I’m about to leave for a 13.1 mile training run, but the weather currently looks like:

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Not sure what the ramifications of this will be (Soaked and chafing? splashing in puddles like a 4 year-old?), but I’m going to give it a shot!  A little rain never hurt anyone.

 

In the meantime…  I’ve got an inspiring story of success from Bo, the male part of the Healthy, Happier Bears duo.  I hope you enjoy his story!

 

A Man’s Healthy Tipping Point

 

I’m not going to say it is easy, but I believe I am proof that anyone can better themselves with a combination of personal commitment and outside support. I was never a skinny kid, but I was in fairly good shape in high school. I was on the rowing team and the swim team and lead a generally active lifestyle. The path that led me to that point is a different story, but suffice it to say that by my sophomore year in college, I was living a self-destructive life. I weighed 275 pounds, drank beer every night, and didn’t exercise at all.

 

I wanted to make changes but the task seemed insurmountable.

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The first point that I’d like to make is that major life changes are impossible without some sort of support group. This could be family, friends, a church, or a therapist. It doesn’t really matter from where this support comes, as long as it works for you as an individual. Fortunately, I was able to lean on several of the aforementioned sources of support and by October 2003, I had begun to make an effort to curtail my eating and lift weights a few times a week. I don’t know how many of you have actually experienced the level of obesity that I’m describing (I’m only 5’10” so 275 is a particularly large number for me) but, it actually takes work to maintain that much weight. The initial ten to twenty pounds fell off pretty quickly.

 

I’m not going to claim that my life was really together at this point but in January 2004, a truly wonderful thing happened that I will always credit as the single most important moment of my life. I began dating the girl to whom I am now married.

ashbocotillion

Her journey toward a healthy lifestyle is linked to mine, but it’s a separate story so I won’t cover it here. The main point is that she saw something in me that I was unable to see in myself. She was then and still is now, the most important source of support in my life. 

 

After the initial 20 pounds, my weight loss plateau-ed and I was once again convinced that I would be fat forever. Jumping past that initial plateau was more difficult than making the first move as getting past that point required real discipline and also a willingness to open my mind to new ideas. This is the second point that I’d like to make: to live a healthy lifestyle, you have to find things that work for you. Experimentation and an open mind are essential elements of eventual success. Remember too that just because something works for someone else does not mean that it is right for you. This is something that I still to this day have to remind Ashley frequently.

bobike

Opening one’s mind to new ways of thinking is often difficult especially when it relates to a subject that is as sensitive as food is to those that are ashamed of their body. At one point, I met with a nutritionist (this was way out of my comfort zone at the time) and we were discussing the subject of mayonnaise. I need to preface this by mentioning that I grew up in a family that used a lot of mayonnaise. It’s still one of my favorite condiments although I rarely ever eat it. The nutritionist was trying to convince me that small changes in ones diet actually make a big difference and that thinking of things in terms of trade offs is very important. She framed it in this manner: “Would you rather have mayonnaise on your sandwich or a beer in the evening?” This was a poignant question to me. After all, having a good beer is obviously more enjoyable than having mayonnaise on a sandwich.

 

For me, happiness and healthiness are tied together in a never-ending feedback loop. In other words, when I am feeling down, I have a tendency to slip back into a more pleasure seeking less healthy lifestyle. The opposite is true when I’m in a good place in my life. My problem initially was that I had dug myself into such a deep hole that the lifestyle itself had become the thing that made me unhappy. Thus, climbing out of the hole that I had dug myself into seemed impossible. The key was actually these small changes that I referred to earlier. By senior year of college each small change had stacked on top of the previous change to the point that I would actually wake up before 6AM, run a mile and a half to the gym, row for 30min, run home and still make it to my 8AM class with a large Starbucks coffee in my hand.

halfmarathon

By the end of grad school in 2008, I was down to 185 pounds and had run my first half-marathon. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve gained ten of those pounds back since moving to New York to take a job as an investment banking analyst. It’s not as easy to wake up at 5AM to workout when you were at the office till 1AM the night before. However, I’m currently training for this year’s New York Marathon, which will hopefully prove to be my greatest triumph yet.

 

Am I at a point in my life where I can truly say that my relationship with my body and food are perfect? The answer is absolutely not. However, I do believe that I’ve learned a great deal about myself and I hope that the point at which I find myself currently is still only the middle of my journey.

wedding

ashbobike

Want to read other inspiring stories?

 

  • Emily:  A Slow Switch Helped Her Lose Nearly 100 Pounds
  • Kayla:  The Fear of Going Blind Motivated Her to Get Healthy
  • Maria:  A Gallbladder Stone Scare Showed Her The Importance of Real Food
  • Dani:  Learning to Run Through the Couch to 5K Program
  • Maissa:  Finding a New Outlet for Negative Emotions
  • Freya:  A Journey Out of Anorexia
  • Carrie:  Ditched Distorted Thinking and Ran a Marathon
  • Amy:  A Mom Who Lost Baby Weight and Became a Triathlete
  • Jenny:  Saw Lance Armstrong on Oprah and Decided to Ride a Century
  • Lauren:  Stays Active Despite Being a Busy Associate at a Financial Firm
  • Beth:  A Friend’s Serious Illness Inspired Her to Focus on Her Own Health

 

Are you a man who can relate to Bo’s story?  Do you have a man like Bo in your life?

{ 104 comments }

 

  • Julie @ Wearing Mascara August 19, 2010, 7:32 am

    I actually love to run when it’s raining or a little overcast 🙂 As long as it’s not too much that my shoes get squishy! Anyways, I love Bo’s story. It’s very inspirational especially when discussing his plateau. He’s amazing for sticking by it!

  • Tina August 19, 2010, 7:33 am

    Caitlin – Hope the rain holds off for you and chafing is minimal!!

    Bo – Love how you ended your story. There’s always room to grow but the change and the journey are exhilarating to see. And I can really relate to the happiness and health relationship.

  • Kayla @ Lets Live Wholesome August 19, 2010, 7:35 am

    What a wonderful story. It’s great to hear a male’s perspective.

    Bo- I love how you mentioned finding what works right for you…you’re so right! Good luck with your marathon training, how inspiring 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 19, 2010, 7:35 am

    Good luck on the run! I love this story. It always gets me when there is a little romance involved! I am such a sucker for a sweet love story!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite August 19, 2010, 7:36 am

    What a wonderful story! I love reading these! So inspiring!

  • Karen August 19, 2010, 7:42 am

    I can relate to Bo’s story especially when he mentioned the healthiness happiness feedback loop. That is a perfect way to describe one of the main reasons I stick to regular workouts. I hope he doesn’t mind me using that phrase!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 19, 2010, 7:42 am

    It’s so interesting to hear a man’s perspective!! I feel like men in general have a much healthier perspective on losing weight, because while they still want to look good, scrawny guys aren’t what’s popular in the media. They know when to stop when they still have meat on their bones, enough to keep them strong. Congrats, Bo!

    • Marianne August 19, 2010, 8:42 am

      I agree to an extent – I actually struggle with my boyfriend now, we are both trying to get healthy, but he’s gotten extremely obsessed with the scale, and has at times been really unhealthy about his methods. Examples include only eating every other day, eating no carbs whatsoever (which I suppose works for some people, but I don’t feel like it’s a good solution in the long run).
      I think there may be a lot of self esteem issues among men with food issues, but it’s not talked about as much as among women. Also, it doesn’t seem to be as “socially acceptable”. (I put socially acceptable in “” because I find there’s a lot more info and resources aimed at helping women with various eating disorders/difficult relationship with food and body image).

      • Astrid August 19, 2010, 9:13 am

        It’s hard for guys, because of the fact that it isn’t “normal” to obsess about weight. My boyfriend use to practically starve himself when he was younger to make weight for tae kwon do competitions. Plenty of guys feel the pressure to be more muscular and to be the ideal hot guy. Body mage is not just a woman’s affliction. I would love to see more men come out of the wood work and share their stories!

      • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:49 am

        This isn’t directly related to either comment but I want to add that I think its important not to stereotype men in relation to weight and emotions. I cannot tell you how many men with EDs I’ve spoken to about Operation Beautiful – the things that come out of their mouths are the exact same things that women with EDs say… that they are worthless because of their size and see themselves in a completely distorted manner. Some estimates put men as 10% of anorexias and 40% of binge eaters. I really do believe men have just as many body image challenges as women, or maybe even more because as Marianne mentioned, it’s not “socially acceptable” for them to talk about these things.

        Thoughts?

        • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 19, 2010, 11:52 am

          My friend’s boyfriend actually suffered with the need to lose weight and he was already very thin. He was 13 inches taller than me, but weighed 15 pounds less! It was really scary. It can definitely be a challenge.

        • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) August 19, 2010, 11:54 am

          I agree with you Caitlin, I know plenty of men with body issues. Actually, when my husband and I got together, he often “fat talked” more than I did! I guess he didn’t do it in front of his friends as often. It was one of those things where he would talk to me about his struggles with weight loss (he’s lost over 60 lbs since high school) and how he still felt FAT and heavy even though he was finally maintaining a healthy weight.

          Sometimes my husband changes his outfit multiple times because he feels “ugly.” My best male friend does the same thing. This behavior is not gender-specific.

        • Lindsey @ Sound Eats August 19, 2010, 11:54 am

          I think the thing that’s really alarming that I’ve observed (in media, real life, etc.) is that it’s seen as more alarming when a male struggles with body image and disordered eating, while as it unfortunately seems more common and acceptable that women struggle. It can come across that it’s more normal for a woman to have body issues and disordered eating than it is for a man. And how WARPED is that – that body image issues and disordered eating is “more normal” for one sex over the other.

        • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 19, 2010, 11:56 am

          As the original commenter, I feel like I should have added that I know men have body issues too. My best guy friend has been struggling with an ED for over a year now, and it pains me to see how ashamed he is of it because it’s considered a “girly” problem. Men deal with negative body image, too.

          What I was trying to say is that men in general seem to take a healthier perspective on weight loss. Perhaps it’s because they’re often more relaxed, but they don’t beat themselves up the way women do. I think it has to do with societal pressures as well- women will vocalize that they feel guilty about a meal and make other women feel guilty as well, while men don’t really talk about food guilt.

          Interested to see what other people have to say!

        • ellie August 19, 2010, 11:57 am

          I think the pressures on men are very much present when it comes to body image- though slightly different. The emphasis seems to be more on strength and muscle, than the skinny models woman are subjected to (apologies if this is way off base- I don’t read a lot of men’s magazines, but have been in treatment for an eating disorder with guys and this was what they said). They also said that they didn’t feel comfortable talking about food/weight- for woman, it’s a common ground and something everyone can relate to. I feel like men don’t get a voice/space to talk about food and weight the same way woman do. Most of the guys I know like to pretend they don’t care at all and dieting/watching weight/caring about nutrition is not a cool thing for a man to do.

        • J August 19, 2010, 11:59 am

          While I still think women carry the brundt of the body-image burden, men have their own struggles. My boyfriend often comments about how he thinks he’s fat or that he looks old.

          Although society has changed a lot, unfortunately, we are still under the loom of men being expected to be successful breadwinners and women to look good. Yes, that is a generalization, but it’s still there. So when men have a little extra weight on but are doing well otherwise, he’s golden. On the other hand, a woman can be really successful and then bemoan that she has failed in her role as a woman because she does not “look good.”

        • J August 19, 2010, 12:03 pm

          I should also add that I am trying REALLY hard to stop putting myself down about my appearance so that he will stop, too!

      • Marlon @MeInTheBalance August 19, 2010, 12:03 pm

        I’m a man who used to be a “chubby” kid growing up. I’ve dealt with my own share of self-esteem, body image, and body dysmorphia issues (and I still do). While men do talk about nutrition and exercise in some circles, it’s usually about getting more “buff” and trying to gain weight. But I do admit, it does seem that men don’t get down on themselves as much. I, on the other hand, am trying to lose weight. I’m typically the only male presence in the lunchroom at school (I’m a teacher) and it’s actually nice to be part of the conversation with the female teachers about eating and exercise because it is on a different level of conversation than with men–it’s actually more comprehensive and (okay I’ll say it) mature. We go back to work next week and I’ll be sure to have a sharpie and post-its on hand. 🙂

      • Sara August 19, 2010, 6:23 pm

        I dated a man who was a fat-talker. It definitely bugged me a lot. I realized that if he’d sit around complaining about his (nonexistent!) fat now, what would he say to his kids one day? I don’t want to raise children in a toxic environment where it’s the norm to crash diet and complain about your body. I had some college girlfriends who were raised by parents who ate fat- and sugar-free everything, and these girls grew up to be so critical of their bodies. I want a man who will teach his kids that they’re wonderful people just the way they are!

    • HTP Dad August 19, 2010, 11:52 am

      The harmful pressures on men are different, and so are the health risks. Taking steroids to build muscle for cosmetic reasons is always a bad idea – taking them as a teenager even worse. Spending hours obsessively in the gym can be destructive to a balanced life. Sadly, I can see increases in these pressures – and no one is immune – even old people like me.

    • Victoria August 19, 2010, 11:53 am

      While I haven’t personally been around men with disordered eating or body image, I feel that those who do may have even more of a struggle than women because it’s not an issue people discuss. When friends and family witness a female with ED issues, they may be more likely to seek help for her, as compared to a man, because it is far less expected for a man to struggle with those same issues.

    • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. August 19, 2010, 11:58 am

      I definitely believe there are plenty of men who struggle with disordered eating and body image. I think that where the mis-perception that there’s not is the stereotype is it is just a female based issue. The issues that men face are just different than what women do, but that in no way means that the pressure isn’t there.

      • eatmovelove August 19, 2010, 2:24 pm

        Interesting debacle!

        Yeah, I think men and women are alot more alike than “we” as a society may think.

        I recently read “Born Round” by Frank Bruni (a food critic and Author) – he suffered from bulimia, being overweight, fad diets, horrible body image and self-esteem. It was interesting to hear a man talk/feel that way about their body.

        Even men worry about the way their stomach hangs over their pants or get embarassed. Now, Frank was gay – not that there’s anything wrong with that! (LOL – Seinfeld!) – but I’m just saying that because I don’t know if there are studies on differences in that either….or if it affected his self-esteem because he didn’t “come out” till later…

    • Dave B August 19, 2010, 9:41 pm

      Lots of great comments here. I do think that there are a lot of men that are very aware of their weight and body image. As a triathlete I hear lots of talk during training about “race weight” and how lean we can get. But, that said, skipping meals or not eating for a day is not an option. That’s not healthy and it’s a great way to potentially hurt ones self.

      To stay healthy, you need to eat well and exercise. A good breakfast, snack, healthy lunch, snack, a well rounded dinner.

      Everyone is self-conscious to a degree (IMHO – myself included. When you run around on the weekends in skin-tight lycra racing gear, well……) It’s just a question of whether or not it’s taken to an extreme. And it’s unfortunate when it gets to that point.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 19, 2010, 7:46 am

    This was great. I loved seeing a man’s side of the story. I’m going to pass this on to my husband with the hopes that some of Bo’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle will brush off on him.

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) August 19, 2010, 7:57 am

    The Wicked Witch would like to point out that yes, sometimes a little rain DOES hurt …

    I love Bo’s story, and I think it’s so funny because it points out how different people are! When he posed the question about mayonnaise vs. beer, I immediately thought, “Mayonnaise, yes, mayo always wins over beer.” Too funny!

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:51 am

      Hahah beer always wins over mayo for me!

  • Allie August 19, 2010, 7:58 am

    this was such an inspiring and real story. thank you so much to Bo for sharing this!!!

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up August 19, 2010, 8:11 am

    What a great story!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 19, 2010, 8:11 am

    Wow Bo, You are really a changed man!

    Congrats on your success!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs August 19, 2010, 8:12 am

    It’s fascinating to hear a man’s perspective – you so rarely hear about it! Well done him sharing 🙂
    good luck on your run!

  • Neen@Broad Bean to Runner Bean August 19, 2010, 8:16 am

    Fab story Bo, your before and after pics are awesome, so lovely to hear from a guys persepective! x

  • Jillian@ ReshapeYourLife August 19, 2010, 8:18 am

    Thank you so much for sharing that story.

    Even though I’m a girl I can still totally relate to it. Making healthy decisions and finding what works for me is still a struggle. But I’m doing it. Hopefully I can get to my healthy weight (whatever that may be).

  • Holly @ Self-love and Running August 19, 2010, 8:21 am

    What a great story. It’s wonderful to hear a man’s perspective on something like weight loss and getting healthier.

  • Marianne August 19, 2010, 8:27 am

    Great story! I’m so impressed with Bo’s dedication to get healthy – and I think in many cases it can be very difficult being a guy trying to live a healthier lifestyle. There’s a lot of “beer with the guys” situations, and many of my friends are the LOTS OF NACHOS types, and will get all “what are you, a wuss” if someone isn’t demolishing the beer and bar food.

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:52 am

      Agree!!!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans August 19, 2010, 8:39 am

    I love running in the rain! I just hope it isn’t a downpour for you! Thank you for sharing your story Bo and best of luck with the marathon!

  • Brooke - One Healthy Cookie August 19, 2010, 8:58 am

    What a great story! My boyfriend in college was a couch potato, hated my healthy cooking (he preferred McDonalds), and ridiculed me for reading food blogs. It obviously didn’t last! But my boyfriend now loves to cook (especially healthy food) and plays sports all the time. It can really make a big difference having a partner who is supportive of your lifestyle!

  • Teri [a foodie stays fit] August 19, 2010, 8:59 am

    Awesome story!!! Thanks for sharing and congrats on changing your life!

  • katie August 19, 2010, 9:01 am

    I’m definitely sending this story to my brother- he’s right at the beginning of a similar journey. I agree that some sort of support- from a variety of sources- is so necessary in a journey to health.

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward August 19, 2010, 9:06 am

    Definitely have a friend who could relate to this – I’ll be forwarding it to him! Hope you are rocking that run right now!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 19, 2010, 9:08 am

    Bo thanks for sharing your story!

    These HTP stories are the best — Caitlin thanks for posting these!

  • Sarah August 19, 2010, 9:23 am

    Caitlin,
    Here is a cool Facebook group started by a high schooler…http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dare/139405992752671

    Go to the bottom left and you can see the photos girls have posted of themselves without makeup, each writing a few things they don’t like followed by “but I am beautiful!” It’s a cool concept and thought it might be something you’d like to spotlight on OB or here.

    Sarah

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:53 am

      Awesome! I’ll check it out.

  • Rob Runs (Slowly) August 19, 2010, 9:23 am

    We did a 20 mile training run Sunday and got rained on for probably 6 of those miles, it felt pretty good about that time since it’s been so darn hot here in MD.

    I do have my own Bo, my husband… Bo! He’s gone through the same struggles I have with weight and exercise and we’ve done a lot of living and learning together in the last 11 years. We both push each other, I think, and are definitely in this long journey together. We’re running the Philly half-marathon in September together.

  • Babycakes August 19, 2010, 9:24 am

    LOVED this story! Bo is awesome – a true inspiration. Like many others above me have said, it is really great to hear a man’s perspective on this subject! Thank you for sharing 🙂

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com August 19, 2010, 9:27 am

    I know Bo from his days at Ga Tech! KEEP UPTHE GREAT WORK!!! 🙂

    P.S. running in the rain is awesome.

  • Kelly August 19, 2010, 9:34 am

    Great story! I like that he thinks he’s in the middle of his journey. I don’t know if anyone ever reaches “the end” because loving our bodies and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a life long journey.

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:54 am

      soooo many people say to me “i want to write a HTP story for your blog but i haven’t reached my goals yet” I don’t think healthy living is a destination – its a journey! you are so right. i love HTPs that are in the middle.

  • mary & christina (sisters running the kitchen) August 19, 2010, 9:36 am

    Running in the rain can be so fun and relaxing. Yesterday it poured all day long and my sister and I ran along the boardwalk by the Ocean for 7 miles. Loved every second!!!

  • Melissa August 19, 2010, 9:38 am

    I love running when it’s overcast/slightly rainy! Sure beats the heat, sun, and humidity. Also, I love reading other people’s HTP stories. There is always something in their story that I can relate to.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 19, 2010, 9:45 am

    Bo – I love your story! I love the pictures, too, of you and your honey. You’ve come a long way. My husband has had issues with his weight all of his life, as have I. Strangely, it makes us even closer because we BOTH have dealt with it.

    Great story. 🙂

  • Dorry August 19, 2010, 9:47 am

    I love this! It’s great to see a male perspective and I love the supportive friendship/marriage these 2 have – so awesome!!

  • skinnyrunner August 19, 2010, 9:53 am

    good luck on your rainy run! and what a great story by Bo, very honest, open and inspirational!

  • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 10:03 am

    I agree with so many others – it’s great hearing a man’s story on his healthy journey. Thanks for the fresh point of view!

    In my experience, rain runs can either go really great and make you feel like a badass or they can leave you soaked, blistered and in pain. Hope yours was of the former!

  • Nicole - yuppieyogini.com August 19, 2010, 10:04 am

    Very cool! I know vie helped my boyfriend learn ways to lighten his foods up.

  • Camille August 19, 2010, 10:07 am

    Great story, Bo! I love your positive attitude!

  • Heather August 19, 2010, 10:14 am

    great to hear a man story! I know I typically think of things like this in terms of women, so good to see from the other gender!

  • Kelly August 19, 2010, 10:15 am

    I love this male perspective! So great to hear!

  • Lana August 19, 2010, 10:15 am

    What an inspiring story…Its great to read the ‘healthy tipping point’ of a male because they are not publicized as much. Thanks for being so open!!

  • Wei-Wei August 19, 2010, 10:15 am

    Wonderful story! So refreshing to hear it from a guy’s perspective, and very inspiring indeed.

  • Andrea August 19, 2010, 10:21 am

    What a wonderful and inspiring story. Thanks so much for sharing these…I look forward to reading them all!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged August 19, 2010, 10:27 am

    Caitlin, running in the rain is AMAZING! Keeps you cool, plus it’s fun…you’re going to love it!

    That was a wonderful story, and so interesting to hear from a man’s point of view. It’s reassuring to hear that it’s not just women who struggle with themselves, but even MORE reassuring to know that ANYONE can pull themselves to an amazing level of health, happiness, and fitness!

  • amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler August 19, 2010, 10:40 am

    Very interesting to read a man’s perspective! Hopefully more men will want to share their Healthy Tipping Points.

  • Chelsea August 19, 2010, 10:47 am

    I loved reading a male’s healthy tipping point! Sometimes we get in a mindset where we think that only females have these struggles, when really, gender makes no difference. Congrats Bo!

    Good luck on your run, Caitlin! You’ll do awesome.

    Chelsea

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit August 19, 2010, 10:52 am

    Awesome story!!

  • Jen August 19, 2010, 10:54 am

    Great story. Thanks for sharing stories representing multiple backgrounds and demographics. I love the variety and appreciate that everyone can find a person/role model they identify with.

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:55 am

      I’m glad you like the variety! I do too!

  • April @ Crazy Fabulous Life August 19, 2010, 10:54 am

    I loved that story! Go Bo!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet August 19, 2010, 11:00 am

    so nice to see a male’s perspective!

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) August 19, 2010, 11:26 am

    What an inspiring, great story! You really did accomplish so much, and it’s great to hear you made a life-long comittment to a healthy lifestyle.

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) August 19, 2010, 11:35 am

    It seems like you have a very balanced point of view towards your health, Bo! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  • melissa August 19, 2010, 11:36 am

    Thanks for sharing, bo. It’s so great to know you both!

  • Scargosun August 19, 2010, 11:36 am

    I just love reading stories like this. They seem to come at just the right time too, like when I need to be reminded that it doesn’t happen overnight and small changes can make big differences. 🙂

  • Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit August 19, 2010, 11:49 am

    One of my favorite things is walking in the rain! It’s so refreshing 🙂

    Thank you for including a man’s healthy tipping point… it’s nice to know how a guy feels re: weight loss/healthy living!

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman August 19, 2010, 11:50 am

    What an inspiring story:)
    Can’t wait to hear how your rain run went.

  • laura August 19, 2010, 11:54 am

    I was really surprised to hear that Bo’s nutritionist asked him to choose between beer and mayo. i’ve been seeing a dietitian for over a year now and i’ve never been forced to pick between two things that i enjoy. instead, we find a way to enjoy everything. it made me sad to see that he rarely eats mayo any more even though it is one of his favorite condiments. mayo is just a fat, and our bodies need fats to keep us chugging along. bo, i say if you enjoy mayo on your sandwich (and heaven knows i’m right there with you), go for it!!

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 11:57 am

      I thinkkkk (although I’m not sure, maybe Bo can chime in) the point the nutritionist was trying to make is that you don’t have to eliminate anything from your diet, you just shouldn’t have everything ALL the time. And by making small tradeoffs, you can enjoy other things without it having a negative impact on your waistline.

      • laura August 19, 2010, 12:14 pm

        oh, of course. i totally get that and i do not want to take anything away from bo’s successes. they are amazing. i just wouldn’t want anyone to be in the mind set of ‘i really want mayo on my sandwich at lunch, but i might want a beer later’ or ‘i had mayo on my sammie at lunch, so i can’t (or worse, shouldn’t) have a beer now’. creating food rules for myself lead to a gigantic disaster in my life and i wouldn’t want anyone head down that path.

        • caitlin August 19, 2010, 12:17 pm

          I agree 100%%%%%! so important to be flexible.

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy August 19, 2010, 11:58 am

    I hope your run works out ok. I’ve never really run in the rain but it seems like it would be a bit miserable.

    It’s so interesting to hear a male HTP.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 19, 2010, 12:00 pm

    Great story Bo! I think it’s great to see a man’s perspective once in a while. All the best and congrats with your amazing progress so far! 🙂

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 19, 2010, 12:07 pm

    Wow! A really great story. I like how Bo wanted to make the change for himself.

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul August 19, 2010, 12:09 pm

    “For me, happiness and healthiness are tied together in a never-ending feedback loop.”

    So true!

    I also think it’s great that Bo pointed out the need for support. Changing health habits can be daunting and even painful, and having support is so vital. Thanks for sharing, Bo!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul August 19, 2010, 12:09 pm

    “For me, happiness and healthiness are tied together in a never-ending feedback loop.”

    So true!

    I also think it’s great that Bo pointed out the need for support. Changing health habits can be daunting and even painful, and having support is so vital. Thanks for sharing, Bo!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) August 19, 2010, 12:15 pm

    It’s so refreshing to here a man’s story. Thank you so much for sharing! It’s nice to hear that a man can have some of the same types of feelings as a woman, but with his own perspective on the journey.

    I really enjoy reading people’s success stories 🙂 Keep ’em comin’.

  • Kate @ Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Journey August 19, 2010, 12:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing your story, Bo! It’s nice to hear a man’s perspective! And I love that picture of you and your wife in front of the ice cream parlor!!

  • Kate D August 19, 2010, 12:51 pm

    Thank you for your story Bo! Its great to hear about a man’s perspective in becoming healthy.

    Have fun on your run Caitlin. My mind boggles at trying to run when its raining AND 80 degrees. I melt when its humid and 6o degrees!

    • Anne August 20, 2010, 1:11 am

      Agreed with everyone! Great job, Bo!

      Aaahhhh…never move to Texas. 😉 I would be thrilled if it were 80 degrees and raining here–always humid and 90’s to 100’s in the summer! If I ever move, it will be somewhere with a better climate. But I probably have a much higher “lower limit” than you do–I don’t run under 35 degrees.

      • MSWR August 27, 2010, 10:41 am

        Ah, Texas! I actually thought “there’s a chill in the air!” when I walked out of my house this morning and it was 70 degrees at 7 a.m. instead of 80+. 🙂

  • Tia @ Birch Courage August 19, 2010, 12:57 pm

    Great Story Bo : )

    Have fun in the rain Caitlin! I love running in the rain, but I grew up in a city where it rained like nonstop lol and you get use to it, then when you move and it never rains at all you miss it haha!

  • Lisa August 19, 2010, 12:59 pm

    GREAT JOB BO! I love the before and after pics. You look really happy! 🙂

  • Katharine August 19, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Wow, very interesting to read a man’s healthy tipping point story – thanks for sharing Bo, and congrats!

  • Shanna @ Weight And See August 19, 2010, 1:20 pm

    I have actually been thinking about men and body image a lot recently. Women tend to think it’s easier for men, but I think it’s a struggle, just a different struggle than women have. I’m so happy Bo decided to share his story! I hope it encourages more men to do the same! Rock on Bo!

  • Erin @ A Girl and Her Mutt August 19, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I am so glad that you included Bo’s story! I saw him at HLS and I thought he might be there to support his wife, but quickly realized that he was into it too. What a great story and inspiration not only for men, but women too!

  • Monique@FindingtheCouragetoChange August 19, 2010, 2:04 pm

    What a wonderful story! I definitely will have my husband read it. It’s encouraging for sure.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) August 19, 2010, 3:14 pm

    Aww, what an inspiring story! Bo was at the HLS with Ashley and I met him for a brief second, but I had no idea about his story! Awesomeness 🙂

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous August 19, 2010, 3:25 pm

    Wow, awesome job, Bo! It’s always cool to know that guys go through these struggles, too. I always feel like it’s only women who have a hard time reaching balance with eating and exercise. I’ve encouraged my bf to lead a healthier lifestyle, which I’m pretty proud of 🙂

  • Joanna @ landanimal.wordpress.com August 19, 2010, 3:30 pm

    Very inspirational. It’s good to see anyone getting healthy!

  • Sana August 19, 2010, 4:49 pm

    Thanks Bo and HTP for sharing this! Men deal with the SAME body image issues as women!!! I would love for James to share his HTP story at some point 🙂

  • Nicole, RD August 19, 2010, 5:31 pm

    Ah! I hope your run went well!

    Bo sounds like a stand up guy! I loved his guest post!

  • Sheila Viers | Live Well 360 August 22, 2010, 1:36 am

    What an awesome story, Bo! My huband decided to totally change his whole lifestyle (hence the name… 360). He lost 100 lbs, but more importantly gained a whole new perspective on food, fitness, and… life. Here’s a link to his story if you are interested in checking it out: http://livewell360.com/2009/01/my-story-fatboy-slim-part-1/

  • MSWR August 27, 2010, 10:38 am

    Love the wedding photo at Leopold’s! When I saw it I thought, I think I’ve been there! And then I spotted the SCAD sign in the background and *knew* I’d been there! I love Savannah. I didn’t grow up there, but I have visited several times. Such a great town and a beautiful place to get married, I’m sure!

    Great photo and great story! Keep up the great work and good luck with the NYC Marathon!

Healthy Tipping Point