In a heartwarming tale of personal transformation, Brandon Hollas, a student from Texas, educated himself about diet and fitness and lost an incredible 180 pounds. Hollas, who grew up on his family's farm consuming lots of junk food and soda, struggled with his weight throughout his childhood and early adulthood. However, after a wake-up call involving his family's history of obesity and diabetes, Hollas decided to make a change. He eliminated soft drinks from his diet, joined a recreation center, and started educating himself about nutrition and exercise. Through dedication and hard work, Hollas shed the excess weight and now maintains a healthy lifestyle. He is set to graduate with his master's degree and marry his college sweetheart, proving that with commitment and simple changes, anything is possible.
Student Educates Himself and Loses 180 Pounds
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Growing up on a farm in Texas
Growing up on a farm in Texas, Brandon Hollas had access to plenty of home-cooked meals and hearty food. However, healthy eating habits and portion control were not a priority in his family's household. Despite helping with farm work, Brandon's sedentary lifestyle, combined with his poor eating habits, caused his weight to skyrocket. As a result, his weight prevented him from fully participating in school sports, leaving him feeling depressed and unfulfilled.
Unhealthy eating habits
At the farm in Texas, Brandon consumed an excessive amount of soda, junk food, and large meals. He remembers indulging in sweet treats and drinking multiple cans of Dr. Pepper at a time. Even his school lunches consisted of Doritos Chili Cheese nachos and Grandma's Cookies. Although the food provided comfort and satisfaction, it contributed to his weight gain and unhealthy lifestyle.
Weight preventing participation in sports
Brandon's weight had a significant impact on his ability to participate in school sports. Despite his interest in baseball and basketball, his weight held him back from excelling in these activities. As a result, he turned to joining Texas 4-H and other student organizations to keep himself busy. Although these activities provided some form of engagement, they did nothing to help him shed the extra calories he was consuming daily.
Awakening to the need for change
By the time Brandon reached college, he weighed a staggering 380 pounds. It was during this time that he had a wake-up call. His cousin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and his grandmother was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. With a family history of obesity and the reality of the impact of these diseases on his loved ones, Brandon knew he had to make a change. On that very same day, he eliminated soft drinks from his diet, taking the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Eliminating soda from his diet
Cutting out soda was a crucial turning point for Brandon. Taking this step allowed him to reduce his sugar intake significantly and make healthier choices overall. By eliminating the empty calories from sugary drinks, he started noticing positive changes in his body and mood. This encouraged him to continue on his weight loss journey and make even more significant changes to his diet.
Learning about health and fitness
With limited knowledge about nutrition and weight loss, Brandon took it upon himself to learn about health and fitness. He spent time reading books and magazines at his college's library and sought advice from men's health magazines. Through his research, he learned the importance of nutrition and how to make healthier choices when it came to meals. He started incorporating lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and good carbohydrates into his diet.
Transforming his body and building courage
Brandon's dedication to his newfound knowledge about health and fitness paid off. Over the course of four years, he managed to lose an incredible 180 pounds, nearly half of his initial body weight. Not only did he shed the pounds, but he also transformed his physique and built up his self-confidence. With his weight under control, he felt empowered to start dating and pursuing a more active, fulfilling life.
Maintaining his weight through a balanced lifestyle
Maintaining his weight loss and adopting a healthy lifestyle became a top priority for Brandon. He incorporated weight training into his exercise routine to increase his muscle mass and boost his metabolism. Additionally, he adopted a balanced diet, making smart choices while still allowing himself occasional indulgences. He emphasized the importance of balance and listening to his body's needs. By exercising regularly and making conscious food choices, he has been able to maintain his weight loss and live a happier, healthier life.
Future plans and goals
With a master's degree in agriculture economics from Purdue, Brandon has his sights set on a career in the food industry and marketing. He hopes to combine his passion for health and nutrition with his knowledge of the agricultural world. In addition to his professional goals, Brandon is eagerly preparing for his upcoming wedding to his college sweetheart on May 31st. As he continues on his journey, he is committed to staying lean, building muscle, and prioritizing his overall well-being.
Lessons learned
Throughout his weight loss journey, Brandon has learned valuable lessons about the importance of education, commitment, and self-care. He understands that weight loss is not about quick fixes or shortcuts but rather about making sustainable lifestyle changes. By educating himself about nutrition and fitness, he was able to develop a healthier relationship with food and transform his body. Brandon has also learned the significance of balance and moderation, realizing that occasional indulgences can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Overall, he has discovered that taking control of his health and well-being is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and self-love.
