I’ve lost 85 pounds over the last 2 years. It’s stayed off because of my slow and steady approach.

Then, as I got older and married, I became complacent. I stopped exercising in my early 40s, working nights as a server at an upscale restaurant. My shift was usually from 4 p.m. to midnight. I’d grab a big lunch before work and then snack on tortilla chips and salsa when I got home.

I’d often eat good quality food like steak — a lot of cheeseburgers and pizza as well. I wasn’t discriminating.

I angled myself in photos so I didn’t look as big as I was

Meanwhile, my wife would make something amazing like pasta with sautéed vegetables for me and our three sons. I wouldn’t stop at one plate. I’d go back for a second and third round.

I ate like it was Thanksgiving every day. I’d feel bad after a meal because I’d consumed so much.

The turning point came about two years ago. I looked at a photograph of myself with the stand-up comedian Jeff Ross, known as the “Roast Master General.” We’d been to see him at a comedy club in my hometown of Dallas.

He’s not the smallest of people, but I towered over him like a giant. I usually angled myself in photos so you couldn’t see how big I was, but this time, there was no disguising my size.

I weighed myself, and I was 307 pounds. Things had to change. Within a few days, I signed up for the Life Time gym and started doing cardio and weight training. These days, I go there three or four times a week.

For my diet, I trained myself not to eat to fullness and slowed down when I was eating. When you slow down, you start realizing, “OK, I’ve had enough now.”

You should give yourself grace if your weight fluctuates a little

I don’t deny myself anything, but my portions are smaller. I don’t believe in dieting all week and then giving yourself the reward of a big meal at the weekend. It’s about moderation and consistency.

Intermittent fasting worked for me, too. I’m now a high school teacher, and my lunch is early: 11 a.m. I rarely eat before then or after 7 p.m.

Although I lost more when I started out, I gradually lost around three pounds a month. I was more like the tortoise than the hare, and I didn’t yo-yo as a result. By cutting back on food and exercising, I went down to just over 220 pounds.

It’s a slow change. But I went from a size 46 waist to a 34 and don’t wear 3X T-shirts anymore. I can move about my day more easily. I can cross my legs in a different way than I ever could. I could comfortably fit in a plane seat. I can skip stairs when I’m walking. I’m sleeping much better — for seven-and-a-half hours straight.

But, honestly, I don’t worry too much if I pick up a couple of pounds here and there. You have to give yourself grace.

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