On December 26th of last year, I looked in the mirror and hated what I saw. Not necessarily that I hated myself but I definitely hated the way I looked. I’ve spent most of my life a little bigger than average. In high school and college, I wasn’t exceptionally overweight but I was bigger than is healthy. Since college, I allowed myself to get comfortable and balloon up to a high of 249 lbs. I dropped some of it in a failed diet attempt but wasn’t even close to being satisfied.
On December 26th of last year, I looked at myself in the mirror and said no more. I resolved that I wasn’t going to look like that anymore. I wasn’t going to yoyo diet and research trendy new ways to drop weight. I was simply going to eat to live rather than live to eat. Healthier choices, smaller portions, exercise, just take care of myself through a complete lifestyle change, NOT a diet. I’ve been seeing success because I’ve changed the way I view food and fitness.
This morning, I stepped on the scale and for the first time in 9 years, it displayed a number below 200. I’m not going to lie, it was one of the most amazing feelings I’ve felt in a long time. Yesterday, I bought a size medium shirt and a size 34 pair of jeans, both also being the first time in 9 years. My BMI has dropped from 34.7 to 27.8. Most importantly, I feel better. I have more energy, I have greater stamina, and I no longer have back and neck pain.
This morning, I looked in the mirror and felt good but not satisfied. I’m relishing all my progress but I’m also continuing to look to the future. I still have a ways to go in my fitness journey. And it doesn’t even end when I reach my goal weight. This is a lifestyle change. I’m not saying I never eat unhealthy foods (french fries are my weakness) but I certainly moderate it much more than I ever did before. This has been one of the greatest decisions of my life. If you’re on the fence about it or think you can’t handle the hardwork, take Nike’s advice and just do it. You won’t regret it.
'til only You remain 
You go, boy! As for the fries – I found a recipe (posted on Facebook) for oven-baked potatoes that might get the job done (I'm not a fries-oholic, but I do like them a lot); I'll tag you on it. Keep on keeping on, my brother!