You can do It!!!

For some inspiration--check out Kevin's brothers success in their family weight loss challenge:

http://hendersonlosers.blogspot.com/

Also, Tara has been disqualified from the contest! Yes, that is correct. Tara (who is my sister and Kevin's wife) is expecting their second child and so she's going to start a whole different weight program! Good luck T! Now it is time to maintain!!

Week 3 Results

So, if you haven't figured out how I'm doing the calculations yet:

Take the # of lbs you lost over a one week period and divide it by your original weight. So, even if you gained since last week...as long as you are below your original weight, you are still "negative" in weight loss. And the percentage is your OVERALL percentage of weight loss. Maybe you're all smarter than me but it took me a bit! :)

Congrats to Seth--he is this weeks biggest loser! (Meaning he lost the most lbs THIS WEEK)

Good luck this week as you approach the 4th of July Holiday!

Ben: 0
Wendy: -4.3%
Aaron: -2.7%
Seth: -2.7%
Serena: +.03%
Spencer: -1.5%
Luther: -.04%

My First 2 weeks

So the first week I hiked/walked about 10 miles (including the hike down from Glacier point in Yosemite)and biked about that much too...and gained 2 pounds. No more thinking I can eat what I want because I am exercizing. :o( Tracy

Week 2 Weigh Ins

Ben: -3.7%
Wendy: -3.2%
Spencer: -2%
Luther: +.04
Tracy: .0%
Aaron: -3.78%

We're waiting for the rest of you!! I know some of you are camping so get on the scale as soon as you can!!!

Donate blood...

Today I got to work and saw the blood bank was here--so I donated. I fugure if I donate every week just before I weigh in, that should help my numbers. Also, I know at least one person has considered amputation as a weight loss measure--I've considered it and decided to just go with the old fashioned method. That's it, I've gotta go to another Intel sponsored lunch (which really aren't helping that much with the whole weight loss thing).

My plan of attack!

I have decided to become a vegetarian effective immediately (through the end of this competition). I started today. I really think that I eat way more than necessary when there is meat on my plate.

Now, all of you protein freaks take a moment to center yourselves before lecturing me. I did some reading and I believe that I will still get PLENTY of protein through my other food choices. So, that's it. My comprehensive weight loss plan is vegetarianism and portion control (with a sprinkling of exercise thrown in).

I decided the tapeworm presented an unfair advantage, so I canceled my order (even if it wasn't strictly prohibited).

Have a great week everyone!

Results so far...

Yes, I'm still waiting for some results but here are the numbers for the week:

Ben: -2.3%
Wendy: -.72%
Tara: -1.86%
Seth: -1.67%
Serena: -1.31%
Spencer: Starting at 200
Luther: Starting at 240
Darrell: -1.84%
Brenda: -1.53%
Aaron: -3.13%
Tracy: +1.15%


Kevin, Melisa, G. Bonnie, Craig: we're still waiting!


Good luck this week! Make sure you stay hydrated!

On Prioritizing...

I have weighed the odds, and it seems I have a far better chance of winning this competition than passing the bar exam in July, so I've decided to just pour all my efforts into this. Don't want to spread myself too thin...

Funnies for the day

Cycling Class AND Website for Women

For those of you with gym memberships, this is definitely a class to. Make sure to bring a towel, I have never perspired so much in my life! It is hard, but I am definitely going back.

Also, for you ladies, there is a website I have been looking at that I really like-they have a lot of exercises that you can do at home, health tips, weight loss tips, etc....womenshealthmag.com.... I get the magazine and then went on the website-they have everything, so i did not even need to buy the magazine-silly me!

June 5, 2008

Hi All,

I just wanted to say hello, and actually be a part of the blog. Thanks for instigating this Ben & Wendy and letting me participate. I definitely need the accountability! So far, I am doing pretty good. Tried Yoga on Tuesday for the second time (Seth's idea).....my back still hurts. I tell ya though, trying to bend forward in the mermaid pose doesn't allow one to feel very mermaid-ish when your gut is getting in the way! Whatever works to motivate! ; ) I will continue to go back to yoga, and some day I will conquer the frog pose, with my feet up in the air!....Don't ask if you have no idea what Im talking about...your better off not knowing! Ok, thats it for me...Have a blessed day. MUAH!

Counting Calories

Calories Count

How to figure out your daily calorie goal

There's no getting around this fundamental truth: You can't lose weight unless you burn more calories than you take in. Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D., a sports nutritionist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, recommends these formulas for figuring out your daily calorie goals. Everyone is different, but it will give you a basic idea.

Lazy-Day Calorie Goal
(use on days when you're taking it easy/not exercising):
A. Your weight, in pounds: ____
B. A x 15 = _____
C. B - 500 = _____

Busy-Day Calorie Goal
(use on days when you're active/exercising):
A. Your weight, in pounds: ____
B. A x 18 = ____
C. B - 500 = ____

PS- What a great name for a family weight loss challenge blog - THUNDER FAMILY BLOG! That is hilarious! What will we call the blog once we've all reached our target weights? Will we be reduced to the Lightfoot Family Blog?

Day 2

Well, I'm still suffering the ill effects of "bulking up" the week before the challenge started. I needed to add some weight to lose it back during the contest, so I ate incessantly for a week straight! It was the only chance I had to really compete against Ben! ;) The good news is that all the fiber pills I started taking yesterday feel like they're beginning to do their job. That should be a good start. Then, once the tapeworm arrives from South America, I am going to smoke all of you! Yeah baby, just crown me now!

THE ABSOLUTE POWER!!

Well, now that I can contribute to the Webster Weight Challenge. I would like to say hello. My husband's family is doing a weight challenge too. They all post occasionally to just say how their diets are going for them, what has worked, what has inspired them, milestones they reach. It is fun to read and very encouraging. I can't wait to hear from all of you.

-TARA

DAY 1--Start Your Engines!

Remember to get your initial weigh in by midnight tonight!