A common question people ask me when they find out I lost a significant amount of weight is of course:
"How long did it take?"
I always answer accurately (right now it's 45 pounds in a year). If I can tell they were asking because they are considering losing weight, but that amount of time sounds like too much of an investment, I point out something my leader said that stuck with me - "Who cares how long it takes? The time is going to pass either way."
I really try to make them think about that because if I tell them it happened to take me a year to lose 45 pounds (everyone's results are different, mind you), are they going to NOT do it, because a year is too long?
And then since that year will pass anyway- where will they be if they don't start now? (I can't imagine what weight I would be right now but I do know I would be miserable.)
My leader was right - think about it: The time is going to pass either way. Why waste that year (an entire year of your life- you don't get many of them!) being uncomfortable and unhappy with themselves and their appearance, putting their health further at risk? When instead they can spend that year making gradual, healthy life long changes that will fill them with pride, confidence and happiness - enhancing every aspect of their life.
So really, who cares how long it takes? The rewards begin immediately and are priceless.
You are completely awesome. And exactly right. Plus, you SHOULD lose the weight slowly. Every time I've taken weight off quickly, its come right back (there was about a month that I was on the carb addict diet that I looked FANTASTIC, but also hadn't shit in weeks). You know where that weight is right now? Yep, in my pants. It has to be a change you can live with, and the slower the better.
ReplyDeleteThank you for mentioning that. I am sorry I overlooked that point. I am going to edit it and credit you for reminding me.
ReplyDeletehaha "in your pants" tee hee
this is the best blog i have ever read in my life.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard though, because you want to see some results immediately for instant gratification. It's hard to be patient. I have a hard time being patient.
ReplyDelete