RickFromMI
New member
Thirty five years ago, I was born at 9lbs 10oz...and my mother was about 110lbs...and she still really loved me! 
My dad came from a family of somewhat larger people, though. All my life, I've been chunky, to chubby, to a few extra pounds to downright fat. I wasn't like this huge blob kid, but usually the biggest kid in my class. I didn't necessarily excel at sports nor did I enjoy physical activity for the sake of doing it, ie PE. I did enjoy playing baseball with my friends, swimming in our pool, and riding my bike. As a kid, if offered a popsicle at a friends house, I was supposed to call home and ask permission to have one. Cool, huh? I remember the crappy diet pop (Tab), sugar free Kool Aid, and low sugar cookies etc. Yuck!
I wasn't teased too badly over the years for being overweight, but getting picked last for teams and stuff sucked. My hate for exercise grew, and my elementary and Jr High gym teachers did not help the matter at all. Once I started driving, I never used my bike anymore. I took a job at a gas station with junk food o plenty. Couple that with the newfound thrill of smoking pot, and I blew up like a balloon. I didn't have my parents watchful eye around anymore, and I ate what I wanted. It kind of felt good after being restricted for all of those years.
In my early 20's, I decided to do something about it and tried various things. Weight loss pills, fad diets, home gym equipment, and joined gyms and quit after a while. I've tried and failed many times to lose weight and get in better shape, but for the last 5 years or so, I told myself, why bother until I'm ready to get serious about it? I should also mention that the pot went out of the picture long ago, but I did start drinking. I LOVE beer, and it's my biggest vice. I enjoy sweets, but I don't think they are the biggest offender. I rarely have any in the house. My thing is eating big. I like cooking, and like making big meals and chowing down. I like getting pizza and going for Buffalo wings with the guys...have to have beer with those.
Well, I'm finally ready. I'm tired of being like this...270lbs, overeating and a borderline alchoholic.
Right now, I'm working on moderation. Trying to get back to drinking only on weekends and when being social, not getting home from work and having 6 beers every night. I am eating healthier, at least most of the time. Nothing is off limits completely, that will set me up for failure. Buffalo wings once a month, ok. Pizza every Sunday night, no more.
I bought a Gazelle 2 years ago and Tae Bo last year. I have starting using both, and even though it's only been a few days, I'm feeling better. I might join a gym eventually, but not until I've remained committed to my new plan for some time. I can lose a bit of weight with what I have, for "free".
My goal is to lose 40 pounds by mid June when I go to Florida. It's a little over the 2 pound a week rule, but not by much. If I lose 30, I will be thrilled, 35, even better. That's my short term goal. Long term is to stick with it and keep losing until I'm no longer chunky, chubby, a few extra pounds, or fat.
Good luck to all!
Rick
My dad came from a family of somewhat larger people, though. All my life, I've been chunky, to chubby, to a few extra pounds to downright fat. I wasn't like this huge blob kid, but usually the biggest kid in my class. I didn't necessarily excel at sports nor did I enjoy physical activity for the sake of doing it, ie PE. I did enjoy playing baseball with my friends, swimming in our pool, and riding my bike. As a kid, if offered a popsicle at a friends house, I was supposed to call home and ask permission to have one. Cool, huh? I remember the crappy diet pop (Tab), sugar free Kool Aid, and low sugar cookies etc. Yuck!
I wasn't teased too badly over the years for being overweight, but getting picked last for teams and stuff sucked. My hate for exercise grew, and my elementary and Jr High gym teachers did not help the matter at all. Once I started driving, I never used my bike anymore. I took a job at a gas station with junk food o plenty. Couple that with the newfound thrill of smoking pot, and I blew up like a balloon. I didn't have my parents watchful eye around anymore, and I ate what I wanted. It kind of felt good after being restricted for all of those years.
In my early 20's, I decided to do something about it and tried various things. Weight loss pills, fad diets, home gym equipment, and joined gyms and quit after a while. I've tried and failed many times to lose weight and get in better shape, but for the last 5 years or so, I told myself, why bother until I'm ready to get serious about it? I should also mention that the pot went out of the picture long ago, but I did start drinking. I LOVE beer, and it's my biggest vice. I enjoy sweets, but I don't think they are the biggest offender. I rarely have any in the house. My thing is eating big. I like cooking, and like making big meals and chowing down. I like getting pizza and going for Buffalo wings with the guys...have to have beer with those.
Well, I'm finally ready. I'm tired of being like this...270lbs, overeating and a borderline alchoholic.
Right now, I'm working on moderation. Trying to get back to drinking only on weekends and when being social, not getting home from work and having 6 beers every night. I am eating healthier, at least most of the time. Nothing is off limits completely, that will set me up for failure. Buffalo wings once a month, ok. Pizza every Sunday night, no more.
I bought a Gazelle 2 years ago and Tae Bo last year. I have starting using both, and even though it's only been a few days, I'm feeling better. I might join a gym eventually, but not until I've remained committed to my new plan for some time. I can lose a bit of weight with what I have, for "free".
My goal is to lose 40 pounds by mid June when I go to Florida. It's a little over the 2 pound a week rule, but not by much. If I lose 30, I will be thrilled, 35, even better. That's my short term goal. Long term is to stick with it and keep losing until I'm no longer chunky, chubby, a few extra pounds, or fat.
Good luck to all!
Rick
Last edited:
