Free online diet, exercise and behavioral program from iVillage.com
"Losing weight consistently tops New Year's resolution
lists, and this year will be no different. But with so many fads, gimmicks and
new weight-loss programs out there, it's tough for dieters to know what will
really work for them, and how to even take that first step," said Carla
Wojnaroski, Editor-in-Chief, iVillage Total Health. "The Supercharge Change for
Better Health Community Challenge will help dieters make the small changes that
will have a big impact on their habits and ultimately their health."
Last year with advice from expert diet and fitness coaches,
and daily support from Community members, iVillage helped participants lose a
staggering 558,536 pounds combined. Here are two success stories:
* Nancy Vienneau, 28, has lost 81.6 lbs.
since January 2007. Nancy decided to participate in the challenge last year
because she and her husband wanted to have a baby and avoid obesity-induced
fertility issues. "A combination of fear of public failure, the encouragement
and support of others, and my desperate desire to start a family have made this
possible for me," she said. She hopes to continue to lose another 100 pounds to
reach her ultimate goal.
* Alicia Verburg,
another previous iVillage community challenge participant, credits her weight
loss to the help of the message boards. "I have lost 45 pounds in the past year
and a half and the Ultimate Weight Solution message board on iVillage has
played a large role in keeping me focused and giving me the support I've needed
to lose the weight," she said.
This year's Supercharge Challenge encourages participants to
make diet, exercise and behavioral changes that leading nutrition and fitness
experts say have the biggest impact on weight loss and overall health by
providing innovative, handpicked, "supercharged" solutions. Dr.
Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS will share ways to supercharge eating, while
celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins will keep participants on track with fitness
routines that have big results. Once the challenge is over, participants will
have developed new, healthy habits to help them keep off the extra pounds.
Meanwhile, supermodel and body-image guru Emme will support each participant's
inner transformation.
Additionally, iVillage Community support is, as always, a
major component. Challenge mentors (members who have successfully lost weight
through support from the iVillage community) will be available to answer
questions, offer motivation and share how they achieved success. Daily assignments
will encourage participants to reach out to their community, mentors and
coaches for motivation, inspiration and advice.
Daily challenge emails will also share cutting-edge strategies to help participants feel fuller on fewer calories, superfoods that speed up weight loss, tips on how to boost calorie burn during a workout and avoiding diet "frenemies," and the best ways to dress for your body shape. The Healthy Living Program is the challenge's free personal weight-loss tool and offers flexible food and exercise plans that users can customize for their own weight-loss goals and needs, including shopping lists, healthy recipes, and illustrated exercise instruction.
Read more:
iVillage Supercharge Change for Better Health Community Challenge
