As the MAN v FAT Soccer leagues that launched in May enter the second half of the season, things are starting to hot up on and off the field.
The guys are in full swing now with their MAN v FAT experience and some strong friendship bonds have been formed.
We now catch up with another four of our lads to see how they’re getting on!
Jon Niles, Elkins Park

What physical and mental changes are you noticing since you got started on the program?
Mentally, I feel more confident on the pitch, putting in more effort and trying out some skills.
What has been the best moment for you so far at one of your MAN v FAT Soccer sessions?
I scored a hat-trick on scales and on the pitch, which felt pretty great!
What has become your go to meal to help your weight loss? And what remains your favourite meal to reward yourself for a good week’s efforts?
Baby carrots are my go-to snack these days. They help me stay healthy while satisfying my cravings. And my “reward” meal is any of the sandwiches from one of favorite spots in Philly: Monster Vegan.
Abel Morelos, Katy

What physical and mental changes are you noticing since you got started on the program?
Physical changes: I have lost 7 pounds (almost one per week) and somebody just told me last week that I look a bit slimmer, but I honestly don’t see any difference myself. On the other hand, even if I think I don’t look thinner, I can see my body shape is improving. I would say I have placed more effort in the fitness side than in the diet side, and I’m starting to see some payoff.
Mental changes: I am still adjusting; I still struggle and will stop for some potato chips or tacos when I let my guard down. I understand some of my eating is emotional and not hunger, and I am still working on that. The sense of community with MAN v FAT is also something I really appreciate, and I find myself looking forward to these games more, but I will admit I still feel nervous about my performance and fitness in the field.
What has been the best moment for you so far at one of your MAN v FAT Soccer sessions?
I think it was the last game on July 15th, I didn’t do anything outstanding in this game (well, I missed a great chance, but I also had a couple of good saves as goalkeeper), but this game felt like a breakthrough for me since I was able to keep running a bit more than usual and perform some moves that I just couldn’t execute when I started 7 weeks ago. The cherry on top was when my son also told me after the game that I was looking better than when I started.
What has become your go to meal to help your weight loss? And what remains your favourite meal to reward yourself for a good week’s efforts?
I have a sweet tooth, and my go-to dinner has become Greek non-fat yogurt, granola, a bit of honey, peanut butter, and a piece of fruit. This meal satisfies my sweet tooth, it keeps me full, and overall I think it’s healthy.
Brian Lafonte, Katy

What physical and mental changes are you noticing since you got started on the program?
Physical changes – some of my clothes no longer fit. This is a good thing. I can get rid of old shorts and pants that are too big. Also, my cycling is improving. I’m able to sustain higher power output for longer.
What has been the best moment for you so far at one of your MAN v FAT Soccer sessions?
I am able to get close to my full speed in games again. I used to run track years ago as a sprinter. It feels good to feel that again.
What has become your go to meal to help your weight loss? And what remains your favourite meal to reward yourself for a good week’s efforts?
My breakfast is either chicken and rice bowl (Mexican) or eggs and rice bowl (Asian). My sanity meal every Thursday is Pho for lunch.
Bryan Kuhn, Carrollton Wednesdays

What physical and mental changes are you noticing since you got started on the program?
We are currently on week 8 for the season, and overall I’ve lost over 23lbs. From the first week to now, I definitely have more physical endurance and I am starting to feel more comfortable in my old clothes. I’ve even started subbing in for other games and playing back to back games the last two weeks!
What has been the best moment for you so far at one of your MAN v FAT Soccer sessions?
The current first place team in our league has been dominating on the field all season. They have won every game, usually by multiple goals. On week 6, we held them to a 0-0 game. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but for our team, especially at the physical level we started at in week 1, showed enormous physical improvement for everyone involved.
Additionally, our team moved into first place for the season in terms of total weight loss! The energy that night was very cool to see, and each week we are only getting stronger and more active.
What has become your go to meal to help your weight loss? And what remains your favourite meal to reward yourself for a good week’s efforts?
I have become a lot more balanced in my daily meal choices. I have started every morning with a low calorie protein shake for breakfast, which helps me get my day started and controls my hunger just enough until lunch. Large salads with some sort of protein added in have been my go-to meals during the work week. As for my little treat days, I have found that several brands have started making really good high protein, low calorie ice cream in pints. I will usually have a small bowl every few days as a little reward for myself, which scratches the itch for sweets without ruining my calories for the day.
Want to join the guys in action?
We’ve got more locations launching all of the time, so MAN v FAT Soccer could be coming your way. Take a look at our website for more details.
Not in your area yet? Drop us a line at marketing@manvfat.com and we can start a Register Your Interest page!

