Biggest Loser Finale TODAY!

It's hard to believe that 12 weeks have elapsed.  Many of you worked hard to achieve your goals, and I'm proud to have been a part of your journey.  Of course, this is a journey that doesn't end, and the habits you've formed will be with you for a lifetime.

Congratulations go to all of you for participating and sharing your stories through this blog and our time together.  Even if you don't go home with the money, you're still victorious.

Is There Anybody Out There?

Hopefully there are one or two of you still tuning in to stay engaged and motivated.  In lieu of writing a bunch of stuff, I've copied information from a website that speaks to the science of food intake, inflammation and disease.  To read the entire article, go here:   http://www.sott.net/articles/show/242516-Heart-Surgeon-Speaks-Out-On-What-Really-Causes-Heart-Disease

How does eating a simple sweet roll create a cascade of inflammation to make you sick?

 
Imagine spilling syrup on your keyboard and you have a visual of what occurs inside the cell. When we consume simple carbohydrates such as sugar, blood sugar rises rapidly. In response, your pancreas secretes insulin whose primary purpose is to drive sugar into each cell where it is stored for energy. If the cell is full and does not need glucose, it is rejected to avoid extra sugar gumming up the works. 

When your full cells reject the extra glucose, blood sugar rises producing more insulin and the glucose converts to stored fat. 

What does all this have to do with inflammation? Blood sugar is controlled in a very narrow range. Extra sugar molecules attach to a variety of proteins that in turn injure the blood vessel wall. This repeated injury to the blood vessel wall sets off inflammation. When you spike your blood sugar level several times a day, every day, it is exactly like taking sandpaper to the inside of your delicate blood vessels. 

While you may not be able to see it, rest assured it is there. I saw it in over 5,000 surgical patients spanning 25 years who all shared one common denominator -- inflammation in their arteries. 

Let's get back to the sweet roll. That innocent looking goody not only contains sugars, it is baked in one of many omega-6 oils such as soybean. Chips and fries are soaked in soybean oil; processed foods are manufactured with omega-6 oils for longer shelf life. While omega-6's are essential -they are part of every cell membrane controlling what goes in and out of the cell -- they must be in the correct balance with omega-3's. 

If the balance shifts by consuming excessive omega-6, the cell membrane produces chemicals called cytokines that directly cause inflammation. 

Today's mainstream American diet has produced an extreme imbalance of these two fats. The ratio of imbalance ranges from 15:1 to as high as 30:1 in favor of omega-6. That's a tremendous amount of cytokines causing inflammation. In today's food environment, a 3:1 ratio would be optimal and healthy. 

To make matters worse, the excess weight you are carrying from eating these foods creates overloaded fat cells that pour out large quantities of pro-inflammatory chemicals that add to the injury caused by having high blood sugar. The process that began with a sweet roll turns into a vicious cycle over time that creates heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and finally, Alzheimer's disease, as the inflammatory process continues unabated. 

There is no escaping the fact that the more we consume prepared and processed foods, the more we trip the inflammation switch little by little each day. The human body cannot process, nor was it designed to consume, foods packed with sugars and soaked in omega-6 oils.  

Who's Still In The Competition?

Say peeps; the final weigh-in is closing in quickly.  Are you working your program?  We've seen some amazing changes/transformations over the course of this competition.  However, like opera, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings (not really an appropriate analogy...) and there's still time for each and every one of you to make a run for the money.  I'm curious about how your journey has unfolded, and have some questions for each of you:

• Is anyone still keeping a journal?  You are 50% more likely to succeed if you do.  Please tell us about it.
• Has anyone substantially changed their food intake?  I don't mean calorie reduction only.  Is your change sustainable?  Tell us what's working for you.
• Are you sleeping better?  How has this journey impacted your sleep habits?
• Did you return to using sweeteners?  Are you drinking soda?  Do you feel differently about using these products?
• Have you incorporated a fitness routine?  What's your experience been?  Do you enjoy it or is it still drudgery and hard work?

Want To Learn More About A Paleo Lifestyle?

There is an incredible amount of information contained in this link:

http://www.gnolls.org/1141/eat-like-a-predator-not-like-prey-paleo-in-six-easy-steps-a-motivational-guide/

All along this journey I have encouraged each of you to pay attention to what you eat, and to make changes to instill cleaner habits (no sugars for 30 days; no soda; etc.).  I have not advocated for any particular diet type over another.  Still, I have a very strong belief that there is a fundamental truth to primal living, and wanted to share the science, and the approach with you for your consideration.  If you haven't found a "diet" that helps keep you on track, you may want to give this a shot.

Some of you have begun that slide back to old habits; or really never made an attempt to create new, healthier habits.  This contest is not about winning money, but about a new beginning in a healthy lifestyle.

There's not much time left in our competition, but there's still a lifetime that stretches ahead.  Get back to the basics of healthy living -- journal your food consumption and your workouts; get a good night's sleep; and look to your peers for support and encouragement.

Seriously, is this blog even being viewed?

Last week was the worst week on this blog in a long time for views/comments.  Like all of you, I find it hard to remain motivated in the face of disinterest.  The blog is not for me.  It is for you.  It is for you to interact as a team.  To continue to encourage one another to eat healthy.  To exercise.  To commit to the lifestyle that you want for yourself.  We are in week 9 of a 12 week competition.  It is too early to disassociate from the rest of the team.  What will you do when you find yourself trying to manage and maintain a healthy lifestyle with no support?

Let us know what you're thinking!  Your thoughts are valuable.  Contribute to your team.

All of us find it hard to remain motivated without any feedback.  We are all human, after all...

Week 8 Begins: What's Your Strong Finish Strategy?

While weight loss and fitness is a lifelong pursuit, there are only 5 weeks remaining in our competition.  The results look good thus far, though I believe many of you are only half-heartedly focusing on your program.  What can you change, today, to finish strong, and continue on the path you've begun?

• Be honest about your food intake.  Do you keep allowing yourself "cheat" days?  These effectively cause your body to have to restart, as if you haven't done any work at all.  Stop cheating.  Start winning!
• Even if you just don't have time to work out, or if life is too hectic to fit a routine into your program, make the time to walk.  Walk the stairs.  Park far away and walk.  Right after dinner, take a walk around your neighborhood.  And, talk a closer look at your schedule.  I'd bet you make time for TV.
• Keep aligned with your partner.  Keep each other accountable.  Just because this is not top of mind every moment of the day doesn't mean it shouldn't be top of mind at least twice a day.  Call, text, stop by...check in with each other.

For some of you, fatigue has set in.  Lack of motivation has begun to rule your resolve.  This is when you must look to your team to support your continued participation.  This is why we're not doing this alone.  Take advantage of the support offered by each of your team members to help you with success.

What's keeping you from being the best you possible?

Team: You Need to Support One Another This Week!

Not to imply you're not usually supportive (although there has been a lot of happily shared food porn amongst you, even when I'm present...); however, I will be out of the office in Florida this week (in a bathing suit -- please imagine immediately how you would feel if you had to put on a bathing suit RIGHT NOW) and cannot badger anyone effectively from that distance (do not breathe a sigh of relief Joe or Nate).  Each of you need to encourage the others, especially the ones who show signs of receding in interest or intensity; who cannot remain committed to their own goals.  It's week 7!  Not much time left.  Or, in another way of thinking, there is a lifetime left, and you're just 7 weeks into preparing to make it the best lifetime you can.  :)  I like that...

I'd like to challenge you all to blog effectively -- some of your posts are so amazing and helpful to all of us -- and to check in with each other on your progress.  Team is more than just an occasional gathering -- it's really trying to be supportive and empathetic and strong for one another.

Let me come back from Florida to find my team strong and engaged.  Best thing I can imagine.