In a moment of complete weakness, I agreed to participate in the “Spring into Summer – 90 day weightloss challenge” that my sister is running through her business, Beth Tahiri Photography. Beth and I have had weight issues most of our teenage/adult lives, and not surprisingly we tend to lose weight and gain weight together, even when she lived overseas for 10 years! Being the highly organised person she is, Beth has brought together 20 women, all with the goal of losing weight before this Summer. She’s organised sponsors and prizes, and keeps us motivated and talking via an fb group. I’ve got to hand it to her…she knows how to run things well. The challenge started yesterday, and so far, so good. lol.
Only one aspect of the challenge has had me running for the hills daunted me. One of the conditions of entry is to provide your front, back and side photos, as well as a photo of the scales each week, and your body measurements. I don’t care about a photo of the scales because I openly share my weight here. Being the good girl I am, I took a picture and sent it off, and just for the record…here it is. Next week I’ll have to schedule in a pedicure first!
It was the photos of myself that really bothered me! I hate my profile at the moment, and it’s when its right there in black and white that it really hits home how big I really am. The photos will be posted in her business facebook page and tagged. I was really frightened about having my name linked to my image. Stupid really considering how honest I’ve been here. Yesterday, I lost confidence and withdrew my permission. This morning, I changed my mind. Hubby took a new set of photos before I left for work this morning, and I emailed them through. I think this is one demon I have to face. Myself. So before Beth has a chance to post them, I’m releasing the images under my own terms here.
This is a typical outfit I wear to work. Black skirt, black top and pumps. I usually jazz it up with a few colourful accessories and a scarf, but I left them off for the photos. I do agree that its important to see how far I’ve come, and I can’t wait to compare the photos before and after…and all the inbetween.
I also found out that my tape measure wasn’t actually long enough to reach all the way around my body! How horrifying is that?!! Yesterday, I purchased one that is 3m long so that I could take an accurate measurement. I will share those measurements with you another day. Hopefully I’ll be able to use a regular tape measure soon instead of the one long enough to measure boa constrictors.
One photo not on the list, was a close up of your face. I usually notice weightloss in my face more than anywhere else on my body, so I asked hubby to capture that too. Buried underneath those swollen cheeks is a pointy chin and high cheekbones. I’m looking forward to discovering them again. One day when I hit my target weight, I’ll put all these profile photos side by side and marvel at the difference.
For the challenge itself, there are no set diets or exercise regimes. You set your own goals and work towards achieving them with the support and encouragment of the other participants. I’ve set my 6 week goal at 3kg lost, and 12 week goal at 6kg. Losing 500g a week is healthy and manageable, and if I lose more than that, then that’s a bonus! As I’ve said before, I’m not looking for quick weightloss. I want to be able to keep off the weight and this is a lifestyle change, not a diet.
Have you participated in weightloss challenges before? What goals do you set for yourself?
Wish me luck! Cheers, Lis.
Size 26 to 12 