I am so excited about today’s Weight Loss Success Story Interview!!  Today the questions have been answered by the awesome Tony, aka TheAntiJared.  He blogs about his 200+ pound weight loss at his blog, The Anti-Jared.

Weight Loss Story:

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Tony Posnanski. I am a Chef who recently got promoted to Managing Partner for a restaurant. I have a WONDERFUL wife, a baby on the way, a frisky dog, two cats, and a very supportive family. I live in Orlando, and I am originally from North Carolina.

What moment or event started your weight loss journey?

I was having numbness in my arms, and I went to the doctor. He gave me a few options. At 420 pounds, I had a heart rate of 220/190 and cholesterol over 300. I was supposed to take medication, but never did. My doctor looked at me like a lost soul. He recommended Gastric Bypass surgery, and it made me nervous. When he said that, I realized how selfish I was to my wife, and I have not looked back on that moment.

What was your starting weight? What weight are you at now?

420.2 I am at 208.2. I have lost 212 pounds so far without surgery or pills.  [WOW!! That is real weight loss success!]

What would you say is the most important factor in your weight loss? Changed eating habits? Exercise? Changed thinking? Something else?

Here is the way I look at it. The way I eat is like my primary job. I cut out processed foods, and I really focus on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fat free dairy, and some grains, but very little.
Exercise is my second job. I work out 6 days a week for about 1-2 hours a day.  I live for my family. When I even consider eating something off program, I think of my wife. She means the world to me.

It is funny. When you have 200 pounds to lose, you have to have a different outlook on life. You have to change and love the way you live. I believe I have done that!

Fitness:

What is your current fitness or exercise goal?

Honestly, I love working out. I have no desire to run any marathon, or compete in a body building contest. I am excited to see changed in my body. The other day, I saw a vein pop out in my arm. It was like seeing Madonna. I was excited!

What methods are you using to achieve your goal?

I wake up knowing that the gym will be mine! Here are a couple things I do: I always have a I pod to listen to music when I work out, I never look at the time when I am on a machine, I make sure that I do low weights and high repetitions of any exercise so that I can build muscle and lose fat.

Are there any obstacles you had to overcome to begin exercising / keep exercising?

You have to have humility. You have to know that you will not be Bruce Jenner the first or second time you work out. But, if you go to the gym, or work out consistently, it will make a difference in the way you feel.

What’s your favorite exercise?

Elliptical machine!

How do you deal with boredom in your exercise program?

I always think of when I could not go grocery shopping because I was not able to walk from my car to the front doors of the supermarket. That cures boredom pretty quick :)

Food:

Describe the diet or healthy eating plan you’re following.

I am on many programs. I do Weight Watchers because I love the support it gives. I do a part of their program called core, which is similar to South Beach. I also watch my Fiber intake. I make sure I have 35 grams a day. I learned that from the F-Factor diet.

What is one cardinal rule of nutrition you have learned that you always follow or never break?

I really focus on fruits, vegetables and lean meats. It has not let me down yet.

Are there any foods you outright avoid and DO NOT eat?

I really stay away from processed foods. I am a “more bang for your buck” type of eater.

If you diet, do you allow for a regular reward meal (cheat meal)?

No. I love the way I eat now.

What about supplements? Which if any supplements do you add to your diet?

I do take a multi-vitamin.

Is eating healthy expensive for you? How much do you spend on food in a given week / month?

It is about the same. I do not go out to eat, so I spend less now than when I used to go to fast food restaurants and eat over $50 worth of food a day.

What are 3 of your best eating or dieting tips you would like to share?

1. Focus on Fiber
2. Fruits and Vegetables are essential
3. Drink plenty of water

Blogging:

How did you first become interested in blogging and can you tell us a little bit about your blog?

Honestly, I do not know. My brother is a incredibly good writer. he is a nationally syndicated sports writer for the Kansas City Star and SI.com. He has a very popular blog. I was never a writer. I started a blog because I thought I had a interesting story. I thought my story was better than my writing. I call it the Anti-Jared because when I was over 400 pounds, the only inspiration I ever had was a guy who walked a lot and ate subs. I want to give people who were like me a little more hope than that.

Has your weight loss blog helped you with losing weight?

Hmmmmm, I think so. I mean, I love to write honestly and with passion about my successes and failures. It does help me stay on track.

What are your top 5 favorite weight loss/fitness blogs?

1. carlosthelarger.blogspot.com – Carlos supported me when I used to get 2 hits a day. He was both of them. Plus, his blog is funny!
2. uncoveringpamela.com – Pamela is just a nice warm honest person who has lost more than 150 pounds and has kept it off.
3. mizfitonline.com – The most AMAZING blogger I have seen. She comments on so many blogs, and gives so many people hope!
4. fatmanunleashed.com – Israel is just a good guy, and his blog/website is put together very well
5. pastaqueen.com – Jennette is just an amazing writer. I love reading her every day!

Inspiration:

Do you have any favorite sayings, quotes, or anything that inspires you to be better, train harder or be more diligent with your eating?

“Learn to love to eat foods you never thought you would”

If you were to give advice to anyone considering starting a weight loss journey, what would you say?

Do not be afraid to fail. Go in it 150%! Do it for your family.

What tips would you offer someone trying to lose a significant amount of weight?

Basically, it can be done!