Oakville Weight Loss Challenge: Week 2 Results

Both of the challengers faced fluctuation in their body composition this week. When using a body fat analyzer note that results can vary depending on factors such as a recent hydration and consumption of food or caffeine. Our challengers experienced this firsthand.

Christine gained two pounds this week. Based on a body composition analysis performed by Ellipse Fitness, Christine is up 1 pound of muscle and 1 pound of fat. She currently weighs in at 152 pounds. Christine added more exercises to her current routine. She had hopes of joining a local gym, but the weather made it too difficult for her to get out and about. Instead, she started doing upper-body exercises utilizing light hand weights both in the morning and evenings. She also committed to doing more sit-ups.

Food intake was not easy for Christine this week. She did not try anything new. She continued to eat a high fiber breakfast daily. She stuck with basic salads for dinner with either chicken or tuna. Christine also said she is still having problems with cutting back on her diet soft drink intake and saying no to late night snacks.

Franchesca's weight did not budge this week. She currently weighs 186 pounds. Her body composition is changing, though. Based on the analysis performed at Ellipse, she gained 1 pound of muscle and lost 1 pound of fat. She is encouraged, as it is apparent that her life changes are moving her in the right direction.

Her biggest challenge this week was dealing with changing her habits. She also found it difficult to stay compliant with her plan. She fears that she may be trying to change too much too fast, but she knows that the changes are all positive ones.

She found that food was a bit of a roller coaster this week. She tried to increase  her protein intake, but found that she ended up eating more altogether than she had the week before. She continued to eat quick and easy foods for breakfast and lunch including Atkins Protein Bars and shakes. She also included eggs as a midmorning protein snack. She admits to indulging in evening snacks twice through the week and also to having fast food twice this week. She is finding it difficult to achieve balance.

Last week, Franchesca had an issue with getting the proper amount of rest that her body requires. This week, she reports that more nights than not she was able to sleep for eight hours. Next week she plans to be more organized. She will try to plan out her own meals daily as she does with her family's meals. She also is planning to start drinking more water.

Congratulation to both women. I know the scales didn't move in the way you had hoped this week, but you are making steady progress. Your challenges mainly stem from the difficulty of dedicating yourself to new positive habits. Its can be hard to commit to something that does not provide immediate gratification and results.  Hang in there—you are doing great!