How did Cardinals players Lance Lynn lose 40 pounds; Matt Adam 15?

Good nutrition and meal planning. The Cardinals hired chef Simon Lusky, who is also a nutritionalist and Rob Rains talked to some of the players about how they did it.  From what the player say, he seems to advocate low carb and high protein. To read that story, click here.  Another thing taken away from the story is good health is not always about losing weight. Adam Wainwright gained 15 pounds and he talked about how he did it in a healthy manner. Whatever manner you choose, you will have more success if you take the time to plan your meals.

FOR MORE ON THE LOW CARB, HIGH PROTEIN LIFESTYLE CLICK HERE

GETTING HEALTHY: OLD SCHOOL vs. NEW SCHOOL 

OLD SCHOOL: How has Rob Rains lost 30 pound so far?

Lifestyle Change: Healthy Eating

"My problem is I love to eat. I love all the food sports fans love, like burgers, fries, nachos, etc. but once you hit a certain age it's time to take control of your health."-- Rob Rains.

Rob played tennis in high school and sandlot baseball. As a young person he played racquetball but as the years went by and life happened he became like many of you reading this: just trying to make it through the day and not enough hours to include fitness. When not working he spent time at his kids' sports games, maintaining the house, and when he had extra time he likes watching sports on the television. He is predispositioned to have high cholesterol so he is on medicine for that. One day he woke up ad realized that in order to live a long and healthy life he had to make some changes.

So as of January 2013 he decided to completely cut out sodas. "Cutting out sodas has made a world of difference," Rains said. "I have not had a headache since and I just feel better."

On the advice of his doctor he decided to lose weight. It's a work in progress, but if he can start on a plan, you can do it too. He is not a big fitness guy, but he has added walking to his daily regiment. He is cutting out sweets, fried food and cutting back on bread-- with occasional breaks so he can stay on track. Rob's goal is not a quick weight loss, it is to continue on a healthy path in hopes of living a healthy life.

NEW SCHOOL: How Did B.J.Rains lose over 40 pounds?

Lifestyle Change: Exercise- Running

"I'm not an expert, I'm just a regular guy who decided to make a change in my life. If any of my experiences can help at least one person then it will be worth it." -- B.J. Rains

B.J. lost his weight the old fashioned way at first-- exercise and better eating habits. He was always active and played sports but by his own admission he "loves to eat." At first he joined a gym and enlisted the help of a personal trainer-- Tim Siskey. If you would like to get a hold of Tim, email B.J. at bjrains33@gmail.com. 

B.J. cut out sodas, cut back on alcohol, and tried to eat healthy meals.  He also used the "Lose-It" app. to count calories. The weight started coming off. Then when he hit a plateau he increased his running and found he really enjoyed the feeling he got when he woke up early to be sure he had time to get in a good run. Now, with the help of some supplements from a local supplement store he continues with his exercise plan. After about a year of losing the weight he eats basically what he wants but continues the running, exercise, and has added more weight lifting. He wants others to know if he can do it so can you. One thing that really helped B.J. was the "buddy system." He enlisted the help of his fiance and they kept each other accountable in the early stages. If you decide to start a diet it might be helpful to do it with someone.

Health & Fitness expert Mackie Shilstone

Mackie Shilstone  one of the most respected and successful health and fitness experts in the country joined StL Sports Page and The Sports Zone Show for a “Healthy Lifestyle” segment. 

To read more about Mackie, click here.

To hear Mackie Shilstone talk about starting a new health program with Rob Rains and B.J. Rains on the Sports Zone Show click the audio player below. 

*Mackie's Top 5 Tips for Working Out.  http://www.mackieshilstone.com/top-five-tips-for-working-out/

*Mackie Says Cut out Soft Drinks.  http://www.mackieshilstone.com/top-five-tips-for-avoiding-soft-drinks/

*Mackie's Top 5 Foods for Vitamin B. http://www.mackieshilstone.com/top-five-foods-for-vitamins-b1-and-b6/

Check out Mackie Shilstone’s website: www.mackieshilstone.com

Eating Out: A little planning can hep you stay on track:

Restaurant Tip: Whenever you order at restaurant, always ask to double the vegetables (and we don't mean French Fries!).  Making this one small change will make a huge difference in your waistline.  Vegetables are high in fiber, which make you feel full longer, not to mention they are packed with vitamins and nutrients your body needs to keep you healthy.  Drizzle a little fresh lemon down over the top and pow your pallet will be alive with flavor…So order up and enjoy! (From Women’s Fitness).

Restaurants like "The Barn" at Sappington House in Crestwood offer salads and other healthy dishes. The Barn features breakfast in the morning and afternoon and for those on a low-carb diet there are several entries that work nicely.  You just have to remember to say "no bread or potatoes" and they will gladly make substitues.

Women’s Fitness:  Christine Bond of Women’s Fitness in Fenton

We at StLSportsPage.com are NOT advocating “crash diets.” They rarely last.  Here are a few ways to lose weight, you may have another way. We don’t endorse any, we just want to help you achieve your goal! We are not experts -- that's obvious if you know us, but we do want to live healthy lives and if we can encourage others we want to do that.

When you decide to start a  weigh -loss plan, be sure to increase your physical activity. Start some sort of work-out or exercise plan, even if it is just walking.

LOW CARB or NO-CARB- The simple way to say it is you basically cut out bread, sugars, fried foods,and look on the labels for zero or very low carb content. This does help lose weight and you can gradually add food you want, but it is a lifestyle. 

A great Low-Carb meal is bacon and eggs. If you find a good restaurant that serves breakfast be sure to tell them you don't want the bread. The Barn at Sappington House has great breakfast selections that can help you stay on track when you go out to lunch.