My name is John and I am a fat guy

With a title like that, the expected response is "Hi John" in an automatic, 12 step kind of response. It is said that admitting the problem is the first step, so my journey has officially started. If nothing else, ye ol blogger makes one accountable because it could be seen by people any and everywhere. However, I know it is likely to be read only by my wife and maybe my kids. So, let's discuss the problem in more detail. Hey, since I am admitting the issue, might as well disclose as much as possible.



I am NOT big boned. I am NOT a lazy sloth either. I am what I am...obese and too educated to be that way. I am a nurse practitioner and have been one for more than a decade. You know, nurse practitioners who are supposed to be the champions of health, wellness and prevention. I do know how to talk the talk but have not led by example by walking the walk. Until now.



Those who know me, know I DO exercise hard and do so 3-5 days a week...and those who know me could tell you I have to get rid of some "friends" I associate with too often. I need to say goodbye to Little Debbie, Sara Lee, that clown and his friend Big Mac and that guy who thinks he is a King are some of the "friends" I need to lose and I have to stay out of the bars--the Hershey Bar. I know I tend to eat in response to stress and aggravation so my job does influence my eating by creating stress. But, I do not blame my job for my portly appearance...I CHOOSE to swallow my aggression along with pastries. This has been my way of dealing with stress. Until now.



So this blog will not only be a journal for my journey but also a resource of useful information, insightful inspiration and place to rally the masses against the obesity epidemic in our country. I know I am not alone. I know, instead of the "Tea Party" I can call our group the "Biscuit Party" or the "Biscuit and Gravy Party". We all struggle with our weight and have been losing the battle of the bulge. Until now.

And I am pulling out all the stops. I know I cannot manage this myself, so I am enlisting prayer and leaning on God as a training partner. Let's get this thing started!