SubscribeHow 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.
This story is very encouraging. I was excited to discover that Diet Blog played a role (again - reader comments on this blog directly impact and help people).
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.
A similar story...
Me: 19 year-old male who lost over 128 pounds in 15 months but started reading this blog only recently.
ReplyHi Eric! You look amazing - Congratulations!!
ReplyCongrats to Eric and rpm2004! Keep up the good work!
ReplyI feel Eric's pain, how loss can be comforted by something familiar as food. i'm not a guy, but the message is loud and clear. Great job, Eric- you're truly an inspiration.
ReplyWAY TO GO ERIC!! YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION!
ReplyThis is a great story. I think it is wonderful that he mentioned his friends. Especially after the study on obesity being viral.
Replywhat a handsome man! woo hoo
ReplyGood on you rpm...
ReplyWow, what a difference! Way to go, Eric! It's always great to hear from people that have lost a whole lot of weight and kept it off in a healthy way.
ReplyCount this as a dude who lost about 120 pounds over the period of a year thanks to spending a lot of time surfing the online diet community...
only difference? Mine developed into anorexia nervosa and I ended up in the hospital at 6 foot 1 and 98 pounds... it;s been five years and i still deal with a boatload of eating disordered issues...
Healthy lifestyle = good.... obsession = dangerous. Be aware
ReplyWhat a great success story! Eric should be SO proud of himself. :o)
ReplyEric is so lucky to have tackled this at an early age!
ReplyGreat Job Eric-keep up the good work!!!
ReplyYay Eric! You look great! It's great to hear such success stories like you as others (like me) continue on our weight loss journey! Awesome job!
ReplyThat's great. I'm glad that he was able to overcome the boundaries of negative thoughts and continued with a positive mind. He is an inspiration.
ReplyGood for you Eric!!!
ReplyWay to go Eric!
ReplyFor me and my weight loss, I found that by holding back on carbs first thing in the morning, allowed my body to utilize its fatburnig abilities far better and stay in the zone, I guess its a bit like going as long as you can before your first smoke (if your a smoker that is) That way you dont kick start the craving cycle....something like that anyhow.
All the best in the future dude, you look way slick!
Dave, UK
That is a fantastic story! Please keep us posted on how it's going Eric. You are an inspiration to other young men who need to make the changes you have.
ReplyEric's story is really wonderful. I hope he stays fit with his regular exercise and a great diet.
ReplyWAY TO GO ERIC!! YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION!
ReplyThat's totally awesome. Go Eric.
ReplyHey Eric,
I just wanted to know what was your workout routine and what was your meal plan for the day. By the way great job!
Replythese are some great stories, it is amazing how people can lose weight if they put their minds to it.
ReplyIt's great to hear stories like this. Yes, people definitely treat you different based on appearance. After losing about 50 pounds, everyone wanted to talk to me, even the people who never gave me the time of day! =) It's sad, but very true!
ReplyCongrats on the weight loss and, thus, healthier lifestyle. You look great, keep up the good work.
ReplyCongrats! You can post the story in my site plusmeet.com, where big people meet and have fun together.
ReplyWow thanks so much for posting this! My fiance is 5'10 and a little less weight than Chris. He doesn't have allot o friends, but I am hoping by signing up for the gym together we can make losing pounds fun! I wonder if he will actually read the magazines if I get them..video games for sure :-)
I also want to sign him up for one of those custom diet programs like Jenny craig, but he is online ALL day. I will send him the membership for Balance D...a new program online..so he can have something private and personal to encourage him!
ReplyHey eric, wonderful story. After hearing it ( well more reading it lol) but still, its helped me want to kick start my attempt at becoming more healthy and active.
If you can tell me your meal plan for your diet and possibly your workout plan, it would be a great help.
Thanks for the inspiration!
-Alexander, ON Canada
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