Yesterday, Brad posted about perserverance.. the trials and tribulations of the ups-and-downs with the scale and the dreaded plateaus.  I think it's so important for us to remember several things during our weight-loss journeys:

 

1.  How much weight do you have to lose?  This is not the same as how much do you "want" to lose.  Not all of us start our journey over 300 lbs like many of the Biggest Loser contestants.  Therefore, our numbers are not going to be as big each week.  Remember how Dr. Jeff and Eric were contstantly pulling out double digit losses every week?  Well they also each tipped the scales at close to or over 400 lbs in the beginning!  My husband, Brad, however, is already in a healthy weight range for a man his height and age.  He's 6' tall and weighs 194 lbs.  Due to his bone structure, though (tall and slender build), he can go to the lower end of his range (175 is his goal).  With only 19 lbs to get to the lowest end of a healthy weight range for his height, he's going to have to fight for every pound!

 

2.  How much time are you putting into your program?  Please remember that the Biggest Loser contestants are working out for HOURS every day.  (I don't know for a fact, but I assume they give their bodies ONE day to rest each week based on conventional ideas about what's healthy for your body.)  They work out HARD with their personal trainers, and then most of them, it seems, do quite a bit of cardio on their own time each day as well. 

 

And finally.. when you are losing patience with the scale... ask yourself this:

 

3.  What's more important?  Losing it quickly or losing it permanently?  Take it one day at a time.  One workout at a time.  One meal at a time.  If you're burning more calories than you're consuming, it's a scientific and mathematical certainty that it WILL happen.  Be patient.  Perservere.  It will be SO worth it.