Starting Weight
460 lbs
Current Weight
357 lbs
Total Lost
103 lbs
Pledged/Donated
$6,810.00
52,844 Lbs of Food
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how you can become an American Hunger Hero
Common FAQs
Ever since Donate My Weight was first made public, many people had questions for Ben. Here are some common FAQ's from Donate My Weight visitors. If you have any questions and you can't find an answer here, please feel free to CONTACT BEN.
1. How are you losing the weight?
My diet is pretty basic- I count calories and I make sure to stay under 1500 a day. I'm not worrying about carbs, fats, protein or any of that. I do tend to eat less fat, but that's only because there's more calories in a gram of fat then there are in carbs or protein.
I also give myself a 'cheat day' every two weeks, when I allow myself to eat whatever I want. It helps me get over my cravings, but much more importantly, it restarts my metabolism. My doctor recommended it and though I was skeptical at first, it really does work!
In addition, I spend 3-4 days a week at Gold's Gym. After hearing about my Donate My Weight campaign, they generously offered me a free membership to help me reach my goals. I have a wonderful trainer named Misty, who keeps me motivated and pushes me to work hard.
2. How much do you really make off this website?
Not one penny. As a matter of fact, I actually lose a lot of money. I cover all the administrative costs out of my own pocket. Money is great, but Donate My Weight gives me something a whole lot better. It gives me the satisfaction of knowing I made a difference.
3. Where did the name 'Donate My Weight' come from?
I'd like to say I thought of it, but I didn't. My wife totally came up with the name on her own. After I decided I wanted to lose 230 lbs and then donate 230 lbs to the food bank, I tried to frame the whole thing out in my head. The one thing that kept tripping me up was a name for the whole thing. I wanted it to be catchy and meaningful, but that's as far as I could get.
While I was sitting in my living room, pondering the situation, Andrea tried to help me. For a good 10 minutes, we had nothing. Then all of a sudden, I hear her blurt out, "Donate My Weight!" I knew right away, she had picked a winner!
4. Why do you talk about your mistakes in your blog?
I decided in the very beginning of this campaign, I was going to be completely and utterly honest about everything. There are so many people out there who are facing the same challenges I am and going through the same difficulties. I'd be doing every one of them a disservice if I ignored the struggles or made the whole process seem easier than it is.
Dieting is hard work and there are times that can just break your heart. At the same time, it can be done. Anyone who believes in themselves and refuses to quit will eventually reach their goals. It doesn't matter how many mistakes you make, as long as you keep getting yourself back on track.
Nobody's perfect, we all make mistakes. I want people to read about all the obstacles I face and then see me overcome each one to turn my dreams into reality. My hope is that when they see me doing it, maybe it will give them the faith they need to do it themselves.
5. How do you feel about gastric bypass surgery?
I have been asked this question many times and I think people are always surprised to hear my response. I don't believe there's anything wrong with surgeries like gastric bypass or lap-bands, especially if there are serious health conditions involved. People should be free to lose the weight however they choose. It's not right for me or anyone else to second guess their methods, as long as they're making healthy choices.
Life is short as it is, but obesity and obesity-related problems make it even shorter and a lot less pleasant. I commend anyone who's made the decision to take back control of their lives, however they choose to do it. Personally, I'm not a fan of hospitals and ever since I began having panic attacks, the thought of surgery scares the heck out of me. Others will fare much better and I wish them all the luck in the world.
5. Is Donate My Weight your full-time job?
As much as I'd like to make a living by helping others to lose weight and donate to the food banks, I'm not in a position to do that right now. One day I would like to create the Donate My Weight Foundation, to help people donate their own weight and learn to live healthier, happier lives. But that takes a lot of money and expertise, both of which I don't have right now.
So, I am concentrating on my Donate My Weight campaign and trying to raise as much food and money as possible for the food banks. I'm also focusing on my diet and exercise plan, so I can lose the weight and meet my goals!
6. Who decides which food banks will get the donations?
It's a decision that is made by whomever chooses to donate. 100% of all food and money donations go directly to the different food banks across the country. I encourage everyone to donate to their local food bank and help hungry people in their own area.
My local food bank is Second Harvest of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA, which is where the Wegmans donations will go. When Redners Market decided to donate on my behalf, they sent their food donations to the Greater Berks Food Bank, which is local to them. I appreciate everybody's generosity and regardless of what food bank an individual chooses to help, someone, somewhere will have a meal because of their decision.
That's what it's all about!
7. How long will it take to lose all 230 lbs?
Your guess is as good as mine. I originally hoped to do it in a year, but I don't think I was being very realistic about things. It could totally be done through starving myself and other unhealthy means, but what kind of an example would that set?
I'm doing this the right way, however long it takes. The key is to keep going in the face of adversity and to never give up on myself. It probably won't hurt to avoid all the donuts and french fries too. I do love them so.
