On September 24th I decided to try a Diet Bet challenge offered by Jillian Michaels. First, let me explain the general concept. DietBet is a game where you have 4 weeks to lose 4% of your starting weight. You go to the Diet Bet web site and enter the game. There are numerous contests with varying pots.  First,  everyone puts a predetermined amount of money into a pot. Jillian’s game required $30.00 to enter.  On the first day of the game two pictures need to be submitted-first photo is one of a head to toe photo and the second is a picture of your feet on the scale with a special word on a 3×5 index card. There is a main site for your particular challenge.

I liked the fact you could use whatever method you chose to lose the 4%. I used exercise and calorie counting. I did have an added barrier to weight loss as I still have my hip pain. I am still working on getting to the cause but still decided to pursue the challenge. I did tweak my exercise regimen and maintained a calorie intake of 1300 calories a day.

Weeks 2 and 3 require no formal weigh ins. There is an area on the site for chat and updating progress. I liked this aspect of the challenge. The weeks did seem to go quickly. Week 4 requires a formal weigh in at the end with again two pictures being submitted.  The final day of the challenge was October 21.

I did lose the 4%. I would definitely use this method again. I am a person who does not like to waste money and am highly competitive. I was amazed that the chance to at the very least win my money back provided me with a great deal of motivation. I wanted to lose more in the 4 weeks but learned injury is not an excuse to quit exercise or watching food intake. I kept a food journal and used my Body Media Fit armband to keep track of my calories burnt. Overall, this was a positive experience and would recommend the use of this site to others.

This above post is my own opinion and the post was not sponsored or requested  by Diet Bet or Jillian Michaels.