We all have suffered through hardships in our lives, whether it be in our careers, our lifestyles, or our personal relationships. It takes determination to overcome these setbacks, and a strong perseverance to drive through the spots of darkness we all experience. Trei is such an example of someone who met hardships head-on with the will to overcome.

Let’s backtrack to February of 2016.  Trei weighed in at close to 335 lbs. and he had been hospitalized for over a month from almost losing full function of his kidneys.  Trei had just lost his brother, Jimmie and his grieving process was particularly rough since he was the last of the original nucleus of his family.

After recovering and knowing he had to manage his diet, nutrition, and stress, Trei stumbled up an Instagram post from UFC star and Labrada athlete, Sage Northcutt.  The post, “Taking my EFAs”, led Trei to stop by a local store and pick up a bottle of EFA Lean Gold and research Labrada Nutrition.  Trei began to reassess his lifestyle, thinking of his son’s need for a good example in his father.

Incidentally, his work conducted a Biggest Loser challenge, which he went on to win with a weight loss of 43 pounds. He then continued with his weight loss by further incorporating Labrada Nutrition’s products into his nutrition.

Trei stressed the importance of how his own journey, a weight loss of over 150 lbs, took time and was gradual.  He claims that it means he worked hard, and that the effects mean more. When you can give so much to something such as a workout and a lifestyle change, the differences you see are more real, more impactful.

Trei explains that he didn’t take the easy way out in his weight loss. He worked for the changes in his body, and because of this, he feels the accomplishment in a way that improves his outlook on life. Trei says that everyone must find the process that works for them. “I have my tools. Labrada’s website gives you a roadmap of how to lose weight by adopting the principals of a Lean Body Lifestyle. The way I eat now—I just don’t feel like I’m missing anything, or missing out on anything. I want to be a better support for others, to help them too.”

With his quick wit and great humor, Trei goes on to tell me about a pair of pants he purchased while in college and kept through all these years. With great pride in himself, he expresses to me that he fits in these “silly pants” once again. His weight loss is so extensive, that he can wear clothing from when he was in college! Now we can all give a huge congrats to Trei for that!

Not only has Trei’s lifestyle change improved his own experiences in his daily activities, it brought him closer to his college-aged son, Sam.  There was a time when going to a football game, they would have to stop every 30 yards to rest.  Now, Trei is competing in Triathlons (June 3, 2018)! “Sam is extremely proud of me and supports me whenever possible.   We are planning to climb Mt. Rainier together next year.”

In a Facebook post he shared with me, Trei lovingly wrote, “I also have my son, Sam to thank. I deeply love and admire my son. I could not have accomplished this weight loss without his love and support.” Family clearly means the world to Trei, who’s enthusiasm brings an undeniable light into any conversation. He laughingly exclaims that he was recently able to ride a roller-coaster with his son for the first time of years. The joy of the clasp coming over him with ease and the flight of the ride honed in how far he truly has come with his lifestyle change. It is an appropriate metaphor considering the roller-coaster of Trei’s own life. “There have been so many wonderful things, I just can’t even tell you,” he expresses, breathless. “My family and friends—they’ve all been so supportive of me. The strong support network including friends, family, the Labrada team (including Sage) & products, constant physical challenges and my faith has been the key to my success.”

To hear this, that the good things in his life have piled on so thick he can’t fit them all into our conversation, was inspirational to hear. After his illness, his brother’s passing and the toll it took on him, Trei’s ability to trudge through the darkness into the light was illuminating. His voice was consistently chipper, his demeanor joyful. Trei’s perseverance is an absolute inspiration to all.

Trei started in 2016 around 330lbs a now has maintained his weight at around 180lbs.  He has also dropped from a size 48 pants to a size 32.

Trei’s Stats:
12/2015 – B.P.  162 over 94 & Total Cholesterol:  267
5/2018 – B.P. 122 over 76 & Total Cholesterol: 163

“From a family with a history of high blood pressure and strokes, this is nothing short of a miracle!  You guys rock!!!!” – Trei

Trei was kind enough to share some his recipes with us and everyone else fortunate enough to hear his story. He hopes you can try them out, and that you enjoy them:

Sautéed Spinach
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tub fresh spinach
• 1/2 Bermuda onion
• 6 Kalamata olives with 2 tbsp olive juice from bottle

1) Sauté chopped onions in olive oil
2) Add spinach a little bit at a time. It cooks down very quickly
3) Add olives with juice for a little variety
4) Season with black pepper for taste

Avocado Spread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 large slice Bermuda onion
• 1 1/2 tomato
• 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 a lime
• Black pepper to taste

1) Scrape avocado with spoon, remove seed and mash with a fork
2) Add yogurt
3) Dice onion and tomato and add to the mixture
4) Season with pepper and fresh squeezed lime juice to taste

I eat this recipe by itself and for variety. I put two spoonful’s in a corn tortilla with shredded chicken that I baked.

Black Beans & Rice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 Bermuda onion, diced
• 1 cup long grain brown rice
• 1 15oz. can Black Beans
• Cayenne or black pepper to taste

You will also need a microwavable bowl with a lid that has an air hole

1) Microwave 2 cups of chicken stock in microwavable bowl on high for 2 minutes
2) Add onion and one cup of rice to a bowl
3) Cook in microwave on high for approximately 10 minutes until rice is cooked
4) Add beans
5) Put in microwave on reheat and it will be ready to eat.

Microwave Egg Whites
• 3 eggs
• 2+ leaves of spinach or kale
• Black pepper to taste

1) Lightly wipe the inside of a coffee mug or similar container with olive oil to prevent sticking
2) Separate 3 eggs and put egg whites in a mug
3) Tear 2+ leaves of spinach or kale and stir in egg whites with a fork
|4) Season with black pepper to taste
5) Put mug in microwave on high for 45 seconds
6) Take out of microwave and stir the mixture
7) Microwave on high for another 45 seconds and repeat as needed until the egg whites are cooked