Because I’m currently participating in TWO weight-loss challenges, I’ve generally I’ve kept quiet about my weight and my health. I like to keep the competition guessing. However, it’s not a secret among most folks that know me that between late-2006 and the middle of this year, I slipped a little with regard to my weight.

Okay… I’ll be honest… I slipped a LOT. My low-water-mark in 2006 was 223lbs, which I believe I only hit briefly before I began my unhealthy “decline”. Between then and June of this year, I managed to get back up to 260lbs. I wasn’t as bad as I was in 2003/04, when I peaked near 280, but I was on my way. I felt miserable. It was largely attributable to a few injuries that kept me from working out, general laziness, and the re-establishment of poor eating habits. I learned that the low-carb diets alone do not work for me. They are a short-term fix to a long-term problem.

The Problem
The turning point came in June of this year. I went to the doctor for a follow-up after having had my appendix removed and a small hernia repaired. Knowing I had somewhat let myself go, I inquired about my cholesterol and he agree we should test it. On June 23rd I went for the follow-up to my test. I learned my total cholestorol was 208, and my triglycerides were through the roof at 315. I weighed 260 on that visit. I had borderline “metabolic syndrome“. The doctor told me I needed to make changes, or he would have to put me on medication and start monitoring me for diabetes.

The Plan
The last thing I wanted was to have another pill (in addition to my BP medicine) that I had to take every day. The week following my appointment, I started watching what I was eating and made a committment to exercise. I was already in one weight-loss competition, but really had not taken it seriously yet. We then decided to start one up with my team at work. I thrive on competition and goals, so the game was on! I began lifting weights three days a week, and stepped up the cardio (running/cycling) on the alternate days. I also spent significant time over the summer riding horses, which I had not done in some time. I cut back on fried stuff, and worked in a daily bowl of oatmeal. I replaced processed grains with whole grains (pasta, bread, etc.). I avoid as much fast-food as possible. Finally, I stopped eating out 2-3 days a week at work.

The Results
Last Thursday, I had my 4 month follow-up appointment. Between June 23rd and October 23rd, I had dropped my weight 32lbs to 228lbs (12.5%). I had also lowered my total cholesterol to 191, which is within the “acceptable” range. But more importantly, I had lowered my triglycerides to 150 — more than half the previous level. My doctor was pretty stoked about that one. From measuring at work, my body fat percentage has also gone from the mid-30’s to the mid-upper 20’s.

The Challenge
I am not done yet. I have largely gotten to this point by setting small goals that are attainable, and understanding there will be “bad” days that I have to get past. I have now set my goals on weighing 215 by Thanksgiving, and 210 by the end of December (6-month mark). My weight loss competitions run through the end of the year, so I will have continued pressure to keep it up. Right now, my left foot is bothering me, which is frustrating. But I’m vowing to fight through it. I have not been under 220 since college, so I’m feeling better (physically) than I have in a very long time.

Thanks to those who have supported my goals over the past 6 months! Wish me luck!!