Challenge: Lose 1 Million Pounds

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Added: Fri. Jan 04, 2008 3:18pm
Posted in: Fitness

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If your New Year's resolution is to lose weight, you're in good company. A study by the U.S. government finds that it's the number one vow that Americans make at midnight on December 31st. Paying off debts, saving money and getting a better job come in next, followed by getting fit and eating right.

We have a ton of tips here on the site for you to learn more about keeping your resolutions, as well as people who can teach and inspire. But here’s something that really struck me, on the Associated Press wires.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma's official state meal, it's no surprise that Oklahoma City's mayor wants to put the city on a diet.
Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year's resolution.
Prompted in part by his own struggle to lose weight, Cornett wants to end Oklahoma City's dubious distinction as one of America's fattest cities.
"The message of this obesity initiative is that we've got to watch what we eat," Cornett said Thursday. "Exercise is part of it and the city is trying to change into a city that is less sprawling, has more density and is more pedestrian friendly, but you're not really going to take on obesity unless you acknowledge that we eat too much and don't eat the right foods."
The mayor timed the start of the weight-loss program to the beginning of the new year, when many people begin exercise programs after holiday feasts.
Cornett, 49, stands about 5-foot-10 and weighs 183 pounds. He began a personal fitness initiative eight months ago when he weighed 217 pounds.
"I would like to get down to 175, so I've made a goal to lose 8 pounds over 8 weeks," he said.

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Sound familiar? You're probably all aware of presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's dramatic weight loss. He shed more than 100 pounds and now calls himself a "recovering foodaholic." It took a diabetes diagnosis to get him in shape.

Some of you know my story -- and I'm happy to share more for anyone who's interested. The quick version is that I put on weight during and after college, and had a "tipping point" that made me decide to make big changes. I've lost 40 pounds and now am in the day-to-day struggle to maintain my weight. I'm happier, healthier, training for a triathlon, and thankful for every day that I win the battle.

I also moderate a Fitness Freaks group here on growingbolder.com and I'd love for more people to join. So come find us, or send me a private message to learn more!