The start of a healthier Bryan

On Tuesday, I made the decision to start working out. Tonight, on the way back from a meeting, I asked Andy about the diet aspect of it. I’m going to do what he’s been doing for years.

Diet

Eat six meals a day, 2-3 of which are a protein drink/shake. Definitely one shake 30 minutes after a workout. I also need to take multi-vitamins to make up for the lack of vegetables or fruit we probably don’t eat as regularly as we should.

What kind of foods am I looking at?

• 100% whole-wheat bread, tortillas
• Brown rice
• Chicken breasts, strips
• Turkey breast (meat dept, ask for a 1 lb of their meat of the day, not smoked; Jennie-O, honey-baked)
• Egg whites
• Tuna in water (not oil)
• Non-fat mayo
• Potatoes (baked or mashed)

He said I need to get disciplined with the above first, then if I want to add vegetables, that’s fine, too.

For the protein shakes, I can also add stuff to them. Non-fat yogurt, non-fat milk, fruit. Surprisingly, the strawberry-flavored protein mix (that I bought from Andy) mixed simply with water tastes pretty good!

Exercise

I’m putting myself at the will of Andy. He’s got Powerblocks, a treadmill, and an interesting abs routine (with a DVD and weight ball). I’m also joining the local 24 Hour Fitness in case I can’t work out at Andy’s.

Who’s Andy?

Andy read “Body for Life” by Bill Phillips years ago. He followed the 12-week program, and transformed himself. He’s a health enthusiast, and studied a lot about exercising. He doesn’t have a Ph.D or anything, but he’s one of the most physically healthy guys I know. Also, he’s helped his other friend, Dan, get “ripped“. I remember when Dan first started, he wasn’t that strong. Hearing Andy say that means a lot.

The BEGINNING

I don’t know the intricate details. I just know I need to change. I figured writing it here will help reinforce it, and the whole freaking internet will hold me accountable. (Boy, that doesn’t sound scary.) If any of you have been where I am, and can offer suggestions (especially on diet), please leave a comment or send an email.

Thanks for reading – and thanks in advance to Andy! (I hope you aren’t mad that I posted this. I couldn’t help it, I’m stoked about this!)