Jeremy Jouette was exhausted by attempting to lose weight and not succeeding until he went all in and decided it was time to stop trying and start achieving.
1. Vital Stats
Before
Height: 5’9
Weight: 340lb
After
Weight: 185lb
1. A Resolution
I tried many times over the years to lose weight but it never stuck. I think, at some point, I just had enough. I was tired of being miserable with myself and fed up with being the fattest person I knew.
2. Self Reflection
My “Aha” moment was when I found myself sitting in the parking lot of a Walmart eating cheesecake and icing out of container I had just bought. I was eating it in my car because I didn’t want to take it home. I realized then that things had spiraled terribly out of control.
3. Mental Game
The only real challenges along the way have been internal because I had trouble believing that I could do it or believing that I deserved it or was worth it.
4. New Learning
Everything I had to do was out of my comfort zone because I was dealing with things I just wasn’t used to. Thankfully, everyone that I encountered was more than welcoming. I never felt anything other than support along the way.
5. Limits
I think everyone, for the most part, experiences the same limits. There’s all the usual stuff that we all have to face: family, work and money, which all adds up. That said, you have to make time for yourself and for your fitness. Nothing can stop you from achieving your goals as long as you set your priorities. Your motivation can fade but you just have to put forth the constant effort and it will pay off in the end.
6. First steps
The day after I made my decision to transform, I began a diet. I told myself that, if I stuck to my diet for two weeks, I would join a CrossFit gym. I gave myself that ultimatum because, of course, CrossFit is not cheap.
7. Dietary Consistency
I find, for me, eating the same meals often helps me stay compliant. For instance, lately my meals are as follows.
Meal 1: Protein shake with a coffee base. I mix in Dymatize Cinnamon Bun Casein and Protein Energy Blend.
Meal 2: 2 x servings of Dannon Light & Fit Non-Fat yogurt with a banana
Meal 3: Jimmy Dean Delights Breakfast Sandwich
Meal 4: 90% lean ground meat, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and white rice. I season it with garlic powder and “Slap Ya Mama” seasoning.
Intra-workout: Shake that is a mix of whey protein and Gatorade powder.
Meal 5: Oatmeal with Dymatize Casein protein mixed in and some peanut butter for added fats
8. Supplemental Help
In addition to whole foods, I supplement my protein intake with whey and casein protein, creatine and Gatorade powder.
9. Long-term Diet
I am currently following the Renaissance Periodization diet with their RP Diet App. I am currently getting approximately 150 protein, 175 carbs and 85 grams of fat. I mostly eat the same foods. This means taco meat with rice is my main meal, with some non-fat yogurt, protein shakes and oatmeal to round out my days.
10. Dietary Consistency
I find, for me, eating the same meals often helps me stay compliant. For instance, lately my meals are as follows.
Meal 1: Protein shake with a coffee base. I mix in Dymatize Cinnamon Bun Casein and Protein Energy Blend.
Meal 2: 2 x servings of Dannon Light & Fit Non-Fat yogurt with a banana
Meal 3: Jimmy Dean Delights Breakfast Sandwich
Meal 4: 90% lean ground meat, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and white rice. I season it with garlic powder and “Slap Ya Mama” seasoning.
Intra-workout: Shake that is a mix of whey protein and Gatorade powder.
Meal 5: Oatmeal with Dymatize Casein protein mixed in and some peanut butter for added fats
11. Training Secrets
CrossFit was my answer even though it’s arguably more expensive than regular gyms. But, when you take into account that you get a group fitness class, a personal trainer, less to think about as far as your workout regimen, it makes it so very worth it.
12. Structured Succcess
Our gym, Crossfit Virtus, follows CompTrain programming by Ben Bergeron, same as his gym, Crossfit New England. The programming consists of a mix of conditioning and strength workouts. In addition to that, typically, depending on how I am feeling, I will also follow supplemental strength programs with either a focus on Powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting. I have a passion for both however, I do have a strong preference for the Olympic weightlifting movements.
13. Advice To Others
Don’t procrastinate, get off the couch and go to the gym. Find a diet that you can stick to and do it. Don’t get discouraged by the time it takes. It took you your whole life to get to the weight that you are at now. Don’t expect overnight results. Be patient, believe in yourself, stay the course and enjoy the process.
14. High Performance Totals
Snatch: 210lbs
Clean & Jerk: 250lbs
Back Squat: 425lbs
Front Squat: 365lbs
Deadlift: 475lbs
Bench Press: 245lbs
Overhead Press: 185lbs
15. Quick Hacks
1. Start by eliminating calorie dense foods, snack foods, sugary drinks, etc.
2.Track your food intake, set a calorie goal and stick to it.
3. Be patient and live your life. Don’t skip out on the fun stuff because, at the end of the day, one bad meal once a week isn’t going to offset your goals as long as you get back on plan immediately afterwards.
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