This week’s Amazing Loser Andrew has some very sound advice for anyone who isn’t quite sure they belong in the gym – find something else you enjoy and do that! He’s found his passion lies with swimming as well as football and has successfully lost weight doing something he loves, and isn’t that what everyone wants?!
Name: Andrew Scholes
Age: 41
Height: 5′ 8″
Location: Salford
Occupation: Recruitment Director
Highest weight: 93kg / 14st 9 / 205lbs
Current weight: 71kg / 11st 2.5 / 156.5lbs
Weight lost: 22kg / 3st 6.5 / 48.5lbs
How did you start losing weight?
I joined MAN v FAT Football in Salford which gave me the energy and focus to start losing weight. I found my passion for swimming again and have swam quite a lot. I have also focused very hard on my diet and in essence the Pinch of Nom book has been my food bible. Focused and more focus!
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
Low mood. Poor sleeping. Paranoia. No clothes fit me so I looked scruffy. Total lack of confidence.
Why did you decide to change?
My wife getting pregnant with my second daughter. I didn’t want to be a fat dad! Plus after the birth of my second daughter, I wanted to help my wife lose weight and support her.
What did you decide to do to lose weight? How were the first few days and weeks?
I started playing MAN v FAT Football in Salford. I cut down on boozing, started eating healthier foods (thanks Pinch of Nom) and started swimming. I started at Christmas and it actually wasn’t too bad! I set my mind from day one and was completely focused.
Had you tried to lose weight before?
Many times. I’ve lost and gained a lot of weight over the years.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
No breakfast! Sandwiches. Crisps. Chocolate for lunch. Full dinner at dinner time which included lots of takeaways, lots of high carb and high fat foods. Whatever was quick I guess.
What do you eat now?
Still no breakfast! I have a small lunch if I get the chance or am hungry (probably soup or salad). A Pinch of Nom recipe for dinner. I do snack and eat a lot more during my exercise days. I tend to eat bagels a lot and lots of beef jerky.
Why did you join MAN v FAT Football?
I wanted to make friends, reignite my love for football and get back into playing it. I also wanted to help my mental health.
How has MAN v FAT Football helped you lose weight?
I get great support from the coach! I also have a great team who have really helped me mentally and physically. It’s great to meet new people from different backgrounds and no one judges anyone, so I’ve met some great people and the whole diet/football idea has been a revelation to me. I love it!
Why do you think MAN v FAT Football works?
You get to meet people you may never meet otherwise. It’s not about the football really, it’s about the scales, but the football adds a bit of fun and a new dimension to dieting. As a team member, you also don’t want to let people down who are trying hard to lose weight so that helps motivate me to lose weight myself.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining MAN v FAT Football?
Don’t give up. So many people give up!
MAN v FAT Footbal is a great way to lose weight, meet new people and have fun. I’ve met some of the nicest people ever.
How has life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
It’s going to cost me a fortune in new clothes at some point!
I can exercise without being breathless, I’ve more energy. I feel good about myself and more confident; also people listen to me and want my help to help them lose weight. I’m also feeling better mentally and always look forward to a Thursday and Sunday (football days!)
Time for a shout-out! Who has helped you lose weight, and how have they supported you?
Stu (the Salford coach). He’s so helpful, and has been there himself, he just talks sense. My teammates too, they’ve all helped me considerably.
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
Just be sensible with food. Don’t give up the things you love to eat. Have cheat days and get back on the horse during the week. You look healthier, better and younger when you’re slim!
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?
I’ll maintain. I’m eating more when I train. I also continue to balance my food. I’ll be good in the week, less so at weekends! I plan to drink more water and do more exercise.
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?
- It’s not hard if you put your mind to it.
- Drink lots of water.
- You don’t have to do gym work. Go for a swim. Go for a walk. Stop taking the lift at work. Walk to the shops! Just get active.
Big thanks to Andrew for sharing his story! If you’ve lost weight and want to take part in our Amazing Losers series, email us to be considered – jones@manvfat.com
