
Seeing famous people who have successfully made positive changes in their body shape, and overall health, provide a great motivator to everyone that real changes are possible if you are dedicated to the process, and find a way to stay motivated. Case in point? The Reverend Al Sharpton. For many years, Reverend Sharpton struggled with his weight which topped out at 300 pounds. He had trouble forming words during speeches, and keeping up with his grueling speaking/appearance schedule.
Rev. Sharpton realized after losing weight while he was jailed for protesting a Navy bombing exercise in early 2001 that he felt better having lost the weight. When he was released, he gained the weight back. After his daughters pleaded with him to make a change for his health and long-term longevity, he gave up meat and only occasionally ate fish. He began working out with a personal trainer to give him guidance and supervise his health during exercise. In 6 months, he lost 15 pounds, and 6% of his body fat.
In the last decade, with advice from physical trainers and inspiration from friends and family, Sharpton has managed to lose more than 85 pounds. He is strict about his diet, including refusing invitations from the White House to avoid temptation and stay with his desired eating plan.
At 57 years old, he works out at a gym 1 hour per day, 7 days per week. "You live seven days a week, that means you should exercise seven days a week," he shares in an article in the Wall Street Journal. He not only stays vigil about workouts at home, but he makes sure that when he travels, the hotel’s that he stays in have a gym.
Rev. Sharpton has declared that the hardest part of the weight loss process was in overcoming his cravings. “Once you give things like starches and fried foods up, you find you won’t be tempted by them anymore. You forget them”
Check out the video of Sharpton in action below
http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/the-al-sharpton-diet-will-rock-your-body
Whether you respect Rev. Sharpton for his politics or not, you must admire his determination and his transformation to a healthy body shape and long-term health
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7366926n
Monday 02/27/12 Workout Diary:
Weight train- biceps /shoulders
Bicep Curl-15lb
Kettle bell arm extension- 8lb bell
Concentrated biceps curl, seated on weight bench-20lb.
Straight arm shoulder raises (8 lb)
Bicep extension (arms facing out slightly to the sides) 1 tube
Arnolds -12lb
Bicep Row- 15 lb bar
Monday 02/27/12- Eating Diary:
Breakfast-
1 portion of Kashi Berry Crunch cereal, non-fat milk (210cal.)
2 small cutie oranges (55cal.)
A.M. Snack -
1 tbls almond butter (95 cal)
1 cup celery (36cal)
Whey protein shake (125cal)
Lunch-
4oz chicken (187cal.) Baked
1/2 cup butternut squash, roasted (35 cal.)
2 cups raw organic spinach, wilted. Sprinkled with slivered home-roasted no-salt almonds (90cal.)
1 sweet potato, sprinkle if cinnamon, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (120cal.)
P.M. Snack-
3 tbls garlic hummus, 4 whole wheat crackers (lavosh) (191cal)
Dinner-
6 oz Mahi Mahi- pan seared with butter flavored non-stick spray, spices, squeeze of Meyer lemon over (135 cal.)
1 cup Zucchini, onions, garlic, 1/2 tsp EVOO (80 cal.)
1 cup brochollini 70 cal.)
2 oz wild rice/brown rice mixed (150 cal)
Dessert-
1/2 mixed berries over low fat vanilla yogurt ice cream (140cal.)
TOTAL CALORIES- 1724