Triumphs in Shedding Pounds: Inspirational Journeys – [Part 2]

Let’s dive into another inspiring success story of someone who managed to shed over 70 pounds! This story is packed with useful tips on how to take control of your health. We focused on three main questions:

1. How did your mindset change?
2. What about your exercise routine?
3. How did your nutrition change?

To start, the key to my success was learning to love my body as it was, even when I was overweight. It wasn’t easy, but it was crucial for my journey.

One tool that helped was drawing sketches of myself while looking in the mirror. This exercise helped me see my body differently, not just through the lens of what’s considered beautiful or ugly. I started to appreciate everyone’s unique beauty and the effort it takes to achieve an athletic physique, which shows discipline and hard work.

Now, let’s talk about Ben G. Adams, a clinical psychologist who lost over 70 pounds and went on to author a health book! Ben struggled with his love for food but found success through the Body-for-LIFE program by Bill Phillips. Ben shared his approach, focusing on self-mastery and sticking to a daily food plan that he gradually refined.

Ben eased into the program by giving himself two “eat whatever you want” days each week initially, which made it easier to stick to. After completing the 12-week program, he reduced these to two half-days each week, and eventually to one full day per week. This approach, inspired by B.F. Skinner’s behavior shaping, was more about gradual adjustments than a “go hard or go home” mentality.

His workout routine involved lifting weights three times a week, alternating between upper and lower body workouts. For the upper body, he focused on shoulders, lats, chest, triceps, and biceps, while for the lower body, he worked on quads, hamstrings, calves, and abs. He also incorporated three cardio sessions each week, following a structured intensity-variation technique that helped reduce stress and made him feel fantastic afterward.

Nutritionally, Ben ate six small meals a day, each with protein and carbs, and included vegetables with at least two meals. His favorite recipe is a soup he calls Self Love Soup Base, which can be customized with meat or tofu sausage.

Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup water
– Rice
– A can of black beans
– Salsa
– Olive oil
– A slice of cheese

Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer. Add rice and cook until done.
2. Add the can of black beans (with the water), salsa, and olive oil, then simmer until bubbly.
3. Pour into a bowl and top with pieces of cheese.

Besides this soup, Ben enjoys raw almonds, raw cashews, steel-cut oatmeal with peanut butter and berries, and various fruits and vegetables. Drinking water is also key.

Ben also wrote “The Creative Process Diet” to share the psychological and spiritual insights he gained through dieting.

The most remarkable part of Ben’s transformation is his understanding of his body’s limits and adjusting his program accordingly. Weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all; you need a plan that fits your schedule, habits, career, and family life. Remember, weight loss is achievable, and you could be the next success story!