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'Anyone Can Do It If I Can'

Photos courtesy of BEN MORRISON

With daughter Audrey, 10 serving as an inspiration, Ben Morrison has lost 43 pounds.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

Ben Morrison, 50, Zephyrhills

Height: 5-foot-9

Starting Weight: 241

Current Weight: 198

Why I did it: Like so many, I was tired of the pattern of gaining weight, losing some and just going back to being the same or bigger than before. Also, I turned 50 and struggled to keep my blood pressure down. I was looking realistically at my own mortality. I was "feeling fat," and my clothes were wearing me instead of me wearing them. I was not sleeping well.

Then I saw a picture of myself at 17, with a flat belly, just after I had hit a golf ball in a state tournament. Those were the days, for sure. Also, others said to me that I was fat, more than one time. I was just miserable. I knew that I really could change things if I was committed.

I was always involved in sports in my youth and even in adulthood, so I was usually in reasonably good shape. But as I was getting older, the pounds were building. My daughter Audrey, 10, said she would help me. She has been a great help. She is my personal trainer! When I lost 30 pounds, my wife and kids gave me an ovation. It inspired me even more to see they were all proud of me.

How I did it: I decided to be determined! I started changing what I ate: lower carbohydrates and more protein; lots of chicken and occasional fish or beef. I also now eat lots of broccoli, assorted beans and carrots, too. Not to mention apples and egg whites.

I started walking, then I was walking and running. My blood pressure started coming down right away. Also I started shooting the basketball when I could. As the days went by, I became more regimented. I went from walking one mile to walking two miles and running one.

I also incorporated some light weights into workouts. I do not have and can't afford a membership to a gym, so I use what I have at home. I now exercise six to seven days a week.

I feel that I could not do this alone. I first asked God to help with self-control and he has! Then I asked my family. They have been so very supportive, especially my daughter. She has continued to tell me: "You can do it Dad!" I realize that perfection is not attainable. But consistency is. They are not the same.

I cheat sometimes, but I get back up and get on track. I just need to be consistent, not perfect. I started on March 8. I have lost 43 pounds and 4 inches off of my waist (from a 40- to a 36-inch waist.) And my 36-inch waist pants are not tight at all, some are even loose.

Hurdles: Sometimes I don't feel like either exercising or eating right. It's hard being with others who don't care what they eat. I don't like losing so much weight at first and then seemingly hitting a wall. I lost 25 pounds in 35 days and just 8 pounds since. Sometimes, this makes me feel I have stopped progressing. But I know this is not so.

Going the Distance: My initial goal was 189 pounds, but now it is 179. That's just 7 pounds more than my 1991 "marriage weight" of 172. I plan to have this goal met on or before Thanksgiving Day. I plan to maintain the weight loss simply by continuing with the healthier diet and exercise lifestyle. Anyone can do it if I can. We just have to make it habitual.

I have started wearing clothes (pants especially) that have been in my closet for years. My blood pressure is normal with only one medication instead of three, and my cholesterol has gone from very high to normal. This has happened in only 14 weeks. Not to mention my stress levels have gone down exponentially in the process. What a relief!

Best Advice: Start where you are. Do something, and do it for you. Even if you just stretch and walk.

Don't quit. Keep the goal ahead of you. And don't compare yourself with others. Just do what you need to do to improve yourself.

Keyword: Lost It, to tell us about a weight-loss plan that works for you. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

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