John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog » Interviews

Weight Loss Blogger Interview – Tony Posnanski

John's Weight Loss Blog — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:01:13 +0000

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.

Terrific story Tony, thanks for sharing it. I've got a lot of work to do!

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Weight Loss Blogger Interview – Tony Posnanski

Weight Loss Blogger Interview – Matt Keeling

John's Weight Loss Blog — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:06:16 +0000

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 Matt Keeling who blogs at Confessions of a Guy at Weight Watchers:

Matt, can you tell us a little about yourself?: I am a 34 year IT Professional. Pretty normal really, I love sports, play some golf, drink some beer, enjoy cooking and try to be a good father to my son.
According to the sidebar of your blog you have lost 105 lbs since January. That's truly amazing! What was the impetus to get started on your weight loss journey?: I had the proverbial slap in the face when I stepped on the scale at the Doctor on Jan 17th 2008. The scale read 400 lbs and it was all over. I was ashamed and embarrassed and scared all at the same time. I actually reread my first post from time to time to remind me why I got started.
Looking at a chart of your weight loss I see a remarkably downward sloped line with little bumps in the road. Has it felt that way though, or have you felt like you have had some major downturns that you have struggled with?: I have struggled recently but I am pretty certain I know what has happened. If you look at the chart on my blog you will notice things really slowed down at the beginning of football season. Well having season tickets to Missouri Football and making every weekend a tailgating event does not promote weight loss. The other thing is that as you lose weight your bodies requires less energy to run. I am a big fan of the basal metabolic rate and I calculate that it takes 600 less calories a day to run my body now. I need to make those adjustments in my diet to continue to loose.
To what do you credit most in your weight loss? Changing eating habits? Exercise? Change in thinking? Something else?: All of the above. I started Weight Watchers on the 30th of January 2008 and they taught me so much about eating right. That said I am not sure Weight Watchers is right for everyone. I am not sure it is right for me anymore. On the exercise front I joined a gym in the spring of 08 and by October I ran my first 5k and am going to try to get one more in before the end of the year.
What tips would you offer someone trying to lose a significant amount of weight like you have lost?: Write what you eat down. It is hard to do. I am not great at it all the time, but the weeks with the best losses are always weeks where I write it down. A couple more, Get your butt moving. You have to get in some cardio. Weights are great and all, but think of it this way. Cardio burns calories now. Muscle burns calories later. Become a fish. Water is your best friend in weight loss. I promise. I drink on average 150 ounces of water a day. As far as what to eat I will sing a bit of the Weight Watchers praises because it helped me, but honestly it is as simple as calories in and calories burned. Check out what your basal metabolic rate is and subtract 500 calories. That sets you up for a 1 pound loss per week, beyond that you got to burn more through exercise.
What are some of your fitness goals for the future?: You tossing up a softball for me aren't you. Well in April I will be doing my first Duathlon in Columbia MO. I am looking at the 5 mile run and 15 mile bike version of the event. I will run a 5k prior to that event and after will get ready for a 10k which should be within my grasp by then. And then I will be looking towards the Kansas City Half Marathon in October. And beyond that. I plan on running the 2010 Kansas City Marathon. I will become part of the 1% of the population who is crazy enough to do run a marathon. How ironic would it be to go from a guy who was at the top 1% of body weight in the US to a guy who was in the 1% of the population to run a marathon. Kinda cool huh.
Has your weight loss blog helped you with losing weight?: Absolutely. I stay honest with the readers. I have gotten to know a few "virtually". It is all about accountability, helping others and getting the support of others.
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!: Number 1, but if you have recommendations let me know.
How do you handle comments on your blog? Do you respond back in email? On your blog?: You know, this is an area where I need to improve. I don't respond to comments all that well. Maybe I would get more if I said something huh.
What are your top 5 favorite weight loss/fitness blogs (besides ours!)?: I am a big fan of Roni's Weigh, Mizfit, 4XLT, Andrew is Getting Fit, and I'll Run for / from donuts

Very inspiring. Thanks Matt!