1. Own It!
The first step to conquering any of our demons is to admit we actually have a problem. We have to acknowledge what is reality and stop living in denial. This one hits close to home for me.
Several years ago, before losing almost 100 pounds on a plant-based diet, I weighed close to 300 pounds. I suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and was classified as obese. However, I didn’t consider myself fat or sick. Denial was my middle name. But, all of that changed one day when I tried to buy a pair of pants at the local mall.
I explained to the clerk, who was very large himself, I would like the pants I saw on one of the mannequins. He simply replied, “Bro, they don’t make cool clothes for fat people.” What? Me? Fat? No one had ever said that to me that directly. It hurt and it stung, but it was the truth and exactly what I needed to hear. I left the store hurt and mad. And, although I didn’t realize it at the time, I had just taken my first step to changing the rest of my life. I finally saw what everyone else was seeing – the truth.
Starting today, look in the mirror and OWN IT!
2. Make A List
Zig Ziglar, America’s most influential motivation speaker said, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” Put your goal in front of you and think about what you need to do in order to achieve it. No matter how simple or foolish something sounds, write it down! I’m one of the most disorganized people you will ever meet. And, if I don’t write something down it doesn’t get done. But, if I take the time to actually put it on paper and keep it front of me, I’m usually much more efficient.
Next, make a list of everything that needs to change in order to help you achieve your goal. Take some time to do a personal inventory and see what might be holding you back. This can be extremely hard because it could potentially require you to make some tough decisions. You might need to change friends; clean out the fridge; or, find a different route home from work so you don’t have to pass that McDonald’s everyday. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Guaranteed!
3. MOVE!
The final step is the most important and the one very few will ever execute. It’s simple: Stop talking about it and MOVE YOUR ASS! That’s it. That’s the big secret – just do it! Stop hitting the snooze button and get your ass out of bed. Stop saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow” because you won’t. You’ve done the research, you know the answers, and now it’s time to conquer. There’ll be good days and bad days. Days of triumph and days of failure. But, you can and will persevere if you want it bad enough.
This was my life for years. I could talk a good game, but rarely did I follow through on anything. I finally just got sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Great advice. Thanks for your honesty!
Your story is remarkable. I want to have a similar story. I have been a lurker in the Plant Based lifestyle, in then out, for a while now. I see the recipes you have on here. They look amazing! Are these the recipes you used to lose the weight you lost? The Cashew Cheese Queso and the Chocolate Peanut butter hummus? I’m not doubting the plant based way as much as wondering, can I seriously lose weight eating THAT stuff? Or, do I have to stick to the oatmeal, salads and plain tofu for the first 3 months? I know there is more than oatmeal, salads and plain tofu, but figuratively speaking, am I going to be eating boring foods to lose the weight and THEN be able to eat the stuff on here? I really appreciate your website, your success and your willingness to help.
Scott, thanks so much for responding and reading my story. And, thankful you are enjoying Shane & Simple. The short answer to your question would be YES…and no. Things like the Queso and Peanut Butter Hummus are healthier alternatives to provide a little sanity. Yes, they are completely plant-based and have healthy benefits, but they are still treats and should be enjoyed as such. Very much like avocados, nuts and seeds. Numerous healthy benefits, but you wouldn’t eat 2 pounds of each in one sitting:)
Personally, I don’t find a plant-based diet boring, in fact quite the opposite. But, I do understand what it’s like when starting out. You feel all you can have are salads, tofu and oatmeal. I was the same way. And yes, I lost weight eating that stuff:) I would gorge on fruits and vegetables; homemade veggie burgers; my homemade “meat”loaf; mashed potatoes, etc. and enjoyed myself. And yes, from time to time, would have some Queso, etc.
Look at websites like https://www.forksoverknives.com/ and http://engine2diet.com/ . They were my main source of inspiration. And, please dive into Shane & Simple and never hesitate to reach via my contact page. I respond to all requests. So, if you ever have a question, never hesitate to ask.
Good luck and blessings on your journey,
shane
Wow! Thanks for such a quick response. I will be looking into the websites you suggest. I sincerely appreciate the invitation to reach out via your Contact page. When I went there I got:
“NOT FOUND, ERROR 404
The page you are looking for no longer exists. Perhaps you can return back to the site’s homepage and see if you can find what you are looking for. Or, you can try finding it by using the search form below.”
I only tell you that in case you didn’t know. Thanks again for your help and inspiration.
Scott, thanks for letting me know. It should be working now, but please let me know if it doesn’t. Peace.