Hey all! Here is the winning entry from the FreshFit Sweepstakes. Justin Burt from Chicago, IL was chosen randomly and won the year long gym membership! Here is his entry.
First, I would take the approach that the weight loss is phase 1 of many other phases to come. Phase 2 is maintaining for right now and additional phases will come with each new year as your body and circumstances change. It is a fluid situation and one that you might have some ups and downs. Just remember to keep eating moderately and get enough exercise...hopefully that gym membership will come in handy!
Second, don't forget all the hard work it took to lose the weight in the first place. It can be easy to fall back into the old unhealthy habits, so just try to stay on top of that.
And third, enjoy the the confidence and self esteem you have now! You deserve it. I wish you all the best!!
Here are some pics Justin sent me as well!
Hi Jared,I am very proud of you Justin for reaching your goal of becoming healthier!! It always makes me feel great when I hear of others success stories. Congrats on winning the contest and it looks like you will put the gym membership to good use! It looks like you are at a big crossroads where you want to maintain the weight you are at now. This can be a challenging period but I wanted to offer a few hints to keep you going:
Your story is a huge success. I can in no way compare with the struggles and triumphs you have gone through, but here's my own story:
By 21 years of age, I had been overweight for most my life. I was 5'8", 185+ pounds, and not very comfortable with my appearance. A trip to the gym would usually include me getting winded after 2 miles on the treadmill followed by an ice cream reward immediately after.
During my senior year of college, I decided to get more serious about living a healthy lifestyle. I began eating lunch and dinners at Subway, about 2-4 times a week. I gradually started running more, going from 2 miles per run to 3, 4, 5, 6, and eventually 7. Additionally, I learned to skip desert or opt for lower calories choices. Through these efforts, I was able to shed almost 35 pounds in 6 months.
I've never felt fitter, happier, or more confident in my life! I now realize that we are in charge of our own health and that a nutritious diet and dedicated exercise are really the best methods for losing weight.
I have managed to keep the weight off since graduating college. However, I worry that this will get harder as the years go by. With paying back student loans, I have no way to afford a gym membership. I believe that a membership would help me continue the success I've experienced and hopefully motivate others.
First, I would take the approach that the weight loss is phase 1 of many other phases to come. Phase 2 is maintaining for right now and additional phases will come with each new year as your body and circumstances change. It is a fluid situation and one that you might have some ups and downs. Just remember to keep eating moderately and get enough exercise...hopefully that gym membership will come in handy!
Second, don't forget all the hard work it took to lose the weight in the first place. It can be easy to fall back into the old unhealthy habits, so just try to stay on top of that.
And third, enjoy the the confidence and self esteem you have now! You deserve it. I wish you all the best!!
Here are some pics Justin sent me as well!
