“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not do.”   Mark Twain

Growing up, I was always overweight. I got picked on a lot as a kid, and some of that has stuck with me. I still get insecure about taking off my shirt at the pool! As far as my physical fitness is concerned, I’ve always had one goal: To look good with my shirt off! Even though I workout 6 days a week, I’ve run marathons, and I am pretty active,
I’ve never been able to get there!

I’ve been doing P90X for about a year now. I thought I was in the best shape of my life and I was excited to take off my shirt at the pool! Well, I got my opportunity in front of some of my family. I thought they were going to stand in awe of my fantastic physique! Little did I know, I was in for a reality check!

The next day, one of the people that was with me, who I respect very much, confronted me. He said, “Bubba, one area you need accountability in is what you eat, because you don’t look so great!” After a little self evaluation, I recognized that he was right, I wasn’t anywhere near where I wanted to be. That conversation was a catalyst to change in my life.

My theory before that was I could eat whatever I wanted because I worked out that day. Not true! You really only burn off about half a meal while working out! I started tracking my calories and came to the conclusion that I was consuming 4,000-5,000 calories a day while only burning 300-600!

After studying out the P90X diet plan, I’ve come to the following conclusions:

Working Out + Bad Eating Habits = No Results (Look like Crap)

Working Out + Good Eating Habits = Results City (Look awesome)

It’s about developing healthy eating habits. It requires discipline, but they payoff is awesome! It’s been a little over a month of me tracking calories, following a strict diet, and working hard, and I’m starting to see some great results!

I’m so glad someone was willing to speak the truth in love to me. I’ve now made a healthy lifestyle change.

If you struggle with weight issues or are looking to get in better shape, I’d encourage you to get educated on the BeachBody Forums – great information on here about working out, nutrition, etc.

Hope this helps you get physically fit!

Thoughts?

I read this story by Mark Twain recently and it blessed me:

A man died and met Saint Peter at the gates of Heaven.

Recognizing the saint’s knowledge and wisdom, he wanted to ask him a question.

“Saint Peter,” he said, “I’ve been interested in military history for many years. Tell me, who was the greatest general of all time?”

Peter quickly responded, “O, that is a simple question. It’s that man right over there.”

The man looked where Peter was pointing and answered, “You must be mistaken. I knew that man on earth and he was just a common laborer.”

“That’s right,” Peter remarked, “But he would have been the greatest general of all time-if he had been a general.”

-Mark Twain

You don’t get to do life over again. You get one shot. Make sure you’re doing what you love, what you’re passionate about, and what you’re gifted at. Once you find what that is, be the best you can possibly be and watch what God will do in your life!

Who could you become if you follow your passion?