Hey there! I’m Ari, a 45-year-old branding designer, mentor, and the guy who’s about to embark on a journey to reclaim his health. If you’re here, it probably means you’re curious, looking for inspiration, or just ready to see if I can really pull off what I’ve set out to do—because, let’s face it, this is not my first rodeo.

I’ve been up, down, and all around when it comes to weight loss, and if I’m being honest, it’s time to get things back on track—for good this time. After all, I know what it feels like to be healthy, and right now, I’m far from it. So, let’s get started on The Shrinkinator journey, and I promise, it won’t be all tears and self-pity—there’ll be some laughs along the way too!

Why Now?

Like many people, the pandemic shook up my routine in all the wrong ways. Stuck indoors, stress eating became my new hobby, and let me tell you, I *excelled* at it. Fast forward to today, and I’ve hit 114 kg—far from my healthy goal weight of 88 kg at 192 cm tall.

But this isn’t just about the numbers on the scale. I’ve grown tired of feeling sluggish, out of breath, and squeezing into clothes I haven’t worn comfortably in two years. London’s endless options of burgers, pizzas, and kebabs stopped being exciting a long time ago, and even sushi has lost its magic (yeah, it’s gotten that bad).

Add to that the fact that my current kitchen feels more like a dungeon than a place to cook, and it’s safe to say I haven’t been whipping up healthy meals at home. That’s when I knew something had to change. Enter Pump & Plate, the solution I didn’t even know I needed.

The Turning Point: Pump & Plate to the Rescue

I’ve worked closely with Pump & Plate from the start—helping brand their food van business that’s focused on quick, nutritious, and delicious meals. But it wasn’t until they launched their meal prep service for gym-goers and athletes that I had my “Aha!” moment. Their meals aren’t just food—they’re a lifeline for someone like me, who’s tired of processed takeaways and bad habits.

The meals are fresh, home-made quality, and packed with nutrients, which makes this collaboration a no-brainer. For the next three months, I’ll be partnering with Pump & Plate, letting their meals fuel my transformation, and tracking my progress through The Shrinkinator project. No more excuses, no more “just one more piece of cheesecake”—it’s time to get serious (with a smile, of course!).

The Plan: Getting Back in Shape

So, what’s my game plan? I’m keeping it simple: move more, eat well, and stick to my routine. I’m a big fan of walking, and back in the day, I used to hit 10,000 steps every day—even managed 50,000 steps in a single day once! My new goal? 100,000 steps in one day. I know it sounds ambitious, but that’s the kind of challenge that excites me.

On the food side, I follow OMAD (One Meal a Day), which may sound intense, but it works for me. I’ve done it before, and it fits my lifestyle, helping me save time and avoid snacking throughout the day. With Pump & Plate providing my daily meal, I’m confident I’ll get the nutrition I need without the hassle of cooking. (Not to mention, their food is way better than anything I’d make in my dungeon of a kitchen!)

Why Public Accountability?

Let’s be real: staying disciplined when it’s just you vs. you is tough. But when you go public with your goals, it’s a whole different game. The Shrinkinator is my way of staying accountable, and sharing my progress (and the inevitable ups and downs) with you all will keep me on track. Plus, if you’re someone who’s struggled with weight loss or given up mid-journey, I want to show you it’s never too late to start again. We’ve all been there, and we can all make it through.

This project is about reclaiming my health, lowering my blood sugar, and going from XXL to L, all while documenting every step of the way. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If the weight comes off too fast, I’ll adjust; if it’s too slow, I’ll step up the activity. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

 Let’s Do This: Follow Along

This isn’t just my journey—it’s something we can all learn from. If you’re looking for a companion on your own path to better health, I’m right here. Let’s start together. I’ll be sharing the highs, the lows, the workouts, the meals, and the progress. With Pump & Plate by my side, I’m confident I’ll get there, and hopefully, inspire a few of you along the way.

So, buckle up. It’s going to be a ride full of challenges and personal breakthroughs. But together, we’ll figure this out.

Welcome to The Shrinkinator.