LivingLean - Regaining Power Over Food

Do you have a wellness program through work or other sources of free/cheap support for your weight loss goals?

At Office Depot, we do. The program is called Vitality. Although there are many aspects of the program that encourage people to live healthier lifestyles, I am focusing on one that is specifically geared towards changing my relationship with food, called LivingLean. This is a 12 week program consisting of videos, reading materials and assignments. Yes, assignments! One thing I've learned over many years of running the Weight08 competition is that people get out what they put in. So if you're only giving 50% effort, you're only going to achieve 50% of your goal. Anything less than 50% effort, I’ve found, has a negative relation between effort and results. So make sure you are ready for this competition and that you have made a commitment (mentally) to living a healthier lifestyle of eating better and exercising more. Win or lose, you will be better for it.

Now let’s get back to the purpose of this post - Although I cannot share the videos from the Living Lean program, I am going to post some helpful notes from each session. These will be notes from the reading materials and videos. You can CHOOSE to follow along if you wish or ignore it all together, the CHOICE is up to you!

Victory Is Not Losing Weight…
and you will.
Victory Is Not Staying On A Diet…
there is no diet.
Victory Is Being Free!
I must admit, at first I was a skeptic of this program and although it’s only been a couple of weeks, I find that I am not reaching for my “Main Munches” often and when I do, I remind myself I have a choice and I choose to Live Lean, which helps the urge disappear within minutes. I do not feel deprived or isolated as I have a choice and I am making the choice each time I am tempted by past emotions. This may not be for everyone but it’s working for me and I love to help others where possible.

The mantra of this program is:My purpose is to be continually in the vision of Living Lean and to transform my relationship with food and eating so that Living Lean becomes a natural way of life.

The program is designed for you to make choices every day to Living Lean by becoming instantly in control of your “Main Munches” and reprogramming your mind in order to change your relationship with food.

Before we begin, it is recommended that you write down five things you don’t like about being overweight, or being a compulsive eater. Secondly, write down five things you would like about “LivingLean” naturally. Be specific, create a vision in your mind about what you would like to achieve. (It is suggested you hang these where you can see them everyday.)

Next, identify 5 addictive foods, and/or relationships with food and eating that may contribute to you being overweight, frustrated or unhealthy. e.g. Over eating, eating before bed, eating too fast, chocolate, deserts in general, fast food, alcohol, soda, etc.

IMPORTANT!
The last thing is to create a card that you can carry with you at all times. (I have not done this but I DO recite the front side when I’m making a choice to Live Lean over my impulse to munch.) The Front of the card should read: I’d like to eat… ___________ because I trained myself to eat…__________ in this situation. On the back you should have the program mantra, listed above.

Good luck! I look forward to all of us living healthier lives and being a role model for those around us to do the same.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

Welcome back! It’s time once again for Weight08 2013 2014. I can’t believe the year got away from us. This is the first time since 2008 that we did not have a Weight08 competition, all year. I know some of you were able to maintain self control and motivation to stay fit and even lose weight this year. For me, it was a year of bulking up and preparing myself for the next competition. Or so I tell myself.

Before I continue, I would like to call out someone who has pushed himself beyond the norm and is proof of the power we have to take ownership of our lives. Mark Grams lost over 80 lbs this year and continues to push himself to maintain and even lose additional weight. He is now gearing up for a half marathon. Congratulations Mark, you are an example that if we put our minds to it, we can accomplish things well beyond our imagine.

Make 2014 the year you take control and live a healthy, happy life!

Please let me know ASAP if you would like to participate in the upcoming competition starting Wednesday, January 1st. This will be a 12-week competition to kickstart the year. Feel free to invite friends, family and co-works. The more positive influence you have around you the better you will do.

P.S. You can stay connected online at www.weight08.blogspot.com or on Facebook through our Weight08 group page. If you are not already connected on FB please let me know and I will send you an invite.

Happy New Year!

Week 8 Results

Congratulations, Josh Hodney!

With only one point more than his wife, Josh squeaked by to win both the highest point total and most % weight loss with a total of 6.37%. It was a tight race with only 4 points separating the top 5 participants. Dan had a strong finish, but unfortunately this was an 8 week competition instead of the original 12 weeks - like most of our previous competitions. Krissy and Nita did an amazing job. They exercised nearly every day and lost a few lbs along way. Jon lead most of the competition but imploded the last couple of weeks, actually gaining in week 7. Congratulations Josh, you earned it!!!

(Please pay up as soon as possible. Josh has been patiently waiting long enough. Sorry for the delay!)

Week 7 Results

With only one week day left, Josh and Nita Hodney are tied for first. Krissy trails by 1 and Jon by 2 points. Will it be one of these four or will someone else rise up and take it all?

Week 6 Results

Great week, Dan! Dan had a huge week last week and pulled into a close 5th place.

As you can see, it is still a really tight compitition. There are only two reporting weeks left and we have 5 people within 2 points of the lead. It apears Krissy and Nita are battling for the overall % weight loss portion. Good luck!

Week 5 Results

Sorry for the VERY late report. Please try to report your points as soon as possible so I can update the results.

As discussed in Facebook last week, there is currently a three-way tie between Jon, Krissy and Nita. Josh is only one point behind and there are still severl others who are in the hunt. Good luck as we come into the final 3 weeks.

Week 4 Results

Well, we're back on the right side of weight loss/gain. We lost a total of 11 pounds this week, thanks mostly to Jenny and Dan B. Let's keep exercising and don't let those goodies get the best of you. Remember, it never tastes as good as skinny feels.