Fat Man UnleashedA Weight Loss Blog with Fitness, Health, and Diet Tips

7 Reasons You’re Fat and Why You’ll Probably Stay Fat47 lbs LOSTso farFebruary 10, 2008 by Fat Kid | 70 comments

We fat people are a minority. We are looked upon as different. Kids look at us differently. Adults look at us differently. Its a sad fact that people are judged on their appearance in today’s modern society, even after all the talks of “it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Today I’m going to give you seven good reasons why you’re fat and why you’ll probably stay fat.

1. You’re Lazy. Plain and simple. The thought of exercising just makes you want another 200 calorie soda.
2. Your job rules your life. Whether you’re a full-time mom or a business executive, you probably don’t have time to eat healthy.
3. You have too much free time to spend eating. If you did more things rather than watch TV or sit at the computer chatting on facebook, maybe you could lose weight
4. You work from home and have a house full of goodies. The temptation is all around you. Doritos in the cabinet, cookies in the jar, ice cream in the freezer. Forget salad!
5. You eat anger/depression away. You can’t help but hate the world, your job, your car, your kids, your friends, your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse. Why not have another Oreo?
6. Your friends are fat and they drag you down. They eat out a lot, they snack, they order pizza/chinese and invite you over. It’s inevitable to happen.
7. You just don’t care about calories, fat content, carbs, you eat what you want because you only get one life to live.

How do we correct these issues?

There’s no simple way to stop a horrible habit. Fact is, you make goals and never follow through. It’s a bad character flaw and we have it and hate ourselves for it. I don’t expect you to change your life style in order to be thin and conform. If you’re happy with who you are, stay that way and don’t let anyone pull you down.

Take your problem one step at a time, attempt to eliminate the things that are causing you to be overweight and unhappy. Like I said, don’t become a vegetarian or vow to never eat chocolate again, just think little. Moderate how you intake these fatty (yet delicious) foods, slowly adjust your body to different and better eating habits. Change your thinking, control your mind, and it’ll change your body.

Like this? Share it:

Mental Punishment: A Massive Headache47 lbs LOSTso farFebruary 8, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 20 comments

Yesterday I had a massive headache. What from? I am not sure. All I know is that I got home and had to lay down from the throbbing pain. I was thinking that it could be due to my minor relapse. I ate some chips yesterday. I know, shoot me. But at the time I was enjoying them and didn’t think much of it. Plus, it was only one bag.

It all started when I went for a quick walk and stumbled upon 7 Eleven. Like a bug being drawn to a light bulb, I found myself entering the store and heading for the junk food aisle. Next thing you know I was paying for a bag of Lays barbecue flavored chips. My favorites.  I washed it down with a lot of water and figured it wasn’t that bad since I hadn’t treated myself for a while.

Then the headache began. It was approximately 2 hours after I ate the bag of chips. Weird. Is it mental? Am I punishing myself for eating that bag of chips by giving myself a headache? I think that may be the case. I don’t usually get headaches like that unless I eat some really crappy junk food. Maybe it’s my body’s chemical reaction to the unhealthy ingredients in the chips?

I’m not sure, but I do know that the headache was so unbearable that I had to lay down and close my eyes. Does any one have any idea as to why I got such a bad headache after eating the bag of chips? Has this happened to you before?

Like this? Share it:

Guy Things To Do Before You Die47 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 21, 2008 by Dennis | 7 comments

Every guy has a list. We as men have an inherit obsession with lists. We are programmed to respect the priority and organization that the all Holy List provides. Moses introduced all brethren of the world to the original and ultimate list when he returned from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments.

One of the lists that swirls around the head of every man is a personal “before I die” to-do list. And to be honest it may be the most important list of all. This list is the definitive barometer of overall life accomplishments. I have compiled my personal list and am making it available for public consumption. How does my list compare to yours?

Before I Die I Must:

• Attain the elusive six-pack abdominals. I had them once in my early pre-teens but lost them as soon as I started packing on size for my first year of high school football. Darn cheesecake, Doritos, and chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream did me in.

• Travel to at least three exotic places. Brazil, Japan, and Iceland are my top choices. Nothing better than being in a new place that makes you feel like an alien. Besides trying new foods is one of my favorite hobbies.

• Have a threesome. Yes we have to be honest folks. And this is on the list. Hey a guy’s gotta dream right? Two girls and just one of me. I guess the fixation with this one is that it proves a man to be the top dog, doubly desirable, and maybe sets you free of sexual insecurities. Perhaps this one is a little immature and the pressure is high to perform. But hey I’m more than up for it and I could probably combine this one with my Brazil trip.

• Get in the ring. This one is something I really look forward to. Testing my fighting skills in one on one combat. Even if I get knocked out at least the training leading up to the fight will get me in top shape. Secondly, the experience I will gain during my journey to be a gladiator even if for one fight will serve as motivation for all my other life endeavors. The only uncertainty with this one is who will be my opponent. I wonder if I can Google my first grade bully?

• Walk across America. Yes I’m serious about this one. I’ll start in the Bronx and finish in San Diego. No better way to find yourself and appreciate the beauty of this great country all at the same time. I look forward to this one more than the others. I know I will wear out a few sneakers for sure.

• Write a novel. I have at least one in me, I know it. But to be realistic I’m not so optimistic with this one. What are the chances of me being able to get all my scattered thoughts and stories out onto paper in one fluid, concise work of art? I have to be really lucky to get this one done but it would be nice to accomplish.

• Become Rich. Yes having enough zeros in the bank to take care of my loved ones and living comfortably would be a major dream of mine. I have so much I want to do in my life but I continuously trip over the “don’t have enough dough to make it happen” hurdle. How will I make myself a financial success? Well I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Nuff said.

• Last but not least, I want to find the woman of my dreams. This goal has remained the same for me for years. But just what defines the girl of my dreams is what has changed. In the past curves and sexy eyes might have been the defining characteristics of my soul mate. But now someone who understands me and dreams just as hard as I do are the traits I most desire. It wouldn’t hurt if she liked to walk and helped me with my list. I wonder if she has a good jab!

To be frank after writing this list down and looking it over I have decided not to make it my life list. Rather it will be my 2008 to-do list. Life is too short to sit on your hands and watch it fly by right before your eyes. Why is “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky playing in my head?

Like this? Share it:

Early Morning Workouts: 6 AM Lifting47 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 14, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 10 comments

Today I finally performed an early morning workout. Not my typical morning cardio only session, but instead a strength training session. I was up at 6 AM and it was still dark outside. Not only was it dark but it was pretty damn cold too. My initial reaction was to go back to bed, especially since The Shack is in the backyard, but I resisted the temptation.

There was no way I would be able to get up in the early morning without the proper rest. So I made sure to get at least 6.5 hours of sleep (still working on that ever elusive 8 hours). Sleep and rest are an important part of this journey that I am undergoing. Without them I will burn out. Burning out is not an option. Not for me at least.

What did I do this morning? I squatted, benched, and did incline dumbbell presses. It was a quick hitting, multi-joint, heavy lifting session. It only took about 40 minutes or less, I lost track. But it was great. The one thing I didn’t like was that I barely broke a sweat.  I like sweating when I workout because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I then hopped on my recumbent bike for a quick morning cardio workout. The bike made me sweat. It was a good morning.

I like the whole morning workout idea because it makes my entire day better. I get the training part of my day over with and can focus on other stuff without having to worry about training. It also gives me a shot of adrenaline that propels my days.

I have this competition all but wrapped up. Those other guys ain’t got nothing on the Fat Man.

Like this? Share it:

The Inspiration List for Men47 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 12, 2008 by Dennis | 14 comments

2008 = No Excuses + Get It Done

Need motivation? Well here goes folks, print this and paste it on your locker, or fridge, or your work space at the office. These are the no mincing words, top ten motivational points for getting shape for the new year.

10. Be the buffest guy in the elevator, any elevator.

9. Be able to outrun a mugger, or chase down a mugger, or beat a cop in a footrace if needed…if you’re the mugger.

8. Get prison strong. If you can do 10 pull ups you can survive on the inside, hit 12 and you’re a big dog, anything over 15 and you are “solitary confinement” dangerous.

7. Be able to impress someone at the beach, the more double takes the better.

6. Arm wrestle everybody in your office and go undefeated, yes you even have to beat big Bertha from accounting, and do not have any mercy on the weaklings.

5. Run somebody over during a touch football game.

4. Sharp will be your middle name, 36 waist, a 34, or dare I say a 32 should be your goals. Take sexy back by getting in shape and enjoy the pleasure of shopping for razor sharp new threads.

3. Look better naked. Period. Removing your clothing in front of the opposite sex should be the moment you gleefully look forward to.

2. Last longer in bed. Better, bigger muscles carry more oxygen. Combine that with increased cardiovascular prowess and you will be a bedroom bully.

1. Bigger penis. Nuff said! Lose weight, increase lean muscle mass and you will shed that male kangaroo pouch that robs you of a visible inch and a half! Hey in the arms race every centimeter counts! She will love to enjoy the more of you, you have to offer. Go ahead don’t be afraid to self mutate into a longer beast.

Like this? Share it:

The Beard, The Fat Face, and The Double Chin47 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 8, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 16 comments

Being blessed with overweightism has it’s side effects. One of which is developing a fat face and double chin. I hate having fat cheeks, it drives me crazy. My solution to that is growing a beard. Smart huh? Yeh, I know. Over the last few years I have periodically grown a beard because it covers my fat face.

It may sound silly, but it really does help me cope with my weight issues. The beard acts as a sort of fat cloaking device. I look at it this way: people can judge me by my beard or by my fat face. I choose the beard. So I doubt I will be getting rid of my facial hair anytime soon. Now that I think of it, it’s like a compensation thing. Similar to bald men that grow thick mustaches. It helps compensate for something we don’t have. Interesting…

It sometimes means that I have to look very scruffy or dirty. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, right? It may not work too well for women with fat faces, but it’s the perfect cure for fat faced men. I find that my beard conceals my double chin the best. I grow it thick enough to make me look like a caveman/lumberjack. Don’t get me wrong, I try to clean up the edges as best I can, but sometimes I just get lazy and let it grow wild. Speaking of which, I think it’s time to perform some beard maintenance.

There are some people that swear by fat face and double chin exercises, but I don’t run with that sort of crowd. The only type of face exercise I perform is chewing: for the jaw line. Other than that I don’t attempt to spot train my face with any exercises. Another alternative is plastic surgery: facial liposuction or face lifts do the job. If you want to spend tons of money and look like The Joker (or Joan Rivers) that is. Ha!

Performing regular exercise over time should do the job on your face fat. If not you can always grow your beard like me or buy one at the local costume store. Those work good too.

Like this? Share it:

Not Just a Weight Loss Blog47 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 5, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 17 comments

I originally created this web site so that I could lose weight and get in shape. So you could say it was a weight loss blog. It has since then morphed into something else. It’s not about losing weight anymore, although I do have a some more weight to loss. It’s now about being healthy, happy, and in control of my life. I have lost weight, met new people, and learned many new things. All thanks to this blog.

The last six months have been eye-opening. I always knew I could get in shape and get in control, but I had not seen it or felt it. Does that make any sense? What I mean is that I hadn’t envisioned it until now. Losing weight was always this distant, unachievable goal. Every year was a let down. Thanks to this blog I have now dropped a significant amount of weight and feel like I can manage my diet and exercise in a healthier manner than before.

The main theme of this blog may seen like it’s about weight loss, but it’s not. It could more easily be classified as a health blog. Or better yet, a life blog. Yeah, I like that much better. A life blog! About my life and all the stuff I deal with, some of which has to be weight loss, fitness, and nutrition. So this isn’t only a weight loss blog folks. I used this blog to propel myself into accountability and support. Guess what? It worked! Go search the web for bloggers that have a weight loss blog and a constant that you will find is that they have been able to be held accountable by blogging. The support you receive is also phenomenal. Everyday I log on I think of all of the other folks that are in my shoes working away towards their goals. I read their blogs and happenings, and it’s nothing short of inspiring.

This is a life changing stepping board…Hop on.

Like this? Share it:

Christmas and Exercise Don’t Mix47 lbs LOSTso farDecember 25, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 5 comments

First off, Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate it. I know I do. We opened presents this morning and I am the lucky recipient of an autographed Chad Pennington, New York Jets football jersey. Here’s to hoping he remains on the Jets next year. The only time I can recall exercising during Christmas is back in high school, during my football playing days. That’s when I craved exercise like a fat kid craving a double fudge chocolate cake.

That fire I once possessed has died done a bit, but not completely. It has slowly been rekindling over the past few months. All of which still doesn’t help me with wanting to workout today. I think I’m going to just take the day off and relax. Although, I’m heading over to a barbecue and may partake in some backyard ball games. Barbecue you ask? In Winter? Well, it’s about 75 degrees outside and it’s Florida. So that explains it. That will be the only exercise I do today, if at all.

I don’t think any public gyms, i.e. Bally’s Total Fitness, Equinox, Crunch, 24 Hour Fitness, are open today. Most folks just take the day to spend it with their families and friends. I suggest you do the same and enjoy it. Today is the third of the 4 Big Holidays, but it’s turning out to be a manageable one. No major eating binges!

Once again, Merry Christmas and be safe!

Like this? Share it:

Media, Society, and Female Body Image47 lbs LOSTso farDecember 22, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 6 comments

Why is it that a majority of the females that are in the media are fit? This hardly represents the reality in society, but of course, this is what society is portraying to females everywhere. Of course there are negative and positive sides to this. It can motivate people to try to lose weight and become healthier or it can go negatively when it leads to a weight image obsession that leads to a low self esteem or eating disorders. In recent years there has been a big push towards positive body image reinforcement, but it hasn’t changed how  the media portrays women.

Those who think that the media’s image on fit bodies is completely negative and that we should love our body as is, have a good idea. Loosing weight, through eating healthier foods and exercising, is very positive for one’s health. Even changing one’s diet and daily routines, not necessarily loosing weight, will help females feel healthier and better inside.

The image of the female body has been idealized for years as skinny, fit, and toned. This can cause lots of low self esteem among females who do not have this specific body type. Negative body image and low self esteem can effect one’s contentment. There are those who take negative actions due to low self esteem, such as extreme dieting or not eating at all. This is not healthy as most know, but because they want to attain the ideal image portrayed by the media, they are motivated to continue their bad habits. It is also hard to escape because the media is everywhere we go, from the places we eat to our television sets at home.

Think twice when judging the media as negative or positive, as nothing is black and white. When it comes to the female body image portrayed by society and the media, having a healthier lifestyle is much more important than trying to obtain the perfect female body image through unhealthy means.

Like this? Share it:

Brain Power Equals Muscle Size47 lbs LOSTso farDecember 20, 2007 by Dennis | One comment

Picking up where I left off yesterday on morphing how the greats trained, brain power can increase muscle size. With that being said, what is the next step in this progression? How infrequent will training become? Will we even touch weights anymore? HA! Blasphemy folks! No, not really. Picture this: mental training, working out in your thoughts. Starting this millennium several studies have pointed to the fact that simply thinking about exercise can equal to gains in size and strength. Researchers that feel this concept to be true have pointed to studies that suggest that training a muscle on one side of the body does result in muscular gains in the matching muscle on the opposite, untrained side of the body. Weird, huh? I believe it to be true myself. So if you break you arm train the unbroken arm to keep the one out of commission in better shape, it’s the least you can do for the poor cracked wanker! So the fact that nerves are signaling growth in untrained muscles even when uni-lateral training is utilized lends itself to the point this article is trying to make. Next step: stimulate muscle growth just by thinking and activating the growth receptors without actually moving a muscle at all.

The theory was tested. 30 subjects divided into three groups. The first group thought of training their pinky finger muscles. The second group thought of training their triceps and the third group served as the control and did no imaginary heavy lifting. The training sessions were 15 minutes a day, five days a week, for 12 weeks. During the mental training the subjects were hooked up to an electroencephalograph machine (say that three times fast). The machine measures brain waves and found high activity and focus in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain in group one and especially in group two. The activity was low prior to the imaginary workouts. Finger strength was measured before and after the training periods. Increases in strength topped out over 30% for the finger group. The triceps group had a little over a 10% gain. Now that’s using your brain power. The control had zilch…surprise, surprise.

What this all points to and what does it mean for us? Well simply put the mental training exemplifies the connection between strength gains and the all holy mind-body connection. This is a prime example that you can control your muscles using your brain power…no duh? Don’t stop training! Just implement what anyone great has done in any field whether it be piano performances, giving a speech, a first kiss, shooting the game winning jump shot, or doing a killer set of deadlifts: VISUALIZE. See yourself doing the action. Feel the set, smell it, and refine your mental senses. So no daydreaming, focus during training: feel the brain connection and enjoy the pump. Besides if you don’t maintain complete mental fortitude you miss out on possible muscle gains and even can fall in to the injury trap. My advice: Think of training before you go to bed and wake up stronger and become great. Use your brain power. Happy trails…muscle brethren.

Like this? Share it:

Morphing How the Original Greats Trained47 lbs LOSTso farDecember 19, 2007 by Dennis | 4 comments

Hence the timeless logo of FatManUnleashed.com, the brain is without a doubt the optimal muscle when it comes to growth. Public opinion on the frequency of working out has changed quite a bit over time. Steve Reeves employed the whole body workout method which didn’t allow for training more than three times a week. That was the 1940’s and legendary physiques such as John Grimek and Reeves swore by it. My high school football team’s antiquated workout routine was similar. It was a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday deal with Bench, Shoulder Presses(seated, military) and most importantly the Squat: KING OF ALL EXERCISES. A very effective training schedule for beginners and building that all important base. Israel was a starting Guard, Defensive End, and Captain on that team. It was the FAT MAN’S hey day so to speak folks.

In the 1950’s the very popular “split-routine” training became all the rage. The fuel behind the phenomenon was the belief that you can train muscles full blast if you divided the training days into “muscle groups.” So you were training on more days but concentrating on specific muscles. And who can forget how Arnold Schwarzenegger evolved the “split” into the “double-split” method. The “double-split” theory involves training a lot: two or even three daily workouts.

Arthur Jones took the 1970’s by storm with the introduction of the Nautilus exercise machines. He accompanied his latest invention with a endorsement of short intense workouts. Intensity was the key a semi-throwback to the 1950’s and Grimek and Reeves. Arthur Jones felt that all of us over-trained. Over-training thus leading to our naturally limited ability to recover to be depleted.He truly believed that all humans no matter what body type followed the same physiological laws no matter how different we were genetically. So in a sense, he tailored and touted his workouts as one size fits all remedies. Weird I know and complex, but maybe true? I don’t know. I have tried all methods and my body morphs in all different ways. So in my opinion, variety is the spice of a complete physique. Of course, we all have our favorite niche workouts and exercises.

The late, great Mike Mentzer was a Jones product and further developed his exercise theories. Mike Mentzer used Arthur Jones’ training philosophy to attain every major bodybuilding title worth having except the Mr. Olympia crown. Mentzer eventually cut back even further and became a proponent of training muscle groups once a week or less. At that point intensity has to be on animal-istic levels: I likey!

That’s it for now. Tomorrow I delve further into brain power…

Like this? Share it: