About Me…

I am a 28 year old devoted husband and father of one. I picked up a jump-rope back in January and as I began to jump I could feel my belly shake like “a bowl full of jelly.” Somehow it didn’t seem as positive as it does in the old Christmas story. It was downright disgusting and sad. That was my life changing moment- I realized right then I had to do something.

Feb. 8 front   croppedsideviewfeb8.JPG  Feb. 8 back

As a father I also know I have to set a good example. I don’t want to show up on Maury in two years with a 200+ pound child. The best way to ensure your child is healthy is to model healthy behavior. And the old me was not living a healthy lifestyle. Fatty snacks throughout the day, second and third helpings at dinner, the list goes on.

Sasha

My single biggest motivation was (and is) that face. Okay, well maybe not when it is all scrunched up like that, but still, you get the point. I plan on being around close to a century- so it is time to start living like it!

I realize that for most people losing weight isn’t easy. That’s why few reach their goal weight and even fewer don’t end up right back where they started. However, I am fortunate to have the support of an excellent Friend, Lord, and Savior. He has promised that “I can do all things through [Him] who strengthens me.” Whether it be overcoming sin or passing by an oh so tempting pastry.

This program of total transformation (not just weight loss) is founded in prayer and supported in fellowship with God’s word. May God grant me the strength to live a healthy life and witness. Amen.

Thus far my results have been excellent…

john-frontcopy.jpg

john-sidecopy.jpg

john-backcopy.jpg

Comments
  1. Angel says:

    Best of luck and get away from those donuts!..lol

  2. Jannette says:

    I too need too am striving for a total transformation, but sadly…I’m eating a donut as a type this. 😦 good look!

  3. ashjoshua says:

    Hey i can relate to the weight loss thingie here!! All the best and let me know how you keep yourself motivated coz i get on a diet or an exercise plan and soon lose interest!! God Bless
    P.S – You have a BEAUTIFUL and cute kid!!

  4. Living a God-saturated life is my best tool. It keeps my attention away from the world and toward improving myself- for my God and family.

    It is a lot easier to lose weight when your attention isn’t on the world. It is easy to overeat when you watch a lot of television. It is easy to over eat when you get caught up in the world- since it inevitably leads to being let down, which often leads to eating more. It is easy to over eat when you spend too much time seeing commercials for chips, donuts, and all kinds of tasty looking snack foods.

    Thanks for the comment!

  5. ashjoshua says:

    Yeah i know i don’t watch TV at all…so no commercials n stuff for me but i do eat A LOT when i’m upset or generally feeling low and also when I’m reading. I can eat and eat and not know when the pack is over…. So yeah i’m trying to be what God wants me to be…and starting today i’m gonna try to lose those extra 20 pounds 🙂
    God Bless
    Ashwini

  6. enit says:

    Aha! So thats the trick. Stay away from ads about all that yummy junk.. 😀
    Wonder why i never thought of that!
    Well, im hoping ill lose weight too..

    Christine

  7. KA says:

    thx 4 visiting with me.

  8. Donald B says:

    Just finished reading a few of your posts. LOVE the pictures and the humor that goes along with them. 😉

    I hope you have much success in your weight loss and gut shrinkage.

    My wife and I will be doing the South Beach diet again beginning in March. We’ve done it before, and it worked for us … so, in order to get my 215 lbs down under 200 and my 39″ gut down near 37″ or lower … we’ve got to do something.

    One of the things I plan on doing is checking back on your blog for inspiration.

    Go with God,
    Donald B

  9. Jayleigh says:

    Your girlie is beautiful. Good luck in your weight loss journey. I soooooo need to be there again.

  10. Linda says:

    Thank you for visiting my blog, because I have found another source to go to for encouragement through your writings. Thank you!

  11. Joni says:

    If you haven’t seen it already, my husband (and I) is going through the same thing. http://dougruhs.wordpress.com Sounds like you’re on the right track. God speed.

  12. Great site you have here!
    I also have taken as my motto “a moment on the lips means years on the hips”….so true.

  13. iluv2prshim says:

    Your little girl is beautiful. No wonder you want to be around for a long time. You seem to be doing great in your weight loss endeavor and I’m sure you feel better too.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
    Many blessings to you and your family,
    Ronda

  14. augustrose says:

    Fantastic! We’re cheering your effort and applauding your accomplishments. Your goal gives new meaning to “inch by inch it’s a cinch.(?)” We all have those giants to overcome and we’re gunningn for you! Keep on!

  15. Queen Minx says:

    That face is the ‘cutest’! Bless!

    I too want to live past 100 at the very least.

    xx

  16. Wow–this is a great post. You are so right…our children are our biggest motivators, and Christ our biggest supporters.
    Good for you!

  17. donna says:

    I am enjoying a new way of eating…
    have been ice skating the past few weeks and
    am purchasing a rebounder my next paycheck.
    course that is for the lymphnatic system,
    but is also a great source of exercise..
    Enjoyed your blog, will be back to read more

  18. Lynn says:

    Congrats on your newly found realities! You have obviously started on your new life quest, so keep your goals close to you and you will achieve the success you strive for!

    (Gotta go check out your blogsite now!)
    Lynn

  19. breederx says:

    Hey! Best of luck! I am trying to lose the extra stuff as well lol!

  20. Geoff Spencer says:

    Hi, I just saw your post on vanilla monkey’s blog about the
    Francis Collins articles. I work with Francis and would be happy to send them your way.

  21. Sure, send the links my way please. I appreciate it.

  22. total transformation is not all about divine intervention. one must do what he needs to do in order to achieve a goal.

  23. dude, thanks for visiting. and good luck.
    (and if this is who i think it is: i still haven’t plugged in the desk, but i’ve been reading the manual. could that be a metaphor for spiritual struggle and the incorrect approach to the Christian life?

  24. That is one cute motivation! 🙂

  25. Hi. There is a book called “Love Yourself Thin”, I read it many years ago. It’s a “spiritual approach to weight loss”, based on the 12-step programs. You can get it on Amazon for $0.01…you might find some of the information in it helpful. 🙂

  26. DM says:

    I read several of your posts…enjoyed them. I’ve seen your comments on a couple of other blogs I like to read and finally got over to your site tonight. Especially appreciate the simple, straightforward way you communicate. Good luck on the weight goals.

  27. wenchwit says:

    You are an inspiration. I fought and won my battle, but not without blood, sweat and tears along the way. I also (very recently) kicked the nicotine. I am a happier woman when I focus on my kids, friends, other family members, and my higher power. I wouldn’t be here today were it not for them.

    Good job and God bless.

    Wenchwit

  28. I am glad Nicotine was never a problem of mine. I am sure, had I begun smoking, I probably would never have stopped. Congrats!

  29. Justin says:

    Hey, just letting you know that I put your link on my blogroll!

    Justin

  30. The favor it returned…

  31. Barry Porter says:

    Rush to judgment is a key issue in our society today! Please let me introduce myself; my name is Barry Porter and I am the Director of Marketing, Adult Publishing Group at Simon & Schuster.

    I don’t know if you are aware but Pocket Book/Threshold Editions is about to publish It’s Not About the Truth: The Untold Story of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case and the Lives It Shattered by Don Yaeger, with Mike Pressler. I have attached the cover image and the press release of our upcoming publication. I would love to send you copies of the book when it becomes available; I just finished it and still cannot believe what I have read! There is so much more to this case then has been released, that is covered in this book.

    At this time our pub date for It’s Not About the Truth is 6/12. All marketing, online, and publicity efforts will kick off that week. I just thought you would like a “heads up” about our publication. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me back.

    Regards,

    Barry

  32. mommyzabs says:

    Yes she does have an adorable smile 🙂

  33. Benedict says:

    Nice to see you on Aedificium; used to see your comments on Cumby’s site (may peace be upon his blog)! Do come back or, if you’ve been lurking, keep lurking! 🙂

  34. Ms. Green says:

    T: You’ve got an interesting site here. Thanks for dropping by mine. Come back again anytime.

  35. carolinaren says:

    Thanks for dropping by my site — I don’t know how you found me 🙂 My husband and I are also on a journey toward weight loss, both spiritual and physical! We only started two weeks ago, but are now walking at least one mile, at least five times a week, and are losing about a pound a week so far. I’ll be following your progress–best to you!

  36. lifelemons says:

    Thanks for the comment! Good luck with your continued success!

  37. fracas says:

    Thanks for the congrats you left at my blog. I wish you the best with this. Living longer is definitely a wonderful gift for your child!

  38. Leila says:

    I am going through the same thing. I looked at a full-length picture of me and thought that something must surely be wrong with the camera because I couldn’t be that fat. Well, the camera didn’t lie. I am that fat. I am going to join 24-hour fitness on Sunday and work all summer and beyond to get back down to a size 6 from my current size 12. I know that a size 12 isn’t huge, but I’m only 5’0 tall. So, kudos on losing the weight and good luck with the blog and increasing the traffic. 🙂

  39. jennifer says:

    Thanks for stopping by. I have a family friendly caption contest every Tuesday! Most are photos I have found out and about, which is fun for me to find, and I average only 20 or so caption guesses…so you have a great chance being a winner!

    I like this post. It is amazing how our children make us value the importance of responsibility! I will be back!

    I also have a home school blog, yes home school…feel free to stop by there also
    http://mcbenningschool.blogspot.com/
    Jennifer

  40. You’re a great dad for cute & curly little girl.

  41. Enit says:

    really looking good!!! So proud of you!! Wish I had half the determination you have..
    God bless
    Enit

  42. jonty says:

    dude, genius response to my last post. thanks! how are you?!

  43. Doing well Jonty, which post might you be speaking of?

  44. DulceDiana says:

    Hello there TT…i been missing you…so just passed by to say HEY!!

  45. Well, hey to you too, check out all the posts you missed during your “vacation.”

  46. Best wishes, John, and thanks for the comment on my blog.

    I like your choices on your blogroll.

    You might like our group blog http://innocentbystanders.net
    We’re all goofy but we occasionally have some deep discussions about Religion and the Lutheran Millenium ™.

    😉

  47. pinaywife says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

    Best wishes on your journey to be fit & healthy. You have an adorable inspiration. She is precious!

  48. titus2woman says:

    In all the times I’ve visited your blog, I’ve never read the About Me page! LOVE IT! (((((HUGS))))) sandi

  49. Hey John, thanks for stopping by my page and leaving your footprint. GOOD JOB with the weight loss. The pics are amazing. (and encouraging….) *THUMBS UP*

  50. Israel says:

    wow, excellent progress. keep up the great work.

  51. Paul B. says:

    Hey great blog.. keep up the good work..

  52. steffielynn says:

    Good for you! I have a similar story, sort of…I lost 25 ponds after I joined the LDS church. Have you heard of the word of wisdom? Well if not, just ask. Anyhow Mine basically came off do to not drinking and eating better. Now I’m hot 🙂 hahaha

    steff 🙂

  53. Yeah, but Steff, you don’t get to have caffeine. I don’t know if I could handle that. HA!

  54. troper says:

    Oh, this is a terrifc site! I recently began blogging, and all my time has been spent on my http://whereschristmas.wordpress.com/ blog. However, I have been thinking that I need to start a blog about my weight loss journey. At 45 and 260lbs. I suffered a massive heart attack and should have died (see my survivor video at http://www.myspace.com/troper58). You’re smarter than I am – you realized the danger you were in and did something about it. Thanks for the encouragement – I’ll link back to you once I start my blog about weight loss/diet/health. God bless you!

  55. Troper, it is good to hear that you will be beginning a weight loss fitness journey of your own soon. I wish you the best. Let me know if you need any support, advice, or whatever.

  56. Joe Carnegie says:

    Hey good work with your Weight this year. If you need a Running program e-mail me.

    Joe

  57. Got any programs that make running fun Joe?

  58. Jersey says:

    As soon as my baby is born…my abs will be tigher and nicer than Hilary Swank!!! 🙂

  59. Fantastic work with your transformation. You have made some really great progress. I plan to spend some time looking around your site here. Thanks for the inspiration and keep at it! Rod

  60. Karen says:

    I’m a 50+ woman with FMS, so regular excercise is a challenge on most days. When I stopped taking all the prescriptions that the rheumatologist had me on for the FMS, I dropped 100 pounds in less than a year.

    Keep up the good work. It’s done me good to see a parent that thinks this far into the future, about your son & his weight/health.

  61. Tracy Minsky says:

    Have you seen the latest issue of Prevention Magazine and the article on the Flat Belly Diet? A new diet targeting women’s mid section and no crunches are even required!

    The Flat Belly Diet! by Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief of Prevention and Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, Nutrition Director.

    The diet consists of 4 meals a day, each 400 calories and you must include a monounsaturated fat at every meal.

    Much more information can be found on the website http://www.flatbellydiet.com

    Take a look at more of the amazing details below, thought you’d like them for your blog!

    Please let me know if I can offer you any further information.

    Best regards,
    Tracy
    Tracy G. Minsky
    Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.
    tracy@mediamuscle.com
    PREVENTION MAGAZINE

    LAUNCHES BREAKTHROUGH,

    BRAND-NEW FLAT BELLY DIET!

    TARGETS 40+ WOMEN’S BELLY FAT SPECIFICALLY

    New Science Reveals Secret: MUFAs (MOO-fahs)

    “Not a Single Crunch Required”

    Anyone who’s struggled to zip up her jeans knows about the belly fat you can see and feel, that’s called subcutaneous fat. For years, Prevention has heard from women across America that despite their best efforts, they can’t lose the jiggly belly fat that builds up around their middles, especially once they hit 40. Sixty-seven percent of them say it’s the body part they most want to change. Now brand-new research reveals that monounsaturated fatty acids (or MUFAs) make weight loss not only easier but target belly fat specifically. A miracle! This is the science behind Prevention’s breakthrough diet: The Flat Belly Diet! by Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief and Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, Nutrition Director.

    Launching January 2008, the Flat Belly Diet is available at http://www.flatbellydiet.com, a subscription-based website (First 3 months are FREE) with an online support community with customized daily menus, shopping lists and more as well as in The Flat Belly Diet! book also available at the site. The February ’08 issue of Prevention, on newsstands January 2, also features a cover story that describes the journey of 10 diet testers and the basics of the plan.

    There are two stages to the diet:

    Step 1: 4-Day Anti-Bloat Jumpstart designed to eliminate belly bloat and get body & mind ready for successful follow through (one tester lost up to 7 pounds and 5 inches in 96 hours!)

    Step 2: The Diet: (28 days following Jumpstart) – 4/400-calorie meals per day, followed by a motivational maintenance plan that helps avoid plateaus. (test panel of 10 — lost 23 inches of belly fat in one month, not a single crunch required)

    Cornerstones of the plan:

    #1- A MUFA (monounsaturated fat) at every meal

    #2- A Mind Trick at Every Meal a way of giving a meal importance, eg., arrange cut flowers in a vase and place it on the table where you eat, keep your skinny jeans on a hanger in full view.

    #3- Never allow more than 4 hours without eating.

    The truth is: Shrinking an expanding waistline is not only a matter of vanity: Excess belly fat can significantly increase your risk of heart disease, the #1 killer of women, as well as other dangerous medical conditions: breast cancer, dementia and elevated insulin levels which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Everyone who’s struggled to zip up jeans knows exactly what this diet is all about.

    Additional information is available as needed.

    Tracy G. Minsky
    Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.
    tracy@mediamuscle.com

  62. Kristine says:

    Thanks for leaving the encouraging note on my blog recently! After reading a bit on your own site, I wanted to encourage you, with all the others, in your pursuit towards total transformation. May God continue to supply you the grace to live, eat, drink and die to HIS glory and honor 🙂

  63. Angie says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog, I really like this subject. I will be visiting again soon. May I link your site, think it is helpful for all of us in this new year, I also love the Christian helps on your site..
    Thanks again.

  64. […] Neil, Tieki, Tammi, the Queen, Kelly, TotalTransformation(ha! how da ya like that?), and Ian.  Five is […]

  65. Alicia says:

    Wow! That’s awesome. Weight loss and Ron Paul too. :^) Thanks fro visiting my blog. Your daughter is so cute!

  66. gamathers says:

    John,

    Very good site. I have some good diet (jerky) recipes and other material on my site you are welcome to use. I would also be interested in a link exchange. We are both Christians with like minds.

    Sincerely,
    Greg Mathers
    #1 Jerky Ramblings (http://jerkyd.blogspot.com/)

  67. […] to commit cultural suicide, opines that “Sharia law seems unavoidable.”  (Hat tip: TotalTransformation.)  Dr Williams argues that adopting parts of Islamic Sharia law would help maintain social […]

  68. Ed Darrell says:

    Good luck on your body changing project.

    And, if you want to see what Neil Simpson refuses to read, c’mon over to http://www.timpanogos.wordpress.com.

    I suspect he just can’t answer, because he’s not got the facts on his side.

  69. mclearskin says:

    Congratulations ! And thank you very much for sharing with us !

  70. Someone Something says:

    Join our jump rope team,
    you’ll be underweight in a week,
    and you can still eat dounuts! :(:)

  71. Someone Something says:

    Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  72. “Join our jump rope team”

    Got a link?

  73. You, too, look amazing… and after such a short amount of time. Way to go!

  74. blessed1 says:

    Super cool before and after photos! I am happy that you’ve stuck with it and you’re setting a great example for your family!

  75. drivemysoulck says:

    Congrats on reaching your goal! That’s amazing! :]

  76. John Fit says:

    Looking Good Bud! Stay away from those donuts! Come Hang out with me @ http://WWW.JohnFit.COM.. I’ll Help Get You To That 159, Looking Slim and Sexy @ The Beach!

    John Fit!

  77. Good luck to you.

    A few years ago I went from weighing 228 down to 190 over a course of about 10-12 months. I’m 6’1″ and probably weighed a non-athletic 165 in high school. I’m now at 185 but am not doing enough to maintain. I don’t do any aerobics, for example.

    I hope you pay special attention to your back and abs since these are the areas which will keep your posture and mobility over the long run. …And you’ve got that sweet little one to keep lifting.

  78. Well congrats on getting down to a healthy weight. And yes, I pay a lot of attention to my core. I even have a whole day devoted to core exercises. I have to with all the squats and deadlifts I do. Not to mention training for Ninja Warrior.

  79. elenastevenson says:

    Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m a Christian too. I take my hat off to you for your brave and strong weight loss journey, and for being an adoptive parent. I would love to read more of your blog when my two kids are a little calmer : )

  80. Thanks Elena. Look forward to having you back again. Next time please leave your blog address attached to your comment. That way a month from now I can track your blog back down again. 😉

  81. Ashley says:

    I stumbled upon your blog and I must say I am totally inspired by you and your blog to start back toward my goal of losing weight

    Thanks for sharing
    Ashley

  82. Thanks Ashley. That is one of the best comments I’ve ever received. Don’t be a stranger. And always feel free to drop me a question via comments or email- at totaltransformation (at) yahoo.com

  83. ashley says:

    How inspiring! It’s great that this change wasn’t just for yourself, but for your child as well. Keep up the great work!

  84. that’s inspiring! great job and wonderful attitude!

  85. madnessletters says:

    Throw some new pictures in there….I WANT UPDATES! 😉

  86. Okay Madness, I will see what I can do when things calm down around here.

  87. Keep it up!

    With your motivation, you will reach all of your goals!

  88. Edgar says:

    Hi John,

    nice looking skin. Hope your training is going well.

  89. Monica says:

    Hey John,

    My name is Monica and I’m the online media liaison for WeightView. Congratulations on your weight loss success thus far. I want to introduce you to a motivational tool that I think might help inspire you to achieve your weight loss goal. WeightView allows you to see yourself 10, 20 even 50 pounds thinner! To try it out, by visiting http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/WeightView/20720404485?ref=ts. and become a fan! And let me know what you think of our service.

    Best of luck to you!
    Monica

  90. Congratulations!!!!!! I am especially inspired by your acknowledgement of the part Our Savior has done to help you with this. I too am a believer and your testimony is a blessing to me.

  91. AC says:

    I enjoyed reading your blog

  92. Tony says:

    Hey man. God bless you. I just started the same thing. It’s hard to be an example for my little girl when I am disgusted with myself. I’ve been a martial artist for most of my life, but let myself get lazy while going to college and earning my master’s degree. I took a look at myself a few weeks ago in the mirror, and decided that, with God’s guidance and strength, that I’m going to work and achieve my ideal weight of about 170 with 7% bodyfat. And, what do you know, He comes through every time. I’ve been able to cut my calorie intake by around 1500 a day. I exercise at least five days a week, and have found that it is so refreshing to sweat. I sleep better, eat better, enjoy life better, and feel better. God is truly a God of results.

    Oh yeah. I’m a minister, too. So God bless you in your endeavors.

  93. Hey, I discovered your website through Google while looking for 1st aid for a heart attack and your post seems to be pretty intriguing for me. My best regards, Louanne Bambacigno.

  94. Samantha says:

    I loved your words of encouragement. Looking at those pictures and seeing those results is pretty amazing. I am also on the path to weight loss. Trying to stay strong!

  95. Jayme Girard says:

    BEST OF LUCK TO YOU! I have enjoyed reading your articles, and journey. Try out Code Blue Recovery Drink for a healthy alternative beverage!!

    A bit about Code Blue:

    – all natural

    – low calorie/low sugar

    – 3x the electrolytes as sports drinks

    – 2x the vitamins as vitamin infused waters

    – reduces inflammation

    It is all-natural, and best of all – healthy! It tastes great, and would go hand in hand with any and all of your workouts!!

  96. zestybeandog says:

    Did you ever do the ninja warrior?

    • Unfortunately, no. A combination of shoulder injuries and bad timing kept interfering with my ability to attend the tryouts. But I have started a new attempt this year and will hopefully put together an audition tape for the American tryouts sometime next spring. Thanks for asking.

  97. I actually was initially searching for recommendations for my own website
    and located your own posting, “About Me TotalTransformationTest”, do you really mind if I apply many of your suggestions?
    I am grateful ,Levi

  98. Hi,

    I really enjoyed reading through your blog posts on [WEBSITE.COM]. I got a real sense of your enthusiasm and passion in each post.I write Herfitnessjournal.com – a blog about diet, medicine, a dash of science, and my personal exercise habits. If you’re interested I would love to have you on as a guest blogger. Just shoot me quick a e-mail and we chat about it. Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Thanks,
    Sonya Anderson

  99. pooja says:

    Well congrats on getting down to a healthy weight. And yes, I pay a lot of attention to my core .actually i am daily see your blog to know the symptoms of the health …………

    Symptoms

  100. Hailey says:

    Hi, Great information! Would you please consider sharing my link to your readers? Please email me back at haileyxhailey gmail.com.

    Thanks!
    Hailey

  101. […] reach your goals, finding one is half the battle. Offering a couple of suggestions in that area is Total Transformation’s John Kaiser, who’s had more than a little experience himself. Nice one. Over to John. From the article […]

  102. […] reach your goals, finding one is half the battle. Offering a couple of suggestions in that area is Total Transformation’s John Kaiser, who’s had more than a little experience himself. Nice one. Over to John. From the article […]

  103. […] reach your goals, finding one is half the battle. Offering a couple of suggestions in that area is Total Transformation’s John Kaiser, who’s had more than a little experience himself. Nice one. Over to John. From the article […]

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