Healthy Lifestyle Challenge: Dan Harry

2/25/10 Posted in 2010 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge Dan Harry  |  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 – Dan Harry Full Interview

Weight Lost: 33 pounds

Age: 38 Home: Lansing Occupation: Accountant
Weight: 337.2 pounds Ribs: 55.5 inches Waist: 59.5 inches Hips: 53.0 inches

Pump that iron! Dan hits the gym almost every day to put his body to work. It sure has paid off – he lost 33 pounds this month!

How was the first month?

It was great! I feel like I am off to a great start. There may have been a blip here or there, like the day I was so sick I couldn’t leave the house, but nothing that derailed my progress.

What types of exercises do you do with your trainer?

Debbie motivates and times me when I walk and work out on the elliptical. I also do weight training with her to make sure I have the correct technique and form. Usually when we are adding something new to my routine, we do it together.

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

I try to go to the YMCA almost every day and I rotate my workout among cardio, weight training and swimming. Also, I’ve starting doing additional workouts at home using my stairs. I now use the stairs at work instead of the elevator.

In what ways has you daily routine changed?

I am more conscious about the types of food, portions, and how often I eat everyday. I continue to keep a food diary. I avoid and make smart choices when treats are in the office. I’m saving calories and money by not eating out like I previously did. Instead of picking up Aidan at daycare and going home after work, I take him to the YMCA with me and work out. We occasionally get to enjoy swimming together.

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

If you would have asked me this before starting I would have never thought my answer would be swimming, but that’s it. I love to swim and swam all the time in high school, but it’s been years since I’ve tried swimming laps in a pool. I find that I have to rest a little after each lap in the pool. This both scares and motivates me. I think – what if I were on a sinking boat and had to swim for my life? I don’t know if I could do it now. Luckily the pool isn’t over my head, but I don’t like the feeling at all and it motivates me to build up my stamina.

How are you changing your lifestyle to overcome this challenge?

As far as the swimming challenge, I continue to work on it each time I do laps. I try to rest less between laps and have worked myself up to two laps without resting. I’ve had a couple of people tell me stories about how they started off similar to me and now they are doing multiple laps without resting. I hope I’ll be able to tell a similar story some day soon. I believe it will become less of a challenge as I continue to lose weight and build muscle.

Overall, how do you feel?

I feel good. I don’t feel as tired as I used to feel. I don’t eat until I feel so full I can’t move anymore. I don’t feel weighed down and tired after a meal. I don’t have sugar or caffeine highs and lows, because I avoid sugary foods and soda pop. I occasionally have sore muscles or weak legs from working out, but it passes before the next workout.

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

I’ve noticed some of my clothes fitting better and I’ve been able to tighten my belt a notch or two. I have a long way to go, but I feel I’m making progress.

Trainer: Debbie Passero, Fitness Center Director, Westside Community YMCA, Lansing

Dan’s dedication brought immediate results. Variety has been the key. We set progressive goals on the track, elliptical, and in the pool – alternating each day with the goal to improve distance each week. He also does a full body strength routine three days per week, with pyramids for large muscle groups and high reps for small muscle groups in timed bouts. He enjoys the Westside Community YMCA as has improved his endurance and is able to focus on his goals. He is optimistic, sleeps better, and is happier with his new choices. Dan said his clothes fit better and he “feels lighter!” Dan has lost 33 pounds and 11.75 inches!

Dietitian: Melanie Shehan, MS, RD, Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital, Charlotte

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

Dan and I discussed the basics of a balanced, healthy diet. I encouraged healthier choices (increased fiber, increased fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy and lower sodium foods). Dan has stopped drinking pop and stopped adding salt to foods. He has changed to drinking flavored water or other no calorie beverages. He is keeping a food journal and asking a lot of great questions.

What has your contestant improved on the most?

Dan’s biggest change has definitely been picking better food choices. It seemed like he wasn’t quite aware of the foods he was eating in the past. He is much more aware about the foods he’s choosing and puts more thought into what he eats.

What is the biggest struggle you have noticed?

Dan’s biggest struggle is finding the time to cook healthy. He has a busy work life and a young son at home. Together, we’ve put together a list of meal options that may help him during those busy days.

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

Dan seems much more confidant and upbeat. He has already lost a significant amount of weight and I hope the confidence and momentum keep moving him forward toward his goal.

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