You know how much you all inspire me, some of you send me daily messages that I inspire you. It's all a circle of love and for that I am truly humbled and I absolutely love what I do.
This next story will blow your mind. A dear new friend of mine, who I only just recently met, has ONE inspiring and amazing journey. He has recently launched his first book "One Step At A Time" and has been kind enough to offer one as a giveaway to one of my lucky readers.
Let me introduce you to this gorgeous man Eli.......
1. How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
In August I will be 44 yr old.
My name is Eli Sapharti, aka FAT Boy FIT Man. Five years ago I weighed in at almost 140kg (300 pounds) and suffered with many ailments associated with obesity including high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, severe anxiety and depression. I suffered with obesity much of my life and as many of us that have battled with being overweight, tried almost every diet in existence and even "joined" the gym quite a few times, which is not the same as GOING
to the gym and actually exercising.
After many failed attempts at these, in 2008 I had an epiphany while traveling on business. I was at the airport in Miami and before boarding my flight, I went to buy a bottle of water. The clerk at the kiosk, a cute girl, said to me "You're really good looking for a BIG guy." Most obese guys would have taken that as a compliment. All I heard was "You're FAT!".
The entire trip I kept hearing her voice saying "You're FAT! You're FAT!" I was disgusted with myself. It's not like I didn't know I was fat before, but at that moment it just HIT me!
As I thought about all my previous failed attempts is when I got my epiphany and realized that "dieting" and impulsive joining of a gym didn't work and was not going to work....EVER! That is when I decided to make 2 small changes to start to improve my life. First thing I committed to was walking for 15 minutes EVERYDAY. And I also committed to stop drinking the 2 litres of regular soda I was accustomed to drinking everyday for at least 1 week. At the end of that week, with just those 2 changes, I lost 2 pounds. I was ecstatic! 2 pounds lost with just these "small" changes? WOW! This is how I came up with my "One Step at a Time" approach to weight loss success.
I am now a FIT 81kg (180 pounds). My walking 15 minutes has turned to running half marathons at a respectable 1:44 finish time, I have transformed my body from obese and sick to fit and healthy. But the most important change for me has been that I have found my passion in helping to inspire, motivate and help others achieve their own weight loss success.
"One Step at a Time" through my weight loss coaching and my motivational speaking. I have recently published a book that will be officially released on June 2, 2013, but it is already available on Amazon.com and Amazon.uk "From Fat Boy to Fit Man-A One Step at a Time- Story of Success" It is my wish that those who read the book will find inspiration, motivation, hope and most of all they should know that they are not alone in their journey to a healthier life.
2. What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult?
I didn't reach a body weight of almost 300 lbs from eating vegetables and fruits. As a child AND as an adult I ate everything from sugary cereals, potato chips, LOTS of pasta with LOTS of cheese, french fries, fast foods, A LOT of bread, ICE CREAM (My kryptonite even until today) and the worst thing in my old way of eating has to be the 2 liters of regular SUGARY soda (soft drinks) that I would have DAILY! YUCK!
-What has changed since then?
SO much has changed from 5 years ago! I slowly started making changes "One Step at a Time" in 2008 that has lead me to a much more conscious way of eating. I most definitely do NOT drink any soda anymore, I do NOT eat fast foods and I am careful about my sugar intake. Everything else, I enjoy in moderation and only OCCASIONALLY.
3. Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
I love watching NBA basketball. GO MIAMI HEAT! As far as practicing a sport, I am an avid runner with MANY 5K, 10K and Half Marathons under my belt. I am currently training to run my first FULL Marathon!
- favourite workout?
Besides running, I also weight train at the gym. I am a firm believer that weight/resistance training is VERY important in order to burn fat and build muscle tone. Many folks make the mistake of doing ONLY cardio and although they lose weight, they do not necessarily lose fat. My favorite body parts to work out are my chest, biceps and shoulders.
4. What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
I have varied interests, ranging from outdoor activities to wine tastings, but my passion lies in being able to help others realize their potential to succeed through my coaching and public speaking. It makes me smile BIG when I receive a message, a call or an email from someone telling me how I have helped to guide them towards a new healthier life.
But the thing that makes me smile the BIGGEST are my 3 amazing children! They bring so much pride and joy to my life!
5. What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
In 2008, I had what many people call an epiphany of sorts. I relate the entire story in detail in my book. (I'd hate to ruin it for those who haven't read it yet) :-)
6. What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
My dream is to see people changing their lives and getting healthier and happier with themselves. I dream to help end the obesity epidemic worldwide.
In the nest 12 months I look forward to traveling to promote my book and spread my message of hope and inspiration through my speaking and teaching of the "One Step at a Time" approach to weight loss and fitness.
7. What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
There are MANY tips I could share, but I would have to say that the most important thing in order to succeed at weight loss and fitness is to break down the seemingly impossible into possibilities. Do not take an ALL or NOTHING approach, instead take things "One Step at a Time". The famous Buddhist philosopher Lao Tzu said it best with this quote: "The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step."
Eli is one man that I have connected with on a fitfam level and I look forward to getting to know him even better. If you wish to connect with Eli, buy his book and continue to follow his journey, click below;
Instagram: elisapharti
Thank you once again Eli for sharing your story with us and I can't wait to read your book!For your chance to win Eli's book, simply leave a comment below based on what changes you made or are making to improve your lifestyle?
XxDani
