Buzzing with Energy
Stunat101 lost 30 kg (66lbs) over the course of a year by overhauling his eating habits and adding exercise. He’s now an active, healthy, energetic man who loves to exercise. His story is an inspiration to all of us and demonstrates how dramatically we can all improve our health, fitness and enjoyment of life with the right approach and the right attitude.
He contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?
I was having a social with a few friends and one friend who was huge, 2m tall (6'6"), hands like gorillas and a large belly, stood on the scales and weighed in at 130 kg (286lbs), I, at 1.72m (5'6") stood on the scales and hit 120 kg (264 lbs)! It totally freaked me out that I was only 10 kg (22 lbs) less than this giant of a man.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I have never tried to diet before.
3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude? Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count? What was the most important change?
I cut out all the unnecessary stuff, snacks, junk food, butter, fat, cream etc. Started portion control, and took up tennis! But mainly pre-planned my eating strategy in advance.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
I found calorie count and after two weeks I saw results which just motivated me so much that I really needed to continue. What I loved about Calorie Count was that it did not tell me what to eat, just to be accountable for the calorie intake.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
By the grace of God I had no real difficulties, I was single minded. This comes from a guy that was a true "foodie". I would open my eyes in the morning thinking about what delights I would be making for lunch and supper!
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
Within 2 weeks, as soon as I saw the weight log graph drop down I never looked back!
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I monitor my weight daily and understand how my body processes the food I eat. Some days I seem to gain a kg (2.2lbs). But give it a day or two and it comes back to normal.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
Oh my...I stopped snoring, I had cracked heels, ingrown toe nails, high blood pressure, bad sleep pattern, no energy, low self esteem etc etc...I am now off blood pressure medication, my sex life is so much better, I am literally buzzing with energy, just looking for stuff to do!
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
4 months at the same weight
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Portion control; only cook enough food so there are no "leftovers".
- Drink lots of water.
- Don't eat if you are not hungry.
- Plan tomorrow's food in advance.
- Remove temptations!
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
Congratulations! That really is inspiring. I could never match that rate of weight loss (an average of 5.5 lbs per week by my calculation?) so a fantastic achievement in my book
I am very impressed! You look and now feel terrific, good for you! Keep up the good work and stay active!
that fantastic you look hot.i lost 35kg in about 6months. keept it off almost 2 years now. i dont keep any junk food of any kind in my house and dont eat any at all. i only eat salads with fat free turkey breasts grilled all fresh veggies no salt or dressings. i dont eat red meat or fish. only turkey or chicken breasts or home made spinach soya burgers.i dont eat pasta rice or potatos. cearal only branflakes with fresh fruit and soya yougert. bread only very dark non processed fresh no sugar. but only in a sandwitch but not very offten
you have done great. I need to do the same. you are right about watching the wieght graph drop. it is exciting. i lost track for quite a while and it went right back up. now is time to keep on it. exercise is my freind. love doing it. just gotta do portion control and on we go!
You really do look so much younger and happier. Great story and just what we all needed to hear.
You look great!^^ Congratulations and keep rocking!^^
Congratulations for your tenacity and caring enough about yourself to do something about it. Very inspiring.
PS - I just dumped my coffee because it had cream in it.
Starting today for NO EXTRAS for me. 
Awesome inspiration for me! I too never tried "dieting" or even watching what I ate. It can be done. 4.4 lbs total for me in the first two weeks and going strong! Hope to hit my goal of 175lbs by the same time next year and I am starting out at 230 lbs.
Congrats! As another person noticed, you look younger and I am sure you feel alot younger as well!
What an inspiration! Understanding how your body processes food? I can't figure this out for the life of me. Any tips? Congratulations ... I'm green with envy!
You look great! No wonder your sex life has improved . Congratulations on your hard-earned success!
For some unknown reason, I am not receiving these emails anymore and I missed this one! Wow, great great job! You look amazing and I bet you feel even more so! Congratulations on your success!
awesome, thanks for sharing your story, and the photos, great to see, you have treated you body with respect, and now you are enjoying the rewards! Praise God!
Great Article,
congratulations!
One can always transform self by strong determination and motivation... This case of Stunat is one of the very few strong individuals, who by their effort could do the impossible. hats off to them... but to continue with the same self, one has to follow a religious diet, and food habit, to have a perfect balance of carbs and protiens.. the site http://www.smallday.in/has a lot of healthy vegetarian and non-vegetarian food recipes that can help DIABETICS AND NORMAL PERSON lead a happy guilt-free life.
Thanks Shiela for the superb article!
Hi all,
Just want to say that I have just read all of your comments and what an awesome bunch of people you are! If your encouragement does not motivate a person then nothing will!
I am a Christian and this is the kind of encouragement we give and get in our church lives. Sooo nice to see it outside of the church aswell. I see some of you are believers and understand that there is grace at work here!
An update: I have maintained now for 6 months. I have had a lifestyle change when it comes to food...BUT...there is life after dieting. I don't eat excessively but I do enjoy "normal food" and I weigh in tuesday to friday. If I have have gained a little, then I diet for a few days. But I have found that the amount of food I take in is satisfying my needs and I maintain!
But thanks again and I encourage you all to keep at it, you can do it. Don't let set backs get you down....tomorrow is another day.
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congratulations :)