Think about dropping 150 kilos in a single yr and incomes $1,500 in prize cash due to it. That is what Autumn Ussery did with the assistance of Destin’s Dwindling Divas — a bunch began by Destin resident Tami Scott final April.
With the cash she earned, Ussery bought a brand new wardrobe and put some away for the longer term. She targeted on exercising and consuming proper, and in the long run, she mentioned it is the assist and friendships that helped her alongside the best way.
“If I can do it anyone can do it,” Ussery mentioned. “The very best half was the wonderful friendships that you simply make with the opposite girls within the group.”
Scott created the group as a enjoyable incentive-based means for native girls to get more healthy and attain their weight reduction objectives.
Every month, members of the group pay $30 to contribute to the general money prize pot. They weigh in at Scott’s home firstly of the month, after which on the finish of the month, they weigh in once more to see how a lot weight they’ve misplaced.
“When Tami does her weigh-ins, she’s at all times open. It doesn’t matter what time. She’ll meet us there in her pajamas. I have to have any person to test in with, I would like it for willpower,” mentioned Diva group member Margaret Markey.
The one who has misplaced the very best proportion of weight in 30 days typically walks away with $500 or extra and sometimes, those that are available second, third, fourth, and all through ninth place obtain some kind of present certificates or prize.
Most of the members concentrate on making nutritious meals decisions whereas understanding independently a number of instances per week, whether or not it is strolling the canine or lifting weights.
Markey, who’s a trainer at Destin Center Faculty, has been so profitable in her weight reduction journey that her physician not too long ago reported her ldl cholesterol is decrease, her blood strain seems to be nice, and her pre-diabetes is gone.
“I used to be actually stunned about that. My physician mentioned ‘Wait a minute are you shedding weight?’ It is motivated me to maintain exercising and now I am at a upkeep stage, however I nonetheless have to test in with the group or I gained’t be accountable,” Markey mentioned.
Markey has used her prize cash from Destin’s Dwindling Divas to journey to San Antonio to go to her new grandson and to fly to Colorado to go to her daughter.
“Final month, I got here in second place and I used the cash for a visit to New York Metropolis. My prize cash coated our tickets to see ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway.”
Scott stresses that the group is for ladies empowering girls. Their Fb group is filled with supportive messages like “option to go” and “incredible” beneath posts the place members share their achievements, their exercise for the day, or their wholesome meal concepts.
Diva Tina Watson mentioned she’s grateful that Scott acted on her concept to create the assist group.
“Tami is among the busiest moms I do know, however she nonetheless discovered the time to create a membership that helps girls empower one another and encourage one another,” Watson mentioned.
On the finish of the month after their group does their closing weigh-in, they’ve a enjoyable occasion to have fun. This month, they are going to Splash Paint Occasion Studio in downtown Fort Walton Seaside, and in earlier months they’ve held dinners, garments swaps for individuals who have misplaced weight and wish some new wardrobe choices, and skincare courses.
“Getting collectively and sharing tales and seeing folks you haven’t seen in a month or two is at all times so enjoyable. I like to see the thrill that everybody has for each other,” mentioned Watson.
The group has created a degree of camaraderie and assist that fosters accountability and the drive to proceed working towards total well being. To this point, Scott has given away $8,519 in money and $1,085 in present certificates to native boutiques, eating places, and spas.
“I’m so happy with this group,” mentioned Scott. “I had no concept that folks can be that fascinated by it. Nowadays, girls don’t carry one another up the best way that they need to. It is about being there for one another and assist one another out on the whole.”
Destin-based registered dietitian Anna Morelock mentioned that “food regimen bets” like these are inclined to work properly for folks with weight-loss objectives.
“Examine after examine has proven {that a} easy financial gamble in circumstances like these will lead to a major enhance in weight reduction,” Morelock mentioned. “I believe their concept is nice and I might encourage any and all folks making an attempt to satisfy their weight reduction objectives to place some cash on the road!”
