Seeing changes...

I want to lose weight! I want to look better! I want to feel good! 

 Those are all things many people say around these times, but how many people actually do something about it. In actuality, most of the times these words get said but never mean anything. But why? Well there are many reasons why, time being the main one. Why time? Because losing weight and keeping it off takes time. It takes exercise. Eating right is just a small part of it, we have to get sweaty. We have to burn a lot more calories than we take in. To lose one pound you have to have a 3500 calorie deficit. No way around it. The best way to have less calories without starving yourself is to burn them off. There are many ways to burn the calories but I chose cycling for physical reasons. I could not run or do any impact exercise because my back was shot. On the bright side, cycling is one of the best forms of exercise to destroy the calories.

I love and want to inspire people to change their lives. I've gotten my dad to lose 25 lbs just by not taking him with me to eat anymore. It was my fault others around me were heavy. I ate so they ate. Funny how that is but it is true. Another person I have been pushing is my brother. Every time I see him I ask for an update if he is eating well or going out to the gym. Those little questions might not seem like much but it puts it in their head that they need to keep doing it, a little reminder goes a long way. I always make sure to tell them they look better, fitter, or just plain tell them they are gaining weight. Honesty pushes you too.

Then we have Adrian. He is doing so well. Last year he joined me on my journey to lose weight only to stop and rebound like most people. All that work done only to give it all up because you want to be lazy. He had the time back then. He was still in college. No job. It was just him and his love of sleep and food. YOU HAVE TO MAKE THAT CHANGE. Now a year later he is picking it up again. But this time it's different. This time I can see that he really wants it. He set his mind to get it done. He is in the same mode I was in when I started. He is doing great. Now with less time because he is a teacher and has to make the effort to be at work on time, he is waking up extra early to get his miles in on time. He then goes to work and after work he does it again, whether it be cycling or going to the gym and spin. That effort is paying off. He has dropped 16 lbs in the past three weeks which is pretty awesome. He is also becoming a better cyclist. Today we did a pretty fast ride averaging 19.6 mph and was with us the whole way. A couple of weeks ago he would have given up within a couple miles. He has not missed a ride since he started. EFFORT PAYS OFF. I always ask him what food he has eaten. Now he counts all calories, a must! Some people say you can eat whatever you want as long as you exercise. True... If you want to maintain your weight. COUNT CALORIES.

Surround yourself with people that have similar goals and you will make things happen. Have a good time while doing it too and your life will be so much better, happier and fulfilling.  We back each other up. When one is slacking the other picks you up. Keeps you always on the go. Great people.

I'm still on my journey. 

My ride. 

I got my goals set. 

I hope that many people join me. 

It's a great experience. 

Staying on track