Matthew is the Youth Pastor at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church and a former contestant on NBC's Biggest Loser where he lost 176 lbs. For contact info, free resources and more, follow the links across the top of the page!
You asked for it and here it comes! It’s time for some friendly competition and community! Basically, the time frame is simple: the length of season seven of Biggest Loser! The kickoff will be January 6th, and it will wrap up on the day of the Biggest Loser finale! I’m naming it after my column in The Journal of Student Ministries – there are links below to some of them. I’ll announce the prizes in the next week or so – but rest assured, you’ll be competing for well over a hundred dollars worth of prize goodness!
The rules are pretty simple … to be a part of the competition you need to email me (matthewmcnutt@bvbcnet.org) two photos and some contact info (the photos and contact info will NOT be puslished on my site). One photo needs to be a full body ‘before’ photo (with your clothes on!!!), the second needs to be a starting weight photo – in other words, a close up photo of your feet on the scale with your weight on the readout. For the sake of keeping things honest about the timing of the starting and finishing weights, I’ll post an image that needs to be printed and present in the weighing photo on Monday, January 5th.
The final weigh in needs to happen on the same scale as the starting weight, and there will a different image that needs to be printed off and included in that photo which will be posted here a day or so before the Biggest Loser finale.
If you’re going to participate you need to send me your weight each Tuesday. Weekly weigh-ins are great accountability, and while I won’t be posting people’s weights, I will announce the Honor Roll; people that have lost 1% or more of their starting weight that week (always an impressive feat!), as well as the Biggest Loser of the week!
As far as losing the weight … I want you to do it in as healthy a way as possible! Here are some resources that I have put together that you can incoporate into your weight loss plan:
On my Weight Loss page I have a summary of the plan I followed and sample journal pages from my own calorie counting. On my Articles page, there are a bunch of different health related articles I have written, and on my Audio page there are audio files you can download and listen to from my weight loss groups that I have led. All of it is free, so download as much or as little as you want!
Questions? Post ‘em here! It should be a lot of fun and a great way to get healthy together! Blog/Twitter/Carrier Pigeon about the competition – the more we have, the better it is!
December 26, 2008 at 12:42 pm
This is great Matthew! I’ll be sending you my info! Looking forward to a little friendly competition to kick off the new year!
December 26, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I’m in
) I’ll send you my pictures this Sunday 
((Hugs))
December 26, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I don’t need the pictures or weights until January 6th … this weekend would be a week early! : )
December 26, 2008 at 4:29 pm
This sounds so awesome!!!
This South Carolina gal is in!!
side note—
Matt–My kids still remember season 3.
Whenever we talk about the state of Maine,
they say that is where Matthew McNutt lives..
it cracks me up..really..no lie…
Merry Christmas!!!
December 26, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Count me in. I’ve been wanting to lose weight for awhile now. I’ve joined 2 different gyms and basically wasted my money on them. The first gym I joined, I ended up losing weight (12 lbs and 12″ in about 6 weeks), then I stopped going. Then last October, I joined another gym, that was another waste of money cuz the day I signed up was the only day I was in that gym. I need something to motivate me more.
December 26, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Matt I’m glad you’re doing this again. It was SO fun doing it last time. I miss the weekly weigh ins even. I’m gonna be cheering you all on full force this time as an innocent bystander.
)
Rebecca
December 26, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Good deal. I’m looking forward to getting started — officially. We got a Wii for Christmas and the Wii Fit balance board. We’ve been having fun with it. I’m wondering how accurate the scale is — it tracks your progress too. So I’m going to use it as well as my normal scale. Anyway…it should be fun.
December 27, 2008 at 2:02 am
You know me Matt…
What’s to prevent someone from having a backpack full of books at the first weigh in if all you’ve got is a picture of the feet?
December 27, 2008 at 2:07 am
Perfect timing! I was telling myself that I need to get back into gear. I know what I need to do and this is just the motivation for such a journey!
~darlene
December 27, 2008 at 5:45 am
Well Marc, we are supposed to be completing the challenge with honesty and integrity. Faking a weigh-in will only help you win the challenge. We are all here to help each other and completing the challenge honestly helps up all to get healthier and we all win.
December 27, 2008 at 9:30 am
Well said Felicia. Jennileigh the Wii Fit is pretty accurate. It’s only one pound different from my scale which has been very accurate for me.
) Just a couple suggestions on the Wii Fit. If you want a great ab workout, do the hulla hooping. When I do it, I look rediculous. But I really put my hips into it and really rotate them fast. I get a great cardio and ab workout from it and I’ve “opened” up the hulla game to ten minutes! I haven’t done it that long, but I did it for six and hoooeeey it was hard! My heart rate goes way up, over 150! The step game is a joke to me. I wish it came with a thing you could make the Wii Fit board higher with. Then it would be a lot better. I’m too scared to put something under it for fear of falling. Oh and to me, the boxing (or running but that’s boring) is the best for cardio I believe. I think of those as not games, but workouts so I put my all into it. Hope that helps. It’s fun to unlock advanced stages on stuff and open up new games. My kids love the penguin game and the soccer game where you get hit in the head. lol
Rebecca
December 27, 2008 at 10:21 am
Good to know, Rebecca, thanks. When we first got the Wii (we actually got it Thanksgiving for an early Christmas), we did the bowling with pretty big lunges — as if we were actually bowling. My husband had some major butt soreness and my tricep was extremely sore. We started trying to bowl left-handed for more “balanced training”. LOL
Anyway, we are enjoying all the challenges and we are moving more. Any movement is better than simply sitting and watching TV. We’ve already “played” this video game system more than any other we’ve owned.
December 27, 2008 at 11:11 am
Marc, you big turd! (I can call him that, he was one of my groomsmen back in the day – we’ve been friends for more than a decade now) That’s why I get the full body photo, too – helps back up the numbers. : )
December 27, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I would love to do this thanks I am ready to get this done
thanks for allowing accountability
Im in
Anne
December 27, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Count me in, too. I look forward to the accountability and my wife of two weeks will also be excited about a healtheir me!
December 27, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I believe this is what I prayed for,I want my body to be a more worthy temple.thanks for this,,i hope i can figure it all out. Will I just be emailing you the pics Matt?Do I come back to this page for what to put in the picture? Thanks GOD bless Kim
December 27, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I’m in and VERY excited! The more things & challenges I have to keep me accountable the better
December 27, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I am sooo in!!!!
December 27, 2008 at 4:29 pm
This sounds soooo fun!! I am IN!! Can’t wait for Jan. 6th:)
December 27, 2008 at 5:18 pm
This is fantastic Matthew! Please count me in!
December 27, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Between you and the WiiFit I got my family for Christmas, the scale should be sliding down into healthier territory.
December 27, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Jennileigh – I need to get Wii Fit! I’m all jealous!
December 27, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Kim, I’ll post the picture a day or two before the competition begins, that way it proves your starting weight was taken right around the beginning of the competition (as opposed to sooner and giving yourself an edge to the contest).
December 27, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I’m excited to see people are interested! Spread the word; blog about it, twitter, whatever … the more people we have, the greater the accoutability and community!
December 27, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Matt…it is fun. Sounds like you have ALL the games at your house. Come on over we’ll see if I can take you at the ski jump.
My husband, Ron, is better at the soccer head bump thing…but I’ve reached professional status in the ski jump. LOL.
Do you think it would help spread the word to create a group on facebook?
December 27, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Okay I swear I am going to stick to this one!! I am ready!
December 28, 2008 at 9:25 am
Jennileigh and Matt – I LOVE Wii Fit! I scored one 2 days before Christmas and am addicted! Jennileigh – what’s the secret to the ski jump? I’ve never been able to do it yet lol
December 28, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Kennedy…squat and lean so that your little red dot stays on the fixed blue dot — that gives you a boost of speed. When it says to extend, straighten your legs quickly and lean forward staying a still/balanced as possible. The more wiggling — the more you will lose your speed and distance. I actually go up on my toes as far forward as I can. Just be sure that you have room all around you just in case you do lose your balance and need to step off.
Happy jumping!!! Let me know how it goes.
December 28, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I’m great at the ski jump too. I can get around 180-190 each time now.
Joel congrats on getting married! I hope you two are blessed richly!
Karla you better stick to it girl or I’m gonna drive to your town and get you!
This is exciting for me too. My husband married me at around 240 pounds. He’s getting a brand new wife out of this HAHAHA
Rebecca
December 29, 2008 at 12:00 am
Golly, all this talk about wii fit. I SERIOUSLY want to get a Wii and get the fit with it.
December 29, 2008 at 6:30 am
I am definitely in though, I will have to send in my weight on the scale on that Sunday morning (the 4th) as we will be traveling out of town for a class in Indiana and my scale changes a little bit by location. I am hoping we can find a gym there to go to because I am not yet up for exercising outside at below 0 temps:) We are also going to be partially fed by the place hosting the class, that should be a challenge. Thanks for doing this again Matt!!!
December 29, 2008 at 7:15 am
Matt,
Will it be ok to send it in 2 days early. It won’t be any kind of advantage because we be traveling that whole week.
December 29, 2008 at 10:26 am
I’m ready!!!! Can’t wait for ‘09!
December 29, 2008 at 10:32 pm
What is the deal with all the women on here ready to do this. Guys…let’s show up. I am in and ready to give this a go. No more pizza nights for youth ministry? How do you balance that stuff Matt?
December 30, 2008 at 1:25 am
Ok Matt, I’m getting in on this! It not only sounds like fun but I think a few more guys need to participate as well!
December 30, 2008 at 12:39 pm
lol Walt your little character looks constipated haha (Sorry I need a laugh right now)
December 30, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I thought angry…but now that you mention it Rebecca…you’re right.
December 30, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I’m in and so excited to participate this time. I’ve been talking it up with my friends–particularly the guys–and hopefully they will join us!
December 30, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I’m really starting to get excited about this. I’m so ready to do it.
December 31, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I’m in! Woooo-hoo!
January 1, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Happy New Year!!! Are you excited to start our new weight loss journey? I am! Here’s some encouragement…it’s talking about our spiritual “race” but I’m applying it the physical “race” that officially begins next week with Matt’s challenge.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
January 1, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Jennileigh – I hadn’t thought about doing a facebook group … that might be a good idea … : )
January 1, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Scott – I’ve grabbed boxes of clementines, granola bars, stuff like that. We still do pizza, etc., but not as much as I used to. : )
January 1, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Man I’m nervous. I’ve had free reign for two weeks or more now. Affraid to step on that scale!!!! I have to get back into counting calories because chocolate has been my friend these days. (ashamed to say it)
Rebecca
January 1, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Me too Rebecca! I have been travelling since the 24th, out of my own controllable environment and not cooking my own food. And frankly, I just let it go and decided I didn’t want to do the work it would take to stay reasonable while travelling. So I am not wanting to step on the scale on Tuesday, but worse, I don’t want to own this to my friends who have been standing with me…grrr… I hate when I get in these funks!! Give me 2 days and I will be all better again!!
January 1, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I’ve also been eating chocolate like crazy, especially the past month. As if chocolate isn’t bad enough, I’m also HIGHLY addicted to McD’s ice coffee. I work at a daycare (I’m the director) and one of the daycare mom’s brought the staff a box of chocolate for Christmas. Anyway, I made the comment to one of my staff, how chocolate doesn’t last long in the daycare. I think there’s only 1 person I work with that doesn’t like chocolate.
I do have another addiction though and it’s the wii. My pastor’s youngest son (who’s almost 12) took his wii to our New Year’s Eve service. I was the only one who played it, but I had so much fun with it. I was playing bowling (my best score was 198) and I also tried golf and baseball. My pastor’s wife also told me that I should go hang out at their place sometime. But, as soon as I have some money saved up (or tax refund), I’m going to get myself one.
January 1, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Matthew,
I am SO looking forward to this!!! 
Happy New Year!!!
I’m SO exited and hope to join your challenge!
I’ll email you all the info next week!
Thank you so much for all you’re doing!
Beth
January 1, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Happy New Year!! I am in! This seems like it might be just what I need to keep motivated. Thanks so much for doing this.
January 1, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Hi Matthew -
I am in, too! I want to lose weight before my son’s wedding at the end of May … I lost my motivation a couple of months ago and I’m hoping this will give it back to me! I’m glad I stumbled upon your site. Thanks!!
January 1, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Matt, it looks like you are getting a much bigger turn out this time around….this is getting exciting!! I am jsut hoping that by Tuesdays weigh in I am at LEAST where I left off before Christmas week…and that there has not been too much of a gain…this weekend is my last chance workout to make that happen…so tomorrow I am doing a 20/20/20 class followed by Pilates, then will probably go again in the evening….then I might try another spin class saturday…although it about killed me last time!
January 1, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I’m so excited I found this challenge! I’m starting Weight Watchers on Tuesday and this will be an extra incentive to stay with it and loose the weight. Good luck everyone!
January 2, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I cannot believe I am excited to report taht I only gained 2 lbs over this past week of travelling and eating during christmas!! That will be gone by Tuesday’s weigh in and I will be starting this next challenge at least where I left off with the last chaqllenge if not less!! WooHoo!!!
January 2, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Matt,
Thank you so much for doing this. I’m soooo excited. I’m also happy to report that I have an appointment on Monday at Curves. I was a member there a couple years ago and I let my membership run out on me. But, thanks to this challenge, I’m going to be starting back there again. I’m glad this challenge is starting next week cuz I’m sitting here at work eating a hot fudge sundae from McD’s.
I don’t know if this is a good thing or not, but I haven’t told any of my friends, family or co-workers what I’m going to be doing.
January 3, 2009 at 10:13 am
Matt – I found your website on Amazon.com after looking at the reviews of WHERE DID ALL THE FAT GO by Dr. Huizenga. It is just what I need!
COUNT ME IN!
January 3, 2009 at 10:15 am
Almost forgot – WHAT DATE marks the Season Finale when we finish this contest?
January 3, 2009 at 5:11 pm
My New Resolution:
http://www.gocomics.com/features/4/feature_items/403239
January 3, 2009 at 5:20 pm
That’s hilarious! I’m posting that one!
January 3, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Matt,
I am in on this and really need this! I only have one problem, I have no scale with the read outs by the feet… I should be getting a wii fit in a couple of days and the gym scale at the YMCA is one of those with weights at top…
January 3, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I think this is great. Im so in I will get you my pics as soon as you post the image you want in the pics.
January 3, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hi Matt and All the other “potential” best losers out there!
I have been praying for this for a very long time. I am so excited I could burst. I will send my pictures in on Monday Matt if that is ok?? I’m confused about the BL food program calories or 4321 pyramid? Any thoughts or guidance I can get will be greatly appreciated.
Be the Best Loser you can be Everyday!
Lisa
January 3, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Loren, that’s cool – just snapt the picture of the scale readout with the image I’ll be posting tomorrow (Sunday) somewhere in the photo.
January 3, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Lisa Janelle – I do both. Count the calories to know how much food you’re eating in a day, and use the pyramid to know what to eat and how to have a good balance of it. In other words, pick out the foods you should eat based on the pyramid, and then figure out how much of them you can have based on your amount of calories you should be eating. If you want, you can click on the audio link on the top of the page – I’ve recorded my talks from weight loss meetings I’ve led and some of the audios cover this topic. : ) I hope that helps!
January 4, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Hey does anyone have any good music recommendations for running. I need some new fast paced stuff. I am big on lyrics, nothing trashy or with bad language in them. My music is getting old!!! My new favorite is THe FInal COUntdown by Europe.
January 4, 2009 at 4:54 pm
[...] FREE New Year Weight Loss Challenge! [...]
January 4, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I just sent in my pictures and information. Was it too soon? I hope not, if so I can redo it tomorrow or tuesday- just let me know. I am just so geared up for this. I have needed this forever and with so many others doing it at the same time I don’t feel so all alone.
Is anybody else from east Tn. in this? Just wondering.
Good luck to everyone!
January 4, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Kim….I LOVE the final countdown. I actually have a funny story about that. I used to have it as my alarm ring on my phone. Well anyway, a couple years ago, I accidently left my phone at work. Needless to say when the opener went in, she could hear the final countdown playing. She thought someone was in the daycare, but then she found my phone. That was a classic moment and I’ll never forget it.
January 4, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I am in…
January 4, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Rae-Ann, that is funny….and possibly scary for the opener!!! I jsut got introduced to it tonight as good exercise music….I think it caused me to overdo it a bit tonight at the gym!!! or at least that is what I will blame it on instead of my own good sense!
January 5, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Matt – I don’t know if you have addressed this earlier but I’ve been watching the BL and have a question about the first time that everyone works out together. It looks like some were JOGGING on treadmills the first day. BIG people jogging. Did they have you work up to it before coming on the show or did they really have many of you jogging immediately? I’m planning on walking a lot initially to work up to jogging because of my weight and age as there is no way that I want to be out of the running (little pun there
before I start…. Any thoughts on getting started?
January 5, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I have been waiting for this & sending my info right now!!
January 5, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Matt on your season of Biggest Loser one of the contestants couldn’t weigh in because of pregnancy. We cannot figure out the timing, she was FIVE months pregnant at the finale. Were they home THAT long before the finale? She wasn’t voted off so that’s a long time!
Timing?
Rebecca
January 5, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Kathryn, I know. I am not Matt. But I am over 300 lbs. I have been walking and slowly increasing my speed over time for the last 4 months. While also doing leg strength and core strength stuff. 2 days ago I began running on the treadmill in 30 second bursts. ALthough I defintely feel like I have been working out hard, I am being very careful to pay attention to my body, especially looking for knee pain as I am like you and don’t want to injure myself in the process of getting healthy. I am no Dr. or fitness pro, but everyone I talk to says listen to your body, it is the best indicator of whether you can run now or not. You will know the difference between pain because something isn’t right, and pain because you had a good hard workout.
January 5, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Thank you, Matt. I am a compulsive overeater, sweets addict, but I like competitions (even against myself) and this caught my imagination. I sent you my pictures last night. Today was day One and it wasn’t too hard. I have a story about what happened at my latte place this morning. It involves a scone I would have killed for yesterday and had to pass by today because of my new determination. I’ll spare the luscious details of this treat in order to not get kicked off before I start, but I decided it was a test put in my way and I passed. May I remain a grownup for the duration of the challenge. Anyway, thanks.
January 5, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Matt…my husbad, Mark, and I are excited about joining in tomorrow. Which image do you want us to include with the feet pic? (I’m a little confused). Thanks!
January 6, 2009 at 12:17 am
Hi Matt! Well the emails with photos should be in your InBox as I type. My husband Alex and I are so excited to get started. We thank you for giving us renewed strength to start over one last time! We pray with your support and others from this site that we can really turn our health around. God Bless!
Lisa and Alex
January 6, 2009 at 12:43 am
Jeanette! Thanks for the tip..I am a part of sparkpeople and did not know about that feature. As helpful as it was though…it just showede me that for the 3rd day in a row, I am significantly under calories at midnight….much too late to pack them in….grrr
January 6, 2009 at 5:53 am
Hi Matt, did you publish the image to print somewhere? What am I missing? I will send pictures this afternoon. I sent email stating that I wanted to participate earlier. Thank you.
January 6, 2009 at 8:40 am
The picture is in Matt’s most recent post. Click on the top post in the “Recent Posts” on the left side of this page.
January 6, 2009 at 9:54 am
The weekly weigh ins do you want pics of those too or just the weight?????
January 6, 2009 at 11:04 am
I have gone back and forth about whether or not I should do this, however I have decided that since my husband has made a committment to do this, then I should also, so when I get home I will take the necessary pictures and send them in. Thanks for doing this!
January 6, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Rebecca – yup, the timing is that long. : ) We had about eight months from the start of filming until the finale. There were three months of filming on the ranch, and then every one was home for about five months.
January 6, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Hey ya’ll!
I came here today with my fingers crossed that Matt would be doing this again! I enjoyed the kick off last time and then fell off the wagon after a back injury. But I’m back now!! Let’s do this!!! I’ll email my photos/weight tonight.
Good luck everyone!
January 6, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Kathryn – the jogging would be in intervals. It’s not for long periods of time; run for a minute, walk for a minute, etc. People definitely build up to stronger exercises, but only the extreme ones get shown on tv because they’re more interesting.
January 6, 2009 at 3:11 pm
The image to print out and have in the photo is in this post: http://matthewmcnutt.com/2009/01/04/new-years-weight-loss-challenge-go-time/
January 6, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Tina – on the weekly weighins you just have to send in your weight. I won’t need pictures again until the final weigh in! : )
January 6, 2009 at 3:35 pm
MATT, WHEN YOU WERE at home during the show, how many hours a day were you working out and what did it mainly consist of?
January 6, 2009 at 5:41 pm
My friend Karla just told me about your challenge and I immediately went to your website. We are definitely in and ready for the challenge. 2009 is going to be the year for us to get healthy and lose the excess weight.
January 7, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hey Karla! Welcome and good luck!
January 7, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Ummm…sorry Anne I called you Karla. Yeesh…brain malfunction!
January 8, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Kim – I typically exercised 2 to 2.5 hours a day; two hours of cardio (the first couple months it was just intense walking, then eliptical, then eliptical and jogging) and then 30 minutes of upper body strength training three days a week. I split it up over two workouts a day; an hour to an hour and a half in the morning and then an hour at night.
January 10, 2009 at 9:12 am
Matt do you still incorporate that or have you gone down in length of exersize time? I can’t see doing it more than an hour a day once we are at our maintain weight.