Written by: Tom Watson
At the age of 40 years old I had gone from the 185 lb 21 year old athletic former Marine, benching 320, squatting 405 and running 3 miles in under 18 minutes, to the puff weight of 223 lbs.
It was then that I decided I wanted to be my former self again. Although the weights and times were not my goal, I wanted my old body back. I started one program after the other, losing 40 lbs and gaining 20 -30 back. Roller coaster to roller coaster. I couldn’t get the food part right, and compensated with 2 hour gym workouts, playing soccer 3-5 times a week and running miles upon miles.
Finally in November 2010 a friend told me about the Paleo Solution (Diet) and Robb Wolf. I started the diet that night and have been hooked since.
I started the paleo diet in Nov. 18, 2010. I weighed about 198 lbs at 5 feet 10. My blood work was at the top of good, ready to reach into the bottom of bad. Three months into the diet my blood work was perfect. My weight was in the 180’s, I was eating less food, working out less, and looking better. I now weigh 175 lbs. My body fat is about 13% (not bad for a 50 year old). I am currently eating about 1 1/2 – 2 meals a day, snacking on nuts or almond butter and honey when I get a little hungry. My post nasal drip and finger joint pain have gone away. I love this diet and will continue on it for the rest of my life.
I used to catch a cold or virus a couple times a year. Since starting on Paleo, I have not been sick for nearly two years.
There are times when I can’t eat Paleo or it is very difficult, vacations, eating out (which I rarely but sometimes have to do). I can feel the effects, but start back up and all is good.
My father (now 73) started on the diet shortly after me. He was 40 lbs over weight (lost 25-30 of that) had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was taking shots for diabetes. Since December 2010 he has been able to wean himself off most of the meds. In the next few months he should be MED FREE.
I am now a crusader for better food and share with whomever will listen. My vanity plate is ”PALEO”.
A diet is what you eat, whatever you eat. Some diets will help you lose weight quickly but cannot sustain you for the rest of your life. A diet needs to be a vehicle that can get you to your natural body weight, get you off your meds, eliminate the pain, eliminate the sickness and live a long happy life.
Sandra says
I agree. Diets are just that — diets. Paleo is life.
Lynn says
Hubba-hubba! You look maaahvelous!
Steve Reed says
Looking outstanding Tom! So what sort of workout routine have you been using?
Jackson says
What an inspirational post! I also ballooned up to 275 as I approached 35. When I started working out, I had no experience, no plan, and a basic sense of diet. I came across paleo after reading up on a young natural lifter named Hadzovic, who uses much the same. I enjoyed paleo immensely, and continue to employ elements of it. What I’ve learned is no lifestyle is etched in stone. I live by a modified paleo. Some mornings, I chug a Sustain, dairy and gluten free nutrition shake from bewell.com. Best stand in for breakfast thus far. And price breaks down to a three dollar per day breakfast. Cheap but good for me. I also do a ton of supplements for joint support, EFAs, etc. Amazing. Anyway, love your website Robb!!!
Keith says
Great story Tom. I’m a newbie to paleo and have been doing this now for 4-5 weeks. I’ve dropped 21lbs to date. I’m doing the tracking with body measurements and photos. I’ve a while to go yet, but this is a lifestyle I can follow, I love the food, feel great and have lots of energy.
Vesa Ivanovic says
Great job Tom…thats the spirit !!!