September 12, 2012

Book review and giveaway

Sore doesn't even begin to describe how my body is feeling right now!

As I mentioned yesterday, I had an opportunity come up that made me extremely anxious. I was a nervous wreck all day, and was thisclose to canceling, but I realized I would really regret it if I did.

I was recently asked if I would like to review a book called Lose It Fast, Lose It Forever by Pete Thomas, who is the at-home winner of The Biggest Loser Season 2. He lost 185 pounds and has kept it off for 7 years! As you know, I am a huge Biggest Loser fan. I remembered Pete very well, and was really excited to have the opportunity to read and review his book. (The book will be on shelves Sept. 17th)

While I was waiting for the book to arrive, I even re-watched his season of the show, to refresh my memory. Pete was the kind of BL contestant that I like--quiet, not super dramatic, and did what he was told by the trainers. He started on the ranch at 418 pounds; went home after week 7, weighing 318 pounds; and at the finale, he weighed in at 216 pounds (he's 6'5"--very tall!).

Lose It Fast, Lose It Forever is marketed as "A 4-Step Permanent Weight-Loss Plan". Normally, I despise diet books, but because Pete has kept the weight off for so long, I really wanted to see if I could learn something new. In a nutshell, the book is about how Pete lost the weight, including some insider tips from the ranch; and more importantly, how he changed his whole lifestyle to keep the weight off. He details the diet and exercise changes we can use to lose weight "fast and forever".

Rather than give a detailed account of the book itself, I thought I'd share some points in the book that I found really interesting because they are strategies I used myself. I found that Pete and I had very similar strategies and ideas during our weight loss, which helped me feel like maybe I'm on the right track after all ;)

First, he stresses throughout the book that you need to tailor a plan just for you. You should make it fit with your goals and your situation, and he walks you through that. I am always stressing that same point--what works for me, might not work for you. What worked for Pete may not work for me... and so on. We are all individuals, so we have to find what works for us.

Pete wrote, "I was willing to give my all to get healthy again."  Pete had that determination that I always stress is more important than motivation. He was willing to do whatever it took to lose the weight.

Pete lost the weight by counting calories and exercise. That's exactly what I did. He lost it much faster because he was working out, oh, about ten times more than I was ;)

My very favorite similarity in our journeys? Pete writes: "My number one principle of nutrition is: Never, ever, EVER start a diet that you can't maintain for the rest of your life." I am ALWAYS saying that my best advice is to only make changes that you are willing to live with forever. He states, "You have to be able to stick with the diet in any and all circumstances for it to be long-term."

There are many more similarities, but I won't be redundant by listing all of them. Overall, I was really impressed with Lose It Fast, Lose It Forever. I love that it stresses tailoring the diet to your own life. Pete gives some great tips that even I was able to learn from. Pete doesn't say to give up any of your favorite foods, or cut out whole food groups. I think his plan is a very do-able way to lose weight.

I found it very interesting how he discusses in the exercise section about how often you should work out. He gives examples of how much you can expect to lose based on how often you work out. To achieve Biggest Loser Ranch-type results, you'd have to work out for 4 hours a day!
I really enjoyed the book, and I'm definitely going to give the workouts a try (more details about the workouts are below). And lucky for one of you, you can win a copy of Pete's book as well!! Just leave a comment on this post, and I will enter you in a random drawing. I will select a winner on Friday, Sept. 14th at 10:00 a.m. EST.--GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED.

I was really surprised to see that Pete actually lives in Ann Arbor, MI--which is where I go to Whole Foods! When I finished reading the book, I decided to send him an e-mail and see if he might meet me for coffee or something to ask him a couple of interview questions for the blog.

He wrote me back, and actually suggested that I go to his boot camp class. *Cue anxiety*. I knew it was a great opportunity, but I have only done a class ONCE (something with Jessica at the YMCA), and it did not go well. I'm terrible at stuff like that! Also, the "fat girl" inside of me kept saying, "You can't do that class! You won't be able to keep up. Everyone will stare at you. That's too hard for you." Etc, etc. I know that's a terrible way to think, but that's honestly what goes through my mind.

I invited my friend Adam to come with me, and he said that he's seen Pete lots of times working out at the gym in Ann Arbor, and that he's super friendly. Adam didn't want to go with me (I couldn't sucker ANY of my friends into doing it with me!). I spent all day yesterday thinking of excuses I could come up with to not go. But I decided that I needed to do it, to at least say I tried it.

I had to bring a mat, towel, "lots of water", and dumbbells. I chose my 8-lb dumbbells to bring. There were about 20-25 people that showed up, and about 8 of us were "newbies". The "veterans" had gone through his boot camps before. At first, all the newbies stayed in the gym while the veterans went outside with Pete's trainers. Pete stayed in the gym with us for the warm-up.

The warm-up was tough! I actually was pouring sweat. Most of the exercises were ones that I did on the Wii Active challenge--and thank God for that, because if I hadn't done that challenge I would have had a MUCH harder time during the workout. We did lots of lunges, squats, squat holds, butt kicks, push-ups, etc.

After the "warm-up", which left me exhausted, we went outside with the veterans. We started the circuits (the specifics about the circuit training is all in Pete's book). He does what he calls ABC circuits--A is for "above the waist", things like bicep curls, lateral raises, and push-ups; B is for "below (or at) the waist, things like squats, squat jumps, and sit-ups; C is for "cardio", things like jumping jacks, sprints, mountain climbers, etc.

You do an ABC (each exercise for one minute) and then go through those three exercises three times. Then you switch up the exercises and do it all over again. We went through four sets of exercises, and I felt like I was going to DIE by the end. The workout was two hours in total, and my arms and legs were so tired they were shaking. My least favorite exercise was the mountain climbers. I wanted to scream when I saw we had to do them yet AGAIN. I can totally see how people get pissed and just lose it when they are working out on The Biggest Loser ;)

My strengths were actually squats and lunges (yay, Wii Active!) but I really sucked at push-ups and sit-ups. When it was finally over, I got a chance to chat with Pete. I asked him to sign my book, of course, which he did:
Pete was SO nice, and answered all of my questions. He actually stayed after class for an hour to talk with me, and I learned so much from him. He is very genuine in wanting to help people lose weight. He said that the reason he waited so long to write a book is to make sure that he "got it" and had some accountability to help others lose the weight and keep it off. He doesn't even doubt anymore that he will keep the weight off, which is a place I am hoping to get to someday!

I cannot believe I forgot to do this, but I didn't take a single picture while I was there!! I at least wanted to get a picture with Pete, but I didn't think about it until after I'd left. What kind of blogger forgets to take a picture in that situation?!

This post is long enough, so tomorrow I will write all about my conversation with Pete and some refreshing info I learned from him. I'm so happy that I didn't chicken out about going, and I really wish that I lived closer to Ann Arbor so I could do his entire series of classes! By the way, the classes are for people of all abilities--it was tough, but Pete helps to modify exercises if needed.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

(In full disclosure, I was sent a copy of Pete's book for free to review, but all opinions are my own.)

317 comments:

  1. I would love to read his book! :)

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  2. I would love to read the book!

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  3. Oh so cool!! Would love the book, as I am on my journey to health and fitness as well. And, I love all things Biggest Loser!

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  4. Courtney BarnoskieSeptember 12, 2012

    I want to win this book!!

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  5. That is SO COOL!!! I actually kind of met him at the Crim race in Flint on August 25th!!! He was running it and came up from behind me and a few of my Crim training group members and said that he loved the saying on the backs of our shirts and gave us all high fives before running ahead of us. I started shaking one of my group members and 'scream whispering' HE WAS ON THE BIGGEST LOSER!!! lol BTW...the backs of our shirts said "Its still 10 miles no matter how long it takes!" : ) Looking forward to your post tomorrow.

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  6. Ugh I just checked the library for this book and they don't have it :( Never mind I'll keep looking for it!

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    1. It doesn't hit shelves until the 17th! Try again later ;).

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  7. Awesome! I wish I could start breaking out of my comfort zone more often...I've always been introverted, and I have really bad anxiety as well so even going to the grocery store can be a struggle some days. I could NEVER go to a gym and work out in public!

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  8. Good job for going!! Sounds like a good book!

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  9. The book sounds fascinating!I would love to read it.

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  10. I'm close enough to drop in his class; I might have to check it out!

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  11. How cool! I also would have been terrified.

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  12. What a great opportunity -- good for you for going and quieting all the crappy self-talk. We say things to ourselves that we would never say to another. You'd never tell a friend, "What's wrong you with? You'd never be able to keep up! Everyone will stare at you!" but we say it to ourselves over and over again. I love that you're honest about it; helps me see that I can overcome the negative talk, too.

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  13. I really enjoyed your book review, the book sounds awesome! I guess since you forgot to take a picture you'll have to go do the class again!

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  14. I would love to read his book!! :)

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  15. His book sounds awesome & I'd love to read it!

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  16. Brittany SueSeptember 12, 2012

    I would love to read that book! :)

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  17. That's so cool you went to his class.
    I would love to read his book.
    Jennifer Bass

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  18. Sounds like a great book and love reading inspirational books and blogs to stay motivated.

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  19. Sounds like a great book that I'd love to read!

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  20. What a great opportunity for you! I would love to read his book.

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  21. That is awesome you got to attend one of his classes. i would love to read the book

    Rhea
    rdenee at gmail.com

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  22. Sounds like a great read! Good for you for leaving your comfort zone!

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  23. What a cool experience! I'm glad you went to the class.

    Sometimes I feel like such a slacker since its taken me 2 years to loose 50lbs and I still have 60 left to loose. I'd love to read his book and see about him putting his "pedal to the metal" so to speak!

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  24. I'd love to get my hands on a copy of his book!

    Thanks to all your posts about watching the Biggest Loser while on the treadmill, I got the idea to watch the old seasons while I was doing housework. I realized that I'm actually a big fan of Jillian and not so big on Bob anymore; I'd love to see a season with Jillian and Dolvette as trainers!

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  25. I'd love to read his book, also what gym? I'm about a half hour from there.

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  26. I would love to read the book, too. I'm always looking for new inspiration and perspectives :)

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  27. I'd love to read this book! You are such an inspiration and hopefully we can all read your book someday :)

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  28. wow. so jealous that you got to take his class. those types of classes always seem like such a good workout, I'm usually just too chicken to sign up.

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  29. Oh I would love to read his book, even if I don't win. :) I am anxious to hear more about your Weight Watchers experience also, I joined 3 weeks ago after reading Mary's blog also! I have already lost almost 4 lbs. after feeling pretty crappy and almost giving up. I try to look at the points like a game and it really helps! Good luck and I love your blog!!

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  30. Cheryl (in Buffalo)September 12, 2012

    He sounds super inspiring, and that is definitely what I could use right now, so I hope that the random draw picks me to win the book!!!

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  31. I'd LOVE to read the book! I'm always looking for tips on working out/dieting. I love your blog btw!

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  32. How inspiring! I would love to read the book. :)

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  33. What an awesome opporturnity for you!

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  34. I love Biggest Loser and would love to read this book!

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  35. Sheri MontgomerySeptember 12, 2012

    I am so glad that you did not back out of this opportunity. What an awesome experience. I hate exercise and wouldnt have wanted to go either. But I would have hated the regret of not going more. I joined a gym sex months ago and hired a personal trainer to help me stay motivated and accountable. This is WAY outside of my comfort zone. But, I am developing discipline and perseverance (and muscle tone!).

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  36. Would love it !! If not I will buy it. Looking forward to the post on your conversation.

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  37. This book sounds great! What other books do you recommend?

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  38. His approach sounds great! I'd love to learn more!

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  39. I would love a chance to win this book - it makes my "must read" list

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  40. Sounds like a great book!

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  41. I would be very interested in reading this book.

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  42. BEYOND cool that you got to meet him! Pete has to be one of my favorites from Biggest Loser. Love his idea of the ABC workouts! Thank you for the giveaway chance!

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  43. Love the Biggest Loser, would love to read the book!

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  44. I remember Pete! I really liked him on the Biggest Loser. How exciting for you that you had the chance to take his class and talk to him. Yay! :)

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  45. That book sounds awesome! Even if I don't win, I'll have to look for it.

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  46. So glad you went! Plus it's good for you to switch it up a little. Your body was probably like "whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis!?" Glad it was a good experience for you!

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  47. Incredible I would love that book!! I'm not too far from Ann arbor about 45 min I might have to look into his class :)

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  48. How exciting!!! Great job with the workout! It shoulds like you did amazing! Definitely want to read his book now!

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  49. Sounds like a good book! And sounds like you had a great time even by yourself! Nive job!

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  50. Great inspiration! Would love to win.

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  51. MinnesotaKellySeptember 12, 2012

    This book sounds awesome! I really want to read it (especially some of the "secrets" from the ranch!) :)

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  52. I would love to win this book! Thanks!
    amandarwest atgmaildotcom

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  53. Love Biggest Loser and I loved Pete! Would love to read this book!

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  54. I am a huge fan of the biggest loser and would love to read his book!

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  55. I would love to read that book. I'm intrigued to read more about the workout section as the 1-2 pounds a week would be the same level of weight loss as the 1% a week.

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  56. I would love to read his book!

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  57. I would love to read this. Will have to look for it (unless of course, I win!)

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  58. that is so cool and i feel sore just reading about it! I'd love to win! here's hoping!

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  59. I would love to read the book :)

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  60. Awesome I would love to read his book and meet either of you! 35 pounds and counting...

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  61. I want to read Pete's book!

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  62. So impressed you did the class!
    http://www.shilohstaste.com

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  63. Hi Katie! I am just like you in that I just can't seem to lose those last few pounds and keep them off. I think this book would really help!

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  64. Definitely interesting in reading his book! Congrats on making it to the class and not letting your anxiety get the best of you! :)

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  65. that is so awesome. I remember him from BL also. He was definitely a fav.

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  66. I would love this book!

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  67. I am not a big BL fan but need to find that place to be to lose weight. I would like to read his book.

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  68. I love learning ways to lose weight from people who have been there and gone through the struggles. I would love to read his story.

    Collette

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  69. Oh Yeah... would LOVE to win this book!

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  70. Sounds super interesting. Would LOVE to read it! I hope I'm the lucky # :D

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  71. Sounds like a fantastic book and for those who are ready to be "hard core" about their lifestyle.

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  72. I am a biggest loser fan as well. Would love to read book!

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  73. Would love to read his book! Seven years of keeping the weight off is amazing. I hope I can say that one day.

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  74. Wow, what a an fabulous opportunity for you...the class, the book, all you gleaned from him, etc. etc. Very cool. And thanks so much for sharing the info with us, and giving us a shot at winning the book. Even if I don't win, I'm really wanting to buy this one--sounds amazing!
    Thanks again!

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  75. It's nice to know that Pete is so nice. I've seen him in the Whole Foods by my house and was always to nervous to say Hi to him. Next time I'll have to get brave and say Hi. I've thought about trying his bootcamp but again am too nervous to join.

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  76. What an awesome opportunity! And good for you for conquering your fear and going anyway! That must feel pretty awesome. :)

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  77. Sounds like you had an amazing time. Your such an inspiration. I love reading your blog every evening. I can't wait to see if I win the book!:)

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  78. What a cool experience! Just another thing the "old" you would have never done! I just finished watching his season on Netflix and just love him. The book sounds interesting, I am sure it is a great read.

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  79. Sounds like a great book to read! I would love to have a copy.

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  80. Very cool! I would love to see what he has to say!

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  81. I love Biggest Loser! Would love to read this book!

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  82. this book looks pretty awesome!

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  83. I'm just starting on my weight loss journey. Just 28 lbs down. And this sounds like what I need. I'd love to read it

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  84. I would love to read that book!

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  85. Way to go Katie! I TOTALLY get the whole "I can't do this" mentality! I'm SO glad you got past it and tried the bootcamp! I've been thinking of trying zumba because it looks like SO much fun, but I am a MAJOR chicken. I don't want to be the fat chick who falls over and takes out three people! LOL

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  86. I was so motivated by Pete during season 2. That's awesome that you did the workout. I haven't worked up to a bootcamp yet. I am however a lover of Zumba! So much fun and a great workout. I would love to read the book!

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  87. Sounds like a really great experience. I love the BL and remember him. Would love to read the book.

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  88. I liked him on BL it great that you got to talk to him :) wish I lived close enough to go work out.

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  89. I've met Pete too, and he's SUCH a nice guy! I agree, he totally wants to do anything he can to help people be successful like he was! I'd love to win his book!

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  90. Thanks for doing a giveaway :)

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  91. Man-I wish I could get a workout like that with someone!! Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone! Oh and pick me :)

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  92. bellydancerofwillendorfSeptember 13, 2012

    I would love to read his book... Just starting on my weight loss journey. Would rather do it the old fashioned way rather than gastric bypass.

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    1. bellydancerofwillendorfSeptember 13, 2012

      His ABC approach sounds like the Jillian Frontside/Backside DVD's that he was featured in - awesome that you were able to go!

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  93. Would love to read this book. To win it would be icing on the cake!

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  94. Sounds so inspirational. I would love to read his book.

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  95. Way to go on going to that class! I would be anxious too but that's awesome that instead of giving into those negative thoughts, you took advantage of the opportunity instead! I don't live too far from Ann Arbor, I would love to check out Pete's boot camp sometime but will definitely "prepare" before hand by doing some other kind of challenge like you do with the Wii before even attempting that type of class. Would love to win his book!

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  96. Nice! I'll be checking out his book even if I don't win : )

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  97. I would love to read his book!

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  98. Would love to read his book. I plan on starting my journey oct 1st. Sounds like exactly what I need!!

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  99. I wish I could have gone! Sounds like a great workout and a great guy. (TWO HOURS though? Wow).

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  100. I would love to win his book!

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  101. Wow that is so cool! He wrote a bible verse in your book too! "I can do all things through him who gives me strength," Phil 4:13. He sounds like a really cool guy! :)

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  102. I would love to win this book!

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  103. Laura MullerSeptember 13, 2012

    Go you, making it through his 2 hour class!

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  104. I would love to win a copy of his book!!

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  105. I could really use the 'determination' inspiration. I'd lost 40 pounds and have recently let 10 creep back on.

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  106. I would enjoy reading about Pete's journey. I enjoy reading diet/exercise books generally -- I find the stories inspiring and the food advice good; however, trying to do an exercise "as explained" leaves a lot to be desired. I hurt my back trying to do some of the exercises outlined in "The Swing"...

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  107. Good job on the bootcamp!! If I lived in MI I would have gone with you! I never really got into watching the biggest loser show until I started reading your blog last year. Now I'm addicted to the show!! It is so cool that you were able to meet, workout,and interview Pete. How exciting. Can't wait for his book to come out. Thanks for sharing so much information/knowledge on your blog!!

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  108. I would have went with you!!!!

    Sounds like a blast & great job!!!

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  109. Well done on doing that bootcamp - sounds really tough.
    I'm from Scotland and would love to win this book if it is ok to put my name in, but totally understand if that is not poss. :)

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  110. I would love to win this book!

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  111. I can't believe he was all the way back in Season Two!

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  112. Andrea L. G.September 13, 2012

    This book sounds great! I would love a copy so I could try out the exercises! Thanks Katie!

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  113. I have often wondered how long they work out for to get such massive weekly weight loss! Thanks for sharing that Now I wonder what do they eat? Maybe I will win the book and find out.

    Last night I tried a yoga class and I felt all those same things you did. When I tried Zumba it was terrible! But yoga was great because the movements are slow so it is easier to follow along. And it was a workout! My muscles were aching this morning!

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  114. Jane B. in NESeptember 13, 2012

    Super proud of you for not skipping out on the class! And even more proud that you made it through the entire thing! Whew! Looks like a great book!

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  115. Wow! I want to be like you and Pete! I'd like this book too!

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  116. I have recently lost 50 lbs and I have about 100to go. Imwould love to have this book!

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  117. Would love to read the book - Love boot camp classes too!

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  118. Tammy/texzanSeptember 13, 2012

    Great Blog Katie,, I am so glad you went to meet Pete,,, that kind of circuit workouts make you stronger all over,, and will keep injuries away. I love them. Good Job

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  119. I would love to win this book!

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  120. I would love to win the book - I need all the help I can get! Love your blog! Tammy B.

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  121. Thats so cool that you were close enough to go to one of his classes! I would love to read his book!

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  122. Lisa BuchananSeptember 13, 2012

    Awesome way to spend a day! So proud of you! Thanks to your blog, I am getting closer and closer to my first 5K and ran my longest distance yesterday of 2.56 miles with a 13.34 minute mile- woo hoo! I feel my first 5 k actually happening and when I first started, I couldn't even run 30 seconds without dying.....I am so excited about that! :)

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  123. I have to echo what Lisa just said--I'm on a journey toward my first 5K and it sounds like we're in similar spots in our training plans! Each week I'm shocked that all of a sudden, I can do what last week seemed impossible. Thanks, Katie, helping us believe in ourselves!! I'd love a copy of the book--filling my mind with inspiring stories of others has helped me get up and get running in the morning!!

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  124. Would love to win a copy of this book! Sounds great and just like the kick in the pants I need to recommit to this journey (65lbs lost, and a 15+ mile per week runner). I still have a way to go!

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  125. That is so cool :) I LOVE BL too!

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  126. Hello,
    The book sounds awesome and I would love to read it. I absolutely love the biggest loser!

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  127. The bootcamp class sounds awesome! I can only imagine that his book is just as good.

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  128. Hello,
    I enjoy reading your blog every morning before I start my work...It gives me inspiration that today will be better then yesterday in my weight loss journey.
    thanks
    Deb

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  129. Currently on a weight loss journey myself i'd love to win this book. I have lost 78lbs so far this year and i'm having trouble breaking past the plateau that i'm currently on. I'd love to reach my goal of 100lbs by Halloween and need some insight! Joy jjtincher1021@aol.com

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  130. I would love to read his book! A 2 hour bootcamp class? That is hard core!

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  131. What an awsome opportunity for you, I'm glad you went to the class :)
    I've done a bootcamp before and it is so tough and this one sounds even more tough! I could not imagine working out for 4 hours. Not sure if I'd die of first, exhaustion or boredom :P

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  132. I love reading your blog. You are so genuine. I would love to read Petes book. You are both an inspiration to me.

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  133. That is so awesome that you got to work out with Pete! I would love to read his book.

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  134. Still struggling to find a long-term solution to my weight-loss journey. Would love to read his book.

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  135. What an awesome opportunity to meet such a winner. I have been following your blog for a while now and don't miss a day. I live in Indy area and am encouraged by your participation in the Mini ... thank you for being so open and honest about your journey . . . because it is truly a journey. PS I love bootcamp, I attend a 5:30am in Carmel,IN . . . it has transformed my body AND my mind!

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  136. Ooh I'm so glad you went to that class. Way to go! :)

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  137. Katie, proud of you for not backing out. That is something you would have NEVER done at the beginning of your journey. What a NSV!

    ~~Aundrea~~

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  138. Julie B ~ WisconsinSeptember 13, 2012

    Thank you for your blog and for being so open and honest. I read it every day! :) I would love to read this book - sounds inspiring! Take care...

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  139. Awesome job in trying something new. Way to go!!!!

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  140. I am in a rut and need some new motivation. I think this book might just help me out. I have never watched but have just started watching the Seasons of The Biggest Loser. Doing what I can to find new motivation.

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  141. I would love to read his book!

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  142. Would love to win the book sounds like he is a great guy and to have kept the weight off this long is amazing.

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  143. Love Pete & would love to read his book!! I'm a BL fan & they inspire me to keep pushing, even when my body doesn't want to. How cool that you got to go to his class!! That's awesome! And yay for you & your workouts that made you able to keep up! YOU ROCK! :)
    ~Judy

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  144. Katie- I'm so glad you conquered your uneasiness and went to Pete's gym!! I'm a huge BL fan and when I was losing weight, the only time I could watch it was if I was working out. His book looks awesome!! I've kept my 95 pounds off for a year and now I'm pregnant! I'm so happy I am doing what is best for myself and my family! Blessings!

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  145. What an incredible opportunity for you to meet him and work out with him!! Very exciting. And I hope it gives you some validation and further determination to know that a Biggest Loser contestant has kept the weight off for years AND has similar philosophies/ideas to yours. :)

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  146. So this is my first ever post on here! I think Pete is great and thanks for being such an inspiration :-) I am glad that you had a good time!

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  147. Great job getting yourself to that class even when you weren't sure you wanted to! That's a huge victory for you. Sounds like a killer workout ... 2 hours!? I've done 1 hour boot camps and walked out of there exhausted (but accomplished). Congrats!

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  148. Wow Katie--what a great opportunity--to talk to a weight loss WINNER like Pete! That is fantastic, and you were very brave to go through his Boot Camp class-it sounds tough! I really admire anyone who has lost substantial weight and then KEPT IT OFF for so many years, and Pete definitely qualifies. I also love what he said to you, "He doesn't even doubt anymore that he will keep the weight off, which is a place I am hoping to get to someday!" I too would love to get to that place someday. Right now--17 months into this maintenance battle, and it is definitely a battle--I am still so afraid that I will regain. It terrifies me and even though I know I am in control of my choices, I am constantly afraid that I will lose that control. I put away my summer clothes and I wonder, "Am I going to be able to wear these clothes next Spring?" I don't know if I can be strong forever.

    While I was losing weight--I lived on weight loss blogs and memoirs that people wrote about their successful journeys to lose weight. They really kept me motivated. Pete's story sounds like a good one....would love to win his book!

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  149. Wow, that took guts to go to his class! I'm such a scaredy-cat sometimes, I don't know if I'd go.
    I think you're doing great and I love reading your blog every morning!

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  150. Bethany OlsonSeptember 13, 2012

    Thanks for always doing great giveaways - I would love the book!

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  151. Great review of the book. Looks so interesting- I will have to check it out. I totally agree with you that you must lose it the way you plan to live it!

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  152. They offer boot-camp style classes at my local gym.. but I am still too afraid to try. :( I would love to win this book.

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  153. I can't wait for the book to hit the shelves!

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  154. Good for you not letting fear rule you and doing his class!!

    I would love a copy of his book.

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  155. I would love a copy of the book!!

    Also, I cannot stand mountain climbers! They are awful! LOL.

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  156. I would love to read this book! I need something to get my butt in gear!

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  157. Yeah! I love the biggest loser and would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity..

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  158. Beverly CleavelandSeptember 13, 2012

    This would be a wonderful birthday gift for myself (which is today)! I have been following you for a long time and really enjoy your daily updates. I am one of your SparkPeople followers as well!

    BeverlyC

    Have wonderful day, Katie!

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  159. Love this post! Very informative and I seriously hung onto every word. I would've been nervous going to his bootcamp but as I read what you did...I would've loved every second of it. I will definately be watching for his book to hit the shelves. Yay!

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  160. I can not wait to read this book. I also love The Biggest Loser, and would love to hear about his journey.

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  161. His weight loss rates by amount of exercise is right on for me. I do 60-70 minutes 5 days per week and lose 1-2 pounds per week on average. perhaps it's time to up the time.

    Michelle, also in A2

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  162. I'd love to read it for some more inspiration!

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  163. I don't need to be entered, I just wanted to say that it must be really cool to be asked to review a book like this!

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  164. I haven't even read a 'weight loss' book before; my plan was always instead of reading, I should be doing something of action to try to get the weight off, but this seems insightful and REAL! I would love to read it :)

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  165. I would LOVE a copy of the book!!

    I actually like mountain climbers for some crazy reason. However, the lunges and squats would probably kill me right then and there!

    It sounds like Pete was very gracious. Glad to hear it! I see he left a Bible verse reference on his autograph. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 I sure wish I would remember that verse when things get tough and I want to give up this weight loss battle!

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  166. I would love the chance to win his book. I really need the inspiration. Thanks.

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  167. Would love this book!

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  168. I love the Biggest Loser!! I met Pete at a try out and he was such a awesome guy... I would love a copy of his book.

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  169. This book sounds awesome! I'd love to get a copy of it!

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  170. I would love to read his book it sounds great!

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  171. I would love to read his book, it sounds great! Thanks!

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  172. Sorry my phone sent it twice :/

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  173. I would love to win this book. I just watched this season again too. I agree I like the not dramatic ones too im an avid biggest loser watcher:) Cant wait for the new season!

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  174. I would LOVE to win this book! I'm a huge BL fan - well, of the earlier seasons. Seems the last few seasons have been more about the drama than the actual weight loss, but that's reality TV for you, I suppose. :)

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  175. Pete's book sounds great! One of the reasons I was attracted to your blog is your philospophy of making changes that you can maintain for a lifetime, so I think I would like his book as well. :)

    kcaliff in Iowa

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  176. I would love to read the book! I like that he waited to write it, definitely makes his weight loss legit.

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  177. Good for you; I'm also petrified of going to classes for fear of being the girl in the back who has to stop or can't keep up less than 5 minutes in! Props to Pete!

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  178. Too bad I don't live in MI. I would have gone to class with you. I do boot camp classes and the worst thing is to go without a buddy.

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  179. Sounds like a great experience and a great read.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Michelle W - from Wisconsin

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  180. Would love to see what this book is all about!

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  181. Sounds like a great read! I really like the chart! Thanks for sharing!!

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  182. I wish I lived closer, I totally would have gone to the class with you! What an experience! I feel the same about maintenance, I hope to reach his level of confidence one day! (And on a side note, I too, would love to read his book!)

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  183. Lots of comments! But I have to leave one of my own anyway just in case!!

    Sounds like an intense class, but I'd kind of like to try something like that one day... when I could do it without giving myself a heart attack! Goooo Katie!!

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  184. That sounds like such a great experience! I love boot camp classes :) I would definitely love to read this book, I could use the help!

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  185. Would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win. Great blog as usual.

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  186. I remember when he won the "at home". He was one of my favorites as well and I was so happy for him. I would love to hear his tips, keeping it off for 7 years is awesome!

    LFM from KC

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  187. Pretty sure I would have died. I just started the 30-Day Shred earlier this week and some of the stuff on Level 1 just about kills me. I SUCK at push ups.

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  188. Great job sticking to your commitment, that's so hard for me to do sometimes when fear creeps in. I appreciate your honesty in your struggles!

    Even if I don't win this book, I think I may read it!

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  189. Wow, sounds like an interesting book and great class.

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  190. That sounds like a great book!! I would love to read it!!

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  191. id love to have this book! good job going to the class, your an inspiration. thank you!

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  192. I love the Biggest Loser and I'd love to win Pete's book! Also love your blog, I read it everyday.

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