Fat Man UnleashedA Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog

Living XL: Shopping, with Large Fat People in Mind28 lbs LOSTso farMay 21, 2008 by Israel Lagares | 6 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 Resource28 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 Scale28 lbs LOSTso farJanuary 19, 2008 by Fat Kid | 5 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?28 lbs LOSTso farDecember 18, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 8 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?28 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 Rack28 lbs LOSTso farNovember 9, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 33 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 Bottle28 lbs LOSTso farOctober 15, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 25 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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Tae Bo Aerobics Kicked My Butt28 lbs LOSTso farOctober 10, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 13 comments

On Monday I did Tae bo for the second time in my life. Every now and again my wife convinces me to work out to her tune. Last time I did Tae Bo with her was in our cramped apartment in New York City about 4 years ago. I ended up pulling a back muscle and vowing to never do Tae Bo again. I was in good shape when that occurred. I found that Tae Bo gave me a decent cardiovascular workout, which totally shocked me, but was not about to risk pulling any more muscles.

It was a cardio day and we had just gotten back from our family time at the park. We tried running around on the grass but we both felt awkward and stiff so we just continued to play with the baby until she decided to come home. I didn’t feel like running on the treadmill so we opted to get some aerobics work in by way of Billy Blanks. Man was it tough. I wanted to stop mid way, especially when he had us doing round house kicks and donkey kicks. I was sweating tremendously within a few minutes and my legs and arms were burning. My wife on the other hand was getting through it with ease which made me look like a chump.

A side not on Mr. Blanks: I recall seeing him in some martial arts movies and along side Jean Claude Van Damme when I was a kid. I guess he never really took off as an action star. Oh well. LOL.

My wife has had the original Billy Blanks Tae Bo video cassette for years, since 1998. I recall buying her a more recent DVD edition a couple of years ago but she only does that one on weekends. She wakes up every morning at 6 AM and pops in the Tae Bo and gets her aerobics in before heading off to work. I admire the fact that she is tough enough, both mentally and physically, to get up each day and do that.

We both recently began trying to get back into shape and it is definitely paying off. She has lost about 8 lbs and is almost at her goal of 125. But aside from the weight loss she has reduced the size of her waist, belly, hips and thighs. It’s so amazing how the human body works when you workout and eat right. At first glance it doesn’t seem like she has done much to change her lifestyle, but when you think about it the small changes are what’s causing such a big effect on her body. We have both cut back on over eating, drinking unnecessary “juices” and carbonated beverages, and indulging on sugar packed snacks. She isn’t a saint but she does a lot better now. She has more wiggle room than I do as far as what she can eat since she didn’t have to drop over 80 lbs.

I was glad to have shared some workout bounding time with my wife. It was cool to incorporate something new into my routine so that I could get my workout in for the day. I was also glad to finally face my Tae Bo fears. I was afraid of pulling another muscle but I got through it. Victory!

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Yogurt: One of the Weapons in My Arsenal28 lbs LOSTso farOctober 6, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 11 comments

I am not about to sit here and preach to you about the benefits of eating yogurt. Anyone could get on the net and do searches for what works for them. To be honest I don’t know all of the benefits that eating yogurt has, but I do know that it works for me. I have never been a big fan of yogurt. It used to always make me gag. Especially the plain ones. Yuck. I tried all the brands I could find and could never stomach any of them.

Until I found La Yogurt. They have two varieties that I am aware of: regular flavor and Sabor Latino. The Sabor Latino Banana flavor is my favorite. I stumbled across it one day while I was shopping at Wal-Mart. I saw that they had banana flavor and decided to take the plunge. It was well worth it. This was about 2 years ago. They initially sold them in singles, but I think it caught on so Wal-Mart started selling them in 6 packs. It sells for about two dollars and change, making each yogurt about 50 cents. The six pack comes with three banana and three papaya. I wish they came all banana. Maybe one day.

The banana flavored La Yogurt tastes like Gerber banana baby food. That’s why I think I can stomach it, since I used to always eat banana Gerber as a kid. I make sure to eat one yogurt a day with some crushed walnuts sprinkled in (that is if my two year old daughter leaves me any, she goes through yogurts like theres no tomorrow). I usually eat it as a snack, but if I am too lazy to prepare a real meal I will eat a yogurt with some fruit and a protein shake. It usually fills me up good, so no complaints there.

Do you eat yogurt? What brand? Maybe I can try it out.

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I Bought a Recumbent Bike28 lbs LOSTso farSeptember 30, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 19 comments

I just purchased a recumbent bike from Wal-Mart. It’s the a Stamina Model # 4755. I know it’s not the best quality but I think it will fulfill its purpose for now. Plus it was only $108 bucks. It’s pretty cool and gets the job done for now. I just felt like I needed to have a back up machine for when I couldn’t run on the treadmill. There are days when I just can’t go all out on the treadmill. Now I can perform some HIIT on the bike. It’s supposed to only hold up to 250 lbs. Ha! It held me up good (300+ lbs). It makes no noise and actually gives me a good workout. I know that I will be getting a good workout from it. So will my wife.

My Sunday was a good one. It was a nice day outside: Sunny and windy. So the family went to the park and it was great. We ran around, we played tennis, and we enjoyed ourselves. I managed to work my abs out too. When we got back home my wife made a delicious egg, chicken, and vegetable omelet for dinner that satisfied every craving I had today. My mouth just watered a little thinking of it. It’s late and I need to sleep. That’s all I got in me for today.

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A 300 Pounders Workout Sneakers28 lbs LOSTso farSeptember 16, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 6 comments

I have been thinking about how important the type of shoes I wear are for my exercising. I generally wear sneakers that have comfortable cushioning and some type of bubble or shock absorber. It all depends on the type of exercise I will be doing. This is a break down of what I wear.

New Balance: One of the Best Running Shoes Ever Made

My favorite pair are my New Balance 8505’s. I came across them while at Dick’s sporting goods store one day. That day I was looking for a pair of everyday walking sneakers to buy. As soon as I put these on I was in love. They have excellent shock absorption and aren’t too heavy. The mesh lets my feet breathe and the soft material conforms with my feet. I wear them for most of my walking. I actually wear these even when I don’t workout. I would say these are my everyday shoe.

I also own a pair of black New Balance 574’s. I wear these for light activities such as playing tennis or going to the park to run around with the family. This version is the old school, classic New Balance. They aren’t too heavy and have a perfect fit. I like the fact that they aren’t too flexible. Why? Because I have been known to twist an ankle or two and having sturdy shoes are great when you are making quick shifts and changes of direction.

I didn’t start wearing New Balances for exercising purposes until I got back home from the military. I was first put on to New Balance when I was in boot camp. I was extremely shocked to find out that the running shoe of choice at Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot was New Balance. I wore those to the ground, but damn did they take the punishment.

Nike Shox: A Comfortable Cross Training Shoe

The other pair of workout sneakers I have are Nike Shox, version TL 4. I have always been a fan of the Shox line of cross trainers. I purchased a pair of the $140 variety when they first came out. I used to love Nike’s Boing-Boing commercials. I affectionately refer to my Shox as Boing-Boings. One thing I dislike about them is that they were made sorta flimsy. After much wear and tear, they would tear. I did notice that Nike is making them a bit more sturdy. My latest pair have been with me for 2 years. They have those Shox absorber thingies all throughout the sole. It’s mostly mental, but I feel like they help with my weight. I wear these for my running and weight lifting. When I wear them I feel as though I have a pep in my step. So they serve as morale boosters too.

I believe that having the right pair of shoes is essential. For me, it directly correlates with my progress. I remember one time when I was at Marshall’s. I had seen a pair of the basketball version of the Nike Shox. I bought them right away, no questions asked. That same day I wore them for a session on my treadmill. What was that for…I experienced what I think are shin splints. It was a terrible decision. I had an excruciating pain in my shins as I ran. I have never felt anything so painful in my shins before. I tried running for a few more minutes but I couldn’t. I returned them the following week.

Now that I think about it, I have always been picky with my footwear selection. In high school I would choose to wear a raggedy pair of worn out sneakers over a pair of brand new sneakers that our coaches would give us. I guess it’s because I had broken them in. I have been told stories of players getting turf toe and other foot pains when wearing new sneakers during rigorous exercises.

Anyway, those are my sneakers and I am sticking to them. What do you wear?

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