Weight loss contests are a great way to get motivated to lose weight. They provide social support, the added incentive of a public commitment and give you extra added incentive of a final date and possible prize (sometimes worth thousands of dollars).
But the question everybody wants to know is 'How do I win?'
Well, to win a weight loss contest there are a couple of things you absolutely MUST do.
1) Take good Before pictures.
Keep them honest as everyone can spot a fake. Don't use bad lighting,
don't wear clothing that's too tight to emphasize your body fat. Just take a nice clear picture.
2) Follow Eat Stop Eat.
The majority of winners in Craig Ballantyne's wildly successful Turbulence Training Transformation Contests have all used Eat Stop Eat. It's an easy diet that helps you lose weight while still enjoying the foods you eat.
3) Don't fall for any of the crazy over complicated gimmicks.
Most of the nutrition advice on line serves one purpose - too make you feel dumb so you will turn to 'experts' for advice. Don't bother with carb cycling, planning night time protein fixes or any other nutrition shenanigans. Eat less, but enjoy the foods you eat.
4) Lift Weights.
And do it often. Lifting weights will prevent you from losing
muscle while you are dieting. You need to be consistent with your weight training program to get results. Lift heavy, lift often.
5) Don't bother with cardio, or fancy cutting exercises.
They most likely won't do anything to help you. Just focus on building
muscle during the process. THis will ultimately help you lose body fat.
6) Move more.
This doesn't mean go to the gym and do cardio, but it does mean get out and go for a walk. Walking will help clear your mind, and may help with some of the soreness you are sure to develop from your weight training program.
7) Take it seriously.
You don't have to drastically change your life, but it does need to be a priority.
8) Take measurements to track your progress.
You should know your waist, chest, shoulders, hips, upper arms and upper legs circumferences as well as your weight. These measurements will help you track your progress. take all your measurements in the morning, in a fasted state, after you have gone to the washroom.
9) lastly, you need to prep for your final pictures.
Do what you need to do to make yourself look happy, fit and healthy. This may mean, buying a new bathing suit that fits, getting a haircut, shaving, waxing. Do what needs to be done.
Follow these tips and you should be well on your way to winning your first weight loss contest.
