Over a month ago, on a whim, I entered the OptiFast “New You” Contest. It’s an annual contest in which people who have had success with the OptiFast plan write an essay and submit before/after photos and throw caution to the wind. I didn’t think I had a chance.
I wrote a super-long essay (1,800 words!) and had to edit it down to 500 for the contest. I submitted pictures, and when I didn’t hear anything by May 31, as it had said on the page, I figured I hadn’t won. No biggie, right?
Then the email came in.
“Congratulations! You’ve been selected as one of three Grand Prize winners in the OPTIFAST New You Contest. You were selected based on your overall weight loss, the creativity and originality of your essay, and the compelling nature of your story. The OPTIFAST team is very proud of you and your accomplishment and look forward to meeting you in New York!”
Wait, what?
I freaking WON?!
I’m one of the three winners of the NATIONWIDE OptiFast contest! I get to go to New York with Adam, get a makeover, have a spa day, go on a $500 shopping spree (which I’ve joked will get me one shoe or half a nice purse!) and have a professional photo shoot! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!
Without all of your support, I don’t think I could’ve done this… thank you for everything.
In case you want to read my super-long essay, since I don’t LOVE the edited one as much as the unedited, you can do so here.
Resetting My Foodie Brain 
Congratulations! It was a wonderful essay! Have a great time in NYC.
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I am soooo excited for you, Mara! There is no one that deserves this more than you. You are such an inspiration to so many people. This trip sounds well worth all your efforts and hard work. What a once in a lifetime opportunity! Just think of how proud your son/daughter will be of you one day, when he/she is old enough to understand what his/her mommy went through to have him/her. You have so much to look forward to and I’m so happy for you. Congratulations, on a well deserved win!
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Love you Missy!!!!
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Congrats!! How awesome!! And your essay is really great! 🙂 You rock.
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Congrats! That is really amazing! When do you go to NYC?
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I’m not sure yet!!! This summer sometime I think
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Can’t wait to read about it!
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Congrats! That is so amazing! When do you go to NYC?
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Congratulations! And I loved the full story. Good stuff, girl. Good stuff.
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Awesome!
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Mrs. O! What an accomplishment, what an inspiration! Loved reading your essay, and I hope you have the time of your life on the NY trip-you deserve it!
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