Almost a year ago I started my Health Happenings journey with one goal: get myself in way better shape. Here's where I started and where I'm headed.

The numbers

• Starting weight: 251.8 pounds, with a BMI of 37.2
• One-year goal: 179 pounds, a BMI of 26.4
• This week: about 180, so close I can taste it

How did I get here?

There was no single trick. It was a lot of small decisions stacked on top of each other, week after week:

• Walking an hour a day, which built the habit of exercising daily
• Tracking my food early on so I understood what I was actually eating
• Shifting my diet toward whole foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins
• Training with Zac Spinosa for the first three months, then keeping the routine going on my own
• Posting every week so all of you could hold me accountable

Join the group

I've started a Health Happenings group on Facebook where people share their own journeys, the foods they're eating, the exercises they're doing, and support one another. If you want to share your story, come join us.

Watch this week's episode to hear the full story of what made this massive lifestyle change possible. Next week is Week 52.

Joe is not a doctor or a dietitian. This is his personal journey. Talk to your healthcare provider before making big changes to your diet or exercise.