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Yes, I'm alive. Sorry I disappeared on you guys.
I feel like I owe you guys an explanation.
So, a couple months ago I became really stressed and busy. It happens to the best of us, right? Well, on top of graduations, weddings (best friends), birthdays and other celebratory events, I didn't have much free time and let my health & fitness not be my biggest priority.
I tend to go by balance - at home, I try to eat really well and clean. I don't buy processed foods and cook all my meals. When I'm out with friends or celebrating something, I let myself indulge and eat whatever I want. This usually is my "cheat meal" of the week and doesn't affect my weight at all. In fact, it's a popular belief that one cheat meal a week can help speed up your metabolism. As long as it's not a good portion of your meals for the week (I like to do just one, sometimes two), it's not a big deal.
Health and fitness is meant to improve your life, but not keep you from living it, so I didn't want to not eat anything. I mean, one of the biggest things at any celebratory event. Food. And it's usually not healthy, unless a health nut is hosting it. ;)
Well celebrating several times a week added up, and in one month I gained about 6 lbs (I'm almost positive that at least 5 lbs was water weight/retention).
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Needless to say, I did not freak out, but felt a tad discouraged. So, I joined a Dietbet.
What's a dietbet? Basically you bet a certain amount of money (most popular bets are $25 or $35) that you will lose 4% of your body weight in 31 days. You join whichever Dietbet you like (I joined the Blogilates one, the largest that has ever happened) and there, you'll receive your support and guidance from other Dietbetters or from the creator of that Dietbet. If you don't lose the 4% in the 31 days, then your bet amount, let's say it's $25 is split among the winners (I think Dietbet also takes a percentage out of the winnings as well). If you're a winner, than you'll earn some money.
Now, I'm not huge on using a scale to check my progress overall. But I do like that this monetary bet does motivate me to push myself when I don't feel like it. I've been lax on workouts until this past week (my Dietbet started June 1st), but I've watched what I have eaten carefully. It's not like everyone has access to a bodyfat caliper.
You can also choose to donate a percentage of your winnings to charity, if you choose. How awesome is that?!
When I was thinking it over, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, how do they know people aren't cheating?
Well, you have to take a photo of yourself on a scale in what they call "airport attire." Then, you have to take a photo of the scale with your feet on it and whatever "code word" they email you. If they find your progress suspicious, they will contact you and find other means of validating your weight loss (I believe one of these ways is via Skype).
Anyway. I lost ~5 lbs in the first week... So, I'm going to say that's most likely water weight. I wasn't even eating 100% clean that week, but much better than I had been eating last month.
It's really difficult for me to lose any real weight, but I did meet my goal this morning and even surpassed it by half a pound! Yay! Now, to keep that off until July 1st when I get my last weigh-in code word. I'm going to keep pushing though, and hopefully will drop a bit more weight this week.
I really, really like how supportive and motivating my Blogilates Dietbet teammates are. Many of us post pictures (motivational, sweaty pics, food), cheer others on, ask questions/concerns, our own personal triumphs/victories, or what activities we've participated in on our Newsfeed. Love the interactive aspect.
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Also, I did notice in the past couple months that my thighs have gotten much more toned. :D Happy dance! My thighs are a major "problem area," or an area where I tend to collect fat. Haha. So, I never thought I'd actually see muscles/definition there. But, at my best friend's bridal shower, we took group photos and I noticed one of my thighs was sort of bulging. Feeling like the Hulk now. Hahaha.
I also have some REALLY exciting news for you all. But it's going to have to wait until my paperwork is processed and it's a for sure thing. But big changes are happening!!! :)
I have some major updates to do soon. No more procrastinating. Ha.
Stay PosiFIT,
Marie
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