Healthy Lifestyle Challenge – June Update: Brad Lewis
The 2010 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge has followed two contestants over the course of the first six months of 2010 as they begin their journey to a healthy lifestyle. Each participant has been placed under the care of local personal trainers and dietitians to help them reach their health and fitness goals.
BRAD LEWIS
Age: 40 Home: Lansing Occupation: Consultant
Weight: 238 lbs Total % of Weight Lost: 12.5%
Ribs: 43.0 inches Waist: 41.75 inches Hips: 44.0 inches
Total Weight Lost: 34 lbs
Brad and Laura hike at Point Lobos State National Reserve in California in April.
What have you added to your exercise routine this month?
The TRX – it is a body weight resistance exercise that consists of two “ropes” hanging from the ceiling and then there are many different exercises you can do with them.
What is your favorite thing about your new healthier self?
I have more energy—don’t need as much sleep. I’m more motivated to get to my goal weight as I see the results of my new lifestyle.
How was grocery shopping after the grocery store outing? Name one item that you buy now (or don’t buy now) and explain why.
Grocery shopping since the outing hasn’t changed. Early on I did a grocery outing with Sherlyn, so the trip together was more of a review to confirm I was buying the right things. Things I didn’t purchase before this “makeover” began that I purchase regularly now are tuna steaks, Boarshead lunchmeats, and nonfat Greek yogurt.
Now that spring is here, what have you been able to do outside that you couldn’t before the start of the Challenge?
Laura and I have been walking the dogs 5-6 miles a couple of times a week, and I’ve been out golfing a few times this spring.
How will your exercise habits change now that you can add outdoor activities?
I’m going to try to do more outside—I’m doing a 5K in May. I’ll continue to use the gym, but I’ll try incorporate more outdoor workouts as well.
What are your goals for the next month?
I would like to be under 230 by the end of the month. Currently I’m at 238. Continuing to eat right and be healthy is my goal.
Trainer: Justin Grinnell – State of Fitness, East Lansing
How is Brad doing this month?
Brad has been doing very well this month considering he has went on vacation and has had to travel a great deal for his new job. His physical condition has improved dramatically and weight is still falling off.
Did you add anything new this month?
We have started to implement more Kettlebell workouts, slide board, TRX suspension training, and metabolic conditioning exercises. His intensity increases with each workout.
Do you notice anything different about your participant’s attitude now that they have been in the Challenge for a few months?
I think Brad seems to enjoy his workouts more and more. He feels himself becoming more mobile, stronger, and faster on the basketball court. Results equals motivation!
What are you doing to make sure your participant continues to lose weight and doesn’t plateau?
Each workout is more intense with different combinations of exercises to ensure that his body is consistantly trying to adjust to the training.
How will Brad use what they have learned to actively live a healthy lifestyle in the future?
Brad will have to keep this pace up in order to stay at his condition. Brad understands that working out is a lifestyle and this is not just a game. The continued improvement will help drive Brad to keep working hard in the gym! And, he needs to be ready for the Gus Macker each year!
Dietitian: Sherlyn Hogenson, MS, RD, Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital, Charlotte
How is Brad doing this month?
Brad is excited about getting closer to his chosen weight goal. He sees that it is possible to achieve it and he is motivated to continue working toward it. Every now and then he relaxes the food plan, but he gets right back on track.
Did you add anything new this month? If so, explain
Brad purchased a griddle and a blender, two appliances that have made meal prep a snap. He uses the griddle for breakfast to cook eggs and for dinner to grill tuna and other fish. The blender is for smoothies. His favorite is made with bananas, strawberries, whey protein powder, ground flax seed, water and ice cubes.
Brad went on vacation to California in April. He says he only gained one pound, but would have gained several pounds on vacation prior to the Challenge! He had planned an active vacation, so there was plenty of golf (he really did not use a cart!) and hiking in the mountains. He kept from gaining because he was aware of the food choices he was making and focused on getting lots of exercise. When he returned home, he got back to work on weight loss.
Do you notice anything different about your participant’s attitude now that they have been in the Challenge for a few months?
Brad is looking ahead to achieving and maintaining his goal. He said he is doing this Challenge to learn and live a healthy lifestyle. He feels increasingly better as he becomes more fit. He said, “It doesn’t make any sense to go back to old habits.” He did find a reduced fat potato chip that he likes. He says he counts out 17 chips and puts the bag away! Brad said that his dad has lost 15 pounds over the past few months, inspired by Brad’s efforts!
What are you doing to make sure your participant continues to lose weight and doesn’t plateau?
We took a look at Brad’s food intake in terms of meals and snacks. It appears that he has settled into a pattern of 500 calories for each meal along with three 100-200 calorie snacks that contribute to his healthy plan. I continue to remind him to be sure he is getting enough calories. He said he could increase calories by adding a second turkey sandwich on a 100-calorie bun. This should work out well and allow him to continue losing weight.
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