Diet Face Off Blog

Kim

Lost 2.8 lbs

Wow!  We knew it would happen if you upped your work outs and followed the clean eating plan.

Well done.  It always feels good to hear that others are noticing too – really good.  Let’s see what happens this week, I know you have a busy one ahead of you.  Keep up the good work.

 

Ruth

Lost .2 lbs

Eating is the key.  While exercise is great for mind, body and soul, it comes down to what you put in your mouth.  If you do not have the time to burn the extra calories the scale will tell the truth.  We have another two weeks so let’s see what you can do. I am really happy to hear you like the way your clothes are fitting better!

Go Ruth Go!

 

Susan

Lost 1.5 lbs

Wedding nerves and all the stress included, not a thing for you!

Keep moving with the dogs and the healthier food choices and you will see another drop next week.

I know it must feel great to fit into those workout clothes that were too tight at one time!

Keep it up!

 

Peter

Lost 1 lb

Keep up the workouts, and keep varying your exercises.  I am so happy to hear that you planned ahead on what you knew would be a night out.  That is the way to do it.  It is really easy to make sensible healthy choices if we all just slow down for a moment.

I’m looking forward to seeing your progress next week!

 

John

Lost 2 lbs

Steady dropping:  you move around all day long, you are eating really well and look at the difference!

Smart choices when out with friends and on holiday weekends really pays off and shows, 21 lbs total!

 Keep up the amazing work.

 

Brad

Gained 5 lbs

You said it right in your blog, less working out and not so great food choices show.

As I mentioned to Ruth, less exercise requires more diligence in what goes into your mouth.   Buckle down over the next two weeks and let’s drop those 5 lbs that came back.

 

 -Best 

Thomas

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Looking at all of the Participant’s activity (Food and Fitness), this week I am going to address everyone as a group.

 

As you know I am the Nutritionist for the Weight Watchers Team.  I decided to study the Best Life Diet so that I could make a more informed assessment of each Participant and the diet that they are on.

 

Weight Watchers and Best Life really are very similar in that they are both designed so that people make gradual changes to transform their old eating and exercise habits into new ones that will be the foundation for their lifetime of eating from this time forward.

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Seth:  - 2 lbs this week

Seth’s doing really well with Phase 2 of the BLD: he’s eating smaller portions and allowing himself to stop eating before he’s full—a key part of Phase 2. Seth’s doing so well he even started to do a wardrobe makeover (wink wink). Lookin’ good Seth, keep it up!

Carolyn:  - 1.5 lbs this week

Carolyn had good weight loss, but a rough week…we all know the sadness that comes with losing a family member, like your best doggie friend and we wish you the best L.  Sounds like you’re doing well with the timing of meals and keeping the emotional treats pretty under control, I’m proud of you! Like Carolyn said, she let go of her planned meals and didn’t exercise during those few hard days, but she’s stepping it up with Phase 2 now, so we’ll see her emotional turnaround next week!

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Susan:
Weight loss this week 3 lbs
Total in 4 weeks: 12.4 
Great to see you’ve set weekly goals at WW meetings and have hit your mark, amazingly great job! Glad to see your food choices have included more fruits and veggies and that you’re planning out your meals in advance and packaging them for travel I know work can sometimes be a little overwhelming, but stay focused and committed to exercise each day for at least 30-45 minutes. On the subject of exercise, switch up your fitness routine to avoid boredom or falling into a rut. (e.g. walking, jogging, swimming, dancing etc.). Keep up the great work - you’re averaging a loss of 3 pounds per week!   read more

Seth:  Lost 4 lbs. this week
Seth moved on to Phase 2 and kicked up his workout routine another notch—GOOD JOB! He’s sticking to the BLD recommendations for food timing, amounts and fullness factors. Seth even gets the pleasure of dipping into some of his forbidden foods using his extra snack calories! Seth has a lot support at home in sticking to his diet, a strong motivator for sticking to your guns when it comes to cravings and decision making. Everyone should find friends, family, or something of the sort to help keep themselves on track!

Carolyn: Lost 1 lb. this week
Despite all the temptations a family get-away can hold, Carolyn STILL managed to lose a lb thanks to family support, making healthy food choices when out and maintaining physical activity! Like Seth, she’s learning how to choose appropriate foods while eating out, allowing her to feel comfortable with her new lifestyle in the “real world”, YAY! I’m glad you’re showing it’s definitely doable—men and women alike!

Megan: Gained 1.4 lbs. this week
Although Megan gained some weight this week, she’s still down from when she started. Like a few other participants, Megan’s ready to take on the challenge of Phase 2 this week, so we’ll see how her weight changes with that. I would recommend trying to stick to your estimated needs now, which will help to achieve weight loss while gaining muscle mass through your workouts. Also, try increasing your fruits and veggies—this will help to cut back on some of the saturated fats and sodium that may creep into the diet from snacks, convenience foods, etc! Keep it up!

Kai: Lost 2.6 lbs. this week
Kai beat his weekly goal of 2.5 lb loss per week! AND, what a great feeling to be dusting off the small clothes from the back shelf—talk about recession-style wardrobe updates (wink wink)! By now you’re well into the beginning of Phase 2, stepping up to the challenge of increasing your structure and workout while on a family vacay—someone’s seriously up for a challenge, but we all know you’ll do wonderfully with it!  You’ve finally gotten to the point in your workouts where you’re mentally committed and physically able to do anything with your workouts—that’s such an accomplishment, I hope you’re very proud of yourself. Hopefully the trails are nice and long and the poolside drinks don’t put you off track—but, as you already know, balance is everything, so the increased workouts will work wonders for you. Have fun and keep strong!

Renee:  Lost 3 lbs. this week
Renee had some health complications these past few weeks, but she’s doing better with the BLD recommendations. She lost a few lbs this week, although not so much from the exercise I think, so don’t any of you all out there get any ideas! She’s transitioning her workouts into longer walks, lowering the impact because of her recent medical hang-ups, but definitely not letting them become excuses!! SO proud of you for this! We all wish you a speedy recovery and know you’ll be out there kickin’ calorie butt out there in no time!

 

I can honestly say everyone I've heard from this week is doing a great job, you guys are really stepping up to the plate and facing personal challenges. I didn't see written or video blogs from some of our team this week---let's make sure to play catch-up and keep everyone up to date on how you're doing! I love seeing all the words of encouragement on eachother's blogs, keep your team support strong!

 

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Susan: Lost 1.4 lbs this week
After reading your end of week summary and reviewing your week of food choices I’m pleased you are introducing more fruit into your daily choices and now let’s focus on veggies too.  I really hope your goals for this week regarding DFO is DAILY water consumption and exercise. It’s important to constantly shock and challenge the body’s memory and metabolism. The easiest way to do this is drinking more water, exercise and food choice alternatives.

By drinking more water (3-4 liters a day) you will flush the body of toxins and get the feeling of being full w/out having eaten wasted snacks out of boredom or habit.

By adding at least 30-45 minutes of exercise a day you are burning more calories and challenging the body’s metabolism and keeping it active w/out “holding” onto food as a fat resource and burning it instead.

Your food choices should vary day to day and within the same food group so you don’t establish a routine or fall into a diet rut. For example, vary your fruit choices each day but make it part of your morning breakfast, at lunch mix up the salad choices and at dinner a protein and veggie every meal.

John: Lost 1.2 lbs this week
Vegas has odds 5 to 1 that you’ll be two-fisting that pizza and burger by weeks end… Don’t do it! You’ve done so well since DFO2 started and you should reward yourself with the knowledge and feeling of accomplishment to your will power and commitment to living a better life. Hang in there you’re kicking butt.

Glad you’re still attending the WW meetings with Ruth as it’s important to have the support of your wife who’s also your DFO team member. After reviewing your Daily Plate for the last week I’d like you to focus on drinking more water, adding fruit to your breakfast and veggies to your dinner. In addition, make plans ahead of time for exercise each day with Ruth. Two birds w/ one stone - time with your wife and exercising.

Ruth: Lost 1.4 lbs this week
Glad you and John had fun in Palm Springs, a much needed vacation I’m sure. In addition, I’m glad to see you were able to get some exercise in and still maintain healthy food choices at meal time. As we approach the half way point of DFO 2, I’d like you to reflect on what has worked and what didn’t over the past few weeks and think about ways to modify and build for success.  Keep it up!

Peter: Lost 3lbs this week
Peter!  Check you out!!! You’ve inspired me, I mean it. I know how hard it is to walk away from a pastry buffet or nice plate of pasta but you did it and you should stand tall and proud. What’s more you’ve stayed committed to exercise and your weekly WW meetings. Atta boy!

Have a great vacation and really use this time to focus on exercise, food choices and enjoying the opportunity with family.

Kim: Lost .6lbs this week
Six weeks ‘til wedding bliss and you’re staying focused and killing it at the gym. It’s amazing to watch your transformation in each of the circuits I’ve put you through. It’s not just about your training but also your food choices, stay committed and WE WILL hit your weight loss goal by wedding day.

I think by know you understand the importance of diet as it plays 90% of the battle in weight loss and toning. You have consistently trained 5-6 days a week and you’re seeing the scale move and clothes fitting loosely… Keep it up and let’s spend the next week focusing on food choices as we hit the half way point of Diet Face Off 2.

Brad: Lost 0 lbs this week
Glad to see you’ve meet with a personal trainer at the gym and remember you don’t always have purchase a package of sessions, pay for 1 or 2 and spread it out over the month to get new ideas and train on your own.

It’s natural to have slip ups or even skip a work-out; you just don’t want it to become a habit or routine. One of the many values WW meetings provide is a way for you not to reinvent the wheel and pay attention to success stories and get ideas for your quest. Keep up the great work and stay committed to your goals.

PS- Nice plug on the movie, interesting choice for someone looking to make better food choices… Amazing what goes into the foods we love right?

In summary

I want to begin by applauding all of you on your commitment, efforts and desire to lead a better life both in food choices and adding exercise to your daily lives.

I’ve noticed a similar pattern in all of your Daily Plate food entries as well as something I battle with my current clients:  Food choices

After years of being in the health business I’ve come to realize that diet is 90% of the battle in weight mgt/loss.  In addition, as much as you work out or do sit-ups you’ll never have that flat stomach as long as your daily caloric intake exceeds your daily caloric burn.

I’d like to offer a suggestion and challenge to all of you (and anyone reading this blog) to cut out the following for 7 days:

• Alcohol,
  
• High Fat Dairy
• Low Fiber white flour products (white rice, white/bleached bread, pasta, muffins, bagels, etc),
  
• Refined sugars - (Doughnuts, cookies, candy, ice cream and non-diet sodas, there are also refined sugars in many food items you would not  be aware of crackers, canned soups, salad dressings)
• Fast Food, chips, etc.
• 
  

I challenge you all to eat healthy, fresh, fiber rich foods.  Scroll over this for a link to the Weight Watchers Filling Foods, all the foods on this list are, low fat, full of fiber, unprocessed, and very filling - not to mention delicious. These foods are what we should all be focusing on. 

I will be taking this challenge myself.  Starting Monday, I will be eating only items on the WW Filling Foods list.  

I challenge you in the DFO2 and those watching to participate in this challenge – 7 days!

Take notice to how you feel and respond each day. You’ll still be able to make choices within the WW guidelines but it will be a more effective and informative choice. 

In Addition, this will give you something different to write about in your blog and I think you’ll find with 30-45 minutes of exercise you’ll notice a drop in pounds and feel more energized each day.

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Carolyn: Up ½ lb, but overall still down 3 lbs.

No weight loss this week, but Carolyn’s holding strong to her belief that she’ll lose the weight and body fat percentage goal she hopes to while mostly following the lifestyle — just don’t relax so much that you let it go for too long (I know I’ve been a victim (?) of that before!) You’re doing a great job of substituting healthier snacks for the household snacks she had before — even the kids are enjoying the changes! I’m happy that you’ve realized the habitual connection you had with your pre-bedtime snack/drink and you’re working hard and breaking the habit! That’s a tough habit for many to break; I do the same thing with the tea (hot or iced) in place of snacks late at night, good job!

Seth: Lost 2 lbs this week

Doing great with meal planning and keeping bad food choices out of the diet. Seth’s ready to start Phase 2 of The Best Life Diet—portion control, refraining from eating before the fullness sets in. Seth’s words to the interested, “Start the diet—you don’t have to buy the book, just give up fried foods and start eating healthy”—haha, now we know what’s Seth’s arch enemy was! Speaking of enemies –you found a healthy, tasty alternative at your favorite fast food, a grilled chicken sandwich on whole wheat, IMPRESSIVE! Good job Seth!

Megan: Lost 2.4 lbs this week

Megan competed in her 10k road race this last weekend!! She ran a total of about 40 mins and finished in 1 hour 32 mins with no shin splint pain—excellent work! Megan I’m so happy you’re continuing your workouts full strength even after the race, I can see how happy you are, keep it up! There were a few boo-boos with trans fat, but what matters is that you didn’t go into them knowingly and now you’re more aware. You’re doing very well with your exercise and when you’re ready, it sounds like a great idea for you to move on to Phase 2 of exercise (and get ready for your next race ;) )

Kai: Lost 2 lbs., goal 2.5 lbs, but still right up there.

Kai went to some social gatherings and enjoyed a few cold ones—don’t feel alone Kai, I think everyone’s feeling the job stress right now! And THANK YOU KAI for recommending that everyone track their calories using the daily plate tracker on your phones! The tilapia fish tacos are a great idea, everyone should something weekly to learn more healthy foods to keep around after the challenge ends

Renee: Lost 2 lbs this week

Ooo Renee, what will we ever do with you!? Just kidding, we all wish you well! I KNOW you’ve had a rough week…a few too many stitches and whatnot if you know what I mean! You’ve been doing extremely well, you’re so motivated and we’re all rooting for your speedy recovery, get well soon and get back to your goals when it’s safe. Keep eating well so you heal well and ride strong!   ;-D

Pollie: Lost 1.4 lbs this week

Pollie went home to her family this last weekend and unwound without the “pleasures” of technology…but was mindful of her food intake and thought she did “OK”. You still had weight loss, Pollie, so you must have done some things right! I’m happy that you took the initiative to find another boot camp for when your current one ends—if it takes being held accountable to someone for you to get your workouts in, DO IT!  On that note, keep up the food diary, another way to be held accountable.  And I’m sure you can “survive” any boot camp, just remember that you’re strong, driven, and exercising for your health!

Great job everyone! There was, overall, less weight loss this week with people having social events, but I know everyone will jump back on the wagon this week and stay within calories needs and challenge themselves to hardcore workouts. Don’t forget to check out Thomas’ video blog this week for great lower body exercises that you can even do at home!!

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Peter 1.3 Pounds Lost This Week: 

Life's about choices and ease of technology... Glad you received the iTouch and are tracking your food on the go. You will see the ease and understanding of your food choices (good or bad).

Glad your exercise routine has increased and you’re spending a little more time at the gym and circuit training. I think you'll find the iTouch a real helping hand as well as continued exercise will help achieve your diet/fitness goals. 

Keep up the good work!

Kim: .2 Pounds Lost This Week: 

It's been a touch past 6 weeks since you've been training with me and you've lost over 10 Lbs in that time... Nice job! Glad you've embraced the importance of circuit training as part of your ritual when dieting. In addition, so glad you're keeping up with the WW meetings and mixing up the times and days to get a different perspective on others with their weight/diet issues.

While your motivation for weight loss and exercise is unique (getting married in 4 weeks) to the others in the DFO2 group, it still holds strong to the ideals of food choices, portion control and exercise.

Keep up the great work and look forward to more training, blogs and weight loss.

Ruth: 1.6 Pounds Lost This Week:

High fives to both you and John for your focus and commitment while at the river. It's amazing how just a little understanding of food choices can mean the difference in 100s of calories a day and serious pounds per year.

Glad to read you are still making the weekly meetings at WW and it's always a good idea to mix up the meetings and get a fresh perspective on others and their struggles and successes.

Exercise is a crucial combination to any weight loss/diet routine... While it's easy to skip a few work-out days it doesn’t feel half as good as hearing from friends, family and total strangers how great you look.

 

John: 2 Pounds Lost This Week:

Keep the faith and focus and that cheeseburger will taste soooo good upon finishing DFO2. Glad to read that you and Ruth kept to the plan while at the river. It's not easy staying focused and committed especially when you don't have a support group around you... Good thing for Ruth! As mentioned to other members, DFO2 is a "challenge" but I want it to be viewed as a way of life. 

Life's about choices and when the right choices are made (dump the cheeseburger, 2 slices of pizza NOT 5 or a few low cal beers instead of the lagers) with respect to food and exercise, your body and health benefit.

Keep the great work and blogs coming. 

Susan: 2.2 Pounds Lost This Week:

Love your enthusiasm on your posts and keep up the great work. Nice to see you can still "live" a little while dieting (WW Ice Cream :). My goal for DFO2 is to get all of you to understand how important food choices, portion control and exercise are to our daily choices. That's why soooo many fad diets fail and once one goes off the diet the weight comes back and more.

Continued success and if you need anything please ask.

Brad: 3.2 Pounds Lost This Week:

Love your last posting and appreciate at the honesty and candor. I'm guessing your work-outs have slowed or came to a halt due to routine or lack of change up? If so, try switching up your exercise each day so monotony doesn't set in. If you need ideas let me know.

Have a great weekend in DC and say hello to Pres. Obama. 

After reviewing the Weight Watchers Team progress for Week 2, this is my suggestion moving forward.I highly recommend subscribing to the philosophy of the WW Momentum program which encourages high fiber and low fat food choices along with a minimum of 30 minutes a day of exercise: walking, running, swimming,  weight training, bicycling etc.

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Week one Recap:

 

Ruth:

Lost 2.8 lbs

 

Very happy with your progress and think that losing almost 3 pounds a week is awesome.  I love that you are entering your mood for the day gives me a snap shot of how you’re moods affect your eating and exercising.

 

As for your exercise, I love that you and John have started biking more and you’re beginning to understand the importance of exercise with a balanced diet. As for your exercise, I’d like you to focus more on “physical” movement exercise (e.g. dancing, biking) and not day to day living like shopping, clearing dishes or cooking. Keep up the great work and as always, looking forward to more of your blogging, who you are comes through as if we were talking on the phone!

 

John:

EIGHT POUNDS IN 1 WEEK?!?!?!?!?

 

My man you’re killing it and along with Ruth I’m really pleased.  Love your humor, honesty and commitment to your tracking your food daily. 

I am sure are the members of the LIVESTRONG community as am I – How did you manage to shed 8 pounds?  Sure it’s the lower caloric intake combined with exercise but is there anything else you think played a factor?  Tell us how it feels to be on the Weight Watchers Diet we all are curious!  We know you want a Cheeseburger! There are plenty of men out there who may be toying with the idea of starting a diet – let’s get them motivated to make the change.

We would love to hear how changing your eating has made you feel in your super hectic work arena.  Just how Ruth logs her mood – give us some little “nuggets” like this to let others know how you’re feeling and how each day affects you. 

Regardless, you are Rocking it keep up the amazing work!

 

Susan:

Almost 6 pounds in one week,

That’s great. Love that you have really embraced Weight Watchers both diet program and food program. This would be a great opportunity for you to blog about how the WW planned meals take out the guess work you experienced in the past. 

 

As for your exercise, I love that you’re walking more (and dancing) or at least increasing your pace but daily duties like brushing teeth, shopping and so on should just be “logged” or kept as living and let’s find a few more physical activities for you to mix things up.

 

Brad:

Almost 4 pounds

 

Your logging is great and I love that you’re eating what you want and staying under your daily caloric ceiling – Nice!

 

Suggestion for you, when you’re blogging write about your mood, feelings, challenges that you experience day to day on the WW plan.

I really think that your openness can help members of the LIVESTRONG community who are dieting and feel alone know that they are not alone in their struggles

 

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise… Did I mention working outJ? Now that you have a pretty good understanding of food logging, embrace the physical activity too and (your dogs will love you more for this) when you miss a day or two, blog about how you feel in relation to days that you did “work-out”.

 

Keep up the great work and stay away from Wendy’s and all other fast food chainsJ.

 

 

Kim:

5 pounds

 

Well I would ask you how you’re doing it but hey, everyone should train with meJ. No really, I enjoy watching you progress not only with your diet but also the circuit training.

 

While I know you have a busy schedule with work, planning a wedding, juggling Weight Watchers and working out…You have a lot to blog about and the LIVESTRONG community members are anxious to hear what your day to day experience is like.  I know I would like to hear about the challenges you face with the WW points system and if you have had any “ah ha” moments thus far.

 

Try blogging about the new work-outs (boxing and agility ladder) weekend boot camps, new hiking trails your WW meetings, along with your daily struggles. You’re a rare find on DFO2 as you’re highly motivated to shed pounds for your wedding,  Trust me-there are brides to be out there following you and looking for your tips.

 

Keep up the great work-outs, logging your food and blogging.

 

 

 

Peter:

Almost 4 pounds

 

I am thrilled that you are trying to eat a lot more fruit and vegetables.  Even though you indulged in 3 loaded Coney Island dogs, you managed to lose 4 pounds.  I truly believe having to log your food has made you more accountable – you did remove the skin from the fried chicken!

Seriously Peter, I know that you are swamped with work and family, I also know that you can do this.  It is easy to include the foods you really want to eat on the WW points plan – just plan accordingly – which it looks like you are doing.

Keep up the great work!

 

 

I think we can all agree that logging your food gives you a better idea of what we’re putting in our bodies, why we’re making those food choices and beginning to understand the importance of “balance”- both with food consumption and exercise. Keep up the great work and trust me when I tell you it only gets easier the more you focus and commit to the task at hand.

 

 

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Here we are ready to begin the Diet Face Off 2 (DFO2) and with all participants geared up for week one, I wanted to take this moment to congratulate, thank and hold you accountable (and you of me) for the next approximate 8 weeks. I hope you all are as jazzed as I am about this opportunity to learn a new way of eating, exercising and living.

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