This morning when I got to work, I had an email waiting for
me that blessed my heart. A dear friend of mine from college and his wife had
been inspired by my weight-loss journey and began their own. Together, they
have lost 73 pounds and still losing, but more importantly, they are developing
a beautiful example for their daughter to and emulate. I am so proud of them! Please
read the following words from Charlie:
I have known Bubba for quite a few years now. We met
while serving together in student leadership at Liberty University. We
eventually became dorm mates during our senior year of undergrad. I guess
you could say that Bubba and I have always been self-proclaimed
“foodies.” We have always enjoyed discussing new recipes and restaurants,
and had a healthy appreciation for quality food.
When I was in my early twenties I was in very healthy
shape. But in my late twenties I underwent a major back surgery.
The results were positive in terms of the surgery, however, I never changed my
eating habits and the sedentary lifestyle the ensued after the surgery led to
an increase of inches around the waist. Plainly stated, I gained a lot of
weight.
This past November I was discussing with Bubba the amazing
menu I put together for Thanksgiving. It was during that conversation
that I began to sense Bubba had altered his eating habits. He began to
explain his purpose in eating healthy and becoming fit. Over the holidays
that conversation with Bubba kept reoccurring in my mind. I began to take
an honest evaluation of my current eating habits, which honestly scared me
because I have not always selected the best options when dining.
Soon after, I began putting greater stock into becoming
healthy. You see, I have a four year old daughter now and my habits were
beginning to rub off on her. I would never openly discourage her from
eating healthy fruits and vegetables. However, I soon discovered that if
“daddy” did not eat healthy, then she would not either. I realized now
that eating healthy really is demonstrated by example. Fortunately, this
was a wake-up call for me and I believe it was the week prior to Christmas that
I decided to take action. Ultimately I knew that if I were to
develop good habits for my daughter, I would have to first model what that
looked like. I did not want a diet just because I have done that and it
has not worked. Instead, I decided to change my culinary lifestyle.
When I began, I honestly did not know if I had the willpower
to completely alter three decades of unhealthy eating habits. After
reading a few of Bubba’s blog entries I became encouraged to steady the course.
I have always held a healthy respect for Bubba, and decided if he can do it… so
can I! I am proud to say that my wife and I began eating healthy,
balanced meals, started exercising portion control, and added a morning juicing
regimen to our daily routine. As a result, I have lost 32 pounds since
the beginning of January 2014. Not only have I lost weight, my wife has
lost 41 pounds as well! We both look forward to shedding more pounds and
living a healthy lifestyle.
I used to turn to food for comfort. I ate when I was
stressed and I cooked when I was bored. Cooking is still a major part of
my life, but I do not feel the need to approach the process in an unhealthy
manner any longer. Thank you Bubba for being a voice of encouragement, even
when you don’t verbally say a word!
…
I challenge everyone reading this to take a serious look at
how your habits affect those loved-ones around you, and if you find them to
have a negative impact – CHANGE them! As of the posting of this blog, I have
gotten rid of a total of 152 pounds.
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