Hard Work — A Lesson Learned From Jimmy Cefalo via Coach Barberi

Originally posted July 2011

 

 

 

I wasn’t an athletic youth, but I always participated in sports related activities.  As kids we didn’t have video games, Facebook, computers or five hundred cable channels to occupy our time.  We played outside; in the parks, in the streets or in vacant, or not so vacant, lots — anywhere we could find a spot, we played sports.  Football, baseball and basketball where the big three.  But we also made up games that involved physical activity, we even had our own neighborhood Olympic Games.  Being overweight, I wasn’t the best,  I was often picked last, but still — I participated.

Over the summer between eighth and ninth grade I decided I was going to go out for football.  No matter how ridiculous it sounds in retrospect, I was going to play for the Pittston Area Patriots, Penn State Nitnany Lions and finally I would play in the National Football League.

Summer program was the first step along my path.  My mom dropped me off at the front entrance to the high school.  Instead of turning right and going into the gym, I went straight. Beyond a second set of glass doors my gaze was fixed on the trophy case.  Little statuettes of championship seasons stared back at me, but it was the center item that had my full attention — the number 44 jersey worn by Jimmy Cefalo.

I daydreamed about playing on the gridiron wearing the Pittston red, white a blue.  I didn’t see nor hear anything else. Suddenly my day slumber was broken by a large hand that had fallen over my shoulder, it was that of legendary head football coach Bob Barbieri.  “You are going to be part of this son.”

I just nodded my head.  It was as if the hand of God himself had touched me.  He continued, “Jimmy was the best, a natural talent, but do you know what made him great?”

I couldn’t speak.  I simply stared at the jersey and then the coach.  “He worked and practiced harder than anyone else.”  He paused for a moment,  “In his time here he set track records as well as football, but no matter what he did, he didn’t rely solely on his natural abilities.”  Still awestruck I said nothing. Coach Barbieri led me down to the gym.

I only was on the team for two seasons.  I never started, heck I barely played, but I worked hard and enjoyed the game.  However, I took from those two years valuable lessons about hard work, maximizing potential and that winners were more than born — that even the best still had to practice.

If you live or lived in Northeast Pennsylvania and are around my age then you are acquainted with the names Jimmy Cefalo and Bob Barbieri.  I never knew Jimmy Cefalo beyond a handful of meetings,  but in addition to being Coach, Bob Barbieri was an teacher at the school.  His lessons extended beyond the football field and beyond the classroom, they extended into life.  They are lessons I used getting through boot camp, college, business and in overcoming obesity.  His words about Jimmy Cefalo echoed in my head when I began my journey  from Fat Then to Fit Now and I was determined to achieve my goals and work harder than anyone else.

 

 

 

 

*****************************************************

 

Life is lived in color, but sometimes the answers remain black and white.  

 

Aloha, Ciao and Stay Healthy,

 

Joe

 

 

Sometimes The Bastard Returns is available on Amazon.com

 

Paperback: http://astore.amazon.com/fathfinobl-20/detail/1492763365

 

Kindle: http://astore.amazon.com/fathfinobl-20/detail/B00HGVPCXG

 

Obesity Undone, is available in both paperback and kindle versions at amazon.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333

 

For over three and half years I maintained a 130 pound weight loss, then last year I lost my way and found a relapse in obesity. I am discussing my battle with recidivism.

 

**************The information, advice and opinions contained herein is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.***********

 

Obesity Undone, is available in both paperback and kindle versions at amazon.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333

 

http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition-ebook/dp/B008R8KA1Q

 

and on Create Space https://www.createspace.com/3903024

)

Negative Energy Produces Negative Results

I wrote the below posting a while back.  I was reminded of the detriment of negative energy recently listening to local talk jock WILK’s Steve Corbett.  I began listening to his show again when there was an interesting news story happening.  Since WILK is the only local news/talk station in NEPA, my options for afternoon listening are limited to one.  Unfortunately, I fell back into the habit of regular listening.

Well, it didn’t take long for my friends to notice a definite change in my end of day mood.  I wake up at 4 a.m. and I am in the gym by 5.  After my workout I teach and then I am in my office until 7 p.m. most nights.  I just assumed that the long days were getting to me, but then I remembered what I had been doing differently — I was listening to the Steve Corbett talk show.

Since I am between my office and patients during office hours,  I usually hear a good portion of the show.  Four hours of listening to how awful the world is, how bad people are and how sorry our lot in life is can drain even the most positive people.  Then again, most positive people probably would not or do not give Steve Corbett a second thought.

As many times as I have told people or done it myself, it never ceases to amaze me the power of cutting negative influences from your life.  It really should be a no brainer. Negativity begets negativity thus producing overall negative results.  Listening to Steve Corbett, a person who is obviously so angry at his life and wants his listeners to be just as miserable as he,  will eventually have a negative effect.

I have advised people to get negative people out of their lives.  However, that is not always easily accomplished in personal relationships — but it is easy when it comes to negative people whom you invite into your lives via the airwaves  —- change the station or switch off the radio.

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Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond wight loss.

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On my web site Fat Then Fit Now and in my writings I frequently mention the Three D’s; Desire, Determination and Discipline as the keys to remodeling one’s body and recapturing one’s health. I have also written about the Three E’s; Eating, Exercise and Energy. The Energy component being mental energy. Together these two triads are the keys to success in becoming a fit and healthy individual.

The D’s and E’s must be given equal effort to achieve our goal. While none of the Three D’s or E’s are more essential than the other, a lack of energy can cause you to falter and interfere with the triangles of support.

Energy is about our mindset. Our mental energy allows every other aspect to fall into place. If  mental energy is off kilter, it can adversely impact the other legs of the triangle, causing a complete, catastrophic collapse.

There really are only two types of energy; positive and negative. Each usually gives rise to one of two outcomes — positive energy produces positive results and negative energy equals negative results.

The rigors of  daily life can get in our way and before we know it our mental energy is being thrown out of balance. We may be doing everything else correctly, but our results aren’t what we expect.

What is going on?

What are we doing wrong?

It is then we must recall that all three must be equal to achieve the desired outcomes.

Recently, my mind and body were both tired and drained — I just didn’t know it. Although my eating and exercise were in line, my energy was off and I was not being as productive as I should  have been.

I was reminded of the battle between positive versus negative energy last year on a long weekend to Key West.

Five days of no news, no talk radio (I am a huge talk radio junkie), no business worries and in general no negative influences really recharged my mental batteries. Just being in Florida compared to Northeast Pennsylvania there is a palpable difference in attitude. The sunshine, warm temperatures and proximity to the ocean allow a variety of outdoor activities. It was my experience and conclusion that people there, even in tough economic times, have a much more positive outlook on life. That positive vibe rubs off on everyone who is there.

When I returned to Pennsylvania this renewed energy translated into some of the best workouts I have had in months. I attacked the weights with vim and vigor, relishing the feel of cold iron in the palms of my hands.

The exercises were the same, but the poundage was a little heavier and the pace a little quicker — I was having fun.

This simple, yet noticeable, difference in my workouts has made me re-aware of the influence of energy. I have taken steps to ensure that my energy remains positive.

I make sure to start my day with a smile.

I have resolved to no longer to complain.

I shrug off the mundane, minor, miniscule annoyances that tend to degrade my disposition.

I have also stopped listening to so much talk radio, especially the afternoon drive talk  Steve Corbett show on local station WILK newsradio, and reading too in-depth into the news. I scan the paper and if I feel something is important, I will delve deeper into the subject.  I am no longer obsessed with each bit of minutia that is being reported. I discovered on my long weekend, that by not reading the paper, not watching the news, nor listening to talk radio — nothing changed. My being aware had absolutely zero influence.

I now strive to make each day full of positive energy.  When someone complains, I smile and make an excuse to remove myself from the conversation. If negative thoughts enter my head, I think about all I have that is good. If I start to feel sorry for myself, I remember my trips to places like the Philippines and force myself to realize how good my life is.

Energy must be positive. I am not saying we are never going to get down. I am not saying we should never get upset. There are real life issues that will influence our mood. However, we can change so much just by changing our attitude and outlook. It takes just as much effort to smile and say hello as it does to look away and grunt, but the result of a smile is much more positive, not only for one’s self, but on the person on the receiving end.

We must ask ourselves; Will worrying about something change it? Will losing sleep change it? Will not working out change it? Will overeating change it? In all likelihood all of the above will only be more deleterious to the situation and our health.

When possible, cut out negative influences, don’t become obsessed and worried about what you have little control over. Remember when it comes to controlling elements around us, we really can’t.

We can’t control the weather, world affairs or other people, however, we can control how we react. We can choose the manner in which we respond.

I tell all of  my clients that the only thing they can control is what they put into their bodies and the amount of exercise they put out. I also tell them the only person they can control is the one that stares back at them from the mirror.

We can be positive or we can be negative — the choice is ours —  the results are obvious.

 

———————————————————————————————————————

https://www.createspace.com/3903024

http://www.obesityundone.com/

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com and CarbSmart.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, What’s Weighing You Down, w/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website http://www.betterlifeseminars.com.
———————————————————————————————————————
************The information contained herin is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.************

Will You Choose To Blame or Will You Choose To Overcome?

I have been watching the continuing news coverage of the Wall Street protestors and I shake my head thinking how I once was a member of the “blame the world” movement.  News accounts and local bloggers all espouse basically the same message; “It is someone else’s fault that life is bad so, lash out against them.”  I thought about my own life and how I too once had this attitude.  Due to a series of circumstances my business began to fail, my life spiraled out of control — I blamed the world and I responded by lashing out. 

To whomever would listen, I told my tale of woe.  I complained, I griped and I blamed.  It was all someone else’s fault.  It was the doctors who misdiagnosed me, it was the national republican party

me at 340 pounds

for not getting behind my run for congress, it was this person or that person’s fault that my business was failing.  I responded by eating and eating and eating.  Every day I would simply exist to eat.  As my weight ballooned up, the person on the left rapidly came into existence. Was it my fault that I had become morbidly obese?  At the time, in my blame the world state of mind — of course not!  It was the situation, it was bad luck, it was those who wronged me, ala former news person Steve Corbett, it had to be the fault of  someone else.

Much like so many do today, I lashed out.  Over WILK’s airwaves and web-site, fear monger extraordinaire Steve Corbett assigns blame to any and everyone who has earned even a modicum of success.  I find it amusing that while he spends so much time blaming others, he avows just as loudly that it is up to others to take care of those he supposedly represents.

The fact is that I had some bad luck and was the victim of bad doctoring, however, while there may have been issues, the person truly responsible for my failings was the guy staring back at me from the mirror.

It wasn’t the hard times or the actions of others that pushed me to the edge of personal and business failure; it was my reaction and inaction that put me there.  Unlike the Steve Corbett’s of the world, eventually I realized that my demise wasn’t the fault of others and my salvation wasn’t going to be the result of another’s action. It was up to me, and me alone, to resurrect my failing life.

What does this have to do with weight loss and fitness? Pretty much everything.

When we lose the drive to care for our own fitness, when we lose the respect for ourselves and allow obesity to rule our lives, and when we no longer take responsibility for our own health, we lash out.  That is why I cut out negative energy and focus on what I can do positive with each and every day of my life. I don’t envy those who have what I don’t have nor do I seek to blame others for my lot in life. Contrary to Steve Corbett’s rantings, I choose how I will respond and my choice is to take self-responsibility, self-control and self-determination of my person.

I eat and exercise as if I will live forever, however I live life as if I will die tomorrow! I have no time to focus on what can’t be done.  I choose to embrace the positive aspects of my life and opt for a positive outlook over fear fueled outrage, hate and despair.

A student of mine stated that I always work nutrition and fitness into class time and asked me why.  I told this person that when one takes control of themselves, through taking command of their own health, the other issues tend to be easier to cope with.

This student told me they would like to lose weight and get in shape, but simply didn’t have the time.  I related to this student and several others the following:

I was entering a store when I saw one of my former weight loss clients.  Well, not exactly a client,  the gentleman only came in for the initial meeting, purchased my book, and confidently proclaimed that he could do it on his own.  One look at him and I realized he wasn’t sticking to the plan.  After some conversation, I offered to give him a free restart meeting to get him on track. I guess I struck a nerve, because his response was quite defensive.  He rattled of excuse after excuse attempting to justify why he had not even started the plan.  After I rolled my eyes and gave him a look he said; “What would you know, you’re a doctor and you work for yourself, you have all the time you need to eat right and exercise.”

Deep from my gut, propelled by the contractions of my diaphragm, a loud belly laugh escaped. Anyone who knows me, knows what I have been through.  An illness and one misdiagnosis after another caused me to be out of my office for an extended period of time. During and after this period, my business markedly declined and I lost every dime I had managed to save.  My mental weakness and my response to the situation caused me to neglect my business even further and I emotionally spiraled downward as my weight and girth ballooned upward.

However, this man didn’t know any of that.  Yet, I couldn’t contain my laughter. I think I offended, insulted or embarrassed him.  Since I don’t really understand those emotions, I can’t be sure, but I assured him I wasn’t laughing at him.

I have often said, getting fit and dropping weight are genuinely easy, however, it does require commitment and proper planning.  What better way to demonstrate the misconception than to give an account of one of my days?  So, what follows is a snapshot of one of my days.   This day was Wednesday 9/14/11.  By the way, Wednesday’s is the day of the week my office is closed, you know — my day off .

• 4:08am — Alarm sounds.  I hit the off button and say to myself several time, “Get up, get up, get up…!” I pause in the sitting position at the edge of my bed and consider laying back down.  I grab a picture of myself at 340 pounds and only need to glance at it for a moment before I spring up to my feet and head to the kitchen for coffee.
• 4:20am — Finish up my coffee, brush my teeth, shave, double-check my gear that I packed the night before, update Facebook for weight loss clients following me, get dressed and leave for the gym.
• 4:45am — Arrive at the gym.  Do my leg work out; 40 sets in just under 50 minutes, then go upstairs and do my abdominal workout.
• 6:00am — Shower, change for the day and leave the gym.
• 6:30am — Stop by my office.  Check and answer emails from Fat Then Fit Now clients, friends and students.
• 6:50am — Leave my office.
• 7:00am — Arrive for breakfast at Tony’s Diner in Kingston, had the best sausage and cheese omelet.
• 7:30am — Depart Tony’s and head to the college.
• 7:50am — Arrive at the college and get ready to teach my first class.
• 8:55am — Class dismissed; off to the office (you know, the one that is closed for the day.)
• 9:30am — Arrive at the office.  Write and publish blog post.  Answer more emails and Facebook inquires for people interested in my book.  Look over new info for the second edition of Fat Then Fit Now; A Life Beyond Weight Loss.
• 10:30am — Have a snack of mixed nuts and unsweetened iced tea.
• 10:45am — Get on Skype with the one and only Jimmy Moore and record a brief segment commemorating his 500th podcast episode.
• 11:00am — Treat two emergency patients. Ordered lunch.
• 11:30am — Stop at Leo’s Pizza where a grilled chicken salad w/blue cheese dressing is waiting for me. After lunch I head back up to the college.
• 12:15pm — Arrive at the college and teach my second class of the day.
• 1:15pm — Class dismissed.  Off to the lounge. Mix up a protein pudding (just enough water added to protein powder to give it a pudding like consistency), eat it while I enter quiz grades and do some class prep work.  Take a few moments to “discuss” politics with a colleague.
• 2:30pm — Teach third class of the day.
• 3:55pm — Class dismissed.
• 4:00pm — Teach fourth class of the day.
• 5:50pm — Class dismissed, run to lounge and warm up chicken breast stuffed with artichoke, spinach and cheese that I prepared earlier in the week. Scarfed down dinner.
• 6:00pm — Teach fifth class of the day.
• 8:45pm — Class dismissed.
• 9:15pm — Stop to see my girlfriend for a visit.
• 10:00pm — Prepare gear, clothes and choose one the already prepared meals to pack for the next day, set up the coffee maker and the timer for 5:08am (I sleep in on Tues/Thursday), put clothes in the washing machine and then finally sit down and unwind with a little television.
• 10:45pm — Go to bed, check to make sure alarm is set for 5:18am (I need to give the coffee time to brew), read until I fall asleep.

I am not one of those people, who sit around waisting {sic} their week, looking forward to Friday just so I can guzzle beer. I live each and every day to its fullest. I thrive on full, complete, productive days.  Don’t get me wrong, I like my leisure time, but even my leisure time is as active as possible. Being idle leads to indolence, which in turn, leads to an inflated physique.

The question is not whether it is possible to drop weight, get fit and recapture your health.  With the proper application of eating, exercise and mental energy through desire, determination and discipline, you not only can — you WILL achieve your goals.  The proper question to ask is;

HOW DEEP IS YOUR DESIRE TO BEAT BACK OBESITY?

———————————————————————————————————————

———————————————————————————————————————

https://www.createspace.com/3903024

http://www.obesityundone.com/

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com and CarbSmart.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, What’s Weighing You Down, w/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website http://www.betterlifeseminars.com.
———————————————————————————————————————
************The information contained herin is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.************

Lash Out or Look Inward — Blame Others or Take Responsibility For Your Own Health

Image via Wikipedia

I have been watching the news about the Wall Street protestors and I shake my head thinking how I once was a member of the “blame the world” movement.  I read a blog by our local hate and fear monger Steve Corbett,  news accounts and local bloggers and they all basically espouse basically the same message; “It is someone else’s fault that life is bad so, lash out against them.”  I thought about my own life and how I too once had this attitude.  Due to a series of circumstances my business began to fail, my life spiraled out of control and I blamed the world.

I responded by lashing out. 

To whomever would listen, I told my tale of woe.  I complained, I griped and I blamed.  It was all someone else’s fault.  It was the doctors who misdiagnosed me, it was the national republican party for not getting behind my run for congress, it was this person or that person’s fault that my business was failing.  I responded by eating and eating and eating.  Every day I would simply exist to eat.  As my weight ballooned up was it my own fault?  At the time, in my blame the world mind — of course not!  It was the situation, it was bad luck, it was those who wronged me.

Much like so many do today, I lashed out .  All over the internet there are all sorts of blogs, vblogs and YouTube videos blaming everyone else.  Although, I always find it funny that while they are blaming others, they are saying it is up to others to take care of them.  That always makes me scratch my head.

Image by ninahale via Flickr

What does this have to do with weight loss and fitness? Pretty much everything.

When we lose the drive to care for our own fitness, when we lose the respect for ourselves to allow obesity to rule our lives and when we no longer take responsibility for our own health, we lash out.  That is why I cut out negative energy and focus on what I can do positive with my life each and every day. I don’t envy those that have what I don’t have nor do I seek to blame others for my lot in life.

I eat and exercise as if I will live forever, however I live like I will die tomorrow!

A student of mine stated that I always work nutrition and fitness into class time and asked me why.  I told this person that when one takes control of themselves, through taking command of their own health, the other issues tend to be easier to cope with.

This student told me they would like to lose weight and get in shape, but simply didn’t have the time.  I related to this student and several others the following:

I was going in to a store when I saw one of my former weight loss clients.  Well, not exactly a client,  the gentleman only came in for the initial meeting, purchased my book, and confidently proclaimed that he could do it on his own.  Well, one look at him and I realized he wasn’t sticking to the plan.  After some conversation, I offered to give him a free restart meeting to get him on track. I guess I struck a nerve, because his response was quite defensive.  He rattled of excuse after excuse about why he had not even started the plan.  After I rolled my eyes and gave him a look he said; “What would you know, you’re a doctor and you work for yourself, you have all the time you need to eat right and exercise.”

Deep from my gut, propelled by the contractions of my diaphragm, a loud belly laugh escaped. Anyone who knows me, knows what I have been through.  An illness and one misdiagnosis after another caused me to be out of my office for an extended period of time. During and after this period, my business markedly declined and I lost every dime I had managed to save.   My mental weakness and response to the situation caused me to neglect my business even further and  I emotionally spiraled downward as my weight and girth ballooned upward.

However, this man didn’t know any of that.  Yet, I couldn’t contain my laughter. I think I offended, insulted or embarrassed him.  Since I don’t really understand those emotions, I can’t be sure, but I assured him I wasn’t laughing at him.

I have often said, getting fit and dropping weight are genuinely easy, however, it does require commitment and proper planning.  What better way to demonstrate the misconception than to give an account of one of my days?  So, what follows is a snapshot of one of my days.   This day was Wednesday 9/14/11.  By the way, Wednesday’s is the day of the week my office is closed, you know — my day off .

• 4:08am — Alarm sounds.  I hit the off button and say to myself several time, “Get up, get up, get up…!” I pause in the sitting position at the edge of my bed and consider laying back down.  I grab a picture of myself at 340 pounds and only need to glance at it for a moment before I spring up to my feet and head to the kitchen for coffee.
• 4:20am — Finish up my coffee, brush my teeth, shave, double-check my gear that I packed the night before, update Facebook for weight loss clients following me, get dressed and then leave for the gym.
• 4:45am — Arrive at the gym.  Do my leg work out; 40 sets in just under 50 minutes, then go upstairs and do my abdominal workout.
• 6:10am — Shower, change for the day and leave the gym.
• 6:30am — Stop by my office.  Check and answer emails from Fat Then Fit Now clients, friends and students.
• 6:50am — Leave my office.
• 7:00am — Arrive for breakfast at Tony’s Diner in Kingston, had the best sausage and cheese omelet.
• 7:30am — Depart Tony’s and head to the college.
• 7:50am — Arrive at the college and get ready to teach my first class.
• 8:55am — Class dismissed; off to the office (you know, the one that is closed for the day.)
• 9:30am — Arrive at the office.  Write and publish blog post.  Answer more emails and Facebook inquires for people interested in my book.  Look over new info for the second edition of Fat Then Fit Now; A Life Beyond Weight Loss.
• 10:30am — Have a snack of mixed nuts and unsweetened iced tea.
• 10:45am — Get on Skype with the one and only Jimmy Moore and record a brief segment commemorating his 500th podcast episode.
• 11:00am — Treat two emergency patients. Ordered lunch.
• 11:30am — Stop at Leo’s Pizza where a grilled chicken salad w/blue cheese dressing is waiting for me. After lunch I head back up to the college.
• 12:15pm — Arrive at the college and teach my second class of the day.
• 1:15pm — Class dismissed.  Off to the lounge. Mix up a protein pudding (just enough water added to protein powder to give it a pudding like consistency) and eat it while I enter quiz grades and do some class prep work.  Take a few moments to “discuss” politics with a colleague.
• 2:30pm — Teach third class of the day.
• 3:55pm — Class dismissed.
• 4:00pm — Teach fourth class of the day.
• 5:50pm — Class dismissed, run to lounge and warm up chicken breast stuffed with artichoke, spinach and cheese that I prepared earlier in the week. Scarfed down dinner.
• 6:00pm — Teach fifth class of the day.
• 8:45pm — Class dismissed.
• 9:15pm — Stop to see my girlfriend for a visit.
• 10:00pm — Prepare gear, clothes and chose one the already prepared meals to pack for the next day, set up the coffee maker and the timer for 5:08am (I sleep in on Tues/Thursday), put clothes in the washing machine and then finally sit down and unwind with a little television.
• 10:45pm — Go to bed, check to make sure alarm is set for 5:18am (I need to give the coffee time to brew), read until I fall asleep.

I am not one of those people, who sit around waisting {sic} their week, looking forward to Friday just so I can guzzle beer. I live each and every day to its fullest. I thrive on full, complete, productive days.  Don’t get me wrong, I like my leisure time, but even my leisure time is as active as possible. Being idle leads to indolence, which in turn, leads to an inflated physique.

The question is not whether it is possible to drop weight, get fit and recapture your health.  With the proper application of eating, exercise and mental energy through desire, determination and discipline, you not only can — you WILL achieve your goals.  The proper question to ask is; HOW DEEP IS YOUR DESIRE TO BEAT BACK OBESITY?

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https://www.createspace.com/3903024

http://www.obesityundone.com/

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com and CarbSmart.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, What’s Weighing You Down, w/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website http://www.betterlifeseminars.com.
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************The information contained herin is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.************

 

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• Herman Cain To Protesters: It’s Your Fault If You Don’t Have A Job And Haven’t Succeeded (alan.com)
• Don’t Allow Obesity To Turn You Into A Victim (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)

Hard Work; A Lesson Learned From My Youth

Image via CrunchBase

I wasn’t an athletic youth, but I always participated in sports related activities.  As kids we didn’t have video games, Facebook, computers or five hundred cable channels to occupy our time.  We played outside; in the parks, in the streets or in vacant lots — anywhere we could find a spot, we played sports.  Football, baseball and basketball where the big three.  But we also made up games that involved physical activity, we even had our own neighborhood Olympic Games.  Being overweight, I wasn’t the best,  I was often picked last, but still — I participated.

Image via Wikipedia

Over the summer between eighth and ninth grade I decided I was going to go out for football.  No matter how ridiculous it sounds in retrospect, I was going to play for the Pittston Area Patriots, Penn State Nitnany Lions and finally I would play in the National Football League.

Summer program was the first step along my path.  My mom dropped me off at the front entrance to the high school.  Instead of turning right and going into the gym, I went straight. Beyond a second set of glass doors my gaze was fixed on the trophy case.  Little statuettes of championship seasons stared back at me, but it was the center item that had my full attention — the number 44 jersey worn by Jimmy Cefalo.

I daydreamed about playing on the gridiron wearing the Pittston red, white a blue.  I didn’t see nor hear anything else. Suddenly my day slumber was broken by a large hand that had fallen over my shoulder, it was that of legendary head football coach Bob Barbieri.  “You are going to be part of this son.”

I just nodded my head.  It was as if the hand of God himself had touched me.  He continued, “Jimmy was the best, a natural talent, but do you know what made him great?”

I couldn’t speak.  I simply stared at the jersey and then the coach.  “He worked and practiced harder than anyone else.”  He paused for a moment,  “In his time here he set track records as well as football, but no matter what he did, he didn’t rely solely on his natural abilities.”  Still awestruck I said nothing. Coach Barbieri led me down to the gym.

I only was on the team for two seasons.  I never started, heck I barely played, but I worked hard and enjoyed the game.  However, I took from those two years valuable lessons about hard work, maximizing potential and that winners were more than born — that even the best still had to practice.

Image via Wikipedia

If you live or lived in Northeast Pennsylvania and are around my age then you are acquainted with the names Jimmy Cefalo and Bob Barbieri.  I never knew Jimmy Cefalo beyond a handful of meetings,  but in addition to being Coach, Bob Barbieri was an teacher at the school.  His lessons extended beyond the football field and beyond the classroom, they extended into life.  They are lessons I used getting through boot camp, college, business and in overcoming obesity.  His words about Jimmy Cefalo echoed in my head when I began my journey  from Fat Then to Fit Now and I was determined to achieve my goals and work harder than anyone else.

———————————————————————————————————————

Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond wight loss.

He is available to speak at no charge to any school or any youth group. He will make himself available to any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Lisa Davis’ Your health radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast.

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Negative Attitude Equals Negative Results

I wrote the below posting a while back.  I was reminded of the detriment of negative energy recently listening to local talk jock WILK’s Steve Corbett.  I began listening to his show again when there was an interesting news story happening.  Since WILK is the only local news/talk station in NEPA, my options for afternoon listening are limited to one.  Unfortunately, I fell back into the habit of regular listening.

Well, it didn’t take long for my friends to notice a definite change in my end of day mood.  I wake up at 4 a.m. and I am in the gym by 5.  After my workout I teach and then I am in my office until 7 p.m. most nights.  I just assumed that the long days were getting to me, but then I remembered what I had been doing differently — I was listening to the Steve Corbett talk show.

Since I am between my office and patients during office hours,  I usually hear a good portion of the show.  Four hours of listening to how awful the world is, how bad people are and how sorry our lot in life is can drain even the most positive people.  Then again, most positive people probably would not or do not give Steve Corbett a second thought.

As many times as I have told people or done it myself, it never ceases to amaze me the power of cutting negative influences from your life.  It really should be a no brainer. Negativity begets negativity thus producing overall negative results.  Listening to Steve Corbett, a person who is obviously so angry at his life and wants his listeners to be just as miserable as he,  will eventually have a negative effect.

I have advised people to get negative people out of their lives.  However, that is not always easily accomplished in personal relationships — but it is easy when it comes to negative people whom you invite into your lives via the airwaves  —- change the station or switch off the radio.

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Life is lived in color, but sometimes the answers remain black and white.  

Aloha, Ciao and Stay Healthy,

Joe

Sometimes The Bastard Returns is available on Amazon.com

Paperback: http://astore.amazon.com/fathfinobl-20/detail/1492763365

Kindle: http://astore.amazon.com/fathfinobl-20/detail/B00HGVPCXG

Obesity Undone, is available in both paperback and kindle versions at amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333

For over three and half years I maintained a 130 pound weight loss, then last year I lost my way and found a relapse in obesity. I am discussing my battle with recidivism.

**************The information, advice and opinions contained herein is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.***********

Obesity Undone, is available in both paperback and kindle versions at amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333

http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition-ebook/dp/B008R8KA1Q

and on Create Space https://www.createspace.com/3903024

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Life Is Not Fair; How will you deal with it?

Lately, life has been throwing me some heavy-duty, rib-breaking body blows. Compared to many I am blessed, but recently — I don’t feel that way. The reality of owning a business in these current economic times can impact us all. I feel much like I did a few years ago. Similar situations caused apathy, which in turn led to laziness. The result was that my weight ballooned to a ponderous, pachydermian three hundred and forty pounds and my fitness levels plummeted to previously unforeseen depths.

This morning when the alarm clock sounded, for the first time in a long time, I had the desire to shut the buzzer off and roll back over. Reawakened by my current situation, my inner demons reared their ugly heads.

Thoughts of pancakes, home fries, doughnuts and waffles for breakfast started bubbling to the forefront of my brain. Later, I could go for a pizza and a nice pot of pasta. Then, in the evening, maybe a pie and a pint or two of ice cream. The comfort foods would work their soothing magic.

The demons screamed into my skull:

Why exercise?
Why eat right?
What is the point?
Think of how nice it would be to sleep, on a full belly, an extra three hours each morning.

I knew that the combination of sloth and gluttony would once again isolate me from the outside world. The calming influences of empty calorie, carbohydrate loaded foods would help me sleep. The lack of exercise would convert the excess consumption into a protective layer of fat and I would once again be isolated from the rest of the human race.

I looked up and studied the proverbial rope that is keeping me from plunging into Hell’s fires. The repair jobs, from the previous occasions in which life almost took me down were once again frayed. The gremlins and graveling, which are busily hacking away at the rope, are now more than half way through.

Will the rope give all together? Will my life and future plummet into a great abyss? It very well might. When it desires, life can be a cold bastard. The big question is:

Will I embrace my inner demons  and willingly hasten my demise?

I stayed in bed and wondered what it would be like to have had a charmed life. I asked myself:

How different would it have been if my father hadn’t been forced on to disability by a life altering injury?

How would it have been if my parents could have afforded to send me straight to college out of high school?

Was my judgment to enter the Navy, to alleviate the burden of at least one child to care for, the correct decision?

Yes, the self-doubt and self-pity of despair were being cheered on by the demons. Much like WILK talk radio host Steve Corbett, my inner mischievous sprites are acting as the harbingers of doom — joyfully, they fan my flames of despair, discontent, doubt and disillusionment.

How easy would it be to embrace their self-destructive message!
How simple would it be to return back to my former indolence!
How effortless would it be to add a hefty burden to the rope!

As these thoughts ran through my head, a truck driver outside my window slammed on the brakes. As the tractor-trailer came to a very loud halt, its cargo violently shifted and I was jarred by a thunderous clang. My still sleeping brain interpreted the clamor into the clang of iron plates being dropped onto the gym floor.

Thoughts about clanging and banging iron sent a familiar shiver through my body. I jumped from my bed and the demons hid in terror. I would not give into their cursed cheering.

There is no time for self-pity.
There is no time for self-sorrow.
There is not time for self-destruction.

The rope is starting to show threads.
I am not sure how long it will hold out.
I will not increase its burden by adding weight to my frame.

As much as we tend to think otherwise, there is very little in our lives over which we have control.

Well run businesses fail everyday.
Bad, at times awful, things happen to good people.
Politicians pass laws regardless of the actual outcomes.
Hard working, loyal employees often find themselves without a job.

The one thing we can control is ourselves.

We can control our mental attitude.
We can control our fitness level.
We can control what we eat.

In spite of Gary Taubes’s anti exercise writings, I will continue my endeavors in exercise. Because, by being physically fit and strong, if that rope does give out, I will be powerful enough to reach up, grab the remaining end and support myself.

Don’t quit on being fit!

——————————————————————————————————

Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet. His web site www.ObesityUndone.com is available to help you reach your goals.

He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, Bounce Back to Your Brilliance w/Angel Tyree, What’s Weighing You Downw/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website www.betterlifeseminars.com.
———————————————————————————————————————
************The information in the videos is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting that I write do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions.************

 

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• Gary Taubes; Why We Get Fat – And Excuses Not To Exercise (fatthenfitnow.wordpress.com)