It's been a whole year.

It just dawned on me during my weigh in on Sunday that I have been doing Weight Watchers for men for a full year now.

I began that journey on January 9th, 2011 here with a different blog.  I started weight watchers at a hefty 235lbs and close to a 40" waist, I was headed down a path of obesity and self destruction.  Ok, maybe destruction is a strong word but theoretically that was possible if I continued down that path.  Those first few months were really difficult for me.  Adjusting to a life of less food, more exercise, and less scotch and beer was awful.

On my 1 year weigh in anniversary January 8th, 2012 I weighed in at an exciting 195.8lbs.  In my head my goal was to lose 50lbs in one year. That would have put me at a healthy weight loss of just under a pound a week.  I am at 39.2lbs lost for the year, and couldn't be more excited.  The weight loss is very noticeable now.  I had a friend who hasn't seen me over 3 months say, "where did you go?"  I laughed and took that as a huge compliment!

This was me before I started weight watchers:

I now fit in almost 34" waist jeans, I was able to put on jeans the other day that I haven't worn in years.

I am now no longer ashamed of my gut hanging over my belt and will tuck in shirts again.  (Now I look less sloppy).


This is me now:

(I really need to get some more full body pictures of myself, but its tough because I am always the guy behind the lens).

I definitely look drastically different in the face, and although the picture of me with Noah is from when he is 5 days old, I have only lost about 6 or 7 lbs since then.

I am regaining my confidence, and with the added weight loss my workouts supercharge my days.

I am faster.

I am leaner.

I am happier.

I am healthier.

I am stronger.

I am better now than I was before, and I will be even better this year.

I will be able to keep up with Noah when he starts walking and running.

I sleep better.

My joints don't hurt when I run anymore.

My feet don't hurt after work anymore.

My clothes fit like they are supposed to.

My wedding ring doesn't fit because my fingers got skinnier...(WTH, I had fat fingers?!!)

I bought a bike, I ride alot.

I run, ALOT.

As my next challenge to myself I also joined the Shirt Off Swimsuit Challenge , you can join their facebook page.  It is run by a rather inspirational person as well.  Brad L.  I met Brad when I first started running again at a Fleet Feet Couch to 5K program.  Brad is a marathoner (and longer distances), cyclist, and all around pretty fit guy these days.  Challenge yourself to be ready for the beach this summer and join his facebook group.  I don't know if I will ever be posting pictures of myself with my shirt off...but I will be ready for the beach this summer, will you?

Also, as a side note if you need some humorous and charming gems to read you should check out my little sisters blog as well...Click here, here, or here.  It will take you to her page.