I spent my 30s getting fatter and fatter. I was 70 pounds overweight at the peak. Last January I finally got disgusted with myself after flopping around on the dermatologist's table under a bright light during a skin exam. Never again! At that point I was 211 and I lost 50 by July-August.
My family doctor told me a few years before that, after seeing blood-work results from a physical, that I was headed for a heart attack and/or stroke at some point. Not even hearing that snapped me out of it. I think I just told myself that I still had time, and would get around to it. I'd be ok in the meantime. Ugh.
When I started, I read as much as I could about fitness and what the latest consensus was on What Works. I was doing mainly the paleo diet (slight modifications) and to a large extent I'm still using it. I also joined a gym and began lifting a few months into the journey since muscle burns fat--and who wouldn't like some muscle too? And, of course, regular cardio.
I have never been in the shape I'm in now and I'm still stunned to see abs coming forth. I never had that even when I was younger! Change like that is the slowest thing in the world (impatience) but it DOES happen if you can find the motivation to stay consistent and eat right. And I haven't been perfect. I even had somewhat of a regression in Sep-Oct but I kicked it in the teeth and rescued my motivation. And I don't starve myself... ever. I'm trying to develop a healthier relationship to food because what I was doing before... *shudder*
Anyway, I had some clothes I'd been saving for at least 7-8 years because I kept thinking I would one day be able to fit in them again. "I'll get it all back!" My partner wanted to throw them out a few times. I win
It's now been ten months and I'm looking forward to the 1-year point of this journey. I had a physical a few months ago and everything was great on the blood-work.
I like seeing out-of-shape people come into the gym, especially the ones that you can tell are on a mission. It reminds me of myself and I cheer them on in my head every time