Remember the fable about the tortoise and the hare? The hare got off to a zippy pace and seemed sure to win. But he didn't, did he? To reach your weight-loss goals, you need to switch from the hare's mind-set to that of the tortoise. In other words, you must break the "all or nothing" mentality. What's the take-home message of this fable? Slow and steady wins the race. To reach your weight-loss goals, you need to switch from the hare's mind-set to that of the tortoise. In other words, you must break the "all or nothing" mentality.
Do you start diets with superhuman resolve — determined to eschew temptation and work out seven days a week — only to fall off the wagon and give up hope?
Such an approach to anything — especially to your health — can be very appealing, even motivating. But I'm telling you right now that overreaching the most dangerous way to set out. Human beings are imperfect. When you do skip a workout or give in to temptation (something we all do), you're more likely to throw in the towel.
So start thinking like a tortoise. Pace yourself. Have a doughnut and take a day off now and then, but don't stray too far from the path that will lead you to your goals.
That was just what I needed to read right now! Been doing well, monitoring my intake on 1200-1300 cal per day, walking lots and lost 6.5lbs in 5 wks, which is SO much slower than previous attempts, but I need to keep reminding myself thats its slow but sure... especially today when I just ate 2 chocolate biscuits, first ive had in weeks and i felt guilty but will still count them in.
6.5lbs in 5 weeks is really good, we should be aiming for 1-2lb per week as a realistic and healthy weight loss, so please don't be disheartened, you are doing really well. Don't be feeling guilty if you have a little treat. It's okay once in a while. xx
Thanks for the encouragement. I no longer feel guilty, I just added up the impact of my choccy biscuits, plus 2 glasses of red tonight, and its still only 1300 for today... which isnt bad for a Saturday!! Good luck to you too on this long- weekend!
I really believe that slow and steady is the way. Since the start of the year I have lost almost 26 lb by keeping my regular calorie intake to around 1400 and eating about half the calories I use when exercising. I've not been that disciplined and often have red wine, ice cream, or meet friends for dinner but I've tried to be aware of what I am doing. Also, for the last 6 weeks or so I have been on a plateau but I've been doing a far amount of business travel, which means too much food and I find it hard to really control what I eat.
I'm still about 20 lb overweight but I already feel so much better and I feel like I can keep going and that I will be able to maintain a lower weight when I get there. I know people who lost lots more weight in month or two but they always seem to bounce back. I hope that this steady weight loss will help me keep the weight off!
Good luck to everyone trying to shed some weight and remember to be kind to yourselves
Hi spp0 and welcome 26lb is a great loss so far, well done. I am sure you will find lots of great support, advice and encouragement on HealthUnlocked. You will get a few people trolling, but just ignore them and stick with the positive people. I look forward to hearing more about your journey as the weeks go on.
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Do You Have the Right Attitude?
Slow but steady
Week 39
#WLC Week 4 - Monday weigh-in
