A hare met a tortoise one day and made fun of him for the slow and clumsy way in which he walked.
The tortoise laughed and said, "I will run a race with you any time that you choose."
"Very well," replied the hare, "we will start at once."
The tortoise immediately set off in his slow and steady way without waiting a moment or looking back. The hare, on the other hand, treated the matter as a joke and decided to take a little nap before starting, for she thought that it would be an easy matter to overtake her rival.
The tortoise plodded on, and meanwhile the hare overslept herself, with the result that she arrived at the winning-post only to see that the tortoise had got in before her.
Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.
This comes from a book handed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. The book is so old it doesn't have a copyright date or an author/editor's credit.
That fable has been the motivation for us turtles for several years. Someone on the ancient WW forum mentioned the fable and I discovered it was very motivational for me. I talked about it in posts and other people said that the tortoise philosophy worked for them, too. So, I started a thread for us turtle types.
We've been reflecting on what the turtle philosophy means as we start our second hundred posts. The turtle philosophy was a difficult one for people to accept. People want the weight off--NOW!! But reality is that it took time to put it on and it will take time to take it off. People want it to be easy to take off the weight. But reality is that it's not easy. You can have a program that's easy to follow, but following it steadily--that's hard. People don't want to exercise much, if at all. But reality is that our bodies were designed to move. So, we're setting realistic goals that take the weight off at a healthy pace. We're setting goals that will keep us moving steadily toward the healthy weight we want to be. And we're just plain moving. We're setting realistic exercise goals that will move our bodies the way they were meant to be moved.
We've also noticed that our turtle philosophy has affected the rest of our lives. I've started writing fiction again. I realize that I can finish a novel, or two, or ten. All I have to do is to set realistic daily goals, work steadily toward achieving them, and they will build up into finished books. Turtle Power at work in my everyday life.
Anyone who wants to join us in steadily moving toward all of our goals is welcome. I've met some wonderful people on this thread. I hope to meet many more. I know the battle with our weight is a difficult one. Having such supportive people come and post regularly keeps it from getting overwhelming. I hope to see many more people join us as we move forward on our journey.
Just a quickie here, turtles. Haven't heard from some of you in a while; I hope you're doing OK. I know what silences here usually mean.
I'm down 2.5 from yesterday, so obviously some of that was water. Good. Now I'll stay off the scales until next week.
I'm hoping to get some exercise in soon; haven't done anything since Saturday, and I feel it. Time is going to be tight for me during the coming month.
Judy, I'm so proud of you for sticking with that treadmill. WAY TO GO.
Bandit, sounds like you did well during your travels, too. Good for you. And nice inches down with Curves. That's what really counts.
I hope you've managed to keep the momentum going on your exercise program.
You know, you ought to plan carefully for the other end of Lent. I remember that, just like the beginning has its challenges re: eating stuff for the last time for a while, the end, when you get it all back, has its challenges, too. If you're going to do this every year for its spiritual benefits, you need to develop an attitude that this is your normal eating pattern for the time of Lent. Don't think of it as a diet or a change. It's your alternate normal pattern. Or something. Maybe that can help.
Judy, it's great to hear that you're journaling and that you're feeling good about how it's going for you.
Bandit--nice job. All those inches and 1 pound, too.
I'm in need of a nice, long session with my journal. I know part of it is those PMS-inspired crazy thoughts. But part of it is that I need to get a handle on my life. I'm doing OK with writing, but I'm really unhappy with my weight and what's been going on there. I need to open my journal and use it. I can't just walk a bit and expect things to be OK. They won't be. I need more exercise than that and I need to be OP with everything else, too. So, that's what I plan to do. I plan a lot. The follow-through is often where I run into trouble. But I'm taking that one bit at a time.
Hi Turtles,
Bandit2, weigh to go on all those inches lost and the pound to boot! Isn't it great when the weight goes down when you're expecting to maintain? I love those kinds of surprises.
Lauren, so glad 2.5# are gone to pesky land where they belong. In this very busy season of work for you and while you are coping with Lent and the dietary changes it presents, somehow figure out a way to put yourself on the list of things to accomplish.
I know how happy you'll be if you treat yourself well.
Lin, right now you're in trying circumstances to understate the matter a little. Would it help to think about your successes in the recent past and remember what you did?
Deep breaths--baby steps, activating each part of being OP in a timely fashion. Good luck and here's a for support.
As far as me, yesterday at my WI I knew I had reached my 10%. It seems as though I have been writing about this for forever! Well, at home I was 210# and I needed to be 211# to make it. Somehow the WW scale read 211.2# and I was besides myself.
I know I wrote about how it's only a number, but I have been so close for so long and I really thought I did it! I am the lowest I've been and only need to lose less than 2 pounds to be in virgin WW territory from when I joined 4 years ago, so I am having great turtle success. However, I was in sad shape yesterday. I have decided that changing my WI according to my dd's needs is not working for me. What I have decided to do is to WI on Wednesday with my original group. People there know and like me. This is the group that has many people who have lost anywhere from 65-230#. Bouncing around doesn't give me the structure or stability I need. Plus, I do think Margo is the best lecturer. What I will do is go with my dd on another night if she is going to stay for the mtg. If she's just weighing in, she'll do that on the way home from work and swing by to say hi at home. That's my plan and it makes the most sense for me.
Now, as a tidbit, Margo gave us sheets of paper and asked us to respond with the first word that came into our heads about words she read. The words were activity,
meeting, WI, journey, portions, breakfast, eating out, etc. We responded by writing and then went back over our responses with a -, +, or neutral assessment. All the negatives were simply areas we needed to work on to change to a positive. Yesterday I was in a pretty foul mood and had lots of negatives, but I know this is the way to go and I had to tuck the inner child back where she belonged and let the responsible adult keep on keepin' on.
Hope this isn't too long. Good luck to all of us. It's almost spring here and the snow is starting to melt. Buds can't be too far behind. Love and : to all.
{{{HUGS}}}, Judy. I know it's just a number, blah blah blah, but I feel your pain. Couldn't you have just taken off a layer of clothing or something?? I remember I once weighed in with my cell phone in my pocket, and I was ticked afterward. How silly it all is, but how much it gets to us anyway!
Well, I think your plan is a good one. Go to the meeting you benefit most from. Your daughter will be fine. At times during this journey, we really do have to do what's best for us -- as you reminded me, too.
Lin, I know what a hard time this is for you right now. I'm glad the writing is going well. And good for you continuing to walk, too. That's so important, even if you're not losing weight right now. I do hope you find what you need within yourself to keep from gaining. I know how bad you felt about overeating the last time you went through a lot of stress. I'm rooting for you.
Thanks, too, for the suggestion that I start thinking now about how I'll handle my eating once Lent is over. That's an excellent point. That really is where I have the worst trouble -- the weeks after a vacation, after Lent, etc. I'm going to start thinking about that now.
I've been eating well. I've been eating some dairy, but other than that have been on Lenten program. `The spiritual battles are in full swing, though -- amazing how this time of year derails DH in a big way. It can derail me too, but he really struggles. (And I don't mean with food.) It doesn't help that malpractice has gotten so expensive and so bad here in SE Michigan; he and the doctor he works with are probably going to have to stop doing all surgery. It just doesn't make sense financially anymore. I hate what greedy people are doing to our medical system.
I had a very enjoyable day yesterday in spite of going to the dentist. I didn't do any work for my other customer, so this weekend will be busy.
Spring is definitely in the air here. 40s and 50s this weekend, and sunny! It feels so good. Everyone is excited.
Have a good weekend, everyone. I know it can be a hard time for us, so let's agree together to be good to ourselves this weekend and do healthy things for our bodies.
We had a lovely weekend weather-wise ... balmy and sunny for a Michigan February. Spring is definitely in the air.
I'm down the 5.5 pounds I gained the previous weeks, so I'm now where I was about a month ago. My eating wasn't too great today, but I'm working on it. I'm writing it all down again, which does help.
Hi Turtles,
Lauren,
I miss everyone too. I am hoping that Choosewell comes back and that Bandit just had a very busy weekend. Lin, loved your advice to Lauren about incorporating eating plans into an annual program--Christmas, Lent, Easter including the Lent aftermath.
It does seem that we need to tackle all points of the year. I couldn't believe the eating events I've had since Jan. 1st--all the while thinking that once Christmas was over the main eating challenges would be gone too. That's just not the case! I asked not to receive chocolates for Valentine's Day and even so there is just lots of stuff to have to deal with as far as eating.
I am discovering new recipes that are either WW or can be adapted to WW style. It helps tremendously that I have promised myself to only eat foods that taste good and are low in points. Big help! I'm also increasing the speed that I walk on the treadmill.
I'm very close to adding another 1/4mile to my workout. My aim by July (one year back to WW's) is to walk 2miles 5 times a week. I know I can do that.
To everyone who's a turtle or has turtle inclinations, chime in because I need you. Got any insight or funny happenings to share?
We were back in Tor on Fri for the final summations of bf court case. Judge will put verdict in writing & mail out, so we will just have to wait & see. Went to the trailer show in Tor on Sat with 2 couples that have trailers in our park then we went out for dinner & drinks - had a great time (had a chicken wrap w/salad & only 2 drinks all night).
Then on Sun we went shopping & did some housework then went to bf daughters to watch the Oscars (Chinese food for supper there) Even though I didn't eat alot - I still felt all bloated & puffy yesterday. But I went to my Curves Sat & last night but at ww I was up 1#. Also with the Chinese we had cake (pre-birthday for me).
Today is my birthday & tonight we are going to the Casino for a buffet & some gambling so I am looking forward to that. Will stick to the meat things & garden salad tonight. Also I brought a light lunch for today. So overall we have been busy & bf is getting busier with his business (above regular business about 800 tax returns goes through this office) so for the next 2 months things will be crazy at the house.
Daughter is busy with her school & dancing & getting ready for March break. She is going to Quebec city with the school so that will be a nice little break & I am getting excited about Vegas April 1st. Girls only - looking forward to that as well.
Anyway hope everyone is doing well & OP. Have a great day.
Happy Birthday Bandit! Glad you are getting to Curves so regularly. Also hear your excitement about your April Las Vegas trip. That's a great event to plan for.
As far as Chinese food, I find it is so salty that I always gain afterward even if I eat something low in points like shrimp and broccoli. But after a day or so, I lose the bloat and keep on going. I know it's disappointing to be up at WW's, but I'm sure it's a temporary thing.
Have a great birthday. Tonight sounds like fun!
Lauren,
I think it's incredible that your dh and the doctor he works with may have to give up surgery because of the costs involved in malpractice insurance. You're right that the greedy ones are re-shaping people's lives. It's all so wrong. We need good doctors who practice well and are competent to continue practicing.
I am so glad you are doing well during Lent. You are putting a lot of thought and energy into this. Also major for knocking off the pre-Lenten weight gain. Glad your weight is so much lower and glad you're eating well during Lent. Are you interested in setting up a short term challenge? I'm over at WW General right now in the St. Patrick's Day Challenge and find it is helping me to stay on track.
Anybody interested in a challenge for the turtles to help us keep focused?
Lin,
I'm sending : to you and yours. You've lost a lot of weight this past year and I know you can fight through these bad times. Glad to hear your writing is going well. Good luck with everything!
Judy
234/211.2/thinner
I found a new fun thing to do. I get on a doctor type scale, pull the weight over to where I used to be (234#) and *slowly* slide the weight marker down to where I am now. It seems really big when I do it that way. Losing 20+# doesn't sound so great, especially when I have so much more to lose, but watching the pounds that I don't have on me anymore disappear is pretty impressive!
Tomorrow is my official WW WI and I am hoping to have a positive outcome!
Bandit, sounds like you like to gamble. Good luck, unless it's bad luck to say that. Good for you, sticking with Curves. And happy birthday!
Judy, I love the little things you're doing right now to achieve your goals. The sliding of the weight on the scale (great idea!), the new, lighter recipes -- those are just great. And you're dealing with your active social life, which is also great. That's what gets me every time, I'm finding, too. It's tough to eat right when I'm socializing! I've started watching a naturally thin friend of mine and seeing what she does. It's interesting; when we eat out, she manages to still eat lightly. Partly it's what she orders, but even more it's how much of it she eats. She has no problem eating a few bites and stopping when she's not hungry. I would LOVE to get to that point. That really is the holy grail, IMO.
Had a couple bust days eating-wise, probably somewhat due to stress. I also don't do as well without structured days. (I was home both days.) Today I'm at work, at it's going much better. I'm also fighting a UTI -- blecchh! One more day of antibiotics. Thank heavens for a DH who can prescribe medication -- and, in this case, provide samples so we don't have to buy anything.
The birds are really starting to go nuts here. Snow has melted. Spring is coming! And I want to wear those spring clothes, too!
Hi Turtles,
yes Lauren. Having a social life is fun and I love being out with my friends, but the food challenges are tough. Maybe that's a good thing for us Turtles to focus on. Good interesting foods to eat out that don't break the bank as far as points.
I did it! Today at my official WW's WI I met my 10% difference. I lost another pound this week and have officially knocked off 23.8# since July 1st. I am so proud. Do I wish I had lost more? Yes. Do I wish I had been more diligent? Yes. But did I really do the best I could each and every time? Yes. So, taking that all into consideration, I am very happy and I'm proud. I still have a 4# a month goal that would add up to 16# less of me by July 1st. I know I can do this! That would give me a total weight loss for the year of 40 pounds. I know I can do it, but I've got to stay focused.
My WW leader challenged me to eat sitting down all this next week. I'm taking her up on it because I think it would make a big difference in the amount of BLT's I do.
Good luck to us all.
Onward and Downward. :
Love,
Judy
234/210.2/thinner
I've been swamped this week and I'm doing a writing marathon today and tomorrow, which is why I've been AWOL.
Judy, I like the exercise your leader had you do. I think I may do that one on my own. Thanks for sharing.
YAY! It's great that you can add another 1/4 mile to your treadmill workout. I wish I had a treadmill or good exercise bike for exercising indoors. I coud put on a movie and the time would fly. That's what I did when we lived in Modesto, but our place is way too small. Even if I could afford the equipment, there is absolutely not enough space in front of the TV to set it up and use it. I need the mini version.
I like your new fun game, Judy. What a good visual to see where you used to be compared to now.
So I finally got to your latest post, Judy. You reached your 10%. You've worked so hard at it. You deserve a great celebration. Buy a paperback book and take some time to just read. Or get some great bath oil and soak for a while. Or do whatever is a celebration for you. (except eat. )
Lauren. 5.5 pounds and back to where you were a month ago is terrific. You're not going up. That's what's important.
Lauren, I understand what you mean about stopping when you're full being the holy grail of us folks. Sometimes I don't want to eat the right portion because no matter how small I cut it up or how small the bites are, I'm done with the food before I'm done wanting to eat. If that makes sense.
I hope you get over your UTI soon. That's painful.
It sound like things are going OK for you, Bandit. Nice to hear. Happy Birthday from me, too. Here's a Happy Birthday
I hope the rest of you manage to post soon. I've been wondering how you're all doing. Choosewell? Swan? Eponin? HotcupoJava?
It's TOM and I'm feeling awful. I'll be fine in a couple of days. Then I'm getting back OP. Enough is enough. I'll let you all know how it goes.
I hope you're moving. I've been doing some walking lately.
Thanks for all the happy birthday wishes & hope everyone has a great weekend.
This weekend we are going to the British show in Tor & Aileen from Coronation St will be there as well as lots of dancing, pipe bands etc. Should be fun.
OK, that was definitely a multi-smiley accomplishment. YOU ROCK!
Bandit, I LOVE Coronation Street! Hope your time is fun.
Lin, glad you're having fun with the marathon. Can you go outside to walk these days?
I did not eat well the past couple of days. Not quite sure what's going on, but I suspect it's stress. Tons of work to do and I'm not real disciplined about getting it done, so it's piling up. Also, stuff related to DH's work. But eating doesn't really make it better. So today I'm going to do better. And exercise!
Turtle Club #122
for support.
: to all.
Glad you are getting to Curves so regularly. Also hear your excitement about your April Las Vegas trip. That's a great event to plan for.
I did it! 
