Tampa Father Shares 150-Pound Transformation in New Book

Chris Garrido's mantra is 'Not Done Yet' as he focuses on continued improvement rather than just a number on the scale.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After his father passed away in 2024, Tampa native Chris Garrido realized he was missing out on his own children's lives and set a goal to transform his health. Starting at 440 pounds, Garrido first committed to 90 days of consistent exercise and a nutritional routine, eventually losing nearly 150 pounds. Now a published author, Garrido's mantra is "Not Done Yet" as he focuses on continued improvement rather than just a number on the scale.

Why it matters

Garrido's story highlights the importance of prioritizing health and being present for one's family, even in the face of significant physical limitations. His transformation serves as an inspiration for others struggling with weight and health challenges.

The details

Garrido found himself unable to fit into restaurant booths or participate in family outings due to his weight. After his father's passing, he was struck by the thought of his sons losing their father and decided to make a change. He committed to 90 days at the gym, eventually losing 50 pounds in that initial stretch. Garrido also simplified his diet, turning food from an emotional crutch into "fuel." Today, the 50-year-old is down 147 pounds in 17 months, and his journey is the subject of his new book, "Fit by 50: My Yearlong Journey from Death to Life."

  • In March 2024, Garrido's father passed away.
  • In 2024, Garrido weighed 440 pounds.
  • In the first 90 days, Garrido lost 50 pounds.
  • In July 2025, Garrido reached the summit of Stone Mountain in Georgia, nearly one year into his journey.
  • In October 2025, Garrido's book "Fit by 50" was released in paperback.

The players

Chris Garrido

A 50-year-old Tampa native who transformed his health, losing nearly 150 pounds over 17 months and chronicling his journey in the book "Fit by 50: My Yearlong Journey from Death to Life."

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What they’re saying

“I used to pray every night that God would let me live to be 58 years old. That was a real number in my head. Because, at 58, both of my kids will have graduated high school. And looking back on it, it felt normal then. But looking back on it, it's heartbreaking even to me because what kind of father just prays to make it to 58?”

— Chris Garrido (fox13news.com)

“It just kept ringing in my head like, 'gosh if losing their grandfather hurts this much, what's it going to be like if they lose their dad?' And so, I think that was probably — if somebody asked me what was the beginning — that was the impetus of like, okay it really is time.”

— Chris Garrido (fox13news.com)

“Days one through 30, I hated. Days 31 through 60, I tolerated. And days 61 through 90, I started to enjoy it.”

— Chris Garrido (fox13news.com)

“It's funny, my taste buds have changed. I eat ground chicken and brown rice every day, and I love it. And I used to be like, I mean, I was a barbecue pit master!”

— Chris Garrido (fox13news.com)

“I finally was able to get the words out: 'I did it, I did it.' That's all I could say. And in that moment, it was just like this emotional release of, like, yeah, we actually did it this time. And this time, it's going to stick.”

— Chris Garrido (fox13news.com)

What’s next

Garrido's book, "Fit by 50," is scheduled for release on Kindle and Audible in February 2026.

The takeaway

Garrido's transformation serves as an inspiring example of the power of determination, prioritizing health, and being present for one's family. His mantra of "Not Done Yet" encourages others to keep striving for self-improvement, rather than focusing solely on a number on the scale.