I’ve been lurking the Health and Fitness forums for probably about 2 years.
I’m overweight, in awful shape, and I’ve had terrible eating habits for most of my life.
Recently, a coworker of mine that’s only ten years older than I am had a minor heart attack. He is in better shape than I am.
Even more recently, I met a friend that I hadn’t seen in over a year. The changes that he made to his body in the space of 12 months were nothing short of amazing. He’d dropped about 70 pounds of fat and put on a lot of muscle, totally changed all of his eating habits, and has more energy than I’d ever imagine he could. And a year ago, I was in better shape than he was.
All it takes to achieve everything I want is self-discipline and a plan.
My self discipline has never been as galvanized as it is right now. Up until recently, I’ve been treating my body like shit and being surprised when I feel like shit. Garbage in, garbage out.
I’m tired of feeling like shit.
I’m tired of not being everything that I could be because I lack the discipline to attain it.
I have that discipline now. Every day, I get stronger, more galvanized and inspired by my achievements and the achievements of those around me.
I have the discipline.
Now it’s time for the plan.
I’ve quit smoking once and for all. There is no better single thing that I could’ve done for my health today and every day after. I have the discipline to stay quit for the rest of my life.
I’ve cut dairy and gluten out of my diet. For years I ate as much of whatever I wanted and wondered why I felt like shit all the time. The studies go back 40 years at Johns Hopkins University, saying that up to 75% of the population today has some form of lactose intolerance.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/digestive_disorders/lactose_intolerance_85,P00388/
Our bodies are not designed to process the milk made for a baby cow.
Gluten can cause lack of energy, gas, bloating, constipation and a host of other digestive issues. Historians of early mankind indicate that humans ate only what we could hunt and gather: fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Experts on gluten intolerance believe our digestive systems were not ever meant to eat grain and that they have not developed enough to break down the complex part of the grain. Besides wheat, gluten is found in barley, kamut, oats, rye and spelt.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=63412
With all this in mind, I’ve changed my diet to include as much clean protein, complex carbs and organic fruits and vegetables as I can get my hands on. It makes me feel amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for all the milkshakes in the world. I have the discipline to continue eating this way for the rest of my life.
I’m involved in an exercise program that has changed my life in just two short weeks. I could tell you all about it, but instead I’ll share with you now the video that inspired me to change my life, so you can see what’s possible with self-discipline. I too am a veteran with years of joint pain, but nothing like this guy. If he can do it, so can I. I have the discipline to continue this exercise program for the rest of my life.
My constant support through these first few weeks comes first from my family, second from the amazing community at www.TeamDDPYoga.com , and third from Diamond Dallas Page himself and the amazing Arthur Boorman from the link above. I will continue to seek support from the TL Health and Fitness community, as well as every other person committed to changing their life like I’m doing.
I am committed to changing the rest of my life.
I’m tired of feeling like shit. I’m ready to take control of my life, and own every single day.
My name is Jeremy, and I’m here to tell you that you can, too.
Thank you for all your amazing support over the years, TL.
***30 day update***
So far I'm down 20 pounds!
To see how far my strength and flexibility have progressed, see my pictures here:
http://www.teamddpyoga.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=16p701vp6s1y4
Thanks again to everyone for their continued support.