This is What Sparked Mike's 100-Pound Weight Loss
Mike Fields got rid of most of his clothes from when he was 272 pounds, but he kept the belt as a reminder.
A product of both Elder High School and Xavier University, Mike hasn’t always struggled with weight. He packed it on over a six-year span of time after he stopped smoking. "I went from a smoking habit to an eating habit, and sweets were my bane."
- Related: Is my Sweet Tooth Too Sweet?
By 2009, his knees were aching and his friends were starting to be diagnosed with diabetes and other ailments, which concerned Mike. "I knew I was overweight and my knees hurt, but I decided to make a change after I saw myself in a photo," he says.
Mike Switches to a Non-Processed Diet
In October of that year, Mike started watching what he ate, calorie counting, eating more fruits and vegetables and switching to non-processed foods. It was a slow course filled with sheer determination and methodical attention to diet, but after a year and a half he was down 50 pounds and felt comfortable enough to begin exercising at a health club.
His step son, member Derek Rathel, encouraged him to join the Pavilion. Mike took him up on the offer, committing to a regular morning routine.
"Since I brought him, Mike has lost 90 pounds. His newfound life has ignited a zest for living. He praises TriHealth and his 5:15 a.m. crew for keeping him honest," says Derek.
Mike tries to do different activities to fend off boredom. "I started on the running track, but now I use machines, like the Arc Trainer or the Lateral."
Because of Mike’s patience and diligence, he enjoyed an extra special Thanksgiving Day in 2013. Wanting to stay on track during the big feast, he headed to the Pavilion as usual. "When I weighed myself that day, I had lost 100 pounds exactly and was ecstatic." Since Thanksgiving, Mike is maintaining his healthy weight and continues to meet people here at the Pavilion.
"I am always looking to meet new people. My experience with the Pavilion has been good. The people are friendly and the location is convenient. My advice to others is to be patient. Stay committed, keep at it, and you’ll see results. "