Health Hero Profile: Xavierism..... Xavier Castillo

HEALTH HERO PROFILE 4.23.12 (is a profile of an individual who has successfully overcome his or her health and fitness challenges or  is actively transitioning into a healthier and active lifestyle).

What is your age and where are you from?

I am Xavier Castillo, 47, and currently living in Phoenix, Arizona.

What was your beginning weight?

Beginning weight of 250.

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

Currently 177 pounds. I've kept the 73 pounds off for almost 2 years.

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

I have always had weight issues since my grade school years. I can still vividly remember shopping for a nice Sunday outfit for my First Communion with my Mother . Even at the age of 8, dress slacks were simply not my friends. While trying on different slacks and suits, I could hear my Mother tell the sales lady, "We always have problems shopping for Xavier. He has such a big belly and butt --it's just never easy." My High School years weren't any different. I stated packing on the pounds and continued to fit my weight. By the time I graduated from High School, I was 5'10 and weighing close to 200 pounds.

At the end of 2009, a close and dear friend, Patty, along with her husband, were traveling from Boston to Phoenix to visit family. She informed me that she would have time to meet for dinner. I so wanted to look and dress nice but nothing fit. NOTHING. I felt so crushed. I was so embarrassed I wore ordinary clothes and tried to hide the weight. That evening after dinner, Patty's husband snapped a picture of the two of us. Once I received that picture, I knew I had to do something once and for all. I realized at that point that so many key parts of my life were suffering. My relationship and social life were suffering because I felt ashamed for being so overweight.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?
College years my weight ballooned to 250 pounds. After college, I tried to "re-invent" myself by working out and trying all those fad diets. Powered drinks were the easiest and cheapest at the time so I tried that. I lost weight but the pounds quickly returned. I even tried Diet Center. I had to weigh my food, take nasty tasting vitamins & and the food was horrible. The weekly visits to their office weren't cheap. I did manage to lost a bit of weight but again, I gained the weight plus more pounds. I turned to running but I only ran for the sole purpose of losing weight so I never felt the joy of running. I did enter a half marathon to raise money for charity. I walked most of it and my body felt so much pain after that. My body was weak and I didn't want to face facts.

How'd you lose your weight?

In March of 2010, I slowly began to change my eating habits and add walking as a form of exercise. Within weeks, I could see and feel that I lost a few pounds. I would search the internet for Mentors and read how they lost weight and their advice to others. This is how I found Rosie. I remember watching the video clip of her guest appearance on The Today Show. She and all the others became my Mentors from a distance. By the end of 2010, I was down to 190 pounds. In November of that year, I signed up to run my first Half Marathon. I had two months to prepare for this race. I learned the importance of proper nutrition while exercising/ training for races. On Jan. 8th, 2011, I ran my first half Marathon in 14 years -The Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California - 2:31:28.6. I trained alone for that race because I was scared to tell others in the event that I failed of chickened out.

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?

Initially, I did not tell anyone about trying to lose weight for the 100th time. I thought I would keep quiet and just continue my goal alone. Slowly but surely, friends began to notice the weight loss. It was then that I felt people began to take me serious about my weight loss. Since The 2011 Southern California Half Marathon, I train with a great group of friends that encourage me to be a better runner and to be more aware of my choices as far as diet in every day life.

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?

With the weight loss, I've learned that just because I lost the weight doesn't mean it won't return. This is a lifestyle change. We must continue to make changes and adjust to every day life and situations. Stress is a part of life...but now I know rather than to eat my stress away, I can work out or run and not allow certain moments to get the best of me.

In what ways has your life changed?

The weight loss was just the beginning of things to come. Through this whole journey, I believe we're put on this earth to help others. It's how the human connection works. We gain insight from others. We use that knowledge to inspire others. I have wonderful friends that understand me. I always have a great wardrobe. When I lost the weight, I bought all new clothes, suits, ties, shirts & shoes. I donated all of my old clothes. I have come so far to turn back now. It's so true: One can never know about the Joys of Life until you experience the bottom of lows. Dig deep - find yourself. Give back. It's all about moving forward in Life.

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?

My first half Marathon in 14 years -The Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California. I was also proud of the fact that I purchased a whole new wardrobe once I lost the weight. I donated and gave away all my clothes to charity.

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?
Fave foods while I train & my every day life? I have a salad every day with just a small amount of low cal dressing. I always have a small bowl of mixed fruit per day - usually with cantaloupe/melon/ and a few
strawberries. Via my George Foreman grill, I always have boneless/skinless chicken breasts stored in the fridge for my salads and quick to go proteins. While I lost the weight, I began to become aware
of foods that I like and how to prepare various recipes. I'm not a big fan of fish but do enjoy making trying different Salmon recipes. I love coffee and always have a cup after I run. I always make sure to drink plenty of water each day. Vegetables are the best. Love whole wheat pastas with Spinach, squash and/or broccoli. Thank God for the Internet. There are great healthy recipes all over the net - it's a matter of doing research and working with foods that we each like. Experiment with different spices. Mix it up.I love making a huge pot of Pinto Beans soup. When it's done, I enjoy a nice bowl for lunch or dinner and freeze the rest in different containers. That way I just take a container out and keep in fridge for meals during the week.
Usually after a race or when I've reached a small goal, I will reward myself with a treat. There are foods that I do miss such as Chocolate Malt-O-Meal, Wingless Buffalo Dip and Chips & Chicken Wings. So when I do reward myself with a treat, it's always one of the above listed goodies.
I'd be lost without my Nike+ GPS Sport Watch and Sony NWZW262BLK Walkman MP3 player. The Sony MP3 player is perfect while working out or on runs. Never have to worry about wires. Easy to upload music from laptop to player. It's a Nifty headphones/MP3 player at a great price.

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?
I do my best to eat proper amounts of proteins, good carbs & drink plenty of water. I never drank enough water. Now...I realize I need it more than I could have ever imagined. I always have my Kor water bottle with me. Sometimes I like to mix it up and add a Nuun tablet to my bottle. Cucumber Mint and Tangerine Ginger are my faves.
Vegetables and fruits are a big part of my daily diet. I have always loved playing tennis and now incorporate it into my weekly workouts and running.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?
I've come too far to turn back. If I return to my old ways, there would be no way I could maintain the Life I have now. Running 25-30 miles takes endurance and commitment. I'm thankful that I now have the will to continue with this lifestyle. I also have made good friends through running and tennis. I tend to shy away from a social life when I gain weight. I rather work hard to maintain this lifestyle that I've embraced. I feel as though I can't return...this is my Life.

Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?

"Always carry a few strands of Faith in your pocket because without them, Life can be a lonely place." --My Buelita (My Grandmother)

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?
Dig deep - find yourself. Seek out and find Mentors. Confide in those you trust to help you get through the tough moments. Reaching out for help isn't weak - it simply means you're Human. Keep the Faith!

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?

Best Life Lesson: "I feel my only job in life is to be who I am" - Maxine Gray (Judging Amy) -- I love this quote because I learned that I was hiding my true self. I can't return to that dark time because then I would lose myself. I'm here. God gave me Life and I want to experience all the Joys in this lifetime.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

Short term goals: *To train for the San Francisco Half Marathon (July 29th) & set a new PR. This means I must once again train during the hot summer months here in Phoenix. Will have to get up at 3:30am so I can be out and running by 4am to beat the heat! *I plan to enter a few Tennis events.

My current goals are to improve my PR time for a Half Marathon and to add a Full Marathon to my Bucket List.Continue to be a better friend to others. *Continue to give back. I do a great deal of volunteer work with Hospice groups. This cause is very dear to me. When we are given gifts, we must give back. I want to make certain that I give to the Circle of Love & Life

Best part of Long Runs: When you're scheduled to run an 8-10 mile run, you are set to go on an adventure with yourself. There are the times I pray and talk to God & Angels. I force myself to think about and face the things I've mentally set aside. Running has allowed me to invest in quality therapy sessions with myself.

My Blog: http://xavierism.typepad.com/

Where to Find me on the Web: http://about.me/Xavierism

xavier@xavierism.com

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Rosie's Note:  Xavier, you are fine and fit as a Top Gun and I love your muscles!  It is awesome that you have changed your nutritional and training plan for life and that you believe in sharing and giving back.  Keep us posted on your future races so we can add updates to your profile.  Thank you for your wonderful friendship, RR.