It was a bright, sunny day in Park City, Utah and I was doing one of my favorite things – skiing. After several runs, I headed in for lunch. You should know that as a travel writer, my “lunches” are almost always calorie fests, where I sample various highly caloric and tasty dishes from some of the world’s most talented and recognized chefs.
As I learned, even a ski lunch can be dangerous for the waistline.
After indulging in a Kobe beef burger, duck fat fries, and a glass of Cabernet at the Lookout Cabin at Park City’s Canyons Ski Resort (BTW, Lookout Cabin was awarded “Best Mountain Restaurant” by Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide and for good reason – some of the best “ski” food I have had.), I headed out to ski a couple more runs. Or at least I tried.
My over-indulgence cost me.
First, I could not zip up my ski jacket.
Secondly, I could barely ski down the mountain without having to stop and pant for air.
I quickly realized that my eating habits had nearly prevented me from doing something I loved. Things needed to change.
And thus, the creation of the Beyond the Number Project where I commit to losing weight (read my plan) and share the many tips and strategies for weight loss and anti-aging that I have learned as a health and fitness editor and writer.
The project also includes a charity component where people can donate a certain amount of money (even as little as .25 cents) for every inch or pound I lose or cholesterol number I drop. This way my weight loss is not about vanity but also about giving back. And by putting money up against my weight loss, I will be held accountable – with money on the line, I have no choice but to stay committed to my weight loss goals.
The Beyond the Number Project will prove that weight loss is more than just a number on a scale, and that age is not defined by the number on your driver’s license. For example:
Weight loss is about inches off your waistline, and lower LDL cholesterol numbers and higher HDL numbers too.
Age is not just defined by a number. Age is also the age of your health – that a 50-year-old can look and feel like a 20-something with proper nutrition and exercise.
Here’s more about the Beyond the Number Project:
Start Date: February 25, 2011
End Date: May 31, 2011
Results: Equinox Fitness will be tallying my weight loss, including pounds and waistline inches lost and body fat counts. My doctor is tallying my cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. Results will be posting on the Beyond the Number Web site on or near June 1, 2011 , along with the Top 10 Lessons and Tips I Learned.
Donating: People can donate by the:
- Pound lost.
- Waistline inch lost.
- Body fat percentage dropped.
- Cholesterol number dropped.
Any amount of donation is accepted (and appreciated), including as little as .25 cents per pound, waistline inch, etc. Donations can be made to the Step Up Women’s Network, of which I am a Luminary Circle member, or any charity of your choice. And remember: depending on the charity, your donation could be tax deductible. The top three donators will each receive a prize. Prizes to be determined but may include a spa trip, natural soda machine, and more. If you are interested in donating, learn more on our donate page.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope the Beyond the Number Project inspires you to live the best life possible, and helps you realize that weight loss is more than a number on a scale, and age is more than a number on your driver’s license.
Here’s to a healthy and happy life!
Lisa
P.S. If you have any weight loss or anti-aging tips you would like to share, please e-mail them to Lisa@lisadavismedia.com.
Beyond the Number Project 