In a world that often glorifies quick fixes and instant results, it’s easy to feel frustrated by the slow pace of weight loss. But after I set out with a 3-month goal of losing 10 pounds before my Hawaiian vacation, I realized it was so much more than just watching the scale. As 1 pound turned to 12, the frustration at the slow progress was replaced by the motivation to keep going. Slow and steady definitely wins the race and here’s the how and why:
1. Consistency
Consistency was a piece I had been missing over the past few years of starts and re-starts. Consistency in eating, tracking what I ate and movement led to my first pound lost, which led to 2, 3 and then 12. Consistency builds habits, and habits build a lifestyle.
2. Sustainability
Quick weight loss often comes from drastic measures that are difficult to maintain. By gradually incorporating healthier foods, adding in regular physical activity, and practicing self-care, I was creating a healthier lifestyle that is much more sustainable. THIS is what Everyday Road to Healthy is about!
3. Celebrating Small Victories
Every pound lost is a victory worth celebrating, and that is just what I did. I needed some vacation clothes and rewarded myself with an article of clothing for each pound lost! The small wins really kept me motivated to keep going. Even when I had setbacks, I was able to look at my progress over time and see that I was heading in the right direction, and that encouraged me to keep going. This is my actual weight loss chart:
4. The Ripple Effect
The benefits of losing a pound a week goes beyond the scale. As I made healthier choices, I noticed improvements in other areas of my life like better sleep, increased energy, and overall better mood. I felt more confident in the clothes I was wearing and didn’t worry about the angle of the camera as much when pictures were taken. I even wore the bikini!
5. Embracing the Journey
The everyday path to health and fitness is a journey, not a destination. I am learning to embrace the process and celebrate the small milestones to keep myself motivated and focused. I am still and may always be a work in progress, but I’m trying to stay on the right path on my everyday road to healthy and so far I have been happy with the progress!
Aloha!
