Stats
41 years old
Starting Weight: 372 lbs
Current Weight: 328 lbs
Goal Weight: Approximately 250 lbs
Height: 6’ 0”
Born & raised in Northern New Jersey
Education: High School graduate, mechanic and electrical
technical schools and the trucking school of hard knocks.I played high school sports and was in excellent shape throughout my teen years. When I started high school, I was 218lbs with very little body fat.
Once I graduated from high school, I slowly started working out less and began gaining weight. In 1992, I started trucking. That’s when my weight started to really go out of control. I blamed the driving lifestyle on my weight gain; the constant driving with no exercise, the inability to find healthy food in truck stops, and the lack of time to stop and prepare healthy meals. I snacked as a way to try to stay awake, and considered myself a food addict. Eating became more of a hobby than a way to “fuel the body.” I had no control over portions and my health began to suffer. I started taking blood pressure medication by my mid-30’s, developed sleep apnea, and back and knee problems. My weight even became an excuse to avoid hobbies and activities I used to enjoy like swimming, going on vacation and being in certain social situations where I would become self-conscious of my appearance.
I reached my heaviest over the past 3-4 years at 372 lbs. Recently, I had been reading more about the physical fitness part of CVSA 2010. I began to worry about the fact that my weight and overall poor health would keep me from earning a living. Still, I enjoyed eating too much to do anything about it.
I had known Richie and his family through the trucking business for almost 20 years. I had always admired Richie’s discipline and ability to stay so physically fit as a truck driver. He consistently encouraged me to try to lose weight. He reinforced the idea that I could do it, that I wouldn’t go hungry or feel deprived, and that it really is possible to eat right and drive. One night, while talking on the phone, he gave me a sample daily diet, and something triggered me to start it the very next day. That was mid-July 2011, and it is now only 3 months later, and I have lost 50 pounds. I noticed results immediately. Richie was absolutely right. I’ve never felt hungry or deprived and have found good substitutes to curb my junk food cravings.
Although I’m only 50% there, I feel like a new man. I am much more
physically active. I’m starting to enjoying my life more now than I have in years. With the encouragement of my wife and Richie, I know I can reach my goal and stay healthy into my old age. More updates to come!