If we are to break free from the captivity of obesity, we have to take off the chains of conformity. We have to be different. We have to change. We have to allow ourselves to be transformed.

Most people diet by following fads. I finally broke free of the fad diets. Now I eat a very balanced diet and simply reduce calories.

Most people eat three to four times per day. I eat six to seven meals per day.

Most people workout in long periods. I workout in short bursts throughout the day.

I used to drive to work. Now I bike to work as often as I can.

I have a choice between three restrooms at work, most often I choose the one upstairs. I have two bathrooms at home. I use the one furthest from me.

I used to make my day as efficient as possible through careful planning to make sure I completed tasks in the fewest number of steps. Now I choose less efficient methods. I take more steps, literally. And I end up doing a better work product.

If you want to be transformed you have to change and you have to allow yourself to be changed.

I used to eat out. Now I prepare all my lunches at home.

I used to park in the ADA parking spaces, now I park far away from the entrance.

I used to drive home for lunch, now I walk around Main Street.

I used to cover up all the embarrassing eating behaviors, emotions and laziness. Now I blog about them.

I am changing. I am being transformed. Now I can run farther than I used to be able to walk. Now I can fit on a bicycle. Now I can climb stairs without being winded. Now I can share what I eat without being embarrassed.

I am no longer captive to my obesity.

There are not many on this road with me. Sometimes it can be a lonely road. But the people on this journey with me can be so encouraging, inspiring and uplifting. We are in this together, we happy few.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Fitbit Flex 2, Black (US Version)