Healthy Lifestyle Challenge: Brad Lewis

2/23/10 Posted in 2010 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge Brad Lewis  |  0 Comments

The 2010 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge will follow our three contestants over the course of the first six months of 2010 as they begin their journey to a healthy lifestyle. With the help of their trainers, our three Healthy Lifestyle Challenge contestants stepped up their workout routines to get moving down the road to a healthy lifestyle.

March 2010 – Month Two – Brad Lewis Full Interview

Weight Lost: 7 pounds

Age: 40 Home: Lansing Occupation: Consultant
Weight: 265 pounds Ribs: 46.0 inches Waist: 46.5 inches Hips: 46.25 inches

Brad digs in deep and takes on every physical challenge Justin, his trainer, throws his way.

How was the first month?

My first month was good, but I didn’t lose as much weight as I wanted. The best thing about my first month was getting back into a workout routine. For so long I would workout a day here and day there, but would never stick to a program. I feel much better now than I did a month ago and I am excited to see what the months ahead will bring.

What types of exercises do you do with your trainer?

We start each workout with foam rolling and stretching. I am doing a lot of core exercises, which is something I have never done before. I am doing kettlebell exercises and lifting weights. One of the hardest, yet most fun things Justin has me doing is swinging a giant rope! If you have not done this, you need to go do it. I am also doing a lot cardio on the stair stepper or elliptical machines.

What do you do on your own to stay physically active?

I am at the gym five to six days a week. Three of those days I am doing Justin’s workouts and the other days I am doing a lot of cardio work. Justin has me doing interval cardio work, where you go as hard and fast as you can for 1 minute then back it down for 1 minute. I do this for 20-30 minutes – excellent workout!

In what ways has you daily routine changed?

Mainly my eating. I go to the grocery store a lot more now and I eat in pretty much every night. I make food at home instead of going out to eat like I used to. Also, my portions are much more in line with where they should be. I now get up every morning and eat a couple of eggs or oatmeal and a piece of toast. I am eating five well-portioned meals per day, instead of two giant meals like I used too. I have also quit drinking pop and have replaced it with anywhere from 60-100 oz of water a day.

In regards to physical activity, what has been your biggest challenge so far?

Losing weight! I am working out all the time and for some reason I just have not lost the weight that I want too. Justin told me to be patient that sometimes it takes the body a few weeks to adjust to your new eating habits. I am looking forward to the weight to start falling off.

How are you changing your lifestyle to overcome this challenge?

Well I have cut out all fast food, pop, and just the horrible food I used to eat. I am now eating healthier food and smaller portions. I can already feel a difference in my body and it has only been one month! In the past month I have tried food that I never, ever thought I would eat and it all tastes great.

Overall, how do you feel?

I feel much better! Even though I have not lost the weight I originally wanted to in the first month, I feel stronger, have much more energy and just feel better about myself. I am very thankful for this opportunity. It has opened my eyes to things that I would have never done before.

Have you noticed any changes in your body since starting the Challenge?

Not much, but I am sure in the months to come I will see a huge difference. I just need to keep up with what I have been doing.

Trainer: Justin Grinnell, State of Fitness, East Lansing

What types of changes have you suggested? Has your contestant followed these suggestions?

Brad has been able to build his fitness base over the last month and he is now ready to incorporate more high intensity training methods. He will be increasing his high intensity interval training cardio days from three to four days per week. His power/strength and core routine will also have an increase in volume, but will still be three to four days per week. On the day that he trains with me, we will be increasing the intensity even another notch. Brad has been following the workout routine that I have outlined for him very well. The intensity could always increase, but overall I am happy.

What has your contestant improved on the most?

Brad’s flexibility and mobility has greatly improved. He has really taken pride in the details that I have shown him to take care of, and it is showing. His body is moving much better and as a result he is feeling better. He has even expressed that his basketball game has improved!

What is the biggest struggle you have noticed?

I think Brad has struggled with his diet a little, but just this week I think it has clicked in his head that he knows what to do now. It just takes a few weeks to get the routine down and Brad now seems to have a grasp on the nutrition concept that Sherlyn and I have helped him with. She has been a tremendous help as well!

Have you observed any changes in your contestant’s attitude over the course of the month? If so, please explain.

I think Brad is starting to enjoy the Challenge. Now that he has seen some results, he has become even more motivated to succeed. He looks forward to the challenge and wants to see even greater results.

Dietitian: Sherlyn Hogenson, MS, RD, Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital, Charlotte

What types of changes have you suggested?

I ask my clients to select the changes they want to make; Brad knew what he wanted and needed to change. He has completely given up soft drinks and is drinking water instead. He has really cut down on eating out and has been cooking at home most of the time. On one occasion he did go out for dinner; he Googled the restaurant ahead of time, selected his entrée online, was aware of the calories, fat and carbs, and actually split the meal with his dining partner!

He has purchased a blender for making high protein, fruit-filled smoothies, and he has also added a griddle for cooking low-fat, quick meals. He uses spray oils to keep foods from sticking.
He celebrated his birthday mid-January and admitted to having a few drinks on that occasion. The remarkable thing is that he has omitted alcohol before his birthday and after. He looked ahead to the Super Bowl and made plans to prepare turkey burgers (ground turkey breast, herbs and seasonings) on whole wheat buns with raw vegetables for snacks for the big day, rather than typical Super Bowl fare.

Has your contestant followed these suggestions?

Yes, he has continued to limit eating out, avoid Mountain Dew and limit alcohol. He is cooking some great-sounding meals and seems quite pleased with his culinary skills.

What has your contestant improved on the most?

Brad has definitely improved his food and beverage choices. At our grocery store tour, it became obvious that he did indeed know how to identify healthy choices. He ended up with a cart full of great foods for preparing healthy meals. We practiced reading labels to find the best options.

What is the biggest struggle you have noticed?

Brad’s biggest struggle is in following his food plan. It appears that he is consuming approximately 500 calories too few, thinking that less is better. I have encouraged him to increase carbs and to consume the total amount of calories in his plan. We discussed how to use the meal plan and the “Choose Your Foods” booklet that includes lists of healthy foods and portion sizes.

Have you observed any changes in your contestant’s attitude over the course of the month? If so, please explain.

Brad appears to be more relaxed and confident in his ability to achieve his goals. He obviously feels better and says he has more energy, more stamina, is moving better, and likes being active.

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