By Gary A. Johnson – Founder & Publisher (Black Men In America.com)

Many of you have had a front row seat watching me battle a number of obstacles in an effort to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.  Ten years ago, I started walking from National Harbor across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington, DC to Old Town Alexandria and back.  I cycled around the Nation’s Capital, I purchased and ate organic and other healthy foods and yet I “yo-yo’d” back and forth on the scale.  Why?  In my case, there were 4 main reasons:

1.  I tend to be an emotional eater who eats when stressed. Guilty!
2.  Then there’s the issue of insufficient rest. Guilty!  (Experts say getting a full 8 hours of rest is critical to losing weight).
3.  How about eating late at night.  Guilty!  (Many experts say you should not eat after dinner).
4.  Portion control. Guilty!  (I was putting too much food on my plate).

You see, I’m what’s known as a “Foodie.”  The Merriman-Webster dictionary defines a “Foodie” as someone who has an avid interest in food and the latest food fads.  The Urban Dictionary defines a “Foodie” as a politically correct term for a “fat” person.

Once I addressed the four aforementioned areas where I plead “Guilty,”  I made a conscious decision to change the way I eat.

Now I cycle 3-4 days a week.

I’ve been on the weight-loss roller coaster for years. I finally think I know how to ride this thing. Be sensible, honest with yourself and take your time and ask the people around you to help you if you need that extra motivation or guidance. I wish I could tell you that there was a small pillow under that orange shirt 10 months ago. That was all me. I look at that picture now and I looked sad, but I still had hope. Compare that pic to the ones taken last week and today. I put myself out there to show that it’s possible and to drag others along on this journey to improve our health and wellness. Life is precious and I have a lot of quality living to do.

The following video tells a lot about my journey.  Hopefully, it will motivate you to start or continue your journey to a life of health and wellness.

Google Photo Memories hit my Inbox today. One of the photos was a picture of me on this day in 2019. WOW! I have no recollection of this picture or being this big. The dude on the left doesn’t look happy. That photo inspired me to make the following motivational video.  Never Quit!

Follow my health and wellness journey at www.garysweightlossjourney.com.

At one point I was bigger than Professor Sherman Klump.  Not anymore!

About The Author

Gary is the Founder and Publisher of Black Men In America.com, an online news and magazine, Black Boating and Yachting.com and several other online sites.  Gary is also the author of the book “25 Things That Really Matter In Life,”:  A Quick and Comprehensive Guide To Making Your Life Better—Today! and “The Black Father Perspective: What We Want America To Know,” and “In Search of Fatherhood – Transcending Boundaries: International Conversations on Fatherhood.“ 

In 2019, Gary developed a line of spices under the name of “MasterChef Gary’s Premium Organic Seasoning.” 

In 2021, Gary launched a motivational website and talk show called “Calculations.“ 

In 2022, Gary became a strategist for a group of Black farmers (Justice For Black Farmers) and launched a website and podcast in support of Black farmers.  He also launched another website and podcast to debate current news and information from a multi-generational perspective featuring 3 hosts.  That show and website is called “The Thought Brothers.”

In 2023, Gary shifted his focus from training and consulting to public relations and social media and launched Gary Johnson Media, LLC.  

In 2024, Gary launched “Gary’s Weight Loss Journey,” a motivational website detailing his years long struggle with weight to help others get and stay motivated to lose weight.  For information about Gary Johnson and his passions and businesses, visit his official website at Gary Johnson Media.