What's In Store for the Spring

Hello, Kennesaw. In January, we began a movement of residents in our community who had a desire to work together and share common interests of weight loss, improved fitness and overall well-being.

Each week, we report on information that can arm you against your battle with the bulge and help you in reaching your goals.

To date, we have suggested ways to make better food choices, offered diet and exercise tips, talked to a fitness expert, and even given you permission to treat yourself to healthy chocolate.  

In keeping with our goal of community support, we have also given you inspirational advice on how to stay motivated while overcoming challenges. 

We have talked about how you win while you are losing.

Speaking of winning, our first prize recipient was the winner of a Bath and Body Works gift card. She was told to pamper herself just for being the first to sign up for our Community of Losers.

I am excited to announce that has graciously consented to be our sponsor for our monthly challenge. Our winning loser is the participant who has lost the greatest percentage of weight for the month.

Each month, when we announce our winner, they will receive a certificate good for a Farmers Market Basket to reward them for their losing efforts and encourage continued success for their good choices and healthy eating habits.

Our first official winner for the month of February will be announced in our March 3rd edition of our Patch Community of Losers column.  

Our losers are judged on a percentage basis, rather than actual pounds lost to level the playing field for all of our participants. We have all started in different phases of our journey and want to make it competitive for all involved.  

We want to encourage you to join our community whether you have 10 pounds or 100-plus pounds to lose. There is no cost to join, just a desire to lose.

Since starting our forum, I have been contacted by experts in the field of weight loss and fitness, and I have been approached by others who have had success in starting weight loss programs in their communities.

I have heard from many citizens who have a desire to lose weight and become fit in 2011 and an author who started a grass roots movement in her community to help folks lose weight.

I will be bringing you interviews and information from these individuals over the coming months.

I encourage you to make this your year to accomplish your health and fitness goals. You have an entire Community of Losers waiting to support you.

As spring approaches we will be forming outings and walking clubs for those who are interested.

I invite you to share your ideas for losing weight and becoming more fit.

Maybe someone in our community would be interested in starting a co-op for bulk health food purchases or an exchange of recipes, coupons and samples of healthy products.

What about organizing a clothing exchange for transitional clothes for those who are dropping sizes? My hubby has a brand new pair of trousers that are literally falling off of him.

Perhaps you know of a success story you would like to share.

It’s easy to join. Just e-mail me with your stats. This includes your current weight, and your total measurement in inches in the places you wish to lose weight. All information is on the honor system and is kept in strict confidence.  

As always, I hope to see less of you soon.