Weight Loss Has Energized Me (And My Income)

Before

After

When I first stepped through the front door of the Long Island Weight Loss Institute, I was 228 lbs., 32 years old and had a body-mass-index which indicated that 49.9% of that weight was body fat. Not surprisingly, that’s considered morbidly obese. At least my health hadn’t suffered, as yet, but my energy level was taking a noticeable nosedive. Moreover, I wasn’t exactly in the best frame of mind. You might even say I was depressed. And, in my business, which is sales, energy and attitude are everything. So, I knew I needed to make a change.

Part of me knew what I needed to do, but part of me also knew I needed structure and guidance in order to succeed.

Learning to make lifestyle changes

I’ve tried fad diets in the past and even joined a popular weight loss group, but it wasn’t until visiting the Long Island Weight Loss Institute that I got the counseling I needed. When I sit down with Dr. G, he’s my doctor, my analyst and my dietician. He’s an M.D. with real experience that’s full of fact and not fiction. He’s not just another so-called weight loss “expert.” And, his “homework assignments” become helpful tools; they are handpicked articles that are appropriate to what I need to work on. For instance, he may provide me with a story to read on balanced nutrition, on how to deal with stressors, or on how physical activity can enhance well being and speed weight loss.

Education has been a huge part of my learning to lead a healthier everyday life and Dr. G has been a most inspiring teacher.

Burning off stress along with fat

My life has turned around. Now, instead of food, the gym has become my outlet for stress relief. Four to six days each week, I work out my problems and anxieties with a good workout at the fitness center and I even have a gym buddy to help keep me on track. Exercise has become enjoyable because not only do I feel better, calmer and more relaxed afterwards, but at the same time it’s encouraging knowing that I’m burning fat and helping to maintain muscle mass.

Over the past 8 months, the Long Island Weight Loss Center has helped me lose more than 82 lbs (70 lbs of fat) and has helped me to reach a new, energetic weight of 146 lbs. In addition, working with a personal trainer helps me target problem areas and build muscle, while my cardio workouts are terrific fat burners. People who see me only once a month don’t even recognize me; the changes are that significant from one month to the next.

Now, when I get together with friends, we meet at the mall instead of the diner. We get plenty of exercise while window shopping and sometimes even land a few hot buys – and some flattering new clothes.

Getting a career boost

But, the best part of the weight loss has been the energy gain – and that has reenergized my career as well. It was amazing, but as the pounds were falling off and my enthusiasm and energy level returned to normal, sales began to skyrocket. I was happier, more focused and more passionate about my job, so I started closing more deals and as sales grew, so did my income.

Cutting the fat with TiVo

Once I was on the path of a healthier lifestyle, it was time to take control of my TV viewing. Television bombards us with temptation, so why not just blast past the 30-second tempters with the push of a button? So, I set my TiVo to tape my must-watch TV shows and then simply fast forward through all the fast-food commercials.

Still, what do you do about those special celebrations that center around food? I start by using what I’ve learned. I fill up on high density, low calorie foods first. Which means starting my meal with a big salad and then, by the time the dessert cart rolls around, I’ve had my fill and can say no to temptation.

Conclusion

Losing weight is a big decision and a full-time commitment that pays off in better health, increased energy and a healthier attitude toward life. Now, I actually look forward to what the scale says each week! But, I also make sure to come in every week because, when I skip a week, I tend to lose focus. Losing weight is a day-by-day process, so, for me, the support of family, friends and the good doctor has been priceless.