Hi I am new to the forums but not to new to trying to lose weight. My track history of my weight has been interesting to say the least. I cant remember the last time I had no fat on my belly and other areas, even as a kid I was chunky. I started a workout program about two years ago(was 19) when I hit 227. I didnt take any pills, supplements(beside vitamins if you count those) I jogged and swam 5 times a week trading one for the other in a 2-3 ratio, ate lean healthy food 4-5 times a day and never after 6 pm, consumed more water than any one would almost want to drink. I lost 49 pounds in little less than 5 months and ended at around 177. I then made the biggest mistake I probably could have made I didnt make it a lifestyle change. Now dont get me wrong I didnt gain back much weight over the last two years as I haven't passed 185 since, but something woke me up recently. I started having a bit of chest pain, and remind you im 21, not the age chest pain should be a issue. I took my blood pressure at work and it was a whoping 151/90. So I said to myself I need to finish the job I started for the rest of my life and I thought I would get some mental support to go along with it and thats why im here. I was reading the forums and everyone seems very supportive to everyone and thats something I dont get from anyone in my life about my goals. Right now im about two weeks in to my new start, im working a active job as a stock clerk for the last year and I can even work up a good sweat if I try, im walking to work now as I live half a mile away. Right now im eating very healthy, generally every day goes as follows. Eat about 30 or so mini wheats on the walk to work, 4 hours in I eat a fruit salad and buy myself a gallon of water(only 69 cents) and consume it during the work day or try to, get home eat a small snack(fruit, half a sandwich, etc.), 4 hours later ill eat usually chicken breast and broccoli or okra and some brown rice. In between this I have been bicycling lately 3-4 times a week 20-30 minutes on 4 of 7 hardness, but its getting a bit cold to do that(sensitive ears), even though my main goal is getting the rest of the fat off me and lowering my blood pressure and not building muscle (I know all about its weight lost helping properties of a pound of muscle) I still do a set of push ups, crunches, squats, back extensions, and Calf raises 2-3 times a week. Any critiques, Supportive messages, or just comments are welcome. My profile Avatar is my before and after from two years ago(use it as my desktop wallpaper also), and I hope to add a third picture on to it after I meet my life goals of body fitness. Ill start monitoring my weight again as I haven't even weighed myself after these last two weeks or took my blood pressure, but I already feel and look better, and I think if more people that have such goals no matter the weight would get some information and support from a forum like this maybe the obesity epidemic would be reduced drastically, cause anyone ever needs to lose weight is a little information, some support, and the will to change ones life for the better. Thanks, and sorry for all the reading.
