This week’s Amazing Loser Matthew struggled with something we all probably find difficult – portion sizes. It’s so difficult to not pile your plate high when you’re eating something delicious (read: high calorie), and when your body gets used to always being supplied with big portions it’s a big shock when you suddenly cut down. But get over the hump and you will be rewarded, as Matthew discovered…
Name: Matthew Yates
Age: 31
Height: 5′ 5″
Location: Manchester
Occupation: HGV Mechanic
Highest weight: 100kg / 15st 10.5 / 220.5lbs
Current weight: 78kg / 12st 4 / 172lbs
Weight lost: 22kg / 3st 6.5 / 48.5lbs
How did you get to the position where you needed to lose weight?
I had an injury that prevented me from my usual form of excersise (mountain biking). Along with this I comfort ate because my mood was low due to the lack of excersise and then from there my weight and portion sizes just increased gradually.
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
I was out of breath easily, and found that whenever we went out for food the portions weren’t big enough to satisfty me.
Why did you decide to change?
I saw photos of myself and just felt appalled.
What did you decide to do to lose weight? How were the first few days and weeks?
I joined MAN v FAT Football and juat stuck to a calorie counted diet. The first few days were tough, limiting how much food I ate. Then it became easier and I got into a routine.
The first few weeks, although tough, were great as the weight was coming off 2/3kg a week. Now its a lot tougher and I have to eat like a saint and train a lot more for a much smaller loss.
Had you tried to lose weight before?
I had tried to lose weight before, but never been very successful. This time my accountability to the team helped me stick to my calroie allowance.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
Bacon and egg on toast around 10am.
A microwave meal, crisps and fruit – 1pm.
A huge portion of tea about 6-7pm.
Then I’d snack on crisps and other high calorie foods from 7pm til bedtime, so about 11pm.
What do you eat now?
Shredded Wheat at 7am for breakfast.
A banana for a mid-morning snack at 10am.
For lunch, a low-calorie microwave meal or soup at 1pm (3-400 cal max), pea snap crisps instead of normal potato crisps.
Tea about 7pm, calorie controlled to about 700 cal.
If i’ve been to the gym that day I’ll have a healthy snack between 7pm and bed.
Why did you join MAN v FAT Football?
I’ve always liked playing football, no matter how unfit I’ve been, so this was perfect.
How has MAN v FAT Football helped you lose weight?
It has made me stay accountable – I know that I need to lose weight to try and help my team do well in the league.
Why do you think MAN v FAT Football works?
It works because the people who attend like football and want to lose weight, so the concept of joining the two together is great.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining MAN v FAT Football?
Dont be shy or embarrassed about turning up on your own. You’re going to a group of lads who share your goal.
How has life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I don’t get out of breath easily anymore. I have more energy and I now look forward to going to the gym.
What has been the most difficult thing about losing weight?
Changing my portion sizes. I try to drink a lot more water than I used to because that makes me feel a bit fuller.
Time for a shout-out! Who has helped you lose weight, and how have they supported you?
Real Betis Hotpots! My team has helped me stay accountable and push for a challenge of our league title.
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
Get yourself in shape. It’s not too late!
Now that you’ve lost weight, what are your next steps? Do you plan to lose more, or are you planning on maintaining your weight? What are your plans for doing this?
My plan is to do a few Tough Mudder events now with a few ex-army mates, we have wagers on who will have a six pack for the first event in August.
You’re Prime Minister for the day – what would you do to help combat the current obesity crisis?
What three things do other fat man need to know about losing weight?
- Drinking plenty of water helps massively.
- Do small changes instead of life-changing ones.
- Get involved in extra fitness, once a week 30 mins football wasnt enough excersise for the week.
