“It doesn’t matter how long it takes to lose the weight, it only matters how long you keep it off.”
This is the exact words exchanged with a client of mine this weekend when he lamented his progress after already losing 60 pounds.
Fat loss isn’t about just a race to the bottom. It’s about long term sustainable results. While there are distinct benefits to rapid weight loss, those benefits are useless if we just gain the weight back.
Early success can definitely drive us towards better adherence and an excitement towards further weight loss but at some time that excitement will subside. As we become leaner a variety of mechanisms will kick in that make weight loss more difficult. What got us here won’t get us there.
When weight loss slows we might get frustrated or irritable that “things aren’t working”. In reality, everything is working just as it should. We just have to be a bit more diligent.
A slower pace that incorporates lifestyle management and resembles a more realistic view of what life looks like after a weight loss phase may be more beneficial long term. Excess restrictions may backfire down the road. While this is always context dependent, it’s important to note that fast isn’t always better. Fast is just faster.
Self awareness is the car that drives us. If we think we are a Ferrari but in reality are a Jeep, nothing will ever feel fulfilling. Don’t set yourself up for a drag race when your goal is to drive across country. Don’t set yourself up for failure before you even begin.
