And the Surprise Challenge winner is . . . .

Stefanie! Congrats! We're 4 weeks into this Biggest Loser thing and I know some of us are a little disappointed in what we have (or haven't) lost. I think everyone in this contest has made some good choices even if they haven't resulted in dramatic weight loss (yet). Be patient and never give up. It's basic math - fewer calories in and/or more calories burned through exercise can only result in weight loss - there's no way around it. Let's tweak what we eat a little more in the next few weeks and kick the last 6 weeks of this thing into gear, shall we?

Cake, Cake and More Cake!

So Alta's birthday provided quite the temptation for those of us who like sweets - 4 cakes to be exact! I saw some resisting all together, and some indulging in nice big pieces. I had a small piece on the 2nd Day of Cake, but have got to say I felt really guilty! And you know what, I wish I hadn't eaten it, but I also have learned that it's all about balance and small indulgences if I don't let them throw me out of sinc. My best new finds . . . Best Foods mayo made with olive oil - half the calories and half the fat and I can't tell the difference; and Land O' Lakes butter spread made with canola oil - I don't use much of either, but both of these are substitutes that taste like the real things!

Results

We're starting to see results already! Whether you lost .1 lb. or nearly 5 in your first week of the competition, keep on-a-truckin! All together those who weighed in lost over 35 lbs., which is 35 lbs. healthier and 35 lbs. thinner. It is impossible not to see results if we consistently eat less and move more! Never say, "Never!" Talk to me if you get discouraged and never give up!

We're going out for Italian tomorrow night, too. Melissa's proactive approach to ordering is a great way to keep a handle on what we're eating. I'll go for something with a maranara sauce (nothing creamy) and a glass of wine, of course!

dining out

hello everyone. Just wanted to tell you good luck on our weight loss. I know that one of the things that I have a hard time with is when we go out to eat. Last night we went out to an Italian restaurant with a friend and I ordered lasagna. Probably not the smartest choice but I really wanted lasagna. So before I even started eating, I had it arranged to take 1/2 of the meal home and now we have lunch or dinner for another meal and I was able to step on the scale and not cringe. Won't be able to do that often but once in a while is okay.

Week #2 of HS Biggest Loser

There are 16 of us in this thing, of which maybe 5 weighed in again so far today, and it's exciting to see the pounds starting to come off! I know I, personally, am going to be a little more ambitious this week, a little more radical, a little more active! I'm taking an 8-week stretch therapy class at Pilates of Bellingham in Fairhaven - tomorrow is my third session, and I've been having a blast with the Wii Fit Tom got me for Christmas - the boxing routines really get my heart rate up. Tom and I decided we could probably make a fortune with a software program that lets you put real faces on the punching bag! :)

What "Should" You Weigh?

This is just a general range. Double-click to enlarge so you can actually read these!

Weekend

The weekend is proving to be the hardest. The days don't have a "routine" and I am with my kids during all the meals and snacking. At work I eat what I bring, at home all I have to do is walk back into the kitchen. But, today when Haleigh was out with Rigel and Ashton was napping I decided it was a good time to work out even though the couch and TV were calling my name :). Hope you all are doing well!

How's everyone doing so far? #1 most important thing . . . be nice to yourself! Nobody's perfect and I'm all over small changes equaling BIG change! That's my motto for 2010! I'm stoked about how many of us are in this thing. The first week is half over already!

Just got my aerobics video in the mail, so I guess that is what will take the place of sitting on the couch and eating ice cream! :) Now I just have to find a time and a place to do it without having two kids hanging on my legs. Yeah for HS biggest loser. I am glad I decided to join. I knew it was time when after jumping down from a stool in my kitchen my 5 year old said, "be careful mommy, you don't want to break the house"! Now that my son is almost two I guess I don't have the new baby excuse anymore :)

Stef

Day 1

12 brave souls weighed in this morning so the contest is on its way! Not that we work in the easiest place to be health-minded, what with all the cookies, etc. Heck, there's a tower of leftover Ladies' Night chocolates by the scale in my office! I wish I could banish all of that kind of thing for this 10 weeks, but I can't, so be strong!

The Challenge

10 weeks. It will go by before you know it. We can be the same fit then that we are now or we can be a little (or a lot) fitter. I hope everyone has fun with this contest. It's intended to create a little comraderie and a little competition while hopefully helping us all get a little healthier. Please be sensible in your diet and exercise efforts.

Small Changes = BIG Change!