Chantel Hobbs Challenges People to 'Ditch the Diet'

When looking at the slogan of Chantel Hobbs' weight loss plan "Ditch the Diet," one may be reminded of weight loss pills or methods to diet without the true effort involved. This couldn't be farther from the truth.

Chantel Hobbs first began struggling with food at the age of eleven. In her website biography, she remembers walking down the aisle "as a 'plus sized' bride", the birth of her two children and the weight that just wouldn't disappear. At 29 years old, Hobbs weighed over 350 pounds. Despite telling herself that she just was too busy to lose weight, inside she felt "ugly, judged and pathetic."

After her second child's birth, everything Hobbs had felt in the past came to a head. Hobbs told CBN.com that after a night of desperate prayer, she realized something, "You are not being the best you can be."

After this realization, she decided to stop dieting and lose the weight for good. In her words, she "decided to take the challenge!" Her weight loss journey began on April 30, 2001. She started off determined to establish a regular exercise habit and began exercising for 30 minutes a day on the recumbent bike. She began eating smaller, more frequent meals (5 meals a day of about 300 calories each) to keep her metabolism high and to prevent hunger attacks, eating about 1,500 calories a day.

By January 30, 2002, Hobbs had lost 101 pounds. Seven years later, Hobbs is a spinning instructor, fitness trainer, marathon runner and 200 pounds lighter. Unlike many who attempt weight loss plans, Hobbs never actually set a weight loss goal for herself. She told CBN.com that her goal was simply not to fail.

She has since released a book, Never Say Diet: Make Five Decisions and Break the Fat Habit, and has offered her weight loss challenge to others. For $19.99 a month, Hobbs offers advise on how to lose weight without dieting, with personal encouragement via Internet chats and videos.

According to Hobbs' website, the 16 week program called "The Brain Change Challenge" not only teaches you how to eat right and exercise, but shows you how to "train yourself to think differently and act based on a process of doable changes over time to your everyday life." Every week, Hobbs sends members a new message of inspiration and every month, members will receive a newsletter with recipes, exercise tips and ideas for helping your family stay fit.

The program provides weekly workouts, training logs and grocery lists that still allow you to eat your favorite foods in moderation. As a member, you are also connected to other Challenge-takers via the Internet.

Even if you are unsure about signing up for the membership, Hobbs offers several free downloads on her website including: a grocery list, strength training worksheets, "The Brain Change" Life Contract, "The 10 Uncomfortable Truths About Losing Weight", tips for eating out and still "ditching the diet", heart rate monitor worksheets and assorted exercises.

Chantel Hobbs Official Website

Chantel Hobbs: Say Goodbye to Diets, CBN.com