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.

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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 3^rd 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

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For most of us, including myself, the 4th of July is a time for vacation and relaxation, a time for cold beers and grilling out.  And that’s all fine and dandy.  But what about that strict diet that you’ve been on for some time now?  Like for me, I don’t drink alcohol any more.  Now, I fully enjoy a burger or two (so long as they take longer than 30 seconds to make), but overeating during the holiday relaxation period is really easy.  Couple that with the easy excuse of “I’m on vacation” to not work out also, and you’re whole weight loss routine is completely out the window, and you’ll likely find startling results when you step on the scale the next time.  All that beer and all those burgers, brats and buns will do a number on your bum, especially if you’re not running a couple miles or swimming a few laps before your days of sun and indulgence.  So here’s my “intra-mural” advice for you: don’t over-do it! It’s perfectly fine to have a burger or two, but don’t pig out on 5 burgers and 30 hot dogs.  Also, when you’re packing all that wonderful beer into the cooler, perhaps grab a few of the beers designed to not have as many calories, like an MGD 64 or Michelob Ultra (just some suggestions, not a product endorsement).  At least that way you won’t be drinking 150-200 calories per beer, and the effects will be minimized.  Or, better yet, don’t drink at all! Volunteer to be the designated driver for everyone you can, and let them pack on the pounds while you drink Protein Waters, staying hydrated and nurished, all the while not working up a killer hangover.  Just a thought.
 
And, just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t work out! I may have left my running shoes at home while I came to visit the parents, but with all the work around the house I’ve been doing I definitely haven’t been skipping my workouts.  And even on top of that, with some of the time I’ve had off while they were at work, I walked around the neighborhood a few times, getting at least a little exercise.  It may not have been the 3 miles I ran the other day (yeah me!), but it was healthier than “I’m on vacation.” Which everyone knows is a cop-out, and that those calories still count.  So watch the food and the cookie intake, walk around the block a few times, and enjoy your 4th of July weekend.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

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Q: Tell us what your current eating plan looks like. Did you look at several diets (i.e. Atkins, Weight Watchers, South Beach, etc)? If so, how did you decide which one to go with?

A: There isn’t a diet I haven’t tried or a plan that I haven’t been on, but because I have decided to make a total lifestyle transformation I knew it was vital to start with my diet and focus of the quality of the foods I was using to fuel my body.  Right now I am sticking to a diet of 1200-1400 calories a day. I created a meal plan document that I print out and write in each meal and snack by day for the week using the meal/snack blueprint provided in The Biggest Loser Fitness Program book. It breaks down your meals into the following segments: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner and 200 calories for additional foods, healthy fats and condiments. They tell you what different types of proteins, whole grains and fruits and veggies you need to eat with each meal and snack. It’s super helpful and because it’s a generic structure I can pick foods from those food groups and tailor my meals to the healthy kind of foods I love to eat!

Q: Everyone has days when they just want to blow off going to the gym or swing by their favorite fast food joint. How do you stay motivated to stay on track?

A: 2 HUGE motivators would be music and the support from my fans on Facebook and Twitter! I think there is really something to be said about accountability and having a support system around you. In addition to the outpouring of comments on my fan page and Twitter, if I have a moment of weakness, I can ask my fans for support at that very moment and they are right there to cheer me on and it pushes me to get through that tough time. For example, one night a few weeks ago it was after 10pm and my gym was closing at 11. I was so tired, so I posted a quick impromptu video on my fan page and instantly I got comments and messages reminding me of how much I was inspiring other to keep on going and that I need to do the same and get my butt downstairs to the gym! LOL! Another key motivator for me is definitely music. I’ve been singing since I was a little kid. And I literally incorporate it into almost every aspect of my life! Most importantly, I have always used music in the gym to push me and drive my workouts. So back in 2006, I decided to take the same club hit “Don’t Stop Movin’” that motivated me to lose over 80lbs, went into the studio to reproduce, record and release the single on iTunes in addition to performing it at health and wellness events in hopes to motivate others to believe in themselves that they can achieve great things if they put their mind to it and stay focused.

Q: Tell us about the ups and downs you’ve experienced with your weight since childhood.

A: As a little kid I always chubby and you could definitely tell I had a weight problem. In 4th grade, I weighed 144 pounds and was obviously the biggest kid in my class. I’ve always gone through life being heavy and most of the time dieting and exercising to try to lose the weight. I can’t even imagine the amount of weight I have lost and gained in my lifetime, and through it all what I have come to realize is that even with all the hard work and going up and down on the scale, I have absolutely no idea what it’s like to be at a healthy weight for my age and height.

Follow Jennifer on Facebook

Q: Did your weight loss journey start when you decided to audition for The Biggest Loser, or were you trying to lose weight before the audition?

A: I’ve been on a weight loss roller coaster since I was in 5th grade, way before Biggest Loser even existed. I’ve tried every diet or plan imaginable! And now in hindsight, I realized it’s not the plan you follow, or the diet you are on, it’s all in your head. You have to want the change and see the change in your mind in order to get there in your body. And before Biggest Loser, I had spent years trying to do anything possible to lose the weight that has followed me my entire life. It’s been a dream of mine to be known as a beautiful person on the inside and out, instead of being know as a beautiful person on the inside with such a pretty face as I’ve been told my entire life!

Q: How did auditioning for The Biggest Loser change your life?

A: First of all, let me say I had no idea that going out for the Biggest Loser would have literally changed my life without even being cast for Season 10! Throughout the entire process I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and from all walks of life. From Season 10 hopefuls, past contestants and the wonderful people that make the show possible, each one of them has really touched my life in one way or another. It really was after being connected with all these people and hearing their stories and having their support that it made a light bulb go off in my head! I realized that we all have similar struggles and things in life to overcome, and that it all comes down to one simple thought, “What’s most secret is most common.” While obesity may be a global epidemic, before that light bulb had gone off in my head, I always felt very much alone in my struggles to lose weight and overcome them so I could live the healthy and vibrant life that I have always wanted to live! Inspired, I am now so determined and super motivated to use myself as an example and take control of my life to put it out there for people to realize that they aren’t in this alone, and that they have support and people all around them that will help them if they just ask for it!

Follow Jennifer on Facebook

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1,350 Calories. 90 grams of fat, 40 of which are saturated and 3.5 of which are trans.  2,780 mg of sodium.  That’s what’s in my go-to burger at Wendy’s, the 3/4 lb Baconator.  Add the large fries, large Coke along with it, and I’m looking at probably over 2,000 calories in all.  For 1 meal.  That costs me around $10.00.  What am I thinking? Well, specifically the fact that I don’t like to make food, especially complex meals like lasagna or meatloaf (both of which I love) because I’m a terrible cook and I’m lazy in general.  But what about thawing out some burgers and firing up the grill and making my own? Well, that requires at least some planning in advance, which as a bachelor I tend to not do very well (you can ask my BFF Jessi, she’ll tell you all about it).  So instead I walk over to Wendy’s every couple of days or so, and guiltily order up a serving of heart attack with a side of obesity.  Let’s be honest people, I’m about 75 pounds overweight right now, and I personally keep the fast food industry afloat.  That’s not good.  So, I’ve stopped.  At first I said I just wasn’t going to eat beef for a while.  Well….that didn’t work because my roommate kept firing up the grill and grilling burgers.  Which was great, because he’s a way better cook/grill person than me, and his burgers taste way better than mine.  So the whole “no beef” thing didn’t pan out.  Then I said, “I’ll just eat less fast food.”  Well, when one of your meals is over 2,000 Calories then less is still not enough, especially when you want to lose weight.  So for the last couple days I’ve eaten no fast food, and less in general, and my weight loss has picked up again.  So hurray for me!

Furthermore, the whole fast food thing is expensive. Over the past month or so, I’ve spent over $382 at fast food places.  That’s disgusting! That’s almost 2 months worth of food at the grocery store for my whole apartment, which has 4 people in it! What am I thinking?!? Well, it ends today.  I’m back on my no-fast-food diet in an effort to save money and lose weight.  I’ve also stumbled upon an article that says that fast food can actually become addictive, decreasing dopamine receptors or something, so that’s probably not good either.  Regardless, the amount of science and nutritional information and financial information is all overwelmingly against fast food, and my only justification is laziness.  Well, laziness never got anyone anywhere in this life, so I’m going to stop.  Time for me to turn the page over and start a new chapter in my life.  I mean, I just turned 28, what better time?  See you all later when I rant and rave some more about how I suck at dieting.

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My name is Callie, I’m 23, and I am fluffy.

I wasn’t always fluffy. In fact, I used to be pretty skinny! I played basketball (or tried to, at least- I definitely wasn’t very good) and jogged almost every day. Then I got lazy. I noticed a very gradual increase in my weight over the years – it was never more than ten pounds a year, so I just didn’t care enough to do anything about it. Then, about a year and a half ago, I went through a very painful divorce. Some people stop eating when something traumatic happens; I do the opposite. I live in the kitchen! Food becomes my source of comfort… ohhh and I definitely comforted myself! I got all the way up to 180 pounds – definitely the heaviest I have ever been.

About a month ago, I realized how unhealthy my lifestyle is. My clothes are all tight because I’m too proud to go up to the next size in the store. Sometimes I’ll put on an outfit to go somewhere and just decide not to go because I look too fat. Yikes.

So I decided to do something about it. I’m tired of being the big girl when I’m out with friends. I want to feel confident. That doesn’t mean being rail-thin… it means looking healthy and fit.

I started a new job recently which allows me access to a free gym and personal trainer here at work, so I grudgingly decided to take advantage of that. I started working out a few weeks ago and noticed that I wasn’t gaining weight anymore – but I wasn’t losing, either. That’s when I realized that I needed to change my horrible eating habits. I was going out to eat 3-5 nights a week and ordering whatever was cheap… hello, $0.89 beefy 5-layer burrito from Taco Bell! Not so good.

So now I am on a quest to get healthy and fit! I am ready to feel confident about myself and feel great about my health. I have lost ten pounds so far and am completely motivated to lose the other 40 that need to hit the road!

As the weeks progress, I’m going to post tips that I’ve found helpful, keep track of my progress, post fun recipes, etc. I hope you’ll join me on my mission to get healthy!!

Callie

Follow Callie’s weight loss success: calliegetsskinny.blogspot.com

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Travelling the country speaking to people about regaining control of their lives through controlling the only thing we have control over is what has become my mission. I realized through my experience that I can create anything I want in my life by taking the little steps that in turn make the big difference. The best way I am able to judge my progress and stay in the moment is by staying on top of my diet and exercise, which allows me the energy to stay active and feel GREAT about myself. I may not be able to control many things in life but myself I can control.

Travelling adds lots of unexpected turns in the road that I don’t always plan for and the key is to have a plan. Some of the ways that I stay prepared for the unexpected is make sure that I always have my go to items in my carry on baggage. You never know when weather is going to come in play and change the course of your day. I travel with a jump rope, workout clothes, my laptop, lots of snacks, and my Protein 2Go packs. The jump rope allows me to have an opportunity to do cardio wherever I might be as well as jumping jacks, step ups, mountain climbers, and burp-pees. I love having my laptop so that I can pull up a workout no matter where I am through many online services like exercisetv.com.

If my travel plans go as expected then that is a bonus and I always stay in hotels with a gym. Most hotels these days have gyms so check them out ahead of time, to inspect what you expect…not all hotel gyms are created equally . Make sure you pack enough 2Go packs so that you are able to get your protein needs met before and after workouts.

My snacks allow me to have the fuel I need regardless of my options. When I leave home I always have popcorn, chicken breast, hard boiled eggs (which I always warn the person sitting on the airplane next to me about), fruit, almonds, and my 2Go Packs. As soon as I pass through security I go immediately and buy bottled water for the flight.  

Ali "On The Road"; GNC Show, June 2010

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I put 110% in my workout, nutrition and recovery and I am satisfied at the end my workout!!

In the years of training I have seen more people fail to reach their goals because of the fact they aren’t willing to make life adjustments to better their life and live a healthly balanced life.  You don’t have to be the biggest, leanest body in the gym but when you look in the mirror ask yourself…are you happy with your results? If not, STEP IT UP.

So lets make it happen:

1. Do cardio in the morning to burn off any extra carbs you ate
2. Consume more meals a day (add acouple of BLITZ SHAKES bewteen meals and before bed)
3. Change your workout style confuse your body
4. Drink lots of water
5. Get 6hrs to 8hrs of sleep
6. BE HAPPY!!!
7. DONT GIVE UP IT DOESNT HAPPEN OVER NIGHT!!!

- Rick Hagen

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Driving through the back roads of southeast Michigan, I get a warm feeling from Sheila, the Australian voice on my GPS device. The goal is to get to work on time and Sheila is providing the guidance.

If you would have told me ten years ago that a little screen on your dash board would have the technology to guide you any where, I would have said you were crazy. But also if you told me ten years ago that I would be in better shape at 44 than I was at 34, I also would have suggested the padded room in the funny farm.

But thanks to goals and guidance I weigh ten pounds less, can lift more weight, and can run much farther. No matter how modest the goal, I have always gotten better results if I was shooting for a target weight, distance, or number of pounds lifted. Without that goal, it’s easy to stop at an arbitrary point.

Same can be said of the guidance of a trainer.  A certified trainer has the kind of ideas and encouragement that makes them well worth the time and money. I would be the first to stop after eight reps. But having the trainer standing there I found myself going for ten, and sometimes beyond.

I also fell into the “routine” trap. Only training certain muscle groups with certain exercises. That put me into a rut and not only was I wasting time but a trip to the gym was becoming very boring. The first trainer I ever worked with showed me a variety of movements that kept the workouts fresh and fun.

So today I’m going to set a modest goal, five pounds off by the fourth of July. And first thing Monday I will consult with my trainer for the guidance, and with the help of Designer Whey, make sure I get the right amount of protein.

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A few months back one of my employees at Elite Fitness made a derogatory comment about a certain part of my anatomy. And quite frankly, he was the last person who should be talking about where a “mature” male gains weight.

So I said “put your money where your mouth, or excess weight is!” And the bet was on. We both set weight and bench press goals, but had to decide what the wager was going to be and didn’t want to make it anything monetary or material. Embarrassment was much better.

We decided that whoever lost the bet would put on an inflatable muscleman suit and stand out in front of the gym for one hour in rush hour traffic. And then, it was game on.

After six weeks of regular workouts, and high protein low fat diets, we both made our weight goals. Designer Whey products before and after all workouts clearly made the major difference for me.  I lost fifteen pounds and felt really great.

Now it was time to hit the bench press. Although I had a career best bench, I only made eighty percent of my goal, and my competition made eighty three percent of his goal.  So, I lose. Next week I’ll be out front waving to cars in the suit.

Why, you may ask, is this good.  Well, to start, I have been able to move two notches smaller on my belt. I’m trying on clothes that actually fit, and I can run farther and faster than I have been able to in years.

As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, I am ready to go for a few days of Turkey Burgers, Lobster Bisque, and a little French wine.  And there will be just a little less guilt about the whole thing.  If you start one of these holiday weekends ahead of the game, you can have a little more “guilt free” fun on vacation.

Just remember, have your fun this Memorial Day weekend. Don’t go too far. And be ready to get back at it Tuesday. And it can be a vacation from reality that won’t put you too far behind on your personal fight against the fat! Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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