The most asked question of me is, “how’d you do it?” The answer is: I eat less.

Soon, I hope to get my bike tuned up and start exercising, but to be truthful, I haven’t done hardly a sit up or push up in a long time. The weight I’ve lost is simply due to reduced portions. I’ve tried the Atkins diet and had great success in having pounds melt off, but that didn’t last for long. I think the main reason is, you aren’t allowed to eat anything fun really.

For me, the key is making the decision ahead of time to eat a smaller portion. Grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner isn’t a spontaneous decision for me usually. I almost always know that it’s getting close to dinner time and I have to think about what I’m having.

In the past, I’ve caught myself making the excuse that ‘I just can’t control myself’. I’m here to tell you that is a lie! You are making the decision to eat what you are eating and you have to realize that you have the power to order a small fry (or no fries at all!) and a small drink. “But Rick, I can super size it for just $0.30!” Don’t do it! And, if you find yourself at a fast food joint, go ahead and try a salad now and then. I used to think they were poison but they aren’t that bad, I promise.

Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of eating the things you enjoy. But place limitations on yourself… and stick to them. If you like ice cream, have some. Don’t eat the whole damned tub though. Tell yourself before you dish it out how much you are going to portion. Maybe just a cup full instead of a bowl full. And treat yourself maybe once a week instead of every night. That way, you’re less likely to go on a binge (trust me I know how it works!). The choice truly is yours people.

How much do I weigh now? 232 pounds. Last May I hit 303 and said enough is enough. I hope by this Summer I can drop the last 30 pounds.