Name: Van
Age: 45
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Sales
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 55 pounds and went from a size 40 waist to a size 34!
Height: 6’1″
Waist: 34″
Starting Weight: 250 pounds
Current Weight: 195 pounds
Van’s Weight Loss Story!
I never had a weight problem until I got older. I’ve had a desk job for the past 10 years and sometimes it’s hard to fit any form of exercise in the day. I played baseball through college and could always eat what I wanted and when I wanted. I’ve had 2 knee surgeries on the same knee so my sports activities have been narrowed down a bit to golf, bicycling, and walking for the most part. Now that I am 45 years old, I just can’t eat anything I want anymore. I have always tried to maintain my weight anywhere from 190-205. Over the past few years I have steadily climbed up to a whopping 250! My waist size went from a 34 up to a 40. My knees would be sore after being on my feet all day. Sometimes I felt like I was going to pass out if I bent over too fast to lift something because my gut got so huge. That’s when I had enough!
I decided to do something about it so I started surfing the net for a weight loss program. I came across a website and it actually opened my eyes to eating the right way, smaller portions and snacks throughout the day. Most of the time I was skipping breakfast; having a big lunch with plenty of carbs (bread or pasta), and an even bigger dinner as late as 9-10:00pm. After learning some good basic eating habits on this program, I realized why I was packing on the weight so fast. I also decided to start doing some walking for at least 15 minutes or longer 3-4 times a week. I knew all of this change was going to be difficult at first because I would be faced with the carb withdrawals doing without the breads, pastas, and even sweets.
In 6 weeks I dropped 27 pounds. But I didn’t stop there, it became so easy I decided to keep going just to see if I could get back to my college playing weight and wear size 34 waist jeans again. After a little over 4 months I reached my goal. Remember, I was hardly exercising at all, just a little walking about 3-4 days a week. In January 2008 I am staying between 195-200 pounds and proud to wear my size 34 waist jeans again. I also realized that working out excessively only made me hungrier. I am so thankful that my knees don’t hurt anymore or I’m not passing out from bending over. My wife tells me I have too much energy sometimes and tries to create a bigger “honey-do” list for me…lol! All my friends say I look much younger now. 2008 is going to be a great year!
Van’s Weight Loss Interview!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
About a year ago.
What made you decide to lose weight?
Tired of feeling tired and out of shape.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Changed the way I ate. I had smaller portions and ate smaller meals throughout the day.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
The first 2-3 weeks getting used to eating different without cheating on carbs and sweets.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
1st week.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
About 6 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
5 months. I’ve kept the same eating habits while doing some form of exercise 3-4 times per week. I even walk for 30 minutes.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
Feel great, look great and I’m not tired anymore.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss stories are very inspirational.
Van’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Eating right.
Weight loss tip #2:
Exercise at least 3x’s week.
Weight loss tip #3:
Minimal carbs and sweets.
Weight loss tip #4:
Cut down on alcohol intake.
Weight loss tip #5:
Be determined.
Van’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Granola or trail bars, or a low-calorie shake blended with various berries in the blender.
Lunch:
Low carb pita wraps with tuna or chicken with salads.
Dinner:
Grilled chicken or fish with salad or vegetables.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Various low-fat and low sodium mixed nuts, sugar-free Russel Stover candies, low-fat yogurt, soy chips.
Van’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
Several sets of push-ups at various angles during a walk and run exercise.
Cardiovascular:
30-40 minutes of walk and running, or riding bike 7-10 miles.
