Season 02 Week 09 – Jose Leal, 2nd Place Winner of $500 – Coach Phillip Birchfield

Ten years ago, Jose Leal was diagnosed with tongue cancer. After 30 radiation treatments and multiple surgeries, he was declared cancer-free, but the stress of his diagnosis caused him to eat more and gain weight. A few years later, Leal and his wife moved from Monterrey, Mexico, to Fort Wayne, Indiana. The two worked to build a life in their new home; as his wife took on a new job opportunity, Leal bounced between roles, eventually landing an opportunity in sales at his local Spanish radio station. Having spent much of his time searching for a job and working to adapt to a new life, taking care of his body was not his priority. When he turned 50 years old, he decided to take steps to improve his health.

Every day, Leal posts positive messages of encouragement on his social media, and his optimistic attitude caught the attention of his coach, Phillip Birchfield. The two built a relationship online, and Birchfield eventually invited Leal to join The 15 Day Challenge. He embraced the opportunity to not only see a physical change but build a consistent lifestyle.

During his first ever 15 Day Challenge, Leal focused on cardio, ensuring that he walked at least 15,000–20,000 steps per day, exercising on an elliptical, and using a rowing machine for at least 15 minutes during every workout at the gym. After the challenge, he felt that he had a higher capacity for movement, able to increase the speed at which he would walk and run. Additionally, he used a time-marked water bottle to encourage himself to drink more water, and he paid more attention to the ingredients and calories listed on food labels. Despite cultural pressure to eat heavier meals, he practiced portion control, chose lower-calorie food options, and ate more fruits and vegetables.

By the end of his challenge, Leal had lost 12.8 pounds. His results caused his clothes to fit better, which boosted his confidence in his body. Beyond the physical effects, he felt better and eager to take on more challenges. “I like looking better and having my clothes fit better,” he said. “I’m feeling good, and that’s the reason why I want to be a healthy person. I’m very happy with the results, but I want more!”

*Results achieved through one or more TLC 15 Day Challenge cycles combined with a low calorie, balanced diet, and regular physical activity.

**Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Taking TLC Products is not a substitute for a reduced-calorie diet and exercise if you are trying to lose weight. You should always consult a physician before starting any weight loss or fitness regime.