Chuckie's Extreme MASSIVEMeltdown :: Weight Loss Blog

Canadian Thanksgiving

Hey Folks...I'm alive. which is good. Been a pretty stressful few months on the home front. Work has been busy. My health has been super though. I've been hitting the gym every day, as usual. I've somewhat plateaued, however, i'm happy where I'm at. I'm looking to focus more on building a tight core. I've been writing away and have been pitching to different publishers - talk about stress - lol. Anyhow, exciting things will be happening and I'll be happy to share them with you as they happen.

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving, which means TURKEY and PUMPKIN PIE. I have to admit, I have a weak spot for pumpkin pie. I will devour a tasting this afternoon, after my multicultural thanksgiving dinner which will comprise of ravioli and turkey with stuffing. We're having a low key family dinner.

I'm going to be taking some time off in the very near future to detox from the stress and focus on finishing the book. I'm thinking LA or some where hotter than here - which is any where!

Now that the christmas season is fast approaching, folks are making their new year's resolutions. The number one resolution of course, as you know, is to lose weight and it's amazing the amount of emails I get from from folks asking me what the secrets are. My response - just do it. In fact, start now so that by January you'll be well on your way and failure to succeed won't even be an issue.

I'm off to the gym now...I will be inserting more journals soon.. promise. Drop me a line and lets chat!

Cheers
C.

August 22, 2008

Folks...I can't believe the summer is almost over. What a wet one we've had up in Toronto. I'm currently sitting in the lobby of the Sheraton in Arlington Virginia. At a conference for work. Just had a buffet lunch, which is not my usual fair, however, it hit the spot. Long gone are the days of buffet overdose. Totally different pespective on things now, I just can't believe how I use to think around buffets.

I've had a good summer. Been extremely busy with work and writing my book. I've taken a new angle on my writing. I can't wait for it to come out so I can share it with you all. Life at home has been eventful to say the least. I'm coping with whatever comes my way. I have no other choice but to face the music head on. Albeit being difficult at times, I'm pretty strong and I'm not going to let anything get me down.

I've been hittng the gym regualrly and enjoying the outdoors, whenever the sun peeks out. I'm still at the same weight, although I've been struggling to shed the last 10 pounds now for the past 6 months. I suppose my body is happy with where I am at the moment. I've been keeping up with my vitamins and have been having more protein lately. Still eating my lean cuts of meat and lots of veggies. Drinking galloons of water a day...lol.

I want to write a more detailed entry, but I'm being called to go into a seminar room. Please email me if you'd like to talk. Email me to let me know how you're doing.

Take care my friend.

Charles

May 29, 2008

May is almost over! Where has the time gone? I've been absorded in my writing headspace these past few weeks. I have my proposal complete and edited. My agent is busy working for me. Stay tuned.

I've been keeping with going to the gym and eating healthy, as you all well know. It's been extremely busy at work and we have moved our offices - so I've been getting alot of activity in at work. I've been enjoying early morning jogs out in Brooklin, now that the nice weather is here, mind you - yesterday was a bit chilly.

I've noticed the use of the gym has gone down tremendously this past week. I suppose it has to do in large part  to the nice weather. For some reason though I feel more satisifed when I go to the gym, rather than outdoor stuff. Don't get me wrong, I love both outdoor and gym stuff, but I guess it's cuz when I'm working out at the gym, there are others there and that I'm in my zone, as well the machines tell me exactly how many calories I'm burning etc. I suppose I can grab a device for that and throw it around my arm. I had this conversation with a couple of guys at the gym last night and they were saying that coming to the gym "motivates" them...it also gives them "space" and time away from the family.

I've been eating quite well lately and drinking crazy amounts of water. I've tried cutting back on my coffee intake, as I was starting to feel groggy come lunch time.

Vitamins and supplements - fish oils and green tea extract and my multivitamin. I've been eating my protein lately and not resorting to the protein shakes. I've gone through tonnes of tuna and turkey breast.

I'm going to keep this entry short as I have a meeting in 10 mins..I want to put a call out there to anyone who wants to join me in walking, now that the nice weather is here. Let me know. Also, if any of you are interested in taking a Boot Camp type program and lose weight, I know of a reputable program offered in Toronto, let me know too. I'm thinking of joining it.

Take care my friends
Charles

April 21, 2008

Hey folks...sorry it's been a while since my last entry. I've been extremely busy. I actually do keep hand written journals, so I have been "documenting"...just haven't logged in here for a while. I've been focusing on my writing (for my book) these past few weeks. I'm very pleased with the way it's coming along. You folks are going to love it I'm sure...well, I hope you do! This week I need to decide who my collaborators will be. I'm meeting with my potential editor and my Literary Agent this week to nail down dates and process etc. This is quite exciting and a whole new world for me. Mind you, it's been very emotionally draining rereading and writing chapters with past "dark days" journals. At times I've just had to stop due to being overwhelmed with emotion. It's finally clicked in me how far I've actually come and how my thoughts are so different. Amazing I must say. I'm grateful I've kept journals. If you don't already write journals, I reccommend you do so - they catch your emotions and thoughts..things you can use to help you get to your goals. I often sift through my journals when I am having a horrible day and want to relive a good day. This really does work, trust me.

I had a very bad fall at the gym Thursday night. The stairmaster attacked me and knocked me to the floor - embarrassing I must say. I totally screwed up my knee. The pain has subsided, but when I use any cardio equipment it starts over again - it's liveable though. If it persists I will see my doctor tomorow. I'm just worried he's going to tell me I can't go to the gym...imagine that??? Jody will probably tell me to rest as well. If that's what it takes to get it back, I'm sure I can live without going I suppose.

The weather is beautiful!!! Last week we had snowbanks...this week I was wearing shorts! Yes, SHORTS! I felt like I was in LA today. Did some spring wardrobe cleaning today. I'm afraid I'm going to have to spend more money now on summer clothing. I've dropped a couple of sizes since last summer and  shorts and shirts are quite loose...I was a large and I don't know if Medium will fit...guess I'll find out when I go shopping. It's amazing what the weight trainng has done to my body.

I got a hair cut today - not pleased at all...I went to one of those large chain places and I'd swear the woman finished my hair in 3 minutes...talk about a rush job! I literally hadn't had time to finish my welcome sentence...lol. Probably going to go to my regular old man barber tomorrow at lunch to get a touch up. He laughs when I resort to going to him for that...damn guy charges me full price too! I'm seriously contemplating shaving my head again, but I don't know if I can live with myself..will bring back alot of old memories...mmmm...how about I dye it? Nah...not me...well one thing I will be doing in the coming weeks as the weather gets wamer is get rid of my goatee...feels weird in the hot weather and I'm prone to acne as well, so off it'll come...I'll look 15 again!

Food wise I've been on target lately...been eating lotta salads and protein...have finally figured out how to make whole wheat pasta and not make it stick! My dad taught me to wash the pasta in cold water after it's boiled...cuz the sauce is hot, it doesn't matter if the pasta is washed with cold water...nice tip he gave me. He was making bread this afternoon...amazing how it comes out..I've converted him into a whole wheat kinda guy...he makes his italian bread in "whole wheat"...sweet man. He suprises me immensely how positive he is and how much energy he can find in himself...the poor man has been living in stage 4 of prostate cancer for the past year. My heart goes out to him. He's a perfct example of a person who loves life and lives every day as full as possible. I am soooo going to miss him when he is gone..HOWEVER, we're living in the present day so there is no need to think about what tomorrow brings...with him and my mother we live in the NOW. I just wish his energy and positive attitude would rub into my mother. She's another story.

I took out my bike this morning...my new bike. Had to blow up the tires and give it  a once over before riding it...it took me a whole 2 minutes - lol! I took it to Heber Downs ( a huge conservation area around the corner from me)...it was awesome!!! I bonded with nature and mud.

Gym wise...I've been going religiously...well..it's actually part of my life now...been focusing alot on cardio and ball training...tightenng up my core...feels great not having to suck in my stomach when wearing t-shirts.

Vitamin/Supplement wise - great as usual...haven't been taking my fish oils for the past week as i have run out and need to do a health food store run tomorrow...I've been downing water like there is no tomorrow- helps clear my skin.

Alright...gotta go to bed...long day a head of me. This week i'm doing AM work outs...now that the days are longer i like to get the workout out of the way and enjoy my evenings (going bike riding or rollerblading)...well, actually in over the next 3 months I'll be writing like a madman and editing.

Ok folks...gotta go...take care!

C.

Oh..if you want to join me for a sunday walk out here in whitby - holler!! Laurie and I went this morning and it was great! Couldn't walk too fast due to the knee - but Laurie, I promise, next week we'll up it a notch!

March 30, 2008

The sun is finally shining and I'm starting to hear the birds! Went for a nice walk this evening and am starting to realize living out here in the "country" is pretty good - sorta. I do miss my late night Toronto walks, talking to the homeless and avoiding eye contact with the hookers though. It was a tad windy up here, but tolerable. I walked my neighborhood for about an hour and a half. I noticed other folks walking out there which is awesome. And ya know, people up here in Brooklin say hi! Imagine that.

Had a very busy week at work. Went to the gym every day except yesterday (Saturday). Been doing my low carb thing this week again and have broken out in zits as usual. My neck is totally zitted. I went to go shave yesterday and OUCH!! so, as my neice nicely put it - "looks like I have hickies all over my neck". Anyhow, I think I'll go for a tan tomorrow and zap these little criters.

I'm prepping for the stair climb which happens in 3 weeks. I worked out with Laurie this morning - good job Laurie!! I'm determined to make the climb in 19 minutes. I'm doing some promo thing for the WWf next Moday which I will tell you all about. I'm putting pressure on myself once again...but ya know, I love the challenge and it's what invigorates me.

Vitamin wise - normal...water in take - awesome! Up to 12 bottles a day. I've been skipping rope at the gym lately - OMG!! If you want a good workout, pickup a rope at Walmart for $5 and use it for 30 minutes. Total body workout. It's funny how my forearms hurt more than anything else. One would think your legs would hurt..I love it..I sweat lke crazy. Then after my rope I do the stairmaster for 45 minutes..totally getting ready for the 19th!

Ok..keeping this short tonight as I'm tired as could be..did alot of writing this week. Can't wait for you all to read my book when i finally get it out there.

Take care my friends..and get out there for a walk!! email me if you are in Toronto or Durham...we can plan a walk.

Cheers
C.

March 25

Happy Belated Easter All! I survived another holiday - lol. I just had a quarter of an easter bunny..that's it!! Didn't crave for more, which is unlike me because I'm a big chocolate lover. We had anice carb heavy dinner accompanied by some light dessert! Actually, I'm a pretty selective eater and naturally ate well. I'm at the point where it really isn't a big issue anymore. Ican have all the food in the world in front of me. Ijust eatwhat I can and everything in moderation.

I've been drinking unfiltered fresh apple juice lately - wow - works wonders for the liver. I picked up a liver detox recipe off line and it said to drink pure fresh squeezed apple juice, along side some other cocktail taht involves too much work. Can you believe I can taste my food better? Really weird.

Been going to the gym regularly and meeting Jody, but with the holidays we have'nt been meeting as much as usual. We're going to pick up the pace this week. I'm focusing alot of my energy on cardio on the eliptical and treadmill...really ned to flatten this tummy that has developed as a result of all my mid-section work outs. the weird thing is that I'velost yet another inch from my waist, but my tummy feels bigger - I think it's in my mind...I have alot of breathing room in my jeans, precisely where I need it!

Something really weird happened to me this morning. I said earlier that the Easter season hasn't really bothered me and that I survived it, right? this morning I filled up my tank with gas and on my way out of the parking lot I decided to go to Tim Hortins to get a coffee...there is a timmy's on every frickn corner out here! go figure, when I use to live and breath timmys there were only  locations out here! anyhow, I ordered my coffee (black) and suddenly this voice over came me and ordered 20 sour cream timbits. Ifelt like I ws being possessed by the devil, or in this case it was probably the Easter Bunny punishing me for not contributing to the traditions! There I was, with coffee and timbits in had. I kicked myself for doing something so stupid! So, I drove an hour with an unopened boxof timbits next to me..got to Toronto and gave them to the kind homeless man who held the door of the pearking lot for me. I can't believe I actually ordered timbits..not that they are bad or anything...but it's just somehting I USE to do and it creeped back in. the good thing was that I was able to resist temptation...mmm.I fell like Adam and Eve now!

I've been taking my supplements as usual..The Siberian ginseng is really helping me with my stress. The green tea pills are working as well. I haven't been taking many fish oils lately as I have run out. Protein - I'm getting enough of that in the form of tuna.

And of course...LOTS and LOTS of water!

I had a hot rock massage last week - OMG!!! Ithurt at first, but then was very relaxing. Mind you folks, I'm bruised as hell today, but I feel great...I've also broken out in zits yet again!

OK - busy day ahead of me tomorrow..meeting with a book guy - wish me luck!

Take care

C.

Here's me last night.

March 17, 2008

Hey All...nice weather today, finally - not as cold out and the sun is shining. This week marks the first day of spring. Ya know what that means? Get your running shoes out and tie'm up! I've been having a good streak lately with my weight loss and muscle building. I have managed to lose 3 lbs. last week and I'm starting to notice that I'm toning up quite nicely. I suppose my sit ups/weight/ball exercise is working. I've been extrmemly busy setting up timelines for my book. I've given myself 6 weeks to wrap it up and "test" all of the strategies, recipes and exercises. Trust me folks, you are going to love it! I'm hoping to get it out there by the end of summer. I'm in the process of conducting interviews and gathering inspirational quotes. I also have a few proposals out there to some big named folks. I will talk more about it as I get closer to my delivery date.

I'm thining about doing the WWF CN Tower Stair Climb next month. If you're in Toronto and are interested in joining me, let me know. It is the second weekend of April. This is another thing to work towards and get in shape. the stair climb isn't really that difficult, trust me.

This coming weekend is Easter. I'm a chocaholic! I can live on chocolate...but I choose not to. the past 4 Easters have been good. I don't depribe myself of what I like, I just don't have 10 binnues, just half an ear! We're planning a family dinner on Sunday and have the usual fair.

Alrighty...going to keep this short, as I have a crap load of things to do in the office today.

Take care
Chuckie

March 10, 2008

Howdy All!

Sorry I have not communicated lately. It's been a zoo in my life. I've been in bed for the past week and ahlf nursing a really bad flu. I'm finally up and yes, I will be heading to the gym tonight! I haven't been in a week and feel like shit, but I'm not off the wagon by any means. Weight wise, I've been doing well. I'm still training with Jody and feel good about that. We shot some promo shots last week for a few articels that I will be writing. And besides, I think it was time I took a picture with my trainer extraordinaire.

Since Phil's show aired last month I've been getting endless accolades. I'd like to thank you all for your kind words. This is only the beginning of some pretty cool things to come. I'm working full force on my book and will have some exciting news to report shortly.

I've been keeping up on my water intake. I've started drinking a tad more press pressed apple juice. I feel it does me wonders.

I'm still taking my multivitamin, green tea extract, fish oils and protein daily. I've actually been having a tad more tuna and not taking as much of the powder protein.

Exercise wise - excellent,with the exception of this past week. I've been doing ab work like no tomorrow, which is starting to payoff, however, I'm still kinda concerned about my "pertruding" belly...though many do not notice. Apparently my ab muscles are pushing out the extra left over fat - yep, I'll buy that. The solution is to up my cadio, which is precisely what I'm doing. I've also started taking Siberian Ginseng for stress. Stress isn't good for fat, so I figured if I take something to combat it, it may help. So far it's only been a week and I haven't seen much of a difference, though my belly is a tad smaller and tighter (that may have to to with the fact I was sick as well!).

Work has been very busy for me lately, which is good, but I do make time for the gym - that's my top priority.  the weather has been crappy up here in the north lately. We've been getting bombarded with snow - oh how I miss LA!!!!

Alright, enough from me for now...would love to hear from some of you too. Write me, will ya?? Stay tuned for some more updates to my success stories. I have met a wonderful lady who's story I will be sharing with you all on my home page. Oh, if you're on Facebook, drop me a line!

Take care and keep on moving!

Charles

This is a pic of me and Jody!

Feb 12 - Day 195

Folks...i'm back! LA was awesome, despite the rain, I stil managed to chill and enjoy myself. I did tons and tons of walking. I would hike the Runyan Canyon every morning for a couple of hours. It was kinda muddy, but all was cool - just wore extra socks. Well, the Dr. Phill 1000th Episode aired yesterday and 1001 aired today. I was fortuante to appear on the same day as Oprah. What a show it was. Now I can talk about it!! It was a dream come true seeing Oprah, I have to admit, but Oprah was one of my role models growing up...I'm talking the heavy Oprah. I use to say to myself, "wow, people are listening to her." Just because someone is fat doesn't mean they should be shut out..I totally respect that woman for breaking down barriers and changing the way we watch tv. It was a delight listening to her and Phil talk for about an hour. There was some major editing done...the end result of me was basically two words "151 lbs"....lol! That wasin response to Phil congratulating me on losing 150lbs...I just HAD to correct him - love doing that! They also showed the clip I filmed at Extreme Fitness and my previous show's clip...all in all I had about 1 minute worth of air time - not bad, I guess...lol. There were some guests that spoke when we taped, but we not aired - edited out! There is only so much they can fit into an hour. Oh, and if you're wondering - the prize bag was AWESOME! I was a very generous uncle and gave the diamond bracelet to my dear neice who turned 16 - I told her to consider this her wedding and graduation gift! I'm definitely going to go back in the summer and take my nephew and niece with me.

The good news is that I made it home safely and in one peice..the only thing broken was one of my waterford crystal glasses - oh well...I was really really looking forward to using it for my protein shakes! Also, this is the first "vacation" I come back from and have actually lost weight! With all of the hiking and working out at the gym, I have come back fit as a fiddle. I was also eating very healthy and always on the go..oh, I had to buy another suitcase to carry all of the clothing I bought! The new me just loves shopping - I love the feeling of just being able to pick something from the rack, trying it on and it fitting! I came bac with two suits, 3 pants, 4 sweaters and a pair of shoes....oh Outlet Malls!!!

In terms of what I've been doinglately at the gym, well, I've been working out pretty hardcore with weights. I'm kinda up there when it comes to bench pressing and lifting...I have gradually increased the amount of weight. My arms are always pumped! I love the feeling. Gota work on the gut area now...this has become my trouble area. Ever since focusing on doing weighted situps, my core has become prety solid, but my stomach feels like it's being pushed out. I've been told to keep with the cardio - which is prescisely what I am doing.

I'm taking my multivitamin still. I've run out of my fish oils and need to restock.

Water - well, put it this way - the rain in LA inspired me to drink more! I'm at about 15 bottles a day. While i was in LA I ordered iced tea from some restaurants if I was eating out...guess what? The automatically give you unsweetened tea!! that was probably about the only healthy thing I noticed in restaurants. I still can't believe the portion sizes south of the border!

Tomorrow I'm doing Canada AM live..should be interesting. They will be interviewing me. I've also suggested starting a National Weight Loss Challenge. I'll let you all know what comes of it.

Alright..gotta go and get some sleep....need the energy for tomorrow am toshovel the white stuff out there. Did I tell you it's frick'n freezing up here!!!!

Take care my friends..keep on moving!

Charles

Here's a pic of me and a few of the guests at the 1000th Episode. Hey, what do you think about my suite? Brenda Sue, Phil's sister reccommended the colours - good choice. Thanks Brenda Sue! In the pic are Holly (Desperate House Wife fromthe OC - recovered alcholic), Judy (lost 80lbs) and Monika (lost 55lbs and was also on Extreme Makeover). I shared my dressing room with the three of them - lol!

Day - Who's Counting!!!! I'm in Hollywood!

Hey Folks...it's been a while,sorry. I'm down in LA enjoying the rain! Yes, it's been raining non stop here. I think I actually see the sun trying to come out. I've been here just over a week. I'm leaving on Saturday. I taped a show with Dr. Phil on Friday - went very well! You have to tune in on Feb 11 and 12. It was his 1000th episode...lotta suprises that I cannot spill..so tune in. One thing for sure is that he caught me off guard and asked me a question, I answered, but felt like a deer in a headlight...lotta pressure as there were huge celebs around me...kinda nerve racking. Anyhow, all went well.

I've actually been going to the gym everyday...I'm working out at aplace called LA Fitness - AWESOME!!! I've been making friends with a few actors and waiters/waitresses...they all work out during the day.I've been jogging and walking the hollywood hills, despite the rain. I went hiking on Rodeo drive..lol. I was wearing a brand new pair of shoes - OUCH!!! I'm nursing a few blisters as we speak,not fun. I've been eating at this newplace called Fresh and Ready...pretty cool stuff there. Premade food that is healthy and cheap...quality in comparison to Whole Foods...lotta healthy menu items there.

I've been drinking loads and loads of water and have been taking my vitamins. I didn't bring my fish oils though, as customs arepretty strict...and I haven't bought any down here.

I'm off to the gym now and will kep you all posted with my whereabouts...I'll be posting pictures soon.

Cheers my friends...and if you have tried emailing me, I will respond next week...web access is limited.

Charles