Meet Joseph J. Airdo, a film critic, producer and on-air personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 9AM to 12PM every Saturday on KPHX 1480 AM in Phoenix. He also has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. Joseph recently lost over 100 pounds and made a personal commitment to live life to the absolute fullest. Check out his Before & After story and advice below!

Congratulations! You recently lost a lot of weight! What’s your secret?

At my heaviest, I weighed about 265 pounds. I now weigh about 165 pounds thanks primarily to a regular workout routine that consists of jumping jacks, push-ups and ab and arm exercises. I jump-started my weight-loss journey by drinking a LOT of oatmeal shakes, replacing many of my meals with raw steel-cut oatmeal blended with soy milk, Greek yogurt and various flavorful ingredients (peanut butter, pumpkin, etc.).

What inspired your weight loss journey?

I truly believe that an external metamorphosis can only be made after an internal metamorphosis. I began loving who I am, genuinely appreciating those around me and living life to its absolute fullest. After that, it was easy to begin eating healthier and working out on a regular basis to ensure not only that my external appearance was more in alignment with my internal self but also that I will be around to experience adventures with my family and friends for a long time coming.

As we head into the post-holiday cold winter months, what advice can you give to those wanting to lose weight themselves?

I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoyed the holidays and all of the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cookies and candies that accompanied it. I know that I now have to not only get back on track but work a little harder than usual to make up for that well-deserved enjoyment. So my advice to others is the same advice that I have for myself. You had your fun. Now it's time to get back to business so that you can do it all again next year (and the brief pit-stops in between like Valentine's Day, Easter, etc.).

Do you use any special technology tools to track your weight loss journey? How do you keep track of the data?

In the beginning of my weight-loss journey, I kept a written log of my weight. I then discovered MyFitnessPal, which not only allowed me to see – and become encouraged by – graphs of my progress over time but also have a general idea of my allowed caloric intake. Recently, I have started using the Taylor Bluetooth Smart Scale, simplifying the process because it sends my weight composition directly to my phone and tracks my weight over time.

How have you changed your eating habits?

I simply eat the same foods I used to eat but in moderation. I focus on portion control and appreciate the taste of the foods that I put into my mouth instead of the fullness that I feel in my stomach. I still allow myself one or two small “guilty” snacks a day and, in limiting my intake of such foods, I look forward to and appreciate them more. I also make sure that I consume plenty of water every day.

What’s your favorite post-workout treat?

It sounds silly but I enjoy sucking on my vitamin gummies as I close out my workout routine. What would you tell someone who is just beginning their own weight-loss journey? Ease into your new eating habits and workout routine. Be kind to yourself. Encourage and lift up rather and punish and put down. And keep your sights set on a healthier lifestyle instead of some superficial goal weight. Know that those around you will first notice the internal metamorphosis and that will mean far more than the external metamorphosis that follows.

How has tracking your weight helped you to reach your weight loss goals?

Tracking my weight has encouraged me to keep going. Although a superficial goal weight should not be your primary objective, seeing yourself inch toward it is proof that what you are doing is making a difference. Tracking my weight has also helped me know when I may be giving myself too much leeway, thereby promoting my healthy weight maintenance. Do you have a successful weight loss story? We’d love to feature you on our blog. Email Karen@eatsmartproducts.com for more information.