Week Four: Mike

Starting weight: 220 lbs.
Current weight: 208 lbs.
Total loss: 12 lbs.

Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I've lost more weight in the past four weeks than I have in, well ... ever.

Physically, it still feels like I've got a long way to go — seems that my beer belly accounts for a lot more than 15 lbs. — but a huge start like this has been the most powerful force in keeping me going. When we started, I had expected to lose maybe three or four pounds this month, or worse, become the comic relief of the team. I guess forming good habits does pay off.

Since I'm now only three pounds away from the stated goal of the Freshman 15, I don't see why there's any reason to stop there. I haven't been doing anything drastic with my eating or exercise habits, so a double-digit loss doesn't concern me greatly. After all, I'm about 30 or 40 lbs. overweight as it is, so I'm sure my body has no qualms with losing the first dozen pounds quickly.

That said, I'm dipping into unfamiliar fitness territory, and while I don't have a solid idea of where I'll go from here, realistically, I expect to see a bit of a plateau as I get closer to the 200 mark. However, I'm feeling great, and actually managing to keep up with my healthy eating and work-out habits. A month ago, I subsisted on cheeseburgers and fries; now, I can't even will myself to crave one. And for the first time ever, I actually feel good after going to the gym. It's no longer a chore — it's quickly becoming a hobby.

Beyond the little things, I'm feeling better. I'm able to catch my breath quicker after a burst of physical exertion. I'm not nearly as hungry or snacky as I was before. And everyone is remarking on how good I'm looking, even the ones who have no idea I'm doing this. The ego boosts are certainly welcome, and will keep me going in the weeks ahead. This gut is shrinking day by day, and I can already feel a flatter tummy on the horizon.