Charles D'Angelo, born on October 24, 1985, is an American weight loss and personal development coach who transformed his own life and now inspires others to do the same. His journey from morbid obesity to a celebrated weight-loss coach is a testament to the power of mindset, strategic planning, and consistent effort.
Early Life and Weight Struggles
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, D'Angelo faced significant challenges with his weight. As a teenager, he reached 6'4" and weighed 360 pounds (163 kg). This excess weight led to bullying and health concerns, including the frightening possibility of blindness from type-2 diabetes. D'Angelo's upbringing in an Italian family, where bonding often revolved around high-sugar foods, further complicated his struggles. His mother's alcoholism and his father's demanding blue-collar job created a challenging environment. These factors contributed to D'Angelo's unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as secretly overeating in school bathrooms to escape the taunts of his peers. He even attempted to avoid gym class.
The Turning Point
At 17, D'Angelo decided to take control of his life. He saved $280, mustered his courage, and attempted to join a gym. However, he was denied membership because his family lacked a credit card. This setback, instead of discouraging him, became a catalyst for change. Lying in bed one night, feeling trapped by his weight, D'Angelo made a vow. He prayed for help to become "normal" and committed to helping others facing similar struggles. The next morning, he awoke with a newfound sense of peace and the realization that change depended on his own decisions and actions.
The Weight Loss Journey
Without access to a gym, D'Angelo embarked on a self-directed path to weight loss. He adopted a regular exercise schedule, developed a consistent diet plan, and immersed himself in psychology and self-help books. Over the next two years, he successfully lost 160 pounds. Following this initial weight loss, he began lifting weights to build muscle.
The "Three-Legged Stool" Approach
D'Angelo's weight loss program revolves around what he calls the "three-legged stool": healthy eating, regular exercise, and developing a strategic mindset, with a goal-oriented focus. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing healthy eating and exercise, recommending at least five workouts per week. He also stresses the need for a sustainable plan and making exercise enjoyable.
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From Personal Transformation to Coaching
While attending St. Louis University, D'Angelo began sharing his weight loss story with local groups. As he entered college, D'Angelo founded a weight-loss and life coaching program in St. Louis. He encourages readers to improve their lives by changing the way they think, with a focus on identifying and breaking negative patterns in their lives.
Think and Grow Thin
D'Angelo's weight loss guide, Think and Grow Thin, was published on January 16, 2012. The book presents an 88-day weight loss plan, the culmination of five years of work that began during his time as a student at St. Louis University. The book gained endorsement from Bill Clinton.
Inner Guru
D'Angelo's second book, Inner Guru, was published in 2017, with a foreword by Larry King and endorsement from Mark Hyman. The self-improvement book encourages readers to improve their lives by changing the way they think, with a focus on identifying and breaking negative patterns in their lives.
Key Principles of D'Angelo's Coaching
D'Angelo emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's time by "blueprinting" the day. This involves scheduling healthy meals and exercise as "most important meetings." He advises clients to prioritize these commitments and ensure they are not compromised.
He recommends starting small, with consistent and practical steps. For exercise, this could mean scheduling walks five days a week. For meals, it involves eating breakfast daily and consuming small portions of healthy food every two-and-a-half to three hours to maintain a steady metabolism.
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D'Angelo stresses that healthy eating and regular exercise are only two components of a successful transformation. The third, and most crucial, element is a healthy mindset, which replaces impulsive decisions with strategic planning. He encourages individuals to take responsibility for their habits, empowering them to control their destiny. He urges people to view their lives as a movie, assessing whether their current actions are aligned with their desired destination.
Overcoming Excuses and Embracing Responsibility
Looking back at his teenage years, when he was morbidly obese and experiencing vision problems due to type 2 diabetes, D'Angelo recognizes that he was using excuses and short-term solutions to cope with his insecurities. He was playing the role of a victim, allowing circumstances to dictate his responses.
D'Angelo now helps people realize that embracing responsibility for their habits puts them in control of charting their destiny.
Recognition and Impact
D'Angelo's work has garnered recognition and endorsements from prominent figures. He has coached celebrities like Angela Bassett and has been featured in various media outlets. His story serves as an inspiration to those seeking to transform their lives through weight loss and personal development.
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