If you have followed this blog for a little while, you know that I’m endeavoring to lose 100lbs. this year. I started on August 30th at 265lbs. and am hoping to be 165lbs. by this coming August 30th.
It has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows to this point; however, I think I’ll be victorious if I keep my eye on the prize! Even if I don’t lose exactly 100lbs., I will be lighter, healthier, and better for having taken the journey.
In addition to trying to lose the weight, I’m also trying to embrace my inner-experiencer! There are so many fun or interesting activities I want to try, but fear has held me back. Needless to say it’s been a big year so far – and there is much more to come!
During January, I took part in a diet bet through dietbetter.com! It was my first time doing so (and it may be my last). Though, after some time away, I may be ready to dive back into another one!
The Pride
The purpose of a diet bet is to motivate folks who want to lose weight. Participants pay to enter the game (in my case it was $30) and to win their share of the pot, they are required to lose a certain percentage of their body weight within a restricted amount of time. The bet I took part in was apparently the largest in history (over $366,000 in the pot) – which is not surprising since Chris and Heidi Powell were the challengers. They are becoming two of the most beloved and respected trainers in the weight-loss community. I adore them both. ~smile~
The challenge was to lose 4% of our body weight in 30 days. I started at 239.4lbs., so I needed to lose 9.6lbs. to make my goal. Knowing there was over $366,000 in the pot made for some great incentive!
When I began the month, I had no doubt that I could melt 10lbs. off in 30 days. In fact, I had a personal goal of 15 lbs. Perhaps I was more prideful than I should have been. Just because I was months into a weight-loss journey did not mean I had all the weight-loss tricks figured out. Sometimes our bodies doesn’t shed pounds as easily as we think they should!
The Humility
The first few pounds came off quickly, but that was no surprise since they were Christmas pounds. I put them on easily and I took them off easily. Then, my body got stuck. It wanted to stay at my Thanksgiving weight! THANKSGIVING! Basically, my body was telling me that I had wasted a month and a half of my year. It was discouraging to say the least.
My pride was weakened (as it probably should have been) and I began to focus more on hard work and eating well. On the last weekend before the weigh-in, I was still a pound or so away from my goal. Talk about cutting it close! So, I turned down cupcakes and other various treats over the weekend (including a Super Bowl party with lots of yummy treats!) in preparation for a victorious weigh-in. I simply had to win – even if just to get my $30 back!!!
The Thrill of Victory
After a not-so-fun weekend, and a somewhat stressful month, I am pleased to say that I stepped on that scale victorious! 229.2lbs! I did not leave much room for error as I only won by less than a pound, but I was so incredibly thankful for the win. Had there not been a prize at the end of the journey, I would not have eaten as well as I did. The competition was friendly and encouraging and it was a positive experience overall.
However, much to my disappointment, I only netted an additional $11.24. ~smile~ Granted, I got my $30 back – which was a big deal to me since Eric and I only budget a very small amount of personal fun money each pay period. Still, somehow, I had it in my head that winning would mean earning a lot more. I suppose I should be happy that so many people met their 4% goal. ~smile~ I am happy for them. Of course I am… ~wink~
If you’ve never done a diet bet and need a little inspiration to get started, consider joining one at dietbetter.com. If you do, please contact us and let us know how you liked it! Even though I did not make a killing, it did give me the motivation to push through and lose 10lbs in a month. Without it, I may have only lost half that amount. If you can find a way to jump start your goals, do it! ~smile~
Would you and your sweetie consider trying a diet bet?