Whenever I explain my newest wellness/weight loss discovery to my friends and family, I always get the look (or sometimes even the question) that asks "but why?". It is hard to explain body image problems to people who don't agree with your self-evaluation. Sure, I might not need to lose 100lbs, but it doesn't mean that I'm happy with where I am. After a long and hectic end to my first year of graduate school, I finally feel ready to commit to (yet another) weight-loss plan. Since finances are kind of tight, I figured using DietBet would be a good way to motivate me to stick to it. My nutritionist gave me my calorie and macro needs last fall and I've struggled to stay on track...regardless of how simple and easy it is on paper. 

 
In all fairness, I never have a solid answer to the "but why?" question other than my scripted "well I'd like to lose a few pounds". After attending therapy as a future school counselor, I have found the value of self-reflection and evaluation. It is only fair to answer their question with meaningful answers, only then will they stop asking. 
 
When my DietBet challenge comes up in conversation (and it's bound to), I would like to answer with my actual reasons for participating, not just my usual answer.
First off, I would like to feel good about my body again. A couple years ago, I lost around 15lbs and was happier than ever with my body. The major life changes that followed resulted in putting those pounds right back on. I worked so hard to lose them and I was devastated when I let myself go. 
Second, I want to restore my self-confidence and "betting" on myself is the best way to prove that I can count on myself to achieve my goals. 
Finally, I can't wait to feel better. Eating wholesome food and exercising regularly ALWAYS make my body happy. Who wouldn't want that?
 

These somewhat intangible things are hard to achieve without a plan. With that being said, I need some specific goals for this challenge. Considering my initial weigh-in is this weekend, I think now is the perfect time to come up with some:  
 
Goal #1: Only weigh myself once a week. 
With my Type-A personality, it is pretty easy to become obsessive about things (especially numerical values). Weighing myself once a week will keep me informed (and hopefully motivated) without a constant need to check my progress. 
 
Goal #2: Journal after each weekly weigh-in. 
If so much of my reason for doing this involves my feelings, it would make sense to check in with those from time to time. 
 
Goal #3: Bend without breaking. 
I would obviously like to stick with my nutritionist's plan as much as possible, but a perfect diet record is unsustainable in the long term. I'm a huge dessert fan, so for me this translates to only having 1 low-calorie treat per day throughout my challenge. When unexpected things come up (i.e. family trip to get ice cream), I will choose the smallest portion available to me and enjoy it mindfully. 
 
 
 
Cheers to making some money this month.
Good luck everyone!