Body Transformation: Diet-Driven Results!

AGE 17 HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 295 lbs BODY FAT 35%	AGE 18 HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 189 lbs BODY FAT 10.3%

I was overweight throughout most of my life, but I really started to pack on weight at the start of my sophomore year in high school. I ballooned from 250 to 295 pounds in that year alone. I needed to lose weight and change my lifestyle if I wanted to live strong and healthy, but I couldn't find the motivation to crack down and do something about it.

One day, I was headed back to class from lunch and experienced a defining moment. I walked up the main stairs to my locker while talking with friends and was exhausted. When I reached the top, I was out of breath and literally broke a sweat. At that point, I knew something had to be done. If I wanted to live longer and enjoy life, my entire lifestyle needed to change.

Starting wasn't easy. I tried and failed on many diets in the past and honestly felt like I gained too much weight to turn back. How could I lose 100 pounds? That was as much as most high school freshmen and sophomore girls weighed. Accomplishing this goal was going to be tough, but I had faith.

When I told my parents I wanted to start a weight-loss diet—and actually stick with it—they were supportive and ready to help. Fortunately, my mother took nutrition and exercise courses in college and was able to set me up with a diet and workout plan. As my weight loss progressed, I learned about fitness and health and made adjustments to my diet and workout routine.

The aspect that challenged me most was the diet. I used to eat fast food at least once per day and ordered the largest size available. I changed my diet slowly so I didn't fail. I started to reduce the quantity of the bad food I ate and eventually did away with them completely.

I allowed a cheat day occasionally, but now I'm to a point where I don't enjoy that type of food anymore. The way I feel when I eat good food is better than the instant sensation from bad food that leaves me feeling crappy.

As I prepare for college, staying on top of my diet will be a challenge. I want to attend a school with a cafeteria that has healthy food. I don't ever want to live unhealthy again. I plan on continue weight training and possibly compete, but most importantly I want to stay healthy.

The biggest suggestion I can give to anyone who wants to transform is to find the right kind of motivation. Before I lost weight, I tried and failed on many diets because I never had the right motivation.

When I found the right motivation, going to the gym and eating healthy was worth it—it was the only way to achieve my ultimate goal.

In my early stages of weight loss, Bodybuilding.com helped immensely. I ordered most of my supplements there and the forums helped answer questions about workouts and diets. Without Bodybuilding.com, I wouldn't have made it as far as I have. It's the greatest fitness website ever.