by Ken Mattsson

I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in a weight loss challenge sponsored by Nutrition for You.  I cannot say enough good things about the program and the people working for them.  I lost 21 lbs. in 8.5 weeks, and learned a tremendous amount about how to eat.

One of the big differences for me was the telephone coaching that I received.  While it was great to be able to see what I was eating as it was calculated online, it was having the discussions with the nutrition coaches that really helped me through some of the more difficult times.  They gave me some great suggestions that have really helped me to sustain the weight loss and set some good habits for the future.  I followed everything they suggested as closely as I could (even when I didn’t want to) but it has made a huge difference.

One of the key learnings for me was that I needed to increase my protein intake.  As a vegetarian, that was a bit more difficult, but I’ve found ways and incorporated them into my life.

Ever since completing the Challenge, the toughest thing to keep up with is my ‘craving food’, which for me is cookies. In talking with many of the other participants, I’ve noticed that everyone has their own craving food, whether it’s alcohol, fried foods, or something else. You just have to know that that is the one that speaks to you most, and you are most likely to overdo it. I’ve learned to understand that, and give myself an indulgence once in a while, but not keep those foods around to tempt me.

Nutrition for You has launched its 2010 New Year’s Weight Loss Challenge.  To learn more and sign up today check out the following link.

http://www.nutritionforyou.com/nutrition-for-you/learnmore/weight-loss-challenge.aspx