Pemberton Press

For upcoming publication on https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/100-pounds-to-freedom/id1825742363

Andrew Forsyth, a 55-year-old action sports enthusiast and video producer, shares his inspiring weight loss journey on Kevin Etherington’s “100 Pounds to Freedom” podcast. With a self-described “zest for life” that extends to everything including food, Andrew has navigated multiple transformation cycles, learning valuable lessons about sustainable change.

**The Wake-Up Call**

Andrew’s most significant transformation began during his skydiving days while working for Microsoft in the US. After being kicked off a large formation jump because his weight (107kg) made him fall too fast for others to keep up, he received brutal but effective motivation from an experienced jumper who told him bluntly to “take the fork out of your mouth.” This moment, combined with a bet with his athletic younger brother about reaching a lower weight, sparked his first major transformation (Andrew V2).

**Evolution of Approaches**

Andrew’s initial approach (V2) relied heavily on intense exercise – cycling 50km three times weekly and eating only steamed broccolini for dinner. While successful, dropping to 85kg in four months, this extreme method wasn’t sustainable long-term. His later iterations focused on different strategies, with his current approach (V4) emphasizing a more balanced methodology.

**Current Strategy: The V4 Formula**

Andrew’s current transformation centers on three pillars:

1. **Intermittent Fasting**: Fasting until 3pm, then eating one substantial meal (pan-fried chicken, couscous, Greek yogurt) with a small pre-bedtime snack of cottage cheese and blueberries
2. **Sleep Optimization**: 7-8 hours of quality sleep with strict regularity – winding down at 8pm, in bed by 8:15pm, asleep by 8:30pm, with zero alcohol and no screens
3. **Elimination of Alcohol**: Complete alcohol cessation for 90-day periods to improve sleep quality and decision-making

**The Sleep Revolution**

Inspired by Matthew Walker’s “Why We Sleep” and Andrew Huberman’s podcasts, Andrew discovered that sleep quality was the foundation for everything else. He learned that it takes 90 days to change habits and that sleep regularity was the most crucial factor. With an Apple Watch tracking his sleep cycles, he experienced transformational results: increased energy, improved focus, enhanced productivity, and better decision-making around food.

**Action Sports as Motivation**

Andrew’s passion for extreme sports – from BMX and windsurfing to skydiving and current obsession with wing foiling – serves as his primary motivation. Recent adventures include diving with tiger sharks in Fiji and achieving 800-meter wave rides on his foil board. These activities provide the “why” that pulls him forward rather than having to push through dietary restrictions.

**Philosophy and Mindset**

Drawing inspiration from philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Andrew advocates for a “yes to life” approach. He rejects the notion that people should “let themselves go” after 50, instead aiming to maintain peak performance into his 80s like his father and uncle. His advice emphasizes finding personal motivation, committing fully without wavering, and understanding that nutrition matters more than exercise for weight loss.

Currently at 98kg and targeting 92kg within six weeks, Andrew represents the possibility of continuous reinvention and the power of finding sustainable approaches through experimentation and persistence.