I'm Now Loving Life
High blood pressure and a recent driver's license picture prompted Jpbk to start his weight loss journey. He attributes his fantastic success at losing 106 lbs by using Calorie Count's tools and learning portion control. With just 15 lbs to go, we think he needs a new picture for his driver’s license!
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
I remember getting my driver's license renewed and when I got it in the mail I did not recognize myself. My blood pressure was through the roof and I just had one of those feelings that if I do not do something soon it wouldn't be pretty.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I guess I never tried a diet before. I did things like, I won't eat after 7 at night or tried to watch what I ate. In the long run I ended up eating more than before.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I got out and started walking and counting my calories. My most important change was self control. I also started making my lunches and portioning everything I ate.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
I could not have done it without Calorie Count. I started counting everything from a piece of gum to drinking water or having dinner. This site gave me confidence to know what I was eating and also watching my vitamins and other nutrients that we need. I log everything before I even eat it now and it has worked out great for me. The thing is to do it every time every day and do not make excuses you just have to do it.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
Portion control was my biggest thing. I grew up with the motto finish everything on your plate. My issue was I would do that and then eat what everyone else had left too. Getting motivated was another problem, I was so big and out of shape that just going up the stairs I thought I was going to die. I jog 3 miles 3 times a week now and I never would have thought that was going to happen.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
I would say the weight came off fast, the first week I did not see much but after that the pounds have been falling off. After a month I had lost almost 20 pounds and was shocked. Then my face started to slim down and my pants went from a size 46 to a 44 then 42 now I am down to a 36 comfortably.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
The biggest thing I wanted was my blood pressure to come down. Like I said it was really high I averaged 180/110 (yea not good). I went in to see my doctor after I had lost about 50 pounds and it was down to 130/90 they could not believe it and neither could I. It was such a relief, now I am at 115/70 and never felt better. I remember putting in my goal weight and thinking yea right if I could lose maybe 30 pounds or even just get under 300 I would be happy. My start weight was 315 and my goal weight was 220, I am 221 and a pound away from my original goal weight. My new goal is to get down to 200 and stick with it.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I continue to count everything I eat and plan to do so from now on. Exercise at least twice a week for 45 min. This is not a diet it is a lifestyle change and once you get that in your head the easier it will be for you. I portion everything and never go over on my daily calorie count. I am not one of those people who have a cheat day, the way I see it you are only cheating yourself if you eat things you shouldn't. You can still eat burgers and fries just not from fast food restaurants or anything like it. Be creative with new recipes at home, it can be fun and allot better for you as well.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I jog 3 miles 3 times a week now. When I started I could not even get around my block without having to stop 3 times to catch my breath or stop my legs from cramping. This past Christmas was the first time in 6 years that I could go out and play basketball and football with friends and family, plus I have a whole lot more energy to do those types of things now. I have a lot more confidence now to go out and it is fun to be back in the dating game again because I did not feel good enough about myself to go out much. I'm now loving life.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Count everything you put in your mouth. (Yes everything)
- Get up and move.
- Drink lots of water.
- Fiber is very helpful with losing weight as well.
- Portion control, I spend about 2 hours every Sunday to get snacks and
things packed and portioned for the week.
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
FANTASTIC! you're an inspiration. you look great!
can i ask how long it has taken you to get this far? i've spent years yo yo dieting,but after the death of my mum's partner (45 years old) last year of a heart attack, i am determined this year to change my lifestyle to a more healthy one. i started calorie counting on this website on 11th jan and have lost 16lb so far...didn't feel like counting cals over the weekend, but your post has just given me a kick up the bum!! thank you! x
I am so impressed!!
I agree that the secret is to log everything you eat. If you start cheating, it is all downhill from there (or uphill depending on whether you are walking or on out of control skiis). Your accomplishment is monumental.
PS-you look amazing!!! Hubba! So proud of you!! What incentive!
Original Post by: sharol46I am so impressed!!
I agree that the secret is to log everything you eat. If you start cheating, it is all downhill from there (or uphill depending on whether you are walking or on out of control skiis). Your accomplishment is monumental.
I'm absolutley blown away by the change in your appearance. You look like a comnpletely different person, Big Well Done you must be feeling great!!!
There are two things I really should know by now but still get caught out by occasionally
1) I don't log I don't lose
2) If I buy it I'm gonna eat it! All of it!
You look amazing - and I love your five tips! I do the same thing on Sundays - I repack the portions so I have an easy time picking the right things all week. I can't wait to hear about your ideas for maintenance!
WOW...Very impressive. Great Job. I agree that the best way to stay on board is to track everything. those calories can just creep in if you don't.
Great job we have similar journeys! No BP anymore, pants sizes and running! Its amazing isnt it! Check out my profile for a link to my blog.
Awesome job!
Chris
You have inspired me to give this another try - I'm going to start counting today! Thank you!
Great job, I love this website, I gained a few extra pounds after quitting smoking, I do try to get to the gym regularly but counting my calories is really what has helped me to get the pounds off....your story is very inspiring, thanks for sharing..
Congrats to you- you look fantastic! I'm right there with you on the always needing portion control and not having 'cheat' days- my only day where I don't count is my birthday!
I'm super close to my goal and I plan to continue to count after I hit my goal, too. I'm the type of person who needs that accountability.
You're totally inspiring, thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Congrats again. I'm looking foward to telling a success story of my own some day!
Original Post by: joeb1golfGreat job man! You don't even look like the same person. BTW, how tall are you? I'm 6'2" and weigh 275 lbs and I decided last night to get started and my goal is 190. I would love to get some specific advice from you if possible. Again, GREAT JOB! You must feel amazing!
Thank you, and I thought the same thing when I saw that picture of me too. I am also 6'2 and I was in the same boat as you just a little bigger. I am glad you decided to get the ball rolling that is the first step now come the hardest part of keeping track of everything you eat and I mean everything. If you have a smart phone where you can log stuff on the go that is a plus, but I do not eat it until I log it. And the next is just get out and walk, it does not seem like much but I was a couch potato and would come home from work and just sit down order a pizza eat about half or more and do nothing it was sad. But get on it and if you want to know more just let me know. And happy counting. jp
You look wonderful! You should be so proud of yourself. What an accomplishment, and thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. Knowing there are successful people like you out there makes our struggle easier.We'll keep hanging in there - just as you did!
Original Post by: whimsicalwytchFANTASTIC! you're an inspiration. you look great!
can i ask how long it has taken you to get this far? i've spent years yo yo dieting,but after the death of my mum's partner (45 years old) last year of a heart attack, i am determined this year to change my lifestyle to a more healthy one. i started calorie counting on this website on 11th jan and have lost 16lb so far...didn't feel like counting cals over the weekend, but your post has just given me a kick up the bum!! thank you! x
Thank you, I have started on August 1st of last year so it has happened rather fast for me. I did the smallest amount of calorie intake for a man that I could of 1500 for the first 4 months plus exercise. But then after the 4 months I have been raising my calories intake by 50 every month, I am around 1725 daily right now for calories. Just so I do not shock my body with a big jump in calories. I am glad my story has helped you and you are going to give it another shot. Happy counting. jp
Original Post by: rocky204
Congratulations. I am 6'2" and 230 lbs. but I need to lose about 30 pounds or more. BP is stratospheric these days, despite medication. Usually around 170/100. I feel that if I don't lose this spare tire something really bad is going to happen to me. This weekend I made the decision to start counting calories and sodium, to really read food labels and to log everything I eat. I don't really overeat, at least not most of the time. But my salt intake is unbelievable. I couldn't believe how much salt is added to even some of the simplest foods, like a can of asparagus, which I love! No more of that for me.
Congrats again. I'm looking foward to telling a success story of my own some day!
Hi and thank you, it has been a kick in the pants for sure. I would start by getting out and walking your dog or just walk for 30 min a day its a huge help with BP. I know that feeling you were having where you need to do something before something bad could happen, thats what got me going too. I have found a pretty good salt alternative its called NoSalt it is sodium free and has alot of potassium. Also try to stay away from canned fruits and veg as you can see it is more salt then food. Get fresh or frozen for those items. Keep it up and hope it all works out as good for you as it did for me. Happy counting.
Wow! Thank you everyone for the comments it is nice to read them. I woke up this morning and could not believe the response. As we all know this is one of the hardest things we will ever do in our life but it can fun as well with help and support. I can not thank Calorie Count enough for the tools that I needed to get where I am. I wish you all the best on your new lives and new lifestyles if you choose to stay with it. It is worth it, do it for your friends, your loved ones hell your pets but most importantly do it for yourself and feel good about yourself again. Good luck and Happy counting. JP.
Wow you look like a totally different person! So handsome! Do you ever feel the urge to relapse an grab some fast food? If so how do you handle those urges? I know you said you never cheat and I think that is what really gets me. I decide to have a cheat day and then I can't stop.
Thanks for sharing you story. I started my lifestyle change last year, and have been really changed my life around. I work out every day, and even ran a half marathon this past Jan. I still have that last 10-15 pounds that I don't think will come off until I really focus on my diet. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Congratulations! Your story was definitely a good read. It was inspiring to hear you say you weren't the type to have cheat days. It makes me realize I'm that type as well. I'd allow myself one treat and before I knew it one became...well a lot! Hope you make it to your final goal!
congrats u look fantastic keep it up sexy. im also a strict calorie countet and portion controler. keep it up i6 have been couynting calories since i was 14 long before i had a weight problem. i have lost 66pounds and tons of inches between apriul 2010 nd october 2010 and will never go back to entating for emotional reasons. i promessed myself i cant go through that cycle again. 30 minutes of being in heaven stuffing myself on all the goodies like chocolate cakes biscuts ect then be in hell for a few weeks till i didet again
Excellent work! You are doing all the right things, and the proof is your very good health. I also began my weight loss in August (37 pounds as of today) and look forward to starting up jogging this spring (bad knees, and I don't want to start pounding them until I've dropped a little more weight). I was never a runner, but in the past few weeks I really feel as if I can do it!
oh boy is surely can relate to this!!!
i had my 1st drives license last feb last year, and i can imagine my self that it has com to this!!! =(
ill renew my drivers license this coming July 2012 and i put a new face on that license of mine!!!
Wish me Luck!!!
Wow, you look wonderful and what you have to say is so inspiring!! You give me hope, and I'd been running very low on it.
Appreciate your specifics, especially as to time for making snacks ahead of the work week.
I've got the same amount to lose. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!!!
Hey JP,
How can I get in contact with you for advice? Since we are the same height and close in weight when you started your transformation. I would really appreciate any advice you would be willing to share.
Again Great Job,
Joe B
You're a Hottie! *smile* Thanks for the inspiration! Can't wait to post my success story. Wish me luck!
You truly are an inspiration to us all!! Your story about your loss brought tears to my eyes, as I myself get winded walking up and down the stairs and have trouble walking down the block. Thanks so much for the information on how you did it!!
I'm 275 and 6'2" as well. I am finding something about the way I eat that i would like to share with you and anyone else reading this. Maybe it will help you too.
I noticed i was a fast eater. I would chow down a meal quiet quickly. that applied to almost any meal. I have always eaten fast. So I started (just recently) to portion control my food and to eat very slowly. Take at Least 20 Minutes but even an hour (dinner is easier) to eat the smaller portion of food. I noticed i was not hungry and in fact I felt more full from eating less but much much slower. and I wasnt rushing to get that snicker bar after lunch so quickly. I mean it just kind of hit me that i should continue to do this. Anyway I have a long way to go. But I am finding this is helpful to me. I thought it might be to you too. Try it is all i can say. take your time when eating draw it out over at least 20 minutes but longer seems to be better.
275 today. Looking to get down to 220. Then lower. I also have the iPhone app which is great. keeping track of what you eat is really easy now and fast.
Thanks Calorie Count ! I really like the website.
Good Luck to all
I joined calorie count last august. Sadly I haven't given this the attention I needed to. Happily this week I started cleaning out my emails and found many sucess stories to read. If only I had paid attention sooner. I started back today and completed my first workout this morning before work.
Thank you all. The sucess stories and the comments have helped me refocus on this major priority of self care.
Look at you, you good-lookin' son of a gun!! Wow!!
My goal is losing 100 pounds at least. I really like your comment that you log BEFORE you eat. Think I'll give that a go.
Thanks for your inspiring and uplifting story. You give me hope, which I had pretty much lost entirely. Really appreciate it - Congrats again!!
Great Work !! Your story is very moving. I wish you all the best life has to offer. Being overweight can be painful ... emotionally & physically. It is so good to get your health handled so that you can enjoy & celebrate everything that is ahead of you in life. You are a handsome dude and I can see your beautiful spirit in the before & after photos. It is great that people now get to see the man you truly are inside. You mentioned the dating scene and that is fantastic ! You have a lot to offer someone..your journey offers a partner compassion and a special knowing about life's journey.
I wish you well ~ ~ ~
Wow! What an inspiration! You look amazing and have done a great job! Thanks for sharing your story!
You look great and it sounds like your quality of life has really improved. Very inspirational story! Thanks for sharing.
Original Post by: roslOriginal Post by: sharol46I am so impressed!!
I agree that the secret is to log everything you eat. If you start cheating, it is all downhill from there (or uphill depending on whether you are walking or on out of control skiis). Your accomplishment is monumental.
I'm absolutley blown away by the change in your appearance. You look like a comnpletely different person, Big Well Done you must be feeling great!!!
There are two things I really should know by now but still get caught out by occasionally
1) I don't log I don't lose
2) If I buy it I'm gonna eat it! All of it!
That's me, right there. I need the accountability of logging, and I can't have crap in my house to save for a rainy day or just to have little bit, if it's there I'll make it pull a disappearing act faster than you can tip a scale!
And I totally agree- you look like a new person! And definitely meow-worthy! Well done, indeed!
Hey JP,
Congratulations on making your GOAL !!! That is fantastic. What is so cool is that you did not stop & kept going until you crossed that final finish line. As we all know, those final lbs. are not always easy to leave. But you did it ! So the very best to you ! Have a fantastic summer.
american
apples
asian
beans
beef
blog
bmi
breakfast
calcium
calories
cheese
chicken
chocolate
coffee
confidence
cooking
dessert
diabetes
diet
dieting
dietsinreview
dinner
eggs
emotionaleating
exercise
family
fiber
fish
fitness
fruit
goals
healthyeating
hunger
hungrygirl
inspiration
italian
loseweight
mediterranean
metabolism
mexican
mindset
motivation
nuts
obesity
party
pasta
portioncontrol
potatoes
protein
quinoa
recipe
recipes
salad
self-esteem
sleep
snack
snacks
soup
spinach
stress
successstory
sugar
support
tbl
thebiggestloser
tips
turkey
tv
vegan
vegetable
vegetables
vegetarian
water
weightloss
workout
Great job man! You don't even look like the same person. BTW, how tall are you? I'm 6'2" and weigh 275 lbs and I decided last night to get started and my goal is 190. I would love to get some specific advice from you if possible. Again, GREAT JOB! You must feel amazing!