Staying consistent is key to controlling your weight and health. Funny that during my journey, I have had hundreds of people offer advice and most of it was 'wack' in regards to true health advice.

There have also been a group of people that continually tell me that I need to 'eat' and quit losing weight. I reached my goal and surpassed it over three months ago and haven't lost any real weight since then.

Eat... boy do I eat. About six meals or more per day, but I eat well and with health in mind. No more runs to Krispy Kreme or to McDonald's. I do eat a meal or two a week that is a 'bad' choice, but my desire has changed so much, that my bad meals are eating a salad, steak, shrimp and some bread instead of two double cheeseburgers!

I guess my motive in this update is to just tell you to stick it out. Quit listening and enjoy the success that you will find when you put your mind to being healthy. Reap the benefits of your body dying to get free of poison and too much fat. The amazing thing is that I don't 'try' to stay healthy anymore, it's just who I am.

Ignore the talk and the jabs... my wife likes to say, "They're just jealous..." I think she's right. I do take every comment as an opportunity to coach them on nutrition and fitness and for the most, they listen. As for those who don't, they stop commenting.

Stay fit, Life is essential to living! (TM)

You be the judge.

If I could be any hungrier, eating five to seven times per day and now at an all time low in weight. I haven't been this 'lite' in over 25 years. But I feel great and workout continuously even if it is standing rather than sitting while talking on the phone. I began a more rigorous workout regiment a few weeks back and have seen great improvement.

Doctors say that my hunger is because my metabolic rate is extremely high - if I don't eat often enough, I end up tired. Oh well, I am not complaining...

I have completed my ASI studies and passed my first round of certifications for personal training and nutrition, so I am going to start taking clients in the next few months.

To all of you who encouraged me, please accept my thanks! keep up the great work and never give up.

I think I have finally reached my maximum weight loss. I have actually increased my caloric intake to upward of 2500 plus on days that I work out. This is a picture I took this morning.



I started an intensive workout a week ago to gain more core strength and upper body strength. For the last four months I have been doing moderate resistance training and seen about a 10 lb gain in muscle which explains the lower BFP.

A year ago my measurements were 250 lbs in weight. A 46-48 inch chest; 42 inch waist and a huge mess in my back and neck. My body fat percentage was over 25. Today, May 2008 I am 148 lbs with a 30" waist, 36 inch chest and am pain free in my back and neck. My body fat percentage this morning is 4.23% - amazing!

I want to encourage you all to take heart and keep working. It takes commitment and discipline, but just take it in strides. Failure is ok, it means that you once were doing something right. So keep trucking!

If you need anything, please let me know and I'll be happy to help in any way possible - even if just to listen. One thing I have learned is that there is NO 'one way' of being successful in weight loss and health but each person is different and needs to do what it takes for them.

Keep it up, or should I say, get it down! :)

I've added some calories to my diet on the days that I work out. I have also decided to turn my workouts down a little. Instead of daily, I am only doing three days per week.

My weight loss won't stop. I'm not complaining, but I cannot keep buying pants every three weeks. :) No kidding though, It's going well and I pray that everyone is getting enough SLEEP and WATER.

Nothing you do will be very effective if you stay up too late and are dehydrated.

Keep up the good work and thanks for all the encouragement. 98 lbs lost in on year!

I just noticed if you hit your goal, which I'm sure you will, that will be 99lbs lost. You've come really far. Congrats. You may want to set your goal down another pound. You would be cooler if you lost an even 100. How many pushups can you do now?

OK, still losing weight but I've been hitting strength training pretty hard the last three weeks and am seeing great results. Keep up the good work guys, I'm going for my fitness and nutrition certification in a few months, I really want to assist anyone I can.

LMK, if there is anything I can do!

What a weekend... i officially have whiplash from a kung fu exercise so my workouts are going to be low key for about a week. Havent heard much from anyone this week but am anxious to hear how your progress is going. Ping me... stay focused.

Staying motivated is a hard thing when sometimes you just don't feel like moving or eating well. Keep in touch with those who are going through this with you; make sure you are honest, and tell someone how you're feeling.

IF you don't have a motivator in 'real life' - this is difficult - be sure to stay tuned with your online motivators.

If anyone needs to chat or talk about their plans, goals or struggles, just ping me AOL - RefugeGuy Y! - JAMESTIPPINS or email jamestippins.nospam@gmail.com (remove .nospam)

Keep up the great work, see you soon.

James Tippins
"Life is essential to Living."

Hi James,

Thank you for visiting my profile and leaving me a message and a water-bottle. Your story is an excellent motivator for guys like me; it's one of the reasons why I joined this forum. At the moment I'm brimming with motivation and confidence, but I'm sure at somepoint there will be some self-doubt and challenging periods, its those where guy's like yourself will be truelly helpful. I'll be keepign an eye on your posts and your comments as I've already been impressed with some of the information you have given.

Good luck with the rest of your goal!
Colin.

OK, I've put up some before and after pix. These two are June 07 at 230 and Feb 08 at 165. More are on my manlawfitness blog. This is the second time I posted this one, it disappeared for some reason.

Hey James thanks, but I think in order for me to add you as a motivator you have to set up to be one? But yeah I would love all the help I could get! Thanks!

Strength Training: I have found over the last month that my weight isn't an issue as much as toning and gaining muscle strength.

I have developed a very simple, quick routine I do every morning and evening that takes 5 to 10 mins and am seeing terrific results.

My strength has almost doubled in the last six months and I have gained good definition comparably. I am still open to anyone who would like some help with this. I am not a professional athlete nor a body builder. I do not go to the gym, so I am able to help the average person who works 40 - 60 hours per week.

As the father of four, a full time pastor and student, I know what time management is all about. This lifestyle change is wonderful. I have also discovered wonderful tricks to being able to eat out healthfully. Let me know if you are interested, I'm always availalbe.

As of yesterday, I am averaging 165 (from 250) and have moved to a 31 in blue jeans. FYI.

LIfe is much different. My weight has gone down below what I ever thought it could and my strength has tripled through the process. It's taken a year but the results are wonderful.

82 lbs lost to date and my measurements are amazing.

Waist from 42 (tight) to 32 (lose)
Chest from 46 to 38

My fitness has become a way of life and I'm enjoying it! I would love to help coach and motivate anyone interested in starting the process! It can be done!