Dylan J. Stewart
New member
Good morning all!
Happy Mother's Day.
I have only found this forum today, or else I would have shared my journey/ struggles/ success to help others.
I am 26 years old. I use to be a competitive athlete and frequent gym goer. I needed up putting all my focus and energy into school and climbing the corporate ladder........ in the blink of an eye, 8 years pass by. The pounds kept creeping on, my energy reserve lessoning monthly.... I was in a desperate need of change.
My stress, depression, performance, and life had become seriously affected by how I was living.
I ate 1-2x a day.
I slept 3-5 hours a night.
I worked- sitting down, 10-12 hours a day (including driving)
Things got so BAD>..... I started having migraines, blackout, dizzy spells, fell asleep sitting on the couch, my hair started going white and falling out...... I did;t even want to leave the house outside of working.
1 year ago, I was 275-280 pounds. I had was 35-40% body fat. I was unhealthy, unhappy, and unfulfilled.
I don't know what triggered me, or why.... but 12 months ago I told myself *ENOUGH*. I am committing to get my health back. TO get my health back for me. To take CONTROL of my life. I want energy, I want to feel confident, I want to be happy! Life is short and here I am feeling sorry for myself, and the only one preventing me from living the life I want...... is ME>
Month 1-3:
I started working out again. I started slow. I only did cardio for the first few months. Eating habits did;t change much. I also took no nutritional supplements. I avoided soda's, fast food, etc.... I was eating 2-3x/ day. In 3 months.... running my @ss off, I lost 20 pounds +/-. I knew this was;t sustainable- running 5 days a week.... for me is not sustainable. I tried something new;
Month 4-6:
I started lifting light weights with light cardio. I worked with mainly dumbbells and cables to build a foundation. Speed walking on the treadmill, speed of 3-4, incline of 15 (did wonders for calorie burning). I started eating 3-4x/day. Here I lost another 15 pounds. I started getting strength back and my workout endurance was greatly improved.
Month 7-12:
THIS is were my success truly is. I researched, I met with nutritionists, personal trainers, experts in nutrient timing and other people who have had amazing results. I truly embodied a healthy mindset and life style around month 7. I ate better; simplistic meals at first like (chicken, brown rice, veggies) and then built on it and had fun! My favourite thing for breakfast is a chocolate and strawberry protein pancake, with almond butter, sliced bananas and blueberries... OMG so GOOD!
I started working out more seriously; bootcamp, HIIT (frequently found myself face down on the ground), strength training-- I started lifting HEAVY as instructed to burn mega calories. I started eating 6-8x/day. My energy, performance, strength, and mindset has never been better. I can actually sleep now.... I have no more grey hair....
I wish I knew what I know now...... prior to starting.... It would have made my journey SO much easier and take WAY less time. That being said, I had a blast. Met great supportive people. And live the life I always wanted to.
My results in 12 months;
I have lost 90 pounds of fat
I have gained 20 pounds of lean muscle
I have lost 20% +/- body fat
I have lost 45 +/- total inches off my body
I am now;
185 pounds
13-15% body fat
I know this is an emotional roller coaster. I know it's hard-- but all things worth having ARE hard. Think of the life you want, ironclad it in your mind, and CLOSE that gap EVERYDAY. Get angry if you have to, just don;t quit. You'll have low days and high days.... maybe you'll crush a week, step on the scale and see little or no change OR have gained weight..!>>> It doesn't matter. NEVER give up on yourself. The journey is your success, not your end result. Never let anything defeat you. Believe in yourself and you WILL succeed. Period.
Keys to remember;
- sleep 7-8 hours/ night
- to lose weight, you need to eat A LOT ....... NOT LESS
- eat 4-6 meals a day
- eat every 2-4 hours depending on activity level
- workout of 3-4x / week
- make sure to rest a full day between weightlifting
- don't overdue the cardio..... you will not get a 6 pack from running your shoes the the bone.
- balanced lifestyle. Just be conscious about what you consume. Proportion control.
- try to lower or eliminate; dairy, sugars, high sodium, grease, deep fried, fast foods....
- you have to supplement. Our food alone does not contain all the essential nutrients and minerals our body needs. IF you are lifting weights..... it is so important that you have a pre and post shake.
I will be here for anyone who wants motivation, an ear, accountability, or just a fellow friend in the trenches.
Happy Mother's Day.
I have only found this forum today, or else I would have shared my journey/ struggles/ success to help others.
I am 26 years old. I use to be a competitive athlete and frequent gym goer. I needed up putting all my focus and energy into school and climbing the corporate ladder........ in the blink of an eye, 8 years pass by. The pounds kept creeping on, my energy reserve lessoning monthly.... I was in a desperate need of change.
My stress, depression, performance, and life had become seriously affected by how I was living.
I ate 1-2x a day.
I slept 3-5 hours a night.
I worked- sitting down, 10-12 hours a day (including driving)
Things got so BAD>..... I started having migraines, blackout, dizzy spells, fell asleep sitting on the couch, my hair started going white and falling out...... I did;t even want to leave the house outside of working.
1 year ago, I was 275-280 pounds. I had was 35-40% body fat. I was unhealthy, unhappy, and unfulfilled.
I don't know what triggered me, or why.... but 12 months ago I told myself *ENOUGH*. I am committing to get my health back. TO get my health back for me. To take CONTROL of my life. I want energy, I want to feel confident, I want to be happy! Life is short and here I am feeling sorry for myself, and the only one preventing me from living the life I want...... is ME>
Month 1-3:
I started working out again. I started slow. I only did cardio for the first few months. Eating habits did;t change much. I also took no nutritional supplements. I avoided soda's, fast food, etc.... I was eating 2-3x/ day. In 3 months.... running my @ss off, I lost 20 pounds +/-. I knew this was;t sustainable- running 5 days a week.... for me is not sustainable. I tried something new;
Month 4-6:
I started lifting light weights with light cardio. I worked with mainly dumbbells and cables to build a foundation. Speed walking on the treadmill, speed of 3-4, incline of 15 (did wonders for calorie burning). I started eating 3-4x/day. Here I lost another 15 pounds. I started getting strength back and my workout endurance was greatly improved.
Month 7-12:
THIS is were my success truly is. I researched, I met with nutritionists, personal trainers, experts in nutrient timing and other people who have had amazing results. I truly embodied a healthy mindset and life style around month 7. I ate better; simplistic meals at first like (chicken, brown rice, veggies) and then built on it and had fun! My favourite thing for breakfast is a chocolate and strawberry protein pancake, with almond butter, sliced bananas and blueberries... OMG so GOOD!
I started working out more seriously; bootcamp, HIIT (frequently found myself face down on the ground), strength training-- I started lifting HEAVY as instructed to burn mega calories. I started eating 6-8x/day. My energy, performance, strength, and mindset has never been better. I can actually sleep now.... I have no more grey hair....
I wish I knew what I know now...... prior to starting.... It would have made my journey SO much easier and take WAY less time. That being said, I had a blast. Met great supportive people. And live the life I always wanted to.
My results in 12 months;
I have lost 90 pounds of fat
I have gained 20 pounds of lean muscle
I have lost 20% +/- body fat
I have lost 45 +/- total inches off my body
I am now;
185 pounds
13-15% body fat
I know this is an emotional roller coaster. I know it's hard-- but all things worth having ARE hard. Think of the life you want, ironclad it in your mind, and CLOSE that gap EVERYDAY. Get angry if you have to, just don;t quit. You'll have low days and high days.... maybe you'll crush a week, step on the scale and see little or no change OR have gained weight..!>>> It doesn't matter. NEVER give up on yourself. The journey is your success, not your end result. Never let anything defeat you. Believe in yourself and you WILL succeed. Period.
Keys to remember;
- sleep 7-8 hours/ night
- to lose weight, you need to eat A LOT ....... NOT LESS
- eat 4-6 meals a day
- eat every 2-4 hours depending on activity level
- workout of 3-4x / week
- make sure to rest a full day between weightlifting
- don't overdue the cardio..... you will not get a 6 pack from running your shoes the the bone.
- balanced lifestyle. Just be conscious about what you consume. Proportion control.
- try to lower or eliminate; dairy, sugars, high sodium, grease, deep fried, fast foods....
- you have to supplement. Our food alone does not contain all the essential nutrients and minerals our body needs. IF you are lifting weights..... it is so important that you have a pre and post shake.
I will be here for anyone who wants motivation, an ear, accountability, or just a fellow friend in the trenches.
