Champions Chat Series

March 21, 2001

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Crystal: Did you see a period when there was no change or seemed like no change?

Rory Palazzo: Great question, Crystal! I think everyone who works out will hit a plateau at one time or another, so that's why it is important to change what you are doing in regards to exercise and nutrition. When you hit those plateaus, look at what you have been doing, and logically figure out what you can change to continue to make improvements. Change an exercise, increase your intensity, do something different. It doesn't need be a big change, but do dumbbell bench presses rather than regular bench presses, for example.

Sean: Hi Rory--I am writing from London and am an insulin diabetic like you. My question--did you do your cardio training in the morning? I read John Hussman's site recently and he advises diabetics to do it in the afternoon. You look a million dollars!

Rory Palazzo: Thank you, Sean! Yes, every cardio workout that I do is first thing in the morning before eating anything. I also wait an hour after I work out before I eat my breakfast. I am not familiar with John Hussman or the article you read, but studies say that cardio-vascular exercise is better first thing in the morning.

Shawn Meuse: How important was it for you to have a network of people supporting your challenge and how much influence did your before picture have on your motivation?

Rory Palazzo: The people around you are very important to succeeding in the challenge. My wife was very supportive in terms of helping me with my nutrition, and scheduling for me to work out. As for positive responses to your transformation, before pictures are an enormous motivation. You never see yourself in a mirror as you do in a picture. I had to ask my wife if I really looked like that. So take those pictures.

Jane: Rory, congratulations on your success. How do you prepare your meals? I find that at the end of the working day I'm very tired, and I read that some people prepare far in advance, say, the entire weeks worth of meals on Sunday. How do you feel about that?

Rory Palazzo: Jane, I think preparing your meals ahead of time is a great idea. But I don't prepare them for the whole week on Sunday. I do PLAN the meals for the whole week on Sunday. Then, I pick from those I selected as I go through the week. I also try to cook extra at dinnertime, so I have leftovers I can bring for my lunch the next day.

JMF: Congrats! I'm Type II diabetic and so only face half the challenge you face with our illness. How did you manage your diabetes throughout the challenge, and do you have any advice for other folks with diabetes who are taking the challenge now?

Rory Palazzo: The first word of advice I give to diabetics is to always check with your physician before starting the Challenge, and tell them what your plans are. The Challenge, ultimately, works quite well for diabetics, because your aim is to keep your levels balanced throughout the day. I would also stress that you monitor your blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day during the Challenge--check it four or five times a day. so you can see how different nutrition and activities are affecting your level.

B FLyer2001: Rory, we've all seen your awesome outer transformation, but how has this changed you as a person, on the inside? What is different about Rory today than Rory a year ago?

Rory Palazzo: Great question! As I mentioned before, I feel more energy, I feel more poised in my work, and just have a better overall attitude. Having made a successful transformation makes it more comfortable taking on things in my life, whether it's hobbies like mountain biking or challenges at work. It makes you realize if you put your mind to it, you can virtually do anything.

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