Getting back to healthy: Time to get back to the basics!
by Don Smith
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I've written about my weight loss in the past in Losing Weight: 4 “Easy” Steps, explaining how I've gone from borderline obesity back to a healthy weight, and how I've maintained that weight.
I've become a most viewed writer with hundreds of thousands of views on Quora in multiple health and weight loss forums telling others how I did it, and giving them advice on how to do it themselves.
I've completed 3 Tough Mudder's which is billed as the toughest event on the planet with 12+ miles of muddy slippery obstacles to complete, and numerous 5 and 10k races.
So why am I looking at the scale this morning realizing that I am once again slipping into the overweight category???
It's pretty simple really.
It's why we see married couples divorcing after a decade or more of seemingly happy marriage.
It's why the guy in the corner office is no longer producing like he once was.
It's why we all tend to gain weight over the years.
I got comfortable, and stopped doing the basic things that got me physically fit in the first place. Ever heard of fat, dumb, and happy? Hopefully I'm not quite at the dumb phase yet, but the other two? Yeah…
This weekend I went to a company pool party and as I was putting on my trunks, I realized I was getting more than a little out of shape. The healthy weight for my height and weight is 129-174lbs. I've hit 181 lbs, officially in the overweight segment, 16 lbs heavier than I was just a few years ago.
Yeah, I realize I'm not obese by any means. But if I keep heading in the direction I'm heading, I'll get there!
It's time for a course correction, and time to get back to the basics.
The nice thing is that I know how to do it. Isn't that like most things though? It's really easy to understand and actually not too hard to do. What is hard is to do it consistently day after day, year after year.
I'm going back to the basics, using my 4 step formula for losing weight.
1. Admit there is a problem.
Checked https://www.calculator.net/ideal-weight-calculator.html and yes Houston, I have a problem. I'm officially overweight. Step 1 completed.
2. Show up
I'm going to go back to logging my diet using myfitnesspal.com for awhile to see where I'm getting off track to see where my diet needs adjusting.
I'll plan on continuing my nightly walks with my dog.
I'm also going to work out on my Total Gym at least three times a week, which I actually enjoy.
3. Power up
Frankly I already really know what I need to do to lose weight, I've done it before. Step 3 completed.
4. Step up
This is where I take it to the next level, and I need your help with that.
How about helping hold me accountable?
I'll post an update each week for awhile, and email it to all my followers. If you want to help, sign up for my newsletter using the form at the bottom of the page and I'll give you an update. If you are already signed up, thanks for the support!
Nothing like knowing that thousands of people are watching to make me follow through!!!
About the Author
Don Smith
Happily married with five kids, Smith owns a technology company, is the founder of this site, has served on the board of directors for multiple companies, and loves playing soccer, hiking, and mentoring.
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