FAMILY
FIRST

Husband, father, First In Family: Thomas I.

FINterview-ThomasI1

There is never a good time to start. Something else will always be a priority, money will always be a concern. Make time for what you really want and execute.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself... ​

Name- Thomas

Age- 47

State- Texas

Married; 2 boys ages 16 & 19

Hobbies- weight training, hunting, fishing, archery, firearm sports & training

Starting weight- 357.4 lbs

Current Lowest weight- 225

Total Weight lost- 132 lbs

What brought you to the First In Family initially?

My wife was working with a member and noticed how much his body was changing and all the progress he was making with FIN. I figured I would look into the program and decided to give it a try.

This program is much different than ALL the others out there and easy to be successful with if you’re 100% committed.

Tell us a little bit about your background and history with food.

I have tied a few other dieting / food management programs- Weight Watchers, Keto & Paleo.

When I was younger, food wasn’t an issue. I pretty much ate whatever and never had weight issues.

As I aged (mid 30’s) that all started to shift and weight quickly became an issue. I struggled with that until I signed up with FIN about 3 years ago.

The biggest push for me was wanting a better quality of life that would allow me to be here for my family for years to come and get back to doing the activities I enjoyed in my younger years.

What was the turning point in your life when you realized you needed to make a change?

I just got tired of being / feeling limited in what I could do.

What was the journey like and what changes did you make?

I didn’t have to make too many changes. I was always active and maintained a weight training routine.

I had previous experience weighing food when I worked with trainers and nutritionists. I desperately needed to learn how to properly manage food.

That is where FIN makes it easy. All you need to do is commit and follow directions. It is all laid out for you.

How do you feel after making those changes?

Once I learned that to be successful with managing macros; that I didn’t have to cut out food I enjoyed, the program became more enjoyable.

During this learning phase, I also leaned which foods my body didn’t like (bloating, water retention, weight fluctuations) and allowed me to eat less of that food or cut it out altogether.

What did your friends/family think of your transformation?

Everyone was amazed how quickly my body composition changed. My wife was very supportive. Extended family, on the other hand, was more resistant to the process.

The “just eat reasonably”, “no weighing today”, “it’s a holiday, relax” comments started coming out and quite honestly, still do.

The resistance is still there for sure. You just have to tell yourself it’s about you and continue doing your thing.

Were you active or did you workout during your journey?

I continued my normal weight training routine. I am not a big fan of stationary cardio (elliptical, treadmill, stair climber), so I don’t get much cardio in that way. I typically walk ~30 min, 2-3 times per week.

What does being First In mean to you?

For me, it means working towards what makes me happy, feeling good and sharing my knowledge of food with others…when they ask 😉

Where do you think you'd be right now had you not joined the First In Family?

I probably would have had some serious health issues.

That was the path I was on prior to starting- high BP, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, etc.

What was the biggest challenge or change when you started with First In and how did you overcome it?

Since I had experience already with weighing and measuring, that part wasn’t a big adjustment. Neither was consistency.

The biggest challenge was managing all the pessimists, know it alls and nay sayers.

What do you feel kept you from making the progress you desired before First In?

Lack of direction for sure.

What’s next for you and where do you see this journey taking you in the future? ​

I have more work to do for sure. I see myself doing this for a while.

What are your top 6 "secrets" for success?

1. Take a humble approach…you will learn real quickly how much you actually don’t know.

2. Follow your coach’s suggestions and advice.

3. Be honest with your daily log and weekly check -ins.

4. Trust the process…it’s the only one I found that actually works without using food(s) elimination and drugs as a mindset.

5. ASK QUESTIONS! You will have a lot once you get started. We have a great community to support you.

6. One more- always remember- IT’S ABOUT YOU. You get out of it what you put in.

Any advice for someone thinking about getting started?

There is never a good time to start.

Something else will always be a priority, money will always be a concern.

Make time for what you really want and execute.

READY TO PUT YOURSELF First?

Join the First In Field Notes email list and we will hook you up with something awesome to keep you on the path to progress! A copy of Tips From the Trenches: Secrets to Becoming an “Overnight” Success... a book featuring tools, tricks, and testimonials from those who have walked the walk. Members of the First In Family!

    ARE YOU READY TO BE FIRST IN?

    Contact us for more info:

    ARE YOU READY TO BE FIRST IN?

    Contact us for more info:

    Testimonials were given freely and service members did not receive any preferential treatment, discount, or other benefit due to the nature of their service, rank, or position and in no way are the views or beliefs of any branch of the armed forces or uniformed services.