13 lbs (6 kilos) Lighter….Healthier & Feeling Great!

It almost didn’t happen.

I was content with my body and eating habits although somewhere deep inside, there was always a small voice reminding me that I could do better. I ignored that voice in the past as my weight has rarely been a problem and my health has ranged from very good to excellent.

Then the inspiration came.

My wife decided to change her eating habits earlier this year and with a gentle push, I said to myself, “Why don’t I join her”.  It took less than 1 minute to decide and just like that, my life changed for the better. This was May 1, 2012 and I've never looked back.

I wrote this only a week after I started this lifestyle change:

Like many people around the world, I’ve been guilty of consuming too much sugar, and/or carbohydrates at times – things that can really drain a mind, body and soul. For the last 7 days, I’ve changed my eating dramatically, especially in regards to the sugar intake, which has been minimal.

I feel great!  My body feels lighter and I have a spring in my step – something I didn’t think was possible as I felt good nearly every day before this change. I realize that it has only been a week and any worthwhile change must be sustained although I felt compelled to get the message out, if only for the inspiration someone may be looking for.

http://gswede-sunday.blogspot.se/2012/05/healthy-gamechanger.html

It’s been close to 6 months and I’ve been consistent with my improved eating habits.  My life and body have changed in ways I never imagined.

• I can feel my stomach working for the first time. 
• I lost 6 kilo’s (13 lbs) and weigh the same as my collegiate days. In addition, I lost two pants sizes.
• With the severely decreased sugar intake, food tastes better and I don’t get as hungry as I did before, therefore I eat less.
• The nice jeans my wife bought me some years ago, never quite fit the way I wanted.  Despite loving the jeans, I only wore them a handful of times. Now, they fit perfectly. I never knew jeans could be so comfortable.
• I have more energy.
• Running is easier and more enjoyable
• I’ve never had a bad back or trouble with my knees although infrequently, I would have stiffness/aches due to my basketball playing days. Neither has bothered me once since May. 
  

I could go on. The best part is that I feel fantastic!

I’ve also decided to be a “Champion for Healthy Eating” so as to help promote healthy eating and be an inspiration for those who might need a push.  In Sweden, the UK and other parts of Europe, people are becoming increasingly overweight and I think most people know our dreadful obesity statistics in the USA.

Here’s what I wrote in mid May:

I'm even more inspired this week and officially challenging myself to become a "Champion for Healthy Eating". With the wide spread obesity in America and increasingly in Europe and around the world, we all have to DO SOMETHING to help fight this tragic epidemic.

The passage below about America is sobering:

"In 2030, 42 percent of people are projected to be obese, and 11 percent severely obese. Obesity is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, which is 186 pounds for someone 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Severe obesity is a BMI of 40 or more — 248 pounds for someone that height." 

Article - Study on American Obesity 

In no way do I mean to sound preachy or convey that eating healthier is simple as I know that changing the emotional and/or addictive grip that food has on many people can be one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. I looked in the mirror and didn't like some of the bad eating habits I saw so don't be afraid to do the same.

http://gswede-sunday.blogspot.se/2012/05/will-you-become-champion-for-healthy.html

We all need to play our part if only for the sake of our children as they tend to follow the actions of the parents. If you are eating poorly, chances are that your children are eating poorly as well; and no parent wants to create a child who becomes dependent on bad food, thereby making the transition into adulthood extremely difficult.   

Remember, it’s not the kids fault when they are given unhealthy food.

For those who embrace healthy eating habits, I believe we can do more and be inspirational to family members and our inner circle. We cannot be afraid to nicely encourage those we care about. As is usually the case, it will be up to that person to make the change, although our love and positivity can go a long way.

This past summer, I was talking to one of my fitness mentors about the best way to promote healthy eating. Anytime I see him, I become inspired as his look and attitude sparkle with health!

His words were simple:

He said, “People will notice and be inspired by your actions George. Just keep eating well and exercising, and people will notice. That is the best thing you can do.”

I plan to do just that.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

My wife's amazing caesar salad.