What was the turning point for you to finally say, “I am going to do this!”?
I didn’t want to be a “fat” pastor. My weight gain began at 40 and now at 51 I was pushing 240 pounds. As a pastor I felt guilty telling my congregation that God could help them with their struggles while deep down I knew that I was not living in victory regarding my weight. My motivation finally came one day when I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to finish the work that God had called me to if I didn’t bring this problem under control.
How did you lose your weight?
I radically changed my eating habits. I only ate fruits, vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, lean protein, whole grains, good dairy like skim milk and fat free yogurt and lots of water. I completely eliminated white sugar, flour and soda. Eventually I included exercise into my life.
What were some of your greatest resources for weight loss?
My wife was clearly my greatest resource; she supported my efforts with her prayers and great healthy cooking. Another great resource for me was the book “Real Age Makeover” by Dr. Roizen. The purchase of a trustworthy scale helped me a great deal. I also created a notebook where I could record my progress each week; the notebook became a journal that I still review from time to time.
What was/ is the hardest part of weight loss?
I would hit a plateau and had to mix up my routine in order to jump start the weight loss. During one of my plateau periods I tried a eating plan that I found in Men’s Health called the 2-Plan. It involved eating only 2 per day from the major food groups; 2 lean proteins, 2 fats, 2 fruits, 2 dairy, and 2 grains (I could eat unlimited vegetables). The plan really helped me get going again.
What is one thing you can do now that you couldn’t do then?
Like everyone else I thought that my knees would not allow me to run. I was at the YMCA in Boardman, Ohio with my daughter, Heather and she encouraged me to start running on the treadmill, I ran one mile that day. A year later I run about three times per week and I usually do about 4 miles. I even run in 5-K’s with my son here in Phoenix. My wife and I recently hiked into the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, about a 17 mile hike that will kill you if you are not in shape.
Give a word of advice to people trying to lose weight:
The number one advice that I offer people is simply this: make it your lifestyle or don’t even start.
I didn’t want to be a “fat” pastor. My weight gain began at 40 and now at 51 I was pushing 240 pounds. As a pastor I felt guilty telling my congregation that God could help them with their struggles while deep down I knew that I was not living in victory regarding my weight. My motivation finally came one day when I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to finish the work that God had called me to if I didn’t bring this problem under control.
How did you lose your weight?
I radically changed my eating habits. I only ate fruits, vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, lean protein, whole grains, good dairy like skim milk and fat free yogurt and lots of water. I completely eliminated white sugar, flour and soda. Eventually I included exercise into my life.
What were some of your greatest resources for weight loss?
My wife was clearly my greatest resource; she supported my efforts with her prayers and great healthy cooking. Another great resource for me was the book “Real Age Makeover” by Dr. Roizen. The purchase of a trustworthy scale helped me a great deal. I also created a notebook where I could record my progress each week; the notebook became a journal that I still review from time to time.
What was/ is the hardest part of weight loss?
I would hit a plateau and had to mix up my routine in order to jump start the weight loss. During one of my plateau periods I tried a eating plan that I found in Men’s Health called the 2-Plan. It involved eating only 2 per day from the major food groups; 2 lean proteins, 2 fats, 2 fruits, 2 dairy, and 2 grains (I could eat unlimited vegetables). The plan really helped me get going again.
What is one thing you can do now that you couldn’t do then?
Like everyone else I thought that my knees would not allow me to run. I was at the YMCA in Boardman, Ohio with my daughter, Heather and she encouraged me to start running on the treadmill, I ran one mile that day. A year later I run about three times per week and I usually do about 4 miles. I even run in 5-K’s with my son here in Phoenix. My wife and I recently hiked into the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, about a 17 mile hike that will kill you if you are not in shape.
Give a word of advice to people trying to lose weight:
The number one advice that I offer people is simply this: make it your lifestyle or don’t even start.
3 comments:
What a fabulous story. It is such an inspiration. Heather, your dad looks great.
WOW! Your dad looks sooo cute with Moriah. He's an inspiration. I have to make sure Josh gets on and reads this one
Thanks a lot for they story. It is very encouraging!!
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