A Bridgenorth Man Devised "The Bacon Experiment" To Lose Weight

Bridgenorth father Dan Quibell, 42, has struggled with his weight since he was a kid—and was old enough to go to the store and fill up on pop and chips every day.

"Me at age 5 when I was the skinny kid and the fastest runner in kindergarten." —Dan

"Me at age 5 when I was the skinny kid and the fastest runner in kindergarten." —Dan

"Me at age 13 when my doctor told me I was 'obese' when I was eating a big bag of chips, a cholesterol bar and a large pop for lunch every day." —Dan

"Me at age 13 when my doctor told me I was 'obese' when I was eating a big bag of chips, a cholesterol bar and a large pop for lunch every day." —Dan

Dan tried working out in high school and eating better, but that didn't help much at all. He kept gaining weight into adulthood—until he hit 260 pounds.

"That's my wife and myself at near my heaviest weight. At about 250 lbs. from a couple years ago." —Dan

"That's my wife and myself at near my heaviest weight. At about 250 lbs. from a couple years ago." —Dan

Dan a year ago before he started The Bacon Experiment

Dan a year ago before he started The Bacon Experiment

"In the past 20 years, I have tried weight watchers, low fat diets, vegetarianism, fruitarian diet and a vegan diet," Dan tells PTBOCanada. "Every crazy thing I came across that seemed to make sense I tried—smoothies, juicing and the list goes on. Some things worked better than others but I always lost muscle and the weight came back FAST."

A year ago, that all changed when Dan says he found a podcast called "The Fat Burning Man" that talked about eating fat to burn fat and get lean.

Dan at the doctor's office the day before he started The Bacon Experiment

Dan at the doctor's office the day before he started The Bacon Experiment

The podcast got his attention, and he devised something he calls "The Bacon Experiment", a clever name he came up with.

"I learned as much as I could and started eating bacon and eggs and sausages, and the pounds started melting away," he tells PTBOCanada. "I weighed about 240 lbs when I started, and a year later I was down to 212 lbs. I felt great and had energy to spare so I found myself going to the gym 3 times a week, playing with my kids more at the park and going for walks listening to hundreds of hours of podcasts and audio books."

"I did low carb for a year," Dan adds. "And I ate bacon and eggs for breakfast for most days during that time. But I did bacon only—30 pieces a day—for 30 days straight, from October 1st to October 30th of this year." That pushed Dan's weight down a further 20 pounds, to 193 pounds.

For his experiment, Dan says he used local pastured bacon free of GMOs and free of antibiotics. He avoided processed meats.

Dan the day after his bacon experiment ended

Dan the day after his bacon experiment ended

Dan believes bacon can change someone's life if they eat it with the purpose of not eating wheat and sugar. "I ate only bacon for 30 days—60 pounds worth—and lost about 20 lbs of fat and lowered my blood pressure by 30 points. I ate bacon to help others lose weight and regain their health. I ate bacon to make a difference! Am I crazy? Or am I into something here?"

Dan tells PTBOCanada some of his friends have started doing the low carb thing themselves after seeing his results. "Three of them started in the first week of November. All three are down 12-15 lbs each."

Dan is getting more and more interest and inquiries about his Bacon Experiment—he has appeared on The Wolf 101.5 radio in Peterborough to talk about it—and plans to write an E-book about it to share with others.

What do you think about his experiment? Tell us on our Facebook page. (You can contact Dan here.)

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The Bullocks Wins Peterborough County 2015 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce announced that the Bullock family—owners of Cedarvilla Holsteins at 2334 Northeys Road in Lakefield—are the 2015 Farm Family of the Year.

The Bullock Family

The Bullock Family

Cedarvilla Holsteins is a second generation family farm. Randy and Tara Bullock started dairy farming together in 1999 with Randy’s parents, and took over a couple of years later. Now with the help of their three children—Lily, Aidan, and Liam—they run the 200 acre dairy farm and crop an additional 400 acres.

Randy and Lily

Randy and Lily

Randy and Tara are active volunteers in the farming community, and they are also involved in numerous other farm organizations and committees, as well as local community groups—including the Lakefield United Church and both Peterborough and Lakefield Minor Hockey.

In the past 5 years, the Bullock children have become increasingly involved in the daily operation of the farm. Lily milks the cows, registers all the calves on the farm, and looks after any applications for shows the farm attends. Aidan and Liam make all the feed during the evening chores, do much of the haying during the summer, and are extremely helpful with anything mechanical.

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Maryam Monsef Appointed To Cabinet As Minister Of Democratic Institutions

Thirty-year-old Liberal MP Maryam Monsef—the first woman Peterborough has ever elected to serve in Ottawa (and the first Afghan-Canadian MP)—now also has another amazing honour after being sworn in for a cabinet position.

From CBC News

From CBC News

Monsef was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Minister of Democratic Institutions in a swearing-in-ceremony at Rideau Hall Wednesday morning (November 4th).

From CBC News

From CBC News

From CBC News

From CBC News

The PCVS and Trent University grad is the first federal cabinet minister from Peterborough since the late Seventies.

photo via Twitter

photo via Twitter

Learn more about Monsef's backstory in this feature article—"From Afghanistan To Iran To Peterborough: One Woman's Amazing Story Of How A City (& A School) Saved Her Life"—we posted in 2012.

Read her biography here and this excellent profile the Ottawa Citizen did on her.
 

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Maryam Monsef Becomes First Female MP In History Of Peterborough

For the first time ever, Peterborough has elected a woman to serve in Ottawa, as Liberal Maryam Monsef defeated Conservative candidate Michael Skinner and NDP candidate Dave Nickle.

"Today isn't the end, it's actually the beginning. The beginning of a lot of hard work to meet the commitments I made," she said in her victory speech to constituents at Showplace Peteborough.

Monsef had 29,091 (43.1%) of the vote in the decisive win, on a night when the Liberals formed a majority government under new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The 30-year-old PCVS and Trent University grad is also the youngest person ever elected from this riding.

Monsef tweeted out her thanks shortly after her win....

Learn more about Monsef's backstory in this feature article—"From Afghanistan To Iran To Peterborough: One Woman's Amazing Story Of How A City (& A School) Saved Her Life"—we posted in 2012.

Read her biography here.
 

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Hometown Boy Logan DeNoble Fulfills Lifelong Dream By Playing For Petes

Thursday, September 24th, marks the start of a banner season for the most storied franchise in all of junior hockey. Your hometown Peterborough Petes are entering their 60th season. A Peterborough boy with a lifelong dream of playing for the Petes is on the team. Read below...

Logan DeNoble grew up playing minor hockey in Peterborough

Logan DeNoble grew up playing minor hockey in Peterborough

Among the group of kids on this year's roster, we’ve noticed something pretty awesome: a 17-year-old hometown boy named Logan DeNoble has cracked the team in his “rookie” season. Yes, a drafted prospect is making his first opening night roster!

Logan has always been a big Petes fan

Logan has always been a big Petes fan

Drafted in 2013, in the 13th round, and wearing jersey No. 28—which he wore in minor hockey—Logan DeNoble grew up in Peterborough being a huge Petes fan. He was developed in the minor league hockey system right here in Peterborough.

Logan at PMC as a kid

Logan at PMC as a kid

Having played in a small portion of games last season, this is essentially the local product's rookie season. If you asked yourself who the last Peterborough drafted product was to play for the Petes, names like John Brioux, Brad Self and even Zac Bierk might pop up as your guess. It’s actually the first time since Derek Holden in 2007 that a Peterborough born kid has suited up for his hometown team in his rookie season.

Logan in minor league hockey days holding a painting of himself by George Elliott

Logan in minor league hockey days holding a painting of himself by George Elliott

Logan is not only fulfilling a lifelong dream of wearing the maroon and white, but is actually following in the footsteps of his grandfather Ron Chittick (66-68), great uncle Perry Chittick (67-68), and Uncle Jeff DeNoble (86-87)—all of whom played for the Petes.

Logan in action for the OHL Petes

Logan in action for the OHL Petes

From our experience, the Memorial Centre (aka PMC) has always been louder when we get the privilege of watching local kids out on the ice. We don’t expect that to change this year. If you make it out to a game this year at the PMC, you’re bound to hear his friends and family, because—get this—18 of his family members bought seasons tickets and they’re all sitting together!

We wish Logan and the Petes an amazing season!

—By Aaron Elliott

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Peterborough Startup App Ribitt Has Ambitious Plans

Peterborough Startup App Ribitt Has Ambitious Plans

Hop over to this story

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Peterborough Icon Erica Cherney Awarded Humanitarian of the Year Alumni Award

UPDATE: September 19th -> Erica received her award at a ceremony in Ottawa...

ORIGINAL POST:

Carleton University has announced that Peterborough's Erica Cherney (BComm/52) has been awarded its prestigious 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Alumni Award in recognition of her leadership and service to the community.

Photo by Jessica Melnik

Photo by Jessica Melnik

“Erica Cherney exemplifies the very best of Carleton’s alumni community,” says Jay Nordenstrom, president of Carleton University’s Alumni Association. “She has served her community and her province with distinction and made a meaningful difference to others. The Carleton community is honoured to recognize this distinguished alumna with its 2015 Humanitarian Award.”
 
The award will be presented to Cherney as part at the Alumni Distinction Awards gala dinner to be held at Carleton on September 19th.
 
Erica is being recognized for her contributions to business, economic development, the arts, education, philanthropy, health care, human rights and community building.

Photo via YouTube

Photo via YouTube

As the owner and partner of Cherney Realty in Peterborough, Cherney has received numerous awards and honours, including:
 
    • Ontario Bicentennial Medal for her volunteer work, 1984
    • YMCA’s Woman of the Year, 1987
    • Citizen of the Year – Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, 1999
    • Honorary Degree from Trent University, 2005
    • Rotary Club of Peterborough Paul Harris Fellow, 2011
    • Lifetime Achievement Award by Homegrown Homes, 2011
    • Woman of the Decade, Peterborough Examiner, 2012
    • Queen’s Jubilee Medal, 2012

 
She has served in leadership and board member roles for numerous organizations, including the Downtown Business Improvement Association, United Way, Showplace Peterborough, Peterborough Symphony, Peterborough Arts Council, Arbor Theatre Foundation, New Stages Theatre, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Vice-Chair of TVO, United Israel Appeal (earning an honour for her work), Beth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough Utilities Board, Peterborough Civic Hospital and the Ontario Audio Library Board.
 
Cherney's contributions—and impact—on this city and beyond are immeasurable.

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Lakefield’s Faith Dickinson Wins Me to We Youth In Action Award

Lakefield’s Faith Dickinson Wins Me to We Youth In Action Award

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

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Ten Years A Canadian: Peterborough Woman Writes Powerful Post

Peterborough's Kemi Akapo—who PTBOCanada recently spotlighted in our "8 Local Women You Really Need To Meet" article, wrote a powerful post on her Facebook page Wednesday (September 2nd) marking her 10th anniversary of being in Canada—on what Canada, Peterborough and community mean to her. Akapo let us re-post it in its entirety here. Have a read below...

On September 2nd, 2005 I stepped foot in Canada for the first time. 10 years ago. 

Travelling from Conakry, Guinea via Paris, France, my mom and I landed in Montreal.  Our flight from Paris had been delayed for several hours, which resulted in our missing our connecting flight to Toronto where the Trent International Program Orientation camp staff/volunteers were awaiting our arrival.  I don’t remember too much of it, but I do remember my mother speaking with an Air France agent and somehow getting her to agree to put us up in a hotel for the evening and providing transportation to and from the hotel, all on their dime.  She also somehow got us booked on an Air Canada flight from Montreal to Toronto scheduled to leave the next day.

We arrived to Toronto and my mother (who thankfully had just done this trip a year ago with my older brother) booked us an airport shuttle to drop me off at Camp Kawartha for TIP camp and took her to her home for the next three weeks, Peterborough Inn and Suites.  We got into shuttle van and after what seemed like an eternity, finally arrived at Camp Kawartha.

Stepping off the airport shuttle at Camp Kawartha, I was first greeted by a TIP Office staff member, Elena Koudiakova who said “We’re so glad you’re here, we were worried when you didn’t show up yesterday!”  I remember thinking “Woah, this lady knows who I am?  Neat.”

TIP Camp was a blast.  I met a number of people and started my memories of life as a Trent student that day.  One memory which remains with me today is myself and R (two Nigerian girls who had never canoed before) jumping into a canoe and paddling out into the lake.  Neither of us knew what we were doing, but we were having a good time.  That is, until we wanted to return to camp.  Not having canoed before, we didn't know how to turn the canoe around.  Oops.  We finally figured it out, and slowly made our way back.  I’m not quite sure why, but as we were nearing shore R decided to jump ship and swim back, leaving me to fend for myself.  I may have had a slight panic attack, but I persevered and thankfully a camp counsellor saw me, paddled closer and encouraged me until I docked. 

It would take too long to write about what happened over the next 10 years after that incident, but it's been quite a rollercoaster. 

I’m not quite sure what I expected, but my journey in Canada so far has been nothing like I could have anticipated. I have made some incredible friends here, first at Trent University and later on in the community of Peterborough (and across Canada / the world).   I’ve had countless numbers of memories.  I’ve experienced heartache.  I’ve survived off Ramen noodles.  I’ve experienced snow for the first time.  I discovered my voice.  I learned that perogies are not the same thing as samosas.  I learned that inequality exists in Canada just as it does around the world.  I’ve found there are wonderful people who care deeply on various issues and work/volunteer their time to address them.  I learned the J stroke.  Most importantly though, I have developed a sense of community.  There are a number of people I have to thank for my success here but I won’t list them, lest I forget one and hurt someone’s feelings.  You know who you are.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I would be remiss if I did not mention my family though.  They have helped me in innumerable ways and there really is no way for me to "pay them back" for what they've done.  Ese pupo. (Yoruba)

I will admit, I miss my original home in West Africa though.  I miss the beach. The actual beach with an ocean, not freezing Lake Ontario, sorry.  I miss the food, the music, the weather (oh the weather!) and so much more.  That being said, Peterborough is now and will always be one of my homes.

What is in store for me for the next 10 years, I do not know.  What I do know, however, is that those first 48 hours in Canada taught me to handle a lot of what I faced in my first 10 years here.  Not everything will go as planned.  That’s okay, there is almost always another way.  Sometimes, you can have a conversation with someone and get far more out of it than expected.  Canada is huge and it takes hours to drive anywhere. There are people looking out for you, sometimes without you realizing.  Sometimes people will ditch you, especially when you feel you need them the most.  That’s okay, you’re strong enough to handle it.  As enthusiastic as you are to try something new, it's okay to slow down, ask questions and determine if it's the best fit for you.  There is usually someone around to help you, offer advice, encouragement. 

Finally, call mom. Whatever you’re going through, chances are she’s gone through it (or something similar) before and can give you advice. Dad too.

Here's to the next 10 years.

—by Kemi Akapo

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Musician Missy Knott Just Announced An Amazing Upcoming Side Project

Well known local musician Missy Knott just announced an amazing new upcoming side project: a baby!

"I've been working on a side project to be released any day now," Missy says in an awesome Facebook announcement, along with this beautiful photo below by Erin Lester Photography.

Missy Knott photo by Erin Lester Photography

Missy Knott photo by Erin Lester Photography

Missy tells PTBOCanada she is expecting a baby girl, and that she is due any day now! Congrats Missy, we're so excited for you!! 

(Oh, and Missy also has a clothing line out now. Check it out here! And her website is here.)

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