Slow and Steady Wins the Weight-Loss Race

For many people, when they decide it’s time to lose weight, they want to see instant results – however, that’s not the healthy way to go in the long run! In this case, slow and steady really does win the race. I’m Wendy Corr, with today’s wellness tip!

In America, about 68 percent of people age 20 years and older are obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these people want to lose weight or have considered losing weight – but many get frustrated when they don’t see rapid results. 

Rapid weight loss means losing more than 2 to 3 lbs. a week. Most often diet pills, patches or creams, and severe calorie restrictions will result in rapid weight loss.

But most medical professionals advise that a safe rate of weight loss is between 1 and 2 pounds per week – so it can take between 25 and 50 weeks to lose 50 pounds.

So, why is slower the way to go when it comes to losing weight?

While losing weight quickly seems wonderful on the surface, rapid weight loss has many disadvantages.

You often regain any weight you lost, and you may even gain back more than you lost. Rapid weight-loss diets may even cause you to suffer from health consequences like fatigue, dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.

Mayoclinic.com points out that slow weight loss increases your chances of losing actual fat, rather than burning lean muscle tissue, which often occurs with rapid weight loss and fad diets. Plus, when you take more time, your metabolism remains stable, and you will lose weight at a steady pace.

With slow weight loss, you can ensure that you’re eating healthy, because you can take the time to make gradual changes to your diet, incorporating more fruits and vegetables and taking out processed foods.

Additionally, by changing your diet gradually and adding exercise into your daily routine, you are making lasting changes to your habits – which means that your chances of keeping the weight off increase dramatically!

One of the best tools you can utilize is an accurate food journal. Write down everything you eat and drink, including serving sizes/portions. Be honest and accurate – the only one you’re cheating is yourself if you’re not honest! Keeping a record will help you learn about your eating habits and help you examine the food choices you make.

The only problem with slow weight loss is that you don’t get that regular positive feedback you need to stay motivated – so you have to reward yourself! Keep a journal and set short-term goals that you can track – then reward yourself when you reach them! A new pair of jeans; a pedicure; celebrating with a movie or an outing with your partner or with friends are all positive reinforcements to your ongoing journey.