Changing One's Lifestyle
For Freakybunny, losing weight is more than just dieting. He made a commitment to change his lifestyle to include healthier eating habits, exercise, and the right mindset, which helped him lose 94 pounds. He contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
I have two children ages 6 and 4. I was afraid they would be ashamed of me, follow my example, and be deprived of their dad due to my lack of energy, activity, and physical participation in their lives. My wife began to hold me accountable for this, and on December 15, 2008 I started to not only lose weight, but to think of myself in recovery from obsessive overeating. It's like a switch went off and I just did it.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I have lost significant amounts of weight four times before. Each time I gained it back with change. The last time I lost a lot was in 2002 before my first son was born. I did it by eating 1000 calories a day, doing up to an hour a day on my elliptical cross trainer, and walking two miles with my dogs. It was simply not sustainable, not to mention unhealthy! When my son was born I just reverted back to my old habits and eventually gained 80 pounds.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I just ate less. I ate the same things, more or less, but I controlled my portions and my menu to achieve an average intake of 1800 calories a day. I started using my elliptical again, but I didn't go as crazy with it as I did before. I wanted my new program to stick, so I didn't make it as extreme as my previous weight loss endeavours. The most important thing I did was I saved my favourite meal of the day for 10 PM, after my workout. This was so key in my weight loss, because it allowed me to avoid binging. I always binged at night. Having a nice bowl of pasta, or a few chips, or popcorn, or whatever during prime binge time saved my bacon, so to speak. I also went for an average caloric intake rather than attempt to reach 1800 each day. This allowed me to eat, say, 1400 one day, and 2200 the next. Following this "zig zag" method permitted me to eat out, and enjoy the occasional high calorie meal or snack while staying within my average of 1800 calories. CC totally helped me keep track of that!
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
It helped in so many ways! First, it gave me a community. I never felt alone, and in fact, I've met tons of great friends here. CC also tracked my calories and helped me shape my workout schedule. I am kind of an obsessive person, and CC's tools helped me keep close tabs on what I ate, what I burned, and my progress. I love the weight log, and the analysis tool.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
Honestly, it wasn't that hard. Sure, I sweated a lot, and yes, there were times I didn't want to workout. But after six months I can say that it was fun. I love using CC several times a day, and I didn't feel very deprived. CC's philosophy just makes sense: eat enough, don't eat too much, eat good things, and you'll lose weight and feel better. Like others, I did find it hard to refuse larger portions and even desserts. Eating is a very social thing. I always feel sheepish when I say "no thanks" to something someone has prepared for me. It was challenging moving from feeling selfish about saving my calories for the evening to feeling that doing so was actually saving my life, and therefore, my relationships. Everyone adjusted! And here I am, more in their lives than ever.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
One week. I lost about 10 pounds the first week. It was only about three weeks when I felt my clothes start to fit better, and about six weeks when I had to go out and buy new pants!
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
When my size 42 suit looked too big on me. Seriously, I bought that suit in 2002 when I weighed 170 lbs. I stopped wearing it when I reached 190. These days it's comically too big on me... just six months ago I couldn't even get the pants on or the jacket over my shoulders. But more than that, I realized I was a success when I started seeking out old friends.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
By counting calories, visiting CC daily, and working toward trusting myself to maintain. I am still learning how to do this. I am experimenting with what it takes to maintain my current weight, and I am erring on the side of caution. I am still losing, but not at the same pace as before. I plan to track my calories, activity, and weight for as long as it takes for me to feel like I've got the hang of this "real life thing".
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I have more energy, I look and feel better, I enjoy wearing new clothes, and I am more involved in everything I do. Most of all, I don’t feel ashamed. I don’t choke back the all consuming feeling of embarrassment I used to feel just being out in public. I am not hiding anymore. I think my weight loss is more a symptom of me “getting myself back”, and using more appropriate ways to relieve stress, enjoy life and care for myself.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Count your calories. You have lots of time to lose weight. Take the time to get it right. Some of us, like me, can lose weight really quickly, but others need more time. That's OK. We're all trying to create a new and sustainable lifestyle that will last.
- Eat the foods you really, really love. I love chips and dip. I have found a way to eat them at least twice a week and stay within my average of 1800 calories a day. Any diet that would have you eat lots of this, and none of that is doomed. Enjoy what you love, and love enjoying it in moderation.
- Move. There's lots of debate over what exercise is best. I'll
settle it for you right now: any activity you enjoy (or even can
tolerate on a regular basis) that gets your heart rate up is the best
workout for you. I love my elliptical cross trainer. I enjoy using it
while I watch TV. Others hate it, and enjoy something
else. The point is, you'll stick with something you like. If you hate
jogging, you'll quit. The best workout is the one you do. - Rediscover your own best self. You are not fat. You are you. You
are not a condition, a BMI number, or even a weight. You are a
wonderful creation and you live inside a body that either serves you
or limits you. That body can affect your happiness. Treat it well and
it will treat you well. - Reach out and talk. We're all here for you, and many of us have been through something like you have been through. Find a few kindred spirits and work through this together.
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
This story has kicked off my weight loss. I started on calorie count.com last June when I turned 40. I was tired of being tired. I lost + - 20 lbs and reverted back to my old ways. Now I am a little heavier than I was last year this time (243 lbs) and I am a year older. I have failed so many times you tend to loose hope that you can accomplish your goals. This guy put it into perspective! His best lines were, "Rediscover your own best self. You are not fat. You are you. You
are not a condition, a BMI number, or even a weight. You are a
wonderful creation and you live inside a body that either serves you
or limits you. That body can affect your happiness. Treat it well and
it will treat you well". Today on Monday July 6th I am making a 1 year commitment towards my independence day next July 4th. I have to loose 50 lbs that is keeping me locked up and I intend to find freedom! God help me!
Thank you for this encouraging story, I needed it.
Thanks for posting your story. It's an inspiration. I have a long way to go but reading stories like yours makes me feel ...I can do it. Congratulations and thanks for the post.
I agree - very encouraging. After having a really good start with reaching toward my goal, I had a couple of weeks of weight gain and started feeling disappointed and hopeless. I have kept up with walking @ 30 to 40 minutes a day - longer on weekends, and I too am working on an AVERAGE calorie intake, not a rigid daily goal. This works. I am starting to see results again adn I don't feel deprived at all. When I watch my intake really closely, I remind myself that if I want to have something high cal at lunch with friends, I will make up for it in another way.
The best thing about CC to me now is the nutrition analysis. I have a great visual took to help me BALANCE my daily intake....cutting carbs and fat, and focusing on more protein and fruits and veggies.
I am 72, dibetic and weigh 200 lbs. I have dieted all my life with every kind you can imagine. I have started and stopped the CC a few times, but your story has given me hope and I will try again. Today is July 6th and the beginning. Thanks you.
"Rediscover your own best self. You are not fat. You are you. You
are not a condition, a BMI number, or even a weight. You are a
wonderful creation and you live inside a body that either serves you
or limits you. That body can affect your happiness. Treat it well and
it will treat you well."
Brilliant
Great perspective - Thank you for sharing your story. It's very motivating for those of us in the earlier stages of our journey.
Thank you for your encouragement. You are definitly an inspiration to me. I have been trying to lose weight going on 4 weeks now and it has been really hard, but reading your story has truly motivated me. Thanks again, keep it up!!!
Thank you so much, for your wise and compassionate words! I've read a lot of success stories but yours is definitely one of the most motivating, pragmatic and empathetic. Congratulations and thank you again :-)
Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational journey to a healthy body, mind and spirit. There were so many similarities to your method and mine, especially the "averaging" technique. That is what I'm doing and it works like a charm for me. too. And I couldn't have done without the Food Log here on CC.
This method not only allows you to eat what you really like, but I think it keeps you from plateauing. Your body doesn't get used to a certain daily caloric intake and adjust your metabolism downward, thereby stopping the weight loss. I got the idea from reading the book "The Alternate Day Diet", and in the 3-1/2 months I've been here on CC, I've never plateaued.
I also identified with your attitude that you are "recovering" from obsessive/complusive eating. That's what got me going, too. I realized that I have to view certain foods (especially cookies, candy and potato chips) like an alcoholic views that 1st drink. What a revelation!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! This is the first time I've felt like I can really accomplish my goal! Your advice is so simple, and rings so true! I am going to print several copies of this story and keep it around my house for encouragement.
I am especially blessed by the statement, "Rediscover your own best self. You are not fat. You are you. You are not a condition, a BMI number, or even a weight. You are a wonderful creation and you live inside a body that either serves you or limits you." Thank you for the reminder that I am a "wonderful creation," and the knowledge that I am a beautiful person, regardless of what the mirror tells me. God created me and loves me. My husband loves me. I need to love the real me. I am encouraged to remember that I do not need be fixated on this one facet of myself while I work on my own recovery from food addiction!
Wow, what a great story. I have to agree with everyone else that posted:
Rediscover your own best self. You are not fat. You are you. You
are not a condition, a BMI number, or even a weight. You are a
wonderful creation and you live inside a body that either serves you
or limits you. That body can affect your happiness. Treat it well and
it will treat you well.
With 160lbs to lose, you just gave me my mantra..Truely inspiring and real world advice we all can use. Thanks for sharing. 
Thank you for this article. You are inspiring. I agree with everything you had to say. You can't deprive yourself or it isn't a life style change. Everything in moderation.
Dude-- I hope youre reading this, because I want you to know its been a long journey for me, BUT its a journey! Thats what it is all about, and your story is such a motivation! There is NO destination- just the journey--and YOU get that. I love it. You have certainly motivated me to continue and even step it up, because like others, I have slipped in the summer months. So Im going to the gym today and exercise... but NOT on the elliptical! ha!
Thanks so much for your story-- you are beautiful!
Sam
Wow!!!! I am really inspired by you. You gave the best advice I've seen out there. Eat what you love (in moderation) and do the exercise that you love..it'll stick. I never thought to stagger out my calories during the week. I will try that. Some days I'm not as hungry and others, I could eat my body weight in food lol
I woke up this morning and weighed myself...173. I just about fell over. I've been a member here forever and log in, check my progress and it's getting worse. I realize that I have to get out and do things so that my mind isn't always on food.
I work in an office setting and I swear..there's a snack day every other day lol But, I've decided to add more protein to my diet, cut out sodas, I'm drinking tea now w/art. sweetener...and for lunch I will be eating water based soups w/veggies to help me stay full longer.
Anyway, you've done a great job! I actually had to write in exercise on my calendar..that helps me for whatever reason.
Good luck to you all!
Dude, you just inspired me even more, when I am first starting back on this road to losing the extra pounds. Thanks for the inspiration. 
Ditto...your statement about rediscovering yourself is one of the best motivational statements I've seen. I'm going to post it above my desk and read it every day. Thanks!
You write very well and very intelligent, down to earth, inspiring things! Keep your weight for a couple of years then write a book with your success story. I'll buy it.
Fantastic tips! 1 - Count calories! 2 - Enjoy the foods you love and love enjoying them with moderation! 3 - The best workout is the one you do! 4 - Your body can affect your happiness. Treat it well and it will treat you well! 5 - Reach out and talk, there are many people out there for you!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Are there any groups of people who have reached their target weight and now want to maintain it?
Great advice and a wonderful perspective on being a better me rather than just a weight loss number. Thank you for sharing - I needed some extra motivation this week............
WOW! Common sense wins out again. Eat what you like, Exersise in a way that you like and just because you fell off the wagon doesn't mean your defeated. Just suck it up the rest of the week.
I can do this.
Thanks
Thank you for sharing your story. I was one of those people who could eat whatever they wanted and never gain an ounce. I kept eating, my body starting changing and I went from 150 to 202. I watched the weight increase and decided I would go on a diet tomorrow. Well, tomorrow is today. I made the decision and today I found your story. Thank you. Wish me luck !!!
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thank you, thank you, thank you - for today is the first day of my dieting/weight loss life (again) and you know what, it's OKAY!
weightloss is not something that any of us can say is easy. 20 years ago I was over 200 pounds and just turning 21 and am 5'7" tall. I knew I needed to lose weight but didn't know how. I got really ill from eating at Jack in The Box and could not eat for 3 days. In one week I lost 10 pounds and that sparked me to start running and eating better. I lost 4 pounds in 4 monhts and then went to work for a ski resort and a year later from when I got sick I was down to 128 pounds, too thin for me. I had a healthy lifestyle, and I say had, after meeting my wife 13 years ago, and getting comfy and lazy I gained all that back and then some.
Watching my parents both fight diabetes that was brought on by poor diet and then feeling symptoms that I witnessed them going through I chose to make a Life Style Change, in January I started the journey and am half way to my goal. I'm 185 pounds now and if possible I really want to get down to 140. My life style change has helped my wife and son, we are all eating better, and are more active.
Congrats to all of you for working so hard to get healthier, it's not easy but the rewards are more than can be imagined. Good luck to you all.
Congrats!! You look great!! I think the "zigzag" is a great idea. I'm going to try it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Way to go! So exciting to see you featured on here after sharing in your journey!
Very proud of you!!!
The stories here are what keep me going whenever I feel like it is too hard, too long, too time-consuming, too boring, etc. etc. Looking at this as a way of life, accepting it and taking time for myself is something I have learned from several members on CC, including you!
What a great story of success and triumph, yet a story that will always continue, because, as you stated, it is a life long journey! Your family definitely has benefited from your dedication and committment--that is truly an inspiring and motivation to want to be healthy and feel good about life!
You look great! Keep up the good work and thanks for posting!
you are a beautiful man inside and out your attitude is very up lifting and inspiring and such a encouraging wonderful story THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH US
Thank you for keeping it real. Especially when you said you are more than a BMI number or a weight and to take your time, eat what you love in moderation of course and exercise the way that fits you. DO WHAT YOU LOVE! That is the advice that is needed and that it does take time for some than others to lose the weight you want.
This has given me a kick in the butt! Can I say butt? to get started again and stop feeling sorry for myself or being complacent with where I am. For the past twelve years I have been assisting with the care of my grandmother and luckily I have maintained my same weight of 175. Honestly I only gaining 10 pounds in all of that time. I have never had any medical problems and my doctor always told me that my weight loss would be cosmetic because it did not affect my cholesterol or other levels. Still not good because it was a slow climb up not down. Well this past week and a half I lost my grandmother and I am scared that the climb is going to get faster now that my routine has changed. If I don't get depressed and just remember what you guys have said I can channel my time and energy and redirect my focus towards a decline in my weight instead of a climb up. Oh and use CC better than what I am doing now to assist with this new journey.
Thanks
You are truly inspiring. I have been trying (kind of) to lose weight for about 6 weeks now but I just haven't gotten the kick that I needed. You have given me the motivation I need to push myself, to be happy but not to make myself miserable in the process. I truly believe that if I can find the balance that works for me, that I will enjoy it in the end, as you have. I know that even once I lose the 65 lbs that I need to lose that it will be a life long battle for me to maintain that weight. I am an emotional eater, an obsessive eater, an over-eater and I know that it won't take much with those behaviors to bring me right back over the 200 mark again. Your story has made me realize that I am a beautiful person no matter what size but because of that I deserve better!! My 16 month old son will appreciate my energy level and my ability to be in his life that much longer.
I wish you all the best and will use all that you have written here to motivate myself everyday!
Congrats on your wonderful success. As many others have already stated, you are a true inspiration and your "quote" should be something CalCount has posted on it's opening home page!!! Well done.... I've been a member for over a year and have flipped & flopped...never been able to lose more than 10 lbs. MOVEMENT/EXERCISE is my biggest challenge...I know the weight would come off if I could/would carve time in my busy schedule to make it happen. I'm a healthy eater. 45 yrs old and have 3 children - ages 15 & under...I have SO MUCH to live for...and want to be happy with myself when I look in the mirror and not see just a FAT GIRL. Thanks again for the "boost" I needed to get back on track.
I love this story. I have lost 66 pound and have another 11 to go but this really helped to get my motivation up. I know I can do what ever I set my mind to and your approach confirms it. Move more - eat less, and celebrate me.
I try to eat less than 2000 calories a day and for the most part it's worked, I walk Tue, Thur and Sat, I work out using free weights Mon, Wed and Fri, then I rest on Sundays like I'm supposed to and I've been doing this for about 2 months, but no matter what I do I just can't seem to get rid of this " GUT ". I've tried doing crunches and sit-ups but they just hurt my neck and back. I guess what I'm asking is there anyone out there who can tell me of something I can do that will help, but won't end up hurting me in the end?
I've been a large guy all my, life now I'm 30 years old and I'm starting to feel the effects of being large for so long, I'm tired of being stared at by kids, being made fun of by the public in general. I've quit every thing I've ever started except this and I live around people who don't think I have the ability to see this through and thats a tough thing for anybody trying to lose weight. I walk, I work out, I count my calories and I eat a lot less than I used to, but I smoke and thats not good for me, but one of the reasons I started smoking was because it kept me from eating nonstop. I'm not trying to make excuses even though thats what it sounds like, but theres a lot of things and/or people standing between me and a healthier beginning, and I need help, so if theirs anyone who can help with any advice that would be greatly appreciated!
Just joined today...bravo on your success and thank you for the new perspective...simple....We are all more than the number on the scale or our failures at this weight loss marry go round...thanks for the reminder. I know this will not be an easy journey, but as journeys go we discover the good and bad about ourselves...and learn to love and trust ourselves with every step. Thanks may you all be blessed and all your dreams and goals be realized.
Wow! Thanks everyone for your words. It's been quite a journey, that's for sure. But it's not over yet. That's the point. We all need to find a new and proper place in our lives for food and exercise. I haven't quite found that balance, and perhaps I never will. But being in recovery is good enough for now. It's a joy trying to puzzle out what I want to eat, what I need to eat, and what I crave. It's also a blessing knowing that just 45 minutes on my trusty elliptical can cover a multitude of sins
Anyway, thanks again everyone for chiming in. I never felt alone in this, and now I feel even more connected to my CC community. If any of you need encouragement, advice, a shoulder to type on, whatever...just send me a note. We're all in this together!
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks man, like you said, we're all in this together. I love this site, it sure is helping a lot of people.
a double thank you to you freakybunny i can always you a shoulder to type on happy to know you are there 
Freakybunny,
your story is a huge encouragement to me and I love the sensibility of your post and most all others on this site. Thanks.
(Oh - the elliptical is the BEST work out tool I've ever used. Don't have access to one at the moment...but I'm going to change that!)
you story is great! thanks for sharing. i start using CC May 2009. i lose the weight i wanted by monitoring my calorie intake. i have learn alot of things by using CC. You can really play around with your calories.
Dear Freaky Bunny,
Thank you so much for your wonder weight loss story. I have identified with you in so many ways. Now I have begun my weight loss journey with excitment. You so inspired me.
Keep rocking.
Fair Dublin Girl
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"Rediscover your own best self. You are not fat. You are you. You
are not a condition, a BMI number, or even a weight. You are a
wonderful creation and you live inside a body that either serves you
or limits you. That body can affect your happiness. Treat it well and
it will treat you well."
I like that! Well done and congrats! You're an inspiration to all of us... I still have about 30lbs to go and reading about other members' successes always keeps me inspired to keep going.