#442: Drive Your Way to Weight Loss Success

Two days ago I drove about 140 miles to visit a friend. The Interstate was three lanes each way. I usually drive in the middle lane so I have a clear view of all of the road ahead of me.

What does this have to do with weight loss?

Just this. As I progressed toward my goal, some cars (trucks, SUVs, etc.) passed me on the left going exceedingly fast , some passed me on the right at a slower pace and I passed a number of cars that were plodding along, barely maintaining the speed limit . It got me thinking about our weight loss journeys.

Some people will experience a rapid weight loss, like the cars that flew by on the left, some a little slower loss, like the cars that passed on the right, some will simply maintain their weight at whatever level, good or bad, it is and some, like those of us in the center lane, will experience a steady weight loss that pales in comparison to others but is nevertheless sustainable and achievable, maybe a pound a week or so.

But we can't compare ourselves to others, just as it would not be wise for us to try to match the speed of the fastest car that passed us. Heck, WE'D be the ones to get the ticket, wouldn't we? . We have to find our own pace and keep it steady and continuous.

Just as we do not cover 140 miles in the blink of an eye, neither will we lose 20 or 50 or 75 pounds overnight. But, just as we progress on our drives a mile at a time, so can we progress on our weight loss, one pound at a time.

So, when you think of your weight loss journey, picture driving on a highway and seeing the short white stripes that separate one lane from another. As they flash by in your mind, imagine they are each 1/10th of an ounce, one after another until you have traveled to a one pound loss.

Then, just as you travel one mile at a time in your mind, aim to lose one pound at a time, then one more and one more until you arrive at the goal that is your destination and you grab the checkered flag for winning your race .