future to reflect a maintenance diet, but it will remain a very clean diet for the rest of my life.  Losing weight is not a short term project if you want to keep it off, it is a lifetime commitment.  

Fifth, I experienced physical injuries, soreness, and a lot of days where I didn't want to do the work, but did anyway.  I had time off because of injuries and I will probably have some more of that in the future, but I will stay the course.  

Last, it was all worth it.  I am healthier, I have endurance, I mentally healthier, my stress level is more manageable, I am experiencing less pain in my joints, I am doing 14ers again without knee pain, I am running 2-3 miles a few times a week.  Today I ran two miles went to a kickboxing class with my daughter, and then did an hour and 45 minutes of competition team.  I was tired, but I was able to manage it and still feel good. I look better and feel better.  If you have been struggling with weight, do what is necessary to deal with it.  We ought not worship our physical body, but it taking care of it holds value; our spiritual life is of more value (1 Tim. 4:8).