Food-lover James’ weight loss with Weight Watchers

December 06 2007 -  Updated: 7 July 2008

James

-City & country: Columbia, MO, USA
-Age: 28
-Weight before diet: 467 lbs.
-Weight now: 255 lbs.
-Target weight: 204 lbs.

Established weight loss programs aren’t for everyone, that’s what James says, but he’s found that Weight Watchers works for him. He hasn’t abandoned his passion for food, what he’s doing is adapting to ways that let him eat healthier. Couple this with a willingness to become more physically active plus support from his wife, it’s no surprise that James is continuing to lose weight on his journey to a healthier lifestyle.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program? 
I had been heavy since my early teen years, and at 26 I was ready to lose it.  I am a choral conductor, and I bought a tuxedo for a special concert, and although it was a very large size, it just didn't fit right; my bow tie wouldn't even stay on because of the size of my neck.  I started Weight Watchers 2 days later.

-What type of weight loss program are you following? 
Weight Watchers

-Why did you choose this weight loss program? 
I needed accountability and a no-nonsense program.  Their points system made sense to me, they had online tools to help me stay on track during the week, and a weekly weigh-in before the "officials" kept me focused on changing my lifestyle.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program? 
2 years

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit? 
When I first started, I was just too heavy to really exercise much.  After losing fifty pounds or so, I enrolled in a tennis class, and I still love to play during the summers.  Now that winter's come, I've started going to the gym (which I've never done before) and using the stationary bikes and weight training equipment.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming? 
I still love to eat, and I love to eat rich, delicious food.  I've had to find healthy and/or moderate ways to enjoy the foods I love without becoming foolish and overly indulgent.  I'm also very busy working and finishing a graduate degree, and although it's easy not to eat, it's not always easy to plan ahead and make time for healthy food preparation.

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
My wife is a big help.  Several days ago she took the peanut butter out of my hand and said, "You don't need that right now."  Since I was just going to take a finger full and stick it in my mouth, I suppose she was right.  I just have to take each day on its own.  Looking two years down the road is almost impossible, but making the right choices for just one day is one of the easiest things to do.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers? 
Use moderation and good judgment.  Even established weight-loss programs aren't perfect for everyone, and may require a little flexibility on your part.  If you're not willing to stick with a plan long-term, then it's probably not a good choice for you.  The most important advice?  Never quit if you make a mistake (or four). Just start over the next day doing the things you know are going to help you be healthier. 

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening? 
I've just come too far to let that happen.  Yes, I still love food, and yes, I'm still a social eater, but I've learned how to listen to my body, make better decisions, and live my life in a way that is both healthy and not overly restrictive.  Sticking to a livable, reasonable plan helps me stay on track.  As I've lost weight, I've also become more active, and that activity helps to keep me focused.  Who wants to eat a doughnut after biking 10 miles?  No one I know.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
My blog: http://hutchdaddy.typepad.com
GOAD board on Weight Watcher community: http://www.weightwatchers.com/community