Thinking back to the classic tale of the “Tortoise and the Hare” we were able to identify two distinct personalities. In a previous post about weight loss psychology, we viewed this tale as an analogy for different approaches to weight loss. The hypothesis was that the race to lose weight is best acheived using a long term, consistent approach, similar to that of the tortoise.
[I still believe that the best way to achieve your weight loss goals is to think like the tortoise, by focusing on your own goals and achieving them on your own terms. The tortoise has a game plan, and sticks with it, regardless of what the hare does or anybody else for that matter. Find out how you can be just like the tortoise.....]
Get Into Character!
We all behave like the hare in some cases as well, which is not always a bad thing! Here are the common characteristics of the Hare and Tortoise among us. If we are looking for a long lasting change, then I think it would be wise to embrace our inner tortoise!
“The Hare”
The hare is the person who
- Signs up for a gym membership every year in January with hopes of changing their body with hard workouts.
- Decides they will try a crash diet, like the “soup diet” or a “cabbage diet” to try and achieve maximum (scale) weight loss, with a disregard for its overall effect on their body.
- Tries to lose ‘X’ number of pounds leading up to a special occasion to impress others, by engaging in practices they will never be able to integrate into their daily lives once the occasion has passed. (not always a bad thing!, focused motivation can be a great thing)
- Has purchased magic weight loss pills with the hopes of losing weight
- Believes that the only way to a healthier leaner body is through prolonged chronic physical activity, despite injury concerns
The “Tortoise”
The tortoise is the person who
- Recognizes that they might never look like David Beckham or Jessica Alba
- Gives themselves freedom to fail and reassess their strategy
- loves to be active and play, without being obsessed with total calories burned
- sets realistic goals and only compares their results to their previous self
- understands that their bodies can be pushed to achieve great results, but know that this takes time
- understands that real, sustained, gratifying results do not happen over night
I think we can identify with both the tortoise and the hare, and understand that there are times when it is wise to be one or the other! Keep up the good work!
Those are some great points you make. The challenge we face is that we live in a society where everbody wants results right now and patience seems to be everyone’s least favorite exercise. Some people make amazing changes in a short amount of time, but if you don’t have the tortoise mindset then it is easy to get discouraged and give up if results don’t come as fast as you’d like.
I agree that there is a time for each mindset, but I think people in the general public would benefit more long term by thinking like the tortoise.
Tom,
I have to admit, I have always been the hare until now. I really think that was the difference. We do live in a results driven society, but it pays off to take it slow. If you are getting in great shape it really shouldn’t matter. I feel a few years younger now, so the year that it took me to get in shape doesn’t seem like a big deal at all.
Jordan
Cool way of looking at health and fitness
I’m sure I’m always swinging between the two.
I continuously hope for the hare results but need to resigned to the fact of tortoise changes.
Raymond
Raymond,
I definitely like to be the Hare when I’m working out, but being the Tortoise has really helped me achieve my best body. Maybe it is because I had a long way to go! Either way, I feel so much better now, and establishing long term goals are the reason for that.
Good job with this analogy. As I mentioned before, I’m a little bit of both. Try to slowly and steadily work toward a goal, but do some hare-like routines to ramp up weight loss here and there.
Dave,
Thanks again. Being the Hare when working out is great! When you have a long way to go in terms of getting in the best shape of your life, thinking like the tortoise helps keep things in perspective.
I’m with Dave on this one, long term is the only way to think about results, however there is nothing better to kick start fat loss like a high energy routine with some HIIT cardio thrown in.
Great introduction Jordan,
My question is how do you start..ive downloaded the introduction for the primal blueprint and ive downloaded the excerise guide…basically all the foods i eat i should stop and i want to know how do i start and make this lifestyle change. Im willing to test it out and start anew but i need something to go off of…please let me know what i can do to start how do i know if im overeating the good stuff or fasting too much…i guess if i had the book id have a better idea but ive searched around a few sites and have recipe ideas just need the know howw….
i realize this may be to much to ask for but any guidance is appreciated!
Kristen,
I do recommend the Primal Blueprint to everyone! If you are looking for a few quick ways to start, here is what I suggest. Now this depends on your food interests, but here is a quick list
1. Avoid Bread, Pasta
2. Avoid or limit dairy (depending on your tolerance)
3. Avoid Sugars (processed, refined sugars)
4. Eat this way for a while (increase the number of meals you are comfortable preparing) and then try fasting
5. Work on the diet first, then proceed to the fitness plan (when I started I just kept my activity level the same and really tried to get my eating in order. I think that will work best for most people who are new to cooking, or new to the primal lifestyle.)
**I don’t think you need to worry about over eating the “Good Stuff”
For a reference point I would worry most about keeping your carb count below 100grams per day, and you can track that on http://www.fitday.com **
Hope this helps!