Page Title

Introduction Text My inspiration comes from the story of The Tortiose and the Hare. "Slow and steady wins the race." The hare wants a quick fix to lose weight. He goes on a crash diet and only has 800-1000 calories per day. The major food groups for him are celery, grapefruit, and cottage cheese. He expects to lose 5 pounds a week, and get's upset when he doesn't. He doesn't think that exercise is important to lose weight. He thinks he should be able to do it solely by reducing his calories. He is desperate and he will try anything. He is vulnerable and easily mislead by all of the false claims of weight loss schemes like fad diets, weight loss pills, and protien shakes. He has tried them all believing that this one will work for him. Nothing works. He can't stay on a diet for more than two weeks, the pills make him nervous, and the protein shakes taste like chalk. He finally gets discouraged and gives up. It's no wonder that the hare falls by the wayside. His goals and expectations are not realistic and impossible to maintain consistantly. The tortoise, on the other hand, views it as a lifestyle change. D-I-E-T is a four letter word in his world. He diligently tracks calories. He is honest with himself about what he eats and measures portions. He can still enjoy foods that he likes, just less of them, and even indulges in a treat now and then. He realizes the importance of exercise as a part of his lifestyle change and goes to the gym regularly. He knows that cardio exercise, and toning and building muscle will help to boost his metabolism and help him lose weight. He does not get upset if he only loses a small amount as long as the scale is moving in the right direction. He is not swayed by empty promises of weight loss schemes. He sets realistic goals that he can maintain for life. The tortoise just keeps trudging along at his slow pace until he passes the hare who has long since given up and lays by the wayside. The tortoise has not set himself up for failure like the hare. In China 2011 is the year of the hare, but in my world, it is the year of the tortoise. TOPS Pledge I am an intelligent person. I will control my emotions and not let my emotions control me. Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my injured ego, or dull my senses, I will remember that even though I eat in private my excess poundage is there for all the world to see. I will Take Off Pounds Sensibly.

My goal is to lose 100 pounds by the end of August in 2015. If I lose about 2 pounds a week I can reach my goal by that date. I plan to do this by tracking calories daily staying within my recommended range, and exercising for at least 30 minutes 3 times per week, or more. If I diligently do these things I'll see the pounds slowly melt away like an icicle on a warm spring day. No more messing around losing and gaining the same 10 pounds. I want off this roller coaster. It's time to get serious about living a healthier lifestyle. I know that I am the only one that can do it. I have to dig down deep inside myself and find the drive, dedication and determination I need to do it. Everyone has a dream. Mine is to save money for a Hawaiian Island cruise when I reach my goal. That's a fitting reward for such an accomplishment. I can't imagine anything more fun than going island hopping on a cruise ship, so, it's Hawaii or bust.

I weigh-in at my TOPS meeting every week which gives me some accountability and support from TOPS friends. I plan to eat less and move more. I will make healthier choices and eat more fruits and vegetables. I will measure and weigh portions and track calories daily to stay within my recommended range. I will do some sort of cardio exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.

I am from Minnesota, the Twin cities metro area, southeast suburbs.

A few of my favorite things; Crocheting cake decorating beading snowflakes spending time with friends and family watching a thunderstorm big fluffy snowflakes stale cheese puffs gazing at a full moon relaxing by a fire Movies: Life As We Know It Letters To Juliet The Notebook A Walk In The Clouds Under The Tuscan Sun Return To Me A Christmas Story Now And Then Radio Remember The Titans The Sandlot Raising Helen A Dolphin Tale The Blind Side

Add a Link The difference between a winner and a loser is a 'hare'
Save Changes