Answer:

In retrospect, there were several factors involved in my  weight gain. The slow increase in weight began after playing sports in college. My activity decreased but my food intake remained the same.

 

Then at the age of 30, I had some pretty major "Loss" events take place in my life that took their toll on me emotionally and physically. I did not even realize that I would eat as part of my stress response which resulted in more stress because of my ever increasing weight. It quickly became a cycle; stress, eat, gain.

 

I tried everything to lose the weight including weight watchers, gym programs, training for a half marathon, etc.  but to no avail. Finally on 2006, I had knee surgery and by the end of the rehab process I had  hit the 200 pound mark and knew I had to find something that would work for me.

 

Answer:

A Plan:

The main thing that has allowed me to keep my weight off is having a comprehensive plan, like Iron90. I know that keeping the balance between calories in and calories out is the key to maintaining my weight no matter my activity level. Using the heart rate monitor has been a great tool for me in this area and I love the feedback. I also surround myself with people who are encouraging me and celebrate my successes with me.

 

The Right Information: 

Learning how to exercise correctly. I learned from doing the Iron90 program that lower intensity exercise burns fat and that harder is not better. I learned to work smarter not harder. 

 

I made a complete lifestyle change. I realized one day that the exercise and food choices no longer took conscious effort but were just a part of who I was. I love the way I feel and love being able to do anything I want to physically, which easily keeps me motivated whether I am training for a specific event or just for daily activity.

 

Answer:

My life has undergone a major transformation. It began with the physical changes. The genius of Iron90 is that in very subtle, simple ways over time the plan changed my behavior. These changes created a new healthy lifestyle.

 

Losing the weight gave me the confidence to head down a path to do things I would have never have done before including physical challenges like triathlons and marathons, as well as the confidence and desire to make life changes that have lead to a much healthier, fuller life.

 

I am happier and more confident in all areas of my life. My new lifestyle includes new friends and networks where I met an great guy. We recently became engaged.

 

I look back over the last three years and am amazed by what has happened and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will never go back to the old me. I love where I am now and can tell you it was more than worth the effort to get here.

 

Answer:

When someone gets to the point where they KNOW they need to lose weight and are willing to do what it takes to make it happen, they are there.

 

They realize it is not about a quick fix or magic pill, but about getting a plan and committing to sticking to it even when things do not go perfectly as planned.  

 

They need to be able to move forward even when they trip up and not use the fall as an excuse to quit. No excuses, just execution. They need to realize that they did not gain weight over night and it will take time to lose it as well and realize it is about making a lifestyle change that works for their circumstances.