Thinspiration: Andrew Mavridez

My story began in December 2012, when I peaked my heaviest weight at 305 lbs. I was so big that it was difficult to find clothes that would fit. I had a hard time playing sports, which became an issue with my then girlfriend (now my wife) because she wanted me to be fit and healthy enough for our future.

I started to workout and tried out some diets but it was hard to keep up because of the lifestyle and workload I was used to. In a span of 4 months, I only lost 19lbs which left me feeling hopeless.

Then on April 23, 2013, a rare opportunity landed on my lap. Everything was such a blur, things happened too fast. I was so lucky to be chosen as one of the participants of The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles! I was already to start my 30-day challenge, beginning with my starting weight of 286lbs.

On the first week of training with my partner Francis Asis, I lost 8lbs. But I was not able to sustain my workout because I could not focus much as I was also preparing for my wedding set on June 8, 2013. Lack of focus and consistency made me regained back the weight I lost. Time pressure was so stressful that time as I had a week to go and had not shed a single pound. Only when I pushed myself harder and worked double time did I lose 13lbs for that week alone!

But sometimes, things just happen. While I was in the middle of the 30-day challenge, a great opportunity knocked on my door. I got an offer to teach at an International school with terms that so hard to resist. Making a choice between career and personal health proved to be very difficult. I was banking on The Biggest Loser as my only hope to make a difference in my life, while at the same time wanting that job for a better future for my soon-to-be-family. In the end, after our initial weigh in, I chose to withdraw from The Biggest Loser.

It was one of the toughest decisions but I had to choose what was most crucial at that point - my family.

I told myself that I can work for the money while also working out for my body - and I did. Initially, it was never easy having to adjust to a new program and environment all over again. But I was determined, I must not quit.

When classes started, I gradually found time to exercise and began to seriously diet. The decision to leave the show have put more pressure on me, but it proved to be the one single step that jumpstarted my road to fitness. I just felt that rush of adrenalin going. As a Physical Education teacher and coach, I know that I have to dedicate myself to staying fit for life - and I thank The Biggest Loser for being a big inspiration.

Everyday was a time to exercise and eat healthy - no matter how tired I would be after work. I never gave up, not even the thought of it. I have tried to push myself beyond my limits, and have gone way past the goals I set at a minimum time. Everyday, every week, every month were personal triumphs. And now, from 286 lbs, I am reduced to 220 - very proud to be 66 lbs lighter!

It has been a very exciting journey, as I am now more equipped with new knowledge and discoveries to better understand health and wellness, and most importantly, understand myself.

I know I am still a work in progress, continuing my commitment to lose more weight to feel better. I am excited to share my story to be able to help and inspire others who have the same weight issues as mine. I know that there are a lot of us with this predicament.

If I did it successfully, so can everyone else. NO EXCUSES, NO SHORTCUTS. Always have that positive mindset. Remember, the mind knows no limits except the ones that it accepts. :-)