It was definitely the labeling of foods as “good” and “bad.” It’s kind of the culture we’ve developed around food. I did it by making myself eat “bad” foods. A couple of weeks ago, I had this realization as I drove past a bunch of fast food restaurants that I didn’t even want them anymore. Kind of amazing what that mindset change does. 

I’ll answer this in the “B.C.” (Before Carter) sense - it was at the end of 2017. I felt, frankly, like a failure when it came to my weight. I was up to 235, kept buying bigger clothes, and not really happy. It took swallowing A LOT of pride to reach out and ask for help. I was actually apologetic about it. But, it showed me I could do it again. And now, here I am, lighter than I’ve probably been since middle school. Middle. School. We’re talking the ’90’s here. Oy. 

Not to sound arrogant, but I achieved more than what I set out to do. My original goal was just to get back to where I was at the end of 2015 (~200 lbs.). So, the positive thing I achieved was exceeding my goal. 

I have a feeling I should flip these two questions back on you! My honest answer to the first question is no - but I think that’s more from a personal standpoint than it is a coaching view. Was it the right decision? That’s a tough one. I feel like I did this year a little backwards. I think it would’ve been better to work with you before working with my past coach because they were more focused on specific macro targets. It makes me wonder if I’d be further along if I’d have hired you when I was at 235 as opposed to ~220. 

Jumping into this coaching thing on my own. It’s weird to me that my story is relatable to people - and it’s even weirder to me every time someone says I’m an “inspiration.” Outside of that - well - I want to hear the words, “Congratulations, you’re an Ironman.”