Motivated and Inspired By His Wife, This Man Lost 100 Pounds
Richard James Adair Jr struggled to take charge of his health until his wife's transformation inspired him to make a change.
Richard James Adair, Jr., had been overweight for most of his life, but he had never made a conscious effort to change his unhealthy habits until he was inspired by his wife’s weight loss success.
“I would eat anything and everything,” Adair, a software architect from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, told Men’s Health.
By the time he turned 40, he weighed over 300 pounds and he believes that working from home only helped him gain more.
“I started to get to the point that I was taking a break to catch my breath going upstairs for the night,” he said. “I couldn't even mow the lawn without multiple breaks.”
Then his wife decided to make a change
Adair had watched his wife try to lose weight with limited success until she discovered the keto diet.
Inspired by her success, Adair decided to give it a try. At 344 pounds, he started his own weight loss journey on New Year’s Day, 2019.
Adair couldn’t go full keto because he’d gotten his gallbladder removed, so he instead focused on cutting out as many carbs as possible.
Five months in, Adair was comfortable with his diet and began counting his steps. His initial goal was 4,000 steps daily and he increased that number over time until he was walking 10,000 a day.
Since then, he’s transitioned to counting calories, he cycles to work, and runs regularly.
In 10 months, Adair has lost 102 pounds, down to 242. His goal now is to drop another 23 by the end of the year.
“My quality of life has never been better,” he said. “I need to work to get winded now. My kids have trouble keeping up with me.”
He gives credit where credit's due
Adair said it wouldn’t have been possible without his wife’s support and encouragement. He credits her for showing him that change is possible.
“She has accomplished just as much as me, if not more,” he said. “I spent years feeling like I was so far behind that it would be easier to just ride it out until the end,” he continued.
Today, he looks forward to continuing his progress to a healthy weight and he’s eager to inspire others to do the same.
I would say to anyone that feels they can't begin this journey to just try.
Adair continued: "Pick something small and change it. Then pick something else and change it. Those small things add up and before you know it you have a new normal. A healthy normal."
Looking for more uplifting content? Check out our article of motivational quotes.
More transformation stories:
- Marissa Schillaci-Kayton's Motivation to Lose 100 Pounds Came From an Unexpected Place
- Ian Sullivan Lost Nearly 150 Pounds Through Discipline and Healthy Addiction
- Jamie Bell Dropped 90 Pounds To Be a Healthy Role Model For Her Kids
- Angel Diaz Beats Food Addiction, Loses 191 Pounds to Be Present for His Family
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.