Hello

Let me introduce myself again. I am Jodi and Lori's sister-in-law, Stacy and yes, I have been playing this game (several times, in fact).  

My two cents;

This game is quite revealing as far as our strengths and weaknesses.  For some exercise is hard, for some (me) it is hard to drink the water.  For all, it is hard to consistently eat the way we are supposed to eat to have optimal health.  So I love the light it shines on each of us and our struggles and our strengths.  As much as it is a team effort, I value the lessons I have learned about myself.  I have never won in this game, as far as the money goes, but I have gained SO MUCH knowledge and I have acquired new habits which have made me feel like I have changed my life in a lasting and important way.  I knew going in to this round that I was not really in to the contest, but I wanted to support Jodi and Lori and so I paid the $25 dollars knowing I would never see it again, but wanting to make the effort anyway.  We are each struggling in our own way, everyone is so busy and stressed and life is difficult at times.  I hate to see this game, which is so great at elevating us to a better life, become a negative in people's lives.  

I definitely feel that there needs to be changes in the game, if people are bingeing on their free day.  That is completely counter-productive to healthy lifestyle and weight loss.  If any of you have read the Game On diet book, you know that in the original diet, she did not support binge eating on the free day-it was just a more relaxed day where you didn't have to count points. I think somewhere we have lost the way from the original game and that free day, as great as it is, is becoming an obstacle to our goals (weight loss and healthier habits).  

So, I think you all should come to a consensus about how you would like the game to go down.  Most of you have played the game enough times to recognize inherent flaws and I think Jodi's suggestion is a good one.  I, however, will not be playing again until I can fully commit to myself and partner and do it for the right reasons...

I am not mentally in this game, but because of this game I feel I have a very healthy lifestyle and I am grateful for the weeks that I have played it.  I encourage you all to encourage each other, but keep it real!! If your day sucks, it is helpful for others to know that everyone struggles and you can overcome!