Three years later, my story is finally told.

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog and I'm not sure anyone reads it any more. However, I have some news to share. My story, has finally been shared with the nation. As many around me know, and have read on this blog, I lost 100lbs three years ago and changed my life forever. Over the years, I motivated my friends and family to do the same, and helped many accomplish their fitness goals.

As with every story, mine faded over time. And with hardships I've encountered in the last year, it's been tough to maintain the same passion I once had. Leading to some over eating and lack of emotional energy to incorporate a fitness routine. 

However, a couple of years ago, I met an amazing woman who in time would become a very dear friend of mine. She works for Kaiser Permanente and has been working on a company wide initiative to share care stories about members who have overcome adversity in health. During one of our daily conversations about our day, I shared my journey with her. Through tears and after 2 hours, she was inspired to share my story.

So, without further ado, here it is:

http://www.kaiserpermanentecarestories.org/with-heredity-pointing-to-heart-disease-jorge-hernadez-changes-his-lifestyle/

Special thanks to all my friends and family who supported me during this time. And Amy for being supportive and helping me rekindle this initiative in my life.

- Jorge

Day 1 & 2

Things are going well so far.  Everyone knows their body well enough to notice changes and in day 2, I already can see a change in my face which is the first place all my fat goes to!  This is what I've done so far:

Eating Habits


I've gone back to my low Glycemic Index (low sugar, low carb) eating habits so I'm eating lots of veggies, protein and cutting back my sugar to diabetic levels.  A sample of my meals include:

Pre Breakfast - 2oz of organic grape juice
Breakfast - 2 egg whites with vegetables and 3 slices of turkey bacon or turkey slices and 2oz of fruit
Snack 1 - assorted nuts or trail mix
Lunch - simple salad, no dressing w/ 3oz diced grilled chicken
Snack  2 - Turkey Jerkey or Fruit
Dinner - 3 oz lean meat or chicken, salad, steamed jasmine rice or veggies
Late Snack - 1cup of cheerios with skim milk or 2 sugar free popsicles

If you are not used to eating this kind of food, your body might feel off for a day or two, but eating this often keeps your stomach full and you avoid over eating at core meals.

Workouts


As soon as I woke up, I did a 20 minute cardio workout such as what I posted yesterday from youtube.  Here is what I did the rest of the day:

Mid morning: Office pushups and tricep extensions on my chair
Lunch: 30 minute stationary bike
After work: Resistance Band full body
Late night: Dumbbell chest workout

Every day I intend to do a morning cardio session as well as a lunch time cardio session while training different body parts every day with home weights.  I'm also incorporating 3 gym sessions to the week where I'll focus on Circuit Training to get my body moving and my metabolism up.

So far, I feel great. I woke up this morning feeling lighter and was able to sleep better last night.  I know 2 days isn't a lot of time to shout victory, but as I mentioned, everyone knows their own body best.  You will know when things are working and as of today, this is working for me.  One of my biggest challenge was my work from home day today when I usually enjoy a happy hour with wings at the end of the work day.  Today, I was able to push through that and instead incorporate a solid workout and a nice wholesome meal.  Next two challenges will be a day off on Friday and of course, the dreaded weekend (see: Weekend Weakness)

I'll keep you all posted in a few days and let you know how things progress.

Until Then,

J