Set Up for Success!

I have been thinking about the things I have done and will do to set myself up for success on Dietbet.  This is my first Dietbet, and Lexi is one of the reasons I considered it.  She is a motivator, both in results and her youtube videos.  But that isn't enough because we can listen to people give motivational speeches all day long, but it needs to translate into ACTION or it means nothing.

Here are some things I think will help any of us be successful.

1)  Know what your body can do.

If you haven't lost weight or kept track of what you lose, this may not be the time for you to be betting against yourself.  You may be a slow loser or you may have health issues that affect your ability to lose consistently.  That doesn't mean you can't lose weight, it just means no matter how hard you push yourself, you can't lose the required amount of weight in the set time frame.  That's okay, just reconsider if this is the place for you.

I know my body is capable of losing the weight.  I've done it before.  I've already lost 25 lbs. (and regained 5 this summer!) so I'm in the process of my journey, not just beginning it.  The result is going to depend on  ME, not my physical abilities.  

2)  Give an honest weight.

Yes, they have things in place to make sure there is no cheating.  But I'm talking about "manipulating the scale".  Don't eat a bunch of food before the initial weigh-in because you want it to be high.  You are still going to have to lose that weight.  And don't starve yourself at the end because you are falling short.  When you play with your metabolism it can come back and bite you.  You can weigh yourself at different times, from what I understand.  So take advantage of waiting until after a meal before the initial weigh-in and then do it earlier  for the final weigh-in.  You may have a 1 or 2 pound advantage.  But the only one that is harmed by playing games is you.  The goal is a healthy lifestyle, not a number on the scale.

3)  Remember the reason you joined.

I have stalled, not in my weight loss, but in my motivation.  I'm stuck wavering between the same 5 lbs. and need a "kickstart" to continue on my journey, and I'm hopeful this will do it.  

4)  Get involved!

I am planning on participating in the community.  That's the part that excites me and I think where the success is going to come in.  I have had a long distance accountability partner for a few years and appreciate the encouragement that gives.  So the thought of having hundreds of people encouraging success makes me believe this is possible!

Best to all of you!  I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of everyone on the team!