Slow and Steady Wins the Race

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.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Fordie777,

Really like the picture, and also like the tortoise and hare analogy. Very sensible advice.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend.

Lowcal

[Hidden in reply to Zest]

Thanks Lowcal. Been a busy day so far, which is good, as the extra exercise will come in handy, lol. Hope you have a lovely weekend.

[elliebath Maintainer]

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.

[Hidden in reply to elliebath]

Hi elliebath

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

[elliebath Maintainer in reply to Hidden]

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!

[Hidden in reply to elliebath]

[spp0]

My first post - hi all!

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

[Hidden in reply to spp0]

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.

[spp0]

Thanks Fordie!