Meet my friend and client, Michael Trump.

No, not that Trump. This guy is way better looking. And stronger. And honestly, more fun to be around.

Mike served in the United States Marine Corps. And if you know anything about Marines, it’s this—they don’t mess around. These are the folks who can do 200 push-ups, build a fire with two sticks and a bad attitude, and somehow still smile while doing it.

Mike’s one of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet. Always shows up with a positive attitude and a goofy grin that says, “Yeah, I just crushed a workout... what’s your excuse?”

But here’s the kicker—this guy isn’t just showing up. He’s winning. Mike dropped over 50 pounds in less than 10 months. While running a business. While being a rockstar dad. A dedicated husband. And just juggling the whole “grown-up” thing like a pro.

Let me be crystal clear: We’re not talking about some celebrity with a private chef and cryotherapy chamber in the basement. We’re talking about a real guy, with real responsibilities, who made a real transformation.

And he did it with one very powerful strategy: intermittent fasting.

How This U.S. Marine Lost 50 Pounds

I had a nice opportunity to do a Q-and-A session with Mike after he hit his goal. Before we get into intermittent fasting as a body-transformation strategy, learn more about Mike below:

Joseph Arangio: What have you accomplished in your life that you're most proud of?

Michael Trump: My time spent in the Marine Corps and my family and my faith.

JA: If you could take three months off and do whatever you wanted, what would that time look like?

MT: I would travel across the US with my family and build memories.

JA: Before finding Coach Joe, what was your struggle? What were your biggest frustrations?

MT: It was difficult before to have time sectioned out just for workouts, along with proper nutrition. Coach Joe has taught me to prep meals/manage my personal time.

JA: How did your struggle and frustrations affect your life?

MT: Felling a lack of accomplishment with my health, often would leave me frustrated knowing I could do better but not having the tools.

JA: How did Coach Joe help you?

MT: He has helped prioritize three things that have given me great success : proper nutrition, sleep and workouts.

JA: How is your everyday life different now?

MT: I have much more energy and a more positive outlook in general.

JA: What is one unexpected result you have had since you began working with Coach Joe?

MT: Actually looking forward to my morning workouts. It leads to a more positive outlook in general.

JA: Moving forward, what are your goals... personal, professional, family?

MT: Personally my goal is to be physically and mentally healthy. Professionally I would like to build my business and retire young. My family goal is to raise my daughters to be strong, educated healthy women.

JA: What's your favorite band?

MT: Metallica.

JA:. Best place to travel that you've ever been?

MT: Naples, Florida.

JA: What do your kids remind you that’s okay to do?

MT: Laugh and be silly. Don’t take yourself too seriously all the time.

JA: What has failure taught you about success?

MT: Failure is a process to learning, which makes success all that much more sweet.

JA: Best piece of advice you've ever received?

MT: Be honest, be a friend, work hard.

JA: Words to live by or favorite quote?

MT: “No guts, no glory.”

JA: What adventure do you plan to have in the future?

MT: Travel across the country when I retire.

JA: Favorite book and why?

MT: Tom Clancy book. Military themed.

JA: Something interesting we don't know about you?

MT: Completed top water survival qualification in the Marine Corps.

JA: What do you like most about being a part of the Arangio Athletic Fitness Family?

MT: Working with an honest, down-to-earth coach who knows what he’s talking about and lives by what he preaches. Joe leads by example and that really resonates with me as a person.

What Is Intermittent Fasting, Anyway?

Most folks hear the word fasting and picture some monk in a Himalayan cave, meditating next to a yak and living off good vibes and herbal tea.

Relax. Intermittent fasting isn’t about starving. It’s about timing. You’re not giving up food. You’re just not eating all the time like a raccoon living behind a Greek diner.

Think of intermittent fasting like giving your body a schedule. You eat during a specific window of time, and then you fast (read: don’t eat) for the rest of the day.

The most common version is the 16:8 method. That means you fast for 16 hours (yes, sleeping counts), and you eat during an 8-hour window. So let’s say you eat your first meal at noon and finish dinner by 8 PM. Boom. That’s a 16:8.

Other folks go for 18:6, or even a 24-hour fast once or twice a week. You do what works for you. Just don’t be the guy who fasts for 20 hours and then eats an entire pizza and a bag of Doritos.

Why It Works

Here’s the magic: when you’re not eating all the time, your insulin levels drop, and your body switches to burning stored fat for fuel.

Yes—your body actually eats its own fat. It’s like Marie Kondo showed up and said, “This muffin top does not spark joy.” And poof—it’s gone. Plus, intermittent fasting helps preserve lean muscle mass. So you’re not just getting smaller, you’re getting leaner, stronger, and more efficient.

And Mike? He’s proof. The guy looks like a Marine who just walked off the set of a fitness documentary.

“But I get hangry. Like, destroy-my-marriage hangry.” Let’s clear something up: Yes, the first few days can be an adjustment. You’re used to breakfast. And second breakfast. And “I didn’t sleep well so I deserve this bagel” breakfast. But after a week or two, your body adapts. Hunger becomes manageable. Energy levels stabilize. And your brain goes from “feed me now or I’ll snap” to “I got this.”

Mike told me that once he got into the groove, he actually had more mental clarity and energy. Let’s face it—food breaks up your day. And not always in a good way. With intermittent fasting, you’re in control. You eat when it’s time to eat. You work when it’s time to work. You dominate your day like a Marine with a mission.

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Let’s break it down:

• Burns fat efficiently
• Preserves lean muscle
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Reduces inflammation
• Boosts mental clarity
• Gives your digestive system a rest
• Saves time and money

It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your health. Only it won’t stab you in the leg if you sit down too fast.

How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Plan

Let’s say you want to try the 16:8 method like Mike. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Choose Your Eating Window. Try 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM to start. You’ll skip breakfast, but coffee, tea, and water are still fair game in the morning (no milk or sugar).

Step 2: Ease Into It. Start with 14:10 (14-hour fast, 10-hour eating window) if 16:8 feels tough. You’ll build up. No medals for suffering.

Step 3: Eat Whole Foods. When you break your fast, eat like someone who respects their body. Protein, healthy fats, veggies, fruits. Don’t fast all day and then eat a wheel of brie with a side of regret.

Step 4: Stay Hydrated. Drink water. Like, a lot. Your body needs it, especially when fasting. And it helps curb hunger.

Step 5: Be Consistent. Do this for at least 30 days. Track your weight, measurements, energy levels, mood. And no, you can’t count the scale as broken because it didn’t go down after one day.

What Mike Did (That You Can Copy)

Besides fasting, Mike focused on three simple things:

• He Stayed Accountable He didn’t go it alone. He had coaching, support, and a plan. When life got hectic, he didn’t say, “I’m too busy.” He said, “Let’s adjust.”
• He Trained with Progression and Overload Strength training 2-3 times a week. Cardio that didn’t destroy his joints. Consistent movement, even when life got wild.
• He Didn’t Quit Mike had every excuse in the book: busy schedule, dad duties, stress. But he didn’t take the easy way out. He showed up, even when he didn’t feel like it.

"But what if I love food too much?" you think.

Guess what? So do I. Intermittent fasting doesn’t mean you stop eating what you love. It just means you’re smart about when and how much.

Mike still enjoys meals with his family. He eats carbs. He goes out to dinner. He’s just not eating out of boredom while binge-watching reruns of Yellowstone.

Tips to Make Intermittent Fasting Work for You

• Set a timer on your phone for your fasting/eating windows.
• Don’t binge when your eating window opens. You’re not a competitive eater.
• Stay busy during fasting hours. A distracted mind forgets it's hungry.
• Sleep well—it makes fasting easier.
• Meal prep so you don’t panic at the fridge like you’re in a hostage negotiation.

I love stories like Mike’s—not just because of the weight loss, but because of what it represents. This is a guy who decided to own his life. No excuses. No gimmicks. Just consistent effort, a flexible fasting strategy, and a strong reason why.

And now he’s leading by example. Not just for his kids. Not just for his fellow Marines. But for every single client-athlete in our community. Mike is proof that you can crush your goals, even when life is full. You don’t need six hours a day to train. You don’t need to starve yourself. You don’t need to do anything extreme.

You just need a plan, some support, and the willingness to show up. If Mike can do it, you can too.

You too can accomplish your goals, from anywhere in the world. All you need is an Internet connection and a good attitude. To get started, fill this out.

Summary:

Mike Trump, a Marine Corps veteran, business owner, devoted dad, and husband, lost over 50 pounds in under 10 months using intermittent fasting. He achieved this while juggling work, family life, and everyday responsibilities. Intermittent fasting helped him burn fat, preserve muscle, and improve his overall health—without giving up real food. This flexible, sustainable approach isn't about restriction; it’s about smart timing and consistency. Mike's story proves that with a positive mindset, structure, and support, anyone can transform their health. He’s not just living the lifestyle—he’s leading by example. And if he can do it, so can you.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.