From College Athlete to Weight Gain Struggle
Tre Hubbard never imagined he'd face challenges with his body weight. As a standout American football player in both high school and college, this first-division linebacker dedicated nearly five hours daily to training and paid little attention to his eating habits.
However, the arrival of the COVID-19 outbreak in February 2020 left him confined at his parents' house, devoid of any physical activity, employment, or structured routine, relying solely on food for solace. His mental state worsened following the tragic stabbing death of his close friend Clayton Beathard in a Nashville bar just four days before Christmas.
To cope and numb his emotions, the 27-year-old indulged in massive binges, consuming up to 10,000 calories daily with piles of Oreos, Doritos, and other available snacks. The effects became evident rapidly. Hubbard added 70 pounds in just seven months, escalating his weight from 230 to 300 pounds, which placed him firmly in the obese category for his 5-foot-11-inch stature.
He admitted, 'I noticed the pounds creeping on, but I avoided weighing myself. I steered clear of mirrors and even removed the scales from the home. I simply refused to confront the reality.'
The Turning Point and Commitment to Change
By September 2020, Hubbard resolved to overhaul his existence, launching a weight loss program that resulted in dropping 120 pounds within nine months—an average of 13 pounds per month. He reached 180 pounds and developed a six-pack for the first time.
A pivotal moment occurred when preparing for an all-you-can-eat sushi outing, only to discover his attire no longer fit. He recounted, 'As I geared up to leave, I saw my shirt and jacket wouldn't close... forcing me to purchase 2XL sizes. That's when it hit me—I had to make alterations.'
Returning home, he pondered resuming exercise but lacked a starting point, given his previous tailored routines. Consequently, he messaged his former high school coach, who welcomed him to join early morning sessions at a private gym alongside two others.
The group trained six days weekly, beginning with a three-mile jog each dawn and following with two hours of lifting extremely heavy weights in the afternoon.
Incorporating Martial Arts and Nutrition
After two months, Hubbard incorporated mixed martial arts, dedicating five hours nightly to training in addition to his existing schedule, which aided further fat reduction. He often lagged during runs and sought excuses to skip sessions, yet his companions urged him to 'cease justifying and simply appear.'
For sustenance, he consumed oatmeal and a pair of eggs around 11 a.m. post-run. Evenings featured 8 to 10 ounces of ground chicken or turkey, a cup of white rice, and greens.
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Four months into his journey, by late January 2021, he had eliminated 70 pounds, returning to 230 pounds. Soon after, he prepared for his inaugural MMA bout, needing to hit 215 pounds for competition. To achieve this, alongside maintaining his routine, he limited intake to a single daily meal of oatmeal and eggs.
Experts recommend the typical male consume roughly 2,500 calories daily, cautioning that fewer could cause nutrient shortages, tiredness, and muscle depletion. At this stage, jobless and residing with family, his mother managed food preparation.
By June 2021, he attained his target of 180 pounds, totaling 120 pounds lost. Hubbard avoided weight loss medications, noting their recent emergence. He contemplated testosterone shots for recovery but decided against it.
Medical Insights on Testosterone
Physicians suggest testosterone injections might enhance weight reduction by improving concentration, focus, and reducing exhaustion, though they require a doctor's prescription.
Motivation Through Competition
Some days tempted Hubbard to quit, but he persisted by envisioning his rival's efforts. He reflected, 'I'd skip a repetition, then wonder if he did too. Are his hands larger? Arms longer? Is he fueling properly? I just had nachos; he likely chose grilled chicken. That could mean defeat.'
He continued, 'On tough days, reluctance set in, yet I recalled the visible advancements. When fatigue or self-pity arose, I'd refocus on the primary goal.'
His debut MMA match early in 2021 ended with him knocking out his opponent, prompting him to abandon the sport due to his non-violent nature. Three years later, now in Texas, he turned to boxing and triumphed in the Houston Golden Gloves championship's senior light heavyweight class this February, claiming the top spot in his division.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Goals
Hubbard acknowledges persistent weight issues, with fluctuations from 175 to 195 pounds. He can still consume 10,000 calories daily and regain fat, admitting he's not moderate. He stated, 'Two Oreos suffice for others, but I devour the entire pack. Some days I indulge, like this morning—two cheesy grits, a chicken sandwich, a cinnamon roll by 9:20 a.m., plus tater tots. Wings await tonight, but tomorrow I'll resume discipline. Balance is key.'
Currently, he's gearing up for his initial marathon and contemplating an Ironman event. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can assist in monitoring such progress and maintaining accountability.
