At a whopping 630 lbs, 24-year-old David Smith literally was eating himself to death. Doctors told the Phoenix native to lose the weight or that he would only have about four years to live.

After a lot of soul searching, Smith decided to shape up. With the help of a fitness trainer named Chris Powell, he lost an astounding 401 pounds naturally.

Smith’s dramatic weight loss and their story of friendship have garnered worldwide attention. from television appearances in the United States and abroad, to an online fitness program called Reshape the Nation, the duo are on a mission to transform the lives of others. Powell has put together tips for those contemplating or starting their own weight-loss journey.

CLICK HERE to see photos of David Smith’s amazing transformation.

Chris Powell on your Weight-Loss Journey

David Smith and I put together our best tips for long-lasting weight-loss success. it is a long and sometimes bumpy journey to successful weight loss, but it’s one that is both rewarding and physically satisfying. our motto is that it is about the journey, not the destination.

Of all the advice David and I have given over the years on diet and fitness, these five tips are at the top of our list as being the most effective on your journey to reshaping yourself:

1. Create an Environment for Success

Willpower is overrated when it comes to those certain foods that you just can’t say “no” to. if it is in your house, you’re going to eat it, period. To be successful in any nutrition program, you need to remove “reward” foods from your house, workplace and hiding spots. Don’t worry, you can always have them on your reward day. But in order to succeed, you need to get them out of the house. Let’s create an environment for success!

2. Start Moving

Movement of any kind will help you along your journey. Whether you’re on your feet all day or you sit in a cubicle for 40 hours a week, a lifestyle of movement is equally important to your long-term health! Walking alone has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to optimize fat-burning. There should be no secret as to why the most incredible weight loss success stories have been accomplished through good nutrition and walking. Let’s reshape ourselves, get out there and move!