I completed The Athlete District‘s 6 Week Challenge, ending up 7.7 pounds down, and in better shape. These before and after pictures don’t do justice to what their challenge accomplished (especially since the side shot wasn’t at the same angle):
It may not be obvious, but the belly is smaller. 🙂
(And, my muscles are more defined.)
However, probably the biggest things it did were:
- Made me a lot more cognizant of what I am eating (I tracked carbohydrates, protein, and fat macros to meet the daily goals they set)
- Cemented my commitment to regular, vigorous exercise
Although I wish I lost more weight (at 243.3 pounds, I need to still lose about 40), I can tell it was far from “all for naught.” I feel better, I can put shirts on I wouldn’t wear 6 weeks ago, and I stand up almost like normal (which says a lot given my two bad knees).
Am I going to pretend it was easy? No. However, the dieting part, especially, wasn’t horrible.
If you are overweight and/or out-of-shape, don’t believe the “noble lies” people tell you so you don’t feel so bad about it. Don’t believe your own rationalizations either (they are just lies we tell ourselves).
Don’t beat yourself up about where you are, but start on your path to a healthier life. You can do it!
(Cross-posted on my Nibbles Ninja blog.)