My name is Michael Allon and I’m the Co-Founder and Android Developer for the MySwimPro app. Here’s how I changed my life and lost 100 pounds through diet and swimming. In January 2018, I weighed 264 pounds. I was working as a computer programmer, sitting all day, and barely moving. My health was suffering, and I knew I had to make a change. I made a promise to myself: work out four times a week, fix my diet, and turn my life around before it got worse. Swimming became my lifeline, and over time, I lost 100 pounds. Here’s how I did it.
Why Swimming?
Swimming was perfect for me. It’s a full-body workout that burns tons of calories, but it’s also easy on the joints. I started swimming four times a week, and even though I was terrible at first, I stuck with it.
What kept me going was setting goals. I went from barely finishing a lap to competing in Masters swim meets—even making it to the U.S. Masters National Championships! Swimming gave me something to work toward, and it made exercise fun instead of a chore.
The Diet Factor
Swimming was huge, but my diet was just as important. I followed the CICO method—Calories In, Calories Out. It’s simple: burn more calories than you eat. I tracked my food and made sure I was in a calorie deficit most days.
Meal prepping saved me. Every Sunday and Wednesday, I’d cook and portion my meals for the week. It took the guesswork out of eating and kept me from grabbing unhealthy snacks. I didn’t obsess over calories—I just focused on eating whole, nutritious foods.
What Worked for Me
- Find Your People
Weight loss is hard, and doing it alone is even harder. I leaned on online communities like Reddit’s r/loseit for support and advice. Having people who understood what I was going through made all the difference. - Meal Prep Like a Pro
I stopped counting calories and started meal prepping. Every week, I’d plan my meals, shop for groceries, and cook in bulk. It saved time, money, and kept me on track. - Pick an Exercise You Love
Swimming clicked for me because it was challenging but low-impact. Find something you enjoy—whether it’s swimming, cycling, or even dancing—and make it a regular part of your routine. - Be Consistent, Not Perfect
I didn’t get it right every day. Some weeks I skipped workouts or ate too much, and that’s okay. What mattered was getting back on track. Progress isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up. - Don’t Overthink Swimming
If you’re new to swimming, start small. Even 20 minutes, three to four times a week, can make a difference. Celebrate the little wins, like finishing a lap faster or feeling stronger in the water.
The Bigger Picture
Losing 100 pounds wasn’t just about the number on the scale. It was about feeling better, having more energy, and gaining confidence. Swimming taught me discipline and showed me what I was capable of.
If you’re thinking about making a change, start small. Commit to 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week, and focus on building habits that stick. You don’t have to be perfect—just consistent.
I hope my story inspires you to take that first step. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to reach out. You’ve got this!
