It was great talking to Rick Gosser of Crown Point on Tuesday about his fun in the Big Apple on Monday when he flew to New York City to appear on a live segment on the "Today" show with hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.
Since January 2010, he's lost an amazing 105 pounds.
"My transformation from fat to skinnier has dramatically changed my life," he said.
He was joined for the segment by Joy L. Bauer, MS, RD, who is the founder of Joy Bauer Nutrition Centers and also serves as the nutrition expert on NBC's "Today" show.
"I appeared on the show because I'm one of the latest members in The Joy Fit Club, which is the exclusive club of folks who have lost more than 100 pounds (or more) through just plain, good 'ol diet and exercise."
He said his "Today" show moment was his chance to tell the world "his story" and "the journey of how this has changed his life."
"It was a great day being in New York City, and I want to keep inspiring people," he said.
"I have thrown away all of my fat clothes. No going back now. My segment on the NBC Today show will be on my blog -- rickgosser.wordpress.com."
Rick, 51, originally weighed 310 and now is at 205.
Bauer is the author of the book "Your Inner Skinny" (2009, William Morrow, $16.99), which Rick has been following.
You can also watch highlights of the dramatic transformation of Rick and others from around the world, as well as watch a re-broadcast of Rick's "Today" show segment at joybauer.com/today-show/joy-fit-club.aspx
During Monday's segment, Joy discussed the importance of making wise and valuable food decisions and compared favorite snack foods to reveal the surprising "waste of calories" spent while snacking on foods ranging from certain cereals and potato chips to hamburgers, pizza, soda and various brands of popcorn.
As for Rick, he tells me he still has 12 more pounds to go before he reaches his 190-pound goal.
Rick is the owner of Gosser Corporate Sales Inc. in Crown Point, which specializes in custom embroidered corporate logowear. He is also on the board of directors for South Shore Clean Cities.
As for Bauer, she is also the nutrition expert and contributing editor for Parade magazine, which is found in Sunday editions of The Times.
Five food items Bauer recommends for better health, are wild salmon, berries, spinach, red bell peppers and lentils.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
