One Year Ago...

I had to sit down and reflect BLOGGER-style about my life one year ago.  For those of you who know me, know I LOVE to eat!  It is one of my favorite pastimes.  I have traveled as an entertainer/speaker for the last 10 years.  This has given me the privilege of having some the most incredible entrees on the planet.  From stingray in Singapore, to fresh Icelandic lobster, to grilled beef heart in Honduras...I have had it all.  But don't misjudge my tastes just yet, I'm not that picky.  I'm a sucker for truck-stop burritos, NYC street dogs, and the hole-in-the-wall greasy spoons.  I used to watch the Food Network religiously to see where I should I eat on the road. 

One year ago, I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and never threw on the brakes.   I love to eat and love to cook.  Dangerous combo.  I'm a grown man, I could do whatever I wanted.  I drank sodas, at least one a day, but probably more like 2 or 3.  (it was more when I was on the road)  Airlines stuff you FULL of sugar and carbs to keep their passengers happy.  Hosts would take me out for a massive 3 course meal after a show, about 9pm.  I would eat dessert, of course.

One year ago,  I had painful back problems.  I had a hard time sitting for long periods, and when all you do is drive or fly, that stinks!  I remember lying in bed and having to get up because my back hurt so bad.  That really stinks! 

One year ago, I sweat like...a fat man.  (pigs and dogs don't have sweat glands, sorry)  I had to carry around a hanky in my back pocket to keep sweat off my brow.  After a show, I was drenched in sweat.  I had to put on a new shirt, and people asked me if I was alright, because my face was bright red.  I also remember being passed by wheelchairs in the airport because I couldn't walk fast enough.

One year ago, I was depressed.  Unmotivated.  Frustrated when when I realized my size 42 Levi's were about to be too small.  I remembered when I got married 13 years ago, I was 185 lbs. wearing size 36 jeans.  I was now 252 lbs!  How did I put on 67 pounds?!  Seriously! 

Then I got mad.  Mad enough to do something about it.  Mad enough to realize I had a problem.  I was addicted to food, and it was slowly ruining my life. 

So I made a plan:
Phase ONE: reach 200 lbs.
Phase TWO: complete Phase ONE, and re-evaluate goals
Phase THREE: make sure I completed Phase ONE

One Year Ago: 252 lbs.
Today: 201 lbs.