RECOGNIZE THIS GUY?
Recognize this guy? Me neither. The Nathan Schlitz that I know looks like an entirely different person than the one shown above.
Nathan and I started working together in September of 2018. We try to meet about once a week, I bring the heat, Nate brings the hustle. Since September, with little exception, Nate has been consistently progressing – losing weight, decreasing medications, increasing workout intensity, locking in his eating habits…
It has not only been a blast working with him, it has been beyond inspiring watching this man’s dedication. He’s self-motivated and extremely consistent. He knows that being healthy means more than working out for 3 hours per week. It is a holistic approach that includes healthy consumption habits, a positive mentality, and regular exercise. He has fully embraced his new lifestyle – losing over 100lbs and nearly eliminating his medications in the process.
I recently asked Nate to tell people a bit about his story, and boy did he!! Take some time to check out what he has to say!
Who is Nathan Schlitz? What do you want the people to know about your story? How do you spend your days? What are your hobbies? How often do you make it to the gym? Where did you come from? Why Napa? Where do you want to be in 10 years?
I am a 41-year-old disability retired police officer from Arizona. I started as an officer in 1999, a lean, mean fighting machine coming out of the police academy in the best shape of my life. I weighed 195 pounds, exercised daily, and while I did not eat perfectly, I was able to maintain a healthy weight for a few years. Unfortunately, the shift work and repeated involvement in critical incidents started to impact my life, mentally and physically. It became easier and easier to neglect myself and fall into poor routines. In the decade that followed, I began eating nothing but fast food and junk. In 2008, I weighed in at 310 pounds, an increase of 115 pounds in less than ten years. My health declined, and I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. I was put on so many medications, including pills and shots, that I had to have a daily medicine planner to help. After a particularly nasty shooting in 2009, I eventually retired from law enforcement. In retirement I slowly started getting back to healthier habits, getting down to 265 pounds in the beginning of 2018.
How long ago did you start getting serious about exercise?
I didn't get serious about exercise until I moved here to Napa in the Fall of 2018 to pursue a romantic relationship with an amazing woman I had known for several years. She inspired me and provided me guidance and accountability to take my health to the next level.
When you started, what were your goals? Have those goals changed at all since you started?
My goals are simply to exercise regularly, eat healthier and get off all of the medications I am on for the weight-induced medical conditions my unhealthy behavior caused.
How’s progress? Are you happy with how it’s going?
Progress is going great and I am proud of the hard work that I have done. I am down to 205 pounds, a total loss of over 100 pounds since my heaviest weight. I have been able to cut down on my medication dramatically under the guidance of my doctor. I am happier and have more energy than I ever have been. My good health allows me to be a more active and productive partner in my romantic relationship, career, and with family and friends.
Can you name one or two things that contributed most to the success you have seen?
The thing I always struggled with was commitment to doing the hard work. Having someone to hold me accountable has been a huge contributing factor to getting the work done. I am also extremely thankful for the continued support and guidance Dom has provided as my personal trainer through HealthQuest. Having a personal trainer keeps me on track, keeps me accountable, and helps me attain measurable goals I set for myself.
What are you most proud of in your life?
In my career as a police officer, I was able to save lives throughout my career. However, I am now using my traumatic experiences to help others who are going through similar struggles, and will continue to make that a focus in my life.
What keeps you motivated?
My desire to take care of myself, continue to be in a healthy relationship with my partner, and to be there for her for many years to come.
What is/are your biggest distractions/road blocks?
I love food. I love all of the worst things you can eat, from french fries to cheese cake. I grew up in a household where we didn't worry about what we ate, and eating as much pasta, sugar, desserts and other junk became routine. Changing my eating patterns has been one of the biggest struggles or hurdles for me. I am currently on a very restrictive low-carb, low-sugar, low-processed food and gluten-free diet, eating only seafood and chicken as meats. Luckily, I really enjoy vegetables, so the quasi-vegetarian diet I have been following can be enjoyable.
Which of the following do you have the most of: Talent, Intelligence, Athleticism, Education, or Persistence? How has it helped you in your life?
I believe my intelligence has helped me throughout my life. Although I have played sports, I never considered myself an athlete. I do enjoy putting in hard work and the accomplishment that you feel once it is completed.
Favorite healthy food/meal?
I love making a homemade version of a Chipotle bowl, and I also really enjoy making veggie street tacos at home.
Favorite unhealthy food/meal?
I love pasta, and grew up on macaroni and cheese. I haven't had that in six months and find myself craving it every once in a while. I am not saying I will never eat it again, but for now I am choosing to stay away. I also love cheese cake, and desserts have been hard to stay away from.
Who is someone you admire, why?
I admire my mom, who raised four kids by herself on a single income. She ensured we had what was needed to be successful in life and make something of ourselves.
What would be your personal motto? Or Any favorite sayings or expressions?
When it comes to quotes, I always go back to something Sir Nicholas Winton said (Sir Winton saved hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis in WWII). Sir Winton said that we should always strive to do the next right thing. Personally, I feel if we all kept that motto this world would be an amazing place.
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
I get made fun of a bit for it, but I love a good spicy Bloody Mary. I would drink that anytime, anywhere.
Best way to spend a Sunday?
A good Sunday for me is relaxing at home, reading or binge watching a good Netflix show with the woman I love, and eating delicious and healthy food all day.
Thanks for taking the time to read! I hope you are as inspired by Nathan’s story as I am. If you or anyone you know is proud of their fitness success, let me know. We love stories like these at HQ and would love to share!
