Name: Matthew
Age: 28
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Unemployed
Location: Bayonne, New Jersey
Height: 5’11”
Waist: 32″
Starting Weight: 500 pounds
Current Weight: 210 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I’ve lost 290 pounds and 30 inches off my waist!
Matthew’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
All my life growing up I was extremely unhappy because of my weight. I had so many health complications from thyroid to diabetes and blood pressure as well as depression. I just grew tired of it after over 18 years of my life of being so overweight.
What made you decide to lose weight?
My real motivation was after losing my grandfather who was ill from cancer. He was one of the few people in my life that gave me the cold hard reality check instead of accepting me for who I was. I decided on the last day that I saw him at one of my cousins weddings to start losing weight.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I cut down portions and started drinking nothing but water and natural juices with no added sugars.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Finding the will power was the most difficult in the beginning and not getting unmotivated from all the distractions like my family giving up during their journey as well to live a healthier lifestyle.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took me about a year and a half to really start noticing drastic results. It was hard to tell at times due to the amount of excess skin I had. I didn’t let that discourage me from continuing what I wanted to do.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has taken me more than 6 long years to reach my current weight of 210 pounds.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’ve maintained this weight for about a year now. I’ve been very active and healthy when it comes to getting results physically and as far as my performance running and in the gym.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
My life overall could be better. I am currently unemployed looking for work. I don’t have too much of a social life outside of my two friends and my mother and brother that I live at home with until I get back to work. I am extremely happy as far as health goals and what I wanted to accomplish. I am still unhappy as far as my physical appearance due to my excess skin that I have.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss success stories are very motivational.
Matthew’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Stay determined.
Weight loss tip #2:
Never get discouraged.
Weight loss tip #3:
Eat healthy.
Weight loss tip #4:
Lots of water.
Weight loss tip #5:
Exercising.
Matthew’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Oatmeal with soy milk, flaxseed, raisins and a tablespoon of natural peanut butter with one banana. Or, egg whites with protein powder, natural fruit juices with no sugar added (100% fruit juice). Or, Greek yogurt, frozen berries and bananas blended into a smoothie.
Lunch:
Tuna fish sandwich on whole wheat bread with no mayonnaise topped with relish and vinegar and lettuce and tomatoes. Or, grilled chicken salad with light dressing.
Dinner:
Fish or turkey burgers with feta cheese on a whole wheat bun, steamed vegetables, brown rice, beans, grilled chicken.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shakes, rice cakes, soy nuts, edamame, fruit, vegetables, pita chips.
Matthew’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
- Monday: Chest, triceps and 30 minutes of abdominals
- Tuesday: 3 mile run
- Wednesday: Legs, shoulders and abdominals
- Thursday: Back, biceps and cardio class
- Friday: 3 mile run or biking
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: Rest
Cardiovascular:
Interval running, cardio classes such as MMA, sports conditioning and cycling.
1 Comment
Matt, man, you just gave me the best incentive to lose weight. My current weight is 235/240 pounds and I have been at this weight for about 20 years but I want to lose weight because my family has a high incidence of diabetes. I think I am at the early stage of it now so I want to lose about 40 pounds and keep my sugar intake down as much as possible. I don’t know you but I am very proud of you. Don’t let anyone discourage you for continuing the lifestyle that got you to where you are now and I know you have the determination to do whatever you set your mind to. You should start a YouTube channel to encourage more people like you did for me!