It’s been ten weeks since I wrote this post telling the entire world (or those that read this little blog) that I ate an entire sleeve of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies in one sitting, obviously needing to do something about my eating habits.

I’ve struggled, I’ve sweated, I’ve whined, I’ve lamented, and I’ve persevered and celebrated. I have stayed on this weight loss plan for ten weeks. That is HUGE for me.

Here’s why it has worked. It’s not a weight loss plan. It’s become a lifestyle change. It SERIOUSLY has.

I am currently in the most stressful work week I have every year. We are putting on a conference for 4,000 church leaders from all over the country. I am standing and smiling and talking and doing and helping and walking and not sleeping. I’m not in a routine. I’m not at home. It’s stressful.

This is my third year doing it. The past two years I survived this week on Diet Coke, ice cream, Snickers bars, and eating a lot of carbs.

This year, all I want is salad. I am seriously craving salad… and lean proteins. Salad!!! I’m skipping the mashed potatoes and pasta salads. I’m eating the protein provided and salad. Well, I did have some mac&cheese tonight, but not nearly the huge serving I would have taken ten weeks ago. I’m pretty sure I might maintain through this. That is AWESOME. And, even bigger news. I’ve yet to have a Diet Coke. THAT is truly amazing.

This ten week challenge has literally changed my life in a MAJOR way. Telling all of you each Friday how I’m doing has kept me incredibly accountable. I don’t want to have to confess failure to you, even though I know you’d love me anyway. So, my decision – I’m going to keep on telling you how I’m doing. Every Friday. I’m not going to stop until I’ve lost the full 60.

That’s right. I want to lose 60 pounds. And, if I keep on or near the pace I’m on, I’ll do it by Thanksgiving. That’s pretty exciting. We go to the beach for Thanksgiving. I think I might need a new swimsuit.

Since I was heading to conference, I weighed myself on Tuesday.

Here are my FINAL stats:
This week’s loss: 1.5 – That’s right – another 1.5. I think the stress is actually melting it off.
Total loss: 17
Percentage lost: 7.6%

To say I am happy with that would be an understatement. I am THRILLED!

There are so many ladies I’ve met through this challenge that struggle with the same things I do and are trying to make lifestyles changes too. They are doing amazing jobs as well. I hope that we all continue to be “friends.”

Head over to Giving Up On Perfect to see everyone’s final results. I can’t wait to see who won the contest!