Ben Cullen

"I have always been a big guy. I got used to the jokes, the look on someone's face when they see how big you are, the disapproval in their voice when I was eating. Food has always been my comfort, my place to go to make me happy. Ironic that something that made me happy caused all my sadness.
I guess it all started in January this year, I realized I needed to do something. I had just been fired in November and hadn't been able to find a new one yet, so I was sitting around the house all day eating, then going out drinking every night. I didn't dare get on a scale, but I was putting on the pounds. In early January, finally a possible job lead. When we met face to face, I got the look. "How fat are you?" He didn't have to ask, it was all over face.
I got home and the next day, I went for a walk. 30 minutes, probably less than a mile. I did this a few times a week, but it was cold, so the walks grew less frequent.
Then in April , a good friend reached out and asked if I wanted to join the Biggest Loser contest. I was very nervous and anxious to join. What would people think, will they judge me, will I get made fun of by a whole new group of people? But deep down, I knew I needed this. To get help, and get healthy.
So I joined, and now I had to do the work. Too cold, tough, get your workout done. Raining, sorry 10,000 steps please. A team was now counting on me. No more soda, beer only on Friday nights and only 3 or 4. No fast food and can't eat pizza everyday. Fruits and veggies are replacing double cheeseburgers and fries. Walks went from 30 minutes to 1 hour or more. 1 mile turned into 4 or 5. Yoga, Zumba, Eagle's Bluff...Lets Go. It wasn't easy, but it got easier.
Nobody judged me, no jokes at my weight, and I didn't ever get the look. Everybody was so supportive and encouraging. This positive energy made going to workouts enjoyable. I knew the people I would be spending time with wanted me to succeed.
I know that I weighed more before I started, but my first weigh in for BL was 400 lbs. My final weigh in was 339 lbs. 61 pounds. It's just a beginning. With great support and someone to hold me accountable, I will keep working.
Thank you Breanne, you got me started. I won't let you down."
-Ben Cullen