Tyler from 344pounds.com graciously agreed to do an interview with me!
TFG: Hi Tyler! Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me to share on my blog. I stopped by your blog in March of 2009 two months into your lifestyle change and then stopped by again this week via your famous CNN interview (congrats by the way!) can you describe where you were mentally in January of 2009 and what made you decide to embark your weight loss journey?
Tyler: Mentally in 2009 - Losing weight wasn't a New Years resolution for me as most people think, it was simply a coincidence I started my weight loss journey in the month of January. I actually started losing weight one random morning in mid-January. I had just completed a 1,000+ calorie fast food breakfast (the usual) and I had to use the restroom. On the way out, I decided to stop and take a look at myself. While I typically avoided mirrors (and cameras), I just couldn't stop staring. I was disgusted. And I was scared. I went back to my desk and started by throwing away the rest of my breakfast.
TFG: You mentioned trying many fad diets through the years, what do you think prevented you from being successful in the past compared to your success in 2009?
Tyler: I wasn't successful in the past because I couldn't enjoy the foods I loved. You can't tell me, or most other people for that matter, that they can no longer enjoy the foods and drinks they have become accustomed to for decades. I like sweet tea, hot wings, and buffalo chips -- they still have a place in my life with my new healthy lifestyle, just in moderation.
TFG: You consistently lost weight counting calories eating the foods that you enjoy rather than the traditional "diet" fare. How has this helped you? I frequently get comments when I post food that isn't as you call "rabbit food" with advice about how I should eat/shouldn't eat. Do you get these comments? How do you deal with diet advice or negativity towards what you choose to eat?
Tyler: I got a lot of those comments when I posted the foods I ate (still eat). I haven't posted calories in a while and the negative comments are part of the reason. I just ignored them, I only have one mother and she doesn't comment.
TFG: You've obviously scaled down your restaurant portions over the past year to incorporate them into your healthier lifestyle, how to you prevent yourself from overeating some of your favorite foods? Do you have any tips for eating out?
Tyler: Dine out less, it's as simple as that. When I'm at a restaurant, temptations are almost unbearable. If I do go to a restaurant and I manage to be good, I'll order a water and get no appetizer/dessert. While the entree portion sizes are obviously massive at restaurants, the damage is at least limited. As far as overeating is concerned, I definitely don't have an answer for that. I don't think anybody does. On occasion, I still go to my favorite chinese (buffet) and get about a dozen sushi rolls. I love sushi too much and can't stop eating once I get started.
TFG: You've lost over 125 lbs. now (congratulations again!) is there a difference in the way people treat you now compared to when you were much heavier?
Tyler: They definitely do. It's sad, but it's very real.
TFG: As someone who has lost and gained the same weight over the past few years, I've gotten to the point where I wonder if I will ever lose weight. Do you have any advice for those who are still struggling to lose weight? Did you worry about others taking you seriously?
Tyler: Just believe the next effort is the time you lose the weight for good. You have to have faith. I have had countless weight loss attempts, just like most people, before this time was the time I hit the "jackpot." I had faith to try losing weight one more time and you have to have the faith to try again as well.
TFG: How do your friends and family respond to your new habits? Have you lost or gained any new friends in this process?
Tyler: My friends and family have supported my healthy lifestyle changes and a couple have started going to the gym to lose a few pounds themselves (debatable whether it was because of me).
TFG: In 5 words, can you tell us what are the most important factors when losing weight?
Tyler: Keep eating foods you enjoy.
TFG: Tyler, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions! You truly are an inspiration.
Wow, congrats to him. he looks amazing, good interview too.
Wow. As I start, once again, on my weight loss journey, this is just the inspiration I needed. Thanks for doing this interview. He looks great.
I’ve been following Tyler for the last few months and have just started on my own path to a healthy lifestyle. It really is about portion control and exercise, and well, not eating crap food
Keep up the good work!
WOW! This is totally inspiring! I leave this post saying to myself, “I can totally do this!”
Thanks to the both of you for doing this interview! It was very motivating. Congratulations to Tyler for his amazing accomplishment! He looks awesome!
Brittany
My reaction: WHOA.
Seriously, whoa. He is awesome
More interviews, Lorrie, please.
Great interview! He’s sooo right about eating foods you enjoy. I’m slowly making a list of foods that I enjoy that I can make healthier.
Very very inspirational interview! Thank you for posting it! It’s amazing what having a little faith can do! :o)
~Kellie
I really love that he says “keep eating foods you enjoy”. That is so my motto. I don’t restrict myself from anything because I found when I did I almost always went on some crazy binge when I finally cam in contact with that food again.
Very good interview, he is an inspiration.
Lorrie rocks. She’s my inspiration. Thanks for all the kind comments, guys and gals.
Very inspiring and one of the most REAL interviews and responses I’ve seen. I agree with Tyler, a lot people end up sabotaging themselves and their ability to lose weight because they believe they have to eat like rabbits. I’m sure he not going to wolf down anymore greasy fast food burgers but why can’t he make a healthy burger at home and enjoy it? It’s all in moderation and controlled proportions!
Great job Ms. Lady
He’s entirely right, and I’m glad that you interviewed him. I haven’t heard of him! I live under an internet rock though. Congrats to him for shedding the pounds.
I’ve been following a lifestyle close to his system. Everything in moderation, but no restrictions. I can eat whatever I want, but I just don’t eat as much as I want. My problem before was binging, and now when I get upset I find something more.. constructive to do.
People ask me what I’ve diet I’ve been doing and I always reply, “the common sense one”.
40lbs down, 115 to go.
Wow! What an amazing story! Incredible to loose so much weight and keep it off. It really is all about a lifestyle change!
Congrats!
Great interview!!! Tyler is a smart, STRONG, successful cute dude! The strongest weapon against weight loss is your mind!
Great interview…it gives me faith. all in moderation all in moderation all in moderation all in moderation……
Am so very impressed. However, not once was excercise mentioned, and I am sure that played a major part in the process. Saying that, was a great insight and very inspirational.
Good for him, so basically after reading his blog he’s a big calorie counter like myself. It’s the only way I have successfully lost weight and looks to be the same for him.
Calorie counting + Exercise = Weight Loss
Thanks for the interview.
I think that is really interesting what his 5 words were. I hate it when you go on a diet and instantly people tell you can’t eat that any more it makes it already seem like such hard work and then I already start disheartened but that is great advice everything in moderation and he looks fantastic a complete inspiration for anyone looking to lose weight.
Sexy man!! Great job
Great article! Congratulations Tyler! You are truly an inspiration for anyone trying to lose weight. I think it’s great that you were able to continue eating the foods you loved, just in smaller amounts. That’s a great lesson for anyone who gets frustrated with diets.
Loved this interview.
I started a year ago too. It’s been tough going because of my Fibro…but I’ve got a “no excuse” rule going on and I did lose 40 lbs this past year. One thing that jumped out at me in Tyler’s comments had to do with the “favorite” food issue. Last year I made a new rule for myself…find NEW favorites. I went wild and did a ton of reading and learning to cook. I will admit, it was pretty labor intense…I wasn’t used to spending so much time in the kitchen…but I urged myself on and insisted that eventually I would get the hang of it. I did. Lots of my new habits have stuck. I had to buy new kitchen gadgets to improve kitchen time…(like a salad spinner…they work.) This has been like a year in training, which I wouldn’t trade. I still eat out…but less often because I find that I like my OWN cooking more. Wow, eh? OH…and a strange spin is that I rarely over-eat on my “new” food…it’s those old trigger foods that ruin me. Hope this post is a fun one for you to read. Thanks for Blogging! I plan to read your posts everyday…I’m in a exercise funk and need to be reminded that quitting is not an option!
love,
V
This was impressive and really good to read. I’ve just started my journey. Well, just started for about the 24th time (so I love what he said about having faith that this time is THE time) so this was perfect to stumble across.
Thanks!
Amy
Exercising everyday and practicing “portion” control are key. These 2 important and basic necessities are the KEY COMPONENTS of weight loss and GOOD HEALTH. I lost 25 pounds in 1 year by walking, using the wii fit and biking everyday for 20-30 minutes average and eating controlled portions of food. HEALTHY FOOD! I am now 5 feet 8inches tall and weigh 130 pounds. I exercised EVERY DAY. I DID NOT overeat. It works. But you need to DO IT. A strong mind is your best weapon.
very interesting. I read this post of yours today, and left with a smile. I think we all need a little refresher..something to remind us that we can do this. I got that from this post. Thanks for it.
this is a great feature for your blog - i loved ready his story
I have been tracking my journey on my blog and i get inspiration from blogs like yours
Amazing! He looks so much younger. I keep hearing that happens when you drop the weight and God willing it’ll be true for me too because this year is the big 5-0 and I don’t want to be looking fifty.
Great info and I totally agree with the philosophy. He has a great mental attitude about the critics, too. I’ve got to get a thicker skin! LOL.
I’m exactly the same way with sushi …could eat it all day/night long if I could. And, don’t get me started on Chinese buffets in general! What a great interview!
Excellant! An inspiration to us all!!!