What a great contest this time around!  26 hard-working individuals participated in improving their nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits in this annual fitness/nutrition challenge.  In total the group lost 54 pounds, 13.5 inches from waistlines, and 25% body fat, as well as gaining 20 pounds of muscle.  Way to go, Love Handle Losers!

 Some things the challengees worked on included:  daily exercise, drinking adequate water, eating more veggies with a focus on dark leafy greens, consuming adequate protein, lowering intake of processed carbs/sugar/alcohol, stress reduction, and getting enough sleep.  Many participated in additional bonus challenges including walking/running 20 miles in a week, doing 100 squats every day, and a public photographic food diary.

 The top three achieved over 100 points each week: Alisha Krueger, Isaac Everhart, and Frances Anderson*.  Participants nominated each other for some awards, including Best Food Photos to Sarah DeYoung, Most “Plain” Foods to Isaac Everhart, Best Facebook Posts to Heather M., and Best Banana & Dog Photos to Frances Anderson.  Allison Erickson achieved the award for “Most Points in the Under 100 Points Per Week Category.”  Robyn Schein had the biggest muscle gains with 8 pounds transformed from fat to muscle.  JeaNell Krupnick won the award for Biggest Loser (inches), with a whopping 2.5 inches lost from her waistline.  There was a tie for Biggest Loser (pounds):  both Ali Yocom and Shauna Goodman lost 10 pounds!  Ali Yocom was also our Biggest Loser of Body Fat.  Our Overall Winner of the $100 cash prize was Frances Anderson.  This third time winner lost 2% body fat, 7 pounds, and 2.5 inches from her waist this month, as well as achieving the most total points.

 Allison Erickson, one of our high scorers and Big Losers, says, “I have learned so much in the past month doing the Lose Your Love Handles challenge with Amanda. I actually love spinach and kale, I continue to survive while not consuming, sugar and artificial sweeteners everyday, even thrive:) And I have made exercise a daily routine for myself. Thanks, Amanda!”

 Incredible achievements, Lose Your Love Handles contestants!  Your determination and success is inspiring.  If you missed the chance to participate, another opportunity will come up in October:  Scare Off the Pounds!

*Name changed for anonymity