I was 40 before I ever worked with a trainer and he opened my eyes to a very disturbing reality. He said when you’re under forty, weight loss has more to do with exercise than with dieting. Once past forty, exercise is important but diet is everything. I wondered why I was working out like crazy and never losing any weight. I wasn’t drinking anywhere near enough water, and protein in my diet was almost non existent. I was told that a guy my size needs at least 200 grams of protein daily, and even more if exercising on a daily basis. I always knew lean proteins such as chicken and fish were great protein sources and would help build muscle, but I was concerned how I was going to get 200 grams of protein daily from food alone. That’s when I turned to Designer Whey protein powders to get me where I needed to be.

And then, there is my true Achilles’ heel, my weakness. The crystalline liquid that takes me so far away most every evening. My wine. I love big, heavy red wine. Sniffing, swirling, sipping, into heavenly bliss. But it’s gotta go. At least down to an occasional glass. Sad, but true.

There is no truth to the rumor that the last time I went to the beach a couple of marine biologists tried to push me back in the water, but I was about 15-20 pounds overweight. But one person did ask me if I actually knew where my gym was. So with boating season  just weeks away it’s time to get serious. With the help of Designer Whey products, and a really wonderful friend who has offered to help me, I plan to shed some pounds, get in shape, and feel better about myself.

There are many tips out there about how to stay fit if you have to travel. Many hotels have side deals with local gyms for discounted daily rates. That gets you out of the usually under-equipped, overcrowded hotel fitness center. It also helps me to stay in my own time zone and avoid the west coast late night hunger binge. That really means you’re feeding your body well after 8pm, only the clock says 5pm. And if you’re forced to eat out, and out of your normal time zone, almost any restaurant will let you order a slab of grilled chicken on a bed of greens. Just make sure the dressing is fat free.

So as we sit today, I’m 44 but feel like 55, 245, but feel like 255. Stay tuned and we’ll shed this baggage together!