Philadelphia Magazine’s Jumpstart Challenge 2010

See which one of our four contestants lost the most body fat throughout our eight-week challenge (and scored some super-cool prizes!)

One contestant is eating smaller meals and shoveling out his neighbors for extra cardio; another is developing biceps and hitting the Art Museum stars. Read how are four contestants are doing in their battle to lose the most fat, and check out their personalized diet plans so you can follow along at home

CONTESTANT UPDATE
Weeks 3-4

Our first-ever Philly Mag Fitness Challenge kicked off on January 25th, and ever since then our four contestants have been working hard to change their bodies, better their lives, and, let’s be honest, win some cool prizes. In this edition of Healthy Life, we’re sharing their diet plans (put together by Brittany Lucchetto, RD, LDN, Sweat Fitness’ nutrition expert) so you can follow their super-slimming plans at home.

The menus, combined with an estimated 400 calories burned through daily activity, are structured to help each contestant drop one pound of fat per week. “This is for long-term weight loss,” says Lucchetto. “As you drop pounds, you’ll need to adjust the amount of calories you’re taking in to continue to lose weight." Eventually, once you hit your weight-loss goals, you should stop focus on calorie counting and start focusing on portion sizes and whole foods.”

The other major component to Lucchetto’s plan: making sure you get enough fiber—which is why each meal plan has a fiber tally out to the side. “Fiber is not only good for colon health, but it also helps keep the bowls moving, which allows toxins to be released from the body,” says Lucchetto. “It also helps keep you fuller longer. Men should aim for 30 grams per day and women should aim for 20.”

Check out the personalized plan for each contestant and read their daily diaries below. To book a nutrition consultation with Lucchetto, call Sweat’s Queen Village location (700 Passyunk Avenue, 215-627-5600).

FOLLOW ALONG WITH OUR CONTESTANTS

Jim Schindler, Conshohocken
A 39-year-old store owner/self-proclaimed fast-food junkie. “The only thing I like better than bacon is cheese-covered bacon.” Now Jim is eating smaller meals and shoveling out his neighbors for extra cardio when he can’t make it to the gym. SEE JIM’S 1,800-CALORIE NUTRITION PLAN AND DAILY DIARY.

Devon Montgomery-Bender, Philadelphia
A 25-year-old just-married caterer who wants to begin the greatest adventure of her life feeling good and looking great. “I don’t feel beautiful because I know I’m not healthy. I want to start my married life as healthy, beautiful woman." Now she’s developing guns and carrying her worn-out dog home from power walks at the Art Museum.  SEE DEVON’S 2,300-CALOIRE NUTRITION PLAN AND DAILY DIARY.

Deidre McAllister, Philadelphia
A soon-to-be-40 working mom who wants to drop pounds so she can keep up with her teenage daughter. “I want to keep up when walking and for her to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.” Now, she’s tossing junk food anyone brings into the house and is avoiding cabs and buses in lieu of walking.  SEE DEIDRE’S 2,000-CALORIE NUTRITION PLAN AND READ HER DAILY DIARY.

Jessica Aiken, King of Prussia
A 24-year-old newly single professional who has three months to fit into her bridesmaid dress. “I’m a bridesmaid in two weddings that are quickly approaching, and I’m hoping to be rocking the form-fitting dress.” Now she’s starting to feel strong in Spin class and hoping back on the treadmill after a night of too much wine.  SEE JESSICA’S 1,300-CALORIE NUTRITION PLAN AND READ HER DAILY DIARY.

 

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