So. I'm still not in the greatest of moods. I'm still incredibly annoyed that I haven't made more progress than I have at this point, and I'm absolutely furious that despite all my efforts this last month I am still going to lose my DietBet. BUT. I've done some thinking these last few hours and I've decided that the main reason I'm frustrated isn't because I haven't made more progress.
It's because I'm going to lose my DietBet.
Don't get me wrong, I would like to see a larger drop on the scale. That isn't even a question. But, if I wasn't facing losing $30 in 6 days I don't think I would have been quite as upset as I was when I saw the number on the scale this morning. The moral of the story is, while I do think DietBet is a good motivator, it unfortunately has caused me a lot more stress than it's worth. Because of this, I've made a decision: I won't be signing up for any other challenges moving forward. I will let this 30-day challenge pass, as a loss. I will be upset, but I hopefully I will be able to find some success in my 6-month challenge. But either way, once they are both over with, I will say goodbye to DietBet.
The fact of the matter is, for the first time in my life I'm finally doing this the right way. In the past I've:
This time, I'm finally doing things right. I'm working out, and doing a great program. I'm not starving myself or eating pre-packaged foods: I'm making all of my own decisions and learning about balance. I'm content with the weight coming off slow, and realize I don't need to make this change over night. For the VERY FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I'm finally doing this right. So I REFUSE to let a gambling website completely derail my confidence and my will to keep on going.
With the steps I'm taking, I'm going to lose weight on the scale slower than I would if I wasn't working out regularly or if I was eating nothing but pre-packaged shakes and bars. Therefore, it's mentally and emotionally irresponsible for me to commit myself to a bet that only relies on the scale for it's payout.
From now on, I'll just have to look to myself for motivation. And Tubmlr, of course.
It's because I'm going to lose my DietBet.
Don't get me wrong, I would like to see a larger drop on the scale. That isn't even a question. But, if I wasn't facing losing $30 in 6 days I don't think I would have been quite as upset as I was when I saw the number on the scale this morning. The moral of the story is, while I do think DietBet is a good motivator, it unfortunately has caused me a lot more stress than it's worth. Because of this, I've made a decision: I won't be signing up for any other challenges moving forward. I will let this 30-day challenge pass, as a loss. I will be upset, but I hopefully I will be able to find some success in my 6-month challenge. But either way, once they are both over with, I will say goodbye to DietBet.
The fact of the matter is, for the first time in my life I'm finally doing this the right way. In the past I've:
- Done meal-replacement diets (ie. Medifast, Wonderslim, Medical Weight Loss)
- Done lose-weight-fast diets (ie. Provida 6-Week Body Makeover, random cleanses)
- Not worked out, and relied only on a lower calorie intake to lose weight
- Beat myself up relentlessly for having a cheat meal/day/weekend.
- Lost all of my motivation and drive when I did hit a certain weight by a certain date.
This time, I'm finally doing things right. I'm working out, and doing a great program. I'm not starving myself or eating pre-packaged foods: I'm making all of my own decisions and learning about balance. I'm content with the weight coming off slow, and realize I don't need to make this change over night. For the VERY FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I'm finally doing this right. So I REFUSE to let a gambling website completely derail my confidence and my will to keep on going.
With the steps I'm taking, I'm going to lose weight on the scale slower than I would if I wasn't working out regularly or if I was eating nothing but pre-packaged shakes and bars. Therefore, it's mentally and emotionally irresponsible for me to commit myself to a bet that only relies on the scale for it's payout.
From now on, I'll just have to look to myself for motivation. And Tubmlr, of course.
As long as I keep moving, I will see results. They will take longer than I want. I might not be where I want to be by the time our vacation to California comes around, or summer comes around, or even New Year's Eve comes around. But I will get to where I want to be, eventually. And that's what matters.
For now, I'll have to chalk up the 30-day challenge as a $30 lesson, and hopefully my luck will change and I will be able to win a few rounds during my 6-month challenge to offset this first loss. All I can do is keep on keeping on. And if I lose, I lose. But I won't quit. I can't. Not this time.