CCJer's! Top 7 List for Week 3!!

Tonite wrapped up another great week of weight loss for the awesome ladies in the CCJ group! The Top 7 Losers in the group to date are.....

#1. Sherry Fleck..................5.3%

#2. Bonnie Kuester.............2.8%

#3. Lana Wessell.................2.4%

#4. Brandi Stiles..................2.3%

#5. Lois Mason....................2.1%

#6. Sharon Kunkel..............2.0%

#7. Marilyn May..................1.7%

Let's hear it for these weight loss winners!!! Keep it up, ladies!

Tonite we had a fabulous speaker, Robin Norris, talk to us about none other than FOOD! She had a ton of insight and I, personally, loved how she keeps her food and eating so simple. I'm definitely going to put alot of what she talked about into action. Thank you, Robin, for coming and speaking to our group!

Weekly challenge this week is to do something active/excercise at least 3 times a week! And, remember, drink your water and keep your food journal! :) Until next week......

Celestine groupies! Top 10 list for week #4!

WooHoo!! What another fan-tabulous week of weight loss! Since we didn't have a "meeting" tonite, the Top 3 Losers for the week wasn't announced. So.....let's give it up for:

#1. Angie Sander..................2%

#2. Shelley Baker.................1.3%

#3. Erin Whaley...................1.0%

And, now for the Weekly Top 10:

#1. Melinda Gutgsell......................5.5%

#2. Angie Sander............................4.6%

#3. Leslie Burgan............................4.5%

#4. Deb Meyer-Benton..................4.3%

#5. Nancy Rohl................................4.0%

#6. Carol Fravell..............................4.0%

#7. Erin Whaley................................3.7%

#8. Carolyn Langill..........................3.4%

#9. Amy Sander...............................3.3%

#10. Stacy Greener.........................3.0%

AMAZING! Keep up the wonderful work!

Just a reminder, next week we will be having a presenter....Erin Meyer. Erin is a dietician at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center. She presented during our first 12 week session last year and was awesome! Very very informative. You will look at portion sizes in a whole new light. Don't miss next week's meeting!!!

CCJer's! Top 7 List for Week 2!!

Since this group is a wee bit smaller than the other, I think we'll just announce the Top 7....sound good to you? If not, voice your opinion by either commenting on this post just let me know at the next meeting! So, without further ado.....

#1. Sherry Fleck...................3.9%

#2. Bonnie Kuester..............2.8%

#3. Brandi Stiles...................2.3%

#4. Wanda Jones..................1.9%

#5. Nicole Weisman..............1.7%

#6. Lana Wessell...................1.4%

#7. Carla Popp.......................1.3%

Let's hear it for these fabulous ladies who worked their booty off this week.....and it shows! :) Awesome job, ladies. For the meeting tonite, we all just kind of shared what worked for us. We put the Top 3 in the spotlight and one trend that I couldn't help but notice was that all 3 of them had cut out drinking DIET sodas, which was the challenge for the week!

The challenge for this week....keeping a FOOD JOURNAL!! Trust me, I know, it's alot of work, but you will be so surprised after keeping one for a week! If you can, try and keep track of your water intake + how many hours of sleep you're getting in your journal as well.

We also would like for everyone to write down your goal. Put it somewhere you're going to see it everyday....in your food journal, in your folder, on a post it and slap it on your bathroom mirror. I don't care, just get it written down so that you can see it! Know what you're working toward! Write down or know how you're going to reward yourself when you reach your goal.

Next week.....we are having our very first speaker, Robin Norris! So, please make sure you stay and listen to our wonderful presenter! Oh, and if any of you see Dan around, make sure you talk him into coming back! ;)

Celestine groupies! Top 10 list for week #3!

The moment you've all been waiting for (and way early in the week, too! Don't get too used that, ladies! LOL!!) Let's give it up for......

#1. Melinda Gutgsell...............4.6%

#2. Amy Lewis........................4.6%

#3. Carol Fravell.....................4.3%

#4. Deb Meyer-Benton..........3.9%

#5. Leslie Burgan....................3.7%

#6. Nancy Rohl........................3.6%

#7. Carolyn Langill..................3.7%

#8. Stacy Greener...................3.0%

#9. Angie Sander.....................2.7%

#10. Erin Whaley....................2.7%

WOW!! Look at these awesome ladies GO!! Keep up the fabulous work!

Tonite we enjoyed listening to Dawn Stemle come and speak about how she sets goals, tips for getting motivated to get your booty off the couch and excercising, overcoming obstacles by training for a half marathon and having bad knees and rewarding ourselves (NOT with food!!). Thanks, Dawn! Good luck in the half marathon in April!!

The challenge for this week is......EXCERCISING at least 3 days! Remember, this also included drinking only water AND keeping your food journal. Angie also gave us all an extra challenge that her trainer has told her team to do in HealthPointe's Biggest Loser contest: do 20 push ups, 20 crunches, 20 reverse leg lifts, and 20 wall squats every evening.

Weekly Top #15!!!

Hey, ladies! It's finally here! The overall Top #15 from our last meeting back in September! Let's hear it for......

#1. Renee Merkel..............17.1%
#2. Michelle Allen.............16.9%
#3. Kris Gutgsell................16.1%
#4. Becky Beckman............15.6%
#5. Amy Beckman...............10.8%
#6. Linda Partenheimer......10.5%
#7. Joyce Gessner...............10.3%
#8. Rachelle Beckman.......8.5%
#9. Becky Kunz....................8.0%
#10. Jennifer Herman..........7.6%
#11. Paula Britt....................7.4%
#12. Audrey Weisheit..........7.1%
#13. Chris Howard................6.6%
#14. Laura Rickenbaugh.......6.6%
#15. Christine Sander............6.5%

The biggest "loser"...aka Renee Merkel won $360! Wow!!! Congrats, Renee!! Cash prizes were awarded to Michelle Allen and Kris Gutgsell as well. A 1/2 hour massage was given to 4th place, Becky Beckman. Let's give it up for these awesome women and all their hard work!!! WooHoo!!

Tonight we had the first meeting of our new term and we are all divided into teams....the Black Team, the Purple team, and the Pink team! We are going to try something new for this term and see how it works out. I, for one, am really pumped! This is going to be so cool! We are basically taking everything we learned from the first 12 week session and using that to earm points for your team. The team with the most points at the end of the 6 week session will all win a prize. We will also award one cash prize to the individual who is the biggest loser, as well! Gear up, girls....this is going to be awesome!!

Weekly Top #15!!!

First off, I'm going to announce the Top 5 from this past meeting.....

#1. Renee Merkel................2.5%
#2. Kris Gutgsell.................1.9%
#3. Rita Schroering.............1.8%
#4. Linda Partenheimer.....1.7%
#5. Denise Gutgsell.............1.6%

Talk about a close race this week!! You women are AWESOME and I'm not just saying that. Keep up the good work!

And, now for the Top #15!!!

#1. Renee Merkel.......................16.4%
#2. Michelle Allen......................14.9%
#3. Kris Gutgsell.........................13.4%
#4. Becky Beckman....................13.0%
#5. Linda Partenheimer.............9.6%
#6. Denise Gutgsell....................9.1%
#7. Joyce Gessner.......................8.4%
#8. Amy Beckman.......................8.2%
#9. Paula Britt...............................7.4%
#10. Becky Kunz...........................7.4%
#11. Rachelle Beckman...............7.1%
#11. Jennifer Herman.................6.7%
#12. Chris Howard.......................6.6%
#13. Laura Rickenbaugh.............6.6%
#14. Audrey Weisheit..................6.2%
#15. Kristi Brinkman...................5.9%

Wow!!! I LOVE seeing all of your names up there! You are all doing such a fantastic job, I'm in awe of you!! Now that you know where you stand, you can make this VERY LAST WEEK count!!!

At this week's meeting, we broke up into groups and discussed different problems that everyone has. I found it very informative and found out things I wouldn't have even thought of. Everyone had such great ideas!

Now, as you know, next week is the very last meeting! We will announce the Top 3 cash winners!!!! How exciting is that?! And, to celebrate, we won't have an official meeting, but a healthy potluck! But, as always, be prepared to WEIGH IN!!! I know you all have healthy recipes because I have posted lots of recipes here on the blog and Amy had a different recipe up on the dry erase board at almost every meeting. So, pick one, fix it and bring it on in to the next meeting! If possible, I would like to know via replies on the blog or a quick email to myself at kjbirrell@netsurfusa.net whether or not to expect you and if you have any idea what dish you are bringing.

Are you as excited as I am about the last meeting?! This has been an AWESOME 12 weeks, ladies! I feel so blessed to have met so many of you and to have helped you in any way along the road to becoming more healthy. But, never fear, Angie and I will be heading up another group for a shorter duration of 6 weeks starting October 20 and going until the end of November. This next group is going to be just a little bit different to spice it up a bit! Angie and I are really excited about the changes that we'll be making and we hope you will be, too!!! We'll have all the details at the last meeting, so make sure you attend to hear the exciting announcements.

Until next week.......

For shame, for shame!

My bad....I know it's not an excuse, but it's been a crazy week and I'm just now getting to the top #15!! Please forgive me!! So, here they are....

#1. Michelle Allen....................13.3%
#2. Renee Merkel .................12.1%
#3. Becky Beckman.................10.8%
#4. Kris Gutgsell.......................9.9%
#5. Amy Beckman....................7.8%
#6. Becky Kunz.........................7.3%
#7. Linda Partenheimer..........7.2%
#8. Joyce Gessner....................7.1%
#9. Denise Gutgsell.................6.8%
#10. Laura Rickenbaugh.........6.6%
#11. Kristi Brinkman...............6.3%
#12. Paula Britt.........................6.0%
#13. Jennifer Herman..............5.8%
#14. Kelly Birrell.......................5.5%
#15. Breanne Hasenour...........5.5%

Congratulations, ladies!!! Awesome job, keep up the excellent work you all are doing!

The weekly winner was Becky Kunz! She won the book "Eat This, Not That!". Congrats, Becky!!

At last week's meeting, we just had a round table discussion about what the top #15 have been doing to keep themselves up there. Everyone had something to share, but, I hope all of you realize the underlying pattern.....EATING HEALTHIER FOODS, WATCHING PORTION SIZES, WATER, & EXCERCISE!!! I know, it's hard work, and sometimes slow going, but it's what works!

The weekly challenge was issued by Audrey Lichlyter....to actually sit down and eat a meal, no grazing! Thanks for the challenge, Audrey!

Next meeting, Johnna Breitwieser will be speaking about STRESS. I think a lot of us will be able to relate to this subject. See you all then!!

Oh, and a big shout out to all the ladies who walked or ran the 5k at the Dubois Septemberfest! Sharon Donnerman and Dawn Stemle won awards!! Sherry Schnell and Amy Beckman ran the whole thing!! Other people who made awesome time....Renee Merkel, Kris Gutgsell, Rachelle Beckman, Tiffany Bauer, Michelle Meny, Christine Sander, Rita Schroering, Audrey Weisheit & Kelly Birrell! WTG, ladies! (I hope I didn't leave anyone out! If I did, let me know!!)

Weekly Top #15!!!

I'm so sorry it has taken me a couple of days to get this out. It's been a busy week! So, without further ado.....

#1. Michelle Allen.........11.4%
#2. Becky Beckman.........10.7%
#3. Kris Gutgsell.........10.5%
#4. Renee Merkel..........10.5%
#5. Linda Partenheimer..........9.4%
#6. Amy Beckman..........7.6%
#7. Kelly Birrell..........6.4%
#8. Kristi Brinkman..........6.3%
#9. Laura Rickenbaugh..........6.1%
#10. Joyce Gessner..........5.9%
#11. Denise Gutgsell..........5.9%
#12. Breanne Hasenour..........5.5%
#13. Rita Schroering...........5.3%
#14. Paula Britt..........5.2%
#15. Becky Kunz..........5.2%

WooHoo!!! Let's hear it for the awesome Top #15!! I am so proud of everyone on this list, and NOT on the list.....keep up the AWESOME work, ladies!!

Our weekly winner this week was Kris Gutgsell!! Kris won a pair of walking weights. CONGRATS, Kris!!

Our presenter for this week's meeting was John Marks. John is an avid runner and has run in multiple half marathons and marathons, including the famous Boston Marathon! He shared insights as to what motivates and inspires him, nutrition, type of shoes, training, etc. Thanks, John, for a great presentation!

Our new challenge was taken from the Weekly Challenge box that is out at each meeting. One of our fellow meeting-goers is challenging us all to drink half of our body weight in ounces of water every day! I know it sounds tough, but I know you can do it! Look at how many of you thought you could never give up sodas! Give it a try! You may be amazed at how good you feel!

Also, a reminder....I know we all want to stand around and share how well we all did with each other after we weigh in at the weekly meetings, but if you could just keep in mind that weight is a very personal thing to alot of ladies, so let's try not and hang around the weigh in area. We have full use of the community club, so let's put it to use and spread out a bit and give just a wee bit more privacy during weigh in! Thanks, ladies!! You're the BEST!! :-)

Tomorrow morning, I have a really great post that is kind of long to read, but full of WONDERFUL information, so check back!!

Weekly Top #15!!!

Here it is, ladies!! The ever-awesome Weekly Top #15!! Let's give it up for....

1. Michelle Allen..................................15.8%
2. Renee Merkel....................................8.9%
3. Becky Beckman.................................8.3%
4. Amy Beckman...................................6.9%
5. Joyce Gessner...................................6.1%
6. Kris Gutgsell.....................................6.0%
7. Laura Rickenbaugh..........................5.7%
8. Denise Gutgsell................................5.4%
9. Becky Kunz.......................................5.2%
10. Kelly Birrell.....................................5.1%
11. Chris Howard..................................5.1%
12. Linda Partenheimer.......................5.1%
13. Paula Britt.......................................4.4%
14. Audrey Weisheit.............................4.4%
15. Breanna Hasenour.........................4.3%

Congratulations and Awesome Job to the Top #15!!! Our weekly winner this week was Lisa Recker!! Lisa took home a prize of resistance tubes! Congrats, Lisa!!

And, our presenter for this week was Lisa Recker. Lisa and her friend, Michelle, ran a half marathon in Nashville several months ago. Angie and I couldn't wait to get Lisa to talk to the group about setting goals, what motivates her and how she went about accomplishing her goal of doing a half marathon (13 miles!). She and Michelle are currently training to do a full marathon....26 miles! Wow! Good luck Lisa and Michelle!

Our new challenge for the week is something a bit different than normal. We took a suggestion out of the Weekly Challenge box that is set up at the meetings, which is sit with new people at the next meeting! Completely do-able, right?! So, we expect to see everyone next week for the meeting, sit by new people and make new acquaintances!! Remember, the weekly challenges are something you do every week, so last week's challenge of staying and working out with Johnna OR making 3 laps around the club are on for the rest of the 6 weeks!!

See ya next week!!

What an AMAZING 2nd meeting!!

First of all, I want to CONGRATULATE our very first biggest loser of the week.....Michelle A.!!! She enlightened us with what worked for her this first week.

Holy cow! Unbelievable! I am so utterly impressed with everyone....I think everyone there tonite had all lost weight! Do you know how awesome that is?! There was a lot of hootin' and hollerin' and WooHoo-in' back in the weigh-in area!!

I loved that Amy B. (sorry, picking on you again!!) had a weak moment this week and called Rachelle who talked her out of a snack she shouldn't have had! That's what this is all about, ladies....SUPPORT.

I was astounded to see that so many of you had actually taken us up on the weekly challenge of cutting out/cutting down on sodas and actually drinking more water! WAY TO GO!!!

It was so cool to hear all the different ideas that people have to make things easier for them when they go out to eat, Amy S. got an awesome book that was passed around, lots of different websites shared with the group and a cool app for anyone with an iPhone. Nicole A. talked about one of the great websites that's on the sidebar (CalorieCount). Our eyes were opened.....V E R Y W I D E to what fair food had to offer. Wow. I couldn't believe the stats for those things! Makes you think twice about putting that in your body, doesn't it? I know it did me.

Our Weekly Challenge #2....Do something active 3 days this week. If you are normally active, do something a little bit more. If you usually walk for 30min, increase your walk to 45min, etc. You know what I'm talking about! Get out there and work it, girls!!!

I did my first workout this evening after the meeting with Johnna. Whoa. She's tough. It sucked, but it was great. Did that make any sense?! LOL! I strongly urge everyone to try the workout at least once during the next 10 weeks.

Well, here's to an AMAZING 2nd meeting! I can not wait to see what next week brings!!!

Question of the week, First Meeting

Wow! The turn out for the meeting last night was unbelievable! There was so much energy in the room. I just know that with the motivation and support of the group, we will do amazing things during the next 12 weeks! Anytime you are feeling discouraged, reach for a friend to support you. Be sure to also reflect on the journey others shared with you last night and let them be your inspiration. Audrey and Stephanie both shared inspiration as well as some obstacles they had to overcome. Way to go girls! It’s all about the journey!

Here’s your question of the week, asked by one of the group members. Please be sure to make a comment on this blog for all to see, and you can post anonymously if you prefer. We are all busy women, and it is difficult to cook healthy all of the time with our busy schedules. What is your suggestion for a quick and healthy meal to eat when we are on the run and do not have the time to cook a meal? What tips do you have to make sure there are healthy options within reach, so you are not tempted to reach for the highly processed, high fat, and empty calorie items that are so temptingly easy to reach for?


Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you.
Aaron Douglas Trimble