TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma – The Department of the Air Force Civilian Health Promotion Services (CHPS) is launching an inspiring challenge for personnel, encouraging them to embark on a journey towards improved fitness by making sustainable lifestyle changes in the realms of nutrition and physical activity. Running throughout the months of September and October, this innovative initiative offers a unique approach to wellness.
In an era dominated by social media, where aesthetic motivations often overshadow the genuine pursuit of better health, the temptation to resort to fad diets and rapid weight loss solutions is prevalent. However, these quick fixes are rarely effective in the long run, often leading to disappointment and setbacks.
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an esteemed obesity medicine clinician at the University of Ottawa, wisely reminds us that “the scale doesn’t measure health, happiness, success, effort, or self-worth.” While extrinsic motivations and the allure of swift results can provide an initial push towards weight loss, they are seldom sufficient to sustain one’s journey to a healthier self.
So, how can we redirect our focus towards lasting change?
The solution lies in seeking intrinsic motivation—the kind that stems from personal beliefs, interests, and genuine enjoyment—instead of succumbing to external pressures. It is with this philosophy in mind that the “Choose What You Lose Challenge” was conceived, aiming to inspire individuals to discover their own “why” behind weight management. For some, it might be a quest for increased energy, while others seek to establish a lifelong, healthy habit.
The primary objective of this challenge is to identify the driving force that enables individuals to persevere through life’s challenges, ultimately leading to success in their fitness journey.
Crucially, success in the “Choose What You Lose Challenge” is defined by each individual participant based on their selected goal—whether it be weight loss, muscle gain, or weight maintenance. The comprehensive program includes classes that impart essential knowledge about healthy weight management, encompassing exercise recommendations, nutritional guidelines, and strategies to maintain focus beyond the challenge’s duration.
To take part in the “Choose What You Lose Challenge,” interested individuals can follow these steps:
Visit USAFwellness.com to enroll, with registration open from Sept. 1 through 29.
Print or screenshot the confirmation email and present it at the Hanscom AFB CHPS facility located at Building 1609 between Sept. 18 and 29 to weigh in, select your challenge goal, and receive a complimentary long-sleeve t-shirt.
Attend at least one CHPS class offered between Sept. 18 and Oct. 27. While only one class is mandatory to complete the challenge, participants are encouraged to participate in all five available options, both in-person and virtually.
