349th RCS lauds its biggest losers Published Jan. 13, 2007 By Capt. Amy Render Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It's not every day that people are inspired to increase their fitness by a television show and a couch, but that's how the 349th Recruiting Squadron lost 128 pounds and earned big health gains. During three autumn months, 13 two-man teams tracked their weight loss to see who would win the title as the 349th RCS Biggest Loser. Capt. James Couch, 349th RCS operations officer, was inspired by the television show, "The Biggest Loser." The unit contest, two-person teams recorded their total weight by Sept. 1, and weighed in again Nov. 1 at the squadron annual for the big finale. In addition to working out at least three days per week, participants employed various diets, including the diet nutrition drink approach, the cabbage soup route and the lemon juice "cleansing" diet. One team used two different diet plans. Capt. Couch's "TV Dinner Meal Plan" reduced his daily caloric intake to about 1,200 by eating a breakfast bar in the morning and two healthy 250-500 calorie TV dinners for lunch and dinner. Master Sgt. Jeff Stover, the captain's teammate, maintained his 1,500 calorie diet by eating small meals every three hours. Captain Couch and Sergeant Stover won first place by losing 33.5 pounds and scored $50 gift certificates. Master Sgt. David Stewart and Tech. Sgt. Steven Gifford lost 33 pounds and won the second place "Fit for Life" goodie bags. Tech. Sgts. Ross Coffey and William Hilton lost 28 pounds and scored the third place key holders, water bottles and lunch packs. The competition hit its mark in building unit cohesiveness and encouraging weight loss. "Everyone who participated said they felt more energetic and healthy," Captain Couch said.