Tim Jones Continues Consistent Work for Better Health
By Amy Elizer
Six years ago, Tim Jones began a journey toward better health. It all started with a conversation with his doctor and not wanting to use medication to feel better through weight loss. For him, that meant dropping 171 pounds. Through making small changes over the course of 18 months, Tim now no longer needs blood pressure medication. His story of determination is an example for others seeking to improve their health. Two years ago, he discussed his changes with Amy Elizer, UT Extension specialist, on an @Bemorehardeman Facebook video log (VLOG). H2O caught up with him recently to discover how his journey is going and what encouragement he has for others seeking to improve their health.
H2O: When you got started, you counted calories in monitoring your daily diet. Do you have advice for those wanting to make changes?
TJ: In order to lose weight, you must put yourself in a calorie deficit, meaning you burn more calories than you eat. You do this by eating healthy foods and exercising.
H2O: Do you have any advice on diet and how to make lifestyle changes?
TJ: Don’t set unattainable goals; set small goals; and don’t try to do too much. The reason most people give up is because they make it too hard at first. You have to remember: It’s a journey, not a diet . . . It’s a life-long change.
H2O: What encouragement or motivation would you offer those who have already made some food and physical activity changes but have hit a plateau?
TJ: When we hit a plateau, our body is reacting to the changes we have made. We just have to stay the course and remain consistent. One important thing to remember is make sure you are eating and getting the necessary nutrients. If we don’t eat enough, our bodies go into starvation mode. Instead of burning calories, it tries to store them, because it thinks we are trying to starve it to death.
H2O: When you first started you used a smartphone app. Do you think those are good for people just getting started?
TJ: I’m the kind of guy who needs structure (a plan). I still use the same app I’ve been using since April 2017. I believe using it was essential to my weight loss. It made me accountable, and I could see my progress in a written form. It was very encouraging.
For more inspiration from Mr. Jones’ and other VLOG interviewees go to tiny.utk.edu/H2Ovideos.
Healthy Outreach is funded by the CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP) through The University of Tennessee Extension to improve access to food and physical activity opportunities throughout Hardeman County.
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