I write this entry in hopes of helping at least one person get healthier and more energetic.

Last year, on July 6th, 2011, I began a fitness and nutrition regime that has worked fantastically.

I had felt a bit rundown and lethargic and made a decision to change it. As an educator with largely free summers, I was in a position to change the underlying habits and behaviors that had contributed to my self-imposed dilemma. My return to fitness began with an overhaul of what I ate, when I ate, and how often.

Eliminating processed, sugary foods such as white bread, candy, and most pasta had an immediate and long-term effect. I began to eat a balanced diet full of protein, healthy fats, and largely strategic carbs. I stopped eating after 7 p.m. and stopped snacking so often. I did intense cardiovascular workouts six days a week without excuses! I slept 8 hours per night and continued to increase my knowledge of healthy lifestyles through reading and listening to talks by respected sources online and in person.

After one month I had lost about 20 pounds. After four months I had lost about 55 pounds.

I started to mix in resistance and stretching exercises into the mix and began to build the lean muscle mass which is so essential for energy and aging. I've now gained about 12 pounds of muscle back, and want to add another 10 or so before I go into weight maintenance mode. I am doing twice-a-day workouts this summer and have more energy than ever.

Yesterday, for example, I did a resistance routine for 45 minutes, walked six miles (to Nationals Park and back) and then did an hour of yoga. It feels great to revive and enhance one's fitness level. It is extremely challenging the longer one waits (I was 43 when I started last year), but it is so worth it on so many levels.

Please let me know if I can provide any assistance to you if you are interested in returning to fitness!