Welcome!

Hello everyone & welcome to our new biggest loser blog! Thus far, we have 14 people who have paid, but I feel we may get up to three more people...so, I will be following through with them today to confirm! 


I want to welcome you all and of course, share your challenge for the week....well, don't let me scare you, but I have two CHALLENGES!  


First Challenge: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water...if you are 200lbs, drink 100oz (or more) of water a day.  Let me know on your Saturday weigh in if you were able to accomplish this, and you will be recognized in the blog.  I recommend getting a water bottle with a straw, for me it's easier to consume the water this way!


Second Challenge: (And a chance for a one pound advantage) Complete this and submit it to me....get your tape measure ready!!!   Taking your measurements is an excellent way to keep track of your changing shape as you get fit. When you burn fat and increase your muscle mass, you may weigh a bit more even though your body is getting tighter and smaller. Here is how you take 10 different body measurements. Remember to keep your muscles relaxed while you're measuring.

1. Bust: Don't squish yourself -- measure all the way around your bust and back right at your nipple line, and make sure the tape measure is not lower.

2. Chest: Measure under your breasts but as high up as you can go, keeping the tape measure parallel to this line when you reach it around your back.

3. Waist: Measure wherever it is the smallest (if you have "no waist" go around yourself right at the navel line).

4. Hips: Measure at the very biggest part -- even if that is so low that you are almost on the top of your thighs.

5. Midway: Measure midway between the very biggest part of your hips and your waist.

6. Thighs: Measure wherever they are the biggest.

7. Knees: Measure right above the knee.

8. Calves: Measure wherever they are the biggest.

9. Upper arm: Measure wherever they are biggest above your elbows.

10. Forearms: Measure wherever they are biggest below your elbows.

11. Calculate your BMI

Good luck with these challenges.  Be sure to submit both of these along with your weight loss Saturday no later than 5pm EST. 

And, as always, if you need any help with anything, want to hear something specific, please feel free to request it!  Losing weight is very much a science, you need to know what's going in, and know how much needs to be put out.  Don't worry, I will explain more in another post!  

Round #1 Wrap Up

Hello all!

I just wanted to give you all a pat on the back for doing such a wonderful job with weight loss.  Together, we lost 186lbs, which is person...or several children....at any rate, it's an awesome feat!

With the Biggest Loser pound for pound challenge, I submitted our weight loss and we were able to donate 186lbs of food to the Akron food bank-way to go!

So, here's the drum roll....the BIGGEST LOSER of the week is...KASSIE!

1. Kassie: 3.596
2. Tom: 2.97
3. Nikki: 1.673
4. Lynda: 1.206
5. Christina: 1.008
6. Stevie: .885
7. Emilee: .543
8. Nancy: .456
9. Kari: .429
10. Melissa: .409
11. Adam: .2849
12. Lynsey: +.054
13. Rachelle: +1.269
14. Amy: ?

 And, the total of the eight week session....the Biggest Loser is...KASSIE!  Way to go losing over 10% of weight, that's amazing!!!

1. Kassie: 10.285
2. Nikki: 7.480
3. Tom: 7.255
4. Stevie: 6.903
5. Reenie: 6.896
6. Lynsey: 6.134
7. Adam: 5.405
8. Nancy: 4.636 
9. Kari: 4.700
10. Melissa: 4.325
11. Emilee: 4.145
12. Rachelle: 3.623
13. Lynda: 3.152
14. Christina: 2.119
15. Amy: 1.685

Last chance...

Last Chance workouts are today ladies & gents!  I will say, even though I listed a top 5, the weight loss is really close this round, it's really anyones chance! 

Please do you best to weigh in early tomorrow, so I can get all the totals completed before I leave for dinner...so, hopefully, I can announce who the winner aka LOSER is at dinner!

Good job to all!  AND...for those of you not continuing with round #2, we will miss you, and hope you will rejoin us again in round #3.  Good luck on your continued journey of weight loss!

How are you doing?!?!

Well, first off, I don't want this blog posting to bring anyone down, but does anyone else feel like a fish out of water this week?  Physically, I'm so there!  Mentally, yikes!  This is hard stuff to do!?!?

So, what are some things that you can do to help push yourself the LAST two days of this challenge?!? 
Well, get moving with a friend!  Can you call someone and ask them to show you what it is they have been doing to lose weight, and then you show them?  It's always fun to try new things with someone else who knows what they are doing.  That way, you can look like a fool and have fun, but know someone is right next to you ready and willing to help you out.

What are your ways to get over some mental hiccups so to speak?

I want to....

...hear from you!!!  I'm tired of doing all of the talking!  So, I want to know; how do you feel everything is going with this group?  What are your comments?  Suggestions?  Concerns for the next round? Ultimately, without you, I wouldn't be as far as I am in this weight loss journey, so I encourage your feedback, the good, the bad & ugly, got it!?!  Good!

And, thus far, we have 9 people for the next round, 2 new people! If you want to do the next round, but are  wishing something would be done differently....it's an open forum!!!

Thank you for all your encouragement the past seven weeks, you all are awesome!

The Biggest LOSER of the week is....

....Stevie!!!!

Congrat to you Stevie, I know that you have been working hard this week and have deserved this title!

Before I continue, I just wanted to apologize for th late posting, things have been a bit busy on this end, my husband was home last night and well, this am, I went to spend time with my family and...then, this early afternoon, I've been cleaning up poo; who knew an infant could cause such a mess!  So, without much further delay, I present to you...our list.

1. Stevie: 1.419
2. Nancy: 1.084
3. Lynsey: .917
4. Kassie: .869
5. Kari: .858
6. Tom: .655
7. Melissa: .581
8. Emilee: .540
9. Nikki: .466
10. Adam: 0
11. Rachelle: +.254
12. Lynda: +1.419
13. Amy: ???
14. Christina: ??? Out of town

As we enter into the last week of 'The Biggest Loser', I wanted to list the TOP 5 people,  This is in ABC order, not order of weight loss.  I ask these 5 people to take a picture of thier scale as that will be requested of the winner to provide to me.  If by chance I win, I will show Stevie the picture that I will take of the scale...as Stevie is aware of my weight....as well as my husband.   BUT, prior to this list, I want you to know, with 14 of us, collectively, we have lost a person in 8 weeks....146.4lbs!!! Congrats to all of you!   

The TOP 5 are...

Kari

Kassie

Lynsey
Nikki

Stevie (with 1lb advantage included)

*Note, once contacted, the picture of the scale must be submitted to Lynsey within 24 hours! Best of luck to everyone this week, even if your name isn't on this list!!!! 

Dinner!

As it was suggested, we will do dinner for those that can attend on February 27th....but, the big question is...WHERE?  And, I will say 5:00....does that work for everyone?

So, for those that are in town and wanting to go, please let me know where you would like to meet up so I can then arrange.  I would prefer to do somewhere with call ahead seating or ability to make reservations.  Please let me know what you think. 


Your input is greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

Eating Out vs Eating In

Everyone likes to be taken care of once in a while, heck sometimes I like to be taken care all of the time, but there comes a time when eating out and being served can take it's toll not only on your pocket book, but your waistline as well. Now granted, there are menus such as Applebee's "550 meals", where each meal is to have 550 calories in it.  Which is great, but how many grams of fat do they really have?  Better yet, is the chef actually following the guidelines that they are supposed to?   

So, if you are having trouble trying to find time to cook for yourself and family, then try to plan ahead.  Some busy families prepare their meals for the week on Sundays, having any left over food from dinner as their lunch the next day. Eating at home has numerous health benefits, but most importantly it gives you the choice of what ingredients you decide to include or omit in your meals. Have you ever glanced at what a burger at a fast food restaurant is made with- there can be tons of ingredients, some with names you've never heard of or cannot pronounce. When you cook at home, you can keep your foods.

Also, when eating out, one thinks, "ohhh, a special occasion" so they splurge.  When eating out, make the right decisions for you.  Of course, eating a slice of pizza isn't going to harm you, but if you find that you've eaten half the pizza, then your in trouble.  Try to make good choices by...

• drinking water or low fat milk instead of consuming empty calories with soda or alcohol. 
• watch your portion sizes, split your meal in half and ask for a box when your meal is served.  That way, you can box up the other half before mindlessly eating it. 
• Go for a balanced meal....a turkey sandwich with lettuce & tomato is much better than a cheeseburger (red meat) on a white bun.  Also, ask for any condiments/dressings on the side and when you use them, use them sparingly.  With a salad, dip your fork into the side of dressing, then pick up the lettuce....you save many calories this way. 

The other day, I went to Panera, thinking I would splurge and go out to eat with my wonderful cousin!  Well, I added up my intake, and am shocked at my options.  Next time, maybe I should supplement/omit some of the choices. 


How many times a week do you eat out?  Can you limit this to once per week? What are some tricks you use when going out that helps that waistline? 

The Biggest LOSER of the week is....

Kassie.....

Way to go everyone, it looks like this past week majority of the group lost, which is GREAT!  It also look slike we are all getting a bit comfy with losing, and maybe need to step it up a notch...so, I'm going to ask you all, can we attempt for next week to get all of us a 100% on weight loss....I don't care if it's a tenth of a pound, but just see what we can do.  I think we can do, what about you!?!   So that's our CHALLENGE of the week!

Here's the list:

1. 
   
   Kassie: 2.542
2. 
   
   Adam: 1.404
3. 
   
   Stevie: 1.300
4. 
   
   Kari: .851
5. 
   
   Christina: .626
6. 
   
   Lynsey: .537
7. 
   
   Lynda: .507
8. 
   
   Nancy: .270
9. 
   
   Melissa: .174
10. 
    
    Nikki: 0%
11. 
    
    Emilee: +.543
12. 
    
    Rachelle: +1.028
13. 
    
    Tom: +1.328
14. 
    
    Amy: ???

*Note: Anyone written above in red, their weight does not count for this week due to late submission.  Additionally, the winner of the contest, must submit a picture of their scale in order to claim the winnings**

As for the winner of the quiz...first the answers!**Evil laughter**

1. Calculate your BMI? (see link) VARIES

2. How many days a week do you need to do strength training? cardiovascular training?  How well do YOU do with both of these? Strength training 3 days a week, cardiovascular training 5 days a week.  I incorporate both into my daily exercise routine with one day of rest (Sunday)

3. How many calories and fat grams are in Olive Garden salad? breadsticks? salad - 350 calories and 26g of fat; breadsticks - 150 calories and 2g of fat

4. What is your BMR?  What the heck is BMR, anyways?  1635.825 BMR is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), the number of calories you would burn if you stayed in bed all day
5. Inside the pyramid.   Pick out one truth that surprises you most from each color of the food pyramid. Orange - The amount of grains you need to eat depends on your age, sex, and level of physical activity; Green - Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes; Red - Select fruits with more potassium often, such as bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice; Yellow -  coconut oil and palm kernel oil, are high in saturated fats and for nutritional purposes should be considered to be solid fats; Blue - Diets that include milk products tend to have a higher overall nutritional quality; Purple - recommended daily serving for my age being a woman is 5 ½ ounce equivalents

6. Flip through the "20 worst restaurant foods in America" and tell me the "Worst Dessert @ a sit down retaurant"?  Outback Steakhouse Chocolate Thunder from Down Under
7. Since starting this challenge...how much % of weight have you lost so far? (Take the amount of weight lost divided into your starting weight, then multiply by 100) VARIES
8. Why does water help you lose weight?  The live turns stored fat into energy, and your kidneys need water, but if you don't drink enough water, the kidneys don't work like they should and the liver has to do doubletime for both it's job as well as the kidneys.
9. How many calories do you burn with low impact aerobics for 45 minutes?  VARIES
10. Reflection Question: In the past, why did weight loss not work for you, why did you not get to your goal?  (You don't have to share this answer, I just want to get you thinking.)  

So, are you just longing to know who the winner is!?!?  Well, first, I want to thank Stevie, Nikki & Emilee for completing the quiz!  (I almost entered my name into the drawing, but didn't think it would be fair, since I'm the one who picked the name out!)

AND....drum roll please....the winner is...

**Note, the red paper & heart for Valentine's Day (I know, creative)

*Stevie, the one pound advantage was added to the above list,

as will be added to your total week lost in week 8**

Best of luck to all of you this upcoming week, let's push for 100% weight loss from the group!

Round #2

Hello All!!!!

I just wanted to let you know that I'm committing myself to at least one more round of this biggest loser program.  I encourage you all to rejoin and sign up...I, personally have found it to be very motivating knowing that my name is going to go onto the list at the end of the week.  If you would like to rejoin, I will need your money submitted to me no later than, February 26th.  If you need my address again, please let me know and I can get it to you.  Our first weigh-in for the next session also happens to be our LAST weigh-in for this session, February 27th....I hope that everyone weighs in as soon as possible on that day so we can establish who 'The Biggest Loser' is.

Also, since I'm discussing wrapping this up (I'm a planner) I was thinking maybe we could ALL get together and meet up for dinner for all of our hard work this session. That way we can all meet each other, so on and so forth (except Christina, that would be a long ride just for dinner...but we would LOVE to have you!!!) I'm thinking dinner on the 27th, if that works for most, and we can all vote on a location.

If you're reading this on Friday, have a GREAT last chance workout for the week!!!

Man, Why didn't I think of that?

Have you ever sat back and think, "Man, Why didn't I think of that?"


Well, this month's issue of 'Prevention' it discusses the 400 calorie fix. Here is what they recommend,for permanent weight loss. Eat four, 400-calorie meals to get your body into a healthier weight. Obviously, if you are heavier, nursing, or need more than 1200 calories, you would up your meals to 5, 400 calories meals a day! Sounds pretty simple to me...as well as it sounds like something you can do and plan ahead with.


1. Learn to eye ball portions. Did you know the size of a tennis ball is the size of 1/2 cup of fruit.
2. Spot Hidden Fat & Sugar: Choose sugar free alternatives as sugar can easily sneak into your meals and load them with unexpected calories.
3. Split your plate into six ways: 1 for protein, 2 for grains, and the remaining 3 portions are fruits or veggies.


When standing in line at the grocery store, pick up and browse page 85 of the 400 calorie fix. Also, a few pages further you can find many good meals for 400 calories or less!

CHANCE for 1LB Advantage!

Well, here it is....it's your time for a one pound advantage...what you'll need to do is complete the following questions, submit them to me on Saturday (or earlier) prior to 5pm.  Whoever completes this questionaire will be entered for a raffle of a one pound advantage. Not only will you gain the benefit of a one pound advantage, but you will learn a lot of information that will help you on your weight loss journey. The answers are all within the question, so you will click on the link provided.  It will take some time to complatet this.  AND, #2, doesn't have a link because there are so mnay sites...I want you to tell me what you think.  Best of luck to you all.

1. Calculate your BMI? (see link)
2. How many days a week do you need to do strength training? cardiovascular training?  How well do YOU do with both of these?
3. How many calories and fat grams are in Olive Garden salad? breadsticks?
4. What is your BMR?  What the heck is BMR, anyways?
5. Inside the pyramid.   Pick out one truth that surprises you most from each color of the food pyramid.
6. Flip through the "20 worst restaurant foods in America" and tell me the "Worst Dessert @ a sit down retaurant"?
7. Since starting this challenge...how much % of weight have you lost so far? (Take the amount of weight lost divided into your starting weight, then multiply by 100)
8. Why does water help you lose weight?
9. How many calories do you burn with low impact aerobics for 45 minutes
10. Reflection Question: In the past, why did weight loss not work for you, why did you not get to your goal?  (You don't have to share this answer, I just want to get you thinking.)

I wish you all the best of luck this week...try something new if you are getting bored with your current workout.  There's always the choice of joining a class, starting a lifting program, or at the gym, ask a trainer to show you something you would never try.  This week I started the weight machienes...a trainer at the gym kept telling me "you need to do some weights with all this running" so, finally, I added weights to my workout.  It's amazing how weak I really am...and amazing how sore I am too.  But, it's true, muscle mass does weight more than fat, but it's going to be more tone, you'll be able to lift groceries, kids, etc a lot easier with stronger muscles.  AND, lifting weights helps you burn more calories....try it out and let me know what you think.

Have fun & learn lots!

"You ARE doin' it GIRL!"

Today at the gym I was running.  I've heard commentary of members at the Y...."if you need to find Lynsey, she's on the treadmill".   I go just about daily around the same time, I've begun talking with other members, getting familiar with them, etc.   I set my goal for my run, but I was wanting to stop...and by the grace of God...a woman (who's name I don't know) stops in front of my treadmill, looks at me, and gives me a thumbs up.  I take my earpod out and it goes something like this...we'll call her Jane.

Jane: Good Job!!
Lynsey: Thanks, I'm trying.
Jane: Trying, girl, you're doing it...you're not trying.

Wow!  What a way to look at it.  I was doing it.  She had no clue I was working towards a goal, but she knew I was there, working hard...and she motivated me.  I increased my time, instead of slowing down.  I thought off all of you; you are doing this, you are losing weight...you're not trying...you're doing it!

Remember, find something you love to do to get your body moving.  Moving is key to losing weight.
In addition for your food journals,  I recently heard to add the time you are eating and mark how hungry you truly are.  This will help you with trying to stay constant (metabolism moving).

Finally, I'm about to start working on the next round of this and creating/posting it on facebook, etc.  Before I put the dates up, for those that would like to do another round, do you want to keep going...or would you like a one week break of weighing in.  Your choice.

Keep up the good work....and remember, do something for you today, be mindful of what goes in your mouth...and keep moving!

The Biggest LOSER of the week is....

...TOM!

Congrats Tom, you did great!  Keep up the good work to all.  And, this past week, I've noticied some of you who have been "stuck" got "unstuck" so to speak, what did you do different that seemed to help you!??!

And...the list is...

1. Tom: 1.633
2. Lynda: 1.5
3. Melissa: 1.14
4. Stevie: 1.07
5. Emilee: .808
6. Nikki: .414
7. Amy: .283
8. Rachelle: 0
9. Nancy: +.090
10. Lynsey: +1.07
11. Adam: +.281
12. Christina: +.757
13. Kassie:+.854
14. Kari: +1.731

**Note the biggest loser winner will need to take picture of thier scale to claim the prize.  In addition, any name above written in red, weight does not count for this week.  Be sure to weigh in again, next Saturday by 5pm***

 This week, I plan to research and find some good topics to share and discuss with the group, such as eating in vs eating out....and also plan to have another incentive quiz for a one pound advantage...so stay tuned, be sure to check back and check back often!

AND, CHALLENGE of the week:  Avoid sweets!  I know this will be tough for some of you (for me, for sure) but see if you can eliminate sweets from your diet....and remember, this upcoming Sunday is Valentine's Day, so if you can hold out until then...that would be great.  It doesn't look like anyone held to the "water only" challenge from last week, don't worry, I couldn't do it either!

Here's to a new week and a soon to be NEW YOU!   Congrats to all of those who lost weight this week!

SNOW!

How about that snow!!!  It's great to have the sunshine follow behind the big storm, the streets have been plowed, get out there, have a snowball fight and have some winter time fun!  OR, hit the slopes!

Results to be posted later!  Great job all week!

Good books...

Well, I thought I would reccomend some good books to read for losing weight.

• Skinny Bitch: By Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
• Eat This Not That: By D. Zinzenko
• Body for Life: Bill Phillips
• Eat, Pray, Love

What books have you used to reference?  And, the good thing about books is...the library, where you can get them for free (for 2 weeks)!!!!

February 1st

It's a new month today! Last month at this time we all made a resolution for a healthier life. Today, many Americans who made this same pledge have already fell off the band wagon.

Today, I would like to ask you...do you ever remember laying the grass as a child and caught yourself starring at the sky filled with clouds. The clouds, in your imagination made all sorts of fun creations from a teddy bear, to trains...the world seemed so big, but the possibilities of your life, seemed endless. Today, I ask you to make a new pledge. Was their something you did as a child, something you loved, but haven't done in a long time? Was their something you dreamed up, but just never got around to doing it? Did you want to go horseback riding? Fly a plane? Heck, how about jump out of a plane? I'm still trying to sit back and think myself of something fun I could dream up and do....but here's what I ask...see if you can accomplish that dream by year end....let me know what your thinking, because I've been thinking all night about what it is that I would want to do...I even asked my husband...he said "how about a marathon", I say "no!"

Here's to your dreams!!!