Local television broadcaster, Channel 6, posted an article on their website regarding American’s out-of-control consumption of sugar.

According to the AMA, we average 22 tsp of sugar too much every day, most of which comes from soda.

In our Slimdown weight loss class, we advocate the importance of keeping it simple and nutrient dense!

Eating a diet rich in natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables - the most simple, nutrient dense foods on earth - is the easiest way to avoid overdoing the sugar calories.

I often tell my class that if you’ve been religiously consuming in excess of 3,000 calories a day and you switch to eating 1,500 calories of Twinkies, you will lose weight by simply creating a caloric deficit.  However, you will get none of the nutrients necessary for your healty and satiety.

So, toss the sugar-laden Twinkie by the wayside and grab a banana!  Your health and waistline will thank you for it!

~ Kara

Can you imagine telling this 400lb man that he would be ready to do a triathlon in less than a year?

Matt Hudson at 400+ pounds

Recently, this man experienced a great accomplishment, finishing the Sugar Creek Swim Club Sprint Triathlon in Crawfordsville. Well, it wasn’t quite the same man.

I’m proud of my brother. I can’t say it enough.  Matt and his wife, Paula, started last October to change their lives by getting fit. In less than a year’s time they have lost over 300lbs between them. Matt is now 20lbs away from his goal of losing 200lbs in one year.

In my career, I have had one or two people that have lost 100 pounds, but never three at the same time. (Bill Bean has lost 100lbs during this same time.)

How does Matt do it?

He exercises almost every day of the week and has been doing bootcamp classes a couple of times a week.  He keeps a food log and stays under 2,000 calories a day.

It’s that simple. Simple, but not easy.

Paula has been a strong support for Matt. Having a few cheerleaders (and butt kickers) is always helpful for anyone trying to make such huge life changes. Given Paula’s incredible success, it’s clear they have both been good for each other.

Below is a recent picture of Matt. The change in his appearance is remarkable but the changes can’t all be appreciated in a photo.

Matt Hudson August 2009

I would love to find a way to get more people like Matt and Paula motivated to change their life. Unfortunately, that’s something they have to do before I can help them. Perhaps their story will be motivating for someone.

If you have someone in your life, a friend or family member, who is obese and unhealthy, let them know they don’t have to stay that way and that it’s possible to radically change their life.