Published: June 02, 2008 11:34 am         

Learning from the Biggest Loser

Like the YMCA, the YMCA’s Biggest Loser is committed to serving others.

Orlando Williams is a busy man who spends his days training and helping others with disabilities find jobs. As he chats with others, his teasing smile appears, demonstrating his passion to help others and have fun doing it.

Orlando was so busy helping others that he’d forgotten to take care of his health. Like many people, he knew how to lose weight, but wasn’t motivated to do it.

The YMCA’s Biggest Loser contest was exactly what he needed to drop pounds. In fact, at the end of the program, Orlando lost the most weight of all the participants, 19.71 percent of his body weight.

“I didn’t have a problem with eating a lot during the daytime,” he said. “I struggled with eating a lot at home.”

“Now I’m always on the go at home.” Orlando joined because his boss asked him to do it with her. Joining the Biggest Loser led to changing his eating and exercising choices.

“It’s sad that it took me so long to start working on that,” he said. “Now it’s something I strive for.”

Leading a healthy lifestyle has become one of his priorities. He can often be seen running, lifting or stretching at the YMCA.

Every day, he runs five miles a day and checks his weight to track his progress.

Seeing results from changing his lifestyle has helped motivate Orlando. Now he can move around better and play more with his kids. He looks better, too, he said.

“My clothes are fitting better,” he said. “I can wear clothes from college.”

As the YMCA’s Biggest Loser, Orlando offered advice for others trying to lose weight and get in shape. People must change both their exercise and eating habits, Orlando said. Changing only part of their lifestyle won’t help.

“Don’t get discouraged by how hard it is; eventually it’ll get easier,” he said. “Also, don’t get discouraged by exerting your body, you can do it.” Orlando still struggles with controlling his food portions, though he’s eating healthier foods, he said.

He modified his food choices by substituting healthier foods for specific foods. For instance, he eliminated fried foods, red meat and foods high in fat content from his diet. Now he eats a lot of turkey and chicken.

He uses turkey cutlets instead of steak and lightly batters fish in oatmeal instead of frying it. Orlando said he’s learned to use peppers to add spice and health benefits to foods.

Orlando also tries to drink at least 32 ounces of water a day. Water not only hydrates him but also decreases his appetite.

The Stillwater Family YMCA also helped Orlando get in shape. He’s enjoyed the YMCA’s relaxed atmosphere and socializing with the kids and staff.

“You don’t have to worry about being intimidated by people who are healthier than you are,” he said.

The facilities are another asset of the YMCA, Orlando said. He’s enjoyed working out more on the YMCA’s several new treadmills.

“If you go into an obligation with the YMCA, it’s an extra incentive to use the facilities, instead of just working out at home,” he said.

Joining the Biggest Loser helped Orlando begin to lead a healthier lifestyle. He’s happy that he won the contest, but won’t let himself become too proud, he said.

“I still have a long way to go,” he said. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

For more information about opportunities to get in shape, call 372-5833 or drop by the YMCA at 204 S. Duck.

     

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