Back on Track.

OK, so I have been off plan for two weeks now. My father lost his battle with Cancer 6 days ago. In the days leading up to his death and the days following, I reverted back to old habits, used food as a comfort tool, drank alcohol, and ate out at places I now that I shouldn't. All of the meals that were sent to my house from friends were so wonderfully home cooked and appreciated.

But I know what my why is, health and more time on this earth to be with my loved ones. I can not stop or excuse my way back to the old me.

I have not felt good physically, or mentally while eating horribly. I have not been sleeping well, but I am not sure if that is because of the stress over my father or not eating right. Maybe both.

I am excited to get going again. I have a lot of snacks and other foods around the house that I know I don't want. I am not throwing them away, because we still have family and friends coming over ans surrounding us with love. I am strong enough to leave them alone, because I know why I am doing this.

I needed to simply make the decision and flip the switch. So here we go on the second leg of my journey. If you have slipped and are back to some bad habits, figure out your why. Why are you trying to get healthy, talk to your health coach and let everyone know that you are on program and making healthy decisions to support the new Habits of Health that you have chosen to adopt.

If you don't have a health coach yet, and you are ready to learn the habits of health, I invite you to join Trudy and I on this amazing journey to better your life. You can reach me anytime on my cell. 503-998-8021 Won't you join us?

Droped the weight and feeling great! Options!

OK, so I have now gone from 403 down to 270.5 and I am feeling great. I am sad because I am passing some of the people closest to me in my life. I had an amazing weekend with my kids while Trudy was at a convention in Dallas.

I took the kids down to Sweet Home (Oregon, not Alabama!) for the weekend to visit family, and for the Sportsman's Festival. We hit the parade, went hiking, went shooting, watched a great fireworks display and went swimming at Foster Lake a couple times. We hit Enchanted Forest on the way home.

Something occurred to me on my way home while the kids were sleeping in the back seat. I went fishing a couple times on the Santiam river while I was there. I have gone fishing several times this year, but something was different.

Normally in years past when I would go fishing, I would come home and pass out in my Lazy Boy recliner, so doing anything with the wife and kids was out for the day. Now I have options and my day isn't over. I can go fishing, come home, clean up and take Trudy out on a date, or take the kids to a baseball game.

No longer do I have to choose whether it is going to be a Jason day or a family day. It can be both. Because of the state of health that my body is in, I don't have to come home and pass out. I still have options and energy left over to carry out additional activities.

I used to come home from work and take a nap every evening, and it took a very major event or planned activity to pry me from my Lazy Boy. Now I come home, cook dinner, and go for a bike ride, or a walk around the neighborhood.

I want to share this with you, because I am no longer wasting my life away in front of my TV. I am now capitalizing on experiences that I would have otherwise missed out on. How sad is it that two thirds of America is overweight. We all have the option of living our lives the way it was intended. I am just finally realizing it.

My relationship with my children is like a brand new friendship. My marriage is new and fresh again because we have all of these new friends and experiences that we have added to our lives. I can't put into words the way that I feel. I can't wait to see whats next. I still have a ways to go, but I am sooooooooooooo happy that I made this decision. I am thankful that now instead of sacrificing one or the other and choosing between my hobbies and my family, I have options!

New pics, new accomplishments!

First off, I appologize that it has been so long since I posted. I needed to post today because I have a new pic I want to share with everyone. I have now lost 97 pounds and I am so close to that 100 pound mark I can taste it.

Trudy, Ashley, my Mom and I recently did the Shamrock walk. It was a 5k (about 3.5 miles) that took us along Portland's waterfront, across the Willamette, down the Eastbank Trail and back across the river to the finish line. We were all so proud od this accomplishment.

Something like this would not have been possible four months ago. Trudy is already talking about a half marithon in October. To be honest I hope that I have a hunting trip that will get me out of it. But I wish her the best:)

So 97 pounds gone has taken me from a pant size of 48 down to a 40, and from a 5x t-shirt down to a 2x. I have been buying clothes off the rack, and NOT IN THE TALL AND FAT SECTION of the store. It is amazing how affordable clothing can be when you arent buying the extreme sizes.

Everything in life is easier. Please don't take this litely. every aspect of daily living is so much easier. Tying my shoes, standing up, playing with the kids, doing chores, getting in and out of our vehicles, EVERYTHING!! I was bored on Saturday, so I dug out the gutter guards that I brought home over a year ago and installed them in my gutters. I never used to volunterily take on projects, even 1 hour ones like this.

Let me know what you think of the pics and if you know anyone that is struggling with things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type II diabetes, or any other common problems associated with being overweight. please let them know that Trudy and I are here to help others experience all the joy in life that can be experienced when you re-introduce health.

My cell number is 503-998-8021 please feel free to call me with any questions.

Health & Happiness,

Jason Ping (Big Guy No More)

Anticipation.....

Anticipation and excitement are what I am feeling right now. Trudy and I have truly begun our journey to helping others. This carries great hopes and responsibilities. We have seven clients now that look to us to coach them on their paths towards a healthier lifestyle.

I am excited to see them begin the transformation that has done so much for Trudy and I. I can't wait to get the weekly calls reporting how much weight has been lost and how much better they are feeling.

I am down over 60 lbs. now and I am really beginning to feel more fit every day. I am working out at the gym, and I can actually breath when I am doing my cardio. While working out, my heart rate is more stable and lower than I can ever remember.

This summer is sure to be filled with a whole new set of activities for our family. We are scouting out hikes, and activities that were not possible for us in summers past. It is my hope that other people can find the joy in life that comes along with health. I have now added 10 years to my life by losing sixty pounds. That means so much more to me now that I am excited about the future.

If you, or anyone you know would like information about what we are doing, drop a line, we will be glad to share with you.

Jason 503-998-8021
Trudy 503-998-8305

50 Lb. milestone hit in two months!!

Wahooo! I went in to Kaiser to weigh in today, and I passed a huge milestone. I am down six pounds this week for a total of 52 lbs. in two months.

I am finally feeling confident that I am going to reach my ultimate goal and keep this weight off for the rest of my life.

There were a couple of weeks that I lost less than 5 lbs. so I went back to the mindset that I had when I first started the program, and the proof is in the pudding. Literally, I love the pudding. But seriously, I lost six pounds this week by drinking more water, sticking to a strict schedule of when I am supposed to eat, and I didn't miss any meals.

Trudy took some left over pork roast that we had and grilled it up with some peppers and lime juice last night, and it was a fantastic meal. Cucumbers with salt and lime in a bowl, and some broccoli and cauliflower for an appetiser. Great job.

If anyone is having trouble coming up with a healthy meal plan for their lean and green meals, give Trudy a call, she seems to be getting a handle on this whole healthy cooking concept.

I told myself when I started this program that if I hit 50 lbs. I would go off program and eat Chinese food to celebrate, but I have changed my mind, I have a whole lifetime ahead of me to eat the things that I want, after I get my body where I want it to be, so I am rewarding myself with sticking to being healthy. I guess that's why this is a lifestyle change and not a diet. On a diet, you are not allowed to eat Chinese, I am making a decision and choosing not to eat it.

If you want to join us on this amazing journey, don't hesitate, drop us a line.

Have a great week everyone,

Jason Ping
503-998-8021
jping102@yahoo.com

Down 43 Lbs. Even with the Holiday parties.

So I think that I have attended about 8 Holiday parties within the last couple of weeks. I found that if there was coffee, I was not tempted to go off of the plan. There was one party where i had a couple beers. I could have been more prepaired and brought my own drink, but to be honest, I didn't mind having the beers.

The absolute hardest temptation was last weekend. I was dishing up a slice of pumpkin pie for my son, and there it was. The holy grail of Holiday deserts; A HOME MADE PEACAN PIE. I almost had to leave the party.

A quick chat with Trudy and I was over it.

Trudy has some great surviving the Holiday tip sheets if anyone is interested. I am down 43 Lbs. now. I had to go out and buy some new clothes. It is amazing what a difference I feel in my clothes.

About two weeks ago people really started noticing my weight loss. It seems now that everywhere I go people are telling me how great I look. Which amazes me because I still weigh 360 Lbs. It doesn't get old though. I loof forward to seeing my relatives that I usually only see once a year. They are mostly very fit people and they have always shown great concern for me.

My cousin Kathy just died this year. I think she was 35. She was heavy all of her life, and had many health issue including Diabetes. I miss her dearly. But she is part of many different thing that motivate me to continue to do my best and stick with it.

I am looking forward to the new year, we have several friends that are going to start the program after the first of the year. If you or anyone you know wants to join us, drop a line. 503-998-8021

Happy Holidays,

Still goin strong. Down 36 lbs!

So Trudy and I sent our kids down to the coast with my parents for a week. So we were all alone. We did well I feel. On Thanksgiving we took Chopper, our dog, out to the 1000 acres trails by Lewis & CLark state Park. We hiked out to the Columbia River, it was probably about two miles. Did I mention that it was poring down rain. We came home and had our dinner, it was different than any other Thanksgiving dinner that I have ever had.

After that we went over to our friend's house to visit for the evening. They had some pretty tempting deserts out, but Trudy made sure than we both stuck to our commitment and didn't cheat.

On saturday we took Chopper and the guns up into the Cascades for some exploring and fun. We hiked around the back side of Frog Lake Reservour. We followed the path of the spillway down into the forest, hopped on a couple different deer trails, and eventually made our way back up the other side of the spillway and back to the car.

Three hikes in a week, my feet were killing me yesterday. Today of course made it all worth it. I weighed in and I lost six pounds this week. I am down to 367 lbs from 403. That is 36 lbs since October 27th if my math is on.

It is strange to think that in a few weeks, or sooner, that I could be down below 350 Lbs. I know that this will happen before Christmas.

If you want to see how Trudy is doing with all of this, check out her blog at http://www.fasttrack2fitness.blogspot.com/ you can always email or call me with comments or questions.

Thanks, I will post again next week.

WOW, down 30 lbs. in 27 days!!!

OK, so on Sunday Trudy and I did something that we haven't done together in 8 years. We went on a hike together. We took our dog chopper and hiked to the top of Powell Butte yesterday. And the cool part is that my legs didn't burn, I was not out of breath and gasping for air when we reached the top.

I found out why when I went to Kaiser and weighed in today. I have lost a total of 30 lbs. in the last 27 days. Between the extreme hiking I did on my hunting trip, and not packing around that extra 30lbs. it was relatively easy. I can't wait to see how I feel after i lose the next 30 lbs.

We sent our kids down to the coast for a week with my folks, so with it being just Trudy and I we decided to try out the whole hiking thing. Trudy wants to do Multnomah Falls, but I would like to have a few more trips to the top of the butte before we attempt that one. We'll take some pictures from the top of the Falls when we do get there.

I am now getting comments from people that see the difference in my appearance, and I am starting to worry about my clothes. They were tight, now they fit, and soon they will be all together too big. That will be bitter sweet, shopping for clothes in smaller sizes is something I have only dreamed about. But in my dreams I forgot to ask myself how in the heck I will be able to afford a new wardrobe. High Class Problems if you ask me.

Look for an updated picture within the next couple of days.

Remember, you don't have to gain weight over the holidays. The Take Shape For Life program put out a surviving the holiday temptations guide and a meal plan that will get you through the upcoming feasts without adding any more baggage.

If you have any questions about how to get through the holidays, contact either Trudy or I. 503-998-8305 Trudy 503-998-8021 Jason

Wahoo, 22 lbs. in 3 weeks!!!

OK, so I went into Kaiser on Monday and weighed in. I am down to 381lbs from mu initial 403. That is halfway to my goal to lose 40 lbs. before Christmas, and 10% of my goal to lose 200 lbs overall.

Yesterday I wore my orange golf shirt and I noticed that it fit me comfortably as apposed to being reletivly snug. Today I wore my black button up shirt that I quit wearing because it was too tight, and now I have extra room in it.

It is amazing what losing 22 lbs. has done for me physically, but even more than that people are starting to make comments about being able to see the difference in my apperance. These things are what help me when I am tempted to cheat.

I had a very social day today, and with most social gatherings, there is food. I started off this morning with a Meeting at the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce. Of course surrounded by bagels and an assortment of pastries. I had no temptation here, because I have never been a big morning eater. (which was one of the reasons that I am heavy to begin with) That and my health coach Chemae was there. Next I had an association lunch banquet at the MAC Club. Of course you don't get to order your food, you simply get what they are serving. I was able to eat my salad and some of the turkey breast, but I had to pass on the rolls, cranberries and the pumpkin pie cheese cake desert. Then tonight I went to a dinner banquet for another association that I attend. I was again able to eat my salad and some of the meat and green beans that came with dinner. I again got to sit by and watch 7 other people at my table eat an assortment of elegant deserts.

I simply said to myself, "Big Guy No More". I know what my goals are and cheating isn't worth it. I would only be cheating myself.

I am also motivated by the people commenting to me and my wife Trudy about our blogs. Knowing that people read them and that we can help motivate others is not only encouraging to me, but also holds me accountable to them in a way. I ask you to click the follow this blog link so that I know who is reading this and I will be accountable to you to continue on this journey.

Thanks,

Home From Elk Hunting.

Wow, I went elk hunting for a week in eastern Oregon with my friend Eric. What a great time. Eric is a hiking fool, and he was very encouraging for me. I ended up doing more hiking at my current weight than I have ever done before in my life. We saw lots of deer and elk. Eric filled his tag with a nice spike. I could never find my spike elk, but I did manage to find three bobcats to harvest. Their hides are beutiful and are heirmarked one each for my two kids and Eric's son.

I did not get to weigh in on week two as that day fell in the middle of our trip, so I am going to go on Monday. I will update the blog with a number ASAP.

Remember, we are looking for people that want to share this experience with us. If you have questions about the program, you can call me or my wife Trudy anytime. My cell #is 503-998-8021 Trudy's is 503-998-8305.

Check out her blog at http://www.fasttrack2fitness.blogspot.com/

Awesome Results!

I went for a weekend hunting trip and it was, as anticipated, very easy for me to stay on the program. The pre packaged meals were very convenient. So I weighed in after the weekend and my weight after week one was 391. Down 12 lbs. I am so happy that the sacrifices that I am making are paying off in a big way.

I had a very rough night because we had chicken three nights in a row. Trudy, My health coach slash wife, got on the phone with her health coach and we talked a lot about what I was feeling and why. She worked with us to help come up with new alternatives for our leen and green meals that would provide me with the variety that I needed.

I can't wait to see how much I have lost after my next Hunting trip.

Day 5

Ok, I made it through the first five days without any major difficulties at all. Day 3 gave me a headache, but today I feel full of energy, I am yawning less during the day. I feel hyper, which is strange for me, because i am used to feeling sluggish.

I am noticing that I am more focused at work, I have been tired earlier and I fall asleep easier and it is easier to get out of bed in the mornings.

I am doing better than anyone (including myself) thought that I would. I went out to lunch with a co-worker yesterday at a steak house / bar. I had no problem knowing what and how to order. the only time that I feel hungry is when i am suposed to be eating.

My biggest fear is that I would be hungry all the time, I am so releived that this is not the case. I am going hunting with my family this weekend, and I am not nervious at all about what I will eat while camping. I am packing 4 chicken breasts, a gallon size bag of chopped veggies, and my Medifast meals.

My wife is experiencing explosive amounts of energy. Check out her blog as well: www.fasttrack2fitness.blogspot.com

Getting started.

So my wife Trudy and I started on the TSFL program this week, and today is day three. We took our photos on day 1. I weighed in at my doctors office at 403 Lbs. I have to go to the doctors office to get weighed because no one else has a scale big enough for me.

I was very nervious about starting the program. My biggest fear was that I was going to be hungry all of the time. Boy was I wrong. Trudy has to remind me to eat my meals. I had steak and sauted mushrooms for dinner last night. I had steak and salad for lunch today. So while I am changing what I eat and how often, I still get to enjoy great meals every day. I am very excited to see my progress, I wish I could fast forward a month to see myself.

I talk to our health coach at least three times a day, and she (Chemae) is great. Having a coach is one of the best things about the TSFL program. When I have questions, I always have someone to call.

Keep following us on our journey. My goal is that this blog will help motivate other people to try this program and start living healthier lives. It was our time to do something about our weight, if it is your time and you would like to learn about the Take Shape for Life program, please dont hesitate to contact us.