Welcome!

So, the weight loss games have BEGUN!!!!!

Just remember, this challenge is a lifestyle adjustment, not just a competition. I'm definitely excited about the results from the last challenge and the great changes that people made and the results that came because of it.

I originally started this whole thing at the beginning of the year to help me loose some more weight. I had lost 45 lbs up until that point, and still needed to loose about 20-30 more. The whole 4 months, actually gained! I yo-yo'd like I never have before in my life! gaining 3, loosing 2, gaining 2, loosing 3...back and forth and it was extremely frustrating! I was working out 6 days a week about 1 1/2 hrs a day, and my diet was decent, so you can see why this was frustrating. I did enjoy all the personal achievements of the others in the competition, however. I kind of figured that this was just my slump and the weight loss would continue when my body was ready.

Well, after the competition ended, I lost 6 lbs...in 3 weeks! seriously? I was shocked! So, My original starting weight in 2010 was 236, now my starting weight is 188...almost a total of 50 lbs lost since my original start! The cool thing is, that usually by now, I had given up and gained it back. This time around, the weight is staying off, and I intend to keep it that way!!!
I do have to say that the show "The Biggest Loser" has been one of my most favorite TV shows to watch and most inspirational. I am excited to pass along a special recipe from one of my favorite competitors of all time, Rick de Roque from season 10! His daughter has joined us in this Summer's competition and has given me his chili recipe that he ate a lot in his season. I'm not much of a chili eater, but this recipe actually looks like something I'd eat...AND ONLY 100 CALORIES A BOWL!!!!! Enjoy, and thanks to Kristie and Rick!

Chicken Veggie Chili
Chicken breast (20 oz., diced)
Black beans (1) 15 oz. can drained and rinsed
Onions (1 ½) cups, diced
Broccoli cuts (7) cups frozen, diced very small in food processor
Squash (1) yellow (1) zucchini, diced small
Bell peppers (1) red (1) green diced small
Spinach (2) cups frozen, diced very small in food processor
Rotel tomatoes Original (3) cans (may use mild for less spicy chili)
Tomato sauce (1) - 8 oz. can
Water (3) cups
Cinnamon (2) Tbs.
Chili powder (3½) Tbs.
Cumin (1) Tbs.
Coriander (1) Tbs.
Oregano (1) Tbs.
Red pepper flakes (1) Tbs. (optional)
Garlic Cloves (3) minced

Pan grill chicken using Pam spray, then dice up and set aside. Saute onions, bell peppers, and squash. Add broccoli, spinach, Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water, and bring to a boil. Add all spices, black beans, and chicken and simmer for 30 minutes.

Makes 12 cups.

Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 100 per cup
Protein: 15 g.

New June 2011 Challenge

Well, we have just a few days if anyone still wants to join! First weigh in is this Wednesday, June 1, but payment doesn't have to be to me until mid June.

JOIN!!!! You know you want to :)

The Results Are IN!!!!

Well, after 4 months, we have our winners! Here are their before and after pictures. Amazing if you ask me!

First of all, we have a 4th place honorary mention. Darren lost 8.34%! GREAT JOB!

So, in 3rd place...A man who started the whole thing with the intent to win some cash, but ended up with more energy and better eating habits! With 11.16% lost, The 3rd place, the $55 winner is ERIK!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

For 2nd place, her goal was to get to a certain weight, made that goal, and is now in single digit size clothes! She's also planning on running a 1/2 marathon in a few months. With 14.99% weight lost, our $85 winner is HOLLY!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

And, for our first place winner! A woman with determination!!!! She stuck to the same diet every day and lost a bunch of weight! What determination! With 17.58% lost, our $140 first place winner is KANDEE!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

AMAZING results everyone!!!! Top 3 winners, please email me directly with your address so I can send your winnings :) If you're interested in doing the summer biggest loser, I can take your entry out of your winnings, so just let me know.

Congrats to all of you!

Well, with our Challenge wrapping up this weekend, I have to say I'm extremely proud of all of you who joined the challenge!!!! There are some amazing numbers, and even if some numbers weren't so amazing, I know that new habits are taking place which means a lifetime of good health!

I was reading an article that I wanted to share with you. I thought it quite interesting.

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/201104/warm-cardio-then-go-weights-right-wrong

Also, I was thinking about creating another Weight Loss Challenge starting in June. It'll be a short one, so June, July and August and the buy in will be $15 a person. Please let me know if you or anyone you know is interested.

Again, I'm excited to see the results this Sunday and also excited to see your AFTER pictures!!!!

Weigh In...Keep it up!

Hey everyone! Thanks for sending along your weigh in information. If you haven't sent it yet, just send me a your weigh in this Sunday.

Something to think about this week. At the gym, I took a class and it was VERY small for it's normal size. I was wondering why and so were others in the class. The teacher said it happens every year. Everyone is extremely gung ho at the beginning of the year, but when Daylight Savings time comes around, everyone seems to think that sleep is more important than working out, so the classes get a little less crowded.

So, keep this in mind when your workout seems a little tough, don't be the one who slacks off for a few extra minutes of sleep. Know that the workout may be tough, but completely worth it!

1/2 way point!!!!! Keep up the good work!

Hey everyone!
Our Internet was down all weekend, so I wasn't able to send this out! So sorry!

Ok...here's the stats for the 1/2 way mark. Keep in mind, this is based on LAST WEEKS weigh in.

Danielle: 6.29%
Lizette: 0.66%
Glen: 1.59%
Xochitl: 8.33%
Kelly: 0.86%
Holly: 7.52%
Elena: 2.16%
Kandee: 10.20%
Kortney: 5.22%
Erik: 6.61%
Darren: 6.80%
Evelyn: 0.34%
Heidi: 2.06%
Judd: 4.98%
Monsterrat: 0.57%
Katie: 0.43%
Rachel: 2.63%
Stephne: 0.52%

There's still time!!!!! Don't be discouraged!!!! Keep up the great work, be consistent and make small changes that will make HUGE differences in your life!!!!

tip for this week, think of your FAVORITE dish, then find a way to make it more healthy. For example, if you like spaghetti/pasta....try using spaghetti squash with marinara sauce. It actually taste's pretty good :)

And, if you haven't sent your weight already, please do so!

Let the Journey Continue!

Hi,

I'm Holly, and I have a weakness for dieting. I guess it could be worse! :) I have been "chubby" since puberty, so while I didn't really DO anything about it until I realized I was going to need to fit in a wedding dress 15 years ago, the weight "issue" has always been there.

I joined Jenny Craig back in 1994 to try & lose weight before my wedding (after gaining the Freshman 15...and adding 15 more to that - I'm an over-achiever). It was great...I lost 35 lbs, and felt GREAT on my wedding day! Then I had to start eating "real" food again...and I gained it all back, plus 20 more (did I mention I'm an over-achiever?).

I focused on my career for 6 years, which meant a lot of travel, team meetings with pizza lunches, and eating out...and then we decided to have a baby. I gained 35 lbs with my son, lost 9lbs 4oz on his birthday, and that was it. I kept the rest! 18 Months passed, we decided we wanted to consider a 2nd baby. I wanted to lose some weight first...I got pregnant that week. I worked hard not to gain too much with my daughter, and I hit 196.2 at my post-delivery dr. appt. And despite "dieting" throughout the years...I stayed at 196.2 for nearly 5 years.

I joined Weight Watchers in 2009, and lost 30 lbs....just under 1/2 of my goal, but then I quit. I maintained that loss for a while, but it slowly crept back up by 14 lbs. So here I am...

In January this year, I decided I was done with "dieting". I'm making a major lifestyle change! I re-joined Weight Watchers, I'm eating healthy, I'm getting my heart rate up every single day for at least 30 minutes. I'm showing my kids what healthy ACTS like, and hopefully, in the process, what it LOOKS like too!!

I'm so encouraged to see other's journey, and know I'm not alone! I can't wait to see how healthy & svelte we all are!!