Half-time and things are picking up. The total weight loss stands at an amazing 33.7 kg! I’ve encouraged you, you’ve encouraged each other and, in addition, your nearest and dearest have backed you to the hilt. Well, almost everyone – but not Sara who tried to persuade Sonja to eat a bit extra – bad girl!:) At the 3-week mark, we have already exceeded the amount of weight I’d expected you to lose in 6 weeks! An outstanding result, but the best thing is that you haven’t tired of either hamburgers or exercise. You’re like the most energetic of Duracell rabbits! An incredible achievement – there just aren’t enough words to describe it!!! You really don’t need much encouragement, but as promised, I’ve organised a step competition. I spoke to Maluwa today, and she’s providing a small prize for the winner! You’re a star, Maluwa!

TIME FOR A MINI-COMPETITION!

How many steps to you actually take per day? If you take at least 10,000 steps per day, you will continue to feel great in the future as well. Take me, for example: if I take the underground to and from work, walk to and from Max during the lunch break and use the stairs, I usually clock up 5,000 steps. That’s only half of what it ought to be. Obviously, if you have a job which involves staying on your feet and moving around, or if you are involved in some other form of exercise, you don’t need to worry about the impact of the pedometer reading on your future. But if you are not in this position, you must keep on the move to stay healthy.

The aim of the competition is to find out who takes the most steps between the morning of Monday 9 November and the following Sunday evening – the competition started yesterday, in other words. The daily number of steps and the total to be reported on the blog…. Honour and a small prize are at stake, and I will take part as well!

PS: Can anyone clock up 9,000 steps in an hour? That’s what my son did during a football training session. Maybe the ever-competitive Tina is crazy enough to try, but I don’t believe it’s possible.

/ Coach Johan

Everyone’s made a great effort to keep the momentum going. In total, you have lost an astonishing 27.4 kg! I’m so impressed by your attitude and your commitment to the task in hand. This is the key to your success. It’s so nice to see that you are encouraging each other – it is so much easier than going it alone. Has anyone in your family caught the bug yet? Are your better halves adopting a healthy approach, too?  My girlfriend may not eat more hamburgers than the average person, but she certainly eats more healthily now that she has the chance. No more cosy nights, since it probably isn’t as much fun to stuff yourself alone.

// Johan

The result for the first week is a joint weight loss of 18.3 kg! A fantastic result – equal to 18 litres of milk!!! Wow. Every one you has contributed to this success, and you really have given it 110% effort. It’s all about mind over matter, and you really have already demonstrated true commitment. I am so proud of your achievement, and you can all hold your heads up high – well done!

Pedometers!

The pages for the individual participants have also been updated with the results from the first week. Go on, have a look!

The pedometers have now arrived! Start keeping a record of the number of paces each day. We’ll turn it into a mini-competition. Great idea, or what?

// Johan

Check out the participants homepages have also been updated check them out!

Krister Enstjärna – “MinimizeYouKrister”
Mats Helgesson – “MinimizeYouMats”
Michael Ignberg – “MinimizeYouMichael”
Sonja Meksa – “MinimizeYouSonja”
Tina Maria Toft – “MinimizeYouTina”

/Johan

The issue of a start date has finally been settled – and it’s 19 October! Now all I have to do is select 5 individuals who will join me, and this hasn’t been easy. Naturally, I’d like to take everyone with me on this journey, but that’s impossible.

So I will spend the weekend sifting out the most devoted, ingratiating and those who have made serious attempts at buttering me up, he he. Joking aside, I am trying to find people from all parts of Sweden and all ages. Apply today!

Time flies! The summer is over and it’s back to work again. I wouldn’t change my job for the world, but it sure is tough to pick up the old routines again. I’m probably the only one who neglected my diet over the summer. I managed to stay away from fizzy drinks and fries, but the odd cheeseboard and a couple of glasses of wine got past my defences. And as for exercise – what’s that? I’ve been missing my bicycle and will haul it out for a clean-up over the weekend. It’s time to make a new effort and restart my efforts to keep my weight under control. And this time, I’ll have help. The applications are arriving fast, and I’m reading every single one.

A funny thing happened: Last Thursday, I met the nicest journalist in the world, and was talked into a photo shoot. It didn’t go very well, and I feel sorry for the photographer. I’ve extended the application period by a couple of weeks to give everyone the chance to take part. Imagine what a journey it will be, and free burgers are included!

Something funny happened while I was having my picture taken. An Italian walked up and asked what it was it was like to be a celebrity in Sweden…. Clearly the Swedish celebrity scene leaves a lot to be desired. Well, I might be slightly mad, and I hope you are, too. Apply today!

Things are coming together, but there’s still time to apply. I’m getting so excited about the start.

I’ve read all the applications and have responded to as many as possible. But I need a holiday, too! So send in your application today. I have no idea how I’m supposed to select 5 individuals dedicated to hamburgers – it won’t be an easy task!

It seems like others share my belief that this is a terrific idea, or at least good fun!

I’m throwing down the gauntlet and challenge you to sign up for the toughest challenge this autumn – MinimizeYou. For six weeks, you and four other selected individuals will follow my diet. Your coach for this challenge is none other than – me!

The person in the group who, in addition to losing weight, also manages to make the most improvement to his or her health will win a dream holiday for two in Thailand. The last application date is 8 September. For more information and to apply, click here >