June 23, 2021

DietBet Weigh Out

It's already been over four weeks since I started the DietBet! The last day was on Monday and yesterday was when I had to "weigh out"--meaning submit my final weigh-in to see if I lost the required 4% of my body weight in order to win my money back.

Four weeks ago, I felt like a completely different person. I knew what I *wanted* (to feel good in my own skin again) but I just wasn't willing to do what it would take to get there. I'm not crazy about the idea of "DietBet" for several reasons, but I am really glad that I chose to do it when I did. I have no idea what it was that motivated me, but knowing that I had to weigh in for accountability seemed to be the push I needed to get started.

And that's all it was--a start. With most things I do, once I am able to get a streak going and I see some progress, I get very focused and determined. The hard part is actually getting to that point! If I hadn't been doing the DietBet, I'm sure that I wouldn't have lasted a day or two. I don't think I would have even attempted counting calories again.

Now that I've gotten a good start, I feel super determined to see this through. I even have some goals in mind! My 40th birthday is in January, and while I am totally dreading turning 40, it would be great to hit the big 4-0 feeling good about myself. So, I'd like to get my weight down under 140 (not to say that I wouldn't be content with 145 or something--I just want a number to aim for). And I'd like to be able to run three miles with a heart rate in my MAF zone (131-141 bpm).

Anyway, about the DietBet weigh out...

I'm kind of bummed that I didn't first weigh myself right when I got up in the morning without clothes (prior to my official weigh in, I mean--I'm not going to submit naked photos, haha). My first official weigh-in was rejected because I wasn't looking straight ahead (I was looking at my phone for a mirror-selfie) so I had to send a new one. And that was after I had eaten breakfast and drank a lot of water. For my weigh out yesterday, I tried to do the same circumstance--I weighed after breakfast and after I'd had water.

And I did it! I won my DietBet. I'm not sure how much money yet, because people are still weighing out, but I at least won my money back.


Those numbers don't really mean anything to me, though. When comparing my weight, I like to do it first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything, and without clothes. Since I don't have the number from the morning I started my DietBet, I just looked at the previous day's weight. If I look at that weight as my starting weight and yesterday's as my ending weight, then I am down 14.6 pounds! (From May 23 to June 22.) I'm beyond thrilled with that.

To lose the weight, I literally just did the EXACT same thing I did before when I counted calories. And surprise, surprise, it worked ;) I ate whatever I wanted, I measured or weighed out my portions, and I counted the calories. I always aim for quality over quantity with my food--I'd prefer a small piece of a rich, homemade dessert than five 100-calorie packs of cookies any day. I don't have a calorie target set in stone, but I aimed for roughly 1600 per day--some days I ate a little more, some days I ate a little less, depending on my appetite. For exercise, I did the Couch to 5K (Weeks 1-4).

I feel really encouraged to keep going after seeing such great results. I don't know if there is a difference in how I look, and I honestly don't care right now. I just feel SO MUCH BETTER about myself. I feel more in control, which is the best feeling. I plan out things like dessert (like when I've baked desserts for the heritage recipes) and I just work it into my calories. I don't feel bad about eating it because I planned for it. Like this Drömtårta--yum!

Moving forward, I'm just continuing what I've been doing and I know I'll eventually reach my goals (even if it takes longer than I'd like). Since I've been seeing regular progress, I think I'm ready to start doing Wednesday Weigh-Ins again. It's been so long, I can't even remember the last time I did that! So, I may post one next week, if I'm feeling brave.

14 comments:

  1. 14.6 pounds down in just a few short weeks...holy cow, CONGRATS Katie! :D I won the DietBet with you (yay!), but now I feel very undeserving, because I certainly did not win by nearly that much, hahaha. I'm so proud and happy for you! I also joined the Transformer you're doing, as well. Just FYI, I did a DietBet Transformer in 2017 and won about $120 over and above the bet money, so you can definitely win a decent bit. Though I admit I also have mixed feelings about DietBet generally. I've also joined a couple in the past that I've lost as well, so it's not a given that I'll stick to my good habits for the full 6 months, but I'll certainly try! Here's a cheers to our win, and for many more wins to come in the months ahead! :D

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  2. Ok, that's really weird to me that they rejected your photo for not looking straight ahead. I have done many Dietbets and I use the selfie camera for an overhead shot because I don't have a full length mirror so I'm always looking at the phone and they have never once rejected me. I wonder if they have changed anything? My last one ended in May though. Maybe some people are just more picky.

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    1. Right? I thought the same thing. I've also done a few DietBets with less than ideal mirror arrangements, and they've never given me an issue. Plus, she lost so much more than the minimum required; you'd think on that alone they'd be more lenient. Maybe because she's more high profile, they're more strict? Or just got a grumpy referee, I guess, haha.

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  3. Congratulations Katie! Seeing the progress on the scale is so reassuring. I’m glad that this challenge helped you tighten up on your healthy habits. Now if I could only convince myself to do the same!

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  4. I am sooo proud of you girl!!

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  5. Congrats! Love your comment that you don’t care how you look, but that you feel so much better about yourself. That is the key, isn’t it?

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  6. Amazing! Great job!

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  7. Im sooo proud of you girl!! xoxo

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  8. Congratulations Katie!!! 14.6 pounds is a lot of weight to drop! So proud of you and encouraged by you too! I lost 70ish pounds a few years ago but have gained it back and a little more. After a couple of years of trying several “fad” diets I’m back to counting calories. I’m thinking about doing another dietbet too, just for some accountability. Good luck on your upcoming dietbet! You’re going to rock it!

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  9. Wow! 14 pounds is amazing! I weigh in for my 4% next week but I don't think I'm going to make it...not for a lack of trying either! But it's definitely helping me stick to my habits so I guess that will be a win? I am more hopeful for the 6 month one I signed up with..I think it's with you. Congratulations!

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  10. Wow! Congratulations. That's a great win! I love how you find what works for you and then you're all in.

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  11. Yay!!! It's the best to feel right in your body, regardless of the number.
    Your summer is off to a super start :)

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  12. I’m a long time reader and would LOVE to read more entries about your calorie counting/way of eating/how you tackle daily food choices and struggles. You might think it’s boring but I find it sooo inspirational:D I still re-read old posts from many years ago for motivation!!! Wonderful job on the recent weight loss. I tried a 6 month diet bet but unfortunately crumbled under the pressure :( So looking forward to reading more.

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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