"I decided I had to do something about it because I was going to be in the same predicament and I didn't want to have that kind of lifestyle," he said.
So A.C. is keeping his eyes on the prize even over the holidays. Fitness trainer Joel Legatt says that's the best approach. Realize you may eat a bit more than usual over Thanksgiving but don't let it throw you off your routine.
"If you are someone who goes to the gym every morning, you might stop for a couple days over the holidays from eating too much food, but the important thing is to get back to it as soon as you can and as quickly as you can," he said.
Health and nutrition educator Jennifer Andia also has some tips: First, remember Thanksgiving is just one day, one meal.
"One meal is not going to make or break weight loss and your goals. Having that one meal expand to an entire day, week, three weeks is where it snowballs and weight gain really happens," she said.
Still. she says, even for that one day, have a plan.
Don't skip breakfast. It'll make you eat more later. Also, Andia says "look before you heap."
"Look and see 'Oh, I'm definitely going to have this, I'm going to avoid this and what ones I'm going to just have a little taste'" she explains.
Do the same for desserts and watch what you drink. Liquid calories from wine and soda add up.
Finally, try to remember the reason for the season.
That's what keeps A.C. going, knowing he's not just getting fit for himself but also for his loved ones.
"The holidays is really about family and friends and food should come secondary," Andia said.
A.C. is one of the success stories at 11th Street Family Health Services. He's lost 110 in ten months and is motivated to lose even more.
For healthy holiday recipes and substitutions, check out the following links:
