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I have always had a special relationship with food. It was always the most exciting part of every experience. Food had always been a struggle for me, even as a child. But when I became an adult, all of a sudden weight was also an issue.
I spent most of my adult life pretending that it didn't matter that my weight was spiraling out of control. I found ways to justify why I was and why I needed to be the size I was. I kept buying clothes because clothes kept getting smaller. I threw out my scale because it wasn't telling me anything I wanted to know. I avoided cameras because they weren't showing me anything I wanted to see. And I ate out of defiance to show everyone that I didn't care what they thought or what they said.
But then the chest pains started. And the frequent nosebleeds and I knew that if I didn't do something, I was going to die. My New Year's resolution for 2007 was to be committed to health and on January 1, 2007, I took my first step toward my goal.
I increase my vegetable intake, cut fried foods out of my life altogether, cut down on carbohydrates and eliminated sodas and juices from my life. The results were astronomical, but I feared that at any point, I could relapse. That's when I heard about the 50 Million lb Challenge. All of a sudden, I wasn't alone in this struggle. Being apart of this community, I received a lot of healthy tips and was able to make adjustments so that I kept up my momentum until I reached my goal. Since January 1, I have lost 97 lbs and surpassed my very ambitious goal and everyone's expectations.
My family, friends and colleagues are in disbelief. People see me and don't recognize me. This is the best thing I've ever done for myself and I am grateful to Dr. Ian Smith and the 50 Million Lb Challenge for the roll you played in my success. Having achieved this, now I know that I can achieve other goals that I have set in my life.
Comments (11)
Congratulations, Bravo, and Kudos to Hugh,
It is very encouraging to find a person willing to make changes that will forever change their lives. And possiblity other you may never know or meet. That is what your blog has done.
We can only take one day at a time and continue to meet our personal goals.
And you are not alone.
Posted by Feelinfine | November 28, 2007 12:20 AM
Posted on November 28, 2007 00:20
WOW, I have just been introduced to this site today by a coworker and as I read Mr. Fletcher's story I could not believe that was someone else, because it sounded just like me. Medical issues came into play, tired of being tired, almost moving into another size. One day after a doctor visit that did not go well, I made up my mind that I had to do this and I've been walking every day and eating right for the last two months. Though I've only lost @ 25 pounds, I continue to strive to exercise more each day. I did not even realize that I'd lost any weight until one morning I woke up literally feeling different and in the process of getting dressed, put on my shoes and they were falling off my feet. So, everyone keep up the work and be encouraged. I certainly am after reading the various postings.
Be blessed,
Mis_tykl
Posted by mis_tykl | November 26, 2007 7:37 PM
Posted on November 26, 2007 19:37
I am so very proud of you! YOU are an great example! ..........ever know who is watching !
: ) ......be blessed!
Posted by toshigo | November 26, 2007 5:06 PM
Posted on November 26, 2007 17:06
i love this site it is inspirational.. I going to sign up next week.
Posted by Prija | November 25, 2007 8:34 PM
Posted on November 25, 2007 20:34
Fantastic job! Ninety-seven pounds? WOW!!!!!! I have about 100 to lose, and it seems like a daunting task. I've lost 30 so far! You are such an encouragement! Hang in there and thank you for being such an inspiration!
Posted by Nikki | November 25, 2007 8:43 AM
Posted on November 25, 2007 08:43
you have done a great job. please help me
Posted by j howze | November 24, 2007 6:35 PM
Posted on November 24, 2007 18:35
Congrats brother. I get emotional thinking about the sacrifices we as black people are making to get ourselves in shape, just keep at it because i'm right behind you I've lost 70 lbs. I'm down from 313 to 243 and counting. I wish you the best and thanks for your story because it has motivated me even more. Thank you.
Posted by Calvin D. McCain | November 24, 2007 3:57 PM
Posted on November 24, 2007 15:57
I found your story inspirational! I'm glad you were able to achieve your goals with the help of self control, the 50 million lb challenge and of course God. Congraduations and may God continue to work in your life as you encourage others to stay healthy!!
Posted by Gregory Cumberbatch | November 23, 2007 5:43 PM
Posted on November 23, 2007 17:43
good job
Posted by Anonymous | November 23, 2007 11:01 AM
Posted on November 23, 2007 11:01
Congradulations!!!!!!!!:)
Posted by inita | November 22, 2007 3:49 PM
Posted on November 22, 2007 15:49
WOW!! Way to go. You have done a fantastic job. Keep up the great work. You are truly an inspiration for others! As I always say, you can't make progress and excuses. Your picture is worth a thousand words! God bless you and your family.
Posted by Bernice | November 21, 2007 9:41 AM
Posted on November 21, 2007 09:41