Weight Loss Wednesday: Brian Lost 90 Pounds to Ensure He'd Always Be Around for His 5 Kids - Closer Weekly

For father-of-five Brian Aubuchon, the hardest part of maintaing a healthy weight has always been avoiding junk food.

But once he realized his children were worried about how heavy he’d become, the 38-year-old decided to get his diet back on track. Just more than a year ago, Brian began his weight loss journey by following Nutrisystem’s portion-controlled meal plan — and has since lost 90 pounds!

“Every time I struggled, I would pick myself back up and start again and tell myself no matter how many times you fall, you can do anything,” the Grand Blanc, Mich., native, who previously weighed 309 pounds, exclusively told ‘Closer.’

Read on to find out how Brian successfully shed the weight!

brian weight loss before — Brian Aubuchon

Brian before at 309 pounds.

What was your life like before the weight loss?

Difficult. I couldn’t play with my children. I would get tired just walking out into the yard and on hot summer days, I would wear a long-sleeved pullover to hide my stomach. Overall I was a grumpy guy that hated the way I looked — and it was reflected in everything I did and everything I was.

How did you get started with your weight loss journey?

I knew my biggest issues were going to be portion control and my lack of self-control when it comes to eating junk food. Nutrisystem was great in helping me get started. The people on the phone and online were awesome and they walked me through the entire process. My diet habits changed immediately. I realized I was previously eating between 6,000 and 8,000 calories per day and had no exercise habits in place. I started going to the gym and using the elliptical. I could only last 12 minutes at first, but as time went by I could go further and further and it became easier. I started working out 30 minutes a day, five days a week. It took a long time just to get to that point, but it felt great.

Brian after his 90-pound weight loss.

What were the most difficult aspects of losing the weight?

It was hard to keep going when you only see one pound gone after a hard week. But every time I was at my lowest, I would think of my kids and my wife. Every time I struggled, I would pick myself back up and start again and tell myself no matter how many times you fall, you can do anything.

How does it feel now that you’ve lost the weight?

Amazing, unthinkable, great — no words can really describe it. I see pictures of myself before and can’t believe that was me. I am currently training for the Lake Placid Ironman, so needless to say my weight loss is at an all time high. A year ago I would have never dreamed that I could walk a 5K and now I’m training to finish a full Ironman. A year ago I could barely walk up stairs and today I swam 60 laps, ran for an hour and rode my bike for an hour. I’m just truly thankful to Nutrisystem — it literally saved my life.

To submit your own weight loss story, email (jbirkinbine@bauerxcel.com).