HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- During the months of September and October, DAF Civilian Health Promotion Services is challenging participants to get fit by making healthy changes to their lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity. This is a one-size-fits-all challenge that allows each participant to choose their goal, whether it be weight loss, muscle gain or healthy weight maintenance.
In today’s world, it can be difficult to look past the aesthetic motivations for losing weight. The web is full of fad diets and weight loss supplements that promise fast results. Unfortunately, these quick fixes all seem to end in the same way. They are not sustainable, and they do not make people happy in the long run. Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an obesity medicine clinician, states “the scale doesn't measure health, happiness, success, effort, or self-worth." While extrinsic motivation and those quick results can be great for kick-starting your weight loss journey, they are not likely to carry you through to the finish line.
How do we shift our focus?
When we find our intrinsic, our personal, motivation for reaching a goal, we can tap into a more sustainable and fulfilling source of motivation. You can achieve this by concentrating on internal factors such as beliefs, interests, and personal enjoyment instead of external pressures.
The Choose What You Lose Challenge was created to inspire you to find your why for weight management. Your why might be “I am going to lose weight to have more energy” or “I am going to start a new healthy habit to challenge myself.” The ultimate goal of this challenge is to find what drives you to persevere through life’s challenges.
Success in this challenge is all about you and is determined by your goal of either weight loss, gain, or maintenance. The classes taught will provide information on the basic principles of a healthy weight, including exercise ideas, nutrition guidelines, and how to keep your focus going past the end of the challenge.
To participate in the Choose What You Lose Challenge:
- Visit USAFwellness.com to enroll from September 1st – 29th.
- Print or screenshot your confirmation email and bring it to a CHPS check-in event between September 18th – 29th to weigh-in, choose your challenge goal, and receive a free long sleeve t-shirt. Check-In events are being held in Bldg. 90232 (HAWC) from 0700 – 0900.
- Attend one CHPS class between September 18th – October 27th. The class schedule is located on the USAFWellness.com site. Only one class is required to complete the challenge, but we encourage participants to join all five options! In-person and virtual sessions available.
- Attend a check-out event from October 30th – November 9th to weigh-out and receive your 40oz stainless steel tumbler with handle for the completion award. Check-out events are held in Bldg. 90232 (HAWC) from 0700 – 0900.
For more information, visit USAFwellness.com or contact Alison Foor at alison.n.foor.ctr@health.mil