Name: Michael
Age: 28
Family Status: Married with children
Occupation: Internet developer
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 143 pounds! Size 48 pants to a size 32/34 depending on the brand! 4xl shirts to a L/XL.
Starting Weight: 358 pounds
Current Weight: 215 pounds
Michael’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
After my 2nd child was born.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I was on a friends and family vacation to Disney World. I love roller coasters and decided to wait in line to get on the front row of one of the new coasters. Once there, I was embarrassed to find out that I couldn’t fit in the seat and had to be moved to the “fat seat” a few rows back with the double buckle. Well to my surprise I barely fit in that seat too. It was then that I decided I needed to make a change in my life. My wife and I made a pact to lose weight together. Without her support I would have never made it.
Michael’s wife also lost 80 pounds! Read Crystal’s weight loss success story!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Regular exercise, changing my eating habits and overall lifestyle change.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Mental toughness. I was always a “live to eat” type of guy rather than an “eat to live” person. I love spaghetti, steak and baked potatoes.. Oh, and I couldn’t live without bread at every meal. Sometimes I wasn’t motivated to get out of bed to workout, fortunately my wife and daughter made sure I was up EVERY morning.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
A month. In the first 30 days I lost 28 lbs.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
9-10 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’m still losing every month. I go to the gym without fail 5 days a week. I attend spinning classes twice a week that help me enjoy my cardio.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I can breathe! I can tie my shoes! I can shop where everyone else does instead of big and tall! I can play with my kids without getting tired! I can ride on an airplane without people looking at me in fear of me sitting next to them. I am more active. I am more motivated. I have more self-confidence now than I ever have!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I started using ShapeFit.com early on by looking at the fast food dietary information. I’ve used workout routines, recipes and read success stories like this one! A year ago I never even dreamed of having the success I have already had! ShapeFit has helped me get from 358 pounds to 215 pounds in less than a year. It truly is one of the great health and fitness resources online.
Michael’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Drink plenty of water.
Weight loss tip #2:
Never miss a workout, or you will begin to make it a habit.
Weight loss tip #3:
Chicken is your friend. You can grill it, broil it and bake it many different ways!
Weight loss tip #4:
Make friends at your gym. Peer pressure keeps you motivated.
Weight loss tip #5:
Never give up. You can do it. A single cheat meal won’t ruin everything. Just pick back up where you left off and you will be just fine.
Michael’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
3 egg omelet with green onions, spinach, grilled chicken, feta, green chilies and tomatoes. 1/2 cup of oatmeal or 1 slice dry whole wheat toast
Lunch:
Chicken and broccoli or a turkey sandwich on wheat with spicy mustard and green leafy lettuce.
Dinner:
Chicken and broccoli – I love it!
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shakes or Myoplex light bars. Sometimes I’ll have 12-15 unsalted but roasted almonds.
Michael’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
Monday : Chest and biceps.
Wednesday: Legs and abs.
Friday: Back, shoulders and triceps.
Cardiovascular:
Tuesday and Thursday: Spinning class.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 30-45 minutes on treadmill, bike or elliptical HIIT cardio training.
