Charlie started the Take Shape for Life Program, March 28^th, 2009 at 233 lbs. He was heavier than he had ever been, his clothes were tight, and his feet were constantly tired and sore. He liked the TSFL program right from the start because it made things simple, following the 5&1 quick start guide. This is when you eat 5 TSFL meals and 1 “lean and green” meal. He also liked starting the program in the spring because there are lots of farmer’s markets in his area and having a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable choices made meals more interesting. Charlie has also grown to appreciate more simple foods after cutting out fat and sugar. He really enjoyed the medifast soups, chicken and wild rice and beef vegetable in particular, and these were easy options to bring to work.  His favorite bars were chocolate crunch, peanut butter crunch, and fruit and nut. This is because these all had low sugar and kept him fuller for a longer period of time.

In the first 10 week, Charlie lost 40 pounds, followed by another 25 pounds in the next 10 weeks. He then dropped another 3 pounds for a total of 68, which was over his goal. He also lowered his cholesterol tremendously, starting at 240 down to 161 after only one month on the program.

Transitioning off the TSFL program wasn’t very hard, as long as he stuck to the schedule of eating every 3 hours. He found a lot of reasonable snacks to enjoy including nuts and apples and his favorite, red grapefruit. He likes the grapefruit because it takes a long time to eat one, since there is a lot of peeling involved. This snack is perfect for watching TV! Charlie did gain about 8lbs back over the holiday season and being in for all the snow with his children. He said the key to keeping off his weight is to not be surrounded by his kid’s snacks and he is looking forward to warm weather again which means more exercise options and the return of farmer’s markets.

Charlie said his nutritionist played a huge role in his success. They helped him reduce pressures to eat unhealthy food and he learned to ignore other people who encourage him to eat poorly. His nutritionist was most helpful during the transition period, where he was educated on the best choices of foods.

Charlie is still doing great. He recently broke out a suit he bought in 1984 that he hasn’t worn in years because of his weight gain. He would definitely recommend this program and seeing a nutritionist to anyone. “Don’t worry about what are people are doing, we have a very unhealthy society but that doesn’t mean YOU can’t feel good.”

Thanks to Charlie for sharing his story, we are so proud!