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

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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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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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Hello, my name is Nathanael Mulder and I’m here to lose weight.  It really shouldn’t take the new year to give me a reason to decide to lead a healthier lifestyle, but I guess any motivation is better than none at all.  But that’s not my only motivation.  Really it all stems down to just wanting to get back to the shape I used to be in, all those years ago in high school.  Back then I was 5′9″ and around 150lbs, running cross country and 1 & 2 mile races for my high school.  Over the years I’ve managed to gain over 110 pounds, weighing in on New Year’s Day at 262 pounds.  What’s worse is that I’ve tried and succeeded in losing weight in the past, and it felt great.  But my huge appetite took over in the end and all that weight came back, with some friends it turns out.  But now it’s a new decade and a new start on the weight loss, and I’m determined to lose it and keep it off.  With my roommate, who’s a personal trainer and Designer Whey user himself, pushing me and helping me with my workouts, diets, and determination I am truly confident that I’m going to succeed.

So here’s my plan, and here are my goals:
1) I want to reduce my weight down to 175 pounds.  That’s a reduction of 87 pounds.  I know it’s possible, I just have to keep at it, no matter what happens.  This is really all I’m going for.  With the weight reduction will come more energy and a better lifestyle, being able to breathe easier, and fitting into the clothes I own and into newer styles of clothes (with the new trends towards skinny this and skinny that, it’s getting harder and harder to find decent clothes these days).
2) Get into well-enough shape to run a marathon.  I don’t want to run a marathon because I want to run a marathon, I just want to be in shape enough to BE ABLE to run a marathon.  That’s almost 3 hours (or much, much longer if I don’t run very fast) of constant running, and that would hurt.  But to be able to do it, that’s what I want.

–And this is what I’m looking at to help me:
1) Working out several times a week.  At least 3-4 times a week.  A mixture of running and other cardio workouts, weight-lifting, and basic core workouts like sit-ups and push-ups.  Nothing too fancy or over-the-top.  Just basic and focused.  It’s worked for me before, and it’s going to work again.
2) Watching what (and more importantly how much) I eat.  For the last several years I’ve been eating almost exclusively fast food.  And although it’s not too terrible to have a burger once in a while, it’s probably not a great idea to have 3 Ultimate Breakfast Sandwiches for breakfast, 2 Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburgers (with large fries and large soda) for lunch, and likewise for dinner everyday.  If I eat healthier, and smaller portions, and use Designer Whey proteins after a workout and in between meals to curb my appetite, then I’m destined to lose weight and then definitely keep it off.  On top of that, I do love to drink water, so by drinking a lot more water and Designer Whey Protein Water, I think that will help also.

So, this is where I’m sitting in my life.  I’m overweight and out of shape, and its difficult to tie my shoes.  Here’s to a new decade and a new me.  Hope to see you along the Whey.

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Hey Friends!

Hope this finds you healthier then the day before. Today is National ‘start eating healthy day’. So I ask you, what changes are you going to make to eat healthier? Me, I started eating breakfast again. I discovered I like Greek yogurt with frozen fruit and a little granola for some crunch. Greek yogurt is packed with protein! I also have 1 cup of skim milk with a scoop of my Designer Whey Protein Powders. I mix up the flavors for a variety. Some days I have chocolate, some day’s vanilla, some day’s strawberry and some days The Biggest Loser brand. I like the variety. I find that when I do this I have fewer cravings for sweets and for me that is a major plus! I have been packing my lunch and snacks. Lately I been packing whole wheat 100 calorie bagel with good turkey slices and just a smidgen of low fat mayo (I don’t like mustard) along with fruit and a string cheese for my snack. My kids love the 100 calorie bagels.  They think they are cute! Hey, if cute has them eating better… Go for it!

Did you watch the Biggest Loser this week? Wow, they were at The White House this episode.

At The White House

All the people who came out to exercise with Bob and Jillian and the contestants were amazing! This proves Americans are not lazy we just need a plan and guidance. I am disappointed our President did not come out with his family that would have been the frosting on the cake. I felt bad for Tracey for all the havoc she took for doing what she did to remain in the game. I probably would have done the same. Did you see Tracey’s “How are they doing now” segment? Holy cow! She looks great. I cried when she re-ran that mile that the contestants ran on their first challenge. And Daniel almost at the 200 pound mark, Shay under the 400 pound mark! Wow, what opportunity! Like Bob said, this is the “Biggest Loser Movement”

I recently bought the Biggest Loser Jump Start book and Jillian Michael’s Master Your Metabolism; still have to read them. But one cool thing is you can look up the old contestants and request to be their friend on Facebook. Designer Whey has a Facebook fan page as well. You will want to add Designer Whey to your friends list because they will let you know when coupons are available or special promotions. They have recipes, encouragement and lots of great people to support you. Plus it can save you a few bucks and that is always good!

I got the Biggest Loser Wii game and so far my kids are doing the game and they love it. I need to find time for my time to play too! The other day my 9 year old sweetheart got my Jump Start Book out and my Biggest Loser music CD. She went in our living room popped in the CD and was reading how to do the exercises. Then got a towel for her mat and was doing the exercises. So I asked her what made her just start doing the exercises and she said, “well, mom first of all its fun and second I want to stay fit. Why don’t you come do some of these with me sometime”, bless her heart! Maybe it’s that easy, think exercise as being fun and wanting to be fit… hmmmm OK, Note to self… Exercise is fun and keeps you fit.” end of note.

Have a great one friends, today day a great day to drink your whey and start eating healthy.

Camille

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I want to share about discipline in following our eating plan. When I free eat what I want, I eat way too much and extremely way too many calories. Designer Whey has a very cool diet plan. I have known about it for many months but really did not want to discipline myself to sit down, take the time and effort to use the system. I am going to make it a goal this week to really plan out my meals. The DESIGNER Protein Diet even prints out a grocery list…can we get any easier then that??? Now I even save time by not having to make a grocery list. The planning system is adaptable so I can plan my meals along with what my family likes too!

The other thing I need to do is wear my pedometer it helps me realize the lack of exercise I get and it’s exciting to see it roll over with each step, helping remind me how good life is. If you reach the 10,000 step mark, that is 5 miles a day. There have been several days that I would get about ¼ of that…no wonder I am struggling to lose this weight for as long as I have carried it! It is not rocket science on how to lose weight…the bottom line is you have to burn more calories then what you eat…there is no getting around that. There is no magic pill because I have tried them all. It is disciple and self worth that will help you become the healthiest

Check it out! Use the system.

Plan a program that works for you. The only diets that fail are those designed for everyone… we are made unique, we like different tastes, flavors and cooking styles. It just makes sense to create your own diet that works for you. We know what helps us lose weight; we all have lost hundreds of pounds. Use your knowledge. One plan says get back to the basics, fresh fruits, veggies, and good quality protein. Stay away from processed foods and sugar. Use natural sweeteners if you need them. Drink plenty of water, at the very least 64 ounces.

Can we lose weight and keep it off? YES WE CAN!

Ps. It is snowing here today…wake me up for summer.

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It just seems I have no time for anything and I need my blog to help me keep accountable. I need my readers supporting my journey. In the past the 30 pound mark has been a turn back to gaining mark and I want to avoid that. I am still using my Designer Whey products, which I love! I need to get a new boost of excitement and kick my butt in gear. I need to increase my activity levels.

I feel so guilty as my oldest daughter is struggling too…and the fact it that she is practicing what I have taught her…that is hard to take in…yet, I can’t figure out why that does not motivate me…my goodness, its my girl and I am responsible for her health. I make the food, I buy it. I have no right to not teach her a healthy way to live. Hard to do when I myself have never accomplished that. All I can do is to keep trying.

I am still working at it. Never give up. Can we lose this weight?…YES WE CAN!

Hope this finds you well. Have a blessed day.

Camille from Michigan

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