My Monumental Makeover

 

For my monumental makeover, I decided that it was time for me to practice what I preach and start walking the walk...

In a nut shelI, I spent 3 months watching the “Regis and Kelly” staff get in shape and while they were losing weight, I was gaining.  UGH.  I even convinced my  “R&K” producer, Mariann Sabol that I was on the same journey, but behind closed doors, I was constantly shoveling fries, sodas and muffins in my face.  Needless to say, I was going through a little funk and needed my food to fill the funky void.  (who doesn’t LOVE their french fries  and sweets while in a funk?  I do!!)

Well, the staff had lost their weight (Mariann looked great) and I had gained mine.  YIKES.  The breaking / turning point for me was when my doctor weighed me for my yearly checkup.  My ego was telling me that I had gained a few pounds, but my ego was obviously on hiatus....HELLO!

Drum roll please!  I got on the scale, took a deep breath, closed my eyes and waited for the dreadful news.  What seemed like an eternity, my doctor finally revealed the devastating news:  I had reached my all time fashion high of 225lbs. of fashionable fat.  HUH.  Now, the reality is that 225lbs. at 6’2” isn’t that bad, but the problem was that my body had no definition and I was very, very soft.  A stylish SQUISH  if you will.  So, I decided to have one last meal (fries included) and the next morning, embark on MY  “monumental makeover” journey.

My producer, Mariann had given me the dates for our makeovers which in turn gave me exactly 2 months,  to turn my life / body around and get healthy.  So, my game was on...

First step?  Join a gym!!  Due to the fact that I live in Los Angeles, I chose EQUINOX Spa and Fitness, up on Sunset Plaza.  The gym is new and the location was perfect.  What I love about this facility is that it has everything I need including state of the art machines, spinning and abs classes, pilates and yoga, and even a full service beauty spa.  LOVE THAT.

Once I joined the gym, I made a huge decision and invested in a personal trainer.  If I was going to get healthy, I wanted to do it the right way.  The gym had made a few recommendations, and after a few conversations with several trainers, I chose Christopher Georgalas.  He’s an east coast trainer with an awesome  attitude, strong work ethic and an amazing ear.  He listens, which is key, for me.  For our first session we talked quite a bit, getting to know each other and then I told him about my 2 month goal.   Together, we then created the perfect game plan, suited for me, my schedule and my body.

The first few weeks consisted of getting my body reacquainted with the gym again.  OUCH.  Our second phase was for me to start lifting heavy weights to gain more size, while incorporating major cardio and drastically changing my eating habits.  Chris told me that I could work out day and night, but if i didn’t change my eating habits, I would never achieve my goals. He said that diet WAS 70% of the plan and nothing else would matter unless I made some changes.  My third phase of training was focused on core training and sculpting.

In regards to food, I’m so busy, “making over America” cooking seemed impossible!  What to do, what do do?  So, I did a little research and stumbled across a food delivery system called, “SUNFARE”.  What they do is deliver a daily container filled with my food for the day, custom made just for me and my dietary needs.  The concept is genius.  John Stewart, from Sunfare came to my home and guided me through the food, the assortment of choices and broke down a weeks worth of meals.  Due to the fact that I wanted to lose weight, he told me to eat 3 meals a day PLUS 3 small snacks, to keep my metabolism moving.  I also wanted to add some size to my muscles so he added more protein, too.  Truth be told, I was a little apprehensive at first but after day 2, I was completely sold.  Not only was the food absolutely delicious, but I was also learning about food portions / combinations and exactly what to eat.  YUM.

So, my GAME WAS ON.  I hit the gym 5-6 days a week, followed my trainer religiously and incorporated major cardio with my workouts and ate healthy (with one cheat day, too.  HELLO FRIES!).

Exactly 2 months later, I’ve lost over 25lbs., 3 inches off of my waist, 7 % of my body fat and feel better that I have in a very long time.  I can now show my face at “R&K, with my head held up high and proud.

If I can do it, anyone can.  If anything, it’s all about feeling “better” and most of all, being healthy.  Working out makes me feel better about myself and when I feel better about myself, the world is a better place, too.

Personally, I want to thank my dedicated trainer and new friend, Christopher Georgalas for his hard work and dedication.  YOU ROCK.  I also want to thank Nick Parisian for being my fill-in trainer while Chris was out of town.

For more information on Equinox shape your way to www.equinoxfitness.com

For more information on Sunfare and their absolutely delicious food delivery system, go to www.sunfare.com

One final note...  I truly believe that beauty does come from within.  We are all so blessed.  LOVE who you are and be grateful for what you have, because we truly do HAVE SO MUCH.

With love,

LZ 

Comments

[Don T.]

Hey Congratulations....You looked Great Before, Now you look Absolutely Fabulous!
One Hot Dude!

[RobertM]

Awesome! What a great article. But c'mon -- are those photos really 2 mos. apart? If so, then... darn, there go all my/our whiny excuses! What an inspiration to so many guys who have been in a funk but can't imagine the time/effort to change course. Yes, we really do have SO MUCH here. Comparing ourselves to others can lead to envy and despair. But when we realize how much God's given us -- and what we can afford to GIVE -- it's invigorating. Keep going, Lawrence! God bless.

[Catherine]

you look GREAT!!
hey there hottie!!

[peggy h.]

Kelly, I just love your dress. As soon as I saw you I thought of a dress I had back in the late 60's when I was a preteen!
Then you mentioned the Partridge Fam. and I laughed knowing exactly what you meant!
Everything has a way of coming back in style!!

[redsnapper118]

Hey man,
You look great. Congratulations. I've never had the weight gain problem, so really the only thing I want is to show some ribs, like you have. I watch my diet, do stomach crunches religiously - almost daily. Any suggestions to an ab exercise that's easy on the back? I have lower back pain often, as many dudes often do. - Peter/from Galveston