Healthy Lifestyle Challenge: Brad Lewis
The 2010 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge was announced in the January issue of Healthy & Fit Magazine, with the introduction of three participants. At the end of month two, two Challengers continue on this 6-month, publicized journey to a healthy lifestyle. Each participant has been placed under the care of local personal trainers and dietitians who will help them reach their health and fitness goals.
April 2010 – Month Three – Brad Lewis Full Interview
Total Weight Lost: 16 pounds
Total % of Weight Lost: 6.0 %
Age: 40 Home: Lansing Occupation: Consultant
Weight: 256 pounds Ribs: 46.0 inches Waist: 45.5 inches Hips: 46.25 inches
Brad makes sure to incorporate a varity of fresh fruits and vegetables into his diet for adequate nutrition. Yum!
Was month two easier than month one? Why or why not?
Month two was easier than month one because I lost weight, felt better and had more energy. Finally seeing the weight come off made me even more motivated to keep it up.
What advice from your dietitian has been the most beneficial?
Eating more calories. I originally thought I would lose more if I ate less. This is not the case. I learned how many calories my body burns just being sedentary. This made me realize that I need to consume a minimum number of calories to fuel my body for daily activities, exercise and ultimately to lose weight. Also, I continue to read the labels on everything I consume.
What is your biggest challenge in regards to nutrition and healthy eating?
My biggest challenge is not mindlessly eating while watching TV. At night I crave crunchy snacks.
How are you changing your lifestyle to overcome this challenge?
I no longer have unhealthy snacks available at my house. The snacks I have on-hand when I do have cravings are 100-calorie bags of popcorn, carrots and fruit. If I know I’ll be out, I bring a snack with me.
How has your daily lunch changed?
My lunches are smaller portions than they were prior to the Challenge, pop is no longer my drink of choice and I’m eating a balanced meal.
What was the hardest food or drink to give up (or consume in moderation)?
I miss Mountain Dew, Jets Pizza and Taco Bell the most.
What is your favorite new, healthy food that you eat now, but never thought to eat before?
My favorite new healthy foods are turkey burgers, asparagus and grilled zucchini.
What advice do you have for readers about making changes to your diet?
Don’t think of it as a diet. Think of it as a lifestyle change. If it’s just a diet, you’ll go back to the way you were eating. Instead, revamp your eating habits a little at a time.
What are your goals for the coming month?
Goals for the coming month are to continue eating healthy and lose an additional 10 pounds. I would also like to enter and complete the MAC Indoor Triathlon (20 minutes of each discipline), because I have added swimming, biking and running into my cardio routine and am excited to take on the challenge. I also plan to register for the Heart of a Spartan 5K.
Trainer: Justin Grinnell, State of Fitness, East Lansing
What new exercise changes have you implemented over the last month?
We have really started to increase the intensity in Brad’s workouts. His body has made some significant changes in regards to his mobility, flexibility and core strength. This has allowed us to push him harder, because he is moving so much better in conjunction with losing weight. His pace in his workouts is much faster, thus allowing us to get more work in at each session. Brad sees progression in his fitness level and has begun to enjoy certain exercises, which makes it even more motivating to watch him improve.
What can your contestant now do that he couldn’t before?
Brad had to really work on his body’s mobility in order for us to start to train intensely. He did not work on these types of movement patterns in the past. Once he got consistent with his mobility/warm-up exercises, his body changed quite a bit. You can tell his body has made improvements just by watching him move.
What continues to be the biggest struggle?
Brad is still adjusting to his new eating habits. I do see improvement each week, which is great! I still feel it will be another two to four weeks before we see Brad really drop some weight. It takes time for the body and mind to make these adjustments and I feel he is taking the proper steps. He isn’t rushing it, but instead he is figuring out what works best for him. Brad is making it less of a crash type diet and more of a lifestyle change.
Have you observed any changes in your contestant’s attitude over the course of the month? If so, please explain.
Each week Brad seems more motivated to make changes. He knows that he feels so much better than at the start of the Challenge. That alone is a huge motivational tool and you can tell in Brad’s attitude.
Dietitian: Sherlyn Hogenson, MS, RD, Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital, Charlotte
What new diet changes have you implemented over the last month?
Brad’s weight loss was slower than expected last month. After reviewing his food records, we realized that he was not consuming the level of recommended calories. I suggested that he increase calorie intake and that might actually increase his weight loss rate. He increased carbohydrates and protein and saw an increase in weight loss over the past few weeks.
How has your contestant improved?
He continues to eat three meals and two or three healthy snacks. Most of his meals are now prepared at home. He is making great choices and has significantly increased fruits and vegetables since launching the Challenge. He appears to be comfortable with the changes and feels that he can continue these new choices and habits long after the Challenge is over.
What can your contestant now do that they couldn’t before?
Brad says he has more energy and endurance; he feels good and moves easier. He now checks restaurant menus online to learn more about healthy choices before ordering. He says he has never done that before.
What continues to be the biggest struggle?
A new challenge for Brad is that he has a new job. Exercise time will be limited, so he plans to get creative about integrating physical activity and healthy eating into his workday. His job will require more sitting, whether it’s at a desk, in a car or at meetings. We talked about parking a few blocks away from an appointment, taking stairs and looking for opportunities to get up and move. He has been in training this week, so he has not had time to be as active as he wants to be. Food was catered (pizza!) so he made the best of it and only had two pieces of pizza and a Diet Pepsi! He plans to buy a mini refrigerator for his office and will keep water, vegetables, fruit and other healthy snacks on hand. He also plans to bring packed lunches from home. It sounds like there is no going back to a life of fast foods for Brad!
Have you observed any changes in your contestant’s attitude over the course of the month? If so, explain.
Brad is looking at the long term, planning and strategizing how he can keep these new habits in place. We will talk more about maintenance skills in the coming months. His goals are realistic. He realizes he can’t rush the process and is comfortable with his rate of weight loss at this point.
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