Do you get motivated reading about the success of others? I know I do, which is why I’ll be interviewing some great weight loss successes and sharing their stories here.
Today’s interview is with Tony Posnanski who blogs at The Anti-Jared:
- Tony, can you tell us a little about yourself?
- My name is Tony Posnanski, and I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and currently live in Orlando. I have been a Chef for the last six years of my life, and have been in restaurants for the last 12. I have a wonderful supportive wife, a pup, and two cats.I have struggled with weight my whole life, but this time is much more different than ever. I have eaten well, and very determined to keep my weight off forever!
- According to the header of your blog you have lost 196.8 lbs. That’s truly amazing! What was the impetus to get started on your weight loss journey?
- I have lost 197 pounds so far. I was feeling numbness in my arms while I would “try” to sleep, so I went to the doctor. He told me I had about three months to live the way I was living. He told me to get gastric bypass because doing it on my own would be too hard. I told him I had to do it on my own, and he said because I was in restaurants, my chances would be very slim. Wow, the only thing that was slim in my life! He did suggest Weight Watchers, so I joined, and the rest is history.
- How long has it taken you to lose the 197 pounds?
- I have lost 197 pounds in about 9 months. It is quick, and many people do not believe it. The funniest thing is that I have not really struggled with it. At first, I would not want “bad” food in the house, but now nothing deters me. I work around fattening food all day long.
- Almost 200 pounds in less than a year? That’s stunning. When I cook at home I am constantly nibbling and tasting. Have you had to stop doing that or do you have to allow a degree of it to be a successful chef?
- You said two different things here, which I was not aware of until I started to lose weight. Tasting and nibbling. Before, a taste would be a ½ cup of sauce, or a heaping teaspoon of something. Now, I do taste, but it is a very minute amount. I taste to make sure of freshness, not to enjoy for myself. That is for the people I am making the food for. I do not nibble at all. If I nibble now, I will be 400 pounds tomorrow. I also use a lot of other senses, including sight, smell and touch. Believe it or not, you can really see the quality in food if you use them all.
- Do you watch Top Chef on Bravo? If so - who is your pick to win this season?
- I will be honest, I have not had time for TV. I used to watch Hell’s Kitchen, but I do not do that anymore. The only reality show I watch now is……..well, none really. I blog. (ed. note - my pick is Stefan)
- To what do you credit most in your weight loss? Changing eating habits? Exercise? Change in thinking? Something else?
- My wife. She is the reason that I eat well, and live a healthy life now. I have been too selfish for to long. Now it is time to do something positive for my family.
- What tips would you offer someone trying to lose a significant amount of weight like you have lost?
- You need to have the mindset to do it. Any doubt, and you will fail. It is important to join a program, or read a book about it, and follow it pretty strict. Also, join support groups. It was nice to see that I was not alone.
- What are some of your fitness goals for the future? What is your goal weight?
- I am not a “marathon” man. I like the elliptical machine and treadmill, and I do some weights as well. I realize that I need those items to be in shape. Being able to walk around at work without getting tired or sitting in the office is the best goal I can keep up with. As for my goal weight, I’m not sure. I went to the doctor about a month ago, and he said it would be hard to know right now. He estimates that I have close to 20-25 pounds of loose skin. I also have a lot of muscle as well. I look good, but still have a little to go. I am happy now, but I am assuming my “Weight Watchers lifetime” weight would be at 190.
- Do you have a plan for that loose skin? Do you think you will need surgery to get rid of it?
- My doctor told me that I need to workout for a year first. To me, I am keeping it. I do not ever want a surgery for it. I can deal with it.
- Has your weight loss blog helped you with losing weight?
- Tremendously! My brother is a nationally syndicated sportswriter, and he has a incredibly popular blog. I just started to write because it really helps me stay focused. I have gotten a lot of great feedback, which motivates me even more. I like to write little stories about my weight loss, and pitfalls I have had before. I am not the best writer, but you do not have to be. But it helps weight loss!
- Concerning making money on your blog – where do you fit on this scale:
- I don’t make any money
- I make enough monthly to pay my blogging expenses
- I make a little extra fun money after expenses
- I can’t quit my day job yet but I bet I can in a year or two
- I’m living the dot com lifestyle, baby!
- I don’t make any money – It is a hobby. Of course I would love to make millions off of it, but that is not going to happen. Right now, I am just super happy if I get more than 6 comments on each post.
- How do you handle comments on your blog? Do you respond back in email? On your blog?
- I LOVE THEM!! I try to respond in email whenever I can. I have been busy, so sometimes I do not have time, but I try to give a little shout out when I can.
- What are your top 5 favorite weight loss/fitness blogs (besides ours!)?
- Uncovering Pamela - LOVE IT!!!
You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat… - Real funny and from the heart.
Joe Posnanski - My role model.
Mizfit Online - Quirky and fun.
Mr. Low Body Fat’s Blog - Still impressed he kept his weight off for so long.
Weight Loss Questions
Blogging Questions
Terrific story Tony, thanks for sharing it. I’ve got a lot of work to do!
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I really like how you give your wife credit.
