My story begins with a visit to the doctor for a long overdue physical. After the examination, my doctor asks “Tod do you want to be around for your family, because if you don’t make a change soon you are in jeopardy for serious health issues in the near future”. At that moment I decided I was going to make a lifestyle change because my family and my health are very important to me. I wanted to be there for them for a long time, but more importantly I wanted to be there in a meaningful way by actively participating in life and setting a good example for my 9 year old daughter.
July 8, 2010 – 280 lbs, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and unhappy with myself.
Before I started, I thought about why past attempts at weight loss had failed. I have gone on a number of diets and have lost the weight. Once the target weight was achieved, then I would revert back to my old eating and non exercise habits. The result was always to gain back the weight lost, plus more. This time had to be different because the previous approaches had me 100 lbs overweight and in jeopardy of serious health issues. So this time was going to be about making a lifestyle change and each day making healthier choices that I could continue to follow the next day. I followed a meal plan of eating whole foods (no processed foods) and eating 5 to 6 times per day. By eating this way, I did not feel like I was on a diet and did not feel deprived. I also walked 3 to 4 miles per day 5 to 6 times per week. I had great results following this plan from July 2010 until December 2010. Then I hit a 6 week weight loss plateau. Initially I was very frustrated by this plateau and considered stopping, then I began to research why this was happening and realized that what had gotten results for the first 50 lbs was not going to work for the last 50 lbs.
February 19, 2011 – 230 lbs, Starting Power90 and Shakeology
My research led me to Beachbody or more appropriately I finally decided to take action and find out what P90X was all about. I had seen the infomercials and thought this is just what I need to take my fitness to the next level. After visiting with my neighbor, who was Beachbody coach, we decided Power90 would align with my fitness level at the time and help me to reach my fitness goals. In addition, I added Shakeology to my nutrition plan. Shakeology has been key to my success on a number of fronts. First, it provides me with a super nutritionally dense low calorie snack or meal replacement. Second, it serves as my after workout recovery drink and provides me with the energy to do the daily workouts. Finally, it has been my chocolate smoothie treat everyday for almost year now, which has allowed me to not feel deprived and has helped me to cut out all sweets from my diet!
July 11, 2011 – 193 lbs, After 150 days of Power90 and Shakeology
After 150 days of Power90 and Shakeology, I had lost 37 lbs, gained muscle, and was starting to feel like I was in the best shape of my life. Now, I was ready for a new challenge and I decided the next step on my fitness journey was going to be P90X. I have to say I absolutely love P90X. I like the variety and I love the focus on strength training. My goal now was to continue to add muscle, which was going to increase my metabolism and make it easier for me to maintain a healthy weight.
October 8, 2011- Before and After photos of Round1 of P90X and Shakeology 180 lbs
After a round of P90X and Shakeology, I blast off those last 13 lbs to reach the doctor’s suggested target weight of 180 lbs. I’m starting to get even more muscle definition and the ab muscles are starting to make an appearance. I return for a routine doctor’s visit and my physician for a number of years doesn’t even recognize me. He tells me you look like a totally different person and I respond by saying well you told me to lose a 100 lbs or die soon! He responds well you just didn’t lose weight; you got into great shape!
December 23, 2011 – Midway through P90X/Insanity Hybrid and Shakeology
I’m still pushing play everyday and getting healthier by the day. Now it has become more than just about me and my family. Because of the results I have achieved and Beachbody’s plan of nutrition, fitness, and support, I am able to help others reach their fitness goals. I have a new passion in life and that is to help End the Trend of Obesity. And so the journey continues…
A changed man!
Now you have heard the disclaimer that these results are not typical. If you decide and commit, you will succeed. I did and so did all these people. You can too!
