Who will be crowned Whiteman's biggest loser? Published Jan. 29, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Normand Health and Wellness Center WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Health and Wellness Center staff is excited to offer what promises to be the biggest health campaign to kick off this year! Whiteman's biggest loser will kickoff Friday, Feb. 1 with initial weigh-ins conducted Feb. 1, 4 and 8. Numerous phone calls and questions have flooded the HAWC because people are ready to participate! They are ready to make a change, become more active and take a serious step towards lifestyle change. The momentum has definitely been felt through the large number of calls with interest, not only in our programs, but in the atmosphere. Team Whiteman opened its arms to the "Steppin through the Winter" program, that garnered over 60 participants, accumulating over 5 Million steps so far and the "Biggest Loser" program promises to have, in my opinion, double or maybe even triple the participation! We really want to make this program a success so not only does it have all of the elements necessary - support, competition and fun. In addition, there will be a Squadron competition for greatest % lost. Any spouses that would like to participate will be recorded with their sponsor's squadron. It also has some bonuses such as prizes! A television for the grand prize winners plus a runner up prizes! Our nicest HAWC Duffle bag stuffed with every incentive item we offer, squadron recognition for the group that looses the largest percent of weight from the wing commander himself and bragging rights! There is also an information/education packet plus a HAWC Ball Cap given to everyone who registers! To get you started, I have included some nutrition tips for you to ponder. Please consider participating and making this your year of health!!! Feelin' great in '08!!! How to Achieve Biggest Loser Success at Home · Just say no to pasta, sugar and flour. Go for nutrient-rich whole grains in the form of cereals, tortillas and breads. They're loaded with flavor, fiber and antioxidants. This step in itself can really get the scale moving downward. · Have fruit or vegetables with every meal and snack; aim for 4 cups a day (mostly veggies). They're a rich source of nutrients and fiber, and healthy portion sizes increase satiety. · Exercise. This is not a diet-only plan. You must exercise regularly (and intensely) to burn more calories than you take in. This includes cardio and weight-bearing activities · Plan ahead--three meals a day plus two snacks. Record everything in a food journal, and don't skip meals or snacks. · Power up with lean protein for every meal and snack. Protein helps slow the release of blood sugar, promoting fullness and sustained energy (which allows you to exercise more). It also helps build muscle. · If you slip up today, jump back in the game tomorrow by eating less, exercising more or both. With a little motivation and dedication, you too can find yourself fit and full of energy this year. Losing weight may just be the icing on the cake. Call the HAWC for more information at 687-7662 OFFICIAL RULES 1. Stop by the HAWC for official weigh-in and registration (1, 4-8 Feb before noon). The weight loss competition will run for 12 weeks beginning 1 February - 30 April 2008. 2. Every contestant will receive a HAWC ball cap and information about HAWC and Fitness Center programs. 3. ALL measurements are recorded and completely confidential. Only HAWC Staff will have access to the measurements. Only ratios will be released. 4. Private weekly weigh-ins will be held each Fri before noon. Weekly weigh-ins are encouraged, but not mandatory. 5. Everyone will be weighed on the same scale throughout the competition. 6. Good attendance helps you stay on track while trying to meet your weight loss goal. 7. There will be a male and female category and squadron competition, scoring is based on % weight loss. EX: Contestant 1 started at 165, now is 155: Ratio: 6.06% EX: Contestant 2 started at 200, now is 190: Ratio: 5% 8. At the end of the competition, the male and female that have lost the biggest percentage of weight over the 12 week contest will be the grand prize winners. The squadron that has the biggest % weight loss will be recognized by the Wing Commander. 9. Final weigh-ins will be the last week in Apr (28, 29 and 30--NO WEIGH INS-AFTER THIS DATE). 10. Have Fun!!! The purpose of this contest is to support your efforts to follow a healthy weight loss diet and exercise program and to establish healthy lifestyle patterns that you can continue long after the contest is over. The contest is NOT intended to promote rapid weight loss. Grand Prize for Male & Female categories: Television from the Base Exchange Overall Runner-Up: HAWC Incentive Gym Bag Squadron Winner: Wing Commander Recognition & Bragging Rights!!! Whiteman AFB Health & Wellness Center / Services Squadron 660-687-7662