Name: Leonardo
Age: 44
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Construction
Hometown: Yorba Linda, California
Height: 5’6″
Starting Weight: 220 pounds
Current Weight: 175 pounds (after gaining 25 pounds of muscle)
Current Waist Size: 30″
Leonardo’s Weight Loss Interview!
How much did you lose?
I lost 70 pounds and 12 inches! My waist size is now a 30!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I gained weight as an adult because of my unhealthy eating habits.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high levels of LDL, a low HDL along with a vitamin deficiency.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I completely eliminated all sweetened drinks, processed sugar, processed foods, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). I started consuming fruits and vegetables while incorporating cycling and weightlifting into my fitness regimen.
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
I had to deal with my wife’s insecurities after dropping pound after pound and successfully losing weight.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results within a month.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
I lost 70 pounds in 6 months and got down to 150 pounds. I then gained 25 pounds of lean muscle mass and I’m now 175 pounds.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I’ve maintained my weight for 3 years. I set my goals so high that people are laughing at me. My ultimate goal is to become the first 100 year-old person who can still swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run a full marathon in less than 17 hours. In other words, I WILL become the first 100 year-old person in 2071 who can still do an Ironman providing I don’t get shot by a jealous wife or run over by a bus full of nuns 🙂
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
The awesome changes I see when I look at myself in the mirror.
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
For the first time in my life I possess the ability to choose my own direction in life and where my paths may lead. I control the surrounding influences that inspire and motivate me. My will to succeed is a powerful force and with it, I can now accomplish anything I wish.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
It’s valuable knowledge to have a complete understanding of why certain things happen. Any new knowledge you gain and retain will help you tremendously in finding new ways to improve yourself in your journey to change your lifestyle. Never cease to imagine how you can develop and initiate change. Keep challenging yourself to create an innovative and successful plan towards all improvements you seek.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss stories are very inspirational.
Leonardo’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight Loss Tip #1:
Completely eliminate all sweetened drinks, processed sugar, processed food, GMOs, and anything that has no nutritional value. Get these things out of your life forever!
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Embrace the transition to a raw vegan lifestyle.
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Drink plenty of water.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
Exercise, exercise and more exercise!
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Set your goals so high that people laugh at you and don’t stop until you get there.
Leonardo’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
A smoothie that includes fruit, vegetables, nuts and protein powder.
What do you normally eat for lunch?
Same as breakfast. A smoothie that includes fruit, vegetables, nuts and protein powder.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
Same as lunch. A smoothie that includes fruit, vegetables, nuts and protein powder.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I take a B-complex (most importantly B12 and D3), calcium including all of its co-factors and antioxidants.
Leonardo’s Weight Loss Workouts!
What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
I like strength training and weight lifting.
What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
My cardio includes cycling, the elliptical machine, the treadmill, swimming and running.
8 Comments
Congrats on your success. Your story gives me added motivation to complete my ultimate goal, to do an Ironman. I’m morbidly obese at 290 lbs (5’10”), and was planning to do the same diet you are doing. I have a Vitamix blender like yours. My friend and I will do a half Ironman later this year. I also live in California, and maybe we can do an Ironman together when I’m ready.
Thanks for your post! Where about in California do you live? I live inland of gracious living, Yorba Linda to be exact. My assistance is at your disposal in any way, shape or form I can help. I wish you nothing but the best as you put your body and mind to the ultimate test. Just bear in mind that nothing worthwhile is easy. In order to be successful you must realize that there will be difficulties you face along the way. Never lose your eagerness and drive towards what inspires you. Motivation exists within your heart and mind. Your ability to overcome unfavorable situations will provide you with the time to demonstrate your true strength and determination for success. Always set your standards high because your greatest achievements lie within the infinite feats you achieve in your life. Never, EVER allow the possibility of failure to stop you from reaching YOUR objectives. And so, I’ll leave you with the words of wisdom Sylvester Stallone told his son in the movie “Rocky Balboa” (part 6):
“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits and not point fingers and blame other people. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You are better than that!”
How long did you eat only smoothies? I assume you’re eating regular meals now? What do you eat?
I’m still consuming smoothies all day long including a “chewable” cooked meal in the evening; beans and brown rice, vegetable soup with organic/free rang chicken, or baked fish with brown rice and steamed vegetable 4 to 5 days a week. I have cooked meals in the evenings because my wife prefers that we sit and talk about the day as we enjoy a healthy meal. If I had it my way I would never cook my food, my body prefers live enzymes. Once in a blue moon I go out and have my self some sushi. I avoid restaurant/outside food at all cost.
Where do you find good (non-GMO) fruits and vegetables for your smoothies?
First of all, sorry for the late response. Here in Southern, California we have many farmers markets. One that I trust for non-GMO produce is Sprouts, but above all, I like to eat from my own organic garden.
Do you still have to take medication for your diabetes or were you able to cure it with the healthy lifestyle change?
Same to you bud, sorry for the late response. First of all, the moment my doctor attempted to medicate me I stopped him from writing any prescription drugs. No, I never took any form of drugs to suppress my diabetes. Yes, I reversed it and have it under control through my healthy eating habits and exercise regimen.