PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH

On Sundays and Wednesdays, Phil Stokes grills

12 chicken breasts, fills his oven with sweet potatoes and sautés kale in a pan. Quite an appetite, huh? Not exactly. Stokes packages the food in containers and brings them to work. Without fail, he eats three meals at the same times each day while at work.

He also religiously works out six days a week at three different gyms — Gold’s Gym in Mount Dora, Zone Health and Fitness in Ocala and 24/7 Fitness in Wildwood.

The 32-year-old Wildwood resident feels that investing in his health now will lead to long-term benefits.

Seasonal Approach

WINTER: Phil increases his caloric intake to maintain muscle mass. Eating more protein, carbs and healthy fats help him pack on added muscle. He typically gains 10 to 15 pounds in the off-season.

SPRING: In an effort to achieve the beach-body look, Phil begins decreasing his caloric intake to

“I am very dedicated about staying healthy because I don’t want to deal with heart problems, diabetes or knee and back pain down the road,” says Stokes, a shipping clerk with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry in Wildwood. “I want to be in my 50s and not have to worry about missing work due to an illness or injury.” help the body burn additional fat. Beginning in May, he visits the beach at least two weekends each month.

So far, he’s on track. Stokes hasn’t missed a day of work since embarking on a healthy lifestyle six years ago. And he has gone two years without catching a cold.

“I sleep much better than I ever have, and I’m more alert during the day. I’m a single man, and I’m the only person who can take care of myself,” he said.

A Leg Up

There’s a reason Phil works out his legs more than any other body part.

“Working out your legs releases a natural growth hormone. Also, when you work out your muscle fibers in your leg, it kick-starts muscle growth throughout your system and also increases metabolism. Your overall strength increases,” he said.

Acquired Taste

In addition to chicken breasts, sweet potatoes and kale, Phil typically eats green vegetables, turkey burgers and tilapia.