The Turning Point
December 23rd, 2023, was a day that changed everything for me. After a month of going to the gym with my son, I finally mustered the courage to step on the scale. The number staring back at me was 256 pounds. Just before COVID-19 hit, I weighed around 190 pounds. I was on a ketogenic diet, drinking moderately, and generally in good shape. But the pandemic changed everything. So I said to myself, Santa has Got Nothing on My Diet: My Journey to Health Starts Now
The Descent
The isolation and stress of the pandemic led me down a dark path. I became what I call a “Covidcolic,” someone who became kind of an alcoholic during the pandemic, putting on a staggering 66 pounds in three years. My motivation to do even the simplest chores and tasks dwindled. The gym was supposed to be my way out, but seeing that number on the scale made me realize that just working out wasn’t enough. My weight was still bad, and something had to change.
The Decision
That day, I made a decision. Enough was enough. I couldn’t keep living like this. Three days before Christmas, I made a promise to myself: I would stop drinking and return to a low-carb diet. I didn’t want to go back to a full ketogenic diet, but I knew cutting carbs was crucial.
I had to push through comments like, “What a time to start dieting, just before Christmas,” and “Starting a diet during the holidays? Are you sure?” But I told myself, there is no better moment than now. No more excuses.
The Inspiration from “Do It Today”
Later in January, I read the book “Do It Today” by Darius Foroux. While it didn’t inspire my initial decision to change, it resonated deeply with the mindset I had adopted. The book is filled with practical advice and motivating insights that align with my journey. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Prioritize Your Goals: Foroux emphasizes the importance of identifying and prioritizing your goals. This resonated with me as I realized the need to put my health first.
- Take Small Steps: The book encourages taking small, consistent steps towards your goals. This was a reminder that every workout and every healthy meal is a step in the right direction.
- Eliminate Excuses: One of the core messages is to stop making excuses and start taking action. This aligned perfectly with my decision to stop delaying my health goals and take control of my life.
The Journey Ahead
This decision was not just about losing weight; it was about reclaiming my life. The path ahead won’t be easy, but I am determined. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who feel stuck or unmotivated. Remember, Santa has got nothing on my diet: the best time is now to start your journey towards a better you.