My Dad

My dad is one of those people who was big his entire life from childhood through adulthood.  He worked in an industry in which he was gone from 9am – 9pm.  Lunch and dinner were always at the nearest fast food joint or chain restaurant.

One day he went to his doctor and got a reality check.  His doctor told him that if he didn’t change his lifestyle, he would develop diabetes and die at a young age.  He went to a nutritionist and she helped him to formulate a plan.   He started to watch his portions and made healthier food choices.  With the help and support of my mom, he began packing food for lunch and dinner.  He began to exercise on a regular basis and found that a combination of running and walking worked best for him.  

After a few months, his nutritionist confessed that when she first met my dad, she had her doubts about his willingness to change.  However, after seeing his commitment to improve his health, she had nothing but praise and admiration for his accomplishments.

Gradually and steadily he dropped 60 pounds and trained for and ran a half marathon.  I remember before I moved, we would go for a run once a week.  Occasionally when my sister was in town, she would also join us.  Growing up, not one of us ever imagined the three of us running together for exercise and fun. 

In fact, my parents just came for a week-long visit.  My dad played with the grand-kids (my kids) on the playground in a way he was never able to do when my sister and I were younger.  He was running around, climbing the jungle gym, and going down the slide.  

You may be sitting there, saying I can never accomplish this.  Remember, the weight gain did not happen overnight. It took time. It will take time for the weight to come off.  Stick to it.

Do you have any friends or family who lost their weight?  What do they say was the key to their success?