By Jeff Louderback
On May 1, I stepped on the scale at the local gym and saw an awakening number.
I weighed 278, the heaviest I have ever been.
I am 6-foot-4, and with my height and build, I can carry more weight and not fully realize the number. That moment was eye-opening for some reason. And it motivated me to take action.
Since that day, I have focused on a pro-MAHA, anti-inflammatory wellness plan where I have focused on whole foods and herbs. I have minimized sugar and cut out processed foods. I have started walking and hiking regularly, and I’m getting back to HIIT workouts at the gym.
Today, July 1, is my birthday. Though I think and feel like I’m 37, the calendar says another age. I turned 57. This morning, I stepped on the scale to see my progress. My goal was 251. The number read 249.4.
I recognize that weight is not the most important factor in overall health. It’s how we feel. It’s body fat, muscle mass, muscle tone, and flexibility. It’s how we feel on the inside, and how we are treating our body, which is God’s temple.
When I stepped on the scale on May 1, I remembered back to before COVID when I had worked myself into the best shape of my life by cleaner eating and regular exercise. I knew what to do. Somehow, starting in 2020, I lost my momentum and packed on weight. I no longer played basketball and tennis regularly like I did when I was in my 20s, 30s, and 40s. I polished off large pizzas by myself like they were glasses of water. Though, over the last five years, I’ve had short bursts of momentum, they didn’t last. I have no excuses. I could have done it, but I didn’t. What’s different this time? My faith.
For the first time in my life, I feel a sense of urgency. I’ve written about my testimony. I was raised in a non-denominational church and have always been a believer. For much of my adult life, though, I have been lukewarm and haven’t honored God with how I’ve lived. Gradually, over the last few years, my faith has grown, and it keeps growing.
I pray that God restores the lost years when I haven’t been the man He intends. When I say that, I don’t mean that He will put me in a time capsule and I will travel back to my 30s. What that means is that I pray that I make the most of each day that I’m given from this point forward, and that I glorify Him in everything I do. That includes taking care of the body He has given me, and the blessings of having health, mobility, and five senses.
The sense of urgency that has impacted my this year has to do with wanting to fully serve Him; to be a Godly husband, father figure and grandfather figure when He leads me to the right woman; and to glorify Him with what I write and how I spend my time. Leading a healthy lifestyle is all part of that.
My faith is the most important part of my life now, as it should have been years ago. Covering MAHA and sustainable living, and residing down here in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio where I am learning how to be more self-sufficient, have helped me on this journey.
An ideal weight for me is the 220s. By September 1, it’s my goal to trim down to 221. That is symbolic because it will represent one pound lost for every year of my life from when I stepped on the scale on May 1. I’m starting to ramp up on building muscle mass and muscle tone because that is more challenging to do as I get older.
This month, I will document on All In Ohio and Facebook what I am doing to continue my momentum. I’ll write about local farms and produce stands that I am buying meat, produce, eggs, and honey from. I’ll write about fitness, walking, and hiking. I’ll talk about herbs and vitamins I’m incorporating. I’ll interview farmers, homesteaders, wellness professionals, and MAHA advocates.
Just I have escaped apathy with my faith, I have my momentum back with my health and wellness. Just as I’m a work in progress with my faith, I’m a work in progress with my health and wellness. The journey is all part of the story.
I’m thankful for the many blessings God has given me. We all have gifts and talents that we can use for Him. Mine happen to be writing, communication, and telling stories about MAHA and sustainable living. I’m growing microgreens and produce on my Tower Garden. For the second year, I have a garden, and I’m learning more every day.
I’m thankful that God has awakened me with a sense of urgency to fully surrender and keep growing to be who He intends me to be. I’m thankful that God has humbled me. I’m thankful that covering the RFK Jr. presidential campaign, sustainable living, and MAHA has jolted me to move forward with where I need to be with my health and wellness.
As I strive to make the most of the gifts God has given me; and as I pray that he corrects me, changes me, and shapes me where I need it; I’m now focused on each day instead of being concerned about what might happen a month or a year from now.
On my 57th birthday, I feel more encouraged about my life than I did on May 1. It’s never too late to change and get better, as long as we are breathing. Thank you, God, for your love, grace and mercy! May I bring glory to you with everything I do and grow the momentum each day!
