Discovery 2006 Health Challenge

[justmarvi]

Any of you guys doing this challenge? It can be done individually or as a group.

http://health.discovery.com/converge...6/faq/faq.html

[vessel of prayer]

Man I live too far away for anything. I wouldve joined!!!

[justmarvi]

I don't live near a Bally's either but we can still join and submit our weight, I just might do it, I think they give us all the other info and maybe a dvd?

Sheila, I love your new ava, you are so pretty!

[vessel of prayer]

TY Marva... the challenge, don't we have to weigh in at a certain place? Or can we do it at home. You see now I just skimmed the article!

[justmarvi]

I think that's mainly for the free Bally membership, think we can still join. I'll go read more on it too.

[zeraspride]

I'm interested but don't have time to get over there right now and read the article. Marva (our fearless leader) if you can get the info and relay it to us, I'm game to join in!

[redqueen]

I read the info and actually tried to register, but the link wouldn't work. I'll try again later. I think it will be fun. I will remain on South Beach instead of their diet, but I'll bet I can learn a lot!

[justmarvi]

I'm thinking I would learn too Chris.......looks like if we registered as a group, one would need emails?

Here are the FAQ and Answers.

We've received lots of questions about the return of the Discovery Health Channel National Body Challenge. Here are some answers you might be looking for:

Q: What is the National Body Challenge?

A: The Discovery Health Channel's National Body Challenge is a FREE eight-week, comprehensive fitness and weight-loss challenge that provides the tools and inspiration, online and on television, to get in shape, shed extra pounds and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Open to individuals, groups and families, the National Body Challenge offers the flexibility for participants to make the right choices to meet their personal nutrition and fitness goals.


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Q: When is the Challenge?

A: The Challenge begins on Jan. 14, 2006, and continues for eight weeks, ending on March 11, 2006. Online registration opens Dec. 30. Interested participants can register for the National Body Challenge at Discovery Health Channel Online anytime during the eight weeks.


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Q: Who can join the National Body Challenge?

A: Discovery Health's National Body Challenge is open to individuals, families and groups. Any U.S. resident over the age of 8 is eligible to participate. Parents are required to enroll children between the ages of 8 and 12. Parental consent is required for anyone under the age of 18.


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Q: Does it cost anything to join?

A: Not a thing! Discovery Health Channel is offering all the benefits of the National Body Challenge at no cost.


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Q: How can I participate in the National Body Challenge?

A: Beginning Dec. 30, all interested participants should go to Discovery Health Channel Online to register for the National Body Challenge. Once registered, participants can choose to weigh in online OR schedule an appointment online to weigh in at one of six mall kick-off celebration events on Jan. 14 or Jan. 15. Appointments in malls are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can only be made at Discovery Health Channel Online.

There are six mall kick-off celebration events on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, located in Brea Mall, Brea, Calif.; North Point Mall, Alpharetta, Ga.; Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Ill.; Westfield Montgomery, Bethesda, Md.; Roosevelt Field, Garden City, N.Y.; and Willowbrook Mall, Houston, Texas.


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Q: What will I get if I join?

A: All registered National Body Challenge participants will receive access to our online customized meal plan, a personalized activity and weight tracker, extensive information from doctors and health and fitness experts, a free eight-week membership to Bally Total Fitness*, online recipes, special savings from Discovery Channel Stores and more.

*The eight-week Bally Total Fitness pass is only available until Jan. 17, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and is effective from Jan. 14, 2006, through March 11, 2006.


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Q: If I sign up with my kids, will the National Body Challenge offer health and fitness information geared toward teenagers and children age 8 and older?

A: The National Body Challenge Web site provides nutrition and fitness tools and information developed by experts and designed to be customized to the average individual age 8 and over. In addition, the NATIONAL BODY CHALLENGE television special will inspire teenagers and tweens to stay on track by sharing the hurdles and successes of children in four families as they work together with their families to achieve their personal health goals.
The program was created in partnership with the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, and under the advisement of Dr. Lydie Hazan, a licensed pediatrician specializing in childhood obesity. We encourage participants to seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions.




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Q: Will I really lose weight on the National Body Challenge?

A: The National Body Challenge is designed to help you lose weight if you are currently overweight. Individual results will vary. It is recommended to lose around one to two pounds per week, for safe, healthy, maintainable weight loss. When starting any new healthy eating and exercise regimen, weight loss may occur faster initially, but should slow to a steady one to two pounds per week until the desired weight is achieved. To read about successful past participants, see the "Success Stories" section of the National Body Challenge Web site.


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Q: Is there a National Body Challenge Sweepstakes?

A: Registrants age 13 and older will automatically be entered in the National Body Challenge Instant-Win game. National Body Challenge participants who update the "Weight and Activity Tracker" will have the chance to win a new prize each week of the Challenge. For the official rules, go to Discovery Health Channel Online. Parental consent is required for registrants between 13 and 18 years of age.
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Q: How do I register for a group?

A: Beginning Dec. 30, go to Discovery Health Channel Online to register for the National Body Challenge. Once registered as an individual, participants will be prompted to set up a group and will need to create a group name. Registrants can invite friends and family to join the group through a National Body Challenge e-mail.


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Q: Can I join more than one group?

A: A National Body Challenge participant can spread their support by joining multiple groups. Discovery Health Channel encourages participants to engage their family and friends in the Challenge. Participating in groups helps increase motivation and provides a community of support.


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Q: If I wasn’t able to register and/or weigh in by Jan. 15, can I still participate in the National Body Challenge?

A: Consumers can register and weigh in online anytime during the Challenge and take advantage of many of the same benefits.* Log on to Discovery Health Channel Online to register.

*The eight-week Bally Total Fitness pass is only available until Jan. 17, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and is effective from Jan. 14, 2006, through March 11, 2006. We encourage participants to visit Discovery Health Channel Online to access fitness tips and video, expert advice and our customizable diet and fitness tool.


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Q: Can I participate in the National Body Challenge while nursing or pregnant?

A: As with any diet and fitness plan, we recommend that you seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.


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Q: Can residents outside of the U.S participate in the Challenge?

A: The National Body Challenge is designed for U.S. residents age 8 and over. We encourage all adults to go online to Discovery Health Channel Online for the latest information on health and fitness. Unfortunately, we are not able to expand National Body Challenge registration to residents outside of the U.S. due to various international rules and regulations.


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Q: What is the deadline to make a weigh-in appointment?

A: Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 30, interested participants can register for the National Body Challenge at Discovery Health Channel Online. Once registered, participants have until Thursday, Jan. 12, at 9 p.m. ET, to schedule or change an appointment online to weigh in at one of six mall kick-off celebration events on Jan. 14 or Jan. 15.

If unable to make an appointment to weigh in at a participating mall kick-off celebration event, consumers can weigh in from the comfort of their own home and take advantage of virtually the same benefits enjoyed by those who attend a weigh-in event, including the free eight-week membership to Bally Total Fitness* and free online diet and fitness resources. Online registration will remain open throughout the Challenge. Log onto Discovery Health Channel Online to register.

*The eight-week Bally Total Fitness pass is only available until Jan. 17, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and is effective from Jan. 14, 2006, through March 11, 2006. We encourage participants to log onto Discovery Health Channel Online to access fitness tips and video, expert advice and our customizable diet and fitness tool.


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Q: Do you need to make an appointment in order to participate in the weigh-in at a mall kick-off celebration event?

A: We encourage all participants to schedule an appointment online. By making an appointment, we can ensure enough time for each participant to step on a scale with minimal waiting time. If a participant does not make an appointment and attends a weigh-in event, we will do our best to accommodate them; however, we cannot guarantee that they will be accommodated in our weigh-in circuit. Note, most activities are open to everyone and an appointment is not necessary outside of the weigh-in and waist measurement.

If unable to make an appointment to weigh in at a participating mall kick-off celebration event, consumers can weigh in from the comfort of their own home and take advantage of virtually the same benefits enjoyed by those who attend a weigh-in event, including the free eight-week membership to Bally Total Fitness* and free online diet and fitness resources. Online registration will remain open throughout the Challenge. Log onto Discovery Health Online to register.

*The eight-week Bally Total Fitness pass is only available until Jan. 17, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and is effective from Jan. 14, 2006, through March 11, 2006. We encourage participants to log onto Discovery Health Online to access fitness tips and video, expert advice and our customizable diet and fitness tool.

[justmarvi]

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Q: Where are the weigh-in events?

A: There are six mall kick-off celebration events on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, located in Brea Mall, Brea, Calif.; North Point Mall, Alpharetta, Ga.; Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Ill.; Westfield Montgomery, Bethesda, Md.; Roosevelt Field, Garden City, N.Y.; and Willowbrook Mall, Houston, Texas.


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Q: Why is my Discovery Channel Stores not participating as a weigh-in event?

A: The majority of 2005 National Body Challenge participants preferred to participate fully online. As a response to last year’s Challenge and in an effort to streamline the weigh-in process and ensure the most positive consumer experience, weigh-in events will be held exclusively at six participating malls* across the country.

*There are six mall kick-off celebration events on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, located in Brea Mall, Brea, Calif.; North Point Mall, Alpharetta, Ga.; Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Ill.; Westfield Montgomery, Bethesda, Md.; Roosevelt Field, Garden City, N.Y.; and Willowbrook Mall, Houston, Texas.


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Q: Can I weigh in at a mall kick-off celebration event if I’m disabled?

A: The National Body Challenge is open to individuals looking to adopt a healthier way of living. For interested disabled participants, we ask that you bring a friend or family member to assist in the weigh-in process, as the event staff is not able to physically assist anyone weighing in.


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Q: What happens if the kick-off celebration event I registered for is cancelled due to bad weather?

A: Kick-off celebration events will be cancelled only if the mall closes due to bad weather. If unable to make an appointment to weigh in at a participating mall kick-off celebration event, consumers can weigh in from the comfort of their own home and take advantage of virtually the same benefits enjoyed by those who attend a weigh-in event, including the free eight-week membership to Bally Total Fitness* and free online diet and fitness resources. Online registration will remain open throughout the Challenge. Log onto Discovery Health Channel Online to register.

*The eight-week Bally Total Fitness pass is only available until Jan. 17, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and is effective from Jan. 14, 2006, through March 11, 2006. We encourage participants to log onto Discovery Health Channel Online to access fitness tips and video, expert advice and our customizable diet and fitness tool.


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Q: There is no Bally Total Fitness location near me – what do I do?

A: Discovery Health Channel went to great lengths to make all elements of the National Body Challenge available to all participating consumers. However, there are select markets that do not include a Bally Total Fitness location. We encourage participants in those markets to log onto Discovery Health Channel Online to access fitness tips and video, expert advice and our customizable diet and fitness tool.


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Q: Will participants who register and weigh in after Jan. 15 still receive a free eight-week trial membership to Bally Total Fitness?

A: Discovery Health Channel went to great lengths to make all elements of the National Body Challenge available to all participating consumers. However, the eight-week Bally Total Fitness pass is only available until Jan. 17, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and is effective from Jan. 14, 2006, through March 11, 2006. We encourage participants to log onto Discovery Health Channel Online to access fitness tips and video, expert advice and our customizable diet and fitness tool. Participants can also find fitness and healthy lifestyle programming on FitTV.


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Q: What is the National Body Challenge television special?

A: The National Body Challenge television special airs Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, and is designed to inspire participants to stay on track to reach their personal health goals. The two-part series takes an in-depth look at obesity in America by following the physical and emotional journeys of four families as they work together to achieve their weight loss goals and lead a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Pamela Peeke and Dr. Lydie Hazan, along with Bally Total Fitness trainers, work with each family to keep them motivated and on target to reach their goals and change their lives.


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Q: How can I be sure that National Body Challenge Meal Plan is a healthy program?

A: The National Body Challenge Meal Plan is developed by an advisory board made up of recognized leaders in the fields of medicine, health and fitness. We encourage interested participants to seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions.


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Q: How much weight will I lose on the meal plan?

A: The National Body Challenge meal plan is designed to help you lose weight if you are currently overweight. It is recommended to lose around one to two pounds per week, for safe, healthy, maintainable weight loss. When starting any new healthy eating and exercise regimen, weight loss may occur faster initially, but should slow to a steady one to two pounds per week until the desired weight is achieved.


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Q: What happens if I gain weight on the meal plan?

A: It is recommended to weigh yourself regularly (at least once a week) to closely monitor what is happening with your body. If you begin gaining weight on a regular basis, you can drop to a lower calorie intake by choosing lower calorie snacks, eliminating snacks, or decreasing portion sizes within each meal.


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Q: How do I maintain my current healthy weight on this plan?

A: The menus encourage you to consume a wide variety of whole grains, plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Therefore, following this plan allows you to maintain your current weight while still making positive dietary changes.


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Q: What recommendations and guidelines is the meal plan based on?

A: The meal plan is based on the most recent 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These guidelines were determined by using the best scientifically based studies currently available. The meal plan focus is on making healthy choices, so that you get the most nutrition out of the calories you consume.


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Q: Can I follow the meal plan in conjunction with Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or other diet plans?

A: This plan is designed to be a lifelong nutrition plan. If you are attempting to lose weight and are currently following another diet plan that you have had success with, then you should stick with the current plan. Research suggests that the biggest determinant of weight loss is not a specific diet per se, but adherence to a single plan. The National Body Challenge menus can be used to give you different ideas for meals or snacks; increasing the variety of your diet can help you obtain a myriad of nutrients that could otherwise not be obtained when limiting your food choices.


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Q: Can I follow the meal plan if I have special dietary needs or health concerns?

A: This plan is not devised to meet the needs of individuals with special dietary requirements. It is recommended to follow the advice of your personal physician and registered dietitian if you have special needs, food allergies, or a chronic illness, such as celiac disease. It can be printed and shown to your physician or dietitian to determine if the plan would work in your situation.


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Q: Can my entire family follow the meal plan?

A: Healthy eating should be a part of every family. This plan was designed with individuals of all ages in mind. There are surely some preferences that may be unique to different members of the family, so making sensible adjustments (e.g., steamed carrots vs. steamed broccoli) would make sense.


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Q: How is this plan different from other diet plans?

A: This plan is based on real foods and common foods. It is not a diet per se, but rather an overall healthy lifestyle plan. It is based on the most recent dietary guidelines to incorporate a variety of healthy whole foods.


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Q: If I skip meals, is it OK to fill in with the snacks offered on the plan?

A: It is OK as long as you are meeting your caloric requirements and the snack foods being selected are fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber, quality foods. It is not encouraged to meet your caloric requirements by eating chips, candies, etc. Keep in mind, though, that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; it's not only important for overall health, but studies have shown that those who eat breakfast regularly successfully achieve weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as perform better physically and mentally! So always remember to eat something healthy soon after waking up.


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[vessel of prayer]

Are you going to sign us up as a group? I think it would be cool.

JMO
Sheila

[justmarvi]

I will if everyone wants to, I'll need your email address as it's sent out through their site when the group is setup. see below. I'm not sure that enough are interested?

Q: How do I register for a group?

A: Beginning Dec. 30, go to Discovery Health Channel Online to register for the National Body Challenge. Once registered as an individual, participants will be prompted to set up a group and will need to create a group name. Registrants can invite friends and family to join the group through a National Body Challenge e-mail.

[redqueen]

Marva, I'll join in. If we get some other takers, I'll pm my email.

Okay girls, any one else??

[justmarvi]

Sheila wants to Chris.......anyone else?

[guiltydragonfly]

I'm on there (Discovery body challenge) as well (as "guiltyspeeding"). It gives decent tips on stretches, workout regimes. They have a diet as well but it's LOADED with carbs...ooopppsss.