So, I think we all knew it would come to this.
My wedding is in 98 days. And I haven't lost a pound of that 20 I've been trying to lose for months now.
I'm panicking... more than a little.
I'm also starting to feel a dangerous twinge of "how much can I possibly lose in only 3 months, I've left it too late, might as well just accept that this is what I'm going to weigh on my wedding day". I know this kind of defeatist attitude is dangerous to an already lacking motivation level. I know it's not even particularly true and of course, I know that I can in fact lose weight, and probably accomplish a decent amount of toning in 3 months. It's just so hard to make myself actually feel it. I look forward 3 months and it's just impossible for me to see myself 20 pounds slimmer. I've totally lost confidence in myself and my ability to take control and get serious about this.
Fortunately, (unfortunately?) Nick and my parents are in exactly the same boat, so we've decided to have a mini Biggest Loser style competition to try to get the four of us motivated and on the right track. We have 13 weeks between now and the wedding and we each want to lose roughly 20 pounds. To keep things as fair as possible we've split into two coed teams. To mix things up a bit, Nick and my mom are one team while my dad and I are the other. We'll weigh in weekly and the team with the biggest percent lost at the end of week 13 will be the victors. We're still working out what the winning team will actually win but there will definitely be some sort of prize involved.
One of the "rules" we set is that the team members need to stay in touch in between weigh ins and keep each other focused and motivated.
Today alone my dad has sent me three "motivational" text messages.
(Did I mention that the contest doesn't even start until tomorrow. I think that means I'm in for a lot of text messages over the next 13 weeks.)
If all goes well, in 13 weeks time we will all be headed for Florida a collective 80 pounds thinner and a great deal happier.
Please share your weight loss tips! We can all use them. Esoecially me, because Nick is so damn overconfident I'm dying to beat him. :)
This is a great idea! We have some getting in shape to do too but I'm blaming my lack of motivation on winter. Once spring comes...Ask me what my excuse is then.
Will you guys take before and after pictures? It's really helped us before to be able to visually map the process. Little changes become very rewarding and motivating. Good luck; you can do it! I think it's awesome your whole family is involved!
Posted by: karlieanne | February 01, 2011 at 08:48 AM
I play a movie while I'm on the treadmill...I don't have to go a certain speed, but I need to keep going the whole time. Usually I start getting slower and then I see how much slower the calories are adding up and that motivates me to go faster!
Posted by: Kat | January 31, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Hmm, you love to read, right? Maybe pick up your favorite book and sit on a bike for an hour at the gym? I should do this. Because I don't really LOVE exercise but also want to get back in shape.
One thing I *have* learned is if I don't plan for it, it won't happen. I can't wait until I'm in the mood. I have to actually make an appointment.
You'd be surprised at how well you could do in a few months if you put your mind to it! Did anything special work in the past or are you looking for new ideas?
Posted by: spleeness | January 31, 2011 at 12:18 PM
What a great idea!
My biggest suggestion is to make sure you have healthy snacks with you at work to eat throughout the day: think yogurt, string cheese, almonds, raisins, etc.
When i was at my ideal weight, I was literally mesauring portions for everything: cereal, ,counting out the serving size of the Goldfish crackers, measuring the 1/2 cup of pasta, etc etc. It helped a ton! I'll be rooting for you :) Good luck!!!!
Posted by: Nora | January 31, 2011 at 12:17 PM