Name: Chuck
Age: 30
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Ticket Counter
Location: Florida
Height: 5’9″
Waist: 32″
Starting Weight: 305 pounds
Current Weight: 220 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 85 pounds!
Chuck’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
When I was denied health insurance for my job.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I received a letter in the mail saying my height and weight did not meet a certain ratio. That meant I was simply too fat for coverage and too much of a liability so they denied me coverage. I was just 28 at the time. The other thing was that I was not attracting the ladies whatsoever.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Changes in my diet and forcing myself to begin a very tough commitment to working out. I limited my daily carb intake to 60-70 grams a day. I also reduced my soda intake to 1-2 cans a week and drank lots and lots of water.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Eating food in moderation. There is nothing that I completely cut out, but there are lots of things I simply enjoy very rarely. The hardest thing to limit was chips. I love potato chips and tortilla chips with salsa. That was and still is very hard to limit. The other thing that was very hard to cut down on was sweets. I have a very big sweet tooth from my dad and granddad. I could eat Skittles and Reese’s Pieces all the time. Other than that, I have been okay.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
About 4 weeks.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
2 years.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
1 year. In February of 2012, I came home after a workout having weighed in at 225 pounds. I was never more than 233 pounds within the last year. I continued to limit my carbs and hit the gym.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Health and what I will look like in the future. This is a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I now have so much more energy. I don’t hesitate looking in the mirror. I love looking at myself. I also love trying on clothes. I am now in a size 32. I started at about a size 42-44.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Know what you want to do and do it. You have to really want it though. I knew it was going to be a very long and tough road but I made a commitment to myself 2 years ago and it is still paying off. Since my first day at the gym, I imagined what I was going to look like and I am getting there. I enjoy how other people look at me. If nothing else, I love to help. I love giving others advice and informing them on what worked for me and telling them that it might help them as well.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss stories are very motivational.
Chuck’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
You have to want it.
Weight loss tip #2:
You have to be committed.
Weight loss tip #3:
Do not completely eliminate any specific food, just eat in moderation.
Weight loss tip #4:
Imagine the new and healthier you!
Weight loss tip #5:
Know there are many other people out there just like you. You are not the only person out there deciding to make a change.
Chuck’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
A simple bowl of cereal or some eggs.
Lunch:
A salad or something of the sort.
Dinner:
Some protein such as chicken or something grilled. I live on fajitas (minus the tortillas) and really like hibachi.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Slim Jim beef jerky, apples, oranges and bananas.
Nutritional Supplements:
I’m currently not taking any supplements.
Chuck’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I am trying to work on my pecs which I call “moobs” (man boobs). I always do 3 sets of 8 reps when doing the chest press. I have been working on my biceps as well. Now my chest and belly still have lots of loose skin but I’m working on it.
Cardiovascular:
I always begin with a 15 minute warm-up and then I end my workout with a 45 minute cardio session. I warm-up with cardio for 5 minutes then reach my THR (Target Heart Rate) of 162 and stay there for 35 minutes then cool down for the last 5 minutes. I use several machines consisting of the elliptical, treadmill, cross trainer and stationary bike.
