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Don't Ever Give Up, And Set Realistic Goals

Photos courtesy of DORY LTIEF

Wanting to boost his self-esteem, Dory Ltief has dropped more than 80 pounds.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 2, 2008

Dory Ltief, 19, Tampa

Height: 5 foot 9

Starting weight: 265

Current weight: 181

Why I did it: I wanted to lose weight to prove it is possible despite the fact that I've been overweight practically my whole life. On New Year's Eve, I saw a lot of my family and friends set a New Year's resolution to lose weight. Of course everyone says they will lose weight but usually never go about it. I actually set a goal to lose weight.

I also wanted to boost my self-esteem. I hated waking up for classes knowing I have to pull out 2XL or 3XL shirts and 44-inch jeans. I wanted to look at myself and think: "Wow. I look good." It sounds self-centered, but come on, everyone wants that fulfillment.

Being able to say I did it without drugs, diuretics or surgery was also on my mind. Having that mindset lured me into a routine. I am thankful for my family and friends who have been supportive at the times I just wanted to give up.

How I did it: It all started after New Year's with my resolution to lose weight. The diet I had maintained for so long was about counting calories; my max was 1,800 calories a day, with a little bit of exercising. Notice I said a "little bit" of exercising. I admit I'm lazy on that aspect of my diet. Who isn't?

My daily routine consisted of breakfast (400 calories), lunch (600 calories) and dinner with dessert (800 calories). You've got to have cake! You can change the numbers around if you want. Sometimes, towards the end of the day you realize you had consumed maybe 1,400 calories, hence you could indulge in something tasty or fattening such as chips or ice cream.

I don't like diets that restrict anything, because in all honesty I am not going to go to a restaurant with friends and worry "Oh, I can't have this starch or bread or whatever." Please, we live in America where things are on the go, and I love McDonald's. I go almost every day, but I am careful. Lastly, I added a "cheating" week, where I don't worry how much I am eating.

For exercise, I do 90 sit-ups to work on flattening the stomach, but 3 reps of 30. I don't do them all together. I do this every other day. Every other day allows my body to rest, which is like a "cheating period" so I can maintain the reps and stamina.

This is the perfect diet for anyone "on the go" like me who goes to school. I'm a University of South Florida sophomore studying mathematics, and I'm an aspiring psychiatrist. I also work and have my leisure time with friends.

Counting calories is key. I know a man should never go below 1,800 calories a day (1,200 for women). I lost roughly 85 pounds in eight months (January to September).

Hurdles: A problem I faced was that my body reacted to the change in food consumption. The first few weeks I broke out in rashes, because I abruptly dropped from 4,000 to 1,800 calories a day. My body got used to the change. Now, if I go over my calorie intake, my body reacts adversely. That's a good thing.

A good hurdle was that I had to keep updating my wardrobe. I had to go shopping for new clothes. When you are losing weight your self-esteem is boosted, and you want to look more stylish. It can get annoying when you see your pants' size shrink. One moment you're a 44-inch, the next 33. I donated my old clothes to Goodwill.

Going the distance: I lost a little more than planned but plan on eating healthy and maintaining my weight by keeping up the exercise habits. Once you get calorie counting down, you begin to naturally eat the right way without noticing. It felt good to say "No thanks" on a piece of pie or to a hotdog. For some reason, you want to eat healthy.

My doctor says after eight months of this diet, my body increased its metabolic rate, which would help me keep losing weight.

Best advice: Don't ever give up, and set realistic goals. You know what I am talking about. I am a man who loves food but wanted to lose weight in a way that works for me.

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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