Success Stories

By Cathy Cox
Testimonial Manager

There's no denying that Justin's transformation has been incredible, and if you're an eDiets member, you can watch the change as it happens here. But aside from his tremendous physical transformation, what makes Justin even more incredible is his story, one that we can all relate to. We can hear ourselves in everything he has to say, so let's hear it!

Justin joined eDiets in June of 2001 at 208 pounds. He worked hard over the months that followed, and was a super success just over a year later, having lost 47 pounds and weighing in at a tight and lean 161 pounds. Justin looked and felt fantastic, better than he had in ages. End of story right? Wrong.

Enter "Life," Round 2.

Justin and his wife, along with their newborn baby, sold their home and moved in with his in-laws. They were new parents with sleepless nights and no space to call their own, and Justin's workouts began to suffer when the lack of sleep set in. Justin explains as well that his mother-in-law is a fantastic cook, "it's like eating in a fine Italian restaurant every night of the week!" He saw the weight creeping on as this pattern continued, and at one point, after gaining back about 40 of the 47 pounds he had lost, he threw up his hands and said, "screw it, I'm just going to enjoy life now!"

Justin "enjoyed" life all the way back to where he started. Even after he and his wife were able to move out and into a home of their own, he continued to enjoy life right on past his previous high weight and right through to 227 pounds! His turning point came when he spent a long day with some old friends. He mentioned he was "starving," and his buddy remarked off the cuff, "yeah, it really looks like you're starving!" Later that evening, his buddy's girlfriend commented that he could never look like a model they had just seen on television. Justin took that as a challenge, right then and there, and made up his mind to take the weight off again, once and for all.

In January 2007, Justin started back religiously following his meal plan and began to reincorporate exercise into his life. In March of 2007 he attended an eDietsLive event in Atlanta, GA where he met eDiets Chief Fitness Pro, Raphael Calzadilla. He asked Raphael for assistance with a workout, and the two began to work closely together over the next several months.

Justin was tenacious in following his Glycemic Impact meal plan.

We think you'll agree, the results of Justin's consistency and dedication to his goals is absolutely evident, and nothing short of astounding! Since recommitting to his health and taking on the challenge of his friends, Justin has lost an amazing 65 pounds, and even though he currently weighs one pound more than he did the first time around, he's stronger and leaner than ever!

And guess what? Because it can never be easy, in late September 2008, just days after reaching his goal for a second time, Justin's wife gave birth to their second child!

Knowing what he faces, Justin confidently stated, "I didn't work this hard just to get big again! I plan on eating the same as I have been, I feel so much better when I eat the good stuff."

Ultimately, Justin's goals are to maintain his healthy lifestyle, and continue to build strength and add muscle. He plans on beating his personal record on the bench press and go for a 300lb lift!

We asked Justin to offer some advice for those just starting out, or even those who are starting OVER, "You've got to pace yourself and be disciplined. Don't expect it to come off overnight. Stay steady and consistent and it WILL come off."

Can you relate to Justin's story? Life getting in your way too? Have questions on how Justin overcame his excuses and won this battle once and for all? If you're an eDiets member, you can talk to Justin on the Exercise and Fitness or the Men's Room Support Boards, leave him a message in his inbox, or a comment on his Community Profile Page! Justin is happy to help, and we both hope that his story has inspired YOU or someone you know to get started on your journey today.

Whether you are just starting out or life has intervened and you find yourself starting again, eDiets wants to help you to lose your excuses too. We're here for you with all the information, support, and motivation you need to reach and maintain you a whole new you!

Labels: 60-69lbs, glycemic-index-diet, Justin, success-stories

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