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

NuVim Juice/Drink/Beverage Review45 lbs LOSTso farMay 13, 2009 by Dennis Rosato | 9 comments

So now that I have confronted the fact that I am a beverage fanatic and that my urge to constantly drink is a contributing factor to my over extended gut…what am I gonna do about it? Well drink more beverages of course..duh! I know that many others have the same addiction I have and that transitioning into healthier alternatives can be very difficult.

I have decided not to abandon my need to fill up and guzzle yummy drinks. Instead I will turn my unquenchable desire to liquify as a strength and find the perfect healthy beverage. I will research, review and share my better beverage choices. I attacked my research from the perspective that I am interested in longevity and I want to avoid diabetes at all cost. Diabetes has been prevalent in my family and I have witnessed extreme suffering due to the negative effects of that terrible disease.

I looked into what the incomparable and ageless Regis Philbin uses to stay so vibrant and discovered a product named NuVim. Regis was a good choice because he defines longevity and has been called “the hardest working man in show business.”

Regis even holds the Guinness World Record for the most time spent in front of a Televison camera. And most important of all Regis is from The Bronx like me…Raaarrr! So I hit the local Walmart and picked up four 64 oz. bottles of NuVim. Pretty affordable at $2.50 per 64 oz. bottle. It comes in three delicious flavors Orange Tangerine, Fruit Symphony, and Strawberry Vanilla. My personal favorite is Orange Tangerine because it taste exactly like a melted orange cream popsicle or similar to a Morir Sonado for all my Latinos. NuVim is comprised of NutraFlora which is its secret formula apparently. A major component is Whey Protein Concentrate, an awesome ingredient for health and wellness.

Besides having a light creamy flavor that induces you to drink more and more, I went through two bottles in one evening, NuVim is really good for you. NuVim’s consistency is light and on the watery side yet still retains a creamy milk feel in your mouth, that didn’t sound family friendly. To top it off NuVim does not cause any bloating.

So NuVim is a definite winner and must try. If it is out of stock at your local Walmart it’s probably beacuse I bought them all.

So drink and stay thirsty my friends.

If you visit the NuVim website, they are giving away free samples! Snatch them up quick!!!!

When to Take
Consume 10 ounces of Nuvim first thing when you wake up in the morning.
Drink 10 ounces before and after the working out as well.

Pros
100% of your daily value of Vitamin A (2823IU), Vitamin C (59 mg), Vitamin E (301 IU), Vitamin B12 (5 mcg) and Zinc (15 mg).

Low in Sodium - 70 mg , 3% of your daily intake

Low in Sugar, only 6 grams

Low in Carbohydrates 9 grams or 3% of daily value

Low in Calories a light 45 calories

No Lactose

No Fat

No Caffeine

No Artificial Flavors or Colors

Non filling, no bloating

Affordable

Cons
Just one–Product is hard to find in some markets and is usually low in stock even when you do find it.

This review is independent and was not solicited by Nuvim, Inc. We just like the damn product!

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Asics Gel-Kinsei 2 Running Shoe Review45 lbs LOSTso farMay 12, 2009 by Dennis Rosato | 4 comments

There they were, shiny, spacey and sure to make me the road burning stud I dreamed to be… The latest and greatest from the land of Japan the one and only Asics Gel-Kinsei 2. And what a better place to purchase these masterpieces of foot architecture than Champs Sports at Times Square New York, the center of the modern universe of course. Believe it or not it never felt so good to hand over $186.19 for a pair of sneakers. I chose the Red/Black/White color scheme as opposed to the Platinum/Brilliant Blue/Black available for men. The color option for women is cherry pink and white which looks quite dapper and cute I must say. I couldn’t help feeling like I was taking some sort of step towards becoming a better me or even perhaps greatness. These type of feelings hardly ever result in success keep that in mind.

One bonehead mistake though… I should have been smart enough to print out the online coupon available at Champssports.com that offers a $10.00 in store discount on any purchase over $75. The experience at Champs Sports was top of the line overall. Well trained and experienced floor teams guide you to the right product and make useful suggestions. Champs Sports could very well be the Best Buy of sports foot wear. Back to the shoes and my trial results, I really put this model through its paces. To earn a $179.99 price tag the shoes must bleed!

Asics Gel-Kinsei 2
Total trial hours: 270 hours

Grades, the Report Card
Coolest Feature: Asymmetrical Lacing System- Suppossed to Enhance the Biomorphic Fit by conforming to the bony architecture of the foot.

Lackluster Feature: Do you like the smell of cow dung? Then boy do I have the sneakers for you! Read on please, don’t judge me.

Sure to Fit: 3 The model runs a full size too large a definite draw back. In addition a nasty heel slippage issue in which the shoe does not remain on your heel during aggressive movement is a disappointing performance hindrance.

Washability: 7 Four washes in the rough cycle and the model kept its form and even gained a desirable worn softness in toe mesh and leather grain that added a flexible feel. The model brightened up to a crisp white without yellowing even after muddy trails.

Comfort: 5 Good heel strike feel with Gel technology. But then again that feature is negated with the heel slippage crisis. Not fitting to your foot within the realm of normalcy is a downer as well.

Ruggedness: 7 A tough pair of sneakers no doubt. The model proved its mettle on trails and pavement, heat and snow. Two quirks though: A horrible smell and loud sound. The model omits a pungent odor following wear. The smell must be a combination of glue and the usage of unorthodox materials in the mesh and leather. The model is also very loud on pavement which can be annoying. The model is too heavy. The weights contributes to its ruggedness but extra ounces can be a liability for long distance trainers. One last blemish to the model is the deterioration of the Gel sole component. I noticed chipping in Gel heel by the 16th day of the trial.

Cushion: 6 Good cushion, not great. The shoe is a little stiff and hard at the heel for most runners.

Looks/Style: 8 Stylish and cutting Edge they are.

Speed: 7 You can tear up the track in the Gel-Kinsei 2 and catch up to a cab in the middle of New York City as well, obviously I speak from experience.

Innovation Design: 8 An “Asymmetrical Lacing System” enhancing my Biomorphic Fit while conforming to the bony architecture of my foot…oh goody-goody I love tech savvy shoes! Where do I plug in my Ipod? Not to mention all the Gel and gooey goodness in the heel and forefoot.

Over all Grade and Final Analysis
Grade: 6.38

The Gel-Kinsei 2 is a shoe that will be great…but for now it is a definite pass. Asics has to step it up and drop the odor, weight and heel issues with this model. The model has strengths in innovation and Asics will most likely incorporate these advances in cousin models such as the Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Kayano. By the way, I am holding off on the all too easy smell related jokes I can make in reference to the most unusual odors emitted by the shoes.

The true value of this shoe is: $60.38 U.S. dollars

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Take My Nautilus Free-Weight Squat/Bench/Pulldown Rack45 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 19, 2009 by Israel Lagares | 5 comments

Up for grabs is my Nautilus squat/bench/pulldown machine combo rack. I don’t really know the name of it, but it’s made by Nautilus. Ever since my wife bought me a power rack, I have not utilized the Nautilus. I’ve tried selling it on craigslist and giving it away to family, but no one comes to pick it up. Come and it get, and it’s free!

It’s a very sturdy built aparatus and is perfect for squating, benching, and doing other multi-joint exercises. It also comes with a built-in lat pulldown which is cool. It holds plates of all sizes, which makes it even sturdier. What comes with the machine? I will give you the rack, the lat pulldown bar and a helping hand to load it on your truck. We can disassemble it, but I don’t have the instructions. I would suggest you come in a pick up truck if possible. I am located in Tampa, FL. If this sounds close to you then it’s perfect!

You will still need a bench, bar, and weights. But this is still a great tool for you to get started. It fits perfectly in any garage.

So, if you want it come and get it. Shoot me an email via the contact form and I will respond right away. Help me get this thing out of my Shack so that I can have more room.

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FullBar and Dr. Michael A. Snyder, MD, FACS45 lbs LOSTso farAugust 30, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 33 comments

I am continuously looking for food that I can snack on in between my main meals. I have tried all types of bars, nuts, fruits, etc. Fruits usually hold me over okay, but I never feel full. Luckily I was contacted a few weeks ago by a PR firm that wanted me to try out some new bars. Their pitch was that the bar had been created by a leading weight loss surgeon. That immediately got my attention. I was then sent over some FullBars a week later.

As soon as I opened up the USPS box I was impressed. The packaging for the FullBar was top notch. The package came with reading material about the FullBar, its story, and its founder. FullBar was created by Dr. Michael A. Snyder, MD, FACS. As a leading weight loss surgeon, he knows his share of health and weight loss information.

So the whole point behind FullBar is to feel full, so that you don’t overeat. I like that idea. After being blown away by the sleekness of the bar packaging, it reminded me of Pepperidge Farms cookies packaging, I proceeded to taste one. It was good. Not like those other bars that are tasteless and bitter. That was my first bite. It was a small test. The next day I ate a bar for breakfast, with some water. The taste reminded me of a rice cake, but a whole lot better and less bland. They come in 4 different flavors, chocolate being one of them.

What happened next was pretty surprising. I am usually hungry by about 10 am, even after eating breakfast. But not that day. I was full! I wasn’t even hungry when lunch time came around, but of course I ate to fuel my body. So the FullBar actually did what it said it would do, keep me feel so that I don’t overeat. That was proof enough for me. Plus, each bar only contains about 180 calories (for a full breakdown of the nutrition facts visit the site).

I think FullBar is going to start being distributed around various health stores and retail locations in the U.S. They are currently available for sale on their web site and I recently saw a commercial on TV. I thought it was cool and DVRed the commercial for my wife to see. She was impressed that a company that was advertising on television had representatives that were in contact with me.

Give FullBar’s website a visit and read up. They have a lot of useful health information that anyone interested in weight loss could benefit from.

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Living XL: Shopping, with Large Fat People in Mind45 lbs LOSTso farMay 21, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 8 comments

Looking for some new summer wardrobes, but don’t want to spend hours at department stores searching for your size? Then check out LivingXL.com, they offer clothes, accessories, home goods, even outdoor and travel products with the big and tall person in mind. Being a big (fat) and semi tall person, I find this site pretty useful. It’s a sister site to one of my favorite stores to shop at: Big and Tall Causal Male (now known as Casual Male XL).

Whether you’re a man or woman, LivingXL has everything you’re looking for to start your summer comfortable (and fit). They have a wide selection of clothing for you to choose from, including loungewear, pajamas, and even swimwear for those of you looking to make a splash this summer. Personally, extra large towels are hard for me to find, so I’m glad I came across the site. No more tiny towels barely covering one thigh!

LivingXL is pretty much a one-stop shop for us biggies, they not only have clothing and accessories, but personal care and health products like lotions, scales, heating pads, and back scratchers. If that’s not enough, LivingXL has a wide selection of home furnishings and bedroom accessories from specially designed comfort pillows to living room recliner chairs.

Overall, LivingXL is incredible and makes a great place to start off to a comfortable and healthy summer. If you hate shopping online, request a copy of their latest catalog and if you have a friend you think will love the store, why not get them a gift card? Don’t leave without checking their On-Sale section to see if you can scrounge up a few deals.

Their other awesome features includes an amazing online virtual catalog, a sizing and measurement guide and a FAQs section for quick answers to those common questions. Be sure to check their shipping and return policies (they ship to all 50 states, including other U.S. territories).

Happy shopping and here’s to a fit summer!

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PhenForum: Phentramin and Phentermine Resource45 lbs LOSTso farFebruary 5, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 3 comments

PhenForum is an information website and discussion forum revolving around the revolutionary weight loss product Phentermine. You may never have heard of Phentermine and are wondering what it is, right?

What is Phentramin and How Does it Work?

Phentramin is the most popular, all natural diet pill on the internet market today. It is a one-a-day pill that is to be taken one hour before a meal (preferably morning because it does have a tendency to upset sleep). The pill works by decreasing your appetite and craving for food you don’t need throughout the day (such as the snack at noon or midnight).

This is too Good to be True. Are there Side Effects?

Talk to your physician before starting a daily regimen of Phentramin or any weight loss product.

While your body is adjusting to the amazing effects that Phentramin causes, you may experience upset stomach, sleepiness, irritability, dry mouth, and/or constipation. Phenforum recommends that if any of these side effects become long term that you consult with a physician immediately.

The Down Low - Quick Analysis

Do They Have Success Stories?

• Yes, Phenforum has a whole page devoted to explaining weight loss success stories using Phentramin.

Are There Reviews of the Diet Pills Made Public?

• Yes, you can find hundreds of reviews (99% of which are positive).

Is Selling this Pill All PhenForum Offers?

• No, Phenforum is not just a business that sells Phentramin. It’s a community and resource center. They give you a full history, overview, faqs, dosage, even pictures of pills. And because Phentermine is outlawed for sale by the U.S. Government, they give you plenty of alternative choices (more than just Phentramin).

So Does Phenforum Just Want Me to Buy Their Drug?

• No, they want to help you become an overall healthy person. They offer an online forum to help you connect with other Phentramin users to share experiences, diets, and fitness routines. Phenforum even offers helpful workout videos to visually guide you to a better body.

The Bottom Line

I can’t convince you to try Phentramin. Phenforum can’t convince you to try Phentramin. They don’t even care if you do. Phenforum is an amazing site and community for anyone who wants to better themselves. Give them a visit and register for their forums and start your journey to a more healthy and happy life.

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Eat Smart’s Nutrition and Digital Food Scale45 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 19, 2008 by Fat Kid | 6 comments

This is not a paid review, just an in-depth look at a product Israel and I are interested in buying. He was able to email the Vice President and secure FMU readers an 11% discount off the $75 Nutrition Scale price. Simply enter the code “UNLEASHED” when you check out.

The EatSmart Nutrition Scale is a revolutionary nutrient calculator that instantly informs you of the exact values of 12 different important nutrients. It uses data stored into the digital food scale to find the value of those nutrients and has hundreds of different foods programmed into it. The scale is not only used to weigh nutrients, but to inform you of healthy food and eating decisions to allow you to become a better dieter.

For people with medical conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, the Eat Smart Scale can be a great tool in keeping your disease under control. It calculates the exact values of the following nutrients:

• Calories
• Carbohydrates
• Fiber
• Total Fats
• Saturated Fats
• Cholesterol
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Protein
• Vitamin K

The scale keeps you informed on what you eat throughout the day and the amount of nutrients you are consuming. It doesn’t cut down the “serving size” educated guess, it lets you know straight up. It is safe to use under most doctor recommended diets and if you are truly committed can help you reach your goal of keeping a healthy weight and diet under control.

The Eat Smart Product’s site is a great resource of information not only for inquiring information on their nutrient scale. It contains a links section that has resources to dietary information, healthy eating guides, and food pyramids.

Overall, Israel and I absolutely love this product and hope you all do to. If you plan to purchase the product, don’t forget to type in the “UNLEASHED” code for 11% off the purchase price. If you already own an Eat Smart Scale, please share your experience with it by commenting below. Israel will be doing a follow-up article on this nutritional and digital food scale after he purchases his own model.

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Do I Really Need A Digital Pedometer?45 lbs LOSTso farDecember 18, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 10 comments

Pedometers are meant to assist you with calculating the number of steps you take. Some digital pedometers are more advanced than others. There are some that only count steps and some that count steps, heart rate, calories, etc. I have been contemplating purchasing a Omron Digital Pedometer for quite some time. The last time I owned one was a few years ago, but I barely used it. It was of the cheap variety. It only counted my steps, nothing else.

Back in New York I was a lot more active throughout the day. My day consisted of walking everywhere I had to go, which is a healthy habit. But here in Florida, everything is far which requires that you drive. If I want to buy a gallon of milk, I need to hop in the car. If I need to buy some protein, I need to hop in the car. Catch my drift? The number of steps I take each day has dramatically decreased because of this.

I am interested in learning how many steps I take each day as I go through my normal, everyday activities. I haven’t done much research into purchasing a digital pedometer yet though. Mostly because I am trying to win one from John. John is giving away an Omron Digital Pedometer over at John is Fit. I wouldn’t mind winning that one. It’s a top of the line digital pedometer and it would save me a few bucks.

So, do I need a digital pedometer? I would say yes. John, I hope you’re reading this…Poppa needs a new Omron Digital Pedometer.

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Jumpstart Energy Formula - Does it Work?45 lbs LOSTso farDecember 3, 2007 by Matt | 2 comments

The Jumpstart Energy formula is a new and unique way to not only lose weight, but to also naturally increase energy levels, and elevate mood. The result is an incredibly noticeable fat burning and metabolism increasing effect.

After years of research, the Jumpstart Energy team has looked into specific properties of hundreds of plants and herbs to find the perfect combination for healthy energy optimization. Jumpstart Energy has been proven to reduce the appetite, burn energy efficiently, and fortify health by using essential vitamins, amino acids, and herbal mood enhancers for an overwhelming feeling of well-being and optimal health.

It is also excellent for stress relief and for boosting one’s self-confidence. It’s not an ordinary diet pill filled with outrageous claims; it is the result of strong research backed by handfuls of testimonials as proof of its effectiveness.

There has been a lot of recent talk about the dangers of certain health stimulants and diet formulas…and for good reason: over-stimulation of the body puts an incredible strain on the adrenal glands and stresses the body to warrant harmful long-term effects of supplementation. The scientists behind Jumpstart Energy have carefully and thoroughly examined each approach to natural and health stimulation. They know how to avoid common mistakes made by diet and supplement manufacturing companies.

The Jumpstart Energy formula puts together powerful and natural ingredients that support the body while at the same time energizing and being careful never to over-stimulate.

Rhodiola Rosea, a key ingredient in Jumpstart Energy, supports the adrenal glands while also working with the body to reduce stress and increase energy.

The vitamins B3, B5, B12, and C increase the body’s natural ability to handle additional stress while at the same time increase energy and the metabolism.

Other ingredients, such as L-Tyrosene and DL-Phenylalanine, are amino acids that produce dopamine to increase mood, focus, and attention.

The overall value of Jumpstart Energy originates from its perfect balance between stimulation and bodily support. Some other diet and energy pills may produce more of an immediate boosting effect, but will also cause jitters and quickly let the user down after consumption.

This amazing approach to health stimulation combines all the right amounts of stimulants, vitamins, and herbs to create a balanced and sustainable increase in energy and metabolism that the body can digest and handle without the unstable consequences the majority of other supplements harmfully supply.

Jumpstart Energy is more effective and more healthy than the cheaper energy pills out there and in addition it is not addictive (low caffeine) but safe with the proper recommended use.

Actual customer letters can be found at:
http://www.JumpStartEnergy.com/testimonials.htm

Its supposed effectiveness in many areas makes it an energy supplement and weight loss product that will seriously improve your everyday life.

Try a free sample to see if it really makes you feel capable of accomplishing anything, with the enthusiasm and vitality to get going every time:
http://www.JumpStartEnergy.com/success.htm

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My Brand New Smith Machine Squat Rack45 lbs LOSTso farNovember 9, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 42 comments

I recently received one of the best gifts I could have hoped for. It was a Fitness Gear Ultimate Smith - Functional Trainer from Dick’s Sporting Goods. My wife treated me to this, in my novice opinion, awesome rack. Fitness Gear has a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods that makes it so that only Dick’s can carry this model.

I call these typed of machines squat racks. It gets the job done for me. It’s Friday and I don’t want to be online too long so I put together a little video of it. I plan on getting into more detail on this smith machine some other day, but for now enjoy the short video.

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A Flask For Runners: The Body Bottle45 lbs LOSTso farOctober 15, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 26 comments

A few weeks ago I was in dire need of a water bottle. I was reduced to using a regular cup for the time being. I have been wanting to get one of those big green Gatorade bottles that are used in college and NFL games, but have been too lazy to go buy one. Then John from Body Bottle stopped by the blog and I immediately wanted to test it, so he sent me one.

My first impression was, “Cool, this may work for me.” Some quick facts about it: It holds 10 ounces of water, costs $10.95, and straps on to your arm using Velcro. The cool part about it is that it helps keep your hands free while you are running, which may be more beneficial to some athletes more than others.

Being that I weigh over 300 lbs, it was pretty tough getting the strap to fit around my fat arm, elastic and all. I finally got it on with my wifes help but it was way too tight. I tried wearing it while I ran and felt like the circulation in my arm was being cut off. I eventually took it off. It fit comfortably on my wifes arm, so maybe if the strap was made a bit longer it would work for bigger folks. I like how the bottle is curved and flask-like, fitting the natural curvature of the arm. I also like the texture on the bottle, it helps with gripping. I didn’t like the twist-off cap, but John has stated on the Body Bottle blog that he is working on a new cap. The Velcro was really tough and held the bottle full of water on my bouncing frame with no sign of letting it fall. I did notice that I had to tug on it with some strength to get it off, but that’s just a sign of the strong Velcro.

I like the overall idea of the Body Bottle, but I think it needs a few tweaks. The size of the bottle is good for short distance runners, but 10 ounces may not be enough for some. I am not a long distance runner, the most I run is three miles and it’s enough for me. But then again a big bottle may not be sensible to have on your arm since the increased size may cause excessive bouncing. The strap could be made a bit longer for bigger arms as well. I was left wanting to add ice to my water but couldn’t since the size of the spout was so small. I didn’t remember to leave it in the fridge so my water was warmer than I like. It would also be cool if you could put it on your forearm, but that’s up to the user.

For now I am going to use the bottle, but not on my arm. Once I lose some more fat in my arm I will be able to strap it on without any discomfort. I am also only running on my treadmill for now, but once I am ready to go for runs outside I will be wearing my Body Bottle. Overall, I think the Body Bottle is a cool product. It is useful and sort of a no-brainer. I hate holding stuff in my hands when I run and this helps with that. This is a fine solution for joggers that don’t like carrying stuff on their backs or waists either. I will definitely be using it for going on walks and to the park with the family, especially since my two year old loves using it. She likes twisting the cap and the removable Velcro logo that came with it.

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