Sponsored by Fitness Matters, the contest ran from September 2 - December 12, 2008 and included 4 participants in Stamford and 2 in Kent. The winners from each location were chosen based upon the biggest overall health and body composition changes. Participants worked out with a Fitness Matters trainer three times weekly, and met once a week with Lisa Corrado Nutrition.

The impact on the contestants was terrific! Pounds were shed, body fat dropped, sleeping habits improved and new (smaller) clothes are now needed.

Contestant Comments

Meeting Lisa has been a great and worthwhile experience. With Lisa’s continued help, guidance and knowledge I have not only lost weight (correctly), but have lost body fat, which was my greatest concern for my own well being.  I have been taught how to adjust my cooking styles, as I love to cook, and the changes and adjustments have not in any way taken away from the pleasure of making or eating my meals.  Lisa as a Nutritionist and Chef is very easy to talk to, knowledgeable and VERY encouraging.  I enjoy my time with her as I continue to learn more appropriate eating choices.

I have been working with Lisa for the past six weeks and the way I eat and look at food has totally turned around. My diet used to consist of basically fast food and snacks.  I had no awareness of calories, portion size or what to eat.  If it was in front of me, I ate it.  Through Lisa’s guidance, support and encouragement I eat several times a day and learned to make the right choices.  The most surprising part of this whole process is how easy it really is to eat healthy and eat the right foods.  Lisa has even told me that I am not always eating enough and I feel like I am eating all day.  My energy level has increased dramatically and I don’t get the cravings and mood swings that I used to experience every day.  I can’t say enough about Lisa’s guidance and I can ask her anything and always get a prompt response.  Her eating plan is not a diet but a way of life and one that anyone can live with and follow with ease.  I am extremely grateful to be working with Lisa as she has changed my life.

I do most of my cooking and do enjoy it and she has taught me where my changes should be made. With her expertise, I have bettered my food habits.  She is a real pleasure to meet with and talk to.

If this contest ended today, I can't see myself going back to the way I used to eat, especially the Quarter Pounders!

I had to lose weight, lower my blood pressure and get my cholesterol down.  When we looked at my diet we both knew it had to be changed.  Since following the guidelines set up by Lisa, I have totally changed my eating habits and my exercise regimen.  I am now eating 5 times a day and drinking 8 glasses of water and keeping track of portion sizes.  Since starting with my new diet plan I have dropped over 20 lbs and gained much more energy.  My knee is not bothering me like it did and I haven't had the need to nap every afternoon.  Lisa has been a great help in getting me on the right track to better health.

You've made a believer out of me! Everyone is noticing the difference.

Read more from contestants' blogs.