Month 7 (February) Weight Loss Challenge

I have done lots of weight loss challenges in the past. Lose 5 pounds this month. Do Weight Watchers this month, etc. These work for me, because it forces me to be disciplined, which I am usually not very good at.

But when we looked at Challenge #7, we liked the idea of a weight loss challenge but wanted to add some meaning to it - some significance. So, Jen and I decided that we would pledge $5 for every pound lost in the month of February, collect the total and donate it to a charity. That way, the weight loss meant something bigger than ourselves (no pun intended). So, we opted to donate it to the Walnut Avenue Women's Shelter, where Cita, our sister-in-law works.

And, to stir the pot a little, we put it out there to our friends and family that we were embarking upon 28 days of weight loss for a purpose and invited any and all to participate. This was the first time that I did any sort of weight loss challenge where bragging rights or an actual prize was not the goal.

And, I tried to instill smaller changes that could be more life sustainable. Such as making good choices every day... side salad instead of fries, lots of water, breakfast every morning, say no to treats and sweets, etc.

The result personally was not overwhelming... 6 pounds lost was ok but I know I could have dropped more if I took different measures. I was ok with this but the real overwhelming part was that we had 18 people participate and we raised over $350 for the Walnut Ave. Women's Shelter.

That was the best part. We had a variety of people participate, all knowing it was for a good cause. And, another great part was that our sister-in-law was really touched. In fact she cried when she heard we were doing this. And, she shared this with her boss and staff.

I can also honestly say that I have not done a good job maintaining the weight I lost in February. So, my goal of making sustainable choices hasn't quite panned out... yet.