Here's a brief update.  We are a month in to the contest now.  There were 13 paying participants, only one of which is of the male persuasion- me.  I'm in FIRST place, having lost 15 pounds and 6.22% of my beginning body weight.  I can't tell you how many times I've heard the statement "Men always lose weight easier than women!".  The current 2nd place holder is down 8.5 pounds and 4.87%.

I feel great and notice having a lot more energy.  I also think that the better diet and excercise has helped me to not get sick like I ussually am this time of year (just a theory).

I'm up to 2.5 miles/day on a gazelle cross trainer machine (like x-counrty skiing), or I jog about 2 miles a day, and I've been doing push-ups and sit-ups and some weights, while being much more controlled and smart about the food intake.  8 more weigh-ins to go.  Current jackpot balance is at $279.  I was looking at ride cymbals on ebay earlier today, however, my wife wants a new dishwasher.  Truth be told, I do too b/c I spend a fair amount of time at the kitchen sink as well.

Smogg,

It's a start.  Just keep improving.

For me, I'm not using or relying on a gym.  I'd like to, but it's not in the budget.  Also, I think a lot of people including me try to make excuses to rationalize why they can't lose weight.  So, for me, I've decided that if I can't get off my butt and do something....anything to get more healthy before I invest $500-$1000 on a gym membership, what makes me think that I'm going to do it if I have to schedule a time to go somewhere else to excercise.

I've got some old weights that I use.  My parents gave me the gazelle freestyle machine (because they bought it and didn't use it), and I can jog outside when the Michigan weather permits.  One added bonus it that my wife is working just as hard right alongside of me.  She has found a very helpful website on fitness/ health/nutrition that she has benefitted from a great deal:  www.sparkpeople.com.  You are able to set goals, learn about fitness, track your progress, get recipes, read and post on the forum, etc. 

Lastly, I'm kinda competitive with contests, especially when there is prize $ involved. So even though many of the ladies at work are mumbling under their breath about me, I'm using that as additional motivation.  No more excuses! Plus I feel great.  So much more energy.  Who would have thought that expending more energy results in giving you even more?

I'll give some thought to the before and after pics Robyn.    Do guys do that kind of thing?  I'm not sure.  Down 18 pounds to date.  Lost no weight in the last week.

congrats, man!

2 miles in 19 minutes is pretty dang good!   

well i finally dropped 7 pounds. doesn't sound like a big deal, but when you're short, every pound matters.

i've been hitting the gym 3 times a week, but it's been tough, b/c of band practice and work. when i'm really shot, i just do 15 minutes on the treadmill and 10-15 with weights.

my colleague said he noticed a definite difference, which made me feel great. i feel physically better all-around. and i've been drinking raw, organic fruit and vegetable juices, which super-charge your energy levels.

so far, so good. i can't wait to slip into my size 4 jeans. c'MON, scale!

Congratulations!  I need to work on losing weight myself. 


That would be a smooth move, especially with you being out numbered at work. 

Yesterday I won the contest.