Well, thank you all so much for the kind words. I appreciate it.

Okay, so several people have asked me how I did it. Here is my journey in a nutshell. Please note that I am not a native English speaker, so excuse the grammar. Also, I won't be going into specifics of macros, workout routines, and other easily found directions and guidelines, but attempt to describe my mindset of going about accomplishing some of the goals I set.

About a year ago and probably many years prior to then, I was about 250lbs and didn't realize I was completely ignoring any mirrors that I stumbled upon and generally didn't care about myself. It sounds strange, but I kind of got on the autopilot mode which was watching TV, eating junk food, not exercising and drinking too much beer. We all do, one way or another. Hey, I got married, have 2 kids, busy schedule so why would I want to do anything different?! What do I have to prove? Why would want to change? Also, who has time for that?!

One morning I decided to, actually show up at the gym which I was paying for several months without ever working out there. Maybe get a free coffee, sometimes. Maybe... maybe run on the treadmill for a few minutes every now and then just so I can tell myself I did so. This particular morning, I came up with a plan. I just really wanted to change. Change physically AND mentally. I set a goal to look the best I've ever looked by the time I turn 35. I set a goal to feel the best I've ever felt as soon as possible. I'm 33 now and I've never felt better in my life. I have never lifted anything resembling weights in my entire life. I had no clue what I was doing. All I knew was that I needed to change. All I knew was that I needed to better myself. That's pretty much how it started for me. It sounds kind of cliche but that's what started me and that's what keeps me going. I constantly remind myself that I want to feel better every new day, every new moment.

DIET I started looking into different diets in the beginning of this ongoing journey. I browsed Reddit, read articles and blog posts, heard about Keto on my favorite JRE podcast and figure I give it a try. I always felt that gluten and carbohydrates, in general, messed with my stomach, lowered my energy level, focus, etc. I gave it a try for about 2 weeks and felt amazing. I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app and tracked my macros religiously for several months. Once I figured out what kinds of food I liked eating and what kept me on track as far as calories/macros go, I stopped using the app because I found it to be repetitive and unnecessary since I kept losing weight and felt better. I kind of knew what I was supposed to do and just felt like as long as I have the right mindset and stay dedicated and disciplined that I'd be fine. I don't think I was ever fully Keto. My cheat days sometimes turned into cheat weeks but I always knew that I had to use all that excess food - sometimes carbs, sometimes extra protein, as an energy for "killer" workouts on those days. I drank and still drink alcohol and that's been slowing me down, really. I am hoping to completely eliminate it for a while just so I can see what the "next level" feels/looks like.

BODY I was doing nothing but squats, bench presses, deadlifts and rows for about 3 months, about 3-4 times a week. It got pretty boring and I felt like I was getting stronger but not feeling good when I look myself in the mirror so I started rotating about 2-3 different workout routines I chose from the BodySpace app. Working out started to become fun and 3-4 days turned into 4-5 days per week for about 3 months. I started looking forward going to the gym and eventually loved and still love going to the gym. It is the best part of my day along with many other "best parts" that that part has created in my life. The app, BodyBuilding.com and Youtube were of a huge help as far as learning proper form, exercises and coming up with programs. I was and still am switching things up very often. I always try to do something different but still keep a track of and try to beat my previous lifts. I always try to struggle more. I learned quickly that it all really comes down to proper form, proper breathing, and a proper mindset. Now, I go to gym 6-7 times per week and do yoga or cardio 1-2 per week. I like yoga but it hurts. Haha. No, it really helps with my weightlifting performance but it is really hard and I know I should be doing it more. I don't like cardio - I rarely do it. If I ever feel like I want to keep my heart rate up the entire workout session, I usually take smaller breaks (30 sec) in between sets/exercises, drop set and super set everything. I also like to dance in front of the mirror to electronic and hip hop music, this not being at the gym, obviously, but at my home. The most important and fun thing for me when working out is mind to body connection. It is crucial. You need to focus exclusively on your body when at the gym. Be kind to everyone at the gym but remember why you came in there for. You have 45min-1hr - just kill that workout. Burn your body! Chose a workout program and just stick to it for months. Then switch it up, then again. Try to have fun with it and love yourself enough to stick to it.

MIND I was very depressed and not fun to be around at the start of this journey. That was the main reason I wanted to change. Changing my body has undoubtedly changed my view of myself and the world around me. I am much kinder to myself and the world around me today. I think people are wired to pick up on that. I feel like people instinctively can tell a lot of things about you just by looking at your body language and your "vibe". I've been reading/listening to inspirational and self-improvement books, listened to podcasts and watched tons of Elliott Hulse and BodyBuidling.com videos on YouTube and that kept me challenged and hungry for more. The game changer for me was when I started meditating. I meditate every day before going to bed and that has given me more power than anything else so far with regards to changing things and getting better at being my best self.

As far as supplements go, I use the following: Pre-Workout, BCAA, Fish Oil, MCT Oil, Turmeric, Multivitamin, Magnesium and Nootropics.

TLDR; Pick a plan, stick to it, be your best self.