The weight loss plan is based on common-sense nutrition and exercise. With the help of experts in nutrition and exercise, WRAL's "10-pound" team is already making progress.
Team members took a step on a bathroom scale. Their starting weight, along with a body fat analyzer, only put numbers on what the WRAL employees already knew.
"I've got a little bit of a gut on me.I just feel like my body is telling me something," said news photographer Dave McCorkle.
"It was time to make a change," said news producer Miriam Sutton.
The WRAL employees come in different sizes, but everyone in the group has a shared goal -- 10 pounds in 30 days.
"I think everybody wants to lose 10 pounds," said WRAL producer Jennifer Fauteux.
Wake County Human Services Nutritionist Beth Collins told the group success begins with a positive attitude and a commitment to change behavior. One behavioral change is to eat slower.
"It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to give the signal to your brain that you're actually full," Collins said.
However, slow eating and meal planning can be difficult in a fast-paced news environment.
"I never packed my lunch. I get fast food just about every day," said news photographer Tom Normanly.
"Just a quick hamburger down the throat and just move on to the next thing," McCorkle said.
Collins said keeping a food diary can help you identify bad habits and weak points during the day when you are most vulnerable to making poor food choices.
"The most challenging part is when you get off work and you get all wound up and you just want to come home and eat," said news reporter Gloria Lopez.
Many people crave high-fat comfort food and quick energy drinks.
"I have to leave the canned carbonated drinks alone because I think that was also contributing to my weight gain," Sutton said.
Collins said a 20-ounce bottle of Coca Cola contains about 17 to 18 teaspoons of sugar. It would take 30 minutes of jogging to burn that many calories.
So, how do you beat the craving, eat right and exercise? Collins said many people find it easier in a group setting.
"Just seeing others who are participating in the program, you want to (take part). It just makes you want to be successful," said Five On Your Side associate producer Brandi Crawford.
News producer Kyle Hughes has friendly bets with others in the group.
"That's a way for me to stay motivated -- by making it a competition," he said.
At the end of the 30 days, Hughes said he hopes to solve another problem besides his weight.
"I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and this is one way to bring both of those down in a healthy manner," he said.
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