Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/214242
FEATURE PETER DRAGULA Dublin High School, Dublin Teachers Association upset when his car died a year ago. So to get to and from Dublin High School, five miles from his home, he jumped on his bike and went the distance. Trading four wheels for two was a blessing in disguise: Dragula became a lean, mean pedaling machine. The special education teacher estimates he burns 400 calories a day, or 2,000 calories a week, cycling to and from school — even in the rain. He also works out at a gym two or three times a week. Before teaching, Dragula was trim, getting lots of exercise as a clown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The pounds piled on when he started ingesting 2,000 calories in one sitting at a local Starbucks, putting three sugars and cream in coffee to wash down bagels and doughnuts. It was scary receiving a "wake-up call" two years ago: He was pre-diabetic with high cholesterol. He lost the weight, but gained it back in typical yo-yo fashion. He explains: "You get back into old habits with friends having cabernet, steak and mashed potatoes." Replacing fad diets with exercise and a lifestyle makeover helped him lower his cholesterol, and he's no longer pre-diabetic. At 6 feet 1 inch, he weighs 200 pounds and has reshaped his physique from size 42 to size 36. Although his body is slimmer, he lost only 20 pounds because the fat turned to muscle, and muscle is denser than fat. Recently he mulled buying a new car. Instead, he bought a new $1,200 Novara bicycle. He worried his wife might be upset he chose a bike over a car; instead, she was pleased to know he prefers pedaling down the path of good health. PETER DRAGULA WAS I eat healthier by… going to my school's salad bar. I avoid coffee and doughnuts and stopped eating sugar. I'm aware of everything I put in my mouth. On Sundays, I plan out my meals for the week. I'm eating more natural foods and less processed food. I bought a juicer. Trading four wheels for two was a blessing in disguise for Peter Dragula, who became a lean, mean pedaling machine. Before: To lose 1 pound a week, eat 500 CALORIES LESS each day: 14 Educator 11 Nov 2013 v2.1 int.indd 14 NOVE M B E R 2013 My favorite app is… Noom Weight Loss Coach. It has an exercise tracker with real-time GPS and pedometer to record all your activities, food and exercise tasks to help get to your goal, plus a logbook to track workouts, meals, and weight loss progress. It's the ideal behavior modifier. Advice for two-wheelers… Choose a bike that's right for you and stands up to the terrain. Determine whether you need a street bike or a mountain bike. Know how to change a tire, and carry the tools and equipment you need. I took a bicycle mechanic's class. Make sure you have the appropriate clothing and reflectors for nighttime. It's all part of the investment. DISCLAIMER: Please consult your doctor or dietician before committing to any weight loss plan, and please refer to this information only as a guide to understanding how calories relate to body weight. { 500 + 500 + 500 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 11/13/13 6:31 PM