Small victory, but I'll take it!

For several weeks now, I've been participating in a very low-key Biggest Loser weight loss competition. When I say "low-key", I mean that there are only 5 or 6 people in the running for the prize money and of that group, only about two of us has really been serious about it.

I've personally had a lot of frustration about the amount of weight I've lost, and have been disappointed that I haven't reached any of the mini-goals and rewards I set up for myself. For example, my first reward is a pedicure when I lose the first five pounds. I have literally lost and gained back the same two stinkin' pounds several weeks in a row, keeping me from my much-desired pedi.

After only seeing a one-pound loss last week, when I was hoping to reach the five-pound mark, I asked my exercise instructor to bring her tape measure so we could see how many inches I've lost. Then this week, with all of the flood relief coordination and busyness, I was not optimistic that I had lost any weight. But I was wrong! I actually lost two pounds (and not the same two I've been losing), making it a two-week losing streak (which is a good thing).

I wish that I could report that I had finally reached the Pedicure Reward, but I'm one pound short. However . . . we took my measurements and in the past two months, I have lost three and a half inches total! I was beginning to tell a difference in the way my clothes fit, but it was so nice to have the confirmation that SOMETHING is happening as a result of the hard work I'm putting into this.

I am much more motivated to keep going, even after the competition is over next week. I will continue to exercise and keep track of my food intake like I have for a while now (even before this latest competition started). My overall goal is to be at a more healthy weight and to be able to sustain a healthier lifestyle for the rest of my life. I have some other plans in the works to help me get there, including starting a new study of the book, A Woman of Moderation, by Dee Brestin, with some women at church. I'll try and keep you posted as I continue on this journey, hopefully sharing more victories along the way!