Sharing his Taste for Healthy Changes
Sam's eating better, getting active and spreading the word.
Sam Caragianakos grew up in the restaurant business. His first "job" was standing on a milk crate washing dishes. He was seven at the time. These days, Sam runs several restaurants and food concessions in the Toronto area.
Sam's the first to admit that he's not a lightweight but he's taken steps to lose weight. "I eat right and stay active," he says. "Nobody taught me about eating properly. I'm just learning what to eat and how to eat and I'm in my forties. Now I'm eating more fruit and vegetables. I avoid fried foods and sweets. And I don't snack late in the day like I used to."
It took time to gain this weight. It's going to take time to lose it.
He adds that he's started walking, "My wife and I walk for half an hour every day after supper." And Sam has a plan to triple that time: "I'm in charge of concessions at Toronto's municipal Golf courses this year, so I'm going to walk an entire course every weekday. It's my job to check things out and walking is the best way to do it. It may not be as fast as riding a golf cart, but it's much healthier."
Sam also quit smoking. It's been nearly two years since he last had a cigarette. "I don't miss it at all. And I couldn't believe how much more energy I had after I quit," says Sam. "Unfortunately, like a lot of other people I gained a bit of weight after I stopped."
Sam has tried dieting to control his weight but admits it doesn't work. "I have lost weight a couple of times, but once you go off a diet, the pounds come back. There are no short cuts or magic solutions. It took me time to gain this weight. It's going to take time to lose it. Eating healthy food and staying active is the best way to do it."
Sam is not shy about admitting his weight. "I'm 340 pounds (155 kg) right now. The biggest I got was 372 pounds (169 kg). That was before I started walking and eating better. Slowly but surely, I'll get to the size I want to be."
More people are choosing healthier foods instead of burgers and hot dogs.
He's also helping others eat better. "I've added healthier choices to my menus: salads, wraps, and juices." He says that people are more health-conscious now. I'm selling as much juice and bottled water as pop these days. It wasn't like this ten years ago. And more people are choosing healthier foods when they eat out, like vegetarian souvlaki instead of burgers and hot dogs."
Sam is proof that healthy changes work. "I feel so much better now." He admits that he's' looking forward to getting even more active. "Being overweight can isolate you. You can't do the things that other people do. I miss skiing with my two sons. I can't wait to hit the slopes with them again."
When asked how he feels about the changes he's made, Sam laughs. "I want to get the most out of every day and staying active is the best way to do it."
Sam has already turned his life around and he's passing the lesson on to the rest of us.
What are you waiting for? Get active today!
