Hard Work Pays Off
Gregory533185 has lost an astounding 115 pounds. He used to weigh over 290 and now weighs about 175. He started his determined weight loss journey in October 2009. It's been a lot of exercise and a big change in eating habits, all of which have produced incredible results.
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 struggled with my weight since I was 5. A few weeks before the day I decided to start the diet I went to my doctor. I had dark spots around my neck from the high insulin levels and weighed in at a massive 294. My father is overweight and I could see his struggles and what it sometimes put our family through, so I knew I didn't want to do that to my family later on. Also, I wanted lots of attention from the female gender! I decided that on the 19th it would be my last day as an overweight man and I went out with a bang, made a big post on my Facebook page and told my friends and family that I would lose all this weight finally. I didn't think I would get much back, but the support from my peers flooded in. I knew this time it felt different going in to it, I couldn't let these people down or myself.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I tried working out or exercising and eating well but I never did it very long. I just always reverted to eating fast food daily or twice daily and not care about myself.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I cut out everything fried, fast food or that was baked or cooked with the addition of cooking oils. I started off by having cereal with low fat milk in a small portion, small portioned meals and I didn't snack much. I also started walking in the mornings and kept adding more time. Overtime I integrated basketball into my routine and added more healthy food to my diet when the results started to appear.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie Count started it off. I became so aware of everything I would put into my body. At first I was meticulous in inserting exactly my quantity of whatever I ate into the website, and overtime I started to count calories subconsciously. I now know exactly what I am eating, how much I should eat and what I would have to eat to balance my nutrition for the day if I ate something less healthy.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
At first it was going out and having healthy food in the house. I'm Hispanic and for one reason or another we like to use a lot of oils in our food, fry a lot of stuff and eat a lot of just really unhealthy things overall. The determination wouldn't let me cheat for things that weren't worth it. If I was going to cheat I'd plan around it.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
I chose not to weigh myself for the first 3 weeks. When I saw I lost 14lbs I was ecstatic. I got really excited and I just kept doing my thing and staying healthy. My friends and family started to see the results over time as the weight just melted off. I weighed myself once a week and would see drastic losses week in and week out. It was almost so fast I couldn't wrap my head around it.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
When I was under 200 lbs for the first time since 8th grade. Little things would hit me and make me feel great like sitting in a desk/chair at the college or being able to wrap a towel around myself - things like that made me know my work payed off.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
Weekly cheat days. I pick 2 days during the week that I get to really enjoy some awesome non-dietary food. I make sure to workout extra around that day and the next day I eat lots of fruits/vegies and low fat foods.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My attitude towards hard work is different. I've developed a new work ethic fueled by determination and motivation. I was always a confident person and a funny entertaining guy but it's even more so now. When a challenge is presented upon me I look at it and say "Man, you lost 115+ lbs!" I look at life in a new way as an inspired individual who has overcome something which at one point was daunting but now, to me is a hurdle I overcame and with enough determination, anyone can.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Cheat once in a while! You need to enjoy a dish you love. When you do, make sure to eat accordingly around it and stay away from fast food or something that will make you feel too bad - like high quantities or something that you know could kill a large animal if consumed.
- Weigh yourself once a week. It keeps you from going crazy and your
results will show much more. - Don't eliminate a certain food group. If you like desserts, enjoy one! There are many healthy alternatives you can switch out like lite ice cream - you just need to find them.
- Find your eating style. You don't need to eat at a certain time, find what works for you and not what works for others.
- Use all the amazing functions that Calorie Count offers! Your caloric input/output is so important along with the charts, the community and
more! This website is an amazing tool and I don't think I would have
lost as much weight if I hadn't used it.
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! You are an example of kind of results you can achieve when you are motivated and sensible about your weight loss. Great job!
Greg is the motivation I joined CC and started my journey 10 days ago (296/135kg to at least 218lbs/99k in a year) when I saw his post on reddit.
Thank you, hope to share my story in a year or so.
You look great! Congratulations on your success, you've earned it. I would definitely hit on you if I saw you out :) :)
wow amazing...can i ask when loosing so much weight were u able to tone up pretty nice with no extra skin?? and how did u stay motivated?
i have one child and ganed close to 75lbs i lost some since but still bout 30 lbs over weight, i notice im at a standstill and i changed my eating and picked up exercise and just dont get why my weight wont budge, its discouraging specially when u have the "mothers apron" or kangaroo pouch that every one says u will NEVER get rid of without surgery :(
any tips, is it possible to tone your stomach without surgery<- any one can answer that lol i know its more of a woman thing the pouch...well i dont know maybe its a concern for ment too?
Gregory, congratulations! Way to go! You are not only a success, but truly an inspiration to others. I really liked your tips - very true about cheating once in a while, finding lower fat/cal options, not eliminating a certain food group and finding the best that works for you. Great job! 
Great job! Congratulations! your story is inspiring!
You look fabulous! I can totally relate to those little things that make you feel so good - like wrapping the towel, etc. I have those, too and they make your success so real.
Congratulations on your great success and all your hard work. You really do look great!
What a story - congrats!! Question, did you ever have "times" when you hit a slump? I am not talking did or did not lose weight - just got plained tired of the whole thing!! I am feeling that right now and having trouble getting back on track! Your story is truly motivating and perhaps this will be the kick-start I needed! Congrats, again!
Good job man, I was 350 at my max, but really started at 330 a year ago to the day, and lost 115 lbs. total. I'm at 215 now, want to get to 190/muscular. All those years I didn't believe in myself, I was almost resigned to the fact it was all in my genetics since struggled my whole life like yourself, and a switch just flipped in my head last year and here I am today, with progress, and a whole lot to show for. I always love seeing these stories, keep up the good work.
What a great success story! I feel quite inspired now, thank you! Good luck and continued success to you!!
Original Post by: petkopetkovskiGreg is the motivation I joined CC and started my journey 10 days ago (296/135kg to at least 218lbs/99k in a year) when I saw his post on reddit.
Thank you, hope to share my story in a year or so.
Thank you so much man. A few cynical people told me I was doing this for attention but it's not for that. To know that you joined the website and started doing this is why I did anything like this. Please feel free to friend me here and message me whenever you want. You got this!
Original Post by: sinkpeaWhat a great story!! Congratulations....good luck with the maintenance!!
Thank you very much!
Original Post by: mojoginkoYou look great! Congratulations on your success, you've earned it. I would definitely hit on you if I saw you out :) :)
Will do, thanks!
Original Post by: mojoginkoYou look great! Congratulations on your success, you've earned it. I would definitely hit on you if I saw you out :) :)
Hey I'm sure I'd do the same back! Thank you so much, let's grab dinner (something healthy of course!) if you're ever in Miami!
Original Post by: target140I'm second in line for hitting on you!
You look wow....good job!
Why thank you! I'm very flattered, if you're ever in Miami go ahead and message me! ;)
Original Post by: latasha711wow amazing...can i ask when loosing so much weight were u able to tone up pretty nice with no extra skin?? and how did u stay motivated?
i have one child and ganed close to 75lbs i lost some since but still bout 30 lbs over weight, i notice im at a standstill and i changed my eating and picked up exercise and just dont get why my weight wont budge, its discouraging specially when u have the "mothers apron" or kangaroo pouch that every one says u will NEVER get rid of without surgery :(
any tips, is it possible to tone your stomach without surgery<- any one can answer that lol i know its more of a woman thing the pouch...well i dont know maybe its a concern for ment too?
Well I can't lie, toning up is a problem now. I am turning my focus to it now. I've always been big on cardio but I stayed behind on my muscular exercise. I've heard from many that since I'm still young I have a good chance much of it will subside. My motivation came from my peers. I had friends that I'd call and tell them how much I lost weekly and they'd tell me to keep going. I am going to look into toning and excess skin removal now but even with that losing the weight with the skin is still the best choice I've ever made.
Original Post by: renuatmenonGreat job! Congratulations! your story is inspiring!
Thanks, it was my reason to write it was to inspire and help a few people out and it seems like it has!
Original Post by: ltatianaCongratulations! You look a lot more healthy and very handsome! Really well done!
Thank you very much, you're making all shy and stuff!
Original Post by: despinambYou look fabulous! I can totally relate to those little things that make you feel so good - like wrapping the towel, etc. I have those, too and they make your success so real.
Congratulations on your great success and all your hard work. You really do look great!
Thank you so much. I didn't notice a lot of those things at first but they are the motivators. It makes you never want to revert back to your old living self due to being so comfortable being able to do such simple and awesome things. Thank you again!
Original Post by: soniafeakesWhat a story - congrats!! Question, did you ever have "times" when you hit a slump? I am not talking did or did not lose weight - just got plained tired of the whole thing!! I am feeling that right now and having trouble getting back on track! Your story is truly motivating and perhaps this will be the kick-start I needed! Congrats, again!
I honestly can't say I did. Let this be a kick start. You can do this. Do it for your health, for a long life and for those around you and most importantly for you. This is the biggest self confidence booster in the world. Go for the gold baby!
Oh my gosh, you're a handsome young man! Congratulations! This is one of the most inspiring success stories :)
Original Post by: rage675Good job man, I was 350 at my max, but really started at 330 a year ago to the day, and lost 115 lbs. total. I'm at 215 now, want to get to 190/muscular. All those years I didn't believe in myself, I was almost resigned to the fact it was all in my genetics since struggled my whole life like yourself, and a switch just flipped in my head last year and here I am today, with progress, and a whole lot to show for. I always love seeing these stories, keep up the good work.
Thank you bud, you're almost there - finish it!
Original Post by: lisamacalusoWhat a great success story! I feel quite inspired now, thank you! Good luck and continued success to you!!
Thank you so much, use that inspiration - all you need is to want to do it for you!
I'm so inspired by your story and how you decided it was your last day overweight. Way to go!
Original Post by: audiohoneyYour picture looks amazing!! Such a difference - congratulations!
Thank you very, very much!
A great inspiring story. I've bounced weight alot over the past few years and after being told I was a borderline diabetic, It was a wake up call. Ive lost 30 pounds so far and will continue to lose as much as possibly. Stories like this affirm that what I am doing is right. Congrats!!
wow, congrats on being so determined! you look great! i am just starting off on my journey.. hopefully i'll be at my goal by November!
Wow! Congratulations!! What a difference, you almost look like a different person and you seem so much happier. Thanks for sharing your story. I love reading about other people's success and yours is really inspiring. I know what you mean about all the fried Hispanic foods, I have trouble with that too! Te ves super bien!!
Gregory, you look amazing! You should be very proud of yourself. I hope I can do this and be as successful as you. I began about 2 weeks ago and I'm down about 6 pounds. Keeping my fingers crossed and I will refer to stories like yours to keep me motivated. Kudos to you!
Omg you look amazing!!!!
I've been slightly falling off the band wagon, but seeing your amazing transformation makes me want to step it up!
Congratulations!!!
Wow! Inspiring story. Just the kind of thing I need to keep motivated.
Thanks for writing your story - It helps me to continue on with my losing, without losing it.
So far, I have lost 105, but still have 35 to go. I know I'll get there, but wanted to achieve my goal by now. Good eating helps a lot.
What is your favorite food now? I used to enjoy making tortillas, but have given that up and try to just have a more healthy omelette at breakfast now. I'm starting to get kind of tired of chicken breast every day, or a small piece of steak or salmon or shrimp for protien.
Congratulations... This is amazing... Did you reach any weight loss plateau during this time? How did you go over it?
Congrats Greg,
I read your story and boy do I feel positive now. Thanks for the tips I sure will use them.
but what about alcohol? all my weight is in my tummy and i got a big tummy or otherwise i am not fat. i need to lose weight but for me it is too difficult to give up alcohol. i walk 40 minutes in the evening and i eat very very low amount - do you think it is nust that i have to give up alcohol. please suggest.
Congrats! This is so amazing and inspiring. I have a long way to go and I can't wait until the day I will be able to share my story like this!!!
You are awesome!!
Yum!!!! Well done dude!!!
Congrats! I'm inspired!
WOW! Love the determination and all! Well done!
I feel ashamed of myself now since I've been trying to lose 20 pounds and I find it hard! But your story completely motivated me! Kudos my friend!
Lamis From Cairo, Egypt! :)
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Excellent job! Bet you feel like a million bucks!!! Congrats on all the hard work.