Many of you know that last year I buckled down, got focused, and lost 5olbs. I worked hard, ate right, exercised, and did well. Unfortunately, at the end of the summer last year I began cheating and have done a terrible job since then of staying focused. I’ve tried a number of times to “get back on” and focus, but to no avail. Sound like your own journey? Unfortunately, that’s the story many share. According to Forbes, in the United States, 74% of those over 15 years of age are considered overweight. It’s a struggle. I’ve been there. Still am. But I’m ready to do something about it, and I need you to help me.
Bill Phillips is the author of the best-selling book, Body-for-LIFE. I basically did a modified BFL plan last year to lose the weight I did. It’s fairly easy, and not a crash diet like many other methods. Instead, it’s an eat right and exercise plan. Really, a lifestyle change. I’ve been following his current work over on his Transformation website, which has a large, active online community. Last week, he announced his fall Healthy Holiday Challenge. It involves setting a measurable weight loss goal, staying involved helping others along on their journey, eating right, and exercising. At the time of year most people coast (and eat like crazy over the holidays), Bill is challenging people to work out a minimum of 32 times and only take 10 cheat days total over these next 8 weeks.This is just what I have been looking for, so I signed up! (Grand prize winner can win $10,000!) I’m starting today, Monday, November 2nd.
My goal is to lose 25lbs between now and December 31st. Can I do it? Yes I can! But it’s going to take some work. It’s going to take a commitment. I’ll share in upcoming posts some of the changes to diet, lifestyle, and habits I’m having to make to make this happen.
Here’s the exciting part… I’ve decided to take this one step farther: I want to lose weight, but also benefit people in my community and around the world. I want my loss to be to others’ gain. I’ve been praying for some way to help others in our local community and around the world, and I think I have an idea that can make that happen! Here’s where you come in!
Many people have trouble getting the internal motivation to stay consistent on their challenge… so I’ve decided to bring on a little external motivation that will make a difference. I’m looking for 10 people who will sign up to partner with me over the next 8 weeks. I’m looking for 10 people who will commit to donate x amount per pound up to my 25 pound goal. Maybe it’s $1/pound, maybe it’s $10/pound, that’s up to you. I’m going to partner with both a local organization to help homeless people in my community (Aurora, IL) as well as an organization that feeds starving children around the world. If you’ll donate just $4/pound, and I do my part by losing 25lbs, together you and I can serve nearly 600 meals to starving kids around the world. That $100 can also feed 200 homeless people soup for 2 days, buy 100 boxes of cereal for a local food pantry, or give a homeless child 10 days of shelter and 3 warm meals a day. That’s just one of you. Imagine what 10 people could do. Or even more. Us working together, me losing & you giving. It’s a win-win! I plan to give $$$ as well.
I’m going to be posting insights from my journey. I don’t know what this will turn into… at the least, I’ll be skinnier and some kids will get to eat. At the best, others could get involved and we could make a real difference in Aurora and beyond. I know it’s different, unusual, and maybe a little bit crazy… but I’m ready to take the plunge! It’s going to be easier to say no to certain foods, to get up when I’m tired to go to the gym, etc, knowing the ultimate difference it can make. I’ve got big plans for this I’ll talk about later, but for now, it’s one small step to make a difference.
Whether you can financially commit to this or not, I’d appreciate notes of encouragement along the way. I’m praying that as I eat less, exercise more, and stay focused, that together we’ll be able to give back to others in a unique partnership!
Who’s with me? If you’re interested in sponsoring my lost pounds, simply fill out this form and you’ll be signed up! Thanks in advance!
I successfully made it through day 1 of my losing2give challenge, and have some pretty cool things to share. In case you missed it, read 
