My Weight Loss Journey 2022.

Hello, chess fans and members here on chess.com.  2022 has definitely been a crazy year for the world. Especially in many countries. Things have been difficult for us all. Some of us have lost loved ones. Some of us have lost friends. Some of us have even lost our own careers and have experienced hardships. 

In light of those events, look back on the fond memories that you've shared with them all and remember those who we've lost with grace and dignity. 

On a personal note, I have lost a few people close to me this year. It has been rough. Its been difficult. It has been an absolutely crazy ride for me in the past two years, however. One day I was living in Delaware and then, several weeks later at the start of this year, I was living in a hotel in New Jersey for a month, starting a new job. This job was at a Cancer Center as a Medical Assistant.

Things seemed alright at first, until I realized just what kind of workers I was dealing with. Don't get me wrong, some were nice, two I absolutely loved, but the rest were just eh... After busting my rear end countless times, I was eventually let go for absolutely ridiculous reasons. What does all this have to do with weight loss? I will tell you. I gained a lot of weight this year during my 6 month time span at the Cancer Center. This was due to stress from the jobsite and heavy pressure from management. I couldn't cope so I divulged and began eating junk food and food that I wouldn't normally choose. Comfort food. I was the heaviest that I have ever been at 258 pounds. As a 5'6 male. That is considered morbidly obese. It showed. Every time I tried to walk up the stairs at my jobsite, I had to catch my breath numerous times. My legs would burn and I had some pretty serious cardiac problems going on. It wasn't until I became sick that I realized just how far I'd let myself go as a result from the stress eating. 

I joined Weight Watchers, for a time, which seemed to do the trick. But that was more like a lecture than anything else, even though I loved the individuals who were there with me. In the end, it was through the help of my family.... An intervention if you will.... Where I began a calorie counting, portion controlled diet. It is now almost the end of December. I started this in October.  The last weigh in that I did, I weighed in at 230 pounds. That is 28 pounds of fat off of my body. This has been through exercising daily, walking, jogging, a little bit of strength training at home, the use of a Speed Bag etc.... Plus the Calorie Counting and Portion Control. I am not going to sit here and say that it has been easy. I've been angry, I've gotten annoyed, I've made up excuses. But the one thing that I can now say is this. I feel 100 times better than where I was. I am able to walk 3 miles in one day without my legs hurting me. I can run up and down stairs without it hurting. I am even able to lift heavier objects.

All of this has been in preparation for a gym opening up on the 28th where I live. Called Planet Fitness. I wanted to go in with a bit of a head start. Only this time, I'll be reconditioned and ready to reach my full potential. In my field of work, healthcare, fitness and endurance are key. Especially stamina. When you are on your feet for 12 hours, you need to be in peak condition. Otherwise who will look after those who need us the most? It'll also help me with my chess playing because I am still a competitive, tournament player when I am able to be. My goal is to drop 30 more pounds before I begin to fully recondition my body into peak physical performance. 

Thank you for your time and I will be posting Before and After photo's in the New Year. 

Happy Holidays and take care.

Yo that’s absolutely awesome dude! More power to ya with that loss, I wish you the best, know in no time you will, your determination expresses exactly that! 👍

Thank you so much for that! It definitely isn't an easy journey but determination and willpower have been known to do well.

Congratulations

It is wonderful to hear about your positive changes! And inspiring too. Thanks for sharing D.

Amazing work! Keep it up!

That's awesome!

Good to hear you are making progress. Some thoughts in response: Some jobs are extremely stressful, maybe for everyone, maybe for certain personality types. Sometimes we run into a job type or place that is overwhelming. I have. A lot of us tend to search for meaning in a job. I refer to a Studs Terkel quote: "...most of us are looking for a calling, not a job... ...most of us have jobs that our too small for our spirit." Remember you aren't defined by a job. Keep yourself healthy and bright and find a place, in healthcare or otherwise, to fill your days that uses something you are good at and don't hate. You can always let your spirit fly on the chessboard!

Remember that food is fuel for the body, nothing more or less. Good healthy food provides good healthy fuel for healthy body. Stop using food for your emotions, it will never be good. Find healthier ways to manage your emotions. May the force be with you!