Dr. Thomas Maples

Wow… The BMI. That most difficult of charts we all face when we go to our general practitioners office. This post has been a long time coming, and something I have been somewhat embarrassed about sharing. However, in this new year, I find that my sources of inspirational posts needs to shine light on an epidemic that many of us face: an epidemic of epic proportions… Weight, and its effect on our emotional, spiritual, and physical health.

I am a bigger person. I call it big boned… muscular… it looks like I work out. Never in my life did I think I would be called “fat” by medical standards. Especially from an MD that appeared much less healthy than I am.

Morbidly Obese, was the term he used, but I don’t feel that way. Why?

I take care of my health. I exercise daily. In fact, that is not an exaggeration. Seven days a week with probably 5 missed days per year for the last two years. I run three miles a day, hit the stair stepper, and even get in weights at least 3 times a week. Yet, the weight stays on. I feel healthy. I think I am healthy. But the MD thinks not?

About a year and a half ago, the MD said that I was pre-diabetic. I could not believe what I was hearing. How could this be. I take care of my physical health. But blood panels do not lie. I guess I have to believe him. I can only argue with statistics for too long, before I have to believe them… Right?

I made a change, lost weight, but put it some of it back on. That is why I am choosing to write about this now. I am making it my purpose to gather community around ways we can bolster support for one another’s need to face those oftentimes conscious, yet unspoken demons that drive our day to day life.

No More!

The other day, I ran into a great community of people. Weight Watchers!!! I have been on it for decades, battling my own demons. The young 8 year old that tipped the scale at 100 lbs. The 16 year old that had to drop 100 lbs to join the US Navy. Yes, I had to loose an 8 year old me at 16 years of age to join on my 17th birthday. Wow, what a journey that was; but it was something I accomplished and feel good about. That same person that put on the Freshman 15 in college and then added Fatherhood 50 beyond the 15. Touchdown. at least I was the size of a linebacker, but not as healthy.

This will be about my journey this year to shed the weight… but more importantly, it will be an act of inspiration for others to share their stories, so that we can expose the unhealthy nature of the lifestyles we are offered. It is my hope to find inner peace, and to help others find inner peace, as they learn ways to awaken that inner person they wish to one day become, no matter what that person may look like.

Thank You for Reading

NEW YEARS DAY

Weight: 293.2 lbs.

Body Fat 39.9

Goal: 220 / 20%

To Go: 73.2 lbs

Day 1:

• Breakfast:
  • Premier Protein Shake
  • Mixed Frozen Berries (Blended)
• Lunch
  • Sandwich
    • Orowheat Buttermilk
    • Turkey Breast (Deli Sliced)
    • American Cheese
    • Roast Beef (Deli Sliced)
• Dinner
  • Chicken Tostadas
    • 1 Cup Rosarita Refried Beans
    • 1 large Chicken Breast (Non Fat)
    • Normandy Blend Veggies
    • Soy Sauce for flavor
    • Sriracha Sauce for flavor
    • Taco Sauce for Flavor
    • 1/2 Cup of Cheese.

I was hungry after work, and came home famished. I counted my points, and ended the night on a great note. But I realized, I needed something from my community. I did not know about healthy eating snacks to take to work. I will need to try this later in the week, but the best answer I found was to use eggs, fruit, and / or protein shakes as fillers.

I receive no payment for endorsing Weight Watchers. However, I would never endorse as a professional something I am not willing to try myself. This is a great program.

What is your story?