Diets and weight loss are huge issues in our society today. I want to share with you my personal feelings about it. I feel it is a personal thing. By that I mean we have to feel good about who we are. And in the process we have to be honest about it. I for years pushed away the thoughts about being over weight rationalizing that I had to be because I was a chef and I have to eat everything. At my peak weight I was 275+ pounds. I didn't like myself much, but I enjoyed eating to much to fix it.
The BIG moment in my life when I decide to change was at my daughters wedding. I had to buy a new suit, and it was big. The big moment is when I saw another man, who's name I will not mention here, at the wedding. As I looked at him I realized that is just what looked like and I didn't like the image. I decided that night I was going to change.
I hate diets. Most are unhealthy and when we are done we gain it all back. But sometimes we have to do big things to get results. So diet I did. Starvation was the game. Protein bars and very low calories for months. I worked hard and got down to 210 lbs. I felt great. I loved how my body felt and how my spirit felt. Let me explain about the spirit.
I had this experience one day in that I had a strong impression what my spirit looked like. It was not the 275 lb man that I had become. I realized that my spirit was more fit then my physical body was at that moment. Meaning the impression was that my spirit was buff. It might sound funny, but that turned out to be great motivation for me to make some changes. In the process of changing I realized the closer I got to what I felt my spirit looked like the better I felt about life and myself. My spirit is happy when the body is more in line with what it should be. Now as I said in the beginning, it is a personal thing. You have to decide what your spirit looks like and where you are comfortable. I have a good friend and I believe him when he says he is perfectly happy being a big man. He said when he was thin he felt out of sorts. The thing I think about is are you healthy were you are? Some are just designed to be different. I will never have a six pack, it is just not in my gene pool, it skips a generation, I think my grandpa had a six pack and my sons do but it skipped me for some reason. I was born with a keg of sorts. I was always chubby.
My main concern is am I healthy, and am I happy where I am at the moment If I feel uncomfortable, for me that would be bloated, tired always, shortness of breath, just plain yucky feeling. That is when I know it's time to do something about it. I have learned to listen to what my body and spirit is telling me. It lets us know, but we often push those feelings aside. As we learn to listen we can understand the foods we must avoid, the ones that cause weight gain and bloat feelings. It is amazing when we treat our bodies right they respond so quickly. That to me is pure evidence that our bodies want to be healthy.
Hoping not to offend any one, but I see many who struggle to get around, knee problems, back problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and so many more health issues and it all stems from the foods we eat and how much of them we eat. There are so many that are huge, but just fat, but obese. Is is any wonder so many are struggling with health issues. And lets face the honest facts. When we treat our bodies right life is just better. We see clearer and enjoy the journey more.
So Join me as I teach you a great way to get back in control of who you really are. Sons and daughters of God with unlimited potential when we follow the spirit and keep our bodies healthy.
For the record I am not a fanatic. I love food to much. I have taken off 50 lbs and have been successful in keeping it off. Yes I do some high powered maintenance at least twice a year to get back on track. I do try to exercise. But I enjoy food and feel it is meant to be enjoyed. The next couple of weeks will teach you what I have learned and how you can reach your spirit potential and enjoy a sweeter life.
The following is a picture journey that explains a lot.
 |
| I adore food so much. I live to eat. In this picture I have a few extra pounds on. Some say you look great, but it is not about what others think, for me it is how I feel. If I feel uncomfortable, it's time for action. |
 |
| Some pictures make me cringe. I have that hug keg. But am grateful for today's picture society. For me it's a constant reminder to stay on track. |
 |
| More wonderful bread. They tell you bread is the biggest no no. I have a different feeling. More to come on that topic later. |
 |
| I just hate my beer belly. And its not from beer. |
 |
| I saw this picture and realized that I needed to get back on track. But I don't think I have to give up snow cones for life. I love them. |
 |
| I love exercising. HA HA. It's a chore, but a chore that gives great results. If we want to me more spiritual what do we do. We do spirit things. The same applies to our bodies. |
 |
| And the truth be known, I really feel great when I get exercise in. It has so many benefits, from toning our bodies to helping with depression. It helps me sleep better and increases my energy levels. It is really so worth the effort. |
 |
| Chubby me. |
 |
| I do love food. |
 |
| A better day. Still cooking. |
 |
| OI thought strips made one look thinner. |
 |
| Nope, they don't. |
 |
| And strips sitting down, You get the picture. |
I really like this picture. It was taken on a photo shoot when I worked for Thermador. This was just after I lost a lot of weight.
 |
| There is that beer belly again. |
 |
| And Again. Funny thing, As I was teaching these classes I felt so uncomfortable. I remember clearly how bad I felt. |
This was at 270 pounds. Some pictures inspire us to do better. This is one of those that really inspired me to get it together.
This is close to how I look now. I love feeling like I am in control. I have to say that I do get off track and have to jump start my routine to stay on track from time to time.
So over the next few weeks join me as I teach you my weight loss philosophy. I have a plan that works and helps you break the food ruts you are in. I love food, but I love feeling and being healthy even more. Food taste better when you don't feel guilty with every bite. Take the guilt out of your life and start enjoying every bite.
Chef Brad~America's Grain Guy
