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Hi Designer Whey! My name is Maggie and I am 29 years old. I am happily married stay at home mother of two great children and this is my story…
 
My battle with weight began in 2002 when my son was born. I figured I was young and that my body would bounce back after I had him…boy was I wrong! The 75 pounds (yes, you read that correctly) that I gained during my pregnancy stayed and over time I gained even more! I dealt with some postpartum depression after the birth of my son and that made it all the more difficult for me to get motivated to get healthy again. If anything the depression made me want to eat more! I found myself in a vicious cycle and I could see no light at the end of the tunnel. In 2005 I became pregnant with my second child, a little girl. I gained the “normal” 25 pounds during that pregnancy and after her birth I was weighing almost DOUBLE what I did before I had children. At that point I think I was feeling comfortable in the life I was living. I wasn’t educated on healthy foods and the benefits of a proper diet and exercise. I was feeding my family processed garbage and exercise wasn’t even a part of my life. I had been ignoring warnings from my doctor about diabetes and I was getting used to the CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. I honestly figured I’d just be fat for the rest of my life and that there was no getting “me” back. I was stuck…
 
In 2007 my mother had to undergo emergency brain surgery to clip an aneurysm. This was the scariest time of our lives. I had never been so close to losing a loved one and it really impacted me in a serious way. I knew that I had to start taking my health seriously and change my life…for myself and for my children. They didn’t deserve a mother who couldn’t run and play with them…a mother who lost her breath after a trip up the stairs. I knew I had a lot of weight to lose (over 100 pounds) and I wanted to So I started looking into gastric bypass surgery and after a year of educating myself on the risks and meeting with doctors etc. I underwent the surgery on August 17th of 2009 at 240 pounds. I am happy to report that I have lost 96 pounds and counting! I have completely changed how I eat and how I feed my family. I exercise every day and I’ve never felt so good mentally and physically! It’s amazing! I have my life back and it’s better than ever! The surgery was a huge tool in my weight loss and I know that unless I keep up with a proper diet and exercise that I will just gain it back. I am determined to not let that happen. I can’t imagine going back to that!
 
Your products have been a huge help in my weight loss journey. I have tried lots of protein products and nothing compares to Designer Whey! Thank you so much for making such great products!
 
Peace & Love,
Maggie St. Jean

Dear Designer Whey,

First of all, I will say that I have been HEAVY all of my life.  Well, scratch that – I have been heavy since I learned to feed myself.  I would hide food, eat at my friend’s house then come home and have a second dinner with my family, and I’d lie about what I had eaten — to anyone who would listen.  I remember in 8th grade we all had to go to the nurse’s office to be weighed.  After weighing me, the nurse handed me my weight sheet and some bozo classmate snatched it from me.  He screamed at the top of his lungs that I weighed 180 pounds — more than anyone else in the whole school.  That was devastating — so I went home and ate an entire Kentucky Butter Cake.  I would isolate myself from everyone, and I ended up with very few friends.  I didn’t believe that I am worth the time and energy it takes to be my friend.  Food never chose someone else over me, food never betrayed me, and food just made me feel so good.

My whole life changed on February 16, 2010  when I took control of my life and had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery.  I was 28 years old, 5′10″ tall, and I weighed 324 pounds. 

It has now been about 5 and ahalf months since my surgery, and I have lost 94 pounds.  This journey has not been easy at all.  I have landed myself in the hospital several times due to dehydration, and my brain is having a hard time adjusting to all of the new attention that I receive.  I have also had to learn to eat more nutritious foods and to exercise at least five times per week.  However, the one thing that has made this journey much easier to handle has been my love of the Designer Whey protein shakes.  Without my daily Designer Whey shakes, I would be lost.  These smooth and delicious shakes satisfy me and provide me with all of the protein I need — and I need A LOT of protein everyday!

I have attached my before and “mid-way” pictures.  The pictures on the left were taken the morning of my gastric bypass surgery (324 pounds), and the ones on the right were taken today (230 pounds). I look forward to continuing my journey with the help of Designer Whey …..my absolute favorite protein shakes!

Thanks!
Melinda Andrews

DESIGNER WHEY is challenging you to Get Healthy. Get Strong. And Get Results. For the next 90 days, we want you to set a few fitness goals for yourself and track them, posting your weekly results on our Facebook page. At the end of each month during the challenge, we’ll pick a few people who are on track with their goals to receive free products.

With a solid and well thought-out exercise and nutrition plan, you can achieve your fitness goals, no matter what they are. Whether you want to lose 5 or 100 lbs, to run a marathon, to lift more weight in the gym or to just have more energy, Designer Whey is with you every step of the way.

Let’s start with Goal Setting. Most everyone’s heard of S.M.A.R.T. Goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Using the S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting System will ensure you’re set up for success. Using the worksheet found on Facebook, write down your S.M.A.R.T. goals. Here’s an example:

Specific: I want to lose 20 pounds in 3 months and reduce my B.M.I from 33% to 24%. Replace my morning coffee with Green Tea; Eat 5 servings fruits & veggies daily; Get at least 75 grams of protein daily.

Measurable: I will write down my progress in a fitness journal everyday. I’ll evaluate my success at the end of every week so I can plan accordingly for next week.

Attainable: The goals I’ve set above are easily achievable. If anything, I will make sure I’m going over & above in my daily efforts so I am pleasantly surprised at the end of the 3 months.

Realistic: Losing 20lbs in 3months breaks down to 1.6 pounds every week. I can do this!!!!

Timely:  At the end of three months, I am going on a vacation to Hawaii with my family. That’s a REALLY nice reward when I reach my goals.

Once I achieve my short term goal, I’ll re-evaluate my goals to include a few long-term ones, like running a marathon or eliminating caffeine from my diet altogether.

Make a list of 10 things you can do right away to get on track. Here’s mine:

1)     I’m going to use a fitness journal to track my daily progress. I like fitbook – it’s the most comprehensive and user-friendly tool of its kind. It fits right in my purse or gym bag so I can take it anywhere. I also like the daily nutrition checklists. There’s even a multivitamin reminder! Research says: write down everything you eat and you can cut your intake by 500 to 1,000 calories a day. To learn more about fitbook, visit them at www.getfitbook.com

 2)     I tossed out all the junk food from my desk drawers and kitchen. I threw away Oreo’s, Diet Coke and lots of candy. I feel healthier already!

 3)     Every morning, I put 2 big bottles of water on my desk. I don’t leave at the end of the day until every drop is gone!   

 4)     I won’t eat or drink anything after 7pm except maybe a scoop of DW in 8 oz of skim milk to keep me satisfied until the morning.

 5)     I exercise BEFORE work so there’s no excuses after work (too tired, family obligations, etc).

 6)     I’ve stocked my kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies. I put fresh cut veggies in baggies so I can easily grab them every morning before work.

 7)     I won’t deprive myself of any treats, but I will eat CONSCIOUSLY, meaning no more mindless grazing in the afternoons and I will read labels.

 8)     I am going to eat 6 smaller meals everyday as opposed to 3 big meals. That way my energy will stay up all day long and I won’t cave in so easily to my cravings.

 9)     I’ve enlisted a couple of friends who also want to drop a few pounds and get healthier & stronger. We put together a workout schedule for the week that includes 3 yoga classes, 3 power walks and 2 weight-lifting sessions at the gym.

 10) Last but not least – I put pictures up at work and home of my upcoming trip to Hawaii: the resort pool, the beautiful beaches and a KILLER bikini that I’m going to buy for my trip. My motivation is always right in front of me.

 We’ll provide daily fitness & nutrition tips as well as LOTS of motivation & inspiration. Together, we can do this!

My reward

Let’s face it. One of the best things about vacation is actually taking a break from everyday life. For most of us, everyday life includes watching what you eat and working out. If you truly enjoy a complete escape from your everyday existence,  you eat & drink anything and everything. The result: a blissful week full of fun memories and an extra 5-10 pounds to contend with upon returning home.

If you’re motivated to stay on track with your fitness goals despite going on vacation, it can be done!  If you make a few small changes while you’re away, you can actually return from your vacation leaner and healthier than when you left (or at least return home at the same weight). So pack your bags and have a blast on your vacation without busting your bikini.

Let’s start with the first potential gut buster: getting there. If you’re flying and experience a long layover, beware of those sugary, high-calorie foods comfort foods typically found at airport. A couple of hours in an airport terminal can easily turn into a couple of thousand extra calories. For example, nosh on a Cinnabon while you’re waiting at the gate and you’ve ingested 700 calories. A Starbucks blueberry crumb cake? Another 800 calories. Worst of all, high-sugar, high-carb foods just don’t cut it when it comes to reducing your hunger. What are they good for? Spiking blood levels of insulin, a hormone that stimulates fat storage. Ugh.

Travel Tip #1: Pack travel-friendly foods like snack packs of StarKist Tuna Salad, whole grain crackers, almonds, trail mix, and protein bars. Don’t forget your Designer Whey Protein 2Go packs – they are beyond perfect for travelling. Note: be selective when choosing your bars. Read labels people!! Watch out for high sugar, carbs or fat content. Look for a bar that provides a minimum of 20 grams of protein to keep you satisfied and fuller, longer.  

If you must eat airline food, pass on anything overly “carby” – pasta for example. Opt instead for a protein dish (chicken, beef, or fish) as your main entree; and request seconds of any fresh vegetables they serve.

When it comes to in-flight snacking ask for nuts or fruit instead of pretzels and chips. And choose 1 percent milk as your beverage of choice (other than water). Its perfect combination of protein (8 g), carbohydrates (11 g), and fat (2 g) will fill you up and keep you that way better than nearly any other snack. Better yet – mix a scoop of Designer Whey protein powder with your milk. Instant protein shake in the air!

Travel Tip #2: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is your best friend during flights. Every traveler knows that airplane cabins use recycled air and have a very low humidity level. But most travelers don’t realize that breathing dry air can turn you into a blimp. Dehydration due to airline air is a major cause of fatigue, and fatigue, in turn, makes you want to eat.

What to do? Start drinking water long before your flight to keep a grip on your appetite. Drink at least 8 ounces of water before your flight. Bring one 16 ounce bottle of water for every 2 hours you’ll be in the air, and down it all before you land. 

Travel Tip #3: Plan to exercise or get at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday to offset extra calories you’re sure to be eating and drinking.  Even while on vacation, you still have lots of options to stay physically active. Check out your hotel gym or any fitness classes being offered.  Most resorts offer state-of-the-art exercise facilities and fun group activities such as water aerobics, power walks, yoga, pilates, volleyball and more. If your hotel doesn’t have a gym (or the equipment is outdated), go for a swim in the hotel pool.  If the hotel pool isn’t big enough for laps, just tread water for 10-20 minutes – you can burn up to 200 calories. Last but never least, plan a leisurely walk to take in the sights. Ask your hotel concierge for their recommendations on what to see & where to go. Lace up your sneakers and get moving!

My story can pretty much be summed up as your general “the fat kid” kind of story. All of my life, from 2nd grade until recently, I was always the fat kid. As can be expected, I received more than my fair share of insults, crude jokes and awful treatment from mostly everyone. I had the typical attitude about all of it, pretending as though it didn’t bother me, convincing myself that I was OK with my weight and that if I wanted to change I could do so with out any problem. The reality of the situation, however, was that I wasn’t OK with my weight and I didn’t know how to change it. I would always mope around, internally disgusted with myself but never able to muster the will power to do anything about it. Well, that attitude finally changed one morning, when at the age of 24, at weight of nearly 300 lbs and with a 2-pack a day smoking habit, I decided that I no longer wanted to constantly wake up with back and knee pain, barely able to catch my breath.

Starting in the Summer of 2008, with the help of my wonderful wife (who also dieted with me and lost 60 lbs!), I stopped smoking and began a diet and exercise program that would finally rid me of the moniker of “the fat kid”. I started off with a sensible eating plan, generally sticking to the same foods on a daily basis. Wheaties and a Banana for breakfast, yogurt for a snack, turkey sandwich and apples for lunch, chicken breast and brown rice for dinner and another snack after an hour of walking. After I began noticing the weight dropping off, I added light weight training into my regimen, and this is where Designer Whey enters the story. I initially started using Designer Whey on the recommendation of my older brother, who had recently lost a good bit of weight with the help of Designer Whey and a weight training program. I purchased a container of the Chocolate flavor, skeptical of how good a protein powder could really taste, and was shocked to find it to be just as good as my brother had made it out to be! The taste alone was enough to get me to continue using it, but the results it helps me achieve are even better! From that day forward, I have always ended my workouts with 2 delicious scoops of Designer Whey mixed into 12 ounces of milk.

Two years have passed since I decided that I was going to make a change, and I am currently at 187 lbs. I have now shifted my weight training program towards the goal of adding muscle, and Designer Whey is a prime ingredient in helping me do so. I am currently one month into my new workout routine and have achieved noticeable muscle gain. I would recommend Designer Whey to anyone, whether your goal is to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or to increase muscle mass, Designer Whey protein powder is a wonderful choice to help you meet, and exceed, all of your expectations!  

Ryan M. McCallister

Aug 9, 2010

Welcome to Designer Whey’s Protein Shakes 101. If you’re looking for a way to turn ordinary protein shakes into extraordinary, delicious and healthy shakes, you’ve come to the right place! 

By adding simple, easy to find ingredients, you can power up your protein shakes while adding fantastic flavor and lots of variety. Here are some great shake additions that will send the nutritional content of your protein shakes soaring.

Let’s start with the most basic shake addition: fruits. A good rule of thumb is to use fresh fruits that are in season. You’ll get better flavor and it’s more economical than using “off-season” fruits. Your best bet during summer months are berries.

 

Strawberries are probably the most common fruit added to protein shakes. Not only are they delicious, they are loaded with vitamins and minerals including B Vitamins, vitamin K, copper, and magnesium. Strawberries also contain omega fatty acids. All of this goodness is only 45 calories for about seven medium strawberries. And not only that, the fiber in 1/2 cup strawberries accounts for about 12% of your RDA per serving. The fiber helps your body absorb nutrients, inhibits the production of cholesterol in your liver, and helps stabilize your blood glucose.

Blueberries are not only low in calories, they rank the highest of any fruit for antioxidants. and one cup delivers 14% of the recommended daily dose of fiber and nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Raspberries also contain strong antioxidants such as Vitamin C. Did you know that they can help you burn fat? Raspberries are packed with fiber and manganese. Fiber helps slow the digestive process so you feel full longer. Manganese is a trace mineral that helps keep your metabolic rate high. A higher metabolic rate helps burn fat.

During winter months, frozen fruits are a great alternative to fresh. Check your local club superstore for great buys on large bags of mixed “smoothie” fruit. This is the most economical way to pack off-season fruits into your protein shakes.

 One of the most popular nutritional trends right now are Green Smoothies. Add just a handful or two of spinach to your blender to get the amazing benefits of this superfood. If you’re not crazy about veggies, adding a few strawberries will not only mask the taste of the spinach, you’ll get even more fruits & veggies in your protein shake. 

There are so many health benefits to eating spinach, it’s almost impossible to know where to start! This leafy green is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids. So go for a green smoothie today…It’s an easy way to get to your recommended 5 a day of fruits and vegetables.

And speaking of Omega-3’s, if you’re not adding Flaxseed or Flax Oil to your shakes, stop everything right now and get to it! Flaxseed contains all sorts of heart healthy components, including

  • Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects.
  • Lignans, which have antioxidant qualities. and
  • Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types

Last but not least – if you want a creamier shake and an extra protein boost, add non-fat greek or regular yogurt. Yogurt contains calcium, B Vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. But one of the benefits we’re hearing more and more about regarding yogurt is “probiotics.” Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that aid digestion.

Check out Designer Whey on Facebook for new shakes recipes every week. Designer Whey….helping you Get Healthy, Get Strong and Get Results.

If you haven’t heard of Krav Maga (pronounced “krahv muh-GAH”), you will soon. It’s an intense, calorie-torching workout that’s sweeping the nation. Developed by the Israeli army, Krav Maga literally means “contact combat.” Developed by Hungarian boxer and wrestler Imrich Lichtenfeld in the 1930s, the technique was first used by Israeli underground paramilitary organizations. When Israel became an official country in 1948, Lichtenfeld was appointed Chief Instructor and Combat Trainer for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Since then, Krav Maga has spread, and it’s now practiced in over 30 countries around the world.

If you’re in need of shedding a few pounds AND looking to learn a little self-defense, Krav Maga might just be the ideal workout for you. The following are a few advantages that you can experience from Krav Maga training:

1.  It’s a Great Way to Get in Shape. FAST. Krav Maga is one of the most physically demanding forms of self defense in the world. As you train you’ll start losing weight while building up muscle. You’ll build up stamina, strength, as well as flexibility and endurance. Most Krav Maga trainers report that a one-hour class can burn up to 1,000 or more!

2. You’ll Be Able to Defend Yourself and Others. Krav Maga will teach you how protect yourself in almost any dangerous situation. Learning how to keep yourself safe in actual day to day situations is important, and Krav Maga can help you learn these techniques.

3. Build Self-Confidence. Having self confidence is important in everything you do. Krav Maga helps you work on your “reactions” and the more you learn and train, the more you will build up your self-confidence.

4. Improved Self-Awareness.  When you are learning Krav Maga you will learn how to be aware of your situation at any time. This is an important technique to learn because self defense on your part will actually begin with you being aware of your surroundings.

5. Stress Relief. Taking Krav Maga is great for relieving stress, since you’ll learn how to deal with stress and how to function even when you are under great amounts of stress. The physical activity will release endorphins, help to clear your head and reduce overall stress.

6. It’s Fun.  Many people who train in Krav Maga say that it’s a really fun way to get in and stay in shape. You’ll enjoy getting to meet new people who are on the cutting edge of fitness as well as learning invaluable ways to protect yourself.

So you’ve just decided you need to get in shape. You know that setting a fitness goal would be a great idea to keep you on track.  Running a 5K is an excellent goal for new runners. It’s smart, realistic, and attainable. A 5K (3.1 miles) is the perfect distance for first-timers. You’ll also find that finishing your first race is very rewarding. Most first-time 5K’ers have a blast crossing the finish line and can’t wait for their next race. If you want to join the thousands of happy runners who complete several 5Ks every year, here are a few tips to get you started.
1) The first thing you need to do is find a 5K. Summer and fall are the most popular seasons for road races, but you can find ones all year in some areas. Active.com is a great resource for finding a race in your area. Once you register, make sure you tell everyone you know that you’re running your fist 5K. It’ll be easier to stick to your goal once you make it public.
2) It’s time to start training. You can find lots of information online, in running magazines and in books about how to properly train for a 5K. Below is an eight-week training schedule to help get you to the finish line. It assumes that you can already run at least 1.5 miles. If you’ve never run before, follow this step-by-step plan for building a running base. If those programs don’t seem challenging enough for your running level, try this advanced beginner 5K training schedule.

If you haven’t had a recent physical, visit your doctor to get cleared for running.

Notes about the schedule:

Mondays and Fridays: Mondays and Fridays are rest days. Rest is critical to your recovery and injury prevention efforts, so don’t ignore rest days. Your muscles actually build and repair themselves during your rest days. So if you run every day without taking days off, you won’t see much improvement.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: After you warm up, run at a comfortable pace for the designated mileage. Make sure you cool down and stretch after your run.

Each week, you’ll increase your runs by a quarter mile, which is a lap on most outdoor tracks. If most of your runs are on the road and you’re not sure how far you run, you can figure out the mileage by using sites such as MapMyRun.com. Or, you can always drive your route in your car and measure the mileage using your car odometer.

Wednesdays: Do a cross-training (CT) activity (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer) at easy to moderate effort for 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re feeling very sluggish or sore, take a rest day.

Sundays: This is an active recovery day. Your run should be at an easy, comfortable pace, which helps loosen up your muscles. Or, you can do a run/walk combination.

Note:
You can switch days to accommodate your schedule. So if you’re busy on another day and prefer to workout on a Monday or Friday, it’s fine to swap a rest day for a run day.

5K Training Schedule for Beginners
Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 Rest 1.5 mi run CT or Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run 20-30 min EZ
2 Rest 1.75 mi run CT or Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.75 mi run 20-30 min EZ
3 Rest 2 mi run CT or Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 2 mi run 20-30 min EZ
4 Rest 2.25 mi run CT or Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 2.25 mi run 25-35 min EZ
5 Rest 2.5 mi run CT or Rest 2 mi run Rest 2.5 mi run 25-35 min EZ
6 Rest 2.75 mi run CT 2 mi run Rest 2.75 mi run 35-40 min EZ
7 Rest 3 mi run CT 2 mi run Rest 3 mi run 40 min EZ
8 Rest 3 mi run CT or Rest 2 mi run Rest Rest 5K Race!
3) Make sure you stay hydrated, especially on hot days. Here’s some great information on staying properly hydrated.
4) Last but NOT least, nutrition is key to a successful training period and run. You should eat healthy, wholesome foods and get at least 1 gram of protein for every pound of your body weight. Designer Whey shakes make great in-between meals during training. And don’t forget your Protein 2Go packs to hydrate and nourish your muscles after your run.

Designer Whey is joining the ranks of socially responsible companies who are reducing their packaging, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.  Coming soon, look for your favorite Designer Whey products in new packaging. Yes it’s a different look, but it’s the same great product.

Sometimes making a difference isn’t just about looking good. It is about doing good. Designer Whey’s new eco-friendly design now uses 25% less packaging. And because the new packaging is smaller and the walls are thinner, it requires less energy to make – resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.  

So let’s all do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. Designer Whey…good for you, good for the planet.

Q: When did you start getting into fitness & bodybuilding? What made you decide to get into it?

A: I used to watch WWF wrestling on TV all the time. I used to get all pumped up when Hulk Hogan would say ”train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins “. I  always dreamed of inspiring others and having that same effect on people all over the world. I started competing in fitness competitions back in 1996. I entered my first show, the Mr. Fitness contest and came in 3rd place out of 30 guys. I went back the next year and won the competition. After that I started competing as a natural bodybuilder. The first show I entered was in 1998, the NPC New York State Natural, where I took first place. I live to inspire others, I feel that’s my gift in life. I have a “never give up” attitude in life. I feel we’re all here for a reason and I’m glad I found mine.

Q: What are the most important things you’ve learned since you started working out,  about yourself, about your training, nutrition?

A: I turn 40 years old at the end of this year and I’ve been training now for almost 25 years. WOW! That’s a long time! The most important thing I’ve learned is that we’re all different so what may work for someone else may not work for you. It depends upon your body structure, your shape, your metabolism, etc. I always tell my clients to have a balance in their training and nutrition. You should never lift too heavy or too light, your cardio should never be too extreme or too moderate and your diet should never be too strict or too sloppy. The bottom line is that it all comes down to balance and harmony. That’s the key to success in any field.

Q: As a Personal Trainer, what’s the single most important thing you tell your clients about nutrition?

A: Diet is so important when it comes down to looking good and feeling good. Too many people eat the wrong things and expect to have a six pack. I hear this everyday: “Tony, how do I get abs?” The truth about getting abs is simple, you have to get your body fat down so you can see your abs. We all have abdominal muscles. Yes, the more you work them the more dominant they will become but you’re not going to see them if they’re covered with body fat. I recommend a diet of 5 meals a day. In this diet, I also recommend that you have a Designer Whey Protein Shake 2x daily.  You also have to keep your calories low. I said it many times, just because something is good to eat doesn’t mean you should eat a truck load of it!  Portion size and moderation is key. A great diet would go something like this:

Breakfast: 3 egg whites 1 yolk, ½ cup of oats mixed with ½ cup of strawberries, 1 slice of toast with natural peanut butter

Snack: 1 to 2 scoops of Designer Whey Protein with cold water

Lunch: Grilled chicken on salad with balsamic dressing

Snack: 1 to 2 scoops of Designer Whey Protein with cold water

Dinner: 1 cup of pasta or a sweet potato with mixed steamed vegetables

Q: What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions about exercise and diet?

A: There’s so much misleading information out there it could make your head spin. I found that the best advice comes from your own inner voice. Your body will always tell you what it needs, not what you think you needs. The body and mind must work in harmony together so this means creating a balance in ones self. Don’t get caught up reading magazine after magazine or searching the internet high and low. The truth about diet and exercise is that it’s hard work! You have to train on a daily basis. Your body eats everyday and will store calories as fat everyday unless you burn them off.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone who needs to lose a significant amount of weight?

A: Have patience.  You didn’t get out of shape overnight so why would you expect to get in shape overnight? You have to understand that you alone can get you into shape. Yes it’s great to have a motivator or a trainer to help you, but what happens when that trainer is gone? You have to be the one that keeps the fire burning, you’re the one who has to “Get Serious”.  My whole life I said to myself “I want to be the best, I want to be known as a Super Hero” when it comes to inspiring others to get into shape and live a healthier life. Our society is filled with too much food!  Everywhere you look there’s junk food and fast food. What does that says about us? We have to be the ones who take back our lives. We have to be the ones who say enough is enough!

Q: It’s easy for some people to stray from their fitness goals. What advice do you have to stay on track?

A: I always say “You can’t fly like an eagle if you hang around the chickens”. Try to surround yourself with dream builders, not dream breakers! Your environment is crucial to achieving your goals in life. Join a gym and make friends with people who are in shape. Keep on your plan. This doesn’t mean eating good and working out for 4 days in a row and then taking off for 4 days and then starting over. It has to be day in and day out. Just like when you get up in the morning and get dressed. The same goes for working out and dieting. Everyday must be the same, day in and day out.

If you need help please contact me.  I’m a never ending ball of motivation. You can also visit me on facebook where I post “Tony’s Tip of the Day” and much more inspirational messages and photos.

- Anthony Catanzaro

To learn more about Tony, please visit his website at www.anthonycatanzaro.com