Gooooood morning, friends!
I have a fun little game to share with you all today! I’m gonna go ahead and give the details of the game first, but then I also have a few details and disclaimers to review, which are very important to me, so be sure to read through!
But first…the game. It’s called a DietBet, and, in a nutshell, this is how it works:
- You pay $25 to get in to the challenge
- The challenge is to lose 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks
- If you reach your goal at the end of the 4 weeks, you win(!) and split the pot with the other winners in the challenge
- I’m also hoping to have some additional prizes to add to the pot, which I’m currently working on acquiring!
- The more people that join, the bigger the pot grows, the more you can win!
- To see the full details on how it works you can click here.
So really, that’s it! You bet $25 that you can lose 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks. There is a message board to ask questions, share struggles, look for support and more. You pay through PayPal, and once the bet is over and you submit your final weight, they will send you your winnings back through PayPal back if you met the goal.
In order to complete the bet and do your check ins, you need a camera, a scale and full length mirror. You can weigh in at the gym or at home, whatever is easier. I’ve also had a few people question how it can be done without “cheating,” and that is explained a bit more here.
If you’re interested in taking the bet and signing up for the DietBet challenge, CLICK HERE to get started! I think it has the potential to be a really fun, motivational way to help those of you who may need a little extra “push” to help you along with your goals. Because, if you’re anything like me, money is basically a huge motivator for, well, anything. ;)
NOW…since we’ve gotten the details of the DietBet itself out of the way, I have a few things I want to address.
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***First and foremost: If you do not need to lose weight and/or you have a history of unhealthy habits when it comes to eating/dieting/exercising, I would strongly discourage you from joining the game. This is not a game for everyone, and I would ask that you please, PLEASE only join if you feel that you will be able to do so in a healthy way. Some of you have already said that this is not for you, and I fully respect, and agree with, that decision.***
I’m sure I’ll also receive some sort of questions/comments about why I am doing this challenge in the first place, so let me try to address those now. I know weight loss can be a touchy subject in the world of healthy living blogs so, hopefully, we can avoid any issues, and/or confusion.
-I decided to offer to host a DietBet challenge after talking with numerous friends and family members who said they would be interested and telling me that this was “just what they needed!” I love being able to be a motivator for those who are looking for a little extra push, so I decided to organize this game for those who would be interested.
-Yes, I will also be participating in the challenge. However, my approach to the game may be a little different than some. Whether or not I wind up losing 4% of my weight at the end of the 4 weeks is really not my main goal. Could my body stand to lose a couple extra pounds? Oh sure, it definitely could! But because I’m still breastfeeding and don’t want to mess with any sort of supply issues, I’m taking this challenge lightly and I have two main goals for myself over the next 4 weeks:
- Make an attempt to squeeze in more exercise, when I can
- Limit (not cut out) the excessive night time desserts and mindless snacking (my habit of grabbing a handful of this or that throughout the day has gotten a little insane…and my nightly bowls of ice cream have not been getting any smaller…)
So really, that’s it for me. No other changes in my eating habits, no cutting daily calories (minus the extras that I really, really don’t need – hello, double handfuls of peanut butter m&m’s…), and I feel comfortable moving forward with the challenge with these goals in mind.
I’m looking forward to seeing how many people we can get to join in on the fun! If you think that this game is for you and you’re ready to get started, be sure to sign up HERE! I’m also hoping to get some extra prizes to throw into the “pot” as bonus incentives, so be on the lookout. :)
Lisa says
I just signed up and invited 4 of my friends. So excited for this to start! Thanks for getting this started!
Lily Olson says
What fun! Money as motivation is really something that works for me!
I’ve used GymPact (now called The Pact) for a while now and love it. It works for me as a motivation to go to the gym and more recently they have added a section where you make pledge to eat a certain amount of fruits and vegetables per week. You gain money if you meet your pact (which is taken from those who do not meet theirs).
Since I’m currently not trying to lose weight Gympact works for me, but if I was, I would certainly check out DietBet!
Courtney says
I had never heard of GymPact before but it sounds pretty interesting!
Heather @fitncookies says
I love the reasons that you are doing this. I think it is fun, and I’ve heard about a lot of success with these kinds of things! I do not need to lose 4% of my bodyweight so I won’t be participating, but I can’t wait to follow and see how you do!
Ashlee@HisnHers says
Yay i’m so glad you decided to do this! It’s exactly the extra push I need. And I’ve always wanted to participate in one of these!
Molly says
I am really interested to see how this plays out for people! I have heard of Jillian Michaels hosting these kinds of competitions as well – I always thought it was a cool, motivating concept for people trying to lose weight. Great timing too, with New Year’s Resolutions starting to droop a little :)
Leigha @ Minougirl says
I definitely can’t participate since I can’t lose any more weight, but I think this is an awesome thing that you’re doing! Good luck to everyone! :)
Sanaz@Run for Cake says
What a fun concept. I don’t know if I was as disciplined as you when my daughter was a peanut.
I too breastfed so I was so nervous about my milk supply so I didn’t diet or cut calories until I stopped. I gained 50 pounds and it took me a few months after I stopped nursing until I got back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I think you have the right idea, eat healthy and exercise is the best way to go.
Good luck!
Courtney says
Thanks!! Yes, I’m curious to see where my weight will wind up whenever I finish breastfeeding (will it go up since I’ve been enjoying extra treats, or will it go down because my body was holding on to a little extra?). Either way, whatever it is, it is! ;)
Sarah says
Definitely going to sign up!
Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says
Thank you SO MUCH for addressing the issue of this challenge NOT being for those with a history of disordered eating. I, unfortunately, fall into that category.
I admit that when I first saw the title of this post, I was taken aback. Especially because following your journey through HA and seeing you really commit to doing what you needed to do for YOUR body and health has been a big motivating factor in helping me do what I need to do to continue on my path of regaining the weight I need and welcoming back “Aunt Flo.” :-)
That said, I do realize that for some, getting healthy does mean dropping a few pounds and/or limiting sugar/fat/junk intake. And if you can help them get healthy, as you’ve helped me, then I’m all for it. I’m just sad I’ll probably be skipping over hearing from you on days when the DietBet is addressed.
All in all…thank you for your support of HEALTHY, whatever it looks like for each of us.
Courtney says
Hey Sarah! I’m so glad you realize that this challenge is not for you. It’s SO important that you (and anyone else in a similar situation) can recognize that and continue working on their recovery and/or healthy habits. The DietBet is not something I care to “push” on all of my readers, so I won’t be posting about it too frequently. I just wanted to offer the motivation for those who may need and/or benefit from it :)
Andrea @ pencils and pancakes says
This is a really great motivator and idea….however I don’t think I want to stress out worrying about weight!
Courtney says
That’s great!! Like I mentioned, this game definitely is not for everyone…I’m so glad that you recognized that it isn’t for you! :)
Stacey M. says
I just wanted to say that I think it’s great that you are doing this more to help motivate others than to lose weight yourself. It’s wonderful that you are looking out for them and just want to help encourage others to eat better and exercise more.
While I won’t be competing in this DietBet, I will be trying (as I always do!) to focus more on my healthy food intake and my exercise regimen. I would like to become stronger and increase the weights I’ve been using at the gym.
Courtney says
That’s a great thing to focus on, Stacey! I’m so glad that you recognized that the challenge isn’t for you! Good luck with your increased weights at the gym…go get ’em, girl! ;)
Chelsey says
You know I’m participating!! And for the same reasons as you!
Kaylie @ FitnessMovesYou says
This is such a fun idea! I would love to participate- I need some motivation to stop hitting up the local fro yo place 2x a week. :)
Terrieha says
As a health professional, I understand the need for weight loss in our society. However, I feel the healthiest approach would be to encourage increased physical activity and healthy eating habits. While money is a great motivator, using resources such as GymPact or Pedometer challenges would prove to be more beneficial in creating a healthier lifestyle in our society than DietBet. These lifestyle modifications would parlay into the overall goal of decreased weight.
Courtney says
Hi Terrieha! I totally agree that increase physical activity and healthy eating habits are the key to a healthy lifestyle and should be considered long term goals to focus on. But I also think that some people often benefit from a little “jump start” to help get them into that process. So by joining a challenge or something similar, it can (hopefully) get them on to the road of success!
Lyric says
Wow good for you Courtney! Although I won’t be participation I think Its a great idea for those who want some motivation to loose a couple pounds :)
Jen says
What a great idea! I just joined, thanks Courtney!
Kath says
This is awesome! I am already in the middle of a game, but will definitely look into joining another as I have plenty of weight to lose. I did one a few months ago, it was smaller, but I was able to win a few bucks which was nice. It’s nice to reward yourself with the winnings, even if its only with a manicure or something small :-) The game I am doing ends this week, so I look forward to doing this one. Thanks!!
Britt says
When do we have to sign up by? I want to join but I lost my debit card and my new one is slowlyyy on it’s way to me.
Courtney says
Initial weigh-ins are February 3rd, so I’d say by then!
Kath says
In my experience with these, you can join after it technically starts, you are just at a disadvantage because you have less time to loose the weight…
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I really appreciate that you addressed that this might not be for everyone – some people out there reaaaally don’t need to lose weight. and I respect your approach to it – very sensible!
Kelly says
I’ve always loved this idea as an approach to try and get a little extra motivation for weight loss, but it is SO important that you mentioned that it isn’t for everyone. I actually started one a couple months ago and when I mentioned it to my doctor she actually made me drop out because with my ED history it would be healthy and she could not in good conscience let me do it. But I know that A LOT people find it really successful so good luck to everyone! Might as well have a little fun while you try and lose weight!!!
Courtney says
That’s great that you mentioned it to your doc and you both realized that it wasn’t the best thing for you. That’s really a huge thing!
Calie says
Hi Courtney! I’m all signed up and ready to go, but I just caught the PayPal part of this and I paid with my debit card because that was an option. Is that okay? And if I win, will they credit my card back? I’m just a little confused because I didn’t use PayPal
Thanks!
Courtney says
Hi Calie!
They actually will not credit your credit card back. If you did not use PayPal, they will write you a check, but there is a $5 charge to cover the cost of writing out/sending the check. Excited to have you joining in on the game!!