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Tony Posnanski (Lost 195+ Pounds!)
List of posts in Fat Loss Stories of Inspiration
- Fat Loss Stories of Inspiration: Series Introduction
- Mike Boyd (440lbs – 187lbs)
- Dr. Kal Chinyere (Lost 130+ Pounds!)
- Kenneth Lapins (Lost 50+ Pounds!)
- Christopher Stiegemeyer (Lost 55+ Pounds!)
- Tony Posnanski (Lost 195+ Pounds!)
- Bill Laas (Lost 50+ Pounds!)
- The 650 lb. Virgin – David Smith
- The 650 lb. Virgin – David Smith (Video Update)
- Kirby Fields (Lost 75 Pounds!)
No, the title of this post is not a typo! Guys, as I’ve told you, I scour the web for men who’ve lost, and have maintained, their fat loss. I can’t tell you how much these stories inspire me to maintain my fat loss and to keep finding more stories for you to read about. I’m a firm believer that there is no cookie-cutter solution to losing the fat, besides the basics of eating less and moving more; so, you are going to have to experiment for yourself with different approaches to see what works best for you. This is why I like showcasing these fat loss stories because it goes to show that there are many paths to reaching your goal of fat loss.
Today’s story comes from Tony Posnanski who’s blog’s title caught my eye: The Anti-Jared. Since I’ve blogged about how I didn’t want to lose weight only to look pudgy and soft like Jared from the Subway commercials, you know I was really interested in what Tony had to say. However, I had no idea I was entering the blog of a man who once weighed more than 400 pounds, while working as a chef in an Italian restaurant! Like Mike Boyd, when I come across guys that outweighed me by close to 100 pounds, I can’t help but to be in awe of their determination and dedication to their goal of losing the fat.
I’m really glad that Tony decided to let me interview him, so you guys can be inspired by his incredible fat loss story. Please leave a comment and be sure to check out Tony’s The Anti-Jared Blog.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN ON THIS FAT-LOSS JOURNEY?
In Februauy, I was feeling numbness in my arms when I slept. I was afraid i was going to have a heart attack. I came home late from work one day, and my wife was hysterical because she thought I would die of a heart attack. I went to the doctor who told me at 5 foot 6, 420 pounds, I had about three months to live. He wanted me to do gastric bypass, and increase my heart and cholesterol medications. I realized I needed to look inside and change. Since then, without the surgery or pills, I’ve never looked back.WHAT NUTRITIONAL PLAN (SOME PEOPLE SAY “DIET”) DO YOU FOLLOW?
The first two weeks I just ate less calories, but I realized that was something I have done before. Then I joined Weight Watchers, which has been good. I go to meetings every week, and I do a plan which basically is fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low fat dairy (Sounds like a workout diet!)About six months ago, I read a book by Tanya Zuckerbrot called The F-Factor Diet, and learning about the importance of Fiber HELPED me out tremendously!
DID YOU SET A GOAL FOR YOURSELF? IF SO, WHAT WAS IT?My goal was to lose 230 pounds within a year. I have heard it all! It is unhealthy, it is crazy, and NO WAY! I knew if I change the way I eat, and embrace it, I would be successful. Nine months in, and I am down 196.8 pounds!
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OFÂ ACTUALLYÂ STARTING YOUR JOURNEY?Truthfully, nothing. I beat myself up because I did not change my lifestyle earlier. I realized how selfish I was to my wife and family for basically being a walking time bomb, and really could die at any time. Also, keep in mind that I am a Chef (most recently promoted in my restaurant) so I was around . . . hum . . . healthy food all of the time. It made me stronger!Tony Before
DID YOUR FRIENDS/FAMILY OFFER YOU SUPPORT?Of course! The first four months I refused to have cookies in the house, and would not go out to eat. After that, I do not think anything will deter me!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR NEW MORE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES YOU NOW MAKE? FAVORITES?I LOVE APPLES! I try a different apple every time I can. I love cod, pears, Fiber One, All Bran, salsa, Fiber Crackers (Called GG Crispbreads), Mangos, Chicken, Red Beans, Soups! I am passionate about food now. Before, I did not love anything, just the latest cheesy burrito from Taco Bell.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT WEIGHT? HOW ARE YOU KEEPING THE FAT OFF?I am 223.4. I do have some excess skin, so it is virtually impossible for me to tell you my true bodyfat, and I do not believe those machines (I am not going under water yet). Working out is such a big part of my life! I go six days a week, sometimes twice. I am a member of two gyms, one is a boxing gym which I go to four times a week, and another facility, where I do cardio and weight training. I used to do high weight, low reps, but to go under 200 pounds, I switched to a circuit routine which works well. I never liked to have my own trainer, so I get all of my information from books, and a friend I have.Tony Now!
BESIDES OBVIOUSLY FEELING HEALTHIER, WHAT KIND OF CHANGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY AFTER YOUR FAT-LOSS?
I feel like I can do anything. I love clothes shopping, and now I can get new clothes. There are no limits. Plus, I never thought I would enjoy blogging as much as I do.WHAT KIND OF REACTIONS DO YOU GET NOW?People do not know who I am now. I am normal, not the “fat guy”. It is nice not being noticed.
WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING ABOUT YOUR FAT LOSS JOURNEY?
I recommend blogging to anyone who is losing weight. I LOVE blogging now. I started writing my progress, then I just share stories about my weight loss, and it goes well. I love to see how many subscribers I have, and I love the fact that people write me comments. It makes me feel really good.ANY TIPS/ WORDS OF ADVICE YOU WOULD OFFER SOMEBODY TRYING TO LOSE FAT?This is a loaded question. I think in general, people know how to lose weight, but do not want to make the sacrifice. I know I was that way. I will make it easier, any specific question, people can email me free of charge, and I will send a response back instantly! They can go to theantijared.blogspot.com
December 7th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Way to go, Tony!
Great interview. You’re an inspiration to many!
And to work around food… and abstain… what an accomplishment – especially working around Italian food!
Thanks for posting this, Muata.
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Muata Reply:
December 8th, 2008 at 6:28 am
@Doug Quance – Big D, thanks for leaving a comment and thanks for telling folks about my blog too–I really appreciate it. Keep coming back because I plan on posting more stories like Tony’s …
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December 8th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Tony, that is fantastic!!I think you are right, we all know what we need to do, we struggle with how we get ourselves to do it.
Great job, we telling people about your success, you never know how many lives you change.
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Muata Reply:
December 8th, 2008 at 7:35 am
@bill – Bill, thanks for leaving a comment, and I thought that Tony made a very good point too. Be sure to check out his blog and leave him a comment …
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December 8th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
WOW!!!! Simply amazing man. Amazing!
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Muata Reply:
December 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
@Israel – Isn’t it amazing what we can do with the right mix of desire, determination, planning, and staying focused on your goal(s)?
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December 8th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOW
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Muata Reply:
December 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
@Jason B – Yeah, I know!! That was my exact response when I first came across Tony’s blog
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December 9th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Muata, baby, I love the way this new site looks! I’ve got lots of reading to do!
Hope you’re doing well, friend.
Adam
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Muata Reply:
December 9th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
@Adam Wilk – Adam!!! Man, it’s been too long. Thanks for the compliments buddy, and I look forward to hearing more from you and your cool blog too …
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December 9th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I found this one – http://www.losingtofindmyself.com
he has lost 103 pounds and still going
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Muata Reply:
December 10th, 2008 at 10:37 am
@Alex – Thanks Alex, I’ll check it out.
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December 12th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Ha, this is funny – I just posted my own interview (http://www.johnisfit.com/2008/12/12/weight-loss-blogger-interview-tony-posnanski/) with Tony where he mentioned your site so I came to check it out – and see you interviewed him first! Anyway, great interview and his story is indeed amazing.
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Muata Reply:
December 17th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
@John’s Weight Loss Blog – LOL! Yeah, I guess I beat you to the punch with Tony’s story, which still has me shaking my head when you consider the fact that he’s a chef in an Italian restaurant! Thanks for stopping by John and keep up the great work over at your blog …
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December 13th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Great weight loss story congratulations and keep up the good work. I too have started blogging about my weight loss it going pretty good. Check me out (remember I’m a newbie)
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Muata Reply:
December 17th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
@Freddy – Excellent Freddy! Again, I can’t begin to express how much blogging about your fat loss journey helps. We don’t have enough of them IMO, so I’m glad that you’ve started one.
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December 16th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessenotjames/
Jesse posts on the WW message boards and I think he has lost around 206 pounds
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Muata Reply:
December 17th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
@Ron – Wow! Thanks for the link Ron.
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December 6th, 2009 at 11:42 am
See, this is what inspires me. Hard work, no quick fixes from real people with real results. Great interview….
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Muata Reply:
December 9th, 2009 at 6:11 am
Thanks Yobigmike. I’m glad you enjoyed Tony’s interview, and be sure to check out his blog. He’s a decent blogger too …
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