The Busy Guy
Nick continues to eat healthy and exercise. "My life is really busy but exercising is not an option, I know I have to work out regularly." Nick still eats very healthy but now that he has achieved and maintained his goal weight he treats himself to his favorite food from time to time. "There are lots of weekends when my buddies and I order a pizza or go eat wings and that is ok. I eat much smaller portions than before and I know I just have to eat really well during the week and do a long work-out on the weekend." Nick admits it is hard having some roommates and coworkers who don't have the same ideas about healthy eating as him but he does a great job of making nutritious choices and not giving in to temptations. Staying active is still a really important part of Nick's life. He did a lot of weight lifting during the winter and runs in community 5K's throughout the year. "I like the challenge of races, it keeps me active to have a goal to work towards." At a recent health fair at work Nick was amazed at how much lower his blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol were from last summer. "I knew I was headed towards health problems down the road if I didn't lose the weight but it was shocking to see how getting in shape completely reduced my cardiovascular disease risk factors". When I asked what the hardest part of maintaining his healthy lifestyle was he replied, "That's the thing, I don't think it is that hard anymore. Being healthy is part of who I am now; I look good and feel great!"The Athlete
Max has turned working out into a hobby. "I bike to and from work everyday and go on a 6 mile run at least 3 times a week." Max plans to run a half marathon in November and start training for some mini-triathlons in the fall. "Staying active is a really important part of my life now. I love the challenge of 40 + mile bike rides." When I asked Max if he still watches what he eats at work, which was his biggest challenge this year he replied "I have a new respect for salad bars and follow the two plate rule at buffets, one plate for salad and one for lean meat with whole grains". Max says he started running during his lunch break at work. "I love getting a good workout in the middle of the day. If I run during my lunch break, I have to pack a healthy lunch and won't be tempted to eat unhealthy at restaurants." Max has gotten a clean bill of health from his doctor. "My resting heart rate is really low and I've been experiencing a lot less symptoms of stress”. Low resting heart rates reflect a healthy and efficient cardiovascular system and are typical in athletes. “What I learned a year ago have proven to be life enhancing and life-long tools." When I asked Max if it's been hard to maintain his weight he said "It can be difficult, I would still like to trim down a little more and continue to build more muscle but no goal worth reaching in life is easy so bring it on!"
To see Nick and Max's before and after pictures from last year, click here
