Hey all, I just got the word that my interview is
Thanks again to everyone for their support and encouragement!
Friday, May 30, 2008
CNN Interview is LIVE!!
Thanks again to everyone for their support and encouragement!
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57 comments:
Muata,
Blogging about your achievements with weight loss is a huge help to those of us who aren't quite as far along on the same path.
Six pack abs, for me, are still a fuzzy dream in the future -- I'd be happy with no belly hanging over my underwear elastic. : ) But someday I might actually get to where you are.
Good luck!
Dave
I read your story on CNN - very inspiring. I'm in the process of trying to lose a majority of the weight I gained after leaving active duty with the Marines back in 2001. Stories like yours keep me going! I'll be bookmarking your site to stay motivated on my own weight loss journey.
Take care!
-Rob
Dave and Rob, thanks so much for your comments. I'm just trying to do what many other bloggers and folks who have lost the weight has done--inspire others. BTW, Dave, I still have issues with "dunlap disease" ;)
Your story is fantastic, way to go!!! I started a blog here myself, to write about my battle to shrink the size while working on Weight Watchers. Finding strength in others & a community that understands is a huge help!
Wow, I hope you get your abs. I went from 300lbs to 155lbs and could never get them myself. Just freakish skinny. So I tried to "put on some muscle" which translated to "put on a gut." But it seems like you're doing everything right, and it's more a matter of time.
Keep it up. Fantastic work.
Thanks for your blog - totally inspirational. I've been doing something similar over at www.sixpackinsixmonths.com, only I haven't had to start as far as you as you did. I'm only trying to drop about 30 or so pounds and get a six pack, but seeing what you've been able to do, I feel silly for having motivation problems when I'm so close! Still, this has been great to see - good luck in the future, and thanks for the inspiration.
fightthesize,
I found that blogging really helped me on my journey, as I'm sure it has done the same for you. Thanks for your comment!
Ezekiel and Aaron, thanks for your comments. The thing about getting six-packs is that in "theory" is simply a matter of having low body fat percentage. BUT, some of us put on bodyfat faster than we can take it off, while others can get lean fairly quickly. The guys they use for the before and after pics for most weight loss supplements usually fall into this genetically gifted category. And I ain't one of them, so it's that much harder for me to get lean. Not impossible, but just damn hard! Thanks again for your comments.
Muata-
I came across your blog from cnn.com. I am very impressed. You sound like you are very similar to me and the battle I have faced my whole life- My weight has been a constant yo-yo.
This February I recently completed a marathon and am training for another one now. However, I am definitely not getting the results I want. I am lifting weights this time around to see if that will help cut out some fat.
I haven't finished your blog yet but I am curious on what you eat and the type of exercises you do. As most people, food is a big battle for me.
Good job on your work. You have been busting your butt.
Rob in Round Rock, TX
Another guy who's just read the piece on CNN. Congrats for makin your life a better one.
I'm 19 years old, and I weighed 260 pounds until last month, when I started exercise and diet because of high insuline. I've already lost 20 pounds and I'm very excited because it's already showing.
I hope I can turn my life around just like you did. Good luck with the enterview.
Rob(s), thanks for your comments and congrats on your weight loss so far. Once I stopped working out and started training, there is a different, I started to get better results because I was holding myself more accountable. Also, I find that doing bodyweight exercises is more than enough for the majority of guys who want to lose weight and develop a nice physique.
Just saw your segment on CNN--congrats! Very inspiring stuff, especially for a nation that's struggling with obesity.
John at Hella Sound
http://www.hellasound.com
http://twitter.com/hellasound
I too read your story on CNN.com
CONGRATS on your achievements thus far! your story is truly inspiring -- thank you for sharing your journey.
Average Jane Couch Potato :)
--ajw
John, thanks for your comment, and I hope that my story can inspire the more than 66% of Americans who need to shed some pounds. Take care.
Moments before I saw your piece on CNN, I got a call from my doctor with lab results saying I was "pre-diabetic."
Gasp!
In the last four months, I've lost 25 pounds and trained for a triathlon I'll be completing next week ... but, at 54, I'm still at 235 lbs. and have diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the family.
That phone call was a wake-up call.
Muata,
It is awesome to see some of your photos. I myself would like to get rid of the rest of my gut. I am 24 years old. Right before my 23rd birthday I weighed in at 310lbs. As of my 24th birthday in Feb. I was 190lbs. I am currently at 185 but I have been a bit disenchanted in the fact that I still seem to have a lot of fat and skin hanging around my gut. It looks as if you have accomplished the look (actually I would just go for a flat stomach that doesn't sag) that I want with no surgery. It is amazing to see and very inspiring. I am thinking about holding off on the cosmetic surgery to see if I can tighten this up on my own. Are you still mostly using just body weight resistance exercises and eating natural foods? Any supplements that may help me?
Thanks for your inspiration. Keep up the good work!
-Justin
You're such an inspiration! Congrats on being featured on the CNN site, especially. I love reading such accounts, because I'm down under 300 from a top weight of 385. This time, I'm taking the weight off for *me,* for my health, rather than giving into all the yo-yo dieting I've done before...which causes more damage in the long-term.
I just started making better choices, sort of like the Atkins maintenance program. Then, I added walking, then jogging in the swimming pool. I also started telling myself "no." I may have a couple brownies a month, which means I increase my exercise accordingly, but for the most part I've phased out white sugar, white flour, and simple carbs. It's made a tremendous difference and it's not that hard to do when you're determined.
Thanks again for sharing your story. I'm going to bookmark your blog so I can return to it for inspiration as things progress for me. By the way, you look GREAT!
I am a mother of five who within the past 2 years became obese. I weighed 275 lbs. I changed the way I ate and began to exercise more in the past two months. I am down to 252 lbs. It is very a hard road that takes a lot of dedication. I have a long way to go. Your story inspires me so much. Thank you and good luck!
I-N-S-P-I-R-I-N-G, just stumbled upon the CNN piece and loved it...love that you are gearing it towards the gentlemen...it's my second first of the day...been lurking around on the internet for inspiration...yes, i am a female...my first--came from a site refuse to regain...it's about maintenance which is there is no information out the about and now you...i have 5 brothers and a father and i am going to send them all the link to your blog...they can all, stand to learn from your experience through your blogging...i am also in academia and am at the computer all day...reference librarian...thanks and will continue to read
I am a mother of five who within the past 2 years became obese. I weighed 275 lbs. I changed the way I ate and began to exercise more in the past two months. I am down to 252 lbs. It is very a hard road that takes a lot of dedication. I have a long way to go. Your story inspires me so much. Thank you and good luck!
I am a mother of five who within the past 2 years became obese. I weighed 275 lbs. I changed the way I ate and began to exercise more in the past two months. I am down to 252 lbs. It is very a hard road that takes a lot of dedication. I have a long way to go. Your story inspires me so much. Thank you and good luck!
Your story is so inspiring!!
I too read it on CNN.com, and I am very happy for you -- CONGRATS! your physical transformation is amazing, and as I begin a exercise & weight loss trek of my own, I can only hope (and try my hardest) to have as much success as you have! thanks for sharing your journey with those of us could use some inspiration!
best of luck & blessings to you!
Your story is so inspiring!!
I too read it on CNN.com, and I am very happy for you -- CONGRATS! your physical transformation is amazing, and as I begin a exercise & weight loss trek of my own, I can only hope (and try my hardest) to have as much success as you have! thanks for sharing your journey with those of us could use some inspiration!
best of luck & blessings to you!
congratulations! i'm only out to do a small bit of toning, but i shared the CNN story with several friends. i hope they are as proud and inspired as i was by reading.
Muata Kamdibe, I think you rock and I love saying your name too! I'm not sure if you're aware but your story is appealing not just for those dealing with weight issues, but anyone who's motivated by success achieved through self motivation and discipline. Yours is the quintessential success story - a goal you attained with grace, humility, a heck of a lot of hard work, and a refreshing bit of humor. I'm glad there are people like you out there to inspire us all! ALOHA!
I just saw your story on CNN.com, and I wanted to congratulate you on your weight loss! You look great, and I'll definitely be reading your blog from now on (plus reading your archives). Thanks for sharing your story, and best of luck to you always!
Guys, to say that I'm overwhelmed with all the well wishes and extremely kind words is an understatement. Thank each and everyone of you for sharing your success story and being an inspiration yourselves! People read comments on threads like this . . . I know that I did! Thanks again rere, raising money..., justin, cardinal, tae30, ladybuddha, mauiguy, amanjo ...
VERY INSPIRING.
I'm in the same position numerically, but managed to get here a couple years younger than you did. Not to offend you regarding your age, but it's reassuring, that I still have a fighting chance of turning my physique around, that I'm not "too old" with a "slow metabolism" or some such crud.
Im just whatching you CNN interview I think this is so great, I dont have the time right know to write all what I want to say but I will post again soon. You look great!
britishsoulgirl, thanks for you comment and I look forward to reading your longer post. Take care ...
Good luck to you, and thank you for sharing your inspiration! You have helped more people than you will ever know. Congrats, and keep going :)
No need to comment back. I just wanted to let you know I am so proud of you. Great job! It takes a lot of self-discipline to do what you have done. (You looked great on cnn)
LOL! None taken Andrew, and don't believe that old folks have a "super slow" metabolism myth because it's pretty exaggerated! Thanks for your comment!
tkdjunkie and the mysterious (*), thanks for your comments and compliments. Hey, if I can do it, I really hope to inspire others to understand that it's not impossible and not I'm that special or different than that average Joe.
Congrats!!! You look FAB!!! What an inspiration...
CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. Low Body Fat! Your abs are looking awesome - at least a 4 pack from what the picture shows!
Your dedication is very inspiring and even though I'm a woman who has to lose under 15 lbs, I'll be watching (and weighing) in!
Best of luck to you on your path to health and rediscovering yourself.
Tamara
Hello Professor,
I found your blog through the CNN article...congrats on everything!
Esther and "T", thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving such kind comments. Take care ...
Just wanted to say congratulations. It's wonderful to see such dedication, especially with such a difficult task.
Keep up the great work.
Your story is amazing and inspirational. I look forward to digging through your archives for inspiration in my own fight against the flab.
Congratulations for becoming a more totally awesome you. (You look so happy!)
Warm regards,
Janette
Thank you for being a great inspiration to so many people. I am a friend of Richard Simmon's here in Hollywood, and I am sure he will be thanking you also, if he hasn't already.
Thanks again for sharing your life, your struggles and your accomplishments. Quality health is not impossible - only time consuming - but it's worth the time.
Luv and peace,
Chris Aable
www.self-evolution.org
Strong, Janette, and Chris, thanks so much for you kind words and stopping by to leave a comment. Chris, I'd love to chat with Richard Simmons, as my mother use to watch his show and videos when I was growing up. He has and continues to inspire others to lose and keep the weight off. Something I can only hope to do also. Thanks again ...
Holy crap! 42 comments!!!
Woohoo!
Boy, your jaw was really chiseled. I like to the 360 degree shot at the end.
Awesome mate!
Dave
I saw your interview on CNN, and I wanted to congratulate you on your amazing transformation. I have struggled with my weight since childhood, and by the time I was in my early 20s, I weight over 200 pounds. Five years ago I decided enough was enough, and I went on the Atkins diet and lost 90 pounds in less than a year. I wend off Atkins four years ago, and through strict monitoring of my portions, I'm still at the same weight. I'm no supermodel, but I'm happy with how I look, and so is my fiance. It's probably because I still allow myself cheeseburgers and ice cream from time to time. :D
The key for me has been to weigh myself every day, and make sure I don't go above a certain maximum. If I hit that number then I know I need to tighten my belt for a couple of days and slim back down. And it's amazing how much easier it is to lose 1.5 pounds than it is to lose 90.
Again, congratulations. I know what it is like to inspire people to lose weight (people in my office are STILL amazed at how I look, even all these years later), and kudos to you for going public and posting pictures of your progess. I sure didn't do that...
Hi Prof. Muata,
I've enjoyed your article on CNN and took a quick look at your blogs. Isn't it funny how life gets in the way of keeping fit? I did a quick post about you on my blog at: http://leananmean.com/http:/leananmean.com/muata-kamdibes-weight-loss-on-cnn/
I also like that you tell people to figure out a diet that works for them!
Take care and keep up the great posts.
John W. Zimmer
http://LeanAnMean.com
Congratulations on your interview and your accomplishments. I want to keep in touch with you and support you anyway that I can.
Kasey,
Thanks for your comment! I'll be honest with you; if you don't lose a ton of weight in a short space of time, your skin will come back more than you think, and your stretch marks won't be as noticeable. However, does this mean that your skin is going to be tight and your stretch marks will disappear? Nope, they won't!
Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, drink plenty of fluids, and lotion your entire body at least once a day; then, sit back and watch as your skin starts to surprise you!
LC Dave, thanks for your complment bro! And thanks for your support from the time I first started this blog. All the best mate!
;)
Keri,
First, congrats on maintaining your weight loss. Many folks don't realize that this is the hard part. Yes, I weight myself almost daily too. Folks who say this is a bad practice has more psychological issues to work on because how else are you going to hold yourself accountable? I also use my clothes and the mirror. Since I'm going for a low level of body fat % (5%), it's much easier to look in the mirror to tell if my abs look tight or bloated. For folks who have a lot of bodyfat to lose, I strongly suggest that they weight themselves at least once a week!
Thanks for your comment and sharing your success story for others Keri.
John,
Thanks for posting my interview on your blog! Yes, sometimes we are so preoccupied with everything else in life than our health/well being. The irony is that we can't do "everything else" effectively if we are de-conditioned.
Thanks for your comments John.
wecansavetheamericanfamily,
Thanks for your comment and please stay in touch. I have a lot of plans for my blog, so please come back weekly or sign up to receive updates.
Thanks again . . .
Tamara, thanks for you comment and compliments too. Hey, I'm now starting to understand that the less bodyfat you need to lose, the more of a pain in the ass it is to lose! Fighting against your body is no fun sometimes . . . Take care!
Congrats on your success! You just go to prove that if you set your mind to it you can accomplish your goals. I weighed about 185 ten years ago, and about four months ago when I weighed myself I was at my heaviest... 284 pounds. I decided then I needed to do something about it so I joined a fitness center and started eating better (there is still a lot of room for improvement in that department). So far I have lost about 20 pounds and I am still going. I haven't been tracking my weight but I find it is a very good motivator when you see those numbers go down and your clothes start fitting a little looser. Reading your blog has reinforced to me that an average person can reach their target weight if they really want to. I will continue reading your blog for inspiration and for the wealth of information you share with everyone. Thanks again and congrats!
Muata,
I am truly impressed and inspired by your story which I was directed to from BodyweightCulture. It is so good to see that you took your time and transformed your body. Haven't been through the entire site so you may have answered this question but how long did it take you to get to your present weight from 300+ lbs? I'm sending your blog to everyone I know with a weight problem to inspire them.
Ben
dzuroff,
Thanks for your comment and congrats on your success so far. I know the feeling of having your clothes fall off you, and it feels great! I used the scale, the mirror, my clothes, and all around well being to gauge my success along the way. Keep up the good work!
Ben,
Thanks for your comment and I'm glad that my friends over at BWC sent you my way. Hey, have you used their USA yet? It's the apparatus you see me using on my CNN interview doing bodyweight rows. Anyway, thanks for forwarding my site to others who may find inspiration in my story. Take care and please come back . . .
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