I am the "Biggest Loser"

I am the biggest loser, after 3 months of caring about everything that I eat and maintain my exercise level, I won the Biggest Loser competition, by losing 13.81% of my body weight. Back in Oct, a few coworkers, friends and I started this “Biggest Loser competition”. Each put in $200 into the pot and sees who can lose the most weight as a percentage to their starting body weight in three months, winner takes all. End result was nice, but this wasn't really about the money. Every one in the contest won. JS who came in last, lost 10+ lbs. There is no loser in this!

A few rules that I followed:
1. Eat less processed food and more food in its natural state.
2. Eat less refined grain products. No White rice, white bread etc.
3. Limit sugar and salt intake.
4. Eat food from every group, including fat and carb. (good fat like from fish and avocado, carb from wheat bread and brown rice)
5. Maintain excercise level.

This competition coincides with my reading of a book recommended by a coworker SL, ‘Omnivore’s Dilemma” written by Michael Pollan. It came with a disclaimer from him, “I am not responsible if you turn into a vegetarian after you read this.” The book took the approach of tracing four meals to the original source: Industrial meal, Organic Food, Alternative food and Food we forage ourselves. It changed my view of food forever and makes me think, every time I put food in my mouth, about where is had actually come from and what exactly is in it. It made me a more responsible eater and I highly recommend this life-changing book.