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Home » Health Articles » Biggest Loser Diet Contest Craze

Biggest Loser – Diet Contest Craze

Many companies are not waiting until New Years Eve to make resolutions about their total health and wellness program and incorporating weight-loss competitions inspired by a popular TV shows such as "The Biggest Loser." Corporations are investing big dollars by assisting workers who are concerned about their waistlines. Employers are viewing this as a win-win situation by creating an opportunity to improve employee health, increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and lower health care costs.

From reading many testimonials employees have admitted that they were excited about the contest as they really didn't have the motivation and willpower necessary to lose weight on their own. Interestingly it seems the idea of a competition built a true camaraderie, team centered environment which kept the motivation and focus on their weight loss targets. Turns out some corporations are seeing extra benefits as it relates to the overall culture with enhanced teamwork and tenacity.

Apparently these contests have spurred the contestants to make radical changes to their eating and fitness habits which are even rubbing off on others. It appears, the most popular choice in the soda machine is sparkling water, and it's common for people to use the stairs instead of elevators and walk or run around the building at lunch.

As a Human Resources Director, Certified Professional and leader of my company's health and wellness program this initiative sparked my interest not only from a corporate perspective but also a personal one. I too have tried many diets and weight loss programs in the past, trying to lose those pesky pounds but slowly the pounds crept back, so I would try another one and then I was back at square one again

It is very tempting to be one of many companies incorporating this great idea and host a fad diet competition by using the latest magazine article that promises the world with fantastic fat losses, just take a couple of fat burning pills follow the diet and then wow, a brand new body in a few weeks!

The sad fact is fat diets don't work long term, so what does this mean? What would happen to morale and productivity? I asked myself, would this potentially spoil the short term gain and have a damaging effect on the culture and morale for the employee's long term?

This was a challenge for me and a great opportunity to find a total health and wellness program through nutrition and exercise and reap the rewards long term rather than just a quick fix. My company sponsors fitness and exercise through at our local gym so my research focused on uncovering a nutritional program that is safe and natural. After months of searching I was introduced to doctor recommended total health and wellness system that focuses on cleansing and fat burning by releasing impurities that are accumulated over time in our bodies that are often stored in fat cells. When cleansing these impurities are naturally released along with the fat cells and excess water and in turn safely lose weight. With this information I decided to give it a try first. I have to report that my results have been absolutely amazing; I have dropped over 22 pounds and 29 inches, safely and naturally and to my surprise I have kept it off. This system has changed my life in understanding the importance of looking after my internal body and the best thing is I feel fantastic.

I encourage companies and individuals like mine to take advantage of my research and be cautious about be involved or incorporating Biggest Loser type contests as a band-aid approach and seek long-term results.

Through my 17 years of experience in Human Resources my intent is to raise awareness that improves organizations competitiveness through people. I encourage you to visit or click on this link http://www.drspeaksout.com/ to view a short video to educate those considering nutritional cleansing for a healthy, leaner and more vibrant life style.

And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Starting a Jewelry Business? Home Parties are a Great Way To Sell Your Work.

Home parties have been used successfully to sell everything from cookware to naughty nighties; most of these small businesses are part of a large, organized national franchise, but the home party concept is also a perfect way for local crafters to market their wares.

If you'd like to try home parties, you need a plan. First, take a look at your inventory of jewelry; do you have enough pieces, in a large enough variety, to hold a party? Think about having coordinating pieces - necklace or pendant, earrings, rings, and bracelets, in five or six different designs. Have enough pieces of each so that you can sell the items individually or in sets.

Once you've decided what you want to sell and how many items you to need to have for sale, set a timeline for yourself, based on how long it will take you to craft the items, and then schedule your first party. If you have a friend, family member, or coworker willing to host a party for you, that's great. Otherwise, put up flyers, along with copies of your business card, and send a press release to your local paper.

Fill your hostess in on how you plan to run the party, and make sure she lets her guests know that you plan to have the items for sale at the party. You may want to discuss her responsibilities; most home parties have light refreshments, and she'll need enough seating for all her guests, plus a clear tabletop for you to use as a display area.

During the party, make sure your jewelry is displayed attractively, and have inexpensive but attractive door prizes so that guests have an opportunity to win a small handcrafted item. It might be enough for you to display your work, but think about working up a presentation for each collection, and show it around to guests. Another good idea is to display a portfolio of high quality, color photos of more complex, expensive gifts for special ordering. And don't forget to collect the names of guests who are interested in hosting a jewelry party of their own!

You'll want to reward your hostess for having the party, so be sure you have a thank-you gift. You may want to allow the hostess to choose her favorite piece from your jewelry collection, or you may design a graduated gift selection, with the hostess gift based on the amount of money you make at the party.

If you know other crafters, consider offering to sell their craft items at the party for a commission. You may even want to create a small home party cooperative with several crafters, so you can each sell your own crafts and collect a commission on everyone else's work.

Certainly more traditional selling venues - flea markets and craft fairs, gift shops, even eBay - should also be pursued, but giving a series of home jewelry parties is a great way to connect with enthusiastic customers and possibly develop a real following for your jewelry.