James' update

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You could probably tell from the picture in my profile that I'm a pretty big guy, but I didn't use to be that way. When I was 21, I still weighed 135 pounds, but now at age 44, I have an update on my personal weight deal that I'd like to share with you.

In May 2006, I was taking blood pressure medication, as having high blood pressure is a family trait that, sadly, played a factor in my mom's demise. At 5' 8", I weighed 330 pounds...........not good!!! Obviously, I didn't want to join my mom that soon, as she herself battled weight issues throughout her adult life. I knew I had a lot more to live for. I was scared, and knew that I had to do something yesterday, or there would be one less guitar player on the planet.

I will admit, to this day, that I have not engaged in any exercise routine (I think my job takes care of that), but here it is, 2 years later, and after still getting asked if I have lost weight, well, the answer would, proudly, be a big, loud, resounding YES!!!!!!! As of the date of this blog, I am happy to report that my weight is currently at............238 pounds. Almost 100 pounds in two years!!!!! (Jared who?) No kidding, folks, even though I don't see it myself, apparently others have noticed a drastically positive change in my appearance, despite the fact that I still appear somewhat of a big guy. I was told that I have a thinner face, neck, arms and stomach, at least compared to the way these people used to see me.

You might ask me, "James, how have you done it?" Well, in all honesty, I have been drinking a lot more water than I used to (the heat in Florida will do that). Being a big guy, I sweat a lot, and very easily, so when I'm out making deliveries around town, battling the daily heat, I'm slamming Zephyrhills water and Gatorade like crazy, especially this time of year. I still eat a lot of food that I probably shouldn't (can't seem to escape the weekly run to McDonald's), but I am trying to cut back on the food intake, as well as eating healthier in general. I feel very lucky to have been able to do this without any sort of routine diet or regular exercise. LIke it says in my profile, nothing fancy, but maybe Mom is sending me a message from up above to take better care of myself. Believe me, folks, I wouldn't be posting this blog if it wasn't true, but I am living proof that anybody can do it, for those who have battled weight issues, as I have for my entire adult life, as I thought I would never be able to do it. My goal is to get down to at least 200. I'd be happy with 180. But I'm happy with my current progress. Ask those I associate with on a regular basis, and they will tell you no different. Thoughts and comments graciously welcomed.