Introduction

Sunday 04.11.21

I used to weigh 370 pounds and I’ve lost over 200 pounds. More importantly I’ve kept the weight off for over 45 years. Yeah, I’m pretty proud of this accomplishment.

I am not a credentialed expert in diet, weight loss or nutrition. I am a life insurance guy. My area of expertise is mortality risk assessment. In simple terms I make a living by learning about and understanding what kills people. And as a result of my work I’ve learned how to live long and prosper. This future Best Seller is my way of sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through the course of my journey.

The journey has not been easy. Even to this day everyday is a struggle. There are many times in my life when I’ve stared at the number on the bathroom scale and asked myself what the hell have I done? If you’ve done the same then this book is for you.

But is not a diet book nor a weight loss book per se. This is the book I began writing while growing up as The Fat Boy. I learned a long time ago is that there are no secrets to making the transition from fat to fit. Just take the time and effort to find your answers. What worked for me may not work for you. Yet I’m confident I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to losing weight. The habits I’ve developed for eating and exercise now are vastly different from what I did years ago to lose weight. For years I was happy cruising along at 195-200 pounds. It was a far cry from 370 so I really got lazy about weight control. Then Covid-19 hit the U.S. and over the course of the first pandemic year my weight changed again. In a recent survey 42% of those surveyed reported gaining weight during the pandemic. The average weight gain was 29 pounds (see Random Thoughts (of beer) – March 2021). But during Pandemic Year One I lost 25 pounds. As of this writing I’m (back) down to 168.

There is an old saying that inside every one of us is a book. Here is my book, my gift to all of you out there searching for answers on how to lose weight and keep the weight off for a lifetime. I hope this helps you in your journey.