This was one of the most difficult things I've undertaken--second only to quitting smoking. I don't like sharing photos of myself really any time, but I'm choosing to share my before and after pictures this time because I'm proud of the progress I made. Real, measurable progress.
In this bet, I've learned a few things about what it takes for my body to lose weight, how fast, what's acceptable, and what undoes my progress the worst. I learned that I do stress eat more than I thought. Or, at least, I tend to make significantly less healthy food choices. I learned that I still love cooking and I will never be able to follow a "meal plan" because it's not me. If someone invents the "foodie's diet" please let me know. I'm happy to save calories on breakfast and lunch in exchange for a delicious dinner (and maybe dessert).
I also made my 5k bet! My final time on my Santa Claus Shuffle was 37:18, which is WAYYY below the goal of beating 39:51 from 3 years ago. I can honestly say I'm in the best shape of my life.
One of the most important learnings wasn't mine, this time. My boyfriend finally, FINALLY, has learned to become supportive. Instead of suggesting pizza, he bought me whole-wheat pita pockets. Instead of making fun of me and offering me a cracker for dinner, he came with me to my 5k races this year. That means so much to me. It might actually mean more to me than my own weight loss. I haven't quite sorted out my feelings on any of this.
Right now, my feeling is seriously in the realm of WHERE DA FOOD?! It's Christmas Day and I WON!