Biggest Loser competition goes to Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Cheryl Wachenheim, 834th Aviation Support Battalion Medical Logistics officer, gets her waist measured by 1st Lt. Bryanna Thomes, 834th ASB medical officer, at the beginning of the Biggest Loser competition at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on Dec. 1.  

IRAQ

03.04.2009

Story by Spc. Jodi Krause 

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

"[I] had put on fifteen pounds since we mobilized, and decided I was too big for my britches," said participant SFC Scott MacDonald, Headquarters Support Company 834th Aviation Support Battalion.

With many Soldiers returning from deployments a few pounds heavier due to the dining facility, 834th ASB has put together a weight loss program modeled from the TV show "The Biggest Loser."

"The idea came from a lot of people approaching me for nutritional advice [it's what I do on the civilian side], and I had started to do one-on-one counseling and realized that there were many people coming into the TMC and approaching me for help," said 1LT Bryanna Thomes, B Co. 834th ASB TMC officer-in-charge.

The program, beginning Dec. 1, included weekly nutrition classes and workout sessions. Challenges were incorporated in classes, and the winners received pounds that were subtracted during the final weigh-in on March 1.

"The nutrition classes were every Sunday afternoon. The classes included the Food Guide Pyramid, portion control, hydration, supplements, healthy snacking, healthy choices, and food challenges," 1LT Thomes said. "In total we had 67 participants. There was usually around 10-20 participants in the classes."

The workout session, named "Boot Camp," were held every Monday and Wednesday evening. It was an hour long class filled with exercises commonly learned in Basic Training, always to include lunges, 1LT Thomes' favorite.

The March 1 weigh-ins will be scored on the percentage of weight lost in the three month period.

"The top three winners of this contest will be awarded a four day pass to Qatar regardless of whether they have gone on leave and/or pass since the deployment has started," said participant Pfc. Jack Pitney, HSC 834th ASB Unit Admin. of Columbia Heights, Minn.

Although there were only three prizes awarded, all of the participants benefitted something from the program.

"I've always been one to be up for a challenge. I had nothing but good things to gain from this competition," said participant MSG Daryl Tellinghuisen, HSC 834th ASB Operations Sgt. of Boone, Iowa. "I definitely feel better."

• Date Taken: 03.04.2009
• Date Posted: 03.20.2009 02:58
• Story ID: 31359
• Location: IQ