I was overweight through my whole childhood, except for a bout with anorexia in 8th grade and a few years at a “normal” weight when I was running track. In my adult life, my weight climbed until I weighed in at over 250 pounds.

At my highest weight, I just didn’t feel good. And slowly, I came to the realization that that every moment is “now or never.” If I’m going to do better, it might as well be NOW. In March of 2014, I just decided that it was time. If I didn’t start taking the weight off then, I’d be in the same position (or worse) a year or two or five down the road. I knew that every decision I made would bring me closer to or further from my goal, and I wanted to make PROGRESS. I think DietBet supports that mindset.

I heard about DietBet through a group I like on Facebook, and it seemed perfect for me. It provided the external motivation and support to fuel what I already wanted to do.

Trying to get back the money that I invested and wanting to be one of the winners of my game was very motivating. The social element was also great—getting encouragement from others and seeing their progress. Weight loss and healthy living can be so difficult, so it’s helpful to see other peoples’ successes. This has been a lifelong battle for me, and DietBet encouraged me along the way.

I’m now down to about 160 pounds. I ran a half marathon in June 2015, and have more energy to play outside with my eight-year-old. It’s also much easier for me to squeeze into small seats and climb stairs at the sporting events my family and I love to attend.

On top of the physical aspects, my mood is a lot better. It’s easier to make good choices in other areas when I’m making good choices about diet and exercise. Spiritually, I’m a lot stronger because I can spend more energy learning and fellowshipping. Keeping my weight down (and getting more off!) is a constant battle, but once you have some success, it gets so much easier to stick with it. I’m more effective at work and at home, and I’m more present with my family because I just feel so much better!

Thanks for putting DietBet together!