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For the past 5 years, I have struggled to lose weight. Despite the difficulty, I have been consistent with my physical health by walking. There was a time when I weighed 407 lbs. I lost the weight and dropped to 335 lbs but gained it back when COVID hit. In the end, it's my own fault. I admit the blame falls on me, especially with my love of fried food.
Food: Love & Hate
I have a love-hate relationship with food, especially fried food. I love fried chicken and tenders, southern food, and Chinese food. It's something that I'm working on as well.
One of the ways I have worked on this relationship is I focus on eating more at home and limit take out. I'm not going to say it has been easy.
I focus on eating more protein, green vegetables, and fats and limiting my sugar and carb intake. I also lift weights to build muscle.
Focus on Building Muscle
7 months ago, Between June and July 2022, I started consistently lifting weights. I choose to follow the 5x5 Stronglifts workout routine.
Milestones
- Deadlift 300 lb
- Squat 260 lb
Injury While Lifting Weights
As the new year began, 2023. January came, and I continued to lift weights religiously, but something happened. I was lifting an overhead press of 130 lbs. I struggled, raising the bar over my head. I felt like a tendon, or something snapped or cracked. I ignored and finished my set. The next day I woke up with a sharp pain near my shoulder blade and socket. At first, I assumed it was just my muscle sores, or I slept wrong.
After two months, the pain did not go away. I was taking Ibuprofen and using Icey Hot to relax the pain. Nothing seems to be helping. Ultimately, I went to a holistic to find out the root cause of my injury. And he told me that my shoulder was out of its socket. I was surprised. I never would have thought that was the case. I assumed the worst.
With his help, he pushed the joint back into alignment. I can say that was painful, but I endured. I rested my shoulder for the next few months and tried not to pick up anything heavy.
Back to Basics
I waited for my shoulder to heal and took time off lifting weights. To combat my limit on physical fitness. I continued to walk.
First Day Back in The GYM
My first day back was on July 8. Seeing the barbell, weights, and bench and feeling the bar between my hands was like a nostalgic feeling that I was finally back at home. Almost got dehydrated, but I managed. It was a hot summer day in Texas. No regrets. My workout consisted of
- 5x5 125 lb Squat
- 5x5 85 lb Bench Press
- 5x5 75 lb Barbell Row
P.S. I tend to push my limits.
Doubt & Wanting to Quit
While I continue my routine, to go back to the gym. I have continued to keep walking for 30 mins a day. Most of the time, I enjoy my walks because it helps me clear my head and stay committed to my long-term goals. There are days, like many of us get, where you want to quit, and fear & doubt sinks in.
I guess losing weight has been a struggle for me, but it has been a struggle ever since I was a kid. I was the fat kid. To make matters worst, I was the fat kid with the big head lol... All I can do is keep moving forward.
Keep Going
No matter what struggles I have or will face, I must keep going. I have made it this far in life at 33. I will continue to focus on eating proper meals and limiting my fried and Chinese food. As for physical fitness, I keep walking 30 minutes daily and lifting weights 1 day per week until I can handle more weight.
I feel like a rambled one.
Thank you for your time.
Don't Give Up. Keep Going.