Losing Weight is Hard Work–Seeking Help Makes it Easier
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Chico Montenegro
I was athletic as a kid, even though I was overweight. In little league baseball I hit the ball far, so it didn’t matter how long it took me to run the bases. I was good at both basketball and volleyball in middle school in spite of being overweight. My career goal was to put my physical prowess to use, and perhaps become a police officer.
Chico Montenegro with Ginny Jolly, owner, GNC Glen Ellyn and Bartlett
In high school when my weight ballooned to nearly 300 lbs, I still didn’t recognize I had a problem. I was a popular kid with many friends.
Following high school graduation, though, I entered the exclusive class of the morbidly obese. I weighed 380 lbs at age 22. It was time for a dramatic change. I made up my mind to get my health back.
With support from my family, I left my high-stress job to help combat the depression that was overtaking me. That was probably the best decision I ever made. The second best was going to see Ginny Jolly at GNC. Ginny helped me get on track in my goal to get my health back. She introduced me to the NDS product line. I began taking Censor and Intensify along with a Mega Man multivitamin.
At 380 lbs and with a previously dislocated knee, it was impossible for me to work out efficiently or effectively. For me, supplements made sense to jump start my weight loss program. In three months, I managed to lose more than 40 lbs, and gained energy to get back to the gym.
There’s no magic pill that melts fat away. It’s just hard work. The supplements in the program helped me in three ways. They 1) Boosted my energy level; 2) Controlled my appetite; 3) Helped burn maximum calories.
After 6 months, I had lost 70 lbs. Ginny recommended additional protein shakes to help me work through fatigue that was settling in. The new supplements and Amplify XL Double Chocolate Explosion rejuvenated my program by helping build lean muscle and by speeding up recovery time after tough workouts.
My first goal to lose 100 lbs. was met in March, 2009. By September, I had lost 150 lbs and was enjoying running, lifting weights, yoga, swimming, playing basketball and more. I’ve run my first 8K race, and am looking forward to longer distances. I’m currently working at GNC and sharing my story with others who want to turn their lives around and get healthy.
Transforming my body has given me the confidence to achieve anything. I’m planning to move into a career that makes use of the fitness I’ve accomplished. I hope my story will inspire others who think their goal is unattainable. With the right support and determination, anyone can change their life.
Tags:Health & Fitness
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