30 Pounds Lighter {6 Week Challenge Update}

So I was really bad about keeping up weekly with my progress over the 6 Week Challenge I took at the YMCA. I managed one update post the whole time and that was in the beginning. But I'm happy to say that I not only did well, I had the second highest percentage lost out of all of the participants (and the first highest was a male who lost 25+ pounds!). I was able to pass both my 10%, 25lbs & 30lbs marks, drop a pant size (almost two) and am heading towards my 1/2 way goal of 35lbs lost. So that makes me one happy person!

When I hit my 25lb mark I asked Tessa of Grin & Share It Photography to snap a picture of me at an event we attended to bid farewell to our dear friend, Natalie. We were all dressed up for the occasion and I felt amazing. Below is what I look like 25lbs lighter. I cannot wait to see what I look like at goal weight. The next 6 Week Challenge starts on January 20th and with a very generous Christmas gift I received I'll be signing up again! I managed to lose weight during the holidays and I plan on continuing just that into the new year.

After the holidays are over I'll be starting a 12 Week Weight Loss challenge on this blog and hope that you come join me if you want motivation and teamwork to help you over your weight loss hurdles. For more information (and to sign up) check out this post or email me at simmworksfamily (at) gmail.com. I will be accepting participants up until December 30th at 11:59pm. Teams will be paired up on December 31st and starting weights are due January 1st.

Weight Loss Progress

Starting Weight: 224.6 1/30/2011

Size 16

Current Weight: 194.6 12/19/2012

Size 14

 

Total to go: 39.6 lbs

Total lost: 30 lbs

Making Goals and Meeting Them #WL4Life

While on Weight Watchers I've learned a few things not only from the site itself but from the message boards and the people I know in real life (IRL) and online. One of those things is a very important step in weight loss. That step is making small goals (weight-wise or otherwise) and celebrating the goals once you make them. And this weekend I did both!

On Saturday (my weigh in day) I met and exceeded my 25 pound weight loss mark. I am currently down 26.7 pounds since starting Weight Watchers again at the end of January. That's 26.7 pounds LOST this year. Not gained. Lost. And I am so stoked with that number. Sure, it could have been larger if I stayed on plan the whole time. And I could be closer to goal BUT I don't feel like I've missed out on anything. I've enjoyed my time with friends and family and I've enjoyed meals out. But I've still stuck with my overall goal of being healthy and becoming healthier.

Weight Loss Progress

Starting Weight: 224.6 1/30/2011

Size 16

Current Weight: 197.9 12/3/2012

Size 14

 

Total to go: 42.9lbs

Total lost: 26.7 lbs

As my 6 week challenge comes to an end next week I am going to be searching for more ways to stay active and stay challenged. I already have plans to join the next 6 week challenge but it doesn't start till sometime in January and that'll leave me with a few weeks to fill in the gaps. So I need to think of ways and ideas to keep the motivation going and the pounds coming off. And that's where I turn to my readers. I wanted to reach out and see if any other bloggers (or non-bloggers) would like to start a friendly competition.

I want to have a few individuals I can check in with, chat to and support as we lose weight together while blogging (or writing) about it. The challenge would start on January 1st and last for 12 weeks. If the first 12 weeks are successful then we begin again right away and continue on with our 12 week journey. As the year goes by I want to continue this challenge in 12 week intervals. We'll have individual and team winners for each 12 weeks that will carry the bragging rights that go with winning (and maybe a badge?) and then at the end of the year we'll have an overall winner.

Information about the Challenge

• Teams of 3-4 individuals
• At least 1 post every 12 weeks
• Weekly weigh ins on Sundays
• Percentage-based totals posted weekly after weigh in (only if opted in)
• Weekly challenges for teams and individuals
• Winner(s) have bragging rights and badge

I've heard amazing things about losing weight with a team and have seen with my own eyes that if you have others holding you accountable then you are more than likely to continue working at weight loss instead of losing interest. There's inevitably a few people who just can't commit or lose focus but I'm hoping to offer enough support and encouragement to keep us moving forward. So if you are interested in joining sign up below. Each week we'll have a group challenge and then will set individual challenges for each other. We'll start slow and move forward. With each week we'll become healthier and (hopefully) a pound or two lighter. Interested? I hope so!