As my Facebook friends and Beachbody challengers know, I am currently in the midst of what I like to affectionally call DIET MODE. A time when I am laser focused on my food and workouts to achieve a particular goal.

Usually the goal is “the last 10 pounds” that seems to find me from time to time, and typically that goal has its motivation in a REALLY IMPORTANT EVENT.

Diet mode requires a warrior’s mindset.

When I am in DIET MODE I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goal (within reason, of course). I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that I WILL reach my goal. It doesn’t matter what crazy number Mr. Scale chooses to taunt me with, or no matter how much spillage I have over the waistband of my skinny jeans. In my mind failure is not an option.

I wish I could give you a secret for channeling this VICTORY IS A GIVEN mindset because I’d share it with y’all, sell it to the rest of the world and retire to Hawaii. The “I will not fail” attitude is the difference between weight loss warriors and those who make a half-hearted attempt at dieting and then give up once again.

All cards are on the table when it comes to weight loss with a deadline – within reason.

When I am in diet mode I go back to the basics that I teach in my challenge groups:

• Calculate my calories and choose a level to achieve weight loss
• Make a meal plan each week – and follow it
• Plan workouts with a weight loss focus (3 strength days, but more cardio than normal to burn calories)
• Weigh regularly (I weigh daily – it’s not recommended for everyone, but I find a daily trip to the scale keeps me on track)
• Be accountable to others

Impending deadlines require extreme measures.

Sometimes I need a little boost when the finish line is just around the corner and I’m still 5k from my goal. Like now.

Today is November 17, 2014. In exactly THREE WEEKS I will be standing next to Jon Bon Jovi. Yes, Mr. Livin’ on a Prayer himself. It’s not the first time I’ve met him, but the butterflies are starting already and I want to look and feel my best. Since I’m just a mom and not a super model, I’m already at a disadvantage, so being at my goal weight gives me a little extra confidence boost when I have my arm around a gorgeous man who is super fit. Sigh.

I started dieting three weeks ago, 10 pounds over my happy weight, and I’m only down four pounds. Yes, only four. Why? Have I been slacking on my workouts? Have I been stuffing my face? No.

The sad reality is the closer you are to goal, the harder it is to lose weight. With each new diet, your body rebels, and it gets harder and harder to lose weight.

The first week I gained two pounds. Did the scale destroy my confidence? I’m not gonna lie, I was a little shaken, but I have that I WILL NOT FAIL mindset and knew in my heart it was only a temporary setback.

But with only three weeks to go it’s time to pull out the big guns. And I’m hoping the 3 Day Refresh is the magic bullet.

I swore I would never do a cleanse.

Extreme diets do not work for me. I lasted 4 days as a vegan, and less than 24 hours on a juice fast. So I do not take my decision to try the 3 Day Refresh lightly. It is a low calorie “cleanse” of sorts, but you eat real food and your body will not starve.

But I’m pretty sure I’ll be hungry. And I don’t do hunger very well. (Sorry dear husband and children – you may want to steer clear this weekend.) In the interest of science (and slight desperation) I will be a human guinea pig to see if this actually works.

There are amazing before and after’s.

I’ve seen the 3 Day Refresh success stories. Honestly, I don’t trust them. Most feature a pregnant-looking (young) woman in a bikini. Three days later she is tan, ripped and sporting a 6 pack. Huh?

I don’t expect a 6 pack, but if I magically see visible abs I will be sure to share my pics with the world.

I’m just about a blueberry muffin top away from rockin’ my concert jeans and I need some bloat to go bye bye. Like NOW.

The adventure begins Friday.

I thought about waiting until after Thanksgiving but decided to “refresh” now for three reasons:

1) I want the weight GONE;

2) I want to see if it is a temporary water loss or if the weight stays off; and

3) I want to see if I get results even though I have been dieting.

(In other words if I just had a crazy vacation complete with daily room service, margaritas and decadent dinners, I would understand the scale dropping from a three day cleanse. Will I still lose weight when my calories are already low??)

So I’ve made my shopping list and have planned my (few) meals. Mostly I will be drinking shakes. And a drink called “Fiber Sweep” – really?? I even made a planner to keep me on track literally every hour of the three days. Mainly because I’m pretty sure my sister doesn’t want me calling her for moral support in the middle of the night.

I am in diet mode so I will rock this 3 Day Refresh. Now let’s hope the results are worth it. And I WILL be sharing. After all, accountability is one of my DIET MODE not-so-secret weapons.

 

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