Welcome back to the channel, everyone. Admittedly, this is a strange video for me. Typically, we focus on muscle cars, Dodge performance, and high-horsepower machines. However, today is different. I am shifting gears to talk about a vital component of the automotive lifestyle. Specifically, that component is the driver. Recently, I decided to live up to the “Motivator” in my screen name. Therefore, I am sharing a personal accomplishment. Over the last three months, I have successfully managed to lose significant weight.
It was time for a change. About three months ago, I posted a video regarding the Prius and its new wheels. In that footage, I was significantly heavier than I am today. Frankly, that was not good. I told you then that I would straighten my life out. Consequently, I have been hitting the gym every single day. The camera adds ten pounds, they say. Regardless, I am on it now. Eventually, I found an accountability partner. We are getting back into fighting shape. Therefore, I want you to hold me accountable in the comments as this transformation continues.
The Wake-Up Call and the Reality Check
I simply got tired of being tired. Getting older kind of sucks. Furthermore, being sedentary was taking a toll. I had always been in really great shape previously. However, life eventually got a hold of us. You get married, have kids, and priorities shift. In the end, I just let things go. As a result, I got out of shape. I reached a weight of roughly 198 pounds. That was on a good day, first thing in the morning. In reality, at the doctor’s office, I weighed definitely over 200 pounds. That is unreal.
I had to get a handle on the situation immediately. Otherwise, it was not going to stop. I would have ended up at 210, 220, or even 230 pounds. Lord knows I did not want to end up on a reality TV show about weight. Something had to give. Finally, it did. The change happened when I got inside my own head. I decided I would no longer live this way. I am done fighting to get into my clothes every day. Additionally, I am done getting winded just walking up the stairs.
There is also a protective element to this. My daughter is dating now. I want to be physically capable if I ever need to tackle a boy. I am kidding, of course. However, it is a dad’s duty to be strong. Walking to my car in the mornings, I felt completely out of shape. Men in their early to mid-50s often face sudden health issues. For example, heart attacks and strokes become real threats. I have a lot to live for, including my family, my friends, and my cool cars. I did not want to disappear from this channel suddenly.
Tracking the Progress on the Scale
This journey began around September 11th. It has now been a little over three months. Since that Prius video, the results are undeniable. I am down from that 200-pound mark to 188 pounds. The weight is rapidly descending. This is beautiful news. Moreover, I made it through Thanksgiving without gaining weight. I also plan to navigate Christmas just as successfully. Occasionally, I fluctuate a pound or two. However, the trajectory is consistently downward.
Currently, clothes are fitting me much better. I feel phenomenal. My goal is to lose another 12 or 13 pounds. I do not want to get too thin, however. Losing too much weight at my age can make you look older. Therefore, I am targeting a solid 180 or 175 pounds. I want to avoid looking frail. Ultimately, avoiding being out of shape is the priority.
The Training Regimen
I am taking you along to the gym. Admittedly, this might seem weird for a car channel. However, I want to show you exactly how I am doing it. I perform a balanced workout. For example, today I focused on my upper body. Tomorrow, I will likely switch to legs. Notably, I did not hire a trainer for this. Back in the day, I learned these principles myself. I understand how this works.
Diet is critical. You could technically lose weight without the gym by managing calories. However, I want to be strong. My approach is simple. First, I perform about 40 minutes of weight training. Afterward, I hit the elliptical for 20 to 30 minutes. This burns tons of calories. I keep the total workout under one hour. This fits perfectly into my busy schedule. If I skip a week, I pay for it later. Therefore, consistency is key.
Supplements play a small role too. I take about 5 milligrams of creatine daily. Additionally, I ensure I get protein before and after the workout. I aim for at least 40 grams of protein within an hour of leaving the gym. I park my Dodge Challenger outside, get the work done, and get out.
Fueling the Machine: The Diet Plan
Let’s talk about food intake. I keep my daily intake under 1,500 calories. This creates a calorie deficit. I do not do zero carbs. That is unsustainable. Instead, I simply manage calories in versus calories out. Every morning, I consume about 400 calories. I love the Chick-fil-A Egg White Grill sandwich. It has egg whites, grilled chicken, and an English muffin. It is only about 300 to 350 calories. Sometimes, I add bacon for extra protein.
For lunch and dinner, I rely on Factor meals. I am not sponsored by them. Actually, it was my wife’s idea. These meals help me stay in check. I grew up in the “Clean the Plate Club.” We did not waste food. Therefore, portion control is essential. Factor pre-portions these meals. For instance, the caramelized onion gourmet burger is 570 calories. It has 32 grams of protein. Another option, the cowboy burger, is only 530 calories.
When I am on the road for business, I make smart choices. For example, I order grilled chicken or fish with no butter. Specifically, I skip the sauces. I never eat potatoes or French fries. Consequently, I avoid that junk entirely. By sticking to these rules, I remain in a deficit. I drink tons of water. I take my vitamins. Also, I walk as much as possible by parking further away.
Looking at the Road Ahead
In total, I am down roughly 14 pounds. That is a lot of weight to carry around. I feel much better. Everything comes easier when you are lighter. I know this was not a typical car video. Admittedly, it is not the content you usually tune in for. However, many of us fight this weight battle as we age. It is not fun. It speeds up misery. I simply do not want to be miserable anymore.
If this helps you, then it was worth posting. Maybe someone out there will be inspired to start their own journey. Hold me accountable. If you see me puffing up in future car reviews, tell me to stick to the diet. I want to be here for the long haul. Thanks for your support.
