weight loss challenge (bet w/ co-worker) - any suggestions??

rocket_ace

hey guys - I don't know how it ultimately happened, but looks like I'm now in a head-to-head bet against one of my colleagues who also wants to lose a comparable amount of weight (30-50 pounds). And its for cash money!! yikes. in fact, quite a bit more than I really want to lose (this guy thinks we're in Vegas or something...sheesh) - but I guess that's the point...if it were less then perhaps I wouldn't feel the pressure.

So, starting Monday morning (3/25) for 60 days (actually 10 weeks total, so until the end of May) we're going to see who can lose the most weight, "Biggest Loser" style. I'm not really a betting man, and moreover I overall ascribe to the slow and steady wins-the-race lot , but I've been stagnant for a while and think this might be good for me. I am currently around 220, and he's at 203 (but he's a few inches shorter). I think we are pretty close actually as per percentage body fat, although I think I'm a little higher overall, which theoretically makes it a bit easier for me to lose more. I don't think we'll be able to lose so much that it will seriously start draining my muscle mass...but I've decided I'm NOT going to do a starvation diet...that's why we chose 60 days since we figured starvation isn't sustainable over that many days. That being said, this guy has been known to do a "cleanse" now and again so may do one of those....we'll see....

ANY SUGGESTIONS? I figure before tomorrow's initial weigh-in, I'll eat and drink alot to get my weight up, and then at the end I'll maybe fast for a day or so to get it lower....but other than that any strategies? I figure I'll just go super clean in the diet for 2 months and also try to be super dedicated in racking in the exercise, and we'll see where it takes me....my guess is over the course of 60 days its really going to all come down to mental toughness.

jonnythan

So you're starting off by cheating, and then want to embark on a strategy that is bad for your health.

Good luck. I'd say "don't do this."

thatsillyshana

if in the end all you want is money, you'll find a way to get it. You could always just try to eat better and get moving and focus on long term goals. Wouldn't it be great if after all of this you could keep the weight off?

rocket_ace

So you're starting off by cheating, and then want to embark on a strategy that is bad for your health.

Good luck. I'd say "don't do this."

wow - harsh. I didn't think it was cheating, but rather the way everyone does it (according to Big Loser, and also weigh-ins for athletics weight-class events)...but as it turned out I didn't bother to drink alot of water (if that is what you mean by cheating?). also, I've been at this for a while, and I expect this would help shake me up and refresh my positivity....and I didn't mention I'm going to just be "super clean" right? So I'm not sure about the unhealthy part, so I'll be losing probably 2lbs a week max...which I think is the definition of healthy no?....unless you are referring to my possible use of a fast near the end if I feel like it (but don't alot of people tinker w/ IF here?) anyway - thanks so much for your useful post.

rocket_ace

if in the end all you want is money, you'll find a way to get it. You could always just try to eat better and get moving and focus on long term goals. Wouldn't it be great if after all of this you could keep the weight off?

''

again - wow - you guys must be from some alternate reality where no one ever has a health weight loss challenge at work....they are pretty common actually, for your information. I've been at this for sometime, and lost quite a bit of weight, but here I found an opportunity to shake my system / and mind. up get my co-workers to basically help me. And as per money, I'm risking losing money if I don't stay clean, but your post sounds like I'm trying to scam something off the black market? ....sheesh....it was just a buddy system thing, and I'm pretty sure its a fairly positive thing......but thanks for your useful post.

feistymoon

Why don't you both do it together for Charity instead. Get other people to pay a certain amount for every pound you lose. That way you can work together, but towards your own objectives.

Edit: I've just read the above posts. Nothing wrong with Buddying up at all (We are such a supportive bunch, eh !!!! Someone posts something and ten people jump down his throat )

newdaydawning79

if in the end all you want is money, you'll find a way to get it. You could always just try to eat better and get moving and focus on long term goals. Wouldn't it be great if after all of this you could keep the weight off?

''

again - wow - you guys must be from some alternate reality where no one ever has a health weight loss challenge at work....they are pretty common actually, for your information. I've been at this for sometime, and lost quite a bit of weight, but here I found an opportunity to shake my system / and mind. up get my co-workers to basically help me. And as per money, I'm risking losing money if I don't stay clean, but your post sounds like I'm trying to scam something off the black market? ....sheesh....it was just a buddy system thing, and I'm pretty sure its a fairly positive thing......but thanks for your useful post.

A lot of companies definitely do weight loss challenges - my fiancee works at one of them. However, I know for a fact that they don't fast before weigh-ins just to lower their weight or try to eat unhealthily at the beginning to show a higher number. I believe those were the concerns of the first comment to your post. The one at her job, you have to pay about $250 to join, but you get weekly training sessions with a certified PT and a gym membership for the duration, and if you lose 5% of your body weight you get that money back. It definitely focuses on healthy eating and exercise above all. My mother in law to be has participated in them a couple of times and actually is more fit at this point than the thinner people on her team!

And being a guy, you have a much easier time of it than us ladies when it comes to weight loss! It looks like you've already lost a good amount so you know the way to do it! Just keep it up. Good luck!

Phrick

your statement that you guys want to do this "biggest loser style" is going to raise hackles around here. Biggest Loser-Style is exceptionally bad for health, bad for long term success, bad all the way 'round. THAT is where, I think, the "unhealthy" statement in the first reply is coming from. And if I am mistaken in that one - well, it IS where this statement is coming from: that kind of contest is SO FREAKIN UNHEALTHY.

rocket_ace

your statement that you guys want to do this "biggest loser style" is going to raise hackles around here. Biggest Loser-Style is exceptionally bad for health, bad for long term success, bad all the way 'round. THAT is where, I think, the "unhealthy" statement in the first reply is coming from. And if I am mistaken in that one - well, it IS where this statement is coming from: that kind of contest is SO FREAKIN UNHEALTHY.

my apologies - I hardly ever watched the show - so I meant no hidden subtext....

jonnythan

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

rocket_ace

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

I don't see it that way AT ALL. For me, its just some fun w/ co-workers that will keep me on the straight and narrow. perhaps some may abuse this challenge by starving themselves, but there are only a couple of us, all very professional and honest, so it will 100% not be abused or turn into an eating disorder WHATSOEVER. Thanks for the concern generally but it is 100% unfounded in this case.

7631282

Either way, you both come out winners, or should I say losers (hopefully).

sing4me4you

Well I say Good Luck! Two months will certainly not hinder your overall health and if you have success, better for you! Keep us posted on your progress but don't get discouraged if your competitor pulls ahead. In the end, weight loss is a personal journey. Good for you to try something new to jazz up the process.

jonnythan

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

I don't see it that way AT ALL. For me, its just some fun w/ co-workers that will keep me on the straight and narrow. perhaps some may abuse this challenge by starving themselves, but there are only a couple of us, all very professional and honest, so it will 100% not be abused or turn into an eating disorder WHATSOEVER. Thanks for the concern generally but it is 100% unfounded in this case.

Well since you're going for "healthy" weight loss, you need to stick to the recommended 1-1.5 pounds a week and the fact that you're a member of a contest is immaterial.

DonnaLeeCattes

My work place is doing a for every 5% you lose your name goes in for 250 in cash. Of course they started this after I had already lost 60 lbs. haha...But I have lost about 12 more since then so I will have my name in there at least once.
Good Luck to you

rocket_ace

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

I don't see it that way AT ALL. For me, its just some fun w/ co-workers that will keep me on the straight and narrow. perhaps some may abuse this challenge by starving themselves, but there are only a couple of us, all very professional and honest, so it will 100% not be abused or turn into an eating disorder WHATSOEVER. Thanks for the concern generally but it is 100% unfounded in this case.

Well since you're going for "healthy" weight loss, you need to stick to the recommended 1-1.5 pounds a week and the fact that you're a member of a contest is immaterial.

you refuse to see the positive in anything eh? you're a very stubborn person mate...not willing to give an inch. I hope such flexibility does you well in life. I generally like competing points of view and devil's advocates but I think intelligently taking such a line also means trying to see the other person's point of view. I saw you pointing out something (albeit in a p1ssy way) and I took your advice, but now you aren't even allowing me any fun competing w/ my friends to stay focused, and only allowing a hypothetical max 1.5lbs per week (where you know for a fact that 2lbs/wk is the overwhelmingly cited max)...you just sound like a sour puss. I hadn't thought you were that sort before today.

enigmaneo

Today I Learned people on MFP are really uptight about weight loss.

rocket_ace

Today I Learned people on MFP are really uptight about weight loss.

not all of us man - I feel like I made a mistake posting in fact. such negativity!

jonnythan

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

I don't see it that way AT ALL. For me, its just some fun w/ co-workers that will keep me on the straight and narrow. perhaps some may abuse this challenge by starving themselves, but there are only a couple of us, all very professional and honest, so it will 100% not be abused or turn into an eating disorder WHATSOEVER. Thanks for the concern generally but it is 100% unfounded in this case.

Well since you're going for "healthy" weight loss, you need to stick to the recommended 1-1.5 pounds a week and the fact that you're a member of a contest is immaterial.

you refuse to see the positive in anything eh? you're a very stubborn person mate...not willing to give an inch. I hope such flexibility does you well in life. I generally like competing points of view and devil's advocates but I think intelligently taking such a line also means trying to see the other person's point of view. I saw you pointing out something (albeit in a p1ssy way) and I took your advice, but now you aren't even allowing me any fun competing w/ my friends to stay focused, and only allowing a hypothetical max 1.5lbs per week (where you know for a fact that 2lbs/wk is the overwhelmingly cited max)...you just sound like a sour puss. I hadn't thought you were that sort before today.

It's a contest to see who can shed the most body mass in the shortest amount of time, and you announced your plan to game the system by artificially inflating your weight at the beginning and artificially deflating it at the end.

So, no, I don't see a lot of positive in this.

rocket_ace

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

I don't see it that way AT ALL. For me, its just some fun w/ co-workers that will keep me on the straight and narrow. perhaps some may abuse this challenge by starving themselves, but there are only a couple of us, all very professional and honest, so it will 100% not be abused or turn into an eating disorder WHATSOEVER. Thanks for the concern generally but it is 100% unfounded in this case.

Well since you're going for "healthy" weight loss, you need to stick to the recommended 1-1.5 pounds a week and the fact that you're a member of a contest is immaterial.

you refuse to see the positive in anything eh? you're a very stubborn person mate...not willing to give an inch. I hope such flexibility does you well in life. I generally like competing points of view and devil's advocates but I think intelligently taking such a line also means trying to see the other person's point of view. I saw you pointing out something (albeit in a p1ssy way) and I took your advice, but now you aren't even allowing me any fun competing w/ my friends to stay focused, and only allowing a hypothetical max 1.5lbs per week (where you know for a fact that 2lbs/wk is the overwhelmingly cited max)...you just sound like a sour puss. I hadn't thought you were that sort before today.

It's a contest to see who can shed the most body mass in the shortest amount of time, and you announced your plan to game the system by artificially inflating your weight at the beginning and artificially deflating it at the end.

So, no, I don't see a lot of positive in this.

its a common thing man. chill out. I have heard what you have to say. thanks but I repeat you are missing the point. anyway - feel free to exit stage left now.

feistymoon

Any "who can lose the most weight in x amount of time" is 100% geared to encourage weight loss way beyond anything that is remotely healthy. It literally encourages an eating disorder. The path to assured victory is anorexia combined with extreme amounts of cardio.

I don't see it that way AT ALL. For me, its just some fun w/ co-workers that will keep me on the straight and narrow. perhaps some may abuse this challenge by starving themselves, but there are only a couple of us, all very professional and honest, so it will 100% not be abused or turn into an eating disorder WHATSOEVER. Thanks for the concern generally but it is 100% unfounded in this case.

Well since you're going for "healthy" weight loss, you need to stick to the recommended 1-1.5 pounds a week and the fact that you're a member of a contest is immaterial.

you refuse to see the positive in anything eh? you're a very stubborn person mate...not willing to give an inch. I hope such flexibility does you well in life. I generally like competing points of view and devil's advocates but I think intelligently taking such a line also means trying to see the other person's point of view. I saw you pointing out something (albeit in a p1ssy way) and I took your advice, but now you aren't even allowing me any fun competing w/ my friends to stay focused, and only allowing a hypothetical max 1.5lbs per week (where you know for a fact that 2lbs/wk is the overwhelmingly cited max)...you just sound like a sour puss. I hadn't thought you were that sort before today.

It's a contest to see who can shed the most body mass in the shortest amount of time, and you announced your plan to game the system by artificially inflating your weight at the beginning and artificially deflating it at the end.

So, no, I don't see a lot of positive in this.

Come on now, let's not all take ourselves too seriously.

Recommended weekly weight loss figures are nothing more than 'rules of thumb.' They are projected based on the average persons weight etc. If you want to be completely scientific about it you would need to consider a persons height, age, weight, percentage body fat (the more you have the more you can lose safely) etc.

Also, does anyone judge the professional boxer or jockey who cuts weight for days prior to weigh in simply to achieve competitive advantage? Does anyone think of the harm it is doing that person.

Thirdly, can one completely criticise 'unhealthy behaviour' if the result of this behaviour is a better long term outlook on or understanding of one's own weight and weight loss issues.

I know it's Monday guys. I know you all know your facts. But cut each other some slack and stop being arses- we should be supportive. We should criticise constructively. We should be open to the fact that people do the same thing differently and that no one path is perfect.

Enjoy your days

ps - sorry for name calling. yes yes, I know... it makes me as bad as everyone else LOL

rocket_ace

Come on now, let's not all take ourselves too seriously.

Recommended weekly weight loss figures are nothing more than 'rules of thumb.' They are projected based on the average persons weight etc. If you want to be completely scientific about it you would need to consider a persons height, age, weight, percentage body fat (the more you have the more you can lose safely) etc.

Also, does anyone judge the professional boxer or jockey who cuts weight for days prior to weigh in simply to achieve competitive advantage? Does anyone think of the harm it is doing that person.

Thirdly, can one completely criticise 'unhealthy behaviour' if the result of this behaviour is a better long term outlook on or understanding of one's own weight and weight loss issues.

I know it's Monday guys. I know you all know your facts. But cut each other some slack and stop being arses- we should be supportive. We should criticise constructively. We should be open to the fact that people do the same thing differently and that no one path is perfect.

Enjoy your days

ps - sorry for name calling. yes yes, I know... it makes me as bad as everyone else LOL

exactly!! thanks so much!! your kind words and easy-going-ness has washed out the bad taste of the sourpuss. really appreciate it!!

jonnythan

Thirdly, can one completely criticise 'unhealthy behaviour' if the result of this behaviour is a better long term outlook on or understanding of one's own weight and weight loss issues.

That's the problem. I don't see this as a better long term outlook. I see this as the exact opposite of that.

feistymoon

Thirdly, can one completely criticise 'unhealthy behaviour' if the result of this behaviour is a better long term outlook on or understanding of one's own weight and weight loss issues.

That's the problem. I don't see this as a better long term outlook. I see this as the exact opposite of that.

It's completely possible that sort term 'non-ideal' changes can act as a catalyst towards long term modified behaviour that is healthier than the person's previous lifestyle was. It is naive to assume we can jump from one lifestyle to another without transition, and it is also naive to assume that every transition towards long term improvement is better in the short run.

But, it's not my battle. And to be honest, I don't care. I'm not advocating 'biggest loser' style weight loss. I just think people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones when asked for help... and there are none of us here who are perfect.

ps - that's a very cute kitty. We adopted a feral cat who looked just like that. Poor sad ran off tho and got hit by a car

thisisme13

So you're starting off by cheating, and then want to embark on a strategy that is bad for your health.

Good luck. I'd say "don't do this."

This. Eating and drinking a ton before your first weigh in is cheating. It won't be your true weight.

Also, doing a cleanse like this other guy might do? Dehydrate before weigh ins? Not healthy.

Sure the biggest loser does it, but the biggest loser is a terrible show and incredible unhealthy.

Do what you can. lose what you can. Don't try to go too high in your losses. It's a contest... sure there is money at the end but the money is not worth hurting your healthy.

rocket_ace

Thirdly, can one completely criticise 'unhealthy behaviour' if the result of this behaviour is a better long term outlook on or understanding of one's own weight and weight loss issues.

That's the problem. I don't see this as a better long term outlook. I see this as the exact opposite of that.

its a small group of health conscious people who have not been completely clean but want to. we are getting together, and putting our money down, to encourage ourselves to stick to our weight loss goals. the group dynamic (and yes, even the money) will hopefully help us all keep our head in the game during this 2 month period. whoever starts wavering during this time (like visiting taco bell, our going out drinking) will likely lose their money and won't get the cred the others will earn. I'm not sure how this is ANYTHING BUT POSITIVE??????

I think you are inferring something in your own experience and over-laying it on us. For us, this is just a fun game to help us socialize and stay clean. As per what happens after day 60? Well we can each go our own ways w/ god, but as for me, I play on just carrying on, perhaps re-evaluating and perhaps changing up my regimen (maybe more weights, maybe more biking, who knows).

theCarlton

TAKE
HIM
DOWNNNNN!!

*flexes in the mirror with you*

rocket_ace

So you're starting off by cheating, and then want to embark on a strategy that is bad for your health.

Good luck. I'd say "don't do this."

This. Eating and drinking a ton before your first weigh in is cheating. It won't be your true weight.

Also, doing a cleanse like this other guy might do? Dehydrate before weigh ins? Not healthy.

Sure the biggest loser does it, but the biggest loser is a terrible show and incredible unhealthy.

Do what you can. lose what you can. Don't try to go too high in your losses. It's a contest... sure there is money at the end but the money is not worth hurting your healthy.

agreed - we all met, weighed in, and have all agreed not to do any fasting etc....

in my initial post I was just brain-storming - and trying to anticipate what others might do - it was a half-formed thought at the time, so I'm sorry if anyone has taken it as more than it was (not you, but others here have latched onto it like I"m some criminal);

jonnythan

I'm not sure how this is ANYTHING BUT POSITIVE??????

I think you are inferring something in your own experience and over-laying it on us. For us, this is just a fun game to help us socialize and stay clean. As per what happens after day 60? Well we can each go our own ways w/ god, but as for me, I play on just carrying on, perhaps re-evaluating and perhaps changing up my regimen (maybe more weights, maybe more biking, who knows).

You're still not sure how it's anything but positive, even after I've explained it several times?

You plan to start and end by cheating. That's positive?

You want to lose weight as quickly as possible to win a short-term contest. That's positive?

No. It's not positive. If you want "a fun game to help you socialize" while being healthy, then create health-based goals. Set individual realistic weight loss goals and the person who comes closest to meeting that goal - and not exceeding it by some large amount - is the winner. See who can meet their exact calorie goal the most days of the month. See who can increase their bench press the most or do the most pullups. Arrange a 5K at the end of 60 days and winner takes the pot.

Seeing who can lose the most body mass in a set period of time is not a health-based goal.

This entire "contest," in my opinion, is based in a very unhealthy mindset. Maybe there's some chance that at the end of the contest your mindset will actually turn from something unhealthy to health? I guess? It seems that's what some people are arguing. I don't buy it. I see nothing but negatives here. Everything is wrong. The motivation is wrong, the methods are poor, and the nature of the "contest" itself encourages the participants to ignore health, not to improve it.

Just_Ceci

The "Biggest Loser" challenge at the school where I used to work has led to 3 of us no longer being obese. Good luck to you. Have fun with it and hopefully you will encourage other people to get healthier too!

majope

Okay, now I'm confused... Is this a head-to-head bet with a single coworker who talked you into putting up "Vegas" money (more than you're comfortable with)--and who you think is going to take drastic Biggest Loser-style measures to win--or is this a friendly, health-conscious endeavor with a bunch of people, who have all ponied up a little money as incentive to help you all eat better and work out?

If people are concerned, it's because the way you presented things initially makes it sound like your bet will encourage unhealthy behavior. As long as it doesn't, a little incentive is a good thing.