Miles says: "I've committed myself to what?"

Okay, so yes, I am here, Chris. I didn't abandon you. I decided to accept Chris' challenge for a few reasons. One, he's a good friend and I want to support him. Two, I like the approach that he suggested and that we are taking about focusing on the principles of health and finding specific behaviors we can modify, letting the results come as they may. Three, well, I've got several pound's worth of reasons to get healthy.

My journey started a bit earlier this year. I joined a biggest loser contest at work. There was a big financial incentive. The winner won about $400 for greatest percentage lost. I didn't win--at least not the money. But I did learn something about myself. When I had decided that I wanted to do it. I could do it. I lost about 11 lbs over the course of three months. Perhaps it doesn't seem like a lot, but it's more than I had lost in the past several years. It really felt good. I had a smile on my face, my clothes didn't fit very well (in a good way). People actually noticed.

After the contest I didn't really focus as I wanted to and a slid a bit. Still, I managed to keep enough good habits that I didn't backslide to the beginning. Still, I wanted/want to be healthier. I don't feel that I can really be the best husband, father, church servant I can be if my health is suffering. I think that is why the Word of Wisdom is such important counsel.

As for our approach, I think this is the key. I am sure there are weight loss gurus out there who would say that we don't really have much of a chance we we aren't focused on results, i.e. the pounds lost. But, we are focused on results, but it is the resulting behavior change that we want to focus on. As I learned this year, weight loss is only as good as the behaviors that are changed in the process. So, I would like to identify behavioral goals around reducing stress, exercise, healthier eating, moderated eating, sleep, etc. and work to instill those so that they become life long habits. And that is our next steps...what are the principles that we are following and what are the behaviors that support those principles.

Miles