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100 Things about Losing 100 Pounds

By: , SparkPeople Blogger
12/12/2011 10:00 PM   :  84 comments   :  12,490 Views

December 10, 2010 was a big day for me.

That is the day that I officially lost 100 pounds. As the first anniversary of that date approached, I started to think of all the changes that have happened in my life because of my transformation.  Sure, the easiest part to recognize is the weight loss, but it truly is a transformation, inside and out!

I started writing down things that I’ve learned, things that are better, things I do now, etc.I thought it would be fun to share this list of 100 things about 100 pounds with the readers. 







  1. It takes COURAGE to admit you have to change
  1. I feel better
  1. My body doesn't ache as much
  1. No more constant back pain
  1. I walk much better
  1. I walk much faster
  1. I can walk up stairs without gasping for air
  1. I don't sleep in my chair much anymore
  1. I can spend more time with my family since I don’t sleep in my chair
  1. I've stopped snoring
  1. I look much better
  1. I am much healthier
  1. My waist is much smaller
  1. My muscles are better defined in arms
  1. My muscles are better defined in legs
  1. I have much more energy
  1. My eyes are much more open
  1. My head is clearer
  1. My clothes last longer
  1. I've learned everybody has something to say about how you lost it
  1. I've learned that tracking food is a must
  1. I've learned that fitness has to be a way of life
  1. I've learned that I have to do both of those every day
  1. I CAN live without Dr. Pepper daily
  1. I CAN live without Reese's peanut butter cups daily
  1. I've learned that after not eating junk food for a while, I don’t like it really, it makes me feel bad
  1. Chewing gum helps
  1. I've learned to LOVE water
  1. I've learned to eat slower
  1. I've learned I can eat smaller portions and STILL fuel my body properly
  1. I've learned to SHARE meals with my wife at restaurants
  1. I've learned to FUEL my body, not FILL my body
  1. I've learned it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle
  1. I've learned I WILL mess us. We must forgive and move forward
  1. I enjoy being "checked out" now and then
  1. I enjoy being a role model
  1. I enjoy working out
  1. I honestly enjoy sweat
  1. Running is cheaper than therapy
  1. Running is better with good shoes
  1. Runners are partially insane (in a good way)--OK, just plain crazy
  1. I've learned to LOVE running
  1. I've learned I don’t HAVE to sit and watch TV all the time
  1. It's fun to see reactions of friends you've not seen in a while
  1. I've learned that a lot of people say they want to lose weight, but they don't want to do the work
  1. I've also learned that a lot of people say they want to lose weight, but have no clue where to start
  1. I learned I hated to have my picture taken when I was fat
  1. I learned I don't mind having my picture taken now
  1. I learned that my before picture can motivate people
  1. I've learned that there are people who discriminate against obese people
  1. I can see my feet!
  1. I am much more comfortable in my car now
  1. My driver’s seat doesn't seem to go "flat" now
  1. Office chairs are much more comfortable
  1. Diet pill commercials make me angry
  1. Sex is better
  1. Having the whole family involved is very rewarding
  1. I wonder WHY I didn't do this years ago
  1. I wonder why I let myself gain all the weight in the first place
  1. I've learned that being overweight is a natural cause of depression
  1. I've learned that being fit is a natural high
  1. I've learned that I'm scared to get fat again
  1. I've learned that I CAN eat exactly what I want, just less of it
  1. I've learned that you can't help a person who doesn't want help
  1. I have learned to be sensitive to others struggles. Not everyone loses weight as easily as I did.
  1. I now check out what other folks put in their shopping carts at the grocery store.
  1. I now carry a granola bar with me, to avoid fast food drive thrus
  1. My children are just as easily influenced by my good habits as they are by my bad ones
  1. Change means that things are going to be different
  1. A dash of cinnamon added to my coffee grounds is a great alternative to creamer
  1. It is interesting to see others reaction when they learn I didn't have surgery or use any pills or diet scheme.
  1. I don’t dread shopping for clothes now
  1. There is a larger variety of options when clothes shopping now
  1. I am doing things I never thought I would ever do again
  1. My wife loved me even when I was heavy.  She likes me much better now.
  1. This journey began with one step in the right direction.
  1. This journey was not easy, but it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be
  1. Most weight loss struggles happen between the ears
  1. SparkPeople showed me that I am not alone
  1. SparkPeople friends are the BEST!
  1. My wedding ring fits again
  1. Small changes add up over time
  1. I've learned that there are many emotions involved with a journey like this
  1. That my family is proud of me
  1. I've learned that I can influence countless people
  1. That I am accountable to myself
  1. That I am accountable to my family
  1. That I am accountable to SparkPeople Friends
  1. I sleep much better
  1. I wake up in a much better mood
  1. My resting heart rate is much lower
  1. I have much better control over my own future
  1. Travel on an airplane is easier
  1. When my girls ask me to play, I have energy to do it
  1. I have learned that I'm passionate about health and overall wellness
  1. I've learned that I am stronger than I thought I was
  1. I've remember how to communicate with my wife
  1. I've remember how much I enjoy talking to people
  1. I've learned that I have no limits
  1. Life is meant to be lived
 
What have YOU learned along your journey?


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Comments

  • JILLIEWILLIE1
    84
    Awesome list! I can't wait to write mine...in about 55 pounds! - 1/20/2013   9:20:33 AM
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  • CAROLZ1967
    83
    I just love, love, love this list Jerome!! :-) I feel like I could have written it as well. Maybe something as straightforward and as simple as this will "spark" my husband!! Note on that: he is finally working out again and making some dietary changes. I hope and pray it will last this time. Thanks as always Jerome for your wonderful blogs! - 5/17/2012   7:07:03 AM
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  • RUNNINGPFUHL
    82
    Spark Friends are the best friends and yes, runners are a little bit crazy! LOL I learned it from the best!! :)
    - 4/18/2012   3:01:17 PM
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  • SHOTTIE77
    81
    "78.Most weight loss struggles happen between the ears" LOVE IT!

    Thank you for all your inspiration! I am ready to get started! - 4/10/2012   11:46:57 AM
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  • PAULSSHAR
    80
    What a great list! There were some that inspired me, some that made me giggle, most that made me nod my head. Enjoyed the read immensely. Way to go! - 4/9/2012   12:13:32 PM
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  • TIMETOLOSESOME
    79
    Yay for you!! Thanks for being a role model. - 4/8/2012   6:40:53 AM
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  • CHIFANG130
    78
    Such an awesome list! Thank you so much for sharing! - 1/13/2012   5:39:24 PM
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  • RUNNINDOG
    77
    Wow!! What a great (inspirational) list!!! - 1/13/2012   3:35:07 PM
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  • CITRUSLOSER
    76
    i need to be my own hero..jus like you! thanks so much for sharing! - 1/9/2012   11:55:48 AM
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  • MSGETHEALTHY35
    75
    Awesome list, #73 I can't wait for and #78 I struggle with daily but I am not giving up... - 1/4/2012   11:46:30 PM
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  • CAROLYNINJOY1
    74
    Awesome list! Bravo for your accomplishment. - 1/2/2012   6:05:38 AM
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  • ANNEV2012
    73
    "63. I've learned that I CAN eat exactly what I want, just less of it"

    YES!!!!

    Congratulations on your success.
    - 1/1/2012   6:03:35 PM
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  • SLAWS1
    72
    Congrats!! Wonderful way to start my journey to a New Year...New Me!! - 1/1/2012   5:16:28 AM
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  • DEE797
    71
    CONGRATS on losing 100 lbs and maintaining it! You are such an inspiration. Love the list you came up with. Thanks for sharing it with us. - 12/30/2011   4:13:51 PM
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  • MARGARETCOPPINS
    70
    Very Inspiring.......A great motivator as I try to get back on track. - 12/25/2011   1:44:27 AM
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  • GREEN1957
    69
    Hi ,
    Congratulation for your journey .
    I wish you start new year healthy with your family.

    - 12/20/2011   6:21:42 AM
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  • LTCARTWRIGHT
    68
    #78! no truer words written than those! ;P - 12/18/2011   8:03:15 PM
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  • TEXASFILLY
    67
    WOW! What an AWE~some education through AWE~some success! Gotta say that #78 holds the key to all the rest. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and success, Jerome. God bless~ *hugs* BB~ - 12/18/2011   9:54:35 AM
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  • TRIGRAMPS
    66
    Great list from a great guy. Especially related to sweat, sex, and shopping carts! (38, 56 & 66) - 12/17/2011   8:15:08 PM
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  • SUNGIRL822
    65
    Had to skip down and agree that so far number 44 is my fave! - 12/17/2011   10:48:04 AM
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  • VINCENZO71
    64
    Great perspective an a life-long journey. Stay strong, stay focused, never quit, never surrender! - 12/17/2011   2:22:06 AM
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  • KARENDEE4
    63
    I love it!! - 12/16/2011   1:14:30 PM
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  • IOWARHINO
    62
    You are inspirational. Good For you!! Atta Boy!!

    I loved this entry. - 12/15/2011   11:44:42 PM
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  • DEBK0923
    61
    Thanks for the list, Great job in losing the 100 - 12/15/2011   8:39:21 PM
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  • MATHISPERRY
    60
    Amen to that/

    Nuff said. - 12/15/2011   3:14:25 PM
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  • SSCHULTZ59
    59
    congratulations on your successes. - 12/15/2011   3:13:58 PM
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  • CMERUN29
    58
    Congratulations on the 100 pounds. Love the list, especially #78. - 12/15/2011   11:51:04 AM
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  • LITTLEGIRLSMOM1
    57
    Congradulations and thanks for sharing... - 12/14/2011   5:04:39 PM
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  • FOREVERFITCHICK
    56
    WOW! What an inspiration to us all......I really love what you said, "I choose to FUEL my body instead of FILL it! - 12/14/2011   1:15:06 PM
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  • THINBY43
    55
    Very Inspirational! Congrats on your new lifestyle. - 12/14/2011   11:50:20 AM
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  • SHOYER
    54
    I've decided to save some of this for reading later, and, like others, appreciate you sharing your "learning" with those of us who hope to accomplish similar things.

    I do have to say, though, that having #56 and #57 that close together in the list made me smile -- really smile -- today. I'd call that an unexpected benefit. :) Thank you. - 12/14/2011   11:43:14 AM
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  • RITAJRCE
    53
    Congratulations! I hope to write a post like this one day, too! - 12/14/2011   10:25:39 AM
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  • STUBBSKID69
    52
    After losing a lot of weight, my wedding ring not only fit, it became too BIG!! I had to have a full size taken off. I've noticed that it is getting too big once again!! - 12/14/2011   4:56:59 AM
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  • DANDIZZLE117
    51
    I'm so hard on myself when I mess up. It's nice to hear that it WILL happen and it WILL be ok! Great blog! - 12/14/2011   3:38:17 AM
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  • STEPHANIEVES
    50
    This is a fantastic list! As someone who has lost over 100lbs, I can say #45 is soooo true! - 12/14/2011   12:17:37 AM
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  • TERRYT55
    49
    I LOVE your list.....below are my three favorites (it was hard to choose) Congrats!

    I've learned I WILL mess us. We must forgive and move forward

    I've learned that fitness has to be a way of life

    It is interesting to see others reaction when they learn I didn't have surgery or use any pills or diet scheme - 12/13/2011   10:05:24 PM
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  • ROSALIEESTHER
    48
    A friend showed me this blog. I've printed it out and will read it every day. Talk about MOTIVATION. Thank you so much. - 12/13/2011   8:41:59 PM
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  • MICHCLEARY
    47
    Way to go Jerome. That is an awesome list! - 12/13/2011   7:59:10 PM
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  • BTRTHANEVA
    46
    Love this, J-Man! Esp #78 "Most weight loss struggles happen between the ears". Great post! SPARK ON!!! - 12/13/2011   5:56:45 PM
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  • MOMITA3
    45
    To DBCLARENET - people not telling you that you are hurting yourself because they think they will hurt your feelings has bit me several times. I got down to 123 once and inched back up to 170. I wish just one person would have had the guts to say, " Do you really want to do that to yourself again?", instead of lying and saying, "You look good with a little weight on you." - 12/13/2011   5:36:44 PM
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  • SUZIEB1971
    44
    very inspirational :) great work! ..sue xx - 12/13/2011   5:05:23 PM
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  • DBCLARINET
    43
    My husband didn't have 100 lbs. to lose after high school -- he "only" had about 60-70, but now that he's in the best shape of his life, he sits there and wonders not only about why he let himself gain all that weight, but why the people around him let him gain that weight without saying something.

    He gained a bunch, but not all, of the weight back while we were living apart for a year before we got married, and I still loved him then. But it's true, I do like him a lot better now. And he doesn't snore as much! - 12/13/2011   4:44:23 PM
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  • FLPALM
    42
    I truly like your attitude! It does take alot, but lifestyle changes......absolutely the most important way to get there, and keep it off! So thanks for sharing, your 100 ways! Now, I would like to start listing my own "ways!" Such a great idea! - 12/13/2011   3:37:54 PM
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  • PRELUDETOPINK
    41
    Wow! Very inspiring, and I plan to be where you are, hopefully some time in 2012. I've got 100 to lose, and I will love putting some of those same good reasons up on my blog as well. Thanks for sharing, and for being so COURAGEOUS!!
    - 12/13/2011   3:37:14 PM
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  • MAMA_PICANTE
    40
    WTG with the lost 100 pounds! And thanks for sharing ur indpiration woth us! - 12/13/2011   3:26:51 PM
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  • MELLYBEANS0919
    39
    Congrats! What a wonderful list! - 12/13/2011   2:00:51 PM
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  • ANNESYLVIA
    38
    I learned that you and I have a lot of overlapping learning! And I only lost 35lbs. But I am excited about my last 7lbs to lose. What will I learn next?

    I also will try #70...I love my cream :-{

    Congratulations on you 1 year Anniversary on maintenance.

    hugs, Anne - 12/13/2011   1:35:44 PM
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  • DEARTOMYHEART
    37
    Thank you so much for sharing. What a motivational post to get me moving just a little bit faster. Made a copy of your blog to keeping me looking forward. You are an inspiration. Thanks again for sharing !!!!!! - 12/13/2011   11:29:47 AM
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  • MANDYLOVE_76
    36
    Thanks for sharing and congrats on your one year loss anniversary! - 12/13/2011   11:29:31 AM
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  • PIXIESTIX6669
    35
    Words of wisdom...thanks! and congratulations on your new life! - 12/13/2011   11:14:08 AM
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