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yeah, not impressed with the forums. I am not following the meal plan, because I follow Weight Watchers, so have no need for the meal plan (although I have incorporated parts of it at times); but I posted a thread, just to see if one of the other WW people had calculated the PP values for the meal plan, and someone came on getting stuck into me, saying that I shouldn't be doing the challenge if I am not following that specific meal plan! Like setting goals, and working towards the same thing as everyone else, but simply eating different healthy food means I shouldn't be there?!?!?
I think the tools they have (the meal plans, exercise plans, weight trackers, receipies, etc) are fantastic, expecially given that they are allowing everyone to access them for free; but really think they need more 'expert' presence on the forums (so many people have questions, but at times it is like the blind leading the blind) and certainly some moderating is required.
I also might add that some of the concerns regarding cost of the food and the rigidity of the food plan are real concerns. IMHO - there will be many people who simply do find trying to incorporate such a huge difference into their families live extremely hard, and impossible in the long term. I know that 'one' of the reasons I don't follow the meal plan, is that the cost is higher then what I am able to spend now - simply because of the sheer variety of food. We eat very healthy in my house (both myself and my DH are long term Weight Watchers), but we make the WW program fit into our $$$ budget, being able to change our diets to include those foods which are on sale or bought in bulk. I think alot of people think that because you are following a meal plan, you cann't vary it at all - but if they knew what foods they can swap out without affecting the nutritional make up of the meal, they would find it alot easier to follow. The probllem is that "you don't know what your don't know" and alot of people are there because they don't know aboout nutrition, and no-one in a position of knowledge (ie, one of the experts) is addressing their issues, and everyone else is fobbing them off as excuses. All the problems can be overcome (if a person wants to overcome them), but if that person genuinely doesn't know how they can overcome their particular issue (whether it be cost, or fussy children, or lack of time due to long work hours), then they are going to get stuck and give up. People should be offering solutions to these problems, rather then simply letting others get on the forums and hassling these people for "not being commited". Amd of course the moderators need to be deleting those thread from those people who really are just there trying to stir the pot (like that person going on and on about how they don't need to eat breakfast and lunch, but will just starve themselves :rolleyes: ).
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I admit to first wondering "why join up if you are not going to follow the plan?", but then I got over it :lol: I also admit to thinking that some are not genuinely committed (I have been like that in the past) and are just looking for excuses. Some really seem to think they can do what they have always done and lose weight (something I have also been guilty of in the past)
My take on the meal plans are that they are trying to show people all the different foods they can eat. Just not the same old thing every day. The down side is yes, the cost. I have found it exxy, but then when I look at it, we are no longer spending money on takeaways or meals out, so they kind of offset. The TWD was pretty much the same with its meals plans. As the weeks go on, I will be better with quantities to buy and what can be swapped out. We have lots of fresh veg in the garden, so will be trying to use that where possible.
For myself I am liking the meal plans as I was personally stuck in a rut with what to cook, plus I can argue with DH that "that is what the meals says we are eating" ;)
They probably should have done a trial first to iron out the bugs, then open it to the public with maybe some of the trial people as moderators.
Just thought. Considering it is sponsored by channel 10, I wonder why there is not a show about it with information? :dunno:
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Pretty sure channel 10 are doing this to boost their ratings of the Biggest Loser. Although they are not directly affliated, there is significant data which show that those who are on a weight loss program are more likely to want to watch / read /obsess about anything to do with weight loss. The 10 week challenge, just happens to be running over the same period as the biggest loser - I am betting that it has done wonders for their ratings by encouraging those who ordinarily would not sign up for a biggest loser challenge (plus it has all the corporate sponsorship AND it can get tax benefit as a public interest project). ;)
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So anyone else still following this?
Must admit to not really following the meal plans at the moment, life is just not straight forward and when there is a heap of veg from the garden to be eaten, so we improvise. I do admit to losing more weight when following the plans, so need to get back to it.
Have found on the Weight it Up site (which the 1MKC is based on), there is guide for doing your own menu plan and ability to create your own. Having a bit of a look now.
Just wish the team area was not just status updates with a few comments. Would like it to be a bit more forumish so we can share more info on what is going on, rather than just saying we have gained or lost.
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Hi Astrid, I am still following it, have been pretty strict with the meals but each week have had a 'break 'day because i have had 40ths, weddings etc. I haven't been doing the exercises as I was originally doing an ivf cycle, then when that was all over I have been sick for 3 wks, so frustrated that haven't been able to incorporate the exercises BUT have still managed to lose 5.3kg, only .7kg til my goal!!
Dh has been doing it too and has lost 8kg, he is stoked and has been able to still have a beer per night so very chuffed with himself and wants us to keep doing it when its finished, i will definately look at the weigh it up website as I like a lot of their recipies.
I'd like to now lose maybe 2 more kgs then wouldn't want to lose any more than that as I am tall and will look too gangly, but i really want to get into exercising and get fit/tone up.
I thought at first it was expensive but like you Astrid realised we haven't spent a cent on dinners out and takeaway, so it evens out. I love having stuff in the garden to get every day to use, ie parsley, lemons, lettuce, chilli
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Well the challenge is over! So how did everyone go?
Only lost 7kg of the 10 I pledged. I am ok with that. Yes I could have been stricter and done better, but I made the choice to still have some life whilst doing it. Don't know if it was timing or not, but the last 10 weeks have been my most social in ages. DH is still yet to weigh in, but he has been noticing a difference with belts and pants.
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Hi Astrid, I finished, I think I was the only one in my group to stay the distance though.
I lot 7 kg too!! My goal was 6 so I am happy. I am really happy with my weight loss and want ot stay this size now. My DH lost 10!! We even survoived beign away at easter and eating out every night.
Congratulations!
