Losing big, staying healthy

  • By Patricia M. Albrecht
  • January 22, 2010
  • 693
                        
Dover High School senior Steven Lemonte knew he wanted to do something about his weight when he became known as “Big Steve.” Clothes shopping became embarrassing and gym class in his freshman year was a challenge. “I really started gaining weight when I was eight years old,” Lemonte said. “At that time I lived with my grandparents, and I lost my grandpa. Over the years weight continued to pile on, and by eighth grade I was up to 283 pounds.” Lemonte said a typical day of eating might include two large fries, a large Frosty, fast-food chicken, eight to 12 glasses of milk, 10 to 12 pieces of pizza, and snack foods. “I was a big fan of Doritos and Cheetos,” said Lemonte. “My idea of eating healthy was macaroni and cheese because it wasn’t greasy.” He knew he didn’t want to be known as “Big Steve” anymore, so Lemonte came up with his own plan to lose weight. He began by ending his pop consumption and limiting his milk intake and was very happy when 30 pounds dropped right off. “After I lost the 30 pounds,” said Lemonte, “I started drinking 10 glasses of water a day. I was down to 250 when I entered high school. I also realized I shouldn’t eat when I was bored at night. It was nothing for me to come home from school and eat and play video games until bedtime.” Lemonte started running on the treadmill a half hour each day. After four months, he saw another 50 pounds slide off. His meals changed to unsweetened green tea, apples, oranges, bananas, salad with light dressing, vegetables, lean meat, just one- if any- glass of milk and just one serving of everything he ate. All his work paid off and then some. Lemonte is now a healthy 172 pounds - achieving a remarkable 111-pound weight loss. “I don’t watch much TV anymore,” added Lemonte. “I am more apt to go outside or go to the YMCA with my friends. I’m more comfortable in the summertime now taking off my shirt, so I like to hang out with my friends and go swimming.” Lemonte plans to go to college and pursue something in the medical field. “Maybe I can help other people who struggle with their weight.” Working at McDonalds has prompted many questions from people. “It’s all about willpower and how much you want something,” Lemonte said. “I eat salad and drink tea when I am on break. Occasionally, I get a meal, but I don’t go overboard.” Lemonte is happy with his weight, and is now working on firming up the loose skin on his stomach by doing less cardio and more weight training. “My goal now is not just to be thin,” he said, “but to be healthy. A lot of people in my family are overweight. When we all go out to eat, they know it doesn’t bother me not to have dessert or fried foods. My mom says I will be her trainer to reach her goal. People should lose weight to feel comfortable in their own skin and not to please other people. You have to do it for yourself to improve your own self-image. That’s what I did.”


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