Age: 30
Height: 6'0"
Starting weight: 399 pounds
Weight after 4 months: 295 pounds
Pounds lost: 104
Inches lost from waist: 20
What made you decide to get healthy and lose weight? At a very young age, I was dealing with the stresses of running the family business and being involved in a troubled marriage. The root of the problem was the depression caused by my weight gain and vice versa. After spending 13 years on this roller coaster, I decided enough was enough. My 4-year-old daughter, Sydney, was also a catalyst. I need to be around when she needs me, but at the rate I was going, that wasn't going to be for very much longer.
How did you adjust to your new diet and fitness routine? During the first four months, I followed the food regimen to a tee! The first two weeks were such a challenge I wanted to cry myself to sleep every night — but it DID get easier! My body just wasn't used to all this healthy food. As for fitness, I did 60 to 90 minutes of cardio per day and worked out with a trainer one to two times a week.
What's the best part of the program? I'd say Charles himself. The man knows just how to get under your skin enough to motivate you the right way. And just when you think you want to kill him, you realize that he's given you all the tools you need to sustain a healthy lifestyle. I also appreciate the unique way he examines why and how you need to make the changes that will lead to successful weight loss.
What's the best compliment you've received so far? It came from the friends who have known me the longest. I've had a pretty rough run with life for the past ten years, and after seeing me turn it all around like this, they've told me that I'm an inspiration to them. And that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
What can you do now that you couldn't before? Let's see — run a block? Really, though, I love sports, and now I can keep up with the best of them on the field or on the courts.
How would you say your life has changed overall? I've gained confidence. And that's important because without confidence you will go nowhere and life WILL crush you. With real change comes power, the power to succeed. This has spilled over into every facet of my life: work, relationships, family, and goals. Now I feel that my life has endless possibilities — the sky's the limit!
What are your favorite exercise and diet tricks? WALK IN THE MORNING! Not always easy, I know, but once this becomes routine, it will be effortless. Also, if you get bored with walking, mask it as something else. For example, I have a boxer named Deoggee, and every morning I take him out for a really long walk. It takes about an hour. But it doesn't feel like laborious exercise, because I'm simply doing something that I would have to do anyway. I've turned walking my dog into my exercise routine. And the meals? It's just amazing that with a little effort you can eat exactly the same foods you were eating before, just healthier versions. You really CAN make one heck of a good pizza with whole-wheat crust, part-skim mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, and basil!
What's your best tip for staying on track? Catch yourself EARLY when you see yourself slipping off track. Just like with any other terminal disease, the earlier you catch the relapse, the better the chance of a full recovery.
What other advice would you give those who are trying to lose weight? You can have all the motivation in the world, but ultimately you have to realize that you're doing this for YOU. And remember: To err is human. Lapses will happen. The true test of what you're made of is how well you pick yourself up after every fall and avoid wallowing in self-pity and self-doubt. Those are your enemies — so do whatever it takes to FIGHT THEM. We all have it in us. It's just a matter of not giving up on yourself.
*Weight loss varies by individual. You may not achieve these results.