Holiday Challenge

Last year during my time working out at the Rochester Athletic Club, I entered the holiday weight loss challenge there. I lost a total of 32 lbs over the holidays from the middle of November to the beginning of January. I won the challenge and a $50 gift certificate, which let me get my first massage.

(January 9, 2014, 407.9lbs)

What was helpful in accomplishing this was not only the fact that I was in a rehab center and dedicated already to losing weight, but having the specific goal of maintaining my weight loss initiatives over the particularly hard season of the holidays. Everyone is concerned with the massive amounts of food, drink, and the number of occasions that we are invited to or have to put on for our friends and family. The goal is not to put on those pounds!

Since I can't provide the check ins, the gym, and the personal training, what I can do is provide all the tips that I will use during this upcoming holiday season, check in with how I am doing, and try to motivate you followers as much as possible so that we together will not gain the average 1-5lbs that we normally gain during this special time of the year.

Step 1: Weigh In.
This is the hardest part. Facing the music. For me, I'm already on the journey, and I'm not so shocked at the number. I weigh in today as 289.4lbs.

Step 2: Create a goal. For most of us, it will be maintenance. Let's not gain a pound! For me, since I'm on a 10 pound goal a month, I would like to be ambitious and try for the 275 mark by the New Year. Final weigh in for me will be Friday, January 9th, 2015.

Step 3: Start making small changes before Thanksgiving. Start to get your plan together, start to hit the gym now. If you haven't signed up for myfitnesspal, think about that.

Step 4: Keep following this blog for daily tips.

I welcome all our OLSH/St Jude family and all followers of the blog to partake in this initiative. Feel free to let me know how you're doing on by messaging on Facebook page, email frryan2011@gmail.com, or friend me on myfitnesspal: frryan 

***As is always recommended, please check with your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise plan. If you are pregnant or suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, please follow your doctor or psychologist's expert opinion. I am only blogging about what works for me.