As I expected, I'm not in the running to win the $1000 prize for losing the largest % of body weight...but I'm no longer frustrated by my results relative to the two women that are leading the charge (each has lost over 27% of their original weight - 70+ pounds in 5 months!)
I weighed in this morning at 276.8 lbs, down 42 lbs (13.5% of my original weight). I feel fantastic and have hit my stride, losing more weight more consistently in the last 6 weeks than I did in any other part of the program (14.6 lbs in 6 weeks).
This experience has surpassed my expectations and changed me in ways I didn't anticipate - including my attitudes towards food. I have a shot at hitting 270 by the end of the competition and am looking forward to being below 250 by my birthday in April.
Wow.
Two last thoughts:
First, you owe it to yourself to read Michael Pollan's "In defense of food" and "The omnivore's dilemma" (or, as I've done, listen to the audio CD's in the car while driving to/from work). I guarantee it will change the way you eat, and you'll be happier for it.
Second, I was asked to write a short summary of my Largest Loser experience for use at work...here's my rough draft:
Quote to live by: “Do not be encumbered by history. Go off and do something
wonderful.” – Robert Noyce
In the 25 years since I graduated from
high school I’ve accomplished a lot: cooking school, becoming a professional
chef, grad school, husband, father, homeowner, and reinvented myself as a
software engineer. Still, despite all the things I’d demonstrated I was
capable of, I was convinced that controlling my weight was something beyond my
ability. Once my weight got over 300 lbs I began referring to myself as
“fat” – in an effort to be honest with myself, even if I didn’t think I was ever
going to change.
This summer, that began to change. It
started at the end of a meeting, when I saw the Circuit article for the Intel
Folsom Largest Loser competition. A friend looked over my shoulder and
said, “So, Rich…when are you going to apply?”. I had to admit it would be
irresponsible not to apply – Intel was providing too many resources to ignore
the opportunity. Internally, I figured I’d never have another opportunity
like this: counseling, peer support, education, facilities, and all free and
conveniently located. I filled out the application, reviewed it with my
wife and some friends, applied, and was surprised, pleased, and frightened to
find that I’d been selected. Time to put up or shut up.
There
were four distinct phases to my Largest Loser experience. In the first
month everything was new and exciting. I dropped a bunch of weight
immediately and was encouraged. In the next month I found that the new and
exciting wore off, results stalled, and I found myself wanting to sleep late
instead of getting up early to exercise. Talking about this with my peers
and wellness coach, and knowing that people would take note of my absence kept
me coming in. I got through this phase and settled in to new habits.
As I entered the third month I found that I looked forward to the workouts and
went out of my way to ensure that I didn’t miss them. The weight loss
continued, though inconsistent, but I found myself confident that I was doing
the right things, in control, and certain that weight loss wasn’t a matter of
“if”, but “when”. Coming in to the last two months, I’m picking up
momentum, losing weight faster, and more consistently than ever. I’ve
figured out what works best for me, both in terms of results and
sustainability.
Being a Loser has been a transformational
experience. My hard work coupled with resources generously provided by
Intel and the unwavering support of my friends, family, coworkers, and fellow
Losers have had an impact that I couldn’t have foreseen. I expected to
lose weight, and to make lasting changes in my lifestyle. I didn’t expect
to find a fundamental shift in my attitude…not just to my weight, but to life in
general. I feel stronger, happier, and more confident than I ever
have. Thanks, Intel, and everyone else who has offered encouragement along
the way. I cannot adequately express my gratitude.
