RMR, VO2 and BMI! Oh My! (IDEXA by Dr. H)

So... I had the IDEXA scan done by Dr. H and here are my results:

• RMR = 2010 calories/day
• VO2 = 290 (he said this was good, but I have no idea what it means. He seemed to be focused on my RMR, with which he was impressed)
• BMI = 38 (not so impressive and clearly an indicator that I am not a small girl)
• LBM = 144 lbs. (That's a lot of muscle).
• Target Weight = 155lbs.

Bottom line from the good doc? I need to eat less sugar and reduce my portion size. I also need to increase the amount of time I workout each day. The interesting part about his evaluation of me was that he said that initially he'd like to see me maintain my weight for a few months! That's right! MAINTAIN... not LOSE! This is the FIRST time I'd ever heard a doctor say that and I know I have plenty more to lose, so I asked why... He said to me that right now I am going in the wrong direction. I've gained 15 lbs in the past 4 months. Then, he mentioned that "maintaining" is a different direction than up, so we will start there. Makes sense, right? He even said that I don't have to watch the kind of food I eat right now as much as watching portion control. My metabolism is high enough where I can "cheat" and still maintain. Wow. Not at ALL what I expected.

I seriously thought he'd have me on a strict diet plan, straight away! Apparently, shocking your body with tremendous weight loss can really affect your metabolism, so he'd rather I took baby steps. Perhaps I will finally do this the right way? Something tells me that Dr. H's advice is golden.... so, follow it I shall (in Yoda's voice). Best part of my experience? Dr. H looked at my IDEXA scan and mentioned that although my BMI was high, he could tell by my shape and muscle mass that I was an athlete most of my life, and that I am "built very solid." That made me feel good.

Los Angeles was a great experience. I was more active last week than I had been in awhile, and the whole experience with Dr. H lit a fire in me. Running each morning, while I was in L.A., was invigorating! I loved the hills and pathways I had to choose from! I think I could create some running trails here that would be just as fun. I just have to get out of bed early enough to not contend with hot weather.

Today, I spent most of the morning downloading fitness applications on my iPhone and planning my fitness attack on my lifestyle. I believe that work has, once again, snuck in and overtaken my life. It has become a priority and I need to readjust. After two of my staff members informed me they plan to quit this week, it became painfully obvious that we are all overworked, tired, and need more balance in our lives. Balance and happiness won't be handed over on a silver platter, so it's time to take action. I need to do this for me. No more guilt trips from the boss. No more stressing myself out over things out of my control. No more compromising my sleep, health and exercise for my job. It's just not worth it. Time to focus on what is important in my life!

See you on the fit side!
~Heather

Dr. H and The Biggest Loser! Yup!

Hi All!

It's been awhile, I know! My apologies for being so absent, but I have some very exciting things happening in my life right now! I just returned from a fabulous work trip on the east coast, where I was able to catch up with fellow BLRer, Keith... (sorry that I missed you, Amanda! I had no idea you were so close!)... I also have officially lost 240 lbs of dead weight, by the name of Greg. New York and Philadelphia catalyzed the demise of our "friendship," which was apparently not all it appeared to be. So, good riddance and deuces! Please tell your wife I said,  "Good luck!" Ha!

I can't believe how much life can change in just a few short weeks! I've finally got my mojo back! The most exciting thing that has occurred is that I've teamed up with a few people from The Biggest Loser TV show, and we have some fantastic events on the horizon!

As I type this to you, I am sitting in Dr. Huizenga's study (he has a beautiful home), taking a break from planning a very exciting business venture with him and some former Biggest Losers, including last season's at-home winner, Mike Messina.... I know, right? Me? With Dr. H and Mike?!?!? Insanity!

I can't say much more than that right now, but please stay tuned for more info! Dr. H has been extremely kind and so hospitable on this recent trip to L.A. What an amazingly intelligent and interesting man! Working with him has been an incredible experience! Mike's not so bad either, as I'm sure many of you ladies would agree! Haha ;)

Through the last few weeks, I have had to face my challenges with weight loss, head-on. No more running from it. No more hiding. I mean, let's face it - Dr. H is the picture of excellent health, and I... well... er...not so much. If I'm ever going to work with the man and represent a fitness/health brand, I'll need to continue my journey and get very serious about it, startiiiiiiiing.... now. I've already adjusted my sugar intake tremendously. I am still working on the alcohol because it's extremely difficult to turn down a cold beer on a hot day :)

Tomorrow, I am heading to Dr. H's medical office in Beverly Hills to receive the same tests that the Biggest Loser contestants are subjected to when they join the show. Granted, I've already lost over 70 lbs in the past year, but I've also been "stagnant" since February 2012. The word stagnant is in quotes because it is not an actual stagnance via natural causes. Rather, it is self-sabotage, numerous excuses, and laziness. I'm working on these things in every aspect imaginable, but it's still a process that takes time and perserverence. I believe I was lacking the latter before I came to Dr. H's house.

Observing Dr. H's routine and lifestyle, first-hand, has been somewhat of an eye-opener; a busy, prominent and very successful doctor who works out every morning and gets up at 4:30am! I now realize that I can do it too!!!!... and I'd better! If I'm going to continue to partner with him and the others, I need to practice what I am preaching.

So, tomorrow, I will post my stats (if they're avaialble immediately after my tests), and my new journey will have officially begun! I hope you all enjoy following me (if you so choose) and are inspired by whatever may come! I think I've found my path and I'm once again excited about fitness!

Between Amanda Leigh Tyson getting down to my size in just a few short months of insane workouts (Go, girl! You AMAZE me! Love you!), and Dr. H's motivation (Have you seen his abs? Holy crap!), I think I stand a fighting chance! I am blessed with positive influences and supportive friends! This has to work!

See you on the fit side!
~Heather