Monday, February 28, 2011

Learn It's Biggest Loser: Tip #6

Participants have made it through 7 weeks of  Learn It's Biggest Loser Contest, and there are only two weigh-in's left!  

Last Friday, we were pleased to see a female take the number three spot in line!  We have had pervious male winners, and the men tend to take the leads.  Will we have a female winner in the end this time around?

Today is the last day of February, and Spring is inching closer.  We all have been doing a great job with our diets and exercising.  But we are also good at watching a lot of TV.  Who can help it with all these reality shows?   Sitting in front of the TV usually leads to snacking, so read on for our next tip to consider while in the comfort in your own home.

Tip #6:
While sitting in front of the television,  keep your hands busy and multitask.  If you work on your laptop, do crossword puzzles, knit, or do something else while watching your favorite shows, you are less likely to grab snack food.  Following this simple tip will limit your unhealthy snacking habits and send you to bed without a full stomach.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Learn It's Biggest Loser: Tip #5

There are three weigh-in days left for Learn It's Biggest Loser contest!

As we are getting closer to the end of the contest, participants are still losing impressive amounts of weight.  Our top contenders have lost about 15 pounds each!

After weighing in last Friday, Learn It's corporate office enjoyed some outside grilling in the 70-degree weather.  Yes, 70 degrees in February!  Participants kicked backed and relaxed with some delicious hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, and other goodies.

Now it is Tuesday, about 25 degrees outside, with inches of snow on the ground.  We all got a little taste of Spring last week, but today is a reminder that Winter is still here for about a month.  Here is another tip to consider while pushing through the last few weeks of Learn It's Biggest Loser Contest.

Tip #5:
We all know it is healthy to drink water.  But did you know that you should drink a glass of water after waking up in the morning?  We lose oxygen throughout the night, and our cells need to rejuvenate.  Drinking a glass of water in the morning will resupply your body, and you will have more energy during the day.  Some of us may need this extra boost of energy to stick with our exercise routines this time of year.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Learn It's Biggest Loser: Tip #4

There is one month left for Learn It's Biggest loser contest!

Participants remain focused and pounds are still being shed.  A total of 8 pounds were lost this past week, and our top two contestants are fighting for the number one spot with a weight loss difference of .02 percent.

The cold weather we have had this winter has been brutal.  Luckily this week is warmer with average daily temperatures in the 50-degree range.  Though we are getting a break, we are still only half way through February.  A lot of us still need some motivation to push through the end of the contest, which is the focus of this week's tip.  



Tip #4:

Sticking to an exercise schedule can be difficult, and motivation can get lost during the process.  Try the "buddy system."  Taking a partner to the gym with you or updating someone about your routine can be rewarding.  Choose someone you trust and who has a positive attitude.  Sharing this experience will push you harder and, it will be more enjoyable.


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

We just returned from the Title I Conference in sunny Tampa, FL, and man, was it a big hit!  

For those of you who don’t know, the Title I Conference is an annual gathering of the National Title I Association, an organization made up of Title I and Federal Program Directors from throughout the country.  With an attendance of over 4,000 people, this is Learn It’s largest conference of the year, and our presence was definitely felt.
  
Learn It team at the booth
Curriculum display and giveaway items

The booth was busy from beginning to end, as we were the only booth at the conference to offer free popcorn!  Our wide-open booth really provided a family atmosphere, as educators were able to come into the booth, engage in conversation, grab some popcorn, and enter our drawing to win an IPAD.  Our big winner this year was Mr. Roy Holt, the Federal Programs Director from Upshur County Schools, West Virginia.  Congratulations, Roy!


The festivities didn’t end at the booth, though.  Once again, we proved that Learn It Systems is not only a world class education company, but also throws the best party at the Title I Conference every year!  This year, we held our annual VIP reception at the Downtown Tampa Embassy Suites.  We enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and the soulful sounds of DJ Saxwell, who kept the dance floor rocking from beginning to end.  It was an amazing night, and those that attended are still talking about all the fun they had.  We’d like to thank everyone that attended, and if you missed it, well… there’s always next year!  



I'd like to give a special thanks to the staff from Learn It Systems that made this our most successful Title I Conference yet.  They include:  Michael Maloney, Michael Robinson, Jerrelle Francois, Fred Cusimano, Bill Kuljam, Chris Ruiz, Tanya McCain, Marybeth Jones, Troy Laur, and Bruce Henson.  If I left anyone out, please charge it to my head and not my heart, and just know that we appreciate you and everything that you do to make Learn It Systems a success.

Well, that’s it for now from the 2011 Title I Conference.  We’ll see you next year at the 2012 Title I Conference in Seattle, WA.  Take care, and as alwaysLive It, Love It, Learn It!

Brandon Nelson
School Parnership Coordinator


For a further look at Learn It's booth, watch this video:



Monday, February 7, 2011

Learn It's Biggest Loser: Tip #3

Friday weigh-ins continue to be successful as most of our Biggest Loser participants remain dropping pounds!  

Last week as a whole, a total of 10.4 pounds were lost, and our top contenders are losing about two pounds each week. Our contestant currently in first place has lost 6.45% of body weight so far.  Way to go!

We are about a week into February, and Winter continues to drag with all the snow still covering the ground.  Let's stay motivated, as March is just around the corner.  And yes, Target has already had bathing suits out on display for a couple of months!

Our past two tips have focused on healthy eating, so we will talk about exercise this week.




Elliptical Machine

Tip #3:
Not everyone enjoys or excels at running, which can make the sport along with a treadmill undesirable.  Use an elliptical machine instead.  Elliptical trainers have little to no resistance, which is great for those with knee, hip, back, and joint problems.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Learn It's Biggest Loser: Tip #2

Learn It's Biggest Loser contest is going on strong, and our top runner has already lost ten pounds!



With the Baltimore area getting about 10-12 inches of snow last week, the pounds shed off as we all had to shovel our way out of our houses.  Last week's weigh-in's were quite impressive with a total of 18.08 pounds lost! So as we stroll into the office after giving in to the weekend's indulgences, let's continue our stride and remember one good, dietary tip while eating.

A fist or cupped hand = 1 cup
Tip #2

While you may be eating healthier, portion control is still a necessary factor in losing weight.  A good method to use while packing lunch or fixing dinner on a plate is to measure portions with your fist.  The size of your fist is a fast and easy guide in determining your food intake.