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, too. 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.
DEar Turtles,
I'm loving the new Flexpoints plan. I have to run now. Retirement is a lot busier than I thought it would be!
Good luck everybody.
Love,
Judy
I'm hooked on spinach salad. Spinach with a box of raisins, spinach with 7 almonds, spinach with spinach. Just grateful I'm hooked on a something healthful this time.
There is a parakeet at our bird feeder tonight...even amid the jays and cardinals, he's a little jewel. We're having fun trying to make him come to us, so we can reunite him with his owner. Hopefully!
I think part of the fun of FlexPoints is this calculator. It figures and records activity credits as well as food points. It keeps track of water, f/v, milk...gosh, if only it was a remote control.
Hi, Choosewell, and welcome! What is the significance of the lasso icon? It's intriguing.
I haven't seen the new calculator. Did you buy it? I still have an ancient one from the 123 days, so it no longer calculates correctly since they capped the fiber at 4 grams.
I had a nice whoosh effect after TOM finally completely ended, so I expect to see good things next week on the scales. I do believe I'll get into the 180s again during this month. I'm trying not to beat myself up about having to re-lose these pounds; there's no point.
Am doing very well with flex points and really enjoy the new plan. You don't feel like you've "blown it" when you go over your target, because you've got this bank of points there. It's more relaxed for some reason.
Am getting some exercise, though still not on a regular basis. Walked about 40 minutes yesterday; will walk an hour tomorrow with my WW buddies.
Lin, can you do aerobics in your shoes? That's usually easier on the feet than walking on pavement.
Judy, WAY TO GO on losing another 1.5!!! Wow!!!
We've got houseguests again this weekend; just found out a couple days ago. They've been missionaries in Cambodia for the past number of years; it'll be great to see them again.
Judy, I love the new flexpoints plan, too. I'm glad it's working for you.
Choosewell, I love spinach, too. I'm not addicted to it, but it's become one of my favorites. Fresh and frozen (which I use in quiches and casseroles) spinach is a far cry from the tin-can taste of overcooked spinach my mother fed us when we were growing up.
Lauren, don't beat yourself up. This whole thing is an ongoing process. I think the stumbles we have will help us when we get to maintenance because we'll know what to watch for. We'll know what behaviors start us on the slippery slope and what behaviors get us back off. So, if we're vigilant, to use your great word, we should be experts at staying there as well as getting there.
I agree that this program has a more relaxed feel. I'm still getting the hang of it. I'm going to spring for the current WW at Home next week when we get paid. I've learned that Quicken is nice, but it's not really adequate as a point counting tool. The main issue is keeping track of the individual types of points. I have to calculate separately to figure out if I've used my activity points and have to subtract them if I haven't. And to make sure I know how many flex points I have left each day. I'm going to use the old-fashioned pen and paper method until the WW kit comes. Then I'll use the calculator.
I lost another 2 pounds this week. So things are humming along fine here.
I can do aerobics, now that I have space in the living room. I had to do some cleanup before I had enough space in front of the TV to do my tapes. So that's an option I plan to use. It's not much better, though, because the cheap carpet and pad they put in apartments doesn't give much cushion against the cement slab underneath.
The writing is going much better these days. Ideas are humming and I'm really enjoying what I'm doing. I think that the main reason things are going so much better, though, is knowing that it's a matter of time and we're moving from this place. That has made the biggest change for me because it's lifted the depression I've been fighting for the past three years.
We should be getting our car back soon. The mechanic found a rebuilt engine, so we're not having to get another car, so we don't have to spend extra money on that and that means we can move. What a boondoggle that whole car thing is. But it's going to be OK, too.
So, how's it going with all of you? Are you MOVING?
Lauren, nice to meet you, too. That lasso is a feather! lol...like one of those "what do you see in this picture" games they make you play at teambuilding exercises at work. OK, now I have to make a lasso out of it. Feathers have significance to my career (now you can wonder, "fan dancer? parakeet breeder?" ) so I chose that one for now.
I went to a party last night...which we rarely do. I loved having the FlexPoints in my back pocket. Funny, it made me record BOTH glasses of wine and BOTH servings of bean salad, which I usually would have pretended had not happened (only my hips know for sure). Having all those points, and knowing that today is the end of my FP week, meant that I didn't freeze up on myself.
Sometimes for me being honest with myself is the most imortant integral act of all. Scratch that, edit: Being honest with myself is the most important integral act of all.
Lin, would you like the tracker from last week? I'm not using it, as I got one of the checkbook thingies. Glad to do it.
Hi Turtles,
Choosewell, I know exactly what you mean about really being honest and keeping track of everything. Knowing I can go into Flexpoints when I've eaten more than I expected takes the sting out of feeling like a failure and gives me the confidence to keep working on my food throughout the week. Taking a weekly perspective gives me a fallback if I need it. That said, I'm having a great week and am staying very close to my target points each and every day. Also am hitting the exercise which I feel is what is making the difference this time. Right Lin? Keep on movin'.
I love spinach. It is my new favorite--fresh washed and triple rinsed --so easy and so tasty. Mixed with romaine, I finally get a salad I like, especially with some fresh basil in it.
Lauren,
I am so glad to hear you happy. Back to the 180's this month is a great goal. I understand about putting weight back on. It's hard for me not to beat myself up about the 30 pounds I lost and regained, but for me==this is the best I can do with what I've got right now. I know I can do this. Flexpoints gives me confidence and keeps me honest. Pretty good! Enjoy your company. They must have many wonderful things to tell you.
Lin,
Another two pounds! Weigh to go! This is like a miracle. Congrats on your anticipated move to San Jose, your writing, your exercise. What a great attitude you have.
I love that we're doing this!
Love.
Judy
Gaaaah! Having company is just lethal for me, and I'm not even sure why. Our guests just left yesterday. I ate well over my target each day they were here. I think I still have a couple of flex points left, and today's my last day of the week, but I have a strong suspicion that I won't lose if I use all my flex points. The scale as of this morning shows me maintaining from last week, which is NOT what I want to see. I'll check again tomorrow and see if some of it is just water from all the salt. I'll post my weight tomorrow rather than today, just in case!
Anyway. Deep breath, and move on.
Lin, WOO-HOO on those 2 pounds! Wow!
Judy, thanks for the pep talk. You're right; no point in beating ourselves up. Sometimes I need to remind myself of that daily (make that hourly).
Choosewell, a feather! D'oh! So ... do you work in a pet store? On a chicken farm? At a company with the word "Feather" in it? For a bedding store? Are you a pillow-fight referee?
Lauren,
Look, company is tough no matter how you crack it. Hopefully your scale is going to show a nice loss, but no matter what happens your company is gone and you're on track. As I figure it, your target points are pretty low for company weeks and I don't think it at all unusual to go into Flexpoints fully at times like that.
The big problem I've been dealing with in this lifestyle change is that I have social occasions *all the time*. The cue to overeat is there. So--onward and downward. Hey, do you want to set a goal for Halloween or something? I'd like to be down another six pounds by Halloween. I know I can do it. Anyone want to join in?
Choosewell,
Until you correct me, I am assuming you are a fan dancer like Gyspsy Rose Lee. I think the intrigue is a lot of fun.
Lin,
How's that novel you're working on this month working out? What a novel idea. LOL
All goes well here. Had a very busy weekend and didn't get on the treadmill either Sat. or Sun. Monday I brought myself up short and reminded myself that my weight loss is my top priority and exercise my top priority within that goal. So I exercised a little harder and longer on Monday. Today I will do the same.
I am into Flexpoints for this week, but that's what they are for. In a sense, starting at a target point which is low-middle for the old ranges and adding Flexpoints when needed is very much like the Wendie Plan which was working for me. The big change is that I don't pre-determine which days will be high and low. I'm letting my body tell me as I go through the days. TAke care and be well.
Love,
Judy
Choosewell, you're so right about being honest with yourself. It's easier to do that when you know you have the points to cover it. You feel less like a failure and that's one of the things I like about flex points. Thanks for the offer of your tracker. But, despite my weekend glitch (detailed below), I already have an alternate method devised to handle this until I can afford the new At Home Kit.
Lauren, I'm sorry that your company became a problem. Have you put your superb analytical mind to work figuring out what to do next time? Good luck. I know this is a biggie for you because you have company a lot.
Judy, a Halloween challenge is a great idea. If we all work diligently between now and then, we can build up some good habits and strategies before the holiday season. Although I think January and February are harder because we're so aware of holiday pitfalls we seem to do well. But January comes, with it's slower social calendar and cold, wet weather, and we want to cocoon and eat.
Anyway, back to the idea. I want to challenge myself to keep the most accurate journal I can between now and Halloween. I hope that will result in a good weight loss, but we'll see. I want to write it all down, since I tend to ignore my journal when I don't follow the program. I need to track them so I can figure out what's going on and stop that behavior.
The novel in a month isn't until November, Judy. What I'm doing now is getting to know my characters, doing a plot outline, and, since it's fantasy, building the world my bear lives in and the ones he will visit. And that's going pretty well.
I struggled a lot over the weekend. I'm retaining water. I appear to be more sensitive to salt these days in terms of water retention. I was also overtired. Anyway, the weekend is behind me and I'm getting back on track. I didn't go totally nuts, just a bit more here and there. And I had lost track of how many flex points I had used. So, it's partly getting used to the new program, how to track it, and that stuff, too.
Anyway, things are much better now. I'm not giving up, although the temptation is there. I do get tired of all the "stuff"---figuring and counting points, weighing and measuring food, calculating recipes. Sometimes, I just want to fuel my body without all that "stuff". But part of being able to do that is to internalize the point counts of the basic foods. Then I know what I'm eating without pulling out the calculator. That rebellious feeling has been the major cause of my weight loss issues the past couple of years. Do I really want to spend the rest of my life doing all that "stuff"? It's obvious that if I don't, my weight will creep back to its highest point, or more. So, the real question becomes: is it worth it?
That's the question each of us has to answer. Because if we truly believe, deep down inside, that it's worth it, we will do what we need to do to get and keep the weight off. Often, faced with various situations, we act as though it's not worth it. We eat more than we should, make choices that aren't the best, and ditch our exercise program in favor of other activities.
I think making a list of why it's worth it and keeping it posted prominently can help with that problem. Better yet, post several copies in places where you choose and eat food and near your exercise gear. I hate this struggle and I wish I could just do it. I think keeping track of why I'm doing it is as important as doing it.
The other thing I need to do is to make sure I exercise. I'm still doing some, but not as much as I want to. I think that will always be a priority with me because it is so hard. Thus one of our new mottos:
Let's Get Moving!
I didn't put that one in my signature because I want to keep typing it. Typing it burns it into my brain and that leads to doing it.
Itry, Pillow Fight Referee is the most original idea I've heard on the subject, I'll go with that (usually I say "chicken plucker").
Lin, I'm really enjoying my little checkbook for FP. I take it you write daily as well...sometimes if I'm in a slump just switching paper or styles helps me to remotivate. I am with you, attention to journaling ALL of it, including activity, water, vitamins...and every last food point that I would typically skip (as if it didn't count). Who do I think I'm fooling in that case? How silly of me!
San Jose is nearby the home of several wonderful literary agents. I think it's a good omen...
Choosewell, I've figured it out. You're a writer. The feather represents a quill pen. So now we have three writers in the Turtle Club! (Though I'm happy to think of you as a pillow-fight referee as well.)
Lin, the "is it worth it" challenge is really the crux of the matter. Thanks for pointing it out. I've been motivated enough to stay within my points (if one includes flex points!), but not enough to exercise regularly. And I've discovered I just don't lose if I don't move. Unless I really cut back on my points.
WW has a "Quick Start" one-week plan where you eat about 20 points each day. It's a way to really get remotivated. I'm considering it. I would like to have a few low-point days at least this week. I've been religiously tracking for weeks now, and my weight loss has been verrrrrrryyyyyy slooooowwwww. I could use a kick start.
Judy, WTG on getting back on that treadmill! You're an inspiration. As for a Halloween goal ... I'm reluctant to set one. Normally I would, but I feel like my body is betraying me right now. I was sure I'd be in the 180s by now, since I'm following the program. But I'm not, and I don't know why. The old stuff (writing it down, staying within points) isn't working for me right now. So ... how about this for a Halloween goal: by Halloween, I will be getting at least 1 point worth of exercise every day of the week. (Or 2 points worth of exercise 4-5 times per week.) That's something I have control over, at least.
Choosewell, that's exactly it. Who am I fooling when I don't write it down? Plus, it's a form of self-sabotage and I don't need to do that.
Yeah, I do write in my journal almost every morning. I sometimes don't get it done on the weekends, but I rarely miss a weekday. My journal is my second best support. Other people, like you turtles, are my first best support.
Lauren--what you said is exactly why I came up with our second hundred thread challenge--to exercise regularly. I get stuck if I don't exercise, too. I like your idea of setting an exercise goal for Halloween. I think it will help you get the kickstart you need.
I'm doing fine. I walked yesterday. I'm planning another walk today. I need to go to the mall and look for a shirt to wear with a new pair of jeans this weekend. We're visitng my mom and my son and apartment-hunting and buying new shoes for me. Well, these jeans have rosebuds embroidered on them and I don't have anything that really looks good with them. I told my son I was going retro. And I am. I loved the embroidered jeans and shirts and stuff in the '60s. They're back and I'm buyng some.
Hi Turtles,
I've been pretty quiet about it, but I write poetry. It's a medium that I enjoy. Looks like we've got four writers in this site.
Lauren, glad to have company for Halloween. Setting a goal is what is important. I'm making my goal a weight loss one because I feel this early in the program, if I exercise and keep careful track of my points, I should be able to connect those things to a weight loss.
Lin, good luck on finding a great shirt to wear with your new retro jeans. Is that an oxymoron? Keeping great records in journaling is the way to go. How many times have I told myself these tiny bites won't mean anything? Well, they do. They also indicate to me that my eating is a little out of control and that's not what I want to do.
Choosewell, how's the food going? Glad to hear you like to write.
I had great news at WW last night and I'm having a strange reaction to it. First, for the good news: I lost another 2.8 pounds to bring me to a total of 9.8 pounds lost in the last ten weeks. That includes three weeks of vacation and lots of social activities. Getting the exercise in proves to me that if I make the effort, the weight will come off. Now to the strange part: because of my daughter's schedule change, we're attending my old WW meeting. It was good to see the old buddies. It's a wonderful meeting with many people who have lost over eighty-five pounds. One of the greatest gals there has lost over 230 pounds and has kept it off for over 14 years. Hooray! That said, it is also a meeting that reminds me that I lost 30 pounds, didn't lose more, regained those pounds, and didn't want to go back for support. Yes, now my situation is very different. I have retired, so the stress related to my work environment is gone. I have time and energy to shop for food, prepare it, and fit exercise into my day. But there is a nagging something that is sending me a message that when I connect with this meeting, I'll begin slipping and not be as focused as I have been. Since this is the only time that my daughter can attend, I am going to come up and over this feeling. Thanks for letting me vent. The wonderful thing is I am losing weight. Slow and steady efforts bring about positive results! Hooray! Today I aim to stay at my target point and exercise. Same for tomorrow because on Saturday I have a very fancy wedding to go to and I don't want it to slow my weight loss this week.
Good vibes to everyone. Let's keep this going.
Lauren, when the weight hasn't come off in the past the way you wanted it to, what did you do? I'd be interested in knowing.
Let's congratulate ourselves for giving each other support. For being diligent about analyzing what makes this weight loss process work.
Judy, WOW!!!! And WOW again!!!! Congratulations on another fabulous weight loss! Way impressive.
DH heard an interesting report yesterday. They studied "middle-aged" women (ahem) who ate a 1200 calories per day diet. (That's roughly my 24 points.) They broke them out into one group that didn't exercise at all, one that exercised at a light to moderate rate one hour every day, and one that exercised at a very high level one hour every day. The group that lost the best was the middle one -- the light-to-moderate daily exercisers. (I think they may have also studied a group that exercised but not every day.) And I believe they measured fat loss, not just pounds down.
That's somewhat encouraging; it says you don't have to be a marathon runner to lose weight at a good rate. And it looks like that's pretty much what you're doing, Judy.
Also, Judy, I didn't know you wrote poetry! That's wonderful; I have a lot of admiration for poets. They use language in such interesting, creative ways. So we're a group of writers here, it seems!
Lin, have fun shopping for the clothes and the apartment! Rosebud jeans -- love it. You hippie, you. Way to go with the walking, too.
Judy, you asked what I've done in the past when I haven't lost weight the way I wanted. The only answer I have is to keep at it, keep writing it all down, shake things up if necessary. I feel that I have shaken things up a bit with the flex points program. I know what the next step has to be -- regular exercise. I'm just having a devil of a time making myself do it. The other thing is that I should just stay away from the scales except once a week. I have been weighing more often because I'm so anticipating getting down into the next decade, and I think it's making me way too impatient.
This morning, for example, I'm down (I weighed myself "officially" because I'm going to WW tonight, two days later than my usual meeting) 1.5 # from last week. I'm hovering and teetering on the cusp of 189 this morning. So the program is working, just not as quickly as I thought it would, given that this is the time of the month I lose best. But it is working, and when I add regular activity, I'll see results. So that's my plan. Add exercise this weekend each day, even if it's just a half hour, and stay off the scales.
Oh, by the way, that study about the middle-aged women ... that hour of mild to moderate exercise was not necessarily all at once. For many women, it was 20 minutes here, 20 there, etc. So long as it added up to an hour a day, the weight loss was good. So that's encouraging, too.
Well, today I get a crown (my first -- ugh!) due to tooth I badly cracked on a peppercorn while on vacation last spring. I also have a job interview for a project I'm not excited about, but we need the money. Once I get through that, I expect to have a lovely weekend -- hope you all do the same!
Turtle Club #102
What is the significance of the lasso icon? It's intriguing.
