Nickname: The Hoover

So often when I tell people that I used to be fat, very few people believe me. I take this as a compliment but it has been difficult to prove. Mainly because when you’re fat, you’re not running to jump in front of a camera. I have dug a few photos up though and hopefully you can see where I have come from. This is not to the credit of my own will though, faith plays a huge component.

Poor Health
I am 5’ 10” and over 200 lbs. I eat out at least two times a day while I am working. I smoke cigarettes and cigars daily. I am constantly stressed out. My nick name... was The Hoover.

Good Health
I stay between 150 and 155 lbs. I no longer smoke cigarettes. I am no one special and if I could do it, I know you can. ​

Turning Point
My neighbor told my father; “Wow your son, he really let himself go”

Prayer Turning Point
I felt the message I was receiving was if I was out of shape, and God called me to do something like run for cancer, could I do it as big and out of shape as I was? I was not in shape for where I knew I was about go.

The Program:

• Counting Calories
• Running
• Quit smoking

Phase 1: Discipline Training

• January - Daniel Fast for 21 days
• February - No Diet
• March - Daniel Fast for 21 days
• April - No Diet
• May - Daniel Fast for 21 days
• June - No Diet

What is the Daniel Fast? Essentially it is a biblical diet utilizing only fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. Many organizations have variations of this fast. My tip is to stick to the most basic foods that are not processed. No dairy, meats, or processed food will help you answer a lot of questions when researching for a set of rules you would like to follow.

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Daniel 10:2-3.

Fasting is nothing without prayer. Remember the goal is to gain discipline in this phase to use in your next one. Attempt to set up regular times to speak with God and talk to Him throughout the day. Just like you fitness stamina, your prayer will grow too. Do not knock 3 minute prayers! Start there and challenge yourself to add time daily.

Your taste for foods will change. Things that you ate before that were sweet will not be as sweet, you may not desire them as much (this is subject to change for individuals). Take advantage and stay away from those sweets. If you keep eating them, you will acquire the desire for them again. In your non-­diet times, please, do not resort back to normal eating habits. Use what you learn and mix the Daniel fast with your daily diet for well balanced meals.

Phase 2: Discipline In Motion

• July - December - Calorie counting and running

I started to count calories. I used the My Fitness Pal app. What this does is keep a food journal and allows you to see how many calories you eat. It is great and works on any smartphone. It will do an inventory, you will enter how much weight you want to lose and how much you can eat to get there.

I also used MiCoach by Adidas (ADIDAS MiCoach). Any Cardio program will be beneficial. I used this one because I run outside and this one tracks you by GPS and calculates how many calories you burn. It also has weight loss plans you can join that will keep you on track. This too works with any smartphone. Both of these apps are free.

Tips:

• When fasting, pray.
• They go hand in hand.
• Pray daily for obedience and discipline.
• Do not be upset for errors made.
• Worry about moving on and doing better on the next meal.
• Do not drink calories unless you are replacing a meal.
• Stick to zero calorie drinks.
• Always overestimate your calories slightly.
• Listen to sermons or inspirational messages that will build you and strengthen your character as you run.
• Don’t waste calories on junk food.
• This will kill your energy and your energy is already limited.
• Find default snacks you can trust and are easy to grab when cravings hit.
• Eat smaller and eat often.
• Set hours in the day where you will not eat and commit to doing so.
• Set a cut off time for eating.
• Aim for high fiber snacks and food that will keep you full longer.

What this process did was allow me to discover things about myself that I never knew were even there. I learned about God really working in my life and helping me to become the better me. Yes I did the physical work, but the spiritual and motivational work was all done by God. I credit him for being a trainer and providing when I had no physical person to lean on. I walked away learning to lean on Him more. The discipline does carry on to other parts of your life. Stay encouraged and allow Him to move with you and minister to you in your struggles and time of training. It is hard work, but if I can do it, with no fitness background aside from sports I played in jr. high, you can do it too. It starts one day at a time. The first step is to believe you can do it. This might be the hardest step, but you at least have one person who is praying for you. How do you know? If you are reading this, know I have already prayed for you.

Talk soon & God bless,
MG

Edited By: Jeni Watanabe

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