Name: Craig
Age: 23
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Sync specialist
Location: United States
Height: 5’7″
Waist: 33″
Starting Weight: 287 pounds
Current Weight: 173 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost 114 pounds and 15 inches off my waist!
Craig’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
Roughly 3 years ago I became very uncomfortable with my body. As I got older I started to gain weight in college. I didn’t really care about what I was doing to my body.
What made you decide to lose weight?
A lot of things lead up to me making a change. I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and my blood pressure was out of hand. Things weren’t looking to bright for my future. I was on a downward spiral.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Definitely the way I ate. I pretty much did a complete 360 degree change with my life. In the beginning, I tried every “fad diet” that was on the market. Everyone’s body is different. I have to really watch carbs and sugars since my body instantly converts them into fat. I also started working out 3-4 times a week while slowly improving. Cardio was pretty key also! It’s definitely a huge benefactor.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Whether being around my family or friends or even co-workers, I had to manage and remember why I started my journey. Also my social life was a big change. I kind of put that on the back burner. I lost some friends to it because they didn’t understand why I gave up drinking.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I didn’t start seeing changes in my body for a while. But those around me saw change. I expected huge changes, which is unrealistic. In the past year and a half I have seen the most results. I have learned so much and have gained so much knowledge. Also in September of 2014 I got my first preparation coach.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
3 years now. The scale isn’t a big factor to me any longer.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I haven’t really maintained it since I’m still cutting right now. I believe a healthy diet with balanced macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) can help anyone lose weight or maintain their weight.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Honestly it’s myself. Every day I want to make a stronger version of myself. It’s me versus me every single day. I don’t worry about what people think and I make decisions based on what I want right now and not what others think I should do. My coach though is definitely a cornerstone to keeping me on track. He always has my back and can motivate me when I need it.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
Everything really. I have gained a new outlook on life. Being active and doing fun things that I couldn’t do before is amazing. I have a lot more confidence than I had before. Also, I get compliments and get asked questions daily which is really cool.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
When you start your journey you have to understand it’s not going to happen over night. Set small goals at first. Progress is progress no matter how big or little it is. Don’t stop! Stride by stride. Lift by lift. Struggle by struggle. Anything can be done with the right mindset! Believe you can do it and never look back!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com is a great website with weight loss stories that provide lots of motivation. Seeing other people doing what I wanted to do and achieving their goals made me want it more for myself.
Craig’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Remember why you started.
Weight loss tip #2:
Don’t look back.
Weight loss tip #3:
Set small goals at first.
Weight loss tip #4:
Sacrifice what you want the most.
Weight loss tip #5:
Believe in yourself.
Craig’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Oats, 2 eggs, 4 egg whites.
Lunch:
Grilled chicken with greens and a protein shake.
Dinner:
Baked fish with broccoli and a salad.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shakes, small salad with meat.
Nutritional Supplements:
Protein, fish oil, cinnamon, multivitamin, Animal Pak, L-carnitine, pre-workout, fat burner, CLA.
Craig’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts 6 to 7 days a week, targeting each body part twice a week.
Cardiovascular:
1 hour of fasted cardio in the morning with either HIIT or steady state workouts. After my weight training workouts, I also do another 20 minutes of HIIT cardio.
