Losing to Win

WINNERS!!!

2011-10-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

The winners for the month of October are:

1st - ROBYN with 6.88% Lost :)

2nd - MANDY with 4.02% Lost :)

3rd -JEANNETTE with 3.60% Lost :)

And the overall winners???

1st - MANDY with 14.46% LOST!!

2nd - JEANNETTE with 13.83% LOST!!

3rd - ROBYN with 11.31% LOST!!

4th - DANI with 11.27% LOST!!

5th - Wendy with 7.07% LOST!!

6th - Vicki with 6.22% LOST!!

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE!!

OOPS

2011-10-01T07:55:00.001-06:00

Your household item is a spoon!! READY GO!

Winners

2011-09-01T20:41:00.000-06:00

Hmm... we had some really amazing stuff happen this month.

First place is MANDY!!! with a 5.88% loss.. seriously.. I think she is at her goal at this point! AMAZING!

2nd place goes to AMY!!! 4.84% GO AMY!!!

3rd place is HEATHER!!! 3.51% Lost!!

I hope no one will pummel me... but Heather worked her butt off for third place and even though she didn't blog... she talks about what she is doing on facebook all the time and so.. I'm going to give her the $25.

This is the last month!! Lets bring it!!

Weigh in TOMORROW!!

2011-08-31T13:05:00.000-06:00

Seriously? Already? Time flies eh?
The household item for tomorrow is a fruit or vegetable... pick one.. anyone.. even if it's canned! ;)
Can't wait to see how you all have been doing! :)

Winners!!

2011-08-01T17:54:00.002-06:00

Weigh in numero dos!

2011-07-31T09:43:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day.. what a whirlwind month its been!!

Please weigh in with a pen or pencil!

Good luck!

Another Challenge!

2011-07-03T20:38:00.001-06:00

Drinking water is oh so important!! When we asked LISA how much water we should drink a while back she answered this question with "you should be drinking 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water daily (that's a minimum)". Others will tell you more or less... BOTTOM line.. the general consensus is at LEAST 64 ozs of water A DAY!! SOOOO... here is your challenge:

Drink AT LEAST 64 ozs of water a day.

If you are up to it, pick a number that is 1/2 your body weight. Some of you will be drinking close to 150 ozs of water a day if you are up for THIS challenge. WHY? "Without enough water, organs can't function as efficiently, so your metabolism slows to conserve energy." -TECD page 43.

WHAT!?!?! You are SLOWING YOUR METABOLISM down?? Hmm... does this mean that drinking water alone can assist in weight loss? ABSOLUTELY! Staying hydrated increases your metabolic rate. AND it's cheaper than fad metabolism boosters that CLAIM to increase your slow metabolism.

HOW? Here's just one suggestion: Decide your goal. (Mine is 100 ozs of water a day.. NOT including what I drink during exercise.) THEN.... put it all out on your counter. FIND containers/glasses/pitchers WHATEVER you need to get it all out in front of your face. (If you will be working split your water up, leave some on your counter and take the rest to work , maybe a LARGE container that you can leave out on your desk.)

At the end of your first day you may NOT have accomplished this goal, but you will see just how far you've got to go! By the end of the week you should be a pro at getting water.

PS: You will go through a large amount of toilet paper this week so make sure you've stocked up! :o)

Are you dying to know?!?!?

2011-07-01T21:55:00.000-06:00

Confession... I WAS AT A WEDDING!! It was beautiful but delayed your results only slightly. For those who stayed up late enough to see... the winners are:

1st- Jeannette with a 6.75% loss!

2nd - Amanda with a 6.43% loss!

3rd - Robyn with a 4.76% loss!!

Congrats to all of you and to everyone who stuck with us this month!! Here's to an exciting July! :)

Really?? Weigh in ALREADY???

2011-06-29T20:07:00.000-06:00

Holy cow!! The weigh in is FRIDAY!!! I have school for the next two days and wanted to make sure I didn't forget to post all this stuff... so here goes:
Remember to weigh in at the SAME TIME of day, in the SAME CLOTHES or lack thereof as your original scale pic. Also.. don't forget to get me your AFTER PICS in the same OUTFIT. Front and Side are REQUIRED and you need to be holding the DATE and HOUSEHOLD ITEM IN THE PICS!!! Your weights are DUE to me at kariscomp@yahoo.com by 6 pm MST. Also, your after pics must be into me by Midnight. If you have any questions about these pics.. please feel free to email me.

The household item for this month is a PHONE!!
It's totally okay to take your AFTER pics tonight or tomorrow in order to have them ready to send in on Friday!! I would LOVE if the after pics came with the scale pics!! Also.. if you take your pics first thing in the morning feel free to send them at that time. I would love to have them coming all day long to save me from having to spend a ton of time in front of the computer at once. THANKS!

Can't wait to see how hard you've been working this month!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Challenges

2011-06-13T19:47:00.000-06:00

In the past I have made an effort to post challenges for each of us on this competition site. I will continue to do this.. but PLEASE comment... when I don't get comments I start to get burn out and feel like my effort is in vain!!

Your first challenge is something you can do for yourself OR it can be a blog entry on your weight loss blog... (in fact.. if you don't want to share it for the world to see... compose it on your blog and just save it to your archives!) There are a couple components to this. If you've done this challenge before... DO IT AGAIN!! It's amazing how things change, and priorities change with them! :)

FIRST... make a list of your long term goals. Really.. write them down.. why are you here? What are you hoping to accomplish? NEXT...write down your "list of excuses"; EVERYTHING that has ever got in the way of your success. This could be pivotal... if you are able to write down why you "can't" and can SEE it... it's easier to figure out how to overcome it.

Last, set new goals to help you achieve your long term ones.

I think that realizing just how many of my "roadblocks" were actually just an excuse CHANGED MY LIFE!! Sometimes we have to sacrifice to get what we really want out of life. This could mean you wake up earlier, go to bed late, or something in between. It might mean you need to ask for help from others... but, anything is possible.

Bottom line... your challenge for the week is to:

Face your excuses head on and determine how you are going to take control of your health and your life.

Good luck to all of you! You are your greatest ally and your most fierce enemy. Don't stand in the way of your success.

Whats in a blog?

2011-06-03T08:10:00.000-06:00

Many of you have NOT done this competition with me before. I thought I would take a minute to explain what the blogs are and why we do them. You will notice to the right there is a list of everyone in the comp. All of the names are LINKS to each persons blog. If you click on my name and go to my blog you will see that I have my blogs listed in order of who blogged most recently. I find this to be an easy way to SUPPORT the people in our competition.
We blog to document our journey.. we also blog to be accountable and to get to know one another. I would encourage you to make a similar list (this is sort of a pain in the butt as you have to click on each link one at a time and then copy and paste them while creating a "blog list"). If you are not interested in making your own list.. FEEL FREE to use my personal blog as a link to everyone elses blogs. Try to read what other people are writing.. and encourage eachother by commenting. Even if your comment is YOU GO GIRL!! or HANG IN THERE!! It's NICE to know that people are reading!
Blogging is also a great way to keep "tabs" on the competition. It's also a way to draw ideas and inspiration from one another. The blogging rule will be strictly enforced.. if you haven't blogged DO IT!! You will not be eligible for prizes if you do not meet the blogging standard as outlined in the rules. :)

Weigh in #1!

2011-05-31T14:49:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day! The first day of the rest of our lives. :) Here's to a new start... a new chapter... a new world of opportunities. Here's to healthy living! :)

Today I get to list instructions for weigh in! Bare with me as I use some older photos as examples.

1. Weigh yourself at the same time of day eachtime you weigh in (including your initial weigh in!)

2. PLEASE weigh yourself in the same clothing (or lack there of) for ALL weigh in's! If you are planning on weighing in naked for subsequent weigh ins.. be naked for the first one!!

3. Make sure that your scale is on a flat surface each time you weigh yourself. A scale placed on a bathroom mat or towel will not read accurately.

4. Remember you must use a DIGITAL scale! WII scales do not count.

5. The pictures are to be taken in fitted clothing (no sweat shirts, sweat pants, or baggy clothes) and competitors must wear the same outfit for all pictures taken for the duration of the competition.

The household item is a WATCH/CLOCK. Your scale picture needs to have the date and the item and look something similar to this:

Below are a couple of examples of acceptable outfits.. the pictures are NOT to standard but they give you some ideas. You could take pictures in clothes that are WAY TOO SMALL and watch yourself progress into fitting... or a tank top and shorts... bikinis work... just know that WHEN you win.. your pics will be posted on this blog.

Please MAKE SURE to get your entire body in the pictures.. head to feet. I will crop them to post winners but having full body pics is important not only for the integrity of the competition, but for YOU.. to see your full body progress throughout the comp.
I also STRONGLY recommend taking measurements for your own purposes. Losing weight can be a struggle and on days when you feel you are at a stand still... a measurement can remind you that you are making progress... even if the scale doesn't say so!

Last but not least... I BELIEVE all of the spots for the competition are full HOWEVER.. if you have someone who is interested I would love to put them on a list in case people don't pay their contribution. Currently I have collected contributions from 11 people. If you have someone interested please have them email me @ kariscomp@yahoo.com . There will be NO people added to the comp after June 5th. If you haven't sent your contribution in.. please at least arrange payment with me ASAP!

Count down to the start!!

2011-05-30T10:59:00.001-06:00

Hi gals!!!

The 1st is quickly approaching and I'm getting so excited... I'm gitty!! Not sure if EVERYONE has got this message so wanted to quickly touch on a couple of things.

I will post a list of specifics when I post the household item on Tuesday... they will have to do with pictures and weigh ins. Please plan to succeed... don't plan to cheat. Your initial weigh in NEEDS TO BE in the clothes you will weigh yourself in for the rest of the competition. If you weigh yourself naked... please make sure the initial weight you send in is also taken without clothes on! ALSO... your pictures are incredibly important. Please avoid standing in odd positions or taking pictures that are not clear. If the pictures are not clear... I will ask you to send me new ones. Because this competition is online... we need to do whatever it takes to be as fair and honest as possible!

One last thing...

I have decided I will NOT be posting weights on the main blog. The weights are NOT really relevant to who wins and so.. if you want to post your weight on your blog GO FOR IT!! On this blog I will list people alphabetically and post only percentage of weight lost. :) I will still post before and after pics of winners... as I have in the past I will cut the heads off.

I still need money and blog URLs from many of you.

Can't wait to lose with all of you!!

:) Kari

New comp!! Details below! :)

2011-05-21T21:44:00.006-06:00

RULES:

* This comp. is about changing lives!! NO diet pills (this includes prescription AND over the counter weight loss pills), supplements (you may take regular vitamins.. no metabolism boosters, fat burners etc...), colon cleanses, detox programs/drinks/shakes/pills, laxatives, diuretics, drug use of any kind, cosmetic and or weight loss surgical procedures, HCG dieting, EATING DISORDERS or anything that is not long term are allowed DURING this competition. (If you have had a weight loss surgical procedure more than 18 months ago you are welcome to compete!)

* Each competitor is REQUIRED to blog AT LEAST 4 TIMES A MONTH with no longer than 10 days between entries on a blog set up specifically for weight loss. (Check out an example HERE) Competitors who miss a week in any given month will not be eligible for prizes that month. Competitors who miss are ineligible for 2 months or more will not be eligible for overall prizes.

* Each competitor must submit before pictures from a side and front view BEFORE the competition begins. They also must submit new pictures with their weigh in on the 1st of each month. The pictures are to be taken in fitted clothing (no sweat shirts, sweat pants, or baggy clothes) and competitors must wear the same outfit for all pictures taken for the duration of the competition.

* Weigh in pictures need to include the date and whatever the household item is for the month and must be taken on a digital scale.

* Weights MUST be received by 6:00 p.m. on the 1st of each month in order for competitors to qualify for prizes.

* Prizes will be awarded based on percentage of weight loss.

* Weight gain will not be calculated when determining your percentage for the month. This means if you gain 2 lbs one month and lose 10 the next, you will only be given credit for 8 lbs.

* No EARLY weights will be accepted.

*This competition is for WOMEN ONLY.

DETAILS:
* Buy in for the competition is $50 due at the beginning of the comp. Please email Kari @ kariscomp@yahoo.com for info on how to send in your contribution.

* Competition will run June 1st 2011 through October 1st, 2011.

* Weigh in's will be on the 1st of each month. Weights are due by 6:00 p.m. MST to kariscomp@yahoo.com.

* 1st, 2nd and 3rd place monthly prizes will be awarded each month for the competitor with the highest percentage of weight lost.

* In order to keep the competition intimate and easy to organize NO MORE THAN 26 people will be permitted to enter the competition.

* A large prize for the overall winner will be awarded at the end of the competition based on percentage of weight loss.

* Amounts of prizes will depend on the number of competitors and will be posted by June 7th.

* ALL competitors WEIGHTS will be posted on this blog at all times. You are not required to post your weight on your own blog but KNOW that other competitiors and anyone visiting the comp site will have access to your weight.

* ALL winners pictures will be posted on THIS blog with heads cut off. This blog will remain PUBLIC so if you are uncomfortable with this, please don't join. (I will be cropping and putting them side by side so no worries about how to get this done.)

* At the beginning of the comp competitors will need to send in their HEIGHTS with their starting weights.. heights will be posted on a stats column on the side of the main blog.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS WILL GO TO WINNERS POT!

Overall Winners

2010-11-02T18:55:00.000-06:00

Congrats to everyont who started and FINISHED this competition!! Below are the percentages for the competition for everyone who weighed in today! Way to go guys!!!

1st- Robyn 32 lbs 17.98%

2nd - Scott 44.5 lbs 14.99%

3rd - Julie 17.5 lbs 9.43%

4th - Michelle 21.6 lbs 7.98%

5th - Marinda 15.2 lbs 7.92%

6th - Lisa 13.5 lbs 7.61%

7th - Brandy 9.7 lbs 4.04%

8th - Mindy 3.6 lbs 1.24%

Congratulations to everyone!! Not only did you lose over the last month, but you also managed to keep those lbs off! I wish you all the best of luck.

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Winners for this month

2010-11-02T17:58:00.000-06:00

Our winners for the month of November are....

1st - Scott with 5.54%

2nd - Robyn with 3.42%

Overall winners will follow shortly!! Congrats Scott and Robyn!!

No excuses.

2010-11-01T13:39:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry. I am in the middle of a move. I FORGOT to post the household item. PLEASE forgive me!!

If you took your weight this morning without a household item feel free to e-mail it to me.

Otherwise.. if you want to take your weight first thing tomorrow morning include a knife in the picture and we will have the official weigh in/posting etc tomorrow! Weights due by 5 pm tomorrow.

Winners!!!

2010-10-01T20:29:00.034-06:00

This month brings an interesting predicament but first our WINNERS!!!

1st - Lisa 7.0 lbs 4.07%

2nd- Julie 4.0 lbs 2.25%

So here is where it gets interesting. Only 6 of you actually met the blog requirement for the month and of those 6 the highest amount of weight lost was less than 2 lbs. I know that Lisa and Julie have been working really hard so for this month I am going to waive the blogging rule in order to give them the credit they are due. (A huge reason I am doing this is because this was an incredibly unproductive month for almost EVERYONE!!)

Next month... if you do not blog you will NOT get your prize and any prizes forfeited due to failure to blog will be added to the overall first place winner.

[If you saw the blog I posted before this... I somehow missed Lisa's email and found it AFTER I posted that! She kicked her own booty this month and it's not her fault that I almost overlooked it!]

LAST MONTH!!! LET'S BRING IT!

Holy Guacamole!!

2010-09-30T17:41:00.000-06:00

Wahoo!! Weigh in is tomorrow.

Your weights are DUE to me at kariscomp@yahoo.com by 6 pm MST. Also, your after pics must be into me by Midnight. If you have any questions about these pics.. please feel free to email me.

Your household item for this weigh in is a fork! Please remember to have the date in all 3 pics! Good luck to all! Can't wait to see how much this month has taken from your scale numbers! :)

Challenge! :)

2010-09-20T19:03:00.000-06:00

My life has been beyond insane and I'm so sorry I haven't got a challenge up till now! I thought this challenge would be a good one to stick to till weigh in. No really!! You want optimum results?? GO FOR IT!!!

My hope for this challenge was to give you something that would help you with your results and so... before I say it out loud... I just want to mention that NO ONE EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, HAS DIED.... from not eating sugar. ;o)

So.. here is your challenge! NO SUGAR!! No sugar, or high fructose corn syrup for 1 week! We all know that sugar is not good for us... this is nothing new. I get that sometimes we NEED things... like chocolate ;o) BUT THIS IS ONLY A ONE WEEK CHALLENGE!! Anyone can do it for a week right? It's not like I'm asking you to give up your diet coke! ;o) YET!

Here are some tips for going sugar free. First off, when you read a label you need to be checking out the INGREDIENTS. The word "sugar" on the nutrition label [followed by a number of g's] could actually be referring to natural sweeteners like honey, agave, stevia and THESE things are NOT off limits. They are awesome natural ways to sweeten things and they are good for you!! Check out the list of INGREDIENTS on your labels. If the words SUGAR, CANE SUGAR, or HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP are anywhere on the list BACK AWAY FROM THE item. :o) There are always alternatives here. It is POSSIBLE to buy bread that does not contain these items (usually this would be a honey version of bread) but... if you are having a hard time... count how far down the label the forbidden words are. If they are not one of the first 10 items and you are desperate GO FOR IT! The idea/goal here is to get you reading labels and knowing what's in your food.

I have my own VERY REAL issues with chemical sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. I am not trying to encourage you IN ANY WAY to become obsessed with "sugar free" treats. Please do not become addicted to splenda because of this challenge. :o) [Here is where I scream at the computer about the evils of these items... but alas...it's your body and you do what you want with your body!]

Good luck to everyone!!

CHALLENGE!!

2010-09-06T11:51:00.000-06:00

Sorry.. life has been busy this holiday weekend! Hope you are all doing fantastic! This week the challenge has nothing to do with weight loss per say.. your challenge is to introduce yourself on your blog. Tell everyone a little about yourself. Make a list of why you want to lose weight... and comment on other peoples blogs!

Let's try and get a little personal feel to this comp. I think knowing eachother helps us WANT to support eachother! :)

Winners!!!

2010-09-01T18:16:00.000-06:00

Congrats to everyone who weighed in this month... gain or loss you are making a commitment to yourself and that is huge!!

Our winners are:

1st - Robyn 4.40%

2nd - Michelle 3.70%

Congrats to the two of you!!

Weigh in!!

2010-08-31T17:17:00.002-06:00

Hi guys!!! Thought I'd better post a household item for tomorrows weigh in! :)

Please include a HAIRBRUSH or COMB in your pics tomorrw!

Make sure you get them to me @ kariscomp@yahoo.com by 6 MST!

Good luck to all! :)

Challenge Number 4

2010-08-29T09:20:00.000-06:00

Can you believe weigh in is Wednesday? SO INSANE!!! So this is your challenge at least until Wednesday:

Be PERFECT at whatever it is you are doing!!

If you are doing weight watchers, track points, measure portions, do everything perfectly!! If you are doing no sugar NO SUGAR. Ideally you all entered this thing with a plan, so reevalute that plan and DO IT!!! Can't wait to see the results on Wednesday!! Good luck all!

Challenge Number 3

2010-08-21T20:10:00.000-06:00

Hi all!! This weekend has been slightly insane for me. Hope you have all had a little less chaos than I! ;o)

I am sure you all wonder where I come up with this stuff. Honestly... I try to create challenges that will help you be successful in your goals. This week, your challenge is to:

Keep a food journal!

Really, truly, write it all down. Every bite of everything you eat. No one is grading you or judging you, but SOMETIMES, seeing it all written down can help you figure out what changes you can make in order to be more successful in accomplishing your goals. ALSO.. if you are willing to write it all down and would like some input about it... you can email it to me and I can help you tweek your diet. :o) Either way.. GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK!! Remember that we don't gain the weight over night and surely we can't expect to lose it over night. ;o) Keep working at it. 5 lbs a month is 60 lbs in a year! You CAN do it...

Did you know?!?!?

2010-08-17T06:50:00.002-06:00

There are 75 calories in 1 double stuffed oreo? And to think.. I've been guilty of eating a whole bag! :(

Your next challenge!!

2010-08-14T08:47:00.002-06:00

. BEFORE I post this challenge I want to say this....

EXERCISE IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO EAT BADLY!!!!

You see... I have this issue with exercise and weight loss. I think it's an absolutely necessary and integral part of weight loss. I also run into people ALL THE TIME who use it as an excuse to eat whatever they want and then wonder WHY AM I NOT LOSING WEIGHT?!?!?! Exercise is amazing for a zillion different reasons.. it prevents practically every disease on the frickin' planet. The health benefits are ENDLESS!! BUT if you think that exercise alone is going to shed the lbs for you.. you couldn't be farther from reality!! Aerobic (cardio) exercise burns fat. Resistance exercise builds muscle tissue which burns fat more efficiently. These are EXCELLENT reasons WHY exercise is necessary as you work towards your weight loss goals. HOWEVER... you must burn more calories than you eat in order to lose weight.

SO... your challenge for the week??

Exercise for AT LEAST 30 minutes AT LEAST 5 times this week.

Make sure that during that time you get at least 1.5 hours of cardio in... (this means your heart rate should be 65%-85% of your MAX HEART RATE!! ) * If you already do this then pick a certain amount of minutes LONGER to exercise. Here is a fantastic secret to keep in mind when you are trying to decide what to do. The best cardio exercise is:

WHATEVER YOU ENJOY DOING!!! That's right... why force yourself onto a treadmill if you get a great cardio workout on the bike AND enjoy yourself!?!? Really truly.. find what cardio you enjoy the most and go for it!!

Another thing to keep in mind is that for the most part walking does NOT provide an adequate increase in heart rate (for most of us). If you are walking for your cardio... pick up the pace, do some hills, add some jogging... get UNCOMFORTABLE!!!

I can't wait to here how this week goes for all of you!! Good luck and get ready for the challenge from HELL next week! ;o)

[* To calculate MAX HEART RATE subtract your age from 220. Then calculate the percentage by multiplying that number by .65 or .85.. here's' MY example. 220-29=191 65% of 191 is 191x.65=124 85% of 191=162. So I would want my heart rate to be between 124 and 162. ]

First Challenge!! :)

2010-08-07T10:36:00.000-06:00

Ya'll ready for this?!?!

This weeks challenge is about PORTION SIZES.

I challenge everyone to PAY ATTENTION TO AND CONSUME PROPER PORTION SIZES!! Read your labels! Regardless of what you are eating, it is never as damaging to your goals if you are paying attention to HOW MUCH you are eating. This means if you are going to eat Doritos you should count out 11 chips according to the label. (I would guess that when you fill a bowl with chips and eat them, you are getting at least 3 servings, in this case that would be 420 calories.)

Portion sizes are ABSOLUTELY KEY to weight loss! You can eat TOO MUCH of a good thing. So how do you know that you are eating the right sized portion? Here is a rule of thumb. A proper portion size for a piece of meat is about the size of the palm of your hand 5-6 ozs. [You also can be REALLY good at portion sizes by purchasing a food scale!] A proper portion size for a complex carb or starch is about the size of a cupped hand. (Umm... this means if you must eat mashed potatoes you are getting ONE SMALL SCOOP!! As opposed to filling half the plate! ;o) ) The proper portion size for fruits/veggies is about the size of two cupped hands! And in case you were wondering... The proper portion size for simple sugar carbs is NONE! ;o) But at least read the label and KNOW how many calories/fat g/carbs etc you are eating before you put it in your mouth.

*My suggestion for being successful in this challenge is to WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN!! Everything that goes into your mouth should be measured out. If you are writing it down, it's just a little extra focus/effort on achieving your goal. *

There are a zillion lessons that can be learned by taking on this challenge!! ARE YOU IN?!?!?

Weekly Challenges!

2010-08-04T09:08:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!! I had a suggestion to start up weekly challenges! I LOVE doing these!! They seem to keep people focused on one mini goal at a time. That being said... I am going to start posting them on Saturdays so you can be prepared to start the week off right! These are not mandatory but are a lot of fun in keeping you motivated/focused and learning how to live a healthier life! Watch for it on Saturday!! ALSO... please leave comments. I love doing these but tend to get burnt out when I feel like people aren't interested!

Keep up the amazing work!! :)

Kari

Pics and where do you rate?!?

2010-08-02T08:42:00.002-06:00

Here are the results for the first month!! Click on them to make them bigger! See where you rate this month! :) Also.. for anyone commenting that their loss isn't nearly as amazing as someone elses... A LOSS IS A LOSS!! Be proud and keep going in the right direction! :)

Combined you lost 131.2 LBS!!

That is an entire person!! WOOT WOOT!!

Winners!

2010-08-01T18:22:00.000-06:00

We have a couple of amazing results!
Our winners are....
Robyn who lost 19.0 lbs for a 10.67% loss!
Scott who lost 31.6 lbs for a 10.51% loss!
Congrats!!!

Weigh In!!!

2010-07-31T18:03:00.004-06:00

Weigh in!!

Okay!! Weigh in is TOMORROW!! YAY!!

Remember to weigh in at the SAME TIME of day, in the SAME CLOTHES or lack thereof as your original scale pic. Also.. don't forget to get me your AFTER PICS in the same OUTFIT. Front and Side are REQUIRED and you need to be holding the DATE and HOUSEHOLD ITEM IN THE PICS!!! Your weights are DUE to me at kariscomp@yahoo.com by 6 pm MST. Also, your after pics must be into me by Midnight. If you have any questions about these pics.. please feel free to email me.

The household item for this month is a TOOTHBRUSH!!

It's totally okay to take your AFTER pics tonight in order to have them ready to send in tomorrow!! I would LOVE if the after pics came with the scale pics!! Also.. if you take your pics first thing in the morning feel free to send them at that time. I would love to have them coming all day long to save me from having to spend a ton of time in front of the computer at once. THANKS!
Can't wait to see how hard you've been working this month!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!

One of my favs!

2010-07-21T07:33:00.000-06:00

Direction, not intention, determines destination. -Andy Stanley

What does this mean to you?? Leave a comment and lets see how we each interpret it!

Prizes!!

2010-07-18T13:48:00.000-06:00

Assuming the last person who needs to get money to me is going to send me the money the prizes are going to look like this:

Monthly

First $100

Second $40

Overall

First $250

Second $100

The way this works is that monthly prizes are given for all 4 months, including the final month so in the final month there is $490 up for grab!! Good luck all! :)

Friend posted this on facebook!

2010-07-14T19:57:00.000-06:00

"You are the right person, this is the right time, you've paid your dues, you're thinking the right thoughts, you're doing the right things, and this very moment, you are exactly where you are supposed to be ... poised for the happiest time of your life."

What have you tried?!?

2010-07-13T14:25:00.000-06:00

I admit it.. I'm on a kick. Fad dieting is a concept that is hard for me to swallow. Of course, my greatest frustration is the statistic that 75-95% of people who lose weight will regain it ALL in the first 3 years. I blame this statistic on fad dieting. I will comfortably go out on a limb and say 100% of people who lose weight by making lifestyle changes (and maintaining these changes) WILL maintain their weight loss!!

I also want to point this out. People who lose weight by diets that use pills, take an entire food type (like carbs) completely out of the diet, or tell you you can eat WHATEVER you want as long as you don't exceed a ridiculously low amount of calories per day... these people decrease their lean muscle mass significantly. Here's my example. When I started I was right around 40% body fat. Had I taken a different approach to weight loss, like taken pills that stunt my hunger etc... I could have lost the weight but even at 120 lbs could still have been around 30% fat! (I am currently just under 18%) Here's the thing... when these people regain the weight (cause 75-95% of them will)... they REGAIN fat!! Now they are back to the weight they started at but NOW they are 50% fat and WORSE off then they were when they started.

(ARE YOU STARTING TO SEE WHY I HATE FAD DIETING SO MUCH?!?!)

Just for fun... what "fad diets" have you tried AND why do you think they failed?

Other losers!!

2010-07-09T22:09:00.000-06:00

I met this gal who is starting her journey.. and even though she is not a competitor she would love all the support she can get!! SOOOOOO Support Kayla on her journey!! Add her to your list... watch her DO IT!!!
http://iamaloser23.blogspot.com/ GO KAYLA!!

One more!

2010-07-08T15:21:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!! I had a good friend ask me today if she could join the comp and since we needed 1 more to be at 20, because we are still at the very beginning of the comp, and because she is awesome and is asking for extra motivation I told her YES!!! SO.. we are up to 20. Please add Nicholette to your blog lists! :)

Starting numbers!

2010-07-07T14:28:00.005-06:00

Here is our Starting Chart!! This will always be located at the bottom of the page. :) I am still waiting on a couple of checks before I can post the prize amounts. Can't wait to get to know you all better!

:o) Kari

PS.. IT DOESN'T HURT TO LEAVE A COMMENT!!!! ;o)

LAST DAY!!

2010-07-05T09:19:00.002-06:00

Today is the last day to sign up! :) If you are interested or know anyone who is interested email me ASAP @ kariscomp@yahoo.com ! YAY!! So excited for this adventure to begin!

Household item and extension!!

2010-06-30T15:27:00.013-06:00

Hi ALL!!!
Before you get to the household item I wanted to post a few guidelines for weigh ins!

1. Weigh yourself at the same time of day eachtime you weigh in (including your initial weigh in!)

2. PLEASE weigh yourself in the same clothing (or lack there of) for ALL weigh in's! If you are planning on weighing in naked for subsequent weigh ins.. be naked for the first one!!

3. Make sure that your scale is on a flat surface each time you weigh yourself. You might think you've made progress when really it's just the fact that the corner of your scale is on the bathroom mat.

4. Remember you must use a DIGITAL scale! WII scales do not count.

For the first month please include a spoon in your pics as well as the date!!

ALSO.. because I want to give more people an opportunity to join I will extend the cut off day to the 5th of the month! This gives you time to recruit your friends and gives no one any advantages.. the later you join.. the less time you have to lose this month!!

Send me an email if you want info about joining! :)

kariscomp@yahoo.com

Confused about what the pics should look like? Here's a play by play!

Your scale picture needs to have the date and the item and look something similar to this (in this example the househould item was a cd/dvd):

Then you must send pictures of the side and front view and they need to include the DVD and date in them . I strongly encourage you to take back pictures as well.. they are very shocking and revealing (as you never see yourself from the back!!) Either way.. here's my examples of the front and side.

I will also include some OTHER examples of acceptable before outfits. Because some women might be panicking thinking they are required to pose half naked.. this is not the case!! You can wear a tight fitting outfit that does not show skin!!

These pics are not meant to be flattering in any way/shape or form! They are meant to be brutally honest and are a great tool for myself to measure your progress and to keep the competition HONEST!

There is also the option of wearing clothes that are TOO small and taking progressive pics as you start to fit into them... something like this! (Thanks Mindy!!)

Also.. you may notice that the before pics are FULL BODY PICS! Please make sure any pics you send to me ARE full body! I will crop them to post them on the blog (when you win) but please do not send pics that do not include your face! Also.. remember that you are not REQUIRED to post these pics on your blog. They are fantastic to share IF you want to but... don't worry that you HAVE to... because YOU DON'T!!

So there you have it! Pics are due by 6 pm MST to kariscomp@yahoo.com . I will let you know if I have any problems with them. Please be flexible if I ask you to retake something because it is blurry or because the clothes you have chosen are just WAY TOO LOOSE!!

Can't wait to get this party started!

WAHOO... the countdown is on! ;o)

Are you ready?!?!

2010-06-13T07:53:00.001-06:00

New comp starts JULY 1st!!

Are you ready?

Please review the rules and details and send me an email at kariscomp@yahoo.com! Can't wait to see a new group lose it! ;o)
You can send your entry contribution of $50 via paypal to kariscomp@yahoo.com !

Details for New comp! Changes are in pink.

2010-06-11T08:31:00.000-06:00

* Buy in for the competition is $50 due at the beginning of the comp. Please email Kari @ kariscomp@yahoo.com for info on how to send in your contribution.

* Competition will run July 1st, 2010 through November 1st, 2010.

* Weigh in's will be on the 1st of each month. Weights are due by 6:00 p.m. MST to kariscomp@yahoo.com.

* Monthly prizes will be awarded each month for the competitor with the highest percentage of weight lost.

* 2nd and 3rd place monthly winners may be awarded depending on how large the competition is. (If there are 20 plus competitors we will have a 2nd place monthly winner, if there are 30 plus we will have a 3rd place. 50% of monthly award money will be for first place. 30% for 2nd and 20% for third.)

* A large prize for the overall winner will be awarded at the end of the competition based on percentage of weight loss.

* Amounts of prizes will depend on the number of competitors and will be posted by July 7th.

* ALL competitors WEIGHTS will be posted on this blog at all times. You are not required to post your weight on your own blog but KNOW that other competitiors and anyone visiting the comp site will have access to your weight.

* ALL winners pictures will be posted on THIS blog with heads cut off. This blog will remain PUBLIC so if you are uncomfortable with this, please don't join. (I will be cropping and putting them side by side so no worries about how to get this done.)

* At the beginning of the comp competitors will need to send in their HEIGHTS with their starting weights.. heights will be posted on a stats column on the side of the main blog.

* This comp will most likely be co-ed... if you do not wish to compete against persons of the opposite sex PLEASE don't join! :)

$45 of each contribution will go directly to the pot and be distributed as prizes throughout the course of the competition. $5 of every contribution will go to the administrator of the competition.

Rules for new comp... there are some changes here! :)

2010-06-11T08:17:00.001-06:00

Rules
* This comp. is about changing lives!! NO diet pills (this includes prescription AND over the counter weight loss pills), supplements (you may take regular vitamins.. no metabolism boosters, fat burners etc...), colon cleanses, detox programs/drinks/shakes/pills, laxatives, diuretics, drug use of any kind, cosmetic and or weight loss surgical procedures, HCG dieting, EATING DISORDERS or anything that is not long term are allowed DURING this competition. (If you have had a weight loss surgical procedure more than 18 months ago you are welcome to compete!)

* Each competitor is REQUIRED to blog AT LEAST 4 TIMES A MONTH with no longer than 10 days between entries on a blog set up specifically for weight loss. (Check out an example HERE) Competitors who miss a week in any given month will not be eligible for prizes that month. Competitors who miss more than 4 entries over the four months will NOT be eligible for overall prizes.

* Each competitor must submit before pictures from a side and front view BEFORE the competition begins. They also must submit new pictures with their weigh in on the 1st of each month. The pictures are to be taken in fitted clothing (no sweat shirts, sweat pants, or baggy clothes) and competitors must wear the same outfit for all pictures taken for the duration of the competition.

(These pictures are meant to be EXAMPLES... you do not HAVE to take pictures in tank tops or pants that are too small.)

* Weigh in pictures need to include the date and whatever the household item is for the month and must be taken on a digital scale.

* Weights MUST be received by 6:00 p.m. on the 1st of each month in order for competitors to qualify for prizes.

* Prizes will be awarded based on percentage of weight loss.

* Weight gain will not be calculated when determining your percentage for the month. This means if you gain 2 lbs one month and lose 10 the next, you will only be given credit for 8 lbs.

* No EARLY weights will be accepted.

Pictures! :) Congrats to all!

2010-06-08T08:20:00.001-06:00

Brandon took a calorie counting approach to weight loss. He diligently limited his calories while making sure to eat frequently throughout the day. He gave up Mountain Dew.. his vice of choice and replaced it with WATER! He excercised daily, usually between running, basketball and weight lifting. He finished off the comp having lost 52.8 lbs! WAY TO GO BRANDON!!

Brandy took her weightloss guidelines straight from the guidelines she was given when she was pregnant and facing gestational diabetes. Her low carb diet took out most processed carbs but left room for fruits! :) She also upped her water intake and activity level and found a love for ZUMBA!! Brandy is the only one I've been within a close proximity of during this comp.. it's been FANTASTIC to watch her drop 61.7 lbs and transform.. she has really come out of her shell and I can't wait to watch her continue to kick butt in the next comp!

Justin took all of his nutrition tips from his AWESOME SISTER who happened to win a lot of money last year while competiting in these types of comps. ME!! He worked very hard to eat "as clean" as he could and gave up SODA (which is kind of a big deal!) He also worked his butt off at the gym and was impressed to find that inside of him is a runner! While he will NOT be joining us in the next comp, he will continue to do what it takes to maintain a new healthy lifestyle with his wife JESSICA who happened to finish 4th overall in this comp. Grand total lost for Justin? 38.2 lbs!

Mindy and Pamella placed third and 4th this month! I figured it was funner to do the all out pics! What do you think? ;) GO GIRLS!!

WINNERS!!!

2010-06-05T18:06:00.000-06:00

Winners for the month of June are as follows!!!

1st- Brandy 5.26%

2nd - Brandon 4.41%

3rd - Mindy 2.98 %

4th - Pamella 2.27%

And the overall winners... who combined lost a total of 151.3 lbs are:

1st - Brandon 24.95%

2nd - Brandy 20.99%

3rd - Justin 19.85%

Final weigh in!!

2010-06-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

Wow!! Tomorrow is our final weigh in! I cannot WAIT to see how you guys did and to pass out the remaining $750!!

That's right $750 is up for grabs TOMORROW!!

WOOT WOOT!!

So.. for this weigh in please include a screwdriver in your picture. Don't forget your date and have the picture in to me by 6:00 p.m. MST!!! I will announce the winners tomorrow evening! Remember.. no money will be rewarded until your final "after" pics are in! (MUST BE IN BY MIDNIGHT!)

Good luck to all of you!! I can't wait to put some grand totals up... even though a lot of people who started with us are not competiting any more.. I think you will be in AWE when you see how much the people who stuck around have lost!! It's pretty freakin' impressive! You guys are amazing CONGRATS!!!

SATURDAY!!!

2010-06-02T07:27:00.000-06:00

Umm... not to point out the obvious but...

HOLY CRAP!!! FINAL WEIGH IN IS SATURDAY!!!

I can't believe how much has happened in my life in the last 5 months.. I'm sure you feel the same way about your own lives!!! I'm so excited to see everyones transformations! If you send in your pics I will send you before/after pics REGARDLESS of where you place!

And for anyone wondering... I have had a couple of volunteers to help me with another comp... anyone interested? It will fun July 1st through November 1st and buy in will be $50. :)

Where do you stand?

2010-05-17T19:49:00.000-06:00

These are standings for the people who weighed in this month as far as the overall comp goes! I have not verified eligibilty and all that jazz but these people were kind enough to send in their weights this month so here you go: Where are you on the list?

#1 - Brandon 21.64%

#2 - Amanda 19.66%

#3 - Justin 17.91%

#4 - Jessica B 17.43%

#5 - Brandy 16.6%

#6 - Kim 15%

#7 - Grace 14.02%

#8 - Robyn 10.81%

#9 - Pamella 9.09%

#10 - Kira 8.46%

#11 - Jewel 8%

#12 - Misty 6.88%

#13 - Mindy 6.45%

#14 - Jennifer B. - 5.79%

#15 - Cindi 2.43%

#16 - Alicia 1.35%

New PICS!!!

2010-05-10T07:27:00.000-06:00

Here are the pics for this months winners!! I promise to get some standings up later today! CONGRATS GUYS!!

Winners!!!

2010-05-05T17:58:00.002-06:00

Great month in the winners circle!! We have someone NEW and guess what?!?!?!?!

SHE GOT FIRST PLACE!!!!

1 - KIM 6.18%

2- BRANDON 5.15%

3 - GRACE 4.07%

4 - BRANDY 3.35%

CONGRATS GUYS!!! KEEP ON BUSTIN' IT OUT!!

One more month... kick it up and kick some booty!

(Pictures soon to follow!)

OH ME OH MY!!

2010-05-04T06:10:00.002-06:00

Hi.. I'm Kari and I am a distracted everything lately. I can't even believe it but TOMORROW is weigh in day! How did that happen??? CRAZY!!!

Well.. in an effort to not forget your household item for tomorrow is a shoe! Any old shoe... baby shoes, big shoes, purple shoes, green shoes.. whatever.. just get a shoe in the pic! ;o)

Make sure your weigh in pic complete with date and a shoe are into me @ kariscomp@yahoo.com before 6:00 pm MST!! And get your after pics in by midnight.

And for those of you who may have disapeared... send in your pics anyway... next month is our last and you may still be eligible for overall! ALSO!! There are still 1-3 place in June AND 1-3 place overall so there is A LOT of money up for grabs last month! Maybe you've never won anything? Well now is your chance! GO FOR IT!!!

2010-04-28T06:57:00.003-06:00

" You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!"
Basically, if you don't try you will never succeed.

-Brandon's latest blog entry.

Number one killer of Americans? HEART DISEASE!! Number 2? CANCER!! Guess what?!?!? Both are significantly prevented by proper nutrition and exercise...

HOW'S THAT FOR MOTIVATION???

You want to be healthy?

You want to beat the new statistic that our generation has a SHORTER life expectancy than our parents?!?!

It's all in your hands... are you eating to live or eating to die!?

Some people believe that they die when they are "destined" to die. So fine.. if I'm destined to die at 98 or 44.. I get to choose the state I will be in when it happens!! Will I be wheel chair bound minus one foot from diabetes OR will I be running a marathon and proud to be wearing underpants? I choose the latter... which do you choose?

According to my Calculations

2010-04-09T07:48:00.002-06:00

I thought it would be fun to let people know who's in the lead for the overall prizes.

Currently the top five people for overall stand as follows:

Amanda 18.44%

Brandon 17.39%

Jessica 15.88%

Debbie 15.63%

Justin 15.32%

Keep up the fantastic work guys! :)

Chemicals you eat!

2010-04-08T07:55:00.003-06:00

I've been sitting in on a fantastic nutrition class where we are currently learning about the CHEMICAL anatomy of APPETITE!! It's quite complex but here's the basics. When you eat CRAP.. the chemicals your brain produces keep telling your brain that you are HUNGRY!! It begs you for MORE FOOD!!

So... I wanted to propose some randomness for all of you. Everytime you eat something BAD... add a protein!! Why? Because protein produces chemicals in your brain that tell your body it is FULL! So.. when you eat that snickers bar and your body is demanding you stand in front of the pantry and eat any carb loaded, over processed bag of something or other you can come in contact with... SHUT THE PANTRY and fry up some egg whites, make yourself a protein shake, eat some chicken... grab a can of tuna before you shut it and eat away!

Stop the vicious cycle of eating bad.. so eating worse... so eating like there is no tomorrow.... ADD A PROTEIN!! ;o)

CHECK OUT OUR WINNERS!!!

2010-04-07T16:03:00.003-06:00

Debbie

Amanda

Justin

Winners!!

2010-04-05T18:59:00.002-06:00

1st - DEBBIE!!! 7.44%

2nd - BRANDY!!! 5.62%

3rd - AMANDA!!! 5.56%

4th - JUSTIN!!! 5.31%

HOLY MOLY!! YOU GUYS KICKED SOME SERIOUS BOOTY!!

Weigh in #3! TOMORROW!!

2010-04-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

Hey all you amazing LOSERS!! I have a ton going on for Easter but wanted to get your household item posted so I didn't forget.

Tomorrow.. please weigh in with EASTER CANDY or SCISSORS!! (Debbie thought that the candy would be funny! I agree. Scissors are for those of you who have no candy!)

Remember to get those weights into me by 6:00 pm. MST. Also, remember to include the date in your pics. AND... don't forget your after pics!

GOOD LUCK!!! Can't believe tomorrow is the big day! WAHOO!!

This is why I go to the gym!

2010-03-31T12:10:00.000-06:00

Soap Box

2010-03-29T06:20:00.002-06:00

I want to apologize in advance for using this blog as a place to put my own agenda out there BUT... not all of you read my blog and I wanted to say something that EVERYONE needs to hear.
Last week in nutrition class a girl came up for class after having her butt kicked by her trainer. She was panting and sweating and you could tell she had just SERIOUSLY kicked ass! (YOU GO GIRL!!!) But... we started talking about our obstacles and she said "a lack of confidence in her abilities." WHAT?!? Girl.. you just did 10 8-count body builders at the end of a SERIOUSLY hardcore workout and you aren't confident in what you've done? CRAZY!!
At first I thought she must be nuts. BUT.. I realize that A LOT of us are so caught up in where we want to be that we forget how far we've come. So I pose this challenge:
BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!

Who the hell cares how fast that girl on the treadmill next to you is running? What YOU do is about YOU! And you deserve to be proud of every moment you spend working towards your goals. Just getting to the gym is worth celebrating. In the words of Tony Horton:

"Do your best and forget the rest... your best is ALWAYS good enough!!"
Surely if you are pushing yourself to levels you've never been you are giving 110%. So be FREAKIN' EXCITED!!!! I love each of you and I want you to be thrilled with every little success! Life is too short to beat yourself up over what you are not. What you are is truly amazing. Every time you find yourself comparing you to someone else, imagine where you were 3 months ago!! Would you have been able to do what you just did? Would you have been WILLING to push yourself to the level you just reached?

Marvel in your awesomeness!!

No Way!

2010-03-28T18:46:00.001-06:00

Can we really be one week [and a few hours] away from a weigh in?!?! So insane!

This week your challenge is to challenge yourself to be better.

If there is something you are lacking in... make a special effort. Remember that a lot can happen in a week.. even if you may be slacking otherwise. Focus on your goals and figure out what you are doing to get you closer to them. GOOD LUCK!

Challenge~

2010-03-21T18:30:00.002-06:00

Grace suggested a blogging challenge and I think it's a FANTASTIC IDEA so..

This weeks challenge is to

Comment on at least 3 other peoples blogs DAILY! (Checking boxes doesn't count!)

Lets support eachother! :o)

Fantastic idea! ;o)

2010-03-18T11:15:00.002-06:00

A great way to lose weight is to eat while you are naked and standing in front of a mirror. Restaurants will almost always throw you out before you can eat too much.

Challenge!

2010-03-15T13:03:00.003-06:00

Ah man! I'm out of town visiting my awesome family and my mom has all these crazy parental controls on her comp that do not allow me to view blogs... (I know.. what the heck right?) Anyway.. I'm at my bros and thought I had better get on and get a challenge up for those of
you who LOVE to be challenged!

Well.. heres the thing.. coming up with these challenges every week is getting kind of tricky. The obvious challenges have been done and soo.. I'm desperately trying to get creative.

This weeks challenge is to try something new.

We get used to eating the same things over and over when we are dieting and so... we all need to introduce new HEALTHY options into our diet. I have some great recipes I am happy to share with anyone interested. There are also MANY amazing websites that have HEALTHY recipes. I love this one! Either way try something completely out of the ordinary. Maybe a fantastic quinoa recipe or a SoyJoy bar. Just expand your wings a little.

GOOD LUCK!!

So unfair!

2010-03-10T08:24:00.003-07:00

I've heard this a few times! ;o)

CHALLENGE!

2010-03-07T15:23:00.002-07:00

Hi all!! This weekend has been slightly insane for me. Hope you have all had a little less chaos than I! ;o)

I am sure you all wonder where I come up with this stuff. Honestly... I try to create challenges that will help you be successful in your goals. This week, your challenge is to:

Keep a food journal!

UGH!

2010-03-07T09:44:00.005-07:00

So.. you may notice on the list below that LORI is at the top!!

CONGRATS LORI!!!

Lori had a fantastic month and lost 6.88%. Unfortunately, she was having problems with her email and although she thought she had finally got it sent, it never came. (And is not showing in her sent box...) :o(

Although she is ineligible for the prize money she is TOTALLY ELIGIBLE FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS!! So I am giving credit where credit is due here. YOU ROCK LORI! Congrats on a fantastic month and a first place finish!

Where do you line up?

2010-03-06T19:19:00.004-07:00

Lori - 6.89%

Brandon - 6.66%

Amanda - 5.96%

Jessica B. - 5.26%

Grace - 4.51%

Jewel - 3.61%

Lisa K - 3.46%

Robyn - 3.26%

Pamella - 2.57%

Kim - 2.5%

Justin - 2.47%

Kira - 2.44%

Jacqui - 2.3%

Cindi - 2.26%

Debbie - 2.22%

Amber - 2.09%

Brandy - 1.97%

Ellura - 1.89%

Jenny - 1.57%

Annie - 1.37%

Sarah - 1.25%

Lisa C - 0.90%

Jessica G - 0.74%

Mindy - 0.54%

Alison - 0.24%

Janet - 0.21%

Kristen - 0.12%

Nancy - MAINTAIN

Alicia - 0

Andrea - 0

Angela - 0

Breanna - 0

Carmen - 0

Elise - 0

Jen - 0

Kristie - 0

Michelle - 0

Mike - 0

Misty - 0

The rest of the people did not weigh in. Anyone with a 0 is a gain (most are less than 2 lbs!). Remember gains do not count as weight lost for additional months! Congrats to everyone who weighed in.

2010-03-05T22:19:00.002-07:00

BrAnDoN

AmAnDa
JeSsIcA B.

GrAcE

It's late. Hope you will forgive me! List to be posted tomorrow!

Winners!!!

2010-03-05T18:11:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to post the winners! I will post the list of where everyone stands tomorrow.. off to a date tonight!

1st place - BRANDON 6.659%

2nd place - AMANDA 5.96%

3rd place - JESSICA B. 5.26%

4th place - GRACE 4.51%

CONGRATS TO OUR WINNERS!! And to everyone who is sticking to it! I'll give you stats tomorrow! Have a great weekend! :o)

Is it TIME?!?!

2010-03-04T12:12:00.002-07:00

Holy cow.. I've been so busy studying that I have really neglected this website. I totally forgot the funny yesterday. Hope you can forgive me! I figure I'd better post the household item NOW so I don't forget to do it later. AND SO!!!!!!

The household item for tomorrows weigh in is deodorant. Make sure you've got some in the pics. Also don't forget your date and MAKE SURE to get that scale weight pic into ME by 6 p.m. MST @ kariscomp@yahoo.com.

Your after pics need to be in by midnight but I would LOVE if you could send them with your weights. Feel free to take those pics tonight!

Thanks and good luck! Can't wait to see how much you've lost this month!

Challenge!!!

2010-02-27T07:46:00.002-07:00

I'm posting the challenge early this week! It's down to the wire with weigh in LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!! WOWZA! I wanted to give you a head start on the challenge so that you can prepare today to take it on and be awesome through this week. Really.. I'm taking advantage of today so I can tackle this tomorrow so thought you all could use a head start as well!
This weeks challenge is simple:
HAVE A PERFECT WEEK!

What does it mean to have a perfect week?

* Drink at least 64 ozs of water EVERY DAY!

* Pay attention to portion sizes.

*ROCK THOSE PECS!

*Exercise at least 30 minutes at least 5 days this week.

* Be perfect at whatever nutritional guidelines you are following. If you are eating clean.. no cheating. If you are doing weight watchers, track and count those points like your life depends on it. If you are eating on menu STAY ON MENU!!!

* Just remember that if you slip up you can IMMEDIATELY get back on track. If you can conquer this challenge, you will conquer some serious mental challenges as well!

You've got this!! BRING IT!

My favorite Funny!!

2010-02-24T07:57:00.002-07:00

Okay.. I LOVE this video but am too MENTALLY CHALLENGED to figure out how to get it on the blog so... click on the link for this weeks funny. EAT LESS MOVE MORE! Enjoy!

The challenge you've all been waiting for!!

2010-02-21T16:48:00.003-07:00

Hmm... well.. we are less than 2 weeks away from our next weigh in and I KNOW that many of you keep expecting that I'm going to post an exercise challenge. I've been trying to figure out the best way to do one because to be perfectly honest... we are all incredibly different when it comes to this. BEFORE I post this challenge I want to say this....

EXERCISE IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO EAT BADLY!!!!

SO... your challenge for the week??

Exercise for AT LEAST 30 minutes AT LEAST 5 times this week.

I can't wait to here how this week goes for all of you!! Good luck and get ready for the challenge from HELL next week! ;o)

YUP!

2010-02-17T20:06:00.002-07:00

Just want to apologize for not being on top of daily posts. The truth is... it really doesn't seem like people are reading them and it's kind of a lot of work to get the info so... if you are genuinely interested let me know! For now.. I'll keep up the humor and the challenge... and if I learn anything really cool... I'll let ya know! ;o)

Challenge

2010-02-14T10:06:00.004-07:00

Hi guys and gals! I'm sure you are all OH SO EXCITED for another challenge. This one might seem totally random to you but... I've been doing all of my personal training studying and just did a chapter on POSTURE!!

When I first started working with Lisa I realized quickly that my poor posture is a huge burden on my overall physical well-being. In other words... I have a lot of weakened muscular structure because I don't' stand up straight. She challenged me that first day to "stick my boobs out". Today... that's your challenge!

This is a pic from my curriculum. The farthest to the left shows proper posture. It actually recommends taking a picture of your posture so you can see what your postural deviations are. My deviation looks VERY much like the third picture. Funny that the book describes it as a posture commonly seen in OLDER people. They also refer to it as a "hunchback" look. THAT'S ME!! Kari the hunchback of Wellington. SO.. this week... figure out where you are lacking in your posture. If you stick your butt out like in the second pic.. concentrate on bringing your pelvis forward. For most of us.. the key to good posture will be as simple as STICKING OUR BOOBS/MOOBS [for Justin] or ROCKIN' pectoral muscles out, [in my case with no boobs... I'll call myself shooting for the third one!]and pulling those shoulders back. Click on the "stick your boobs out" link above to read Lisa's blog entry on the topic. Good luck!

So true!!

2010-02-10T08:26:00.001-07:00

Challenge!

2010-02-07T21:12:00.002-07:00

Sorry.. I've been very distracted today with the superbowl and almost spaced the CHALLENGE!!!!
This week is the start of a new month so I thought it would be good to focus on our goals. This challenge is going to have several components... so bare with me.
FIRST... make a list of your long term goals. Really.. write them down.. why are you here? What are you hoping to accomplish? NEXT...write down your "list of excuses"; EVERYTHING that has ever got in the way of your success. This could be pivotal... if you are able to write down why you "can't" and can SEE it... it's easier to figure out how to overcome it.

Last, set new goals to help you achieve your long term ones.

Feel free to put this on your blog... or just do it yourself. Bottom line... your challenge for the week is to: Face your excuses head on and determine how you are going to take control of your health and your life.

Good luck to all of you! You are your greatest ally and your most fierce enemy. Don't stand in the way of your success.

Losers who won:

2010-02-06T08:15:00.003-07:00

This month our top 4 lost a combined total of 68.8 lbs. WOW!! So what does 68.8 lbs lost look like? Check it out! [click on the pics to see the comparision closer... it's very impressive! ;o)]

Yesterday was insane and busy and a little stressful. I'm sorry I did not properly congratulate everyone.. so today.. after a night of sleep, I just want to say HOW PROUD/EXCITED I am for all of you!! 42 people actually sent in weights yesterday!! That's actually statistically a terrific number. I used to think that weight loss in a competition was about WINNING.. I didn't get why people joined and didn't go insane but the truth is... ANY LOSS or even maintainance is 300 times better than a small gain. Slow and steady still loses. A person who loses 3 lbs a month will lose 36 lbs in a year if they stick to it! THAT'S PRETTY DANG AWESOME! This month was pretty hardcore and it's my experience that numbers [losses] like these are pretty unlikely to happen again!! (The top 4 lost 7.75% and above..) Don't assume that you can't keep up with these guys... most likely you can!! Keep working hard towards your goals. Baby steps forward are still steps in the right direction!

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE WHO WEIGHED IN YESTERDAY!!!

(And even those who didn't!) We are all on a journey... glad that most of you have decided that being here is a part of that journey for you!

P.S. If you didn't weigh in yesterday for whatever reason PLEASE send me a weight by Monday morning. You are STILL eligible for prizes for next month and the overall prize. I know that life may have gotten in the way this month for some of you, but you are NOT out of the comp, unless you want to be.

WINNERS!!!

2010-02-05T18:32:00.006-07:00

Our winners for the first month are as follows!!

1st place...... ANGELA with a 9.80% loss!!!

2nd place.... JUSTIN with a 8.20% loss!!!
3rd place.... AMANDA with a 8.16% loss!!!

4th place.... BRANDON with a 7.75% loss!!!

CONGRATS GUYS! :o)

Click on this chart to see how you did! ;o)

COMBINED, the 42 people who weighed in lost a total of 307 lbs! IN ONE MONTH!!!

1 person lost > 20 lbs.

4 people lost 15.0-19.9 lbs

8 people lost 10.0 to 14.9 lbs

13 people lost between 5.0 and 9.9 lbs!!

Weigh in!!

2010-02-04T15:54:00.006-07:00

Okay!! Weigh in is TOMORROW!! YAY!!

Remember to weigh in at the SAME TIME of day, in the SAME CLOTHES or lack thereof as your original scale pic. Also.. don't forget to get me your AFTER PICS in the same OUTFIT. Front and Side are REQUIRED and you need to be holding the DATE and HOUSEHOLD ITEM IN THE PICS!!! Your weights are DUE to me at kariscomp@yahoo.com by 6 pm MST. Also, your after pics must be into me by Midnight. If you have any questions about these pics.. please feel free to email me.

The household item for this month is a TOOTHBRUSH!!

[The model above is NOT wearing approved clothing for this competition. Please DO NOT send me pics in anything similar to this. Luckily I already have your pics from the first month and have approved the clothes you should be taking these pics in. This particular model is NOT in the competition and does not want ANYONE to see just how thin he really is! ;o) No children were hurt in the making of this blog.]

It's totally okay to take your AFTER pics tonight in order to have them ready to send in tomorrow!! I would LOVE if the after pics came with the scale pics!! Also.. if you take your pics first thing in the morning feel free to send them at that time. I would love to have them coming all day long to save me from having to spend a ton of time in front of the computer at once. THANKS!

Can't wait to see how hard you've been working this month!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Heads up!

2010-02-04T10:19:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to apologize! I realized from Jess's comment that while I made sure to post that PICS of winners would be included on the blog I never mentioned that weights would be posted. I am not sure how many women or men did or didn't think this would be the case... regardless... it's not in the rules or details and I can't just do things that may have effected whether or not someone would have joined in the first place! SO...

Tomorrows percentages will be posted!! Every month I will ONLY post percentage lost (or gained)! (I can't post how many lbs with a percent... math is a magical thing!) HOWEVER... POST AWAY on your own blogs! ;o) So so close!!

Only 6 hours till the household item is posted... WAHOO!!

2010-02-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

I CAN'T HELP IT!!! LOL!! ;o)

OMHeck!! ;o)

2010-02-02T08:05:00.007-07:00

I've been so busy being in my own FUNK that I've totally missed the excitement that must be going on in so many of your lives! WOWZER!! THE FIRST WEIGH IN IS FRIDAY!!!!! :o) Can you even believe it? ;o)

Here is a brief description of what will go down.

On the 4th of each month I will post the household item around 3 pm. This will give night weighers [some people like to weigh in in the evenings because they don't have time in the morning] the opportunity to weigh-in that evening and morning gals the info to be ready for their morning weight pics!

Your scale pic, [complete with date and household item] MUST be in to me by 6:00 p.m. on the 5th. Also, your after pics [also with household item and date in the SAME outfit as your last pics] must be into me by midnight on the 5th. I will announce the winners for the month around 6:30 on the 5th but will not send out prizes until I have your full body pics. In the case that someone does NOT turn in their pics on time, they will forfeit their winnings and the prizes will shift to whoever is next in line.

A few more reminders. PLEASE weigh yourself in the SAME clothing (or lack there of) at the same time of day as you did for your original weigh-in! ALSO... please check out the RULES once again. There is a lot in there but I wanted to remind everyone that the use of diet pills/laxatives/diuretics is PROHIBITED for this comp.

Friday will be here before you know it! Remember that some gals/guys with tickers may not be updating their tickers [when I was competiting I refused to update too often.. didn't want people to know how I was doing!]... you have NO IDEA who is busting it out and who is slacking. Okay... that's all for now. BUST IT OUT GUYS!! The first month is hardcore.

DiD yOu BrInG iT?

Challenge!!!

2010-01-31T07:15:00.002-07:00

Our first weigh in is on Friday!! WOWZER!! My hope for this challenge was to give you something that would help you with your results and so... before I say it out loud... I just want to mention that NO ONE EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, HAS DIED.... from not eating sugar. ;o)

Good luck to everyone!! Weigh in is THIS FRIDAY!!! Umm??? REALLY??? Who needs some moula? I'm handing it out in 5 days! WAHOO!!! Congrats to everyone who is sticking to this. Look for this weeks entries to be about weigh-ins, rules, and all that jazz!

YOU CAN!

2010-01-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.
- Norman Vincent Peale

To clarify.

2010-01-27T20:06:00.003-07:00

I have had a couple of girls ask about weighing in early. Unfortunately I cannot permit ANY participant to weigh in early for ANY reason. While it may put them at a disadvantage for the current month, it also adds an unfair advantage for the following month. (I.E. 2 extra days to lose weight!)

I am willing to let participants weigh in LATE in order to be eligible for the next months prizes [and overall prizes] but they would not be eligible for the previous months prizes if their weights are not in before the deadline. This is to protect the integrity of the competition as much as possible. Bottom line: If you want to be eligible for prizes you MUST weigh in on the 5th and get the pics to me by the deadline.

Also... the word WEEKLY is used too loosely in the rules. I will clearly define it for FEBRUARY so the March 5th weigh in will go by the clarified rule.

This month any participant who technically blogs "weekly" will be eligible for prizes. Next month the rule will be defined as a: Blog entry WEEKLY with no longer than 8 days between entries, and a minimum of 4 entries per month. Hope this helps.

We are getting down to the wire guys and gals!! BRING IT!!

Wait.. that's not funny.... ;o)

2010-01-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

Portions! ;o)

2010-01-26T06:39:00.004-07:00

"By now, it probably comes as no surprise that many, if not most people in North America and the UK eat way too much. A plate of food at a restaraunt is on average 4 to 6 times larger than a recommended portion size. At the market, labels tell us about the calories contained in one serving, but even an “individually sized” bottle or package often has three or four servings in it. We are also generally accustomed to finishing whatever is put in front of us at the table. This is defined as “completion compulsion” by researchers, and it causes us to see food as units that need to be ingested in full in order for us to feel full. In fact, studies have shown that people given a small plate of food will feel just as satisfied after a meal compared to people given larger plates of food. Unfortunately, we are psychologically hung up on equating meal satisfaction with eating all the food placed in front of us. And so we are in the grips of an obesity epidemic. However, the solution lies not in trying to live off grapefruits and cabbage soup, but in eating smaller portions of the foods we enjoy. In this way, we can significantly decrease our daily caloric intake without depriving ourselves of the things that add so much color and flavor to life."
WANT TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE?? Check it out HERE.

ReAlLy??

2010-01-25T14:56:00.001-07:00

Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. It said just under 6 percent are "extremely" obese.
"More than one-third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006, the NCHS said in its report.
The numbers are based on a survey of 4,356 adults over the age of 20 who take part in a regular government survey of health, said the NCHS, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Want to read the whole report? Check it out HERE.

Challenge Numero DOS!

2010-01-24T10:14:00.006-07:00

Ya'll ready for this?!?!

This weeks challenge is about PORTION SIZES. (I've noticed a couple of gals have been posting about this!!)

There are a zillion lessons that can be learned by taking on this challenge!! ARE YOU IN?!?!?

Saturday Bragging Rights!!

2010-01-23T14:52:00.001-07:00

WAHOO!!! Tomorrow a new challenge begins but TODAY... YOU GET TO BRAG!! So did you do it? Did you drink your water? Did you learn something about yourself?!?! Brag AWAY!!

Friday Fun!

2010-01-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

If we did all of the things we were capable of, we would literally astound ourselves. -Thomas Alva Edison

Support Other Losers

2010-01-20T10:02:00.003-07:00

Check out todays joke, and this weeks challenge!!

I have met a few women as of late who are ready to make huge changes in their lives and although this competition is CLOSED to new competitors... I am excited to add a new "LIST" to the side bar called "Support Other Losers." This list will be for guys and gals who find the comp too late who are looking to support and be supported by others on the same journey.
Our first gal is SAMANTHA!!
Sammie was hoping to join the comp back in December but was unable to due to cirumstances that have since changed! I WISH that I could add her to the comp.. BUT.. I KNOW that so many of you will be willing to give your support anyway. So.. please go check out Sammie's blog. She has got a lot going on and life is insane.. but she DEFINITELY could benefit from the support of you fantastic people who have been there/or are there!! I know that we are already putting alot of energy into the other competitors.. but.. it surely doesn't hurt to check out other blogs and support others that you can relate to! If you can relate to her.. add her to your blog list.

Thanks so much for supporting eachother. We are all here for a reason. Without the support of all of you, I know my successes would NOT be the same. THANK YOU!!

LOL!

2010-01-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

This 85 year old couple, having been married almost 60 years, had died in a car crash. They had been in good health the last ten years mainly due to her interest in health food, and exercise.
When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took them to their mansion which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen and master bath suite and Jacuzzi.
As they "oohed and aahed" the old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "It's free," Peter replied, "this is Heaven."
Next they went out back to survey the championship golf course that the home backed up to. They would have golfing privileges everyday and each week the course changed to a new one representing the great golf courses on earth.
The old man asked, "What are the green fees?". Peter's reply, "This is heaven, you play for free."
Next they went to the club house and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisines of the world laid out. "How much to eat?" asked the old man. "Don't you understand yet? This is heaven, it is free!" Peter replied with some exasperation. "Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol tables?" the old man asked timidly.
Peter lectured, "That's the best part...you can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you never get fat and you never get sick. This is Heaven."
With that the old man went into a fit of anger, throwing down his hat and stomping on it, and shrieking wildly.
Peter and his wife both tried to calm him down, asking him what was wrong. The old man looked at his wife and said, "This is all your fault. If it weren't for your blasted bran muffins, I could have been here ten years ago!"

Emotional Trigger

2010-01-19T06:55:00.002-07:00

Hmm.. this isn't technically a Nutrition tip but I found it and could totally relate so... here is your daily something for today!

Researchers at George Washington University discovered that people who successfully transform their bodies are set in action by some sort of “emotional trigger” that helps to clarify their reasons for deciding to make change. In the study, researchers found that any event which elicited strong emotions such as alarm, embarrassment, shame and/or fear actually inspired people to transform their bodies for the better. Take a moment to consider your “emotional trigger” and use it to stay committed to your nutrition program.

So, what's your emotional trigger? Do you have one? My emotional trigger is truly what made this time different. It was my EMOTIONS that helped me stick to it. I was DETERMINED to FINISH THIS!! Determined to make permanent changes. Determined to be better for my children. Determined to prove to myself and my hubby that I REALLY COULD FOLLOW THROUGH! Finish what you start... those 4 words are what got me here. This journey has proven to me that I CAN stick to things... next stop... nursing school! ;o)

A few statistics on obesity and disease:

2010-01-18T07:00:00.003-07:00

80% of type II diabetes is related to obesity.
70% of Cardiovascular disease is related to obesity.
42% of breast and colon cancer is diagnosed among obese individuals.
30% of gall bladder surgery is related to obesity.
26% of obese people have high blood pressure.

Weekly Challenge

2010-01-17T07:47:00.003-07:00

Our first challenge is about WATER!! We've had people speculating how much they should drink. On the facebook group our resident expert (LISA) answered this question with "you should be drinking 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water daily (that's a minimum)". Others will tell you more or less... BOTTOM line.. the general consensus is at LEAST 64 ozs of water A DAY!! SOOOO... here is your challenge:

Drink AT LEAST 64 ozs of water a day.

At the end of your first day you may NOT have accomplished this goal, but you will see just how far you've got to go! By the end of the week you should be a pro at getting water.

PS: You will go through a large amount of toilet paper this week so make sure you've stocked up! :o)

Daily Somethings...

2010-01-15T08:23:00.004-07:00

I have decided I'm going to do daily entries on this blog.. just short and sweet.

Each Sunday I will pose a challenge for the week.

On Mondays I will post some sort of statistic.

Tuesdays with be a small nutrition tip.

Wednesdays will be a JOKE.

Thursdays will be WHATEVER I FEEL LIKE! ;o)

Friday will be an inspirational quote.

Saturdays I can't guarantee I'll be able to get to the comp! :o)

And because it's Friday.. here's your inspirational quote:

You don't drown by falling in the water.

You drown by staying there.

Like it! Love it!! YOU SUCK!!

2010-01-12T07:34:00.005-07:00

Kay.. so.. I totally get that sometimes we read peoples blogs but don't really have much to say. I was thinking about how facebook has a "LIKE IT" button... that you can just click. It lets people know that you read it... ANYWAY... I was thinking.. if you don't have anything fantastic or inspiring to say.. why not hit the "LIKE IT" button? You know... like I say...

Today I drank 6 beers, ate 3 pretzels and sat on my butt while eating bon bons and watching Maury and guess what?!?! I lost 22 lbs!!

Then you comment and say!

YOU SUCK! or I HATE YOU!! or DISLIKE IT!

Then I know people are reading!!

Lets try it. If you have a minute to read... maybe you could take a minute to say GO GIRL GO!! Before you are off to the next blog!

Feel free to comment your feelings on this with a 2 word response! ;o)

UPDATE!!!! Debbie has informed us that it IS possible to actually ADD a "like" button!! Check out the instructions here And incase you were wondering when she says the "LIKE" button it actually originally says "REACTION".

PS. Another cool thing about the "like" button is that you can click it AND leave a comment! ;o)