Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Health

TBO > Life > Health

'The Pieces Of My Puzzle Did Not Come Together All At Once'

Photos provided by DANIEL MLOTKOWSKI

Daniel Mlotkowski followed the Atkins diet, cutting back on carbohydrates while increasing his metabolism.

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 5, 2008

Related Links

Daniel Mlotkowski, 47, aka NakeDan The Handyman, South Pasadena and Land O' Lakes

Height: 6-foot-2

Starting weight: 245

Current weight: 190

Why I did it: I was in good shape in high school and college: I weighed 190 and had a 32- or 33- inch waist. At 25, at the birth of my first child, I weighed 240. After that I weighed as much as 260. Nearing 30, I got a divorce and became a single parent, became more aware of my health and began to exercise more regularly. I tried counting calories and shifted to healthier foods. I lost about 20 pounds. I was starving most of the time, and my appearance did not change much. The weight came back as I allowed my career, children and a new relationship to distract me.

After dating the same woman for more than seven years, we decided to get married. I wanted to feel and look my best for our marriage and honeymoon, so I launched into a calorie diet with the same results. But I was exercising on a much more regular basis. I just didn't know enough to make my weight loss permanent.

Now in my early 40s, I weighed an average of 245 and knew the danger this presented. I checked my blood pressure; it had risen to a "high" level. A doctor suggested I lose weight or take medication. I don't like depending on anything but a balanced diet.

How I did it: Having failed twice at calorie diets, I was ready for something different. I purchased the Atkins book and cookbook. Though most people have a skewed idea of Atkins (No, you don't eat meat all the time) I found you have a choice of a lot of vegetables, and that counting net carbohydrates was not starving me. After two months in the induction phase, and two months in the "ongoing weight loss" phase, I lost 35 pounds and it showed.

The weight loss increased my metabolism. I needed less sleep, I had more energy. Most noticeable: my abs began to show. I was ecstatic and continued following the program. I also incorporated ideas from the South Beach Diet into my own.

After a year, and I was happy with my weight and appearance. I learned what worked for my body chemistry, and knew how to maintain my weight between 195 and 210. I counted net carbs for about four months and got down to my goal. I also learned about organic foods - a natural follow-up to Atkins, which includes fresh veggies and fruit, whole grains and nothing processed. I've maintained for close to three years now.

Years ago, I did not have free time to go to the gym. A personal trainer helped me develop a workout I could accomplish in an hour or less. I took out the breaks between reps and exercises to keep my heart rate up, and need less time in cardio.

Hurdles: The biggest obstacle was in my head. I found real results with the Atkins diet, but diets are not for use our whole lives: they teach us what works. Unless you're doing it by the book or supervised in some fashion, you're getting in your own way.
I did not starve through the diet, but there were some withdrawals from large portions. My wife and children helped keep my eye on another goal: I want to spend as much of my life with them as possible.

I also believe my reading habit was as critical to my success as diet and exercise. I'm talking about picking up a book that will help you improve. Developing the brain helps us develop qualities we need to have the kind of life we want.

Going the distance: The pieces of my puzzle did not come together all at once. First was exercise. Then I realized the need for a more balanced life including inner development. It took two tries to learn what diet worked for me. This was over a span of more than a decade, so have patience.

Best advice: Get out of your comfort zone, and you will see results. Maintain an active lifestyle. Ask those around you for support, but don't tell them what they should be doing. Taking my kids, and now my grandchildren, out to activities on a regular basis is not only physical, but builds our relationship. Don't expect perfection.

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.

Share this:

* To:
Your Name:
Your Email Address:
Personal Message [optional]: