biggest loser contest

Ben and I participated in another weight loss contest this year. My cousin put together a "Biggest Loser" contest and it was a great motivator for us. The top prize was $750! Unfortunately we didn't win the big money, but we did exceed our weight loss goals (I lost 27 pounds and Ben lost 26 pounds during the ten weeks) and most importantly, we felt SO much better with a much healthier diet and regular exercise. We really emphasized vegetables, eliminated desserts, cut down on portion sizes, didn't eat after dinner, avoided going out to eat and mindless snacking, and put our treadmill to good use. Just being aware of the calorie content of many foods is shocking enough to make you want to avoid them, especially when you know how long it took you to work off that many calories with exercise.

We celebrated the end of the contest with a delicious lunch at La Farm Bakery. Baked goods are my weakness so I've been trying to enjoy them (and all things) in moderation now. It's amazing what a difference a few changes in your diet can make. (Just don't get me started on the ridiculous gluten-free craze.)