Useful sites...

Hello everyone...as mentioned, whoa am I busy; sorry for not posting here as often as I would like to.  But, on that note- I've been talking with a few of you via facebook or in person on how things are going; it sounds like this week should be another successful week-YAY!

I was talking with Melissa, who shared with me this site, sparkpeople.com.  Here, you can track everything you eat and then it gives you calories, creates graphs, etc.  I'm not sure about you, but when it comes to logging on paper- either I can't find a sheet; or well, maybe I'm just lazy in that department.  So, maybe I can keep up with it electronically!  Best part- the site is FREE!

I will say that I do use a application on facebook that tracks my running miles (you can also track walking too).  It's so motivating to visually see how far I've gone month to month; always wanting to beat my mileage in the next month.  Of course, my sister is also on this site-and we have a competition each month to beat each other (so far, I'm 3 for 3 beating her!)  If you would this- go to your facebook page and do a search for "Running ahead"

Finally, are you getting tired or frustrated with your workouts?  Want to try something new?  Self.com is a great site to get ideas of new exercises to try out.

What websites do you use to reference?  Want to share with the group?

Week 1

Hello all!  

GREAT job this past week, several of you lost A LOT of weight; some a little bit, but together, it all added up to....35.2 lbs for 14 people...that's awesome!!!  Let's see how  much we can lose next week together for the dreaded week 2!

And our biggest loser of the week is.....Rebekah!  I asked her how she did it and she said; "reduced calorie intake to 1200. I was hungry for the first couple of days but it wasn't difficult by the third day. I didn't feel tired or deprived either. when you have that few calories/day I really wanted them to be very nutritious calories too. no junk."

For the challenge this past week, I asked everyone to mark down what it is that you ate...WAY TO GO Nancy & Lynda!!!   The reason why it's good to write down everything you eat is because you will get a better concept of how many calories you are consuming in any given day.   To know how many calories you need in order to lose weight; you can check out this website! 

And, here's our list:

1. Rebekah: 3.135
2. Rachelle: 2.624
3. Greg: 2.083
4. Tom F: 1.986
5. Tom S: 1.401
6. Jamie: 1.187
7. Lynsey: 1.131
8. Allie: 1.086
9. Nancy: .953
10. Melissa: .452
11. Stevie: .341
12. Lynda: +.746
13. Emilee: +.808
14. Margaret: +2.500

**As you can see, more than half of the participants have lost over 1% of thier body weight; if we keep this up; it may be the most successful round! 

And, for next week, I challenge you all to pee...oooo, wait, I mean drink!  Drink so much water that you indeed will feel like a pregnant woman running to the bathroom every five minutes.  I CHALLENGE you to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces everyday!  Let me know if you accomplish this so that I can put your name on next weeks blog.  Additionally, for EVERY challenge you successfully complete, I will put your name into a hat for a drawing of a 1lb advantage at the end of the session, the more challenges completed; this higher chance you have at winning an extra pound. 

And, as I've mentioned; this is still anyone's game...it's nice to see how well everyone did this past time!  GREAT job!  Good luck for dreaded week 2!!!!!

Change of plans...

....we are deciding to leave a day early; so I will not be able to update this Saturday evening...but it will be updated on Sunday!

From what I've seen thus far; it's looking good!  Keep up the good work; and stay motivated, this is still anyone's game

Topic Tuesday...

Every Tuesday, I would like to have a little discussion on here...you leave comments, etc.  So, today's topic is going to be about food and colors (Jamie gave me this idea!)  Did you know that the color red can make you eat more?  Or, the color purple makes you eat a little less?   Did you know that green fruits & veggies are the healthiest kind for you?!?!   How do you feel about this?  Have you ever noticied this before?

*A few other side notes....

1. Here is the link to get you more information on the Kidney walk if you are going to do it.  If you are, please contact Lynda Schumacher on facebook.
2. What topics would you like me to bring up for future weeks?
3. This evening I am leaving for the Outer banks and won't be home until Monday (in car all day Sunday).  Please continue to weigh in (again, sooner than 5 would be great).  I plan to bring everything Biggest Loser related, including my scale.  The house we will be staying at has free wi-fi we think; and I plan to update this site Saturday evening.
4. The end of this round of the Biggest Loser, I would like to challenge you all to this 5k run, or the 1 mile fun walk!  Let me know if you're up to it!
5.  A good way to train would be by participating in the Metro Park walking sprees.  If you accpomplish this, you will have to submit a picture with the prize they give you (with you in the pic and your family, etc...if they join you) and you will earn a 1lb advantage!!!!  The deadline to do this is June 11th.

Alright, signing off for now....make wise choices, as I'm sure you are!

Another 5k right around the corner...

This is from my aunt Lynda; after this past 5k, several of you have expressed you've wanted to accomplish another....so, my aunt left this as a comment, but I wanted all to see. 

Additionally, I am working on finding another 5k for the end of this session...it will be on June 12th; Emilee is helping me with figuring out the details.  We found one, but it's a "run" so, we wanted to make sure that the timing would be ok for a longer run around 45:00.  Will keep you posted.

Finally; it's the begining of this 8 week session. Losing weight as mentioned is hard; but I want you to really set a goal for yourself; how much weight do you want to lose?  It's reccommended to lose 1-2lbs per week for successful weight loss.  The concept sounds easy, eat less, move more.  So, what's your goal!?!

Welcome to round #3

Hello there & welcome (or welcome back!)

This is the blog that we've been talking about; we ask that you check this several times a week for updates, challenges and other fun tips.  If at any point you hear something in the media, come across an interesting article to share, so on and so forth, please feel free to share with me and I will update the blog for you. 

A few key points: 
*Leave comments on the blog; it's a great way to communicate and interact with others...as well as get to know them. 
*Be sure to weigh in to me via facebook or e-mail (smilyn22@aol.com) no later than 5pm EST on Saturdays.  The earlier you post your weight;  the better.   I will then try to get the results posted that evening.
*On your scale, if you have a decimal, please weigh in with that as well...for example if your 123.4, let me know the .4 part.  (Don't we wish we weighed that!)
*Really try to complete the challenges/quizes.  They are there not to be a pain; but it's an educational tool to better understand the weight loss process.
*If you would like to receive an e-mail when someone leaves a comment on here; please send me your e-mail address. The spots are limited- so let me know ASAP.
Finally, losing weight is hard.  It's a long journey, and unfortunately something that doesn't happen over night.  I encourage slow and steady to ensure it stays off.  The first round, we lost a collective total of 186lbs, the last round, 117lbs.  Now that's a lot of weight!  This round we have a total of 14 people participating, bringing "the pot" to $240! 

Again, welcome.  Leave a comment and don't be afraid to ask questions.

THIS weeks CHALLENGE...starting Monday since I'm just now getting this out...but it's to write down EVERYTHING and I MEAN EVERYTHING you eat.  If you complete this challenge, please let me know so I can be sure to give you some props at the end of the week.

Biggest LOSER of the week is....

....Rachelle!  Way to go!  Not only did you run the whole 5k, but you are also the biggest loser this week; great job!

So here's the list...there are several today...lots of math too!  Enjoy & please let me know if you have any questions...

 This weeks....

1. Rachelle: 2.056
2. Nancy: 1.962
3. Margaret: 1.477
4. Stevie: 1.014
5. Chris: .909
6. Kassie: .775
7. Adam: .622
8. Tom S: .465
9. Lynda: .212
10. Emilee: 0
11. Mike: +.280
12. Kelly: +.288
13. Lynsey: +.568
14. Tom F: +1.655
15. Allie?
16. Ashley?

 Overall of Round #2....bring our BIGGEST LOSER OF THE SESSION making him win $340...is....CHRIS!  I don't think it's a shocker that he won, however, look what not eating fast food and soda can do for someone...changing diet is key!  Way to go Chris! I also want you all to know that as a GROUP...we lost 117lbs!  Great job to all!  That, I believe is the weight you need to be if you want to donate blood!  ;)

1. Chris: 12.566
2. Margaret: 4.761
3. Lynda: 4.577
4. Rachelle: 4.511
5. Tom S: 4.464
6. Mike: 4.278
7. Adam: 4.228
8. Nancy: 3.761
9. Lynsey: 3.703
10. Allie: 3.157
11. Ashley: 2.200
12. Stevie: 1.899
13. Kassie: 1.000
14. Kelly: .854
15. Emilee: +.270
16. Tom F: +2.721

And, finally, we've worked hard...some of us; hard for the past 16 weeks; soo, without further adue- I want to point out how much 16 weeks can change your life! 

1. Lynsey: 9.611
2. Adam: 9.405
3. Kassie: 9.333
4. Nancy: 8.223
5. Stevie: 8.158
6. Rachelle: 7.971
7. Lynda: 7.586
8. Tom F: 4.731
9. Emilee: 3.886

Congrats to all for making this change towards a healthier lifestyle...and for some of you getting others involved and changing thier lives.  You all have done a fantastic job, know that no matter where your name falls on that list; you are a winner with taking this step to being a healthier person, role model, and influence!  Congrats to all!

The end...

....I will be getting percentages on here as soon as they come in...along with the winner.  I have a 4 hour photoshoot this evening; so if I don't get it posted by 4:00, then, it won't be until tomorrow. :-(

I wanted to say congrats to Nancy, Tom F, Rachelle, Stevie, Emilee, Allie & Gage, Sean(even though not in BL) Connor, and myself for completing the 5k today!  Way to go!! You all did GREAT!  I would also like to give some props to Lynda for being our cheerleader- we wish you felt better; but it was GREAT to see you at the finish line!

Here is the link to the race events:

I also wanted to remind you all that I will be changing the blog name again (probably Sunday) so keep a watch on facebook for the new link!

Any questions....

about....

the 5 k?
meeting up afterwards?
weight loss?
exercise?
why barns are red?

Let me know if I can help you out with anything; just because this round is coming to a close, doesn't mean I'm not here for you!

5 k race/walk

Hello all,

OK; registration online closed yesterday; however, there will be same day race registration that begins at 7:15-8:15, the race begins at 9:00am. As for a meeting time; I plan to be there rather early; but then I'm going to have to go in the car and feed Connor (Sean will be there). I am going to let everyone decide on what time they will get there in time to register (if needed), warm up, stretch a bit, and be mentally ready. I think everyone should be completed, walkers included by 10:15.  Then, I would say that anyone who would want to meet us up for breakfast afterwards (sweaty and all) can meet us at Panera in Hudson at the Acme plaza.  I would be safe to say we will be there at 10:45-11:00.

Be sure to eat a hefty meal the night before, pasta is a good one.  Be sure to eat something prior to in the morning, toast with peanut butter, or a banana would be a good choice.

And, the weather. Be sure to dress accordinaly, as of now (you all know Ohio; I could blink and it may change) the weather is calling for cold yucky rain! So, hats, gloves, etc would be good; as well as waterproof jackets/shirts, etc.

I hope everyone is excited; and let's all keep our fingers crossed that the weather is nice for us!

Stevie's suggestion...

Just a moment ago, I got an e-mail from Stevie with the below quote and we both feel that it's an inspiring quote to share with you all.

"I believe that disease is your body's way of sounding an alarm that some

area needs more attention, more love/ So I give my body a dozen roses every
day with good food, herbs, exercise, and spirituality. For me, good health
means having a love affair with life-and I'm smitten."
-Toby Jenkins, 34, Alexandria, VA
Diagnosed with lupus and breast cancer in the same year

To me, this is also a friendly reminder of how we are all "healthy" people, who have kind of taken advantage of what God has blessed us with; so let's all stay focused and get even healthier for those that are too sick to get up and walk outside today; get out there; enjoy that wonerful blue sky, green grass, and yellows, purples, and pink colors of the flowers.  Get moving for those that are in a hospital sick with cancer....let's get healthier for us!

Biggest LOSER of the week is....

...CHRIS!!!

I think we won't be surprised with the biggest winner this round...but hey, who knows...way to go Chris!!

• Speaking of this round, it's coming to a close, this week is the our last week, making Saturday, our last weigh in.   A few closing & starting points; please READ!
• Be sure to take an "after" picture of your scale.  Later this week, I will list the "top 5"....remember, even if your not in the top 5, there's a chance you may swoop in and beat everyone this week, so take an after pic! You DONT need to submit it unless I ask you to!
• With this coming to an end, I've been asked to do another round, and have agreed to do so. 
• Since this is a last minute; I want to open this up for everyone; so I need your help getting the word out for the next 8 weeks and to have everyone submit weights to me next Saturday. 
• Please submit your $20 to me as soon as possible!! (If you're doing the 5K race or meeting up with us afterwards; then you can give it to me then). I need the money prior to you starting....or know that you've mailed it in the mail to me!

And, here goes the list...
Chris: 2.366
Margaret: .975
Lynsey: .957
Lynda: .948
Tom S: .921
Adam: .881
Nancy: .465
Rachelle: .256
Mike: .168
Kassie: .091
Allie: 0
Ashley: 0
Kelly: 0
Tom F: +.337
Stevie: +.339
Emilee: +.815

Let's all make this week a GREAT one!  No challenge for the week, but continue to check back here and there!!!!

12 Super Foods...

From Kassie....

She saw this article and thought you all might enjoy it; so I'm passing it along!  Enjoy!

Gloomy day, huh?

Wow, it sure is a gloomy day- where is that sun?  Come back, please!

Well, while the sun is away and April showers are trying to bring us those May flowers, I thought I would chim in on some nutrition.  I didn't go to school for nutrition, let alone even have a class on it!  (Shocking I know....why wouldn't they make PE teachers take that- I think they should) Anyways....here is what I found in the April issue of 'Health' magazine...which I may add, is a GREAT read!

7 foods that fight fat!

1. Eggs: 78 calories. Loaded with protein. Eat two for morning, and they will keep you full and satisfied that you end up cutting out 330 additional calories throughout the day.
2. Dark Chocolate: 170 calories One more reason to indulge. A small amount will help satisfy you that you won't want more sweet, salty treats later.
3. Pine Nuts: 95 calories: heart healthy fatty acids boost hormones making your feel full.
4. Cheese: 76 cals.  Fresh goat cheese or feta; helps you feel full & helps you burn fat!
5. skim milk: 86 cals. filled with proteins...and helps burn fat!
6. oranges: 59 cals. believe it or not; fiber!  Those who eat fiber; have less flab!
7. Potatoes: 161 cals. high carb spud typically gets a bad rap- but should be a dieters BFF...more filling than 3 pieces of white bread!  Plus, the startch helps burn body fat!

Keep up the good work all; make wise choices- this is such a long journey; but together; we can motivate each other to get to that goal!  I've said it before; I'm here if you need me....but I'm not going to chase after you all and pry...so, please come knocking on my door (or facebook) if you need me!

Good job reading my post! :-)

5K Run/Walk...April 17th....

Who's in?  Who wants to be our cheerleaders? Who has actually signed up?  Who wants to meet for some breakfast afterwards....or would lunch or dinner be better for everyone?!?! 

HERE is the link for the 5k.

Are there any takers for a round #3?  I know I haven't done that well keeping things up to date...but, I do know that I am still helping some people...so, let me know if your interested in round #3...and if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas for it.

Hope to hear from you all...and I hope you haven't stopped believing in yourself!  Keep your chin high, keep moving more, and eating less!!! :-)

Biggest Loser of the week is...

...Lynsey!  (And, I have no clue how I did that!)

The list is....

Lynsey :1.279
Kassie: .858
Adam: .844
Stevie: .785
Nancy: .646
Rachelle: .510
Allie: .540
Ashley: .497
Tom S: .458
Mike: .279
Chris: .294
Emilee: .272
Lynda: .105
Margaret: 0
Kelly: +.192
Tom F: +.338
Kari: ?

As we can all tell, it's Monday....which is way too late for me to introduce a challange to you all...but, I do want to ask this of you...please believe in yourself this week.  Have the confidence that you can and will achieve anything you put your mind to!  This week, believe in yourself!

Speaking of challenges...this past week, I challeged all to lose 2lbs for a chance of a 1lb advantage.  Congrats to Adam & Lynsey...two pounds less!  And, the winner, based on a drawing (by my husband) is Lynsey....again...that's pretty cool! (Sorry Adam!)

And, for the teams the winning team is...the BLUE team!  Way to go with losing .416% (7.3lbs) and for the black team, not too far behind this time with .320% and (5.9lbs).  This week has concluded our teams...making it best of 3...the BLUE team won overall!!

Sorry for the delay...with Easter and me being away from my house since basically Friday....I've been busy trying to get caught up!