How Young Men Lose Weight and Change Their Lives

Outside all the dramatic weight loss programs and hyped up testimonials - there are people who quietly go about changing themselves.

Eric's Story
At age 22, Eric weighed around 230 lbs (height 5' 10"). He claims that he was "always a fat kid".

During a particularly stressful time with a terminally ill grandparent, Eric gained a further 30lbs. The reasons were not complicated: comfort foods, stress, and no exercise.

Then came a crossroads - Eric's grandparent passed away. It was now time to move on.

Eric began connecting with friends again. "This is essential to any goal, including weight loss", writes Eric, "your friends and loved ones are a major force to help you through the process."

Eric marked a date - 26th August 2005. He took a photo of himself and saved it (see above). He subscribed to Men's Fitness, started exercising, and began playing the video game Dance Dance Revolution.

He would eat Kashi GoLean crunch, fruits and veg during the day and Boca Chick'n and cottage cheese for dinner.

Eric also encountered Diet Blog and remained focused on his goals.

"I read this blog everyday, kept eating right, running, and spending time with great friends and advancing in my career. Everything just came together."

By March 2006, Eric's weight was down to 185 lbs. "I felt great, people treated me differently based on looks, who'd have thought?"

Eric (May 2007)

Over a year later, Eric has kept the weight off.

"It really was a matter of willpower to get started, but it was a matter of health and happiness to stay with it.

I am healthier than I've ever been in my life, and am still eating and exercising like I did during the transformation. It has changed my life for the better."

Eric's transformation encouraged him to travel around Europe (something he had been putting off), and he has even set a goal to run the Chicago marathon in 2008.

For existing readers:
Eric told me that he has truly appreciated the support of you "amazing readers".

For new readers:
Be encouraged. No matter what age or stage - you can mark a date on your calendar, and begin to change your life for the better.