FIRST: PROGRESS REPORT
Through walking again 4 to 6 miles 3- 5 times a week, and eating in moderation (which is in conflict with my nature) I am now down to 252 pounds. A little over 2 years ago, I weighed 353 pounds!
This puts me only 17 pounds from my goal weight of 235 lbs. At that weight, I will judge how I feel, to determine if I need to lose more. Also, I will stop swimming in my clothes. I had committed when I began losing weight that I would not buy any new clothes until I reached my goal. I have no idea what my waist size will be! I haven’t weighed 235 since I was a teenager. In fact, I haven;t been in the 250’s since my teens either.
People have trouble believing I have done this without dieting. The fact is I have tried numerous diets in my life, some with TEMPORARY success. Then, when I went off the diets, BOOM! Usually I put more weight on than I had lost. Diets always made me feel deprived, and I made up for it. I can’t speak for anyone else necessarily, but for me… diets do not work. I have not used any “diet” at all to lose over 100 pounds so far. I work hard at my job (sometimes). I walk at not a leisurely pace (but I do not run unless I’m being chased and I’m not afraid of anyone). And again, the hardest but most important struggle is eating in moderation. I can eat ANYTHING (within reason, since I am diabetic), just in (there’s that bad word again) moderation.
NOW: OPPORTUNITY!
For the second consecutive year, I am participating as a team captain in the Step Out To Stop Diabetes Walk in Akron, Ohio. I have type 2 diabetes. Those participants with diabetes are recognized as “RED STRIDERS”. The walk this year is around the picturesque Akron University Campus on Sunday, September 27. It’s 4 miles, or 2 miles for those whom 4 is perhaps too much.
Donations are not based on distance, but based on support for the cause. Last year, my personal total was about $128. This year my goal is to at least double that. There are prizes provided by our many generous corporate sponsors for participants raising various amounts of donations.
So, I’m asking everyone in the Northeastern Ohio area to join my team. We are called ” The Cool Shooz“. I chose this name because I thought it would be cool if all team members would wear colorful decorative (but of course comfortable) shoes. There is no limit to how many people can be on a team. Last year one team at the Akron walk had over 200 members.
And if you are unable to join my team, I ask you to please consider a donation to help stop diabetes. 100% of your donation goes directly to the American Diabetes Association. It is tax deductible. Per your request, I can send you a tax receipt. Any donation of any size is greatly appreciated. Together, we can stop this disease that affects and kills millions of people every year. Here is the link to my team page:
mikemattice 