Alec Carrion has struggled with weight issues his entire life. This August will mark 2 years since he started taking control of his life and health. Since August of 2008 up to now I have lost a total of 106lbs. When he embarked on this Journey 2 years ago he weighed 302, he currently weighs 196 and the challenge continues as he tries to reach 160lbs.

“Its all about holding fast to that dream and knowing you can reach it and while I haven’t reached mine just yet, I still have come along way”.

What was your turning point that made you decided to take a healthier approach to life?

The turning point came for me at my annual physical/check up with my doctor a little over 2 years ago. My Doctor had been informing me several times that I was living a very unhealthy lifestyle weighing 302 lbs, which would eventually lead to many different sicknesses such as heart problems, diabetes and high blood pressure. That’s something that would freak any 16 year old out. When my doctor informed me of this I knew immediately that I had to take control and make a change for the better of my health. For so long losing weight was a dream and a goal of mine but nothing ever really motivated me the way I was motivated when I realized the danger my health was in after that doctors visit. That doctors visit changed my life, and 2 years later I am happy to say that I now weigh 196lbs at the age of 19. But the goal continues…as my my doctor is amazed at my transformation, but stresses that in order for me to be completely healthy 160-170lbs would be the ideal weight for me. So my goal, patience and determination continues as I strive to reach that goal of 160-170lbs. But I have come so far as I’ve lost to date 106lbs.

Share with us the 1st three actions you took to inquire change?
The first three actions in which I took to inquire a healthier lifestyle were #1 telling myself I have a goal and a dream, and that with determination I would reach it. #2 I inquired better eating habits, I left the junk food behind, I now eat my 3 meals a day and most of all I do NOT deprive myself of anything. I know I work really hard, so there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to ice cream every once in a while. #3 I adapted an amazing workout regiment. When I first started this process to better my health and get into shape I was in the gym 4-5 days a week. I see myself working harder now than I did back 2 years ago because I’ve seen how far I’ve come in such a good amount of time that now I workout daily, and I do so because I want to and because it makes me feels good. I never overwork myself; I am very conscience that before each workout I’m energized and well nutritioned. I make sure everyday that I am physically capable of enduring a workout, if not I rest that day and back to hard work the following day.

Has this experience helped you in other areas of your life?
This experience has most definitely helped in so many different areas of my life such as my self-esteem, I find myself embracing the beauty in who I am now way more than I did back than. I am at a place in my life now that I was not at 2 years ago and that is loving the skin I am in. Most importantly I never really new the value nor how important my health is until I decided to take control.
What helps keep you motivated on days that seem a little tough?
My motivation comes from 2 different places, first and foremost from within; I know I have to keep pushing myself to each that goal. 2nd the response and beautiful comments others give me on my transformation really helps. Trust me there are many of those tough days in which I just want to give up. Sometimes I don’t even want to get out of bed. It’s hard when you’re 19 years old and you see your friends eating and drinking all the things you have to stay away from. But through it all I have maintained a strong commitment and determination. I always tell myself when I’m having a tough day “Alec look how far you have come, but most importantly look how far you can go.”

What new lessons and new habits did you have to teach yourself?
One of the most important lessons I’ve had to adapt to real quickly is the fact that nothing comes overnight. Everything in life just like losing weight is a process and with that process of losing weight you have to be patient and dedicated to the goal, otherwise the goal will just get lost. Habits in which I have adapted to are eating healthy, following a schedule and a routine, eating smaller portions of food, eliminating the unhealthy junk food, NOT eating late and stay as active as possible. These are all steps in which I have followed and they have worked wonders for me. People think its rocket science the whole weight losing process and in reality it’s just following simple steps to a healthier lifestyle
Has anyone in your family benefited from your new healthy habits?
Absolutely, My mother now does not buy a lot of the foods she use to. If the unhealthy stuff is around you, you are tempted. So she has made it a priority not to buy any of the junk food. One of the items that sticks out in my head that my mother no longer buys is soda. Since the soda is no longer in the house my other family members have been able to do fine without it. I also find my mother reading certain ingredients to different foods and comparing with others, which is really smart.
What are three must do’s and three don’t do’s that you can share with others who share the same dream, but are afraid to push forward or just need a little guidance.
Must do’s- (1)-Stay focused, do it because it is within your heart. Everyone around me had been telling me for years that I had to take a healthier approach on my diet and I never listened because it was being forced on me. One day I just woke up and decided on my own that this was something I wanted to accomplish, it is great when you are doing something without pressure, it makes it much easier for the person them self to get something done. (2)-Inquire a routine, a regiment and a schedule to better help you stay focused and determined. (3)-Embrace the beauty in who you are today and who you could be tomorrow. I think if I could go back I would love the person I was back than just as much as the person I am today because, in reality nothing but the physical attribute of who you are changes, everything else stays the same.

The must not do’s- (1)-You personally are the only individual who can come in-between your goals. Never let others tell you goals/dreams are too impossible to reach. A lot of people in my personal life did not think I would come this far and I have. (2)-I know it’s hard to imagine this one but have FUN and DON’T make the process boring on yourself, it’s really not that boring. I find myself having more fun now than I did when I started 2 years ago, now I workout in a gym, from time to time I workout with some good friends or even family members and once a week I take a fitness class with other individuals and it makes time pass by quicker and you find yourself interacting with others throughout the process that It doesn’t become so boring. (3)-Never accept the fact that you have reached your goal because from that point forward it is still a battle and a process to stay healthy.
Thank you Alec for being pushy!