Paul Quaglia

"I plan to climb Mt. Rainier for the first time with my brother-in-law next July, so I know I need to put myself on a diet, exercise a lot more and get my cholesterol under control.  I have used your program in the past while training for Ironman and had excellent success."

"I am confident I would make a great candidate choice."  

What motivated you to want to be a part of the Seattle Sutton Slimdown 2010?
"Well, it was around October when I decided with my brother-in-law that we were going to attempt to climb Mount Rainier. I needed to slim down and I had gained 40 to 50 pounds since my last Ironman.  I knew I was out of shape and not as healthy as I needed to be.  I went to the website and refreshed myself with the program, because I had had success with the program before. I saw the advertisement for the contest and thought, this sounds great, I'm the type of guy who likes a challenge and at the end of the day I am going to be healthier.  The family could also benefit if I was the one to win the contest.  So, it was a win/win. I thought, this is a long shot, but I might as well do it."


Describe how you felt when you were told you were chosen as a contestant for the 2010 Slimdown Contest.
"I was elated.  First of all the opportunity to be involved in this, and to give myself the motivation and be with a set of people under the same circumstances. I want us all to reach our goals but this is a competition."  


What surprises you most about Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating?
"The surprising thing is that the meals are much better than you would think for a diet plan, they are all fresh and there is such a variety."


What meal have you enjoyed most so far on Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating?
"I liked the salmon, it was very good, fresh salmon.  I also liked the turkey meatloaf, too.  The spicy jambalaya was also very good!  The new pizza was good, too.  BBQ pork was good, my wife (who is on the plan along with me) was convinced it was pork!"


What part of being on the plan has proven to be the toughest for you?
"The first couple weeks are difficult, your stomach is adjusting, especially for a male, I was used to 4000-5000 calories a day.  It is kind of shocking to your system.  Now, there are times that I don't even eat the full meal!  If I'm just not hungry anymore I stop eating.  The program is definitely something that once you get past the 'being hungry,' it really is enough food."

"I also like how the breakfasts have two parts to them for example, a piece of bread and fresh fruit, that way I can save half for later."


How has incorporating Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating meals helped you train for your climb on Mount Rainier?
"First of all, the program is allowing me to lose the weight I need to climb Mount Rainier.  I am more alert and not as tired as I was when I was eating poorly.  Before I was eating the meals it was very difficult for me to get motivated to work out, and now that has changed."


How have you incorporated exercise into your daily routine since you began the program?
"Since I've began the program, I started a workout regimen of an hour a day filled with aerobic and weight lifting exercises, mostly upper body.  I have only missed three days.  It multiplies the results."


What are you looking forward to most after taking off some of the weight?
"I am looking forward to getting into my 'bikini' this year, seriously.  Being comfortable in the summertime, going to public pools and taking vacations, which I'm planning to do.  Getting these 40 pounds off to carry myself up this mountain, so I can carry the 40 pounds of equipment (laughing).  Also, just to have more energy, I coach my son's baseball team.  I noticed last year it was hard to bend down and I'm looking forward to not having that this year."


Have you adopted any techniques you would like to share with your fellow contestants or others on Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating?
"The technique of being able to split your meals into 5 meals.  I had a business dinner the other day and I asked to see nutritional information for the food on the menu.  Most restaurants do have it, and I made sure to stay at 400 to 500 calories, just like a Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating meal."


What would you say to someone who was considering trying Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating?
"Give it a shot.  Start at the 2000 calorie-a-day plan if you have to, to get used to the types of meals.  You'll get a taste of the plan if you do this, especially for a male, then you can step down to the 1200.  It's stepping process!"


Keep up the great work, Paul.
"It's been great so far!"