Weight Loss: The Ultimate Confidence Booster at
Vitals: Brian Brink, 27, Lakeland, FL
Occupation: Salesman
Height: 6'0"
Time Required to Reach Goal: 2 ½ years
Weight Before: 280
Weight After: 200
Lesson Learned: If your workout plateaus, switch something. You can always improve.
Secret Weapon: A competitive edge. Work out with somebody who will push you.
The Gain: Brink was large in high school, but playing football kept his weight in check. In college, though, he traded exercise for Monday Night Football, and lean steak for potato chips. Even after he'd packed on a freshman 45, he didn't notice the bloat. "I had always referred to myself as just a big guy," he says.
The Change: After college, Brink returned home with no job or girlfriend. "I felt like no one wanted me," he says. On New Year's Day 2004, his dad offered to go on a diet with him, giving him the support he needed to follow through. Together, they cut out empty carbs and added chicken and vegetables to their meals. Brink also began running 15 miles a week and gradually built up more mileage.
The Lifestyle: Brink now runs up to 50 miles a week with his wife, Becca, a personal trainer, and lifts weights 3 days a week. On weekends, they crank out 60-mile bike rides together. He stokes his metabolism by eating five or six small meals a day and controls hunger by carrying small bags of healthy snacks like almonds and trail mix.
The Reward: When his friends and family started doing double takes, Brink's confidence soared. "I don't look at things and think I can't do them anymore," he says. His biggest achievement to date: finishing the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon in just under 4 hours. Now he's training for an Ironman triathlon in 2009.
Brian's Tips:
Stay the course. Even after an injury kept him from going long distances, Brink still played basketball or racquetball a few times a week.
Don't settle. Two hours after Brink's first marathon, he began planning for another. Continuing to set goals keeps you motivated.
Reach out. Brink took advantage of online forums to find advice and encouragement. It helps to hear how others are overcoming obstacles.
Post photos, track progress, and lose weight with our 8-week Belly Off! program at MensHealth/bellyoff.
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