Friday 13 January 2017

What's The Rush?

So many people are looking for a quick fix, not just post Christmas but throughout the year.  When I post about my weight loss the one question I get asked the most is "how long has it taken you?".   The first flush of magazines in the New Year don't really help either, all of them claiming that you can lose a huge amount of weight in a matter of days!
Yes I did used to be one of those people, I want to get slim and I wanted it to happen overnight.  I'd go to bed thinking about those skinny jeans I was going to get in to, I'd feel so positive when I fell asleep and then deflated and disappointed when I woke up in the morning and realised what a mamouth task it would be.  And I'd do nothing.
Although I've lost 6st 9.5lbs in total, 4st 7lbs of that has been lost in the last 7 months and I can tell you now, those last 7 months have gone in the blink of an eye!  Although I've always wanted a quick fix I've never actually tried anything other than changing my eating habits.  I have friends who have been down the route of pills, potions and shakes.  I've seen them lose the hair from their heads and I've seen that hair reappear on their chests!  I've watched them go from a size 18 to a size 8 and then back up to a size 22!  The reason?  They are trying something that can't be sustained for life.
I do Slimming World and I love it, it fits in well with me & Maddie and the busy lives we lead.  Everything clicked for me and I realised that I was going to lost weight a damn sight quicker if I got of my backside and found something that worked well for me, for every day, forever.  I can't remember the last time I went searching in the post Christmas mags for a quick way to shed those pounds because I've found something that allows me to enjoy a guilt free Christmas.

Now to answer the question "how long has it taken you?", well about 30 years!  I sometimes feel that those 30 years were wasted looking for a quick fix when I could have been enjoying the journey I'm on now, a journey that would have probably reached it's destination a very long time ago!

The best thing you can do, the best thing I've done, is to set myself a goal and just keep that goal in mind.  The time will pass anyway so you may as well make small (or big) changes everyday to reach your target because you will definitely get there a lot quicker than those people waiting for the January 'quick fix' magazines to go on sale.

I hope this has helped someone in someway.

Thanks for stopping by
Jo xx

6 comments:

Virginia said...

Wise words Jo - I've loved seeing you making progress - a real inspiration - I have also noticed that you don't just do slimming world you are incredibly active and I agree the two have to go hand in hand for it to make a real difference and for it to be a long term change! Thanks for the motivation

Ali said...

Wise words indeed! So true that the time will pass anyway so why not make each day count.

Sian said...

Very wise. I have no doubt you have reached someone (more than one, I'm sure) with this.

Becky said...

Couldn't agree with you more Jo. It has taken me 25 years, basically since I had Penny, of doing everything you mentioned in your article. Then one day, reading your blog, I was just inspired by what you had achieved at that point (2years ago now!) and off i went to Slimming World. It took me about 8 months to lose the 3.5 stone I wanted to lose and I've been at target since. Ok, so over Christmas I put on 5lbs but I still go to SW every week and am back on plan so know I can easily lose it and ENJOY losing it as I just love eating the SW way. Good luck to in reaching goal. You truly are an inspiration.

Barbara Eads said...

You are so right about most people wanting a quick fix. I am one of those people too---although I've never tried any crazy things. I've been eating healthier and feel good about that. I haven't weighed as I'm trying to make my goal a healthier lifestyle rather than just losing weight. Once I get off the couch and add some walking to the routine, I plan weigh once a week. You've been very inspiring this past year. I love how you shared all the good things you were still able to eat. That makes it more do-able. The thought of having to give up all of your favorite foods forever just doesn't work for me!

Lizzy Hill said...

Great and inspirational and sensible post.....you're a gem for sharing your journey & I'm sure there are others out there, just looking for something like this to get them started!!!