Doubling up vs. Overlapping Dietbets.

Posted on September 2, 2014

I am pretty new to this whole Dietbet thing. Just about to start my first challenge! But I must confess, I am already hooked.

I have had a long hard look at what my goals are and from what I can tell, there are two ways to play this game. The first way is the way that I see the majority of people doing it. That is:

Have 3 bets running along side each other- all saying that you will lose 4% of your weight over the next 4 weeks. So long as you manage to do that- you get three times the winnings.

This immediately sounded great to me, because I am pretty confident that I am going to be able to lose the weight in a month (just because of where I am in at the moment and how my head is thinking).

But then.. I thought- I am not really in this for the money- I am in this to get closer towards my real goal which is to be a healthier, fitter version of the person I already am. So I have decided to go down the second route:

Have 3 bets starting in successive weeks so that they are all overlapping. This means that my first bet starts this week and ends first week of October, my second bet starts next week and goes to mid october and my third bet will start the week after and end in the penultimate week of October.

Why do I think this is better? Because this way, I can't cram and rush to meet the bet at the end of the 4 weeks, because that will jeopardize my other bets. That way I can't have a big blow-out meal (that I will justify to myself as having been 'deserved') the day after my one bet finishes because that too will jeopardize my other bets.

This way I am commiting to not just the next month of my life, but at least the next 7 weeks. And... with the three bets I am actually going to have to lose more than 4%, a challenge which will be just that- challenging, but totally worth it!

Good luck to all of you out there about to start their first bet!

Stay strong,

Celestine

Comment Now!

Chrissy

10/05/2014 2:11PM

That was my thought too ;) I'm also new to DB & was so excited I joined 2 bets at the same time then I thought about what you just said & waited to join my 3rd. I didn't really know at the time I could only join 3. Once these are over I'm gonna stager them farther apart as to keep me motivated on the next ones. Already I'm sure this will be a long term thing for me. ;))). Good luck to you

Mia

09/05/2014 3:44AM

That's a brilliant strategy and makes a lot more sense than having 3 at the same time. I am going to have a look at what starts next week. I think I'll stick with two for now and see how it works out.

cathy, Denise K. and Jellybean like this comment.

Cindy L.

09/03/2014 9:52PM

I like your strategy. I was thinking of joining the 6 month bet to keep up the momentum, but I think your idea may work better for me. Thanks, Cindy

Jellybean likes this comment.

Oriana

09/03/2014 7:34AM

I agree with the overlapping extra need to stay on point. So far I've gone the serial monogamy route but am thinking of making things a bit more spicy.

Jellybean likes this comment.

Kristen J.

09/02/2014 1:40PM

I have doubled up just to have more "skin" on the line. The more $ I could potentially lose, the more motivated I am. It's never been about the money I could win. I only see that as a nice little bonus.

M G.

09/02/2014 12:40PM

Love this; but have to admit, $$$ motivates me! :D I've only done 1 game at a time, never 3 at a time...but as long as my focus is changing habits - eating better, exercising regularly, then it's all good!

Denise K. likes this comment.

Roxy

09/02/2014 5:39AM

I totAlly agree. I had to think about it also & realize what the real goal is....losing weight! So in two weeks when I've lost that "water weight" that comes off quickly I will start another bet also & that will be the hard one to win!!! I'm with you!

Jellybean and Aylouratay like this comment.

Lynda H.

09/02/2014 4:03AM

Celestine, good thinking! My bets are mostly successive as well--though I will often follow a particular host rather than a date. A good host makes a HUGE difference in the participation of the dbetters. Enjoy the journey--your head's in the right place!

Oriana

I'd love to know what hosts you have most appreciated.