Lose weight the fun way.

Posted on February 2, 2015

Hi, Marilyn here. Just signed up for my second diet bet challenge after crashing and burning on my first one. I mean, who gains weight on diet bet?! That would be me. I'm not proud of it, but I'm not giving up. I've been trying to lose weight forever (I'm 52), but never stuck with it. The most I ever lost at a time was about 50 pounds, and that was way back. Now I'm approaching my heaviest in a long time (361! Yes, you read that right.) and it's time to get this done. I've been very successful in most areas of my life, except this one. I want to lose weight before I'm forced to do it out of necessity like a heart attack, stroke or diabetes. I'm not sure what it's gonna take. I know I need to exercise, eat right, drink lots of water, etc. but I never do these things consistently. I know I have it within me, but I feel like my brain is programmed to derail me. I'll be cruisin' along following the program, get afraid of my success and deliberately sabotage myself. Fear of success...it's an odd thing. Any of you have this problem? I'm sure years of therapy could get to the bottom of it, but I'd rather just jump back in and try to overcome. Any words of wisdom you all can provide would be great. What works for you when your mind is your worst enemy?

I'm typically a very positive person, but very not feeling very confident I can beat the beast. All I can do is try! I'll report back and let you know how it's going. Good luck everyone!

Comment Now!

Marilyn B.

02/19/2015 8:20AM

It's a new day...i can do this!

Marilyn B.

02/19/2015 12:51AM

Here I am, but not doing so well unfortunately. A little slip up has turned into several days. I'm on a slippery slope, but I won't give up. I have too much to live for! Thanks for checking up on me...tomorrow's goals: 64 oz water and some time on the treadclimber...and a better attitude toward my health.

Marilyn B.

02/08/2015 9:54PM

Thanks for cheering me on, Vegan Warrior. Met all of my weekend goals with flying colors! Feeling pretty positive about myself right now! Now to decide this week's goals.

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Marilyn B.

02/07/2015 12:51AM

Got lost in that "all about me" posting! Forgot to ask what your lofty goals are for the weekend.

Marilyn B.

02/07/2015 12:48AM

I will get on my treadclimber...even if only for a short time...on BOTH days. Consistency is a challenge for me. This might seem like a small goal, but it's a big one for me! Let's add eating healthy and drinking at least 64 oz of water each day. I like this accountability to a stranger thing. I'll let you know how it goes!

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Marilyn B.

02/04/2015 10:35PM

Vegan Warrier, thanks for the input. I love your pay it forward approach. By the way, your pics look great - very inspiring to those of us starting this journey.

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Marilyn B.

02/04/2015 10:31PM

It did help...thanks for the encouragement!

Jillian J.

02/03/2015 12:30PM

What a great post! Courage and honesty... you are off to an amazing start. For me, when I struggle with a fear of a future unknown, I write down all the very worst case scenarios. Like very worst. I try to think about how I would handle each of those. Then realistically what are the chances of that happening. And finally what is the most likely outcome. Once I can put words to it, wrap my brain around it, and look at it objectively, it falls into perspective for me. Otherwise it's just floating anxiety that I can't pin down. For example worst case of losing weight,1. Not being known as the girl who adores all things cake (I take weird pride in this)2. Losing friends3. Having heavy women judge and exclude me4. Giving up meaningful events that are food related5. People not noticing I've lost weight6. People noticing too much that I've lost weight7. Give a certain family member the satisfaction of "finally taking their advice" Ughect. Works in lots of areas of life. Hope it helps

Marilyn B. likes this comment.

Marilyn B.

02/03/2015 12:37AM

Thanks for your vote of confidence, Stephani! I really appreciate your comments. Yes we can do this. I understand your struggle to find inner motivation...we struggle, yet here we are participating in diet bet. Success #1! Good luck and keep me posted.

Stephani

02/02/2015 10:20PM

Hello Marilyn - thanks for sharing your story. I'm approaching 42 this year and I'm at my heaviest weight at 217. I've never weighed more than 180 but over this last year I have only gained weight and lowered my self-esteem. :(I know what I need to do to lose the weight but I'm struggling to find that inner motivation that just does what I need to do. This is my first diet bet and I'm hoping to make my 4% goal but I'm already doubting myself. What I am promising to myself is I will take this challenge one day at a time. Focusing on each day and making it my best and not focusing too much on the end. I know my journey will not end in 4 weeks and I will have another 4 weeks, and another. But I will keep on moving, never giving up on myself. I wish you the best and hope you succeed and finish as one of the winners. I know you can do it!

Marilyn B. likes this comment.