My name is Chuck and I am 24 years old and just graduated from the College of William and Mary, now living in Tampa.
I am a pretty competitive triathlete and am also an ACE certified personal trainer. My obsession with exercise and food have led me down some difficult roads in life. I have been battling an eating disorder since high school and learned irreplacable life lessons and knowledge about myself.
I want to help other people learn the lessons I have and avoid the mistakes I have made. I have gained an in-depth knowledge about exercise, fitness, and nutrition and would love to answer any questions readers may have and provide insights and advice I learn
I still battle everyday with food, resisting excessive exercise, and obsessive compulsive impulses. The purpose of this blog is just to be fun and share the recipes and foods I am creating now that I am on my own. It’s my battle to normalize my eating habits, enjoy food, and take passion in life. I appreciate any support. Eat up!
Look out for the Feerless Food TV show! It’s going to happen…soon. I appreciate any support!
Me!
Hey – thanks for stopping by my site Chuck! I’m going to have to go and read up a bit to catch up on your blog, but I’m bookmarking it now!
Hey Chuck! What an interesting guy you are–who knew?!
I probably can learn a lot from you about food and exercise. I actually do have a running question for you. I do some running-nothing crazy-but I can easily run 5 miles and up to 8 miles off the couch without any training. I have been noticing that my knees (esp. right one) are bothering me. I have new shoes–Brooks–fitted at Final Kick–so it’s not that. The owner there said being a female who has children that is to be expected–having to do with hips or something–and he said to do dynamic stretching. Do you agree with that? I really don’t want to stop running–I love little races and 1/2 marathons etc. What do you think? Is it just a stretching thing (which I don’t do a lot of)? Oh, and remember I am 14 years older than you–lol! Thanks!!
Anya
Hey Anya- Thanks for checking out my blog! I’m glad you did and I can definitely try to answer your question. I’ve seen you run, so I believe its nothing for you to bang out some mileage. I’ll actually do a post on the subject in the next couple days and get a more in-depth answer. But is short, dynamic stretching is crucial to warming up before working out. I always do it before I lift and “try” to before I run. Running puts a lot of pounding on your knees so its important to make sure the muscles surrounding you knees are strong; so doing squats, lunges, lateral lunges to stengthen those muscles–form is very important though.
It’s also really important to make sure you are getting enough calcium and iron in your diet, which is something women require a lot of but are often deficient in– Milk and healthy amounts of red meat!
I’m going to try and do my first video post next week (if I can find someone to film me ha) and go through a full dynamic stretching warm up so look for that.
By the way, I would never believe you are 14 older than me!
Way cool site – love the recipes. Try the pumpkin sauce on spaghetti squash & if you like curry it adds a nice kick.
The eggplant/portabello mushroom pizza looks awesome – can’t wait to try it!!
Thanks Shari! I’ll check out you blog and catch up with “Alice”
Chuck,
I too have been dealing with some eating an over-exercising issues. For the life of me I can’t seem to find confirmed definitions of life styles (i.e. sedentary, light, moderate etc.) Could you help me out? I work in a office, so at a desk, but I go to the gym every morning for 1.25 hours and sometimes in the evening. On the weekends I exercise for about two hours. Typically I run 30-40 miles a week, lift three days a week and while at work run up and down stairs. What would you classify me as? Like I said I work at a desk job.
Hi T,
That’s a good question! I work at a desk job as well so most of my day is spent sitting, although, like you, I only take the stairs and and walk and stand as much as possible.
I’m assuming your question is about when you using a calorie calculator to determine daily needs? From the sound of you workout, it sounds like you need a lot.
Your workout schedule seems pretty intense and healthy! You are definitely in at least the “active” category, which is usually describe as something like “moderate to intense exercise 5-6 days a week.” I would guess you are between actice and “very active” which is usually “Daily exercise with physical job or 2xexercise daily.”
Does this help? Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Chuck!! Thank you for stopping by my site and leaving a comment, I had a great time looking around your site and bookmarked it to my Google reader so I can see your updates.
I’ve struggled in the past with a lot of the same issues you are, but youre doing a good thing with the blog, and fighting every day to live the healthy, balanced life!
Drop a line anytime!!
best,
Georgie Fear RD
Thanks Georgia, I’ve added you blog to my favorites as well and am going to be following you! Is it cool if I add you to my blog roll?
And thanks for what you said in you comment, I really appreciate it.
Hey Chuck! I finally got around to checking my formspring account and just saw your question for me. I had no idea any male had ever read my blog other than my husband and dad! Thanks so much for reading!! Anyway, your blog looks great and it looks like you are headed in such a positive direction. Keep up the great blogging!!
No problem, I think your blog is great and thanks for checking out mine! By the way, great answer to my question–blueberry pancakes covered in butter and syrup is my absolute favorite too!
Hey,
very interesting blog, and an inspiration for me. I am currently trying to work my way out of an eating disorder as well, so it gives me hope to see people like you who show that it is possible.
Just wondering what your best tips on gaining weight is? Like, some advice on what to eat to gain?
I do work with an nutrionist, but she is a bit “old- fashioned” for me, haha, so I am looking around for other perspective. What did you find the most helpful in your recovery?
Hedda, Norway ( congratulations- your blog is now known all around the world ;p )
Hi Hedda! Thanks for finding my site. I would love to help you out! E-mail me at chuck.feerick@gmail.com and lets discuss. Thanks again
Hey Chuck!
Very cool you are a competitive triathlete. I’ve always “liked” the idea of competing in a triathlon however the reality of training that I’d have to put into it isn’t realistic for this point of my life. Cool to come across a guy’s blog too!!
Thanks for stopping by mine and I’m glad you got a laugh!
Chuck,
Congratulations!!! I am so sorry that I haven’t had an opportunity to check out your web site — you know how it is — WORK WORK.
See you tomorrow!
Just came across your blog while searching for Triathlon specific blogs since I just started training for my first Tri at the end of August. Love what I’m reading so far! I’m really looking forward to having some time to read through about your experience, training, food suggestions, etc.
- Caitlin
Hey man, just found your site browsing fitness blogs, I am also interested in fitness and working on becoming an ACE certified trainer. Anyway, this is one of the better blogs I have found, you are doing great stuff! Keep it up.
-Matt
Thanks Matt! Good luck with your ACE certification man- let me know if you ever have any questions or if there’s any way I can help.
Chuck
hey there! my little brother is heading up to W&M next year… small world
you are crazy inspiring! a sprint triathalon has been on my “bucket list” for the last few years… i grew up swimming (at NOVA – Richmond) and have been running for the last two years or so. any advice on how to get into biking? i just can’t fall in love.
keep on truckin!
-r
Chuck-
I haven’t had the chance to talk with you in a long while.
I really dig the site, this is pretty cool buddy.
You are honestly fearless, so the name fits perfectly.
I’ve been doing some work in social media lately, we should chat. I’m pretty curious about how your blog has been going, it looks like you put a ton of energy into it.
I’m living in Philly these days, which puts us at about 7 hours apart, but hit me up on facebook or email, please.
Dave Brennan
Hi Chuck,
Not sure if you’re familiar with Three Sisters all-natural cereal, but we’d like to send you a sample to try. We think our all-natural cereal would be perfect for you and your audience. If you’re interested please contact us with your mailing address. Thanks!
Hey Chuck,
I dig your site, especially the recipes and pictures of all the healthy and delicious food that you make. It sounds to me that you have found a good calling in life by becoming a personal trainer. Obviously you are passionate about exercise and nutrition, but I think even more important you have had to deal with and overcome an eating disorder and body image issues. Issues that many who visit a personal trainer have to battle and your empathy will be from experience. Keep up the great work and never stop learning and sharing.
Take Care,
Michael Lohre MS,HFI-ACSM
Owner of Mike’s Mix Recovery Drink (www.mikesmixrecoverydrink.com)
Hey there stranger!! I am not sure the best way to reply to your blogs….anyway I have a question & a suggestion for avocados. My favorite wrap – lightly toast the tortilla, spread hummus (1 can mashed garbanzo beans, 2 tblspns natural peanut butter, garlic to taste and a splash of Paul Newmans Lime Vinegrette) sliced beefsteak tomotoes, sliced avocado & cheese of your choice I like feta or goat cheese. I also use very ripe avocados instead of mayo when I make tuna salad.
I have recently moved to a more vegetarian diet and have lost a bit a weight, I am currently experiencing health issues & can not exercise enthusiastically, can you suggest anything that would help tone my upper arms???
I love your blog – your honesty is devastating!! In a good way!!
I just found your blog and I love it. My parents actually reside in Chesapeake but I go to school in upstate New York. I can’t wait to read more from your blog. You are an incredible athlete
Hello Nephew Chuck – my wonderful sister Joan – who you know – told me about your site so I thought I would check it out. I love it . Great to get to know you better. We missed you at the wedding – hope it is not too long before we all see each other. Keep blogging – - it’s wonderful. I’ll be back.
Aunt Margie,
Thanks so much for stopping by! It’s beenn so long since I’ve seen you!
Chuck! Glad you found my blog. NICE BIKE. Love reading about you!
i just found your blog
so inspiring! oxo
i love it
Hi Chuck,
My name is Armi Legge and I have faced much of what you have with regards o eating disorders and training. I am Orthorexic and have been hospitalized twice in Johns Hopkins Myer 4. I think I might have heard you asking questions on the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast and would love to talk to you sometime. I am sixteen years old and am sponsored by 13 different companies and am working to get an elite license and compete as a pro triathlete and work as a coach/consultant/writer. I am also working on several blogs and would love to get some advice and just talk to you about your past. Although the food is less of an issue for me now and I’ve been out of the hospital since January 2009, I still would love to hear more about you and what you want to do in life.
Take care man,
Armi
Love your blog! I have been reading for awhile and have always found your honesty empowering. It is not everyone who can blend recovery and struggles into the same post and still move forward. I look to your posts for inspiration as I use food to fuel my body, knowing that I can only move into my future if I feed myself. It is great to see you challenging yourself and writing about it! As you read on my blog, I’m working on a pizza challenge, among others.
keep it up! I’ll be back, for sure : )
fondly,
Hannah
Hey Chuck!
I came across your blog today, and just wanted to let you know I’m a huge fan of it already. I really love how you blend together some of my favorite things (I’m a huge foodie!) in your posts, not to mention, your writing style is just so much fun! I’m from HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com, and we’ve been reaching out to other health, fitness, and cycling blogs to highlight on our blog, http://Blog.HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com. So glad I came across yours!
We’d love to write a blog post highlighting your site, and would feel honored if you could also write about HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com on your blog – we do our best to offer a great selection of heart rate monitors, cycling computers, and fitness products, which I’m sure your readers will appreciate! Maybe we could do an interview with you or you could share a recipe on our blog? Just let me know
Thanks for your time, and keep up the great blogging!
Mandy, HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com
Hey Chuck thanks for the shout! Yeah, people always underestimate how far it is between Cleveland in Cinci ha, how are you liking it there? Our struggles seem really similar so I am very excited to get caught up on your posts! Let me know if you decide to make the trek north for the race in May =)
Hey chuck my names Sean im 17 and live in Queensland Australia. You where featured in a magazine over here called Mens Fitness at the start of the year. I was just flicking through the old magazines the other day and found your story very interesting. I am also having trouble with my weight i have gone from being 91kg to 61kg in 16 months. I was overweight by about 15kg but for someone like me who is 188cm (almost 6ft 3inches) 61kg is way to light. My chosen sport is boxing and i have had 1 fight which i lost and i think being to weak contributed to me losing that fight although i weighed in at 66kg. I found i am very similiar to you like i know that i need to be bigger and stronger to be better at boxing and look better aswell but because of how big i use to be i am scared that the numbers on the scale will turn to a beer gut. Which is one of the things you said you had trouble with in the mens fitness magazine. I do eat but over the past couple of months i have done things like tried to stretch meals further apart and i also obsess about whats in the things i eat, such as making sure the carbohydrate and fat content are as low as can be. I Know on one side of my brain that i need those carbs to function but i cant bring myself to eat them. I am addicted to exercise and unless i workout for 1 or 2 hours a day i feel guilty it depends on what ive eaten and weighed that day. I am also a bricklayer so i am working very physically for 9 hours a day. If you could help me in any way it would be appreciated. Keep up the great work with the blog.
Cheers Sean
Just found your blog thru one of Hollie’s posts on twitter. I’m really liking it and can’t wait to read more
I think it’s awesome you’re a competitive triathlete! I’m hoping to start doing them very soon 
Thanks for checking out my blog! I love yours! I’m always looking for new recipes, so I’ll have to try some of these out, they look great. You asked on my blog if I have any big races coming up. My big one is the Kinetic Half Ironman this Saturday. It’s my first half ironman, and I’ve been having some problems with foot pain the past couple of weeks, so I’m pretty nervous! I took the past 1.5 weeks off from running (I just biked, swam, and aquajogged, lol) and tested it out yesterday and it’s feeling okay, so I’m going to try and do the event on Saturday! I’m just hoping my foot will hold up for so many hours of biking and running…we’ll see! I also am hoping to do another marathon this fall, but now am questioning if/when based on how my foot does this weekend and afterward. Good luck with your move and finding fun new tris to do. (Also, two of my best friends went to William and Mary, but they graduated in 2006, so I’m not sure if you’d know them?)
Hi,
I’m going through a confusing time of low weight now. If you’re open to “chat” via email, can you shoot me an email? Thanks. (I’m a 30 year old female).
Hey! I tried to send you an email but it won’t go through. I’d love to help you in any way I can or just to chat!
I just read your guest post today. Inspiring story! I’m glad I came across your blog.
Hey chuck my names Sean im 17 and live in Queensland Australia. You where featured in a magazine over here called Mens Fitness at the start of the year. I was just flicking through the old magazines the other day and found your story very interesting. I am also having trouble with my weight i have gone from being 91kg to 61kg in 16 months. I was overweight by about 15kg but for someone like me who is 188cm (almost 6ft 3inches) 61kg is way to light. My chosen sport is boxing and i have had 1 fight which i lost and i think being to weak contributed to me losing that fight although i weighed in at 66kg. I found i am very similiar to you like i know that i need to be bigger and stronger to be better at boxing and look better aswell but because of how big i use to be i am scared that the numbers on the scale will turn to a beer gut. Which is one of the things you said you had trouble with in the mens fitness magazine. I do eat but over the past couple of months i have done things like tried to stretch meals further apart and i also obsess about whats in the things i eat, such as making sure the carbohydrate and fat content are as low as can be. I Know on one side of my brain that i need those carbs to function but i cant bring myself to eat them. I am addicted to exercise and unless i workout for 1 or 2 hours a day i feel guilty it depends on what ive eaten and weighed that day. I am also a bricklayer so i am working very physically for 9 hours a day. If you could help me in any way it would be appreciated. Keep up the great work with the blog.
+1
Chuck, your glog is fantastic, I can’t wait to try out some of your recipes. I don’t cook much, so I’ll be starting with an easy one for sure!
-Laura
Can you email me, please? I need some help and think I’ve just found someone who can help (you!). Everything I’ve read, everything I’ve learned on this blog makes me think that you can understand where I’ll be coming from :s