Team Members: Robert Lovingood and Melanie Lovingood
Relationship: Spouses
Team 5 Blog
Starting Weight: 437 lbs.
Last Weigh In: 417 lbs.
Loss Percentage: 4.75%
Robert and Melanie know they can’t cut corners when it comes to any aspect of life, whether it be losing weight or running their small business, I.C.R. Staffing Services. Melanie, 38, wants to lose 25 pounds for her upcoming 20th High School Reunion. Robert, 49, wants to lose at least 60 pounds so he can be healthier and more active with his children.
When it comes to his family, Robert wants to be the father who runs up the hill with his kids instead of the father who waits for them at the bottom. He realized that the only way he could do this was to find something that would give him the drive to lose those unwanted pounds. Robert and his wife, Melanie found that with the Slim Down Challenge, they could participate in a competition together and be involved in a six month program. Richard says, “It just makes sense. When you’re healthy, there is less stress on your body.”
Though the commitment of the challenge takes a toll on their free time between running a small business and taking care of three young children, this married couple enjoys the camaraderie that comes with getting to know their competitors and weighing in each week. “It’s a constant reminder of what you’re working toward,” Robert says.
Melanie has constantly been asked what she is doing in the competition, because at a mere 157 pounds, she is the smallest competitor. “Other people don’t see what I see,” Melanie says, “I’m not comfortable with my weight and I know that there are other people who feel the same about their weight.” Melanie is competing to show that you don’t have to become obese before you can start losing weight.
Since the beginning of the competition, Robert and Melanie have been slaving away on the elliptical trainers, tread mill and working with weights. Though the muscle Melanie is building is slowing down her weight loss, she’s learning a lot about portion sizes from the nutritionist. “I know I can’t keep snacking on the wrong foods and I need to eat the correct portions.” So instead of stopping by McDonald’s, Melanie now stops at the park and has a yogart with her kids before they go out and play.
For Robert and Melanie, it’s about taking care of their children and staying healthy for the well being of not only their family, but their business. They’re gaining more stamina and confidence and though they’re a little tired, they’re enjoying the new bodies they’re developing.
