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.
Choosewell, that's an interesting article. One thing I thought was really interesting was that there didn't seem to be much difference in whether you exercised at a breakneck pace or a moderate one. Just doing it seems to be the most important thing. They focused on aerobic exercise in the study. I wonder what the results would be if they had included some stretching and flexibility exercises and strength training in the study? In the meantime, I think we should all see this as a good reason to continue our efforts to GET MOVING!
I've been eating pretty much at my target and used the activity points from my walk yesterday. But I'm really hungry this morning, so I'm going to dip into flex points today. I think my appetite is back to normal. Now, if the head congestion would disappear, things would be great. (waiting impatiently for the cold to go away, even though colds don't respond to impatience or anything else. )
I hope to walk a bit longer today. I got about a half hour yesterday. We'll see how my energy level is. I don't want to push myself too much after having been sick, but I don't want to use it as an excuse not to do what I need to do, either.
My writing is going according to plan. So, things are good here.
I am so impressed with all of you. Really, really impressed.
Lin, your weight loss has been marvelous! And your writing is going well, too. AND your exercising. And you're still in your old apartment in a town you don't like. Instead of wallowing in pity, you're making your life better right where you are. A GIANT way to go, lady.
Judy, you've really been burning rubber this summer, it's been fabulous to see! You're seeing where potential pitfalls might be, and you're planning your way around them. It's just wonderful.
Choosewell, your commitment to exercise is inspiring. I like your perspective on even mundane tasks, like yard work, and how that counts as exercise, too. Very interesting article, BTW; it gave me heart.
Yesterday was the first day of my WW week. I ate 27 points, using 3 flex points. That was the top of my old range. I don't feel too bad about that. Today will probably be similar. It's 3:00, and I've used most of my regular points already.
BTW, I was up at WW this past Tuesday, by 3.2 pounds or something. That means that according to the WW scales, I've put on 6 pounds in 2 weeks, effectively cancelling out all the work I did over the past month and a half. Had a MAJOR pity party after that, came home and bawled on DH's shoulder. Had a glass of wine and watched a nice movie ("Holes"). I still don't know why I've gained this weight. I didn't eat well this past weekend, but it sure wasn't enough to gain 3 pounds. And that doesn't explain the previous week's weigh-in. But there we are.
So in keeping with my new theme of "Never, never, never give up," I'm looking at things I can change.
I find that when I'm home, I eat the most in the morning and early afternoon. Then I just eat a light dinner (eggbeaters or veggie burger & salad). So long as I can eat a light dinner, I can stay pretty low in points each day.
I think part of why I eat so much early in the day has to do with what I call my "seat of eating." We have a little breakfast nook in our kitchen; it has a bunch of windows. I love to sit there and read. Unfortunately, I also now associate that spot with eating. So my favorite thing to do is read and eat. I can while away hours doing this. It really isn't how I want to spend my time, and I would like to break the eating connection so that I can enjoy that area without eating.
So here's my new plan: I will no longer eat while sitting in the reading chair in the breakfast nook. I will only eat while sitting at the kitchen table. (Which is also in the breakfast nook, but it has less comfortable chairs, so I have no temptation to curl up in them with a book.) This is not going to be easy! But I think it'll really help cut out the mindless eating.
Hi Turtles,
Lauren, I'm sorry about your weight gain. I just know that it's not real and you'll be shedding weight this week. In the meantime I love that you analyzed your situation and have come up with a plan. Reading at an eating spot is tricky because it makes the eating automatic instead of a specific focused activity.
Your plan for solution is great. Good luck with your new plans and resolve. (Something's happening with the smilies and my computer. I'll have to figure this out.)
Lin,
Weigh to go with your eating. It's smart to balance out the high point, low point segments of meals and snacks. Sometimes when I eat higher points than usual I want to keep on eating that way and I get in trouble. I have always admired the way you've been able to handle that kind of thing.
Choosewell,
Thanks for the info. about exercising. The same concept keeps coming up--exercise 20 minutes or so a few times a week and the weight loss will be better. I have proved it. I exercise about 5 times a week for 35 minutes and I try and do light work around the house and yard as well. It is making a difference in how my body is releasing the fat. Hooray!
Today was a great day. Yesterday I ate full points and today I am accomplishing that as well. It's a little tricky, but I can do this.
I just don't want to overdo. Yesterday I went into Flexpoints and I think I will today too. That's fine. All goes well.
My WW leader offered this idea: What do a quarter and a rubber stamp have in common? We are up to the last quarter of the calendar for this year. Do we want to "rubber stamp" our eating activities? In other words, do we want to always eat the same way as we have in the past with the holidays? As in, oh, it's Halloween and I always eat the leftover candy. Who's kidding who? I eat the candy beforehand and have to buy more. Or are we going to change the last quarter of the year and change our old habits. Then she suggested we take a quarter out of our purses and carry it on us as an anchor throughout the last quarter of the year. Food for thought. In the past couple of years I've done fairly well over the holidays and then blow it in early January. This year I am determined to do well. Let's go turtles!!!
Love,
Judy
Judy, thanks so much for that quarter/rubber stamp story. Your leader sounds like a keeper. I need to find a new one. (Mine likes to talk about herself a LOT, no preparation. She's inspirational in that she has lost more than 100 pounds and has been keeping it off -- with varying success -- for 16 years. But we don't get goodies like you just mentioned. Instead we hear about all her various awful eating habits that she tries to break.) I think I will carry around a quarter with me, especially while we're on our upcoming two vacations! And *really* especially in Italy!
I also hear you about doing OK through Christmas and then going nuts in January. I do the same thing with vacations ... do OK during the vacation, then go nuts after. What's up with that??
I had a good eating day again yesterday. Used 1/2 of a flex point. The previous day I only used 1.5, as it turns out. So that's two flex points in two days, or an average of 25 points per day. I'm very pleased with that and heartened. The answer for me: to eat very, very light dinners. Just a couple of points. It's all I need at that time of day.
The scale shows me down a couple of pounds, and TOM looms, so I'm hoping I'll lose the rest of this gain soon.
Since I have Fridays off, Thursday is my Friday. I usually celebrate with a glass of wine, and last night I did. It was lovely. I also broke into Flexpoints, which I usually save for Saturday (for no apparent reason). I am in good company.
How much was I eating before that I gained this much weight? That's a scary thought.
Judy, I loved this phrase: "releasing the fat" through exercise. That's such a great image. I'll use that today on my walk. I have not been doing my 3 mile walks for the last couple of days, so I've been doing 3 walks at work...a mile around downtown at lunch and 2 ten minute walks. I think my work attitude is better for it.
Lauren, in the 80's I gave up eating while I drive. In the 90's I gave up eating while I read (probably so I can use both hands, right?). I guess I'm ready to give up tv eating, the worst of all. I also have a cute little (not too comfortable) kitchen dinette. I will join you at the table. Keep me posted on your progress. The pull to the tv is very strong...but it also impairs my writing time seriously.
Friday! How about a water and a little 10 minute walk to celebrate? Yay!
Dear Turtles,
I feel enveloped in love in this great atmosphere we're creating at this site. Hooray!
Lauren,
Weigh to go. I knew you'd get it all together. About my leader--she is absolutely wonderful. We have a long history together.
She's just a little younger than I am. Lost 27 pounds 29 years ago with WW. I was in one of her first groups. She was so nervous, but she was also determined. Turns out she was an extremely shy person who hated to talk period, much less in front of a group. Well, she was so grateful to WW for helping her lose the weight that was making her miserable that she willed herself to get into leader training for WW. In the years that have passed, she has become the trainer for our entire county and is amazingly good. I'll be glad to pass on tidbits as they occur. She is also a good and caring person without any phoniness. Wow!
As far as doing okay during holidays and then not okay after could have so many causes. If I could figure it out, I'd sure send
the solution out into the atmosphere. I am bewildered about the emotions that cause the overeating. All childish, however. Could be pity for myself that the holidays went by and I didn't indulge the way I wanted. Could be anger for the same reason plus being angry because I don't look the way I want. Could be smugness because I did so well during the holidays--and gee, don't I deserve a reward, and on and on ad infinitum. However, this year let's work on getting through the holidays and then getting through the aftermath. I know when you set goals for yourself, you were very successful. So~I am still with my goal of six pounds down by Halloween.
Choosewell,
I admire your attempts at eating away from the TV. That is a toughie for me. I really enjoy my meals that way. Hey, maybe I'll try a lovely CD instead. That would work. Giving up eating in the car and while reading are great accomplishments. All good food for thought. I also love that you are getting the exercise in even though you are at work. Weigh to go!
Lin,
Here's hoping your head has cleared up and that you are feeling super well. Good luck on your writing projects. They sound complicated and fun at the same time.
Take care everybody. Let's remember what Lin said and keep on moving. Slow and steady~~that's us.
Love,
Judy
Thanks, Lauren, for the congrats! I've got my fingers crossed that if circumstances prevent us from moving back to San Jose, I don't get depressed again and blow it. The real problem is that people don't move during the holidays, so finding a place in December is difficult. And our management charges $100 a month more if you do a six-month lease, which we can't afford. If we could, it would mean we could move in June, when a lot of people move and it will be more likely that we can find someplace. So, we're doing what we can and we'll see how it goes.
I'm glad to hear that the scale is down for you. I can't imagine eating only a couple of points for dinner. Breakfast, yes, but not dinner. Actually, if I were living alone, my biggest meal would probably be lunch. I could do it that way, but the temptation to eat the same amount at dinner would be too great with my family here chowing down the food.
Judy, try putting a space before and after the smilies. Sometimes if you don't they come out weird. I love your story about the quarter. I'd tape one to the computer, but I don't think I have one right now.
Choosewell, I really like your alternate method of getting in your walk if you can't do your regular 3 miler. We often eat dinner and watch TV at the same time. It's because of my husband's super early work schedule and the weird satellite feed we get for some channels. We tape the shows we like and watch them together when he gets home from work. Until he got on this schedule, we never ate and watched TV at the same time. But my solution is to fix my plate and eat just that.
I've been following weight loss forums for about 7 years now and every year people who did well over the holidays struggle in January. One reason that I remember seeing often is the "I was so good over the holidays that I deserve a reward". So maybe planning something special in January will help alleviate that problem.
Then there's the slump. People often are very busy (and complain about it) and they're a lot more social during the holiday season. It's kind of a letdown to go back to your routine, which is usually a bit more boring than the holidays. So maybe the reward ought to include a social occasion--renting a movie with a friend or something.
The last January problem I've seen over the years is the winter thing. It's cold. People want to sit around at home and eat. A lot of the January comfort food is not low in points. So, that's when I drag out the soup recipes. Also good point-deflated stews. "Rib-sticking food".
The other strategy is not to make weight loss resolutions. Just continue to do what's been working and keep on going. I don't know, but resolutions just set me up for failure. Resolutions seem to end up being of the "fix everything that's wrong" and you can't sustain that. So, I just use my journal as a daily tool to evaluate my life throughout the year and make little doable tweaks as I go along. It seems to work better for me than making a bunch of resolutions at a particular time of year.
I'm doing fine, except for the exercise. I had a minor relapse and I feel lousy. So, I didn't walk yesterday. I haven't decided about today. It's way too early in the morning to tell. I may be fine later. OTOH, I'm also not eating much over my target. I've used 5 flex points over the whole week, so far. I try to save some for my husbands' weekend breakfasts. They're not super high point, but more than I usually eat. I find that when I walk, I need to eat those activity points. But when I don't, my target is pretty much all I need. That will probably change as I move to lower point levels, but I'm not changing my point level until I stop losing weight at this one, no matter if I'm "supposed" to because I hit a certain weight or not.
I know I just posted a long post, but I had to share this with you. It's about the scale, exercise, and it's a really interesting take on the subject. It's the first post on the thread.
Hi Turtles,
It's the weekend and I want to write a short post.
Lauren,
I *knew* you'd drop weight soon. Weigh to go. I am thrilled for you that you have your eating going in the right direction.
Lin,
Thanks for the smilies assist. You really are so helpful. Glad you're doing so well, too.
Choosewell,
Great hearing from you. The thought of celebrating with a glass of water and a short walk is hysterical! LOL. But then I thought, why not? Lots of my weight gain has come from all the wonderful things I have celebrated in life. Guaranteed, there was a food treat related to all of them.
Things are going well. I ate at my points Thursday and Friday, but then I went heavily into Flexpoints on Friday. So, I think I'll just pay attention to eating when I'm hungry and see how that works out. Had a great day yesterday. Got on the treadmill and then a friend and I headed out shopping. I think we shopped for about three hours. How many activity points do you think that was? LOL
After cleaning up my dressing area yesterday it's such an attractive quiet place to be that I brought my laptop in here to write. I love a closety kind of space for writing. I am easily distracted and if I'm not on a roll I don't seem to GET on a roll when the room is very cluttery.
Has anyone got any experience in getting pictures put on cd's? Do you know what I mean...how music cd's have the name of the artist and songs, or a design on them? Any ideas? I'm putting a self-published technical manual on cd's and that's my latest hurdle.
We are off to the grocery store, Central Market. It's like Whole Foods, only more mainline stuff. Judy, do you wear a pedometer? You would be able to count those shopping steps easily if you had one. My favorite works on percussion only, and you can figure out how many steps = a mile for you on your treadmill.
Off I go. If you could choose one song to dance to today, what would it be? I'm going to put on Martina McBride's "Love's the Only House" this afternoon and let her rip...
It's so good to read how well we're all doing. , ladies!
Choosewell, my son had a labeling system with sticky labels and software to allow you to set up your computer to align the printing properly. But, we read in Popular Photography, I believe it was, that someone is coming out with CDs that you can burn on both sides. Then you can burn your pics and label text right on the top of the CD. I think Epson is making them, but I don't know if they're readily available yet. You could check out their web site for information. Good luck!!
I lost another pound this week. My total so far is 10. I walked a bit yesterday. I plan to go for a walk at the mall later. It's too cold to be outside. I think I'm getting more comfortable with flex points. I'm not trying so hard not to use them. I do save some for my husband's weekend breakfasts. They're not super elaborate, but a few more points than I eat during the week. I always use my activity points. That seems to be working so far.
I'm making good progress with the prep for my NaNo novel. It's going to be a lot of fun to write, but I'm amazed at how different it's turning out from my original concept.
Hi, tortoises. Boy, is it ever fall here. We're having highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s! Yeeks! I was FREEZING today at church, and I was wearing a sleeveless turtleneck under a bullky sweater. Gonna take a while to adjust to this again.
Lin, TEN POUNDS! Woo-hoo! That is SO great! Way to go! I'll bet not eating all your flex points is helping, too (and all that exercixe).
Choosewell, I should check out that pedometer. The one I have clicks even when it shouldn't (says I took more steps than I did) and is hard to use. I'd like to wear one, though, just to see how I do.
Judy, I hope you feel better soon! It's probably the changing seasons; seems to nail a lot of folks.
Yesterday for our big dinner at the fancy restaurant, I ended up only eating about 10 flex points. It helped that I had 4 activity points from my walk that morning. I also earned another 6 activity points from vigorously cleaning the house for a few hours, but my WW leader said you can't use more than 4 per day. Probably a good policy. Anyway, I felt good about the way I ate.
Today is also going well foodwise, though I haven't exercised. On Sunday afternoons, we just crash for a few hours and sleep. Dunno why that is. Maybe we'll go for a walk to Starbucks tonight so I can get in 20 minutes or so.
TOM finally hit, too, so I'm hoping to see better numbers in the next week or two. I'm trying not to hold my breath for those 180s again, though. That was such a disappointment.
Judy, we head for Italy in December. In October, we'll make our annual trek to the Adirondacks.
Oh, VERY cool thing happened Friday. We got our plane tickets for Italy; my husband's is being paid for by the people putting on the conference, so we just have to pay for mine. Well, here's the cool thing. We save extra pocket change in a jar. Sometimes I try to throw in dollar bills, too, and even the occasional larger bill. But mostly it's just change and dollar bills. Well, when we counted up our jar of change on Friday -- we were just $19 short of covering my entire plane ticket to Italy!!! Is that cool or WHAT? So I threw in a 20-dollar bill, and DH took the whole thing to the bank to be deposited. I love it! We've already started saving our change again ....
Turtle Club #106
)
She is also a good and caring person without any phoniness. Wow!
I can't imagine eating only a couple of points for dinner. Breakfast, yes, but not dinner. Actually, if I were living alone, my biggest meal would probably be lunch. I could do it that way, but the temptation to eat the same amount at dinner would be too great with my family here chowing down the food.
Is that cool or WHAT? So I threw in a 20-dollar bill, and DH took the whole thing to the bank to be deposited. I love it! We've already started saving our change again ....
